S-15-0004_2015_Common_Stand_Exam_IDIQ.pdf

RFP AG-8173-S-15-0004 APACHE-SITGREAVES NATIONAL FORESTS

2015 COMMON STAND EXAM IDIQ

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SOLICITATION OFFER AND AWARD 1.THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED ORDER RATING PAGE OF

UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 350) 1 58 PAGES

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. SOLICITATION NO. 4. TYPE OF SOLICITATION 5. DATE ISSUED 6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE

AG-8173-S-15-0004

SEALED BID (IFB)

03/16/2015

NO.

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

7.ISSUED BY CODE 8173 8. ADDRESS OFFER TO (If other than Item 7)

USDA APACHE--SITGREAVES NATIONAL FORESTS SUPERVISOR’S OFFICE – AQM

PO BOX 640, 30 S CHIRICAHUA DRIVE

SPRINGERVILLE, ARIZONA 85938

SAME AS BOX NO. 7

NOTE: In sealed bid solicitations "offer" and "offeror" mean "bid" and "bidder".

SOLICITATION

9. Sealed offers in original and one copies for furnishing the supplies or serviced in Schedule will be received at the place specified in Item 8, or if handcarried, in the depository located in ROOM 106 until 4:00 PM local time APRIL 30, 2015 (Hour) (Date) CAUTION - LATE Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals: See Section L, Provision No. 52.214-7 or 52.215-10. All Offers are subject to all terms and conditions contained in this solicitation.

10. FOR INFORMATION A. NAME B. TELEPHONE NO. (Include area code) (NO COLLECT CALLS)

CALL: CONTRACTING OFFICER WARREN L. ABBOTT (928) 333-6344

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

SEC. DESCRIPTION PAGE(S) SEC. DESCRIPTION PAGE(S)

PART I - THE SCHEDULE PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSES

X A SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM X I CONTRACT CLAUSES

X B SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACH.

X C

DESCRIPTION/SPECS./WORK/STATEMENT

X J LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

D PACKAGING AND MARKING PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

X E

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

X

K REPRESENTATIVES, CERTIFICATIONS AND

X F

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

X G CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA X L INSTRS., CONDS., AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

X H

SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

X

M EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror) NOTE: Item 12 does not apply if the solicitation includes the provisions at 52.214-16, Minimum Bid Acceptance Period.

12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within 60 calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted by the offeror) from the date for receipt of offers specified above, to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the price set opposite each item, delivered at the designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule.

13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT 10 CALENDAR DAYS 20 CALENDAR DAYS 30 CALENDAR DAYS CALENDAR DAYS

(See Section I, Clause No. 52-232-8) % % % %

14. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS AMENDMENT NO. DATE AMENDMENT NO. DATE

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of amend-ments to the SOLICITATION for offerors and related documents numbered and dated.

15A. NAME AND ADDRESS

OF OFFEROR

CODE FACILITY 16. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN

OFFER (Type or Print)

15B. TELEPHONE NO. (Include area code)

15C. CHECK IF REMITTANCE ADDRESS

17. SIGNATURE

18. OFFER DATE

IS DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE - ENTER

SUCH ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE.

AWARD (To be completed by Government)

19. ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS NUMBERED 20. AMOUNT 21. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPLETION

23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN ITEM

10 U.S.C. 2304 (c) ) 41 U.S.C. 142(c) ( ) (4 copies unless otherwise specified)

24. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 7) CODE 25. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print) 27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 28. AWARD DATE

WARREN L. ABBOTT, CONTRACTING OFFICER

(Signature of Contracting Officer) IMPORTANT - Award will be made on this Form, or on Standard Form 26, or by other authorized official written notice.

NSN 7540_01_152_8064 33-133 STANDARD FORM 33 (REV.4-85)

PREVIOUS EDITION NOT USABLE FAR (48 CFR) 53.214(c) Prescribed by GSA

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CHECKLIST OF MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

TO RESPOND TO THIS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

_____ Request For Proposals (RFP) Return Package (Be sure to include Schedule of Items; Past

Performance and Technical Capability; See Section M for REQUIRED SUBMITTALS)

_____ Register or maintain yearly registration in System for Award Management

_____ Provide your business email to facilitate electronic communications_______________________

_____ Provide your DUNS number____________________

MANDATORY CERTIFICATION:

AGAR 452.209 – 70 Representation by Corporations Regarding an Unpaid Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction, Alternate 1 (Feb 2012)

(a.) Awards made under this solicitation are subject to the provisions contained in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012 (P.L. No. 112-74), Division E, Sections 433 and 434 regarding corporate felony convictions and corporate federal tax delinquencies. To comply with these provisions, all offerors must complete paragraph (1) of this representation, and all corporate offerors also must complete paragraphs (2) and (3) of this representation.

(b) The Offeror represents that –

(1) The Offeror is [ ], is not [ ] (check one) an entity that has filed articles of incorporation in one of the fifty states, the District of Columbia, or the various territories of the United States including American Samoa, Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Midway Islands, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, Republic of Palau, Republic of the Marshall Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands. (Note that this includes both for-profit and non-profit organizations.)

If the Offeror checked “is” above, the Offeror must complete paragraphs (2) and (3) of the representation. If Offeror checked “is not” above, Offeror may leave the remainder of the representation blank.

(2) (i) The Offeror has [ ], has not [ ] (check one) been convicted of a felony criminal violation under Federal or State law in the 24 months preceding the date of offer.

(ii) Offeror has [ ], has not [ ] (check one) had any officer or agent of Offeror convicted of a felony criminal violation for actions taken on behalf of Offeror under Federal law in the 24 months preceding the date of offer.

(3) The Offeror does [ ], does not [ ] (check one) have any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not being paid in a timely manner pursuant to an agreement with the authority responsible for collecting the tax liability.

AGAR 452.209-71ASSURANCE REGARDING FELONY CONVICTION OR TAX DELINQUENT STATUS FOR CORPORATE APPLICANTSAlternate 1 (Feb 2012)

(a) This award is subject to the provisions contained in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012 (P.L. No. 112-74), Division E, Sections 433 and 434 regarding corporate felony convictions and corporate federal tax delinquencies. Accordingly, by accepting this award the contractor acknowledges that it –

(1) does not have a tax delinquency, meaning that it is not subject to any unpaid Federal tax liability that has been assessed, for which all judicial and administrative remedies have been exhausted or have lapsed, and that is not

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(2) has not been convicted (or had an officer or agent acting on its behalf convicted) of a felony criminal violation under any Federal law within 24 months preceding the award, unless a suspending and debarring official of the United States Department of Agriculture has considered suspension or debarment of the awardee, or such officer or agent, based on these convictions and/or tax delinquencies and determined that suspension or debarment is not necessary to protect the interests of the Government.

(b) If the awardee fails to comply with these provisions, the Forest Service may terminate this contract for default and may recover any funds the awardee has received in violation of sections 433 or 434.

VENDOR COMPANY NAME:___________________________________________________

AUTHORIZED TO SIGN (NAME):________________________________________________

SIGNATURE:______________________________________ DATE:__________________

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PART I—THE SCHEDULE -- SECTION B--SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

ITEM

NO.

DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

UNIT EST

QTY

UNIT PRICE

B1.1

CONTRACTOR-DETERMINED PLOT SIZE

Silvicultural Stand Exam Data Collection Services – Intensive and Extensive

Plot Each $ ________

B1.2

GOVERNMENT- DETERMINED PLOT SIZE

Silvicultural Stand Exam Data Collection Services – Intensive only, LIDAR plot data collection

LIDAR method has changed for this solicitation. USFS will perform the LIDAR plot locations, Contractor will perform data collection

Plot Each $ ________

B1.3

QUICK PLOT

Silvicultural Stand Exam Data Collection Services – all forest and woodland types

Plot Each $ ________

B1.4

CONTRACTOR DETERMINED PLOT SIZE

Stands 7-Years POST-BURN Severely to Moderately Burned - Silvicultural Stand Exam Data Collection Services – Intensive, Extensive, or Quick Plot

Plot Each $ ________

B1.5

BROWN’S TRANSECT Data Collection Services - To be collected and submitted as separate file from tree exam file. This line item, when requested by USFS, will be added to B1.1 thru B1.4. The level of difficulty percentages do not apply to this line item

Plot Each $ _______

ITEM

NO.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY

UNIT

EST QTY

PRICE ADJUSTMENT

B2.1

Work performed on slopes in excess of 45%. Percentage applied to Line Items B1.1 through B1.4 only

Per plot

Task

Order

_______% Extra

B2.2

Work which requires walking a distance of over 2.0 miles to reach the stand (Wilderness, Primitive Area, Roadless Area, other).

Per plot

Task

Order

_______% Extra

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PART I – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION C - PERFORMANCE STATEMENT OF WORK

SECTION C1.1 – INTRODUCTION

The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests has a requirement to collect Common Stand Examination and LIDAR Data (collection/stand examination) for the Alpine, Black Mesa, Clifton, Lakeside, and Springerville Ranger Districts. The Contractor shall furnish all labor, supervision, transportation, lodging, equipment, supplies (except those designated as Government-furnished), and incidentals to perform all work necessary to conduct stand examinations in strict compliance with all terms and conditions contained herein. The purpose of this contract is to secure stand examine data collection services for the Government in a manner outlined in Chapter 4 of the Common Stand Exam User Guide and Region specific Appendices http://www.fs.fed.us/nrm/fsveg/index.shtml unless specifically modified by the contents of this contract.

The Government anticipates awarding a minimum of 3 Firm Fixed-Price Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts using best value criteria (See Section M) from this Request For Proposals (RFP). The work of this contract will then be awarded by individual Task Orders on a per plot basis. Task Orders will go through a mini-competition between the awarded IDIQ Contractors. Each Task Order will have work locations by district and any other related specifications or needs.

It is the awarded Contractor’s responsibility to determine the level of effort that will satisfy the acceptable quality level of work to meet objectives within the contract time specified for an individual Task Order. It is highly recommended that the awarded Contractors conduct a site visit before pricing a Task Order. The awarded contractor(s) shall, considering given resource objectives for the Task Orders, develop a plan of operation and organize and direct all of the equipment and personnel needed to fully accomplish the work.

LIDAR for this contract will be different from the previous IDIQ. Not all Task Orders are expected to include LIDAR requirements. USDA Forest Service will be performing the LIDAR location function on the plots, the awarded Contracor will simply be performing a normal stand exam.

AGAR 452.211-73 ATTACHMENTS TO STATEMENT OF WORK/SPECIFICATIONS (FEB 1988)

The attachments to the Statement of Work/Specifications listed b e l o w are hereby made part of this solicitation and any resultant contract.

BIOBASED PRODUCTS

The Contractor must comply with the Agricultural Act of 2014; the Food, Conservation and Energy Act of 2008 (FCEA), 7 U.S.C.

8102; the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 (FSRIA), 7 U.S.C. 8102; the Federal Acquisition Regulation;

Executive Order (EO) 13514, “Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy and Economic Performance,” dated October 5, 2009; EO 13423, “Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management,” dated January 24, 2007;

and Presidential Memorandum, “Driving Innovation and Creating Jobs in Rural America through Biobased and Sustainable Product Procurement,” dated February, 2012 to provide biobased products.

All supplies and materials shall be of a type and quantity that conform to applicable Federal specifications and standards, and to the extent feasible and reasonable; include the exclusive use of biobased and recycled products.

The following is a list of categories for biopreferred products that a r e required for performance of this service contract.

Equipment Lubricants, Hydraulic Fluids, Fuel Additives, Engine Oils, Office Products (Ink, paper, cleaning products)

For more information regarding the Department of Agriculture Biobased Program go to: http://www.biopreferred.gov.

http://www.fs.fed.us/emc/nris/products/fsveg/index.shtml%20%20%20unless%20specifically%20modified%20by%20the%20contents%20of%20this%20contract.

http://www.fs.fed.us/emc/nris/products/fsveg/index.shtml%20%20%20unless%20specifically%20modified%20by%20the%20contents%20of%20this%20contract.

http://www.biopreferred.gov./

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C1.2.0 SCOPE OF WORK

The Contractor shall furnish all supervision, expertise, labor, equipment, transportation, supplies (except those designated as Government furnished), quality control, and incidentals to perform all work necessary for successful data collection. All aspects of the work of the contract shall be performed in an organized, professional, and systematic manner to assure services shall be performed over the entire unit.

The Contractor and all Contractor’s personnel are required to be proficient with understanding and implementing the current USFS Common Stand Exam (CSE) data collection design, codes, recording methods, and software, as documented at the website:

http://www.fs.fed.us/nrm/fsveg/index.shtml

Given the inherent need for stand exam data to more clearly inventory and describe the unknown conditions existing in most stands listed in task orders, the Government will make its best attempt with current available information and tools to estimate the number of plots in different pricing categories shown in Section B for each task order. Some degree of variability from those estimates may be encountered by the Contractor during field work and somewhat different site conditions may be found to occur at some plot locations. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to sufficiently price the line items to account for variability that may be encountered.

C1.2.1 Location and Description. Plot locations will be identified through specific Task Orders and are within the Alpine, Black Mesa, Clifton, Lakeside, and Springerville Ranger Districts of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests Lands. Topography generally ranges from flat to approximately 45 percent slope, with a portion greater than 45 percent. Elevations can range from 5,000 feet to 10,500 feet above sea level. Plots may land on a wide variety of ground conditions and forest/vegetation types. Burn severity may range from unburned to severely burned (stand replacement level). Stand densities of tree stocking may range from very sparse to open to closed canopy. Contractor and workers shall use proper safety precautions regarding safety hazards attributed to dead standing trees and other site hazards throughout the data collection areas.

C1.3.1 Detailed Unit Information. Task Orders will contain detailed unit information provided by the Forest Service in text, tables and maps. Task Orders (TOs) will specify if Intensive, Extensive or Quick plots are required, as well as other bid items involved. TOs will state if the fixed-radius plot or basal area factor method of sampling will be required for the live, large-tree plots, as well as the Government-determined plot size when applicable. If certain tree damage categories/agents are desired to sample as highest priority, those will be identified in the TO. Task Orders will clearly state the size dimensions of snags and logs to be sampled, as well as provide pre-settlement stump descriptions. TOs will state what additional information (like specific file naming conventions or LIDAR requirements) or equipment (if any) may be provided by the Government at the prework meeting.

Detailed Task Order Tables will include: Location, Site and Plot numbers; plot GPS coordinates; estimated forest type;

most recent burn category (“S-M-7 Burned” or not); estimated slope category; and access category. They will summarize total number of plots in the task order mapped on slopes at or under 45% and those in excess of 45% slope.

They will also summarize total number of plots mapped over 2.0 miles from the nearest open, drivable road. Other pertinent information specific to a task order may also be included in tables as needed, like if LIDAR exam specifications are required.

Task Order Maps will show most system access roads, Location and Site boundaries and numbers, plot locations and numbers, topographic contours and features, most recent available color aerial imagery, and other pertinent information when needed, like burn severity. Maps provided by the Government will be limited to a maximum of two

(2) different scales, as determined to best display particular stand access and stand or plot information most useful for the particular task order. These two scales may be agreed upon between the COR and Contractor before or during the task order prework meeting, if desired.

C1.3.2 Accessibility The project area is within the Forest and District boundaries as described above, and shown in Exhibits 7 and 8. Roads and accessibility will be described in each Task Order and shown on task order maps furnished by the Forest Service.

http://www.fs.fed.us/nrm/fsveg/index.shtml

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The Contractor may choose to also use other proprietary tools, like GoogleEarth®, at their own expense to determine accessibility and general stand conditions. However, use of remote-sensing tools to collect detailed CSE exam data is not permitted in this contract. The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining all necessary permissions to gain access to sample locations. If the Contractor cannot obtain permission to access a sample location, the Contractor must notify the Government in writing.

Contractor shall be responsible for adhering to the USDA Forest Service travel management plan, including yearlong or seasonal closures to motor vehicles, unless authorization is obtained. Maps and digital orthoquads may indicate that a road goes to the stand; however, vehicle access may be difficult or restricted. Stand locations may necessitate that Contractor walk to the stand or acquire some other means of travel.

The Contracting Officer (CO) or Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) may restrict use of any road when such use of the road will damage resources.

C1.3.2.2. Transport within unit. General project areas may be reached by using Forest roads, State and County roads as shown on vicinity and projects maps. Most roads are accessible between the months of April through October, though four-wheel drive, high clearance vehicles may be necessary on some roads. The Government assumes no responsibility to maintain roads in passable condition. Many interior logging roads have been closed i.e., heavily water barred, washed out, or covered with down wood debris and dead trees. Some roads may be closed with posted closure signs, and others closed with locked gates, for which ranger district free-access permits and keys are available as government-furnished property, as needed.

The Contractor may transport crews and equipment from the access point or portions of the project area at the Contractor’s discretion consistent with any restrictions on motorized or other vehicle type specified with COR approval. Some plots may be located within designated wilderness, primitive or inventoried roadless areas where motorized or mechanized transport is prohibited. These plots will be identified in the task order.

In cases where exam areas are behind locked gates, the Contractor shall close and lock gates after entering or exiting each gate and will be subject to all other restrictions of administrative use. The Contractor is permitted to drive from the locked gate to the unit access point with only the minimum number of vehicles necessary for efficient transport of the crew.

Example: If the contractor uses and/or opens a closed road, the contractor shall be required to repair water bars and reseed vegetation (grass and forbs) to original condition. If re-vegetation becomes necessary, the seed mix shall be determined by the Forest Service, but seed shall be provided by the contractor. Reseeding shall be to Forest Service Standards. If down woody debris is moved, it will be replaced to original condition.

ATV’s i.e.: 3-wheelers or 4-wheelers may be used off Forest System (primarily numbered roads) roads to deliver gas or oil, etc. During contract performance the Contracting Officer (CO) may exclude certain areas from ATV travel. The CO may restrict use of any road when such use of road will damage resources. A travel access permit may be required to use closed roads or to travel cross country using ATV’s.

C1.3.2.3. Air Transport. Air Operations are not allowed under this contract.

C1.4. Contractor Representative

The contractor shall provide a contract representative who is readily available to the project area for the performance of work. The name of this person and an alternate(s) who shall act for the contractor when the contractor is absent shall be designated in writing to the contracting officer. The contractor representative or alternate shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. All communications from the contractor’s representative and alternates(s) for this contract shall be in the English language.

SECTION C2 – DEFINITIONS

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C2.1 Standard Definitions

C2.1.2 Acceptable Service. A job performed to the standard and within the acceptable quality level. The Contractor must do the specific job, and meet the standard, and meet the acceptable quality level before one can say that performance is acceptable for payment.

C2.1.3 Acceptable Quality Level (AQL). The maximum allowable deviation from perfect performance that may occur before the Government will invoke payment deduction. An AQL does not allow a contractor knowingly to offer defective service, but limits reduced payment to circumstances in which defective performance results in a measurable reduction in the value of services rendered.

C2.1.4 Best Value. Government method used to evaluate offers submitted in response to solicitation. See Section M for definition of best value for this solicitation.

C2.1.5 Contracting Officer (CO). A Government employee with the authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings. The term includes certain authorized representatives of the Contracting Officer acting within the limits of their authority as delegated by the Contracting Officer.

C2.1.6 Calendar Days. Every day shown on the calendar, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays included.

C2.1.7 Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The Contracting Officer will delegate the administration of the on the ground work to qualified government employee. The duties and responsibilities of a COR are defined in the letter of designation by the CO.

C2.1.8 Defective Service. A unit of service that contains one or more defects, or nonconformance with specified requirements.

C2.1.9 Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR). The Federal Regulations that govern Forest Service acquisitions of property and services, also supplemented by the FSAR (Forest Service Acquisition Regulations).

C2.1.10 Government. Title used to represent the United States Federal Government and its designated employees acting within their delegated contract authority. Throughout this contract the titles United States, USDA- Forest Service, Forest Service, and USFS may be used interchangeably as synonymous with Government.

C2.1.11 Government Inspector. The COR may designate in writing a government employee to assist with surveillance and minor administrative duties of the contract.

C2.1.12 Performance Based Service Contract (PBSC). A service contract that (1) Describes requirements in terms of results required rather than the methods of performance of the work; (2) Use measurable performance standards (i.e., terms of quality, timeliness, quantity, etc.) and quality assurance surveillance plans; (3) Specifies procedures for reductions of fee or for reductions to the price of a fixed-price contract when services are not performed or do not meet contract requirements; (4) May include performance incentives where appropriate.

C2.1.13 Performance Requirements Summary (PRS). Identifies the key service outputs of the contract that will be evaluated by the Government to assure contract performance standards are met by the contractor.

C2.1.14 Performance Work Statement (PWS). A statement of work to be performed which identifies the specific work to be performed.

C2.1.15 Period of Performance (also Performance Period or Contract Time).

The number of calendar days allowed in the contract for completion of the contract work.

C2.1.16 Quality Assurance. Those actions taken by the Government to assure services meet the requirements of the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

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C2.1.17 Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). An organized written document used for quality assurance surveillance. The document contains specific methods the Government will use to perform surveillance of the contractor’s work.

C2.1.18 Quality Control. Those actions taken by a contractor to control the performance of services so that they meet the requirements of the PWS. The methods for inspecting for quality control are described in the Contractor’s Quality Control Plan (QCP).

C2.1.19 Random Sampling. A sampling method in which each service output in a unit has an equal chance of being selected.

C2.1.20 Standard. An acknowledged measure of comparison.

C2.2 Technical Definitions Specific to This Contract

C2.2.1 Access point. The point identified for access to the project area.

C2.2.2 Basal Area Factor (BAF). Sampling factor used in the Variable Radius plot method to determine plot size and number of trees sampled. Measured from plot center with some sort of angle-gauge measuring device, like a wedge-glass prism or Relaskop. A smaller BAF will sample large-diameter trees farther from the plot center than a greater BAF will.

C2.2.3 Common Stand Exam (CSE). Silviculture and fuels inventory program used by the USFS for sampling and recording live, dead, and down trees and woody material. This program is directly tied to the Field Sampled Vegetation (FSVEg) database which stores the data collected with CSE.

C2.2.4 Damage. Defect or deformity of a tree resulting from agents such as wind, snow, animals, insects, or equipment, and evidenced by dead or broken tops or trunks, crooks, deep scars or damage to the bark.

C2.2.5 Dead Tree (Standing Snag = Code D). Standing trees 4.5 feet or taller, without a green point of growth.

Detailed diameter and/or height criteria may be specified for certain task orders.

C2.2.6 Down Dead (Log = Code X). Includes all dead trees that have their main stem lying on the ground, or are supported by branchwood. Considered down if not self-supporting. Detailed diameter and/or height criteria may be specified for certain task orders.

C.2.2.7 Down Live Tree (= Code Y). Includes all live trees that have their main stem lying on the ground or are supported by branchwood. Considered down if it not self-supporting.

C.2.2.8 Fixed Radius Plot. Sampling method in which a circular plot size is set using a pre-determined radius length that correlates to some portion of an acre. Example: A 1/20-acre plot is measured within a 26.3 foot radius. This method enables direct calculation of trees per acre as a stocking level measure, which is then converted by CSE to basal area stocking measure. When a plot lands on slopes > 10% the plot radius distance must be corrected for slope according to Region 3 CSE Field Guide Appendix I.

C2.2.9 Flagging Color Designations. The colors of flagging to be used by the Forest Service and the Contractor will be determined prior to operations.

C2.2.10 Global Positioning System (GPS). Electronic navigation and mapping technology that uses multiple-satellite location information sent to a portable ground receiver unit. GPS is the standard abbreviation used throughout this contract.

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C2.2.11 LIDAR (LiDAR, Lidar). Light Detection and Ranging. Remote sensing method using pulsed lasers to measure distances to the earth from aircraft. Provides a three dimensional output of the Earth and it’s surfaces to include vegetation structure and canopy cover. LIDAR flight point-cloud data is collected by other sources separate from this exam contract, but CSE exam data is sometimes used to help calibrate and/or validate LIDAR data.

C2.2.12 Project Area. A number of geographically grouped units within the analysis area to form a single Task Order.

C2.2.13 Project Information. A document included with the task order with specific information about the project area, including treatment acres and road use limitations.

C2.2.14 S-M-7 Burned Stands or Plots. Government-identified stands or plots listed in a task order which were burned at a severe to moderate level of disturbance within the last 7 years, according to Forest Service burn severity maps and/or criteria. Exam requirements may vary from other task order specifications in this case, especially for snags, logs, and/or potential vegetation type.

C2.2.15 Stump. The woody base remains of a tree still visible in the ground, less than 4.5 feet tall. For the purposes of this contract only pre-settlement tree stumps will be recorded. Pre-settlement descriptions will be provided as site-specific criteria for each task order, by diameter and/or bark/wood characteristics.

C2.2.16 Unit Information. A document included in the Task Order and shown on the project map that describes the treatment and activities that will occur in each unit.

C2.2.17 Variable Radius Plot. Sampling method in which trees are determined for sampling using a BAF angle gage device as a factor of their relative diameters in proximity to the plot center. This method permits direct calculation of the basal area tree stocking level at the plot.

Refer to Common Stand Exam User’s Guide, Appendix M - Glossary for other definitions found at

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SECTION C3 – GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, MATERIALS, SERVICES

Government-furnished property shall be receipted for by the contractor when delivered on Form AD-107. The property and services that will be provided by the Government are as follows:

Use of Premises permits may be required for contractor’s camp if it exceeds local occupation time limit. Government-furnished property shall be receipted by contractor signature on form AD-107 at time of delivery. All maps, keys, and other Government-furnished items shall be returned to the Government upon completion of the job or upon request of the Contracting Officer. Replacement cost for any lost, damaged, or unused Government property that is not returned, shall be deducted from the Contractor’s final payment.

Item # Item Description Where, When, How

3.1 General Vicinity Map Project Location Map identified. Provided in Task Orders

3.2 Compartment and Access

Map.

Compartment Map-Access map with road locations.

Provided at post award conference.

3.3 Region 3 Common Stand

Exam Field Guide & appendices (Not a substitute for the CSE User Guide & Appendices)

Two copies of the USDA Forest Service’s Common Stand Exam Field Guide and appendices. These contain Regional and Forest-specific codes.

Provided post award conference and Available from the internet website http://www.fs.fed.us/nrm/fsveg/index.shtml

3.4 Topographic maps. One set of topographic maps covering the areas to be sampled with compartment numbers, stand numbers, and sample plot numbers.

Provided at post award conference, on no more than two different scales suitable to the task order site conditions.

3.5 Habitat Type Book

for identifying Potential Vegetation types

Two copies of the publication Provided at post award conference and Available from the internet website http://www.allaboutwatersheds.org/library/ge neral-library-holdings/Plant%20Associations%20Forests.

pdf

3.6 Photo Series Quantifying

Forest Residues in the Southwestern Region

Two copies of the publication Provided at post award conference.

3.7 Forest Visitor’s Map or

transportation map

Two copies of Visitor’s map.

Provided at post award conference.

3.8 Handbook for Inventorying

Downed Woody Material

Downloadable Available from the internet website http://www.fs.fed.us/rm/pubs_int/int_gtr016.p df

3.8 Use of Premises permit Permit to occupy the national forest in excess of time limits imposed in standard orders.

Provided when needed.

Section H

3.9 Common Stand Exam

Inspection Forms

Section J

3.10 Wage Determination Sheet Section J

3.11 Portable Data Recorder

Software for CSE

Downloadable software

Available from the internet website http://www.fs.fed.us/nrm/fsveg/index.shtml

3.12 PC-based data entry

software (MS Windows 7 or XP operating system required.)

Downloadable software

Available from the internet website http://www.fs.fed.us/nrm/fsveg/index.shtml

3.13 Task Order specific file

names

USFS electronic file naming conventions to be used

Provided at post award conference

3.14 GPS technical

specifications.

GPS datum and waypoints to locate plot centers.

Digital plot locations provided at post award conference

3.15 Access to closed forest

roads, if needed

Key to USFS gates, and/or temporary free-use access permits issued by the Ranger District

Provided by COR at post award conference, or issued as needed during performance period.

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SECTION C4 – CONTRACTOR WORK REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS

The contractor shall furnish everything required to perform this PWS.

Common Stand Exam User’s Guide and Appendices found at the following website http://www.fs.fed.us/nrm/fsveg/index.shtml Task Orders may revise the version as the documentation requirements or software updates occur.

C4.1. Boundaries. Boundaries for the individual compartments and stands are not flagged or marked on the ground, unless otherwise designated in the Task Order.

C4.2. Fire Tool box. The contractor shall provide a fire toolbox as described in Section H if required. This is dependent upon timing of data collection, and if the contractor is camping on-forest.

C4.3. Resource Protection. The Contractor shall exercise extreme care to prevent damage to existing facilities, developments and resources in all aspects of the contract work.

C4.4. ADDITIONAL FIRE PRECAUTIONS AND CONTROL - Fire Plan Requirements. See Section H.

C4.5. Camping – See also Section H.

C4.5.1 The Contractor shall be aware of and abide by the rules of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests applicable to forest visitors.

C4.5.2 If the Contractor elects to camp, a signed permit from the District Ranger shall be obtained by the Contractor prior to occupation of an area. Site location will be discussed at post award meeting. The following guidelines will be followed while camping. Final payment shall be withheld until the authorized camping area has been cleaned up to the requirements of the Camping Permit. If the Contractor does not obtain a camping permit but requires his/her employees to obtain the camping permit, the Contractor remains responsible for campsite clean up and his/her employees conduct while camping on National Forest land.

C4.5.3. Contractor Information: The Contractor shall abide by the OSHA’s Field Sanitation Standard Fact Sheet No.

OSHA 92-25, which applies to agricultural establishments hiring 11 or more workers for hand labor.

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=FACT_SHEETS&p_id=137

SECTION C5. PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT TASKS AND CRITICAL SUBTASKS

The following tasks are to be performed to the quality performance requirements shown on the Performance Requirements Summary table in Section C7.

C5.1. Plot Location

C5.1.1. Plot Location Determination. The Contractor shall use a geographic position system (GPS) to locate the plots on the ground with datum and waypoint information provided by the government. When LIDAR is specified in a task order, LIDAR plots will be pre-located by the Government and provided to the contractor at post award conference.

Pre-defined LIDAR plots will not be moved any direction or changed in any way without written permission by the Contracting Officer’s Representative or designated Government representative.

C5.1.2. Sample plots. Sample plot locations with sample plot numbers to be measured within each stand have been predetermined on topographical maps and will be listed in the Task Order Survey Stand list with Compartment, Stand and number of plots for each stand. The Sample Plots with Sample Plot Numbers have been pre-assigned for each plot in each stand.

http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=FACT_SHEETS&p_id=137

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C5.1.3. Locating Plot Center for Common Stand Examinations. The Contractor shall locate the sample plot on the ground. Sample plots shall be located using waypoint navigation with a GPS unit. Plots shall be located on the ground according to the sample plot numbers predetermined on the topographic map/s provided by the Government.

Acceptable error is +/- 30 feet of the true plot location. Recurring errors in location of sample plots greater than the acceptable error shall make the stand survey unsatisfactory and relocation of sample plots and re-measurement shall be required.

Upon arrival at the specified sample plot location, the Contractor shall check the topographic map to see if he is at the correct sample plot location and adjust as necessary to ensure the largest size plot being used will only include samples within the stand boundary. Installing plots in the wrong stand shall result in rejection of data. If Contractor must move a plot center over 30 feet from the pre-mapped location coordinates to ensure all data will be sampled from within the stand, then he shall move it perpendicular to the stand boundary, and also shall note in the Plot Latitude/Longitude section the new plot coordinates. Installing plot centers in obviously biased locations that result in plots not representative of the surrounding stand conditions will either be rejected, or a different plot sampling size will be required across the stand to capture stand-representative data.

C5.1.3.1 Locating Plot Center for LIDAR Data Collection. The Contractor will be provided with a list of plots and corresponding geographical locations. Plot center will have already been determined and marked by authorized Government representative. Exact method of plot center marking will be defined in each applicable task order.

Contractor will navigate to plot center, locate plot center and proceed with examination. Plot locations will not be moved for any reason and any deviation from marked center will result in rejection of data.

C5.1.4. Non-functioning GPS. If on a particular day the GPS is unable to acquire satellites to execute the traverse from waypoint data or the GPS is unusable for any other reason the contractor may elect to use traditional methods (hand compass and pacing) of plot location. Hand compass adjusted to a magnetic declination as agreed with the Government for each year. In any event the contractor will travel to the sample plot locations to be measured within each stand that have been predetermined on topographical maps. Traverse to plot center shall be marked on trees with flagging visible from flagging to flagging. Plot locations are located on a systematic grid pre-determined by the Government and are located at an azimuth of 360, 270, 180 and 90 degrees.

C5.1.5. Plot Center Identification/Flagging for Common Stand Examinations (non-LIDAR). The Contractor shall identify sample plot centers with a marker that can be a wire flag, wooden stake, native material, nail, or other marker as agreed upon at the pre-work conference. Upon inspection, the center point of the marker where it intersects the ground shall be used as plot center. Sample plot center markers shall be firmly driven into the ground.

If the marker is not a wire flag, flagging ribbon shall be tied to the marker, so that it is visible above the plot center.

The location, stand, and plot number, shall be written legibly on the flagging or wire flag using a waterproof marker.

For example: "005001-0014”. Plot pins and markers may be provided to the contractor for certain data collection points for relocation purposes.

C5.2 Omitted

C5.3. Recording Requirements The data fields to be collected and recorded are enumerated in Data Collection Requirements below.

Data shall be recorded electronically using one or more of the following:

Government provided Exams PDR program. System requirements, installation, and operation can be found at

Government provided ExamsPC program. The ExamsPC data entry program runs on computers with the Windows 7 or XP operating systems. This may require data to be recorded on paper forms in the field and then entered into the http://www.fs.fed.us/emc/nris/products/fsveg/

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ExamsPC program at a later time. System requirements, installation, and operation can be found at

The contractor is responsible for providing the computer hardware necessary for running the software programs (see Government Furnished Property).

C5.4. Qualifications The success of this field inventory is dependent primarily on the Contractor's professionalism and expertise. It is necessary that the Contractor's staff meet certain standards. A crew can consist of one or more individuals. Minimum technical qualifications are specifically defined as follows:

Each crew must have a crew leader with undergraduate courses in forest mensuration, tree identification, plant identification, silviculture, and ecology and three months prior experience collecting data for Forest inventory or vegetation classification.

Each crew leader must also have the additional following minimum qualifications:

a. Proficient in the interpretation of topographic maps.

b. Ability to distinguish between stand types, both in the field and on topographic maps.

c. Knowledge in the use of hand held compass, pacing, GPS, and map measurements.

d. Knowledge of rating tree defects and parasitic plants.

e. Knowledge of common forest insect pests and diseases.

f. Proficient in the use of forest measurement equipment.

g. Ability to identify all tree species (both live and dead) encountered on plots.

h. Familiarity with using dichotomous keys and Region 3 key plant species for Potential Vegetation classification.

Specific technical experience may be substituted for a given educational requirement.

The Contractor shall designate crew leaders for each crew. The crew leader shall be the individual responsible for ensuring plot measurements are taken in accordance with the accuracy standards.

The Contractor, by signing an offer, agrees to use only personnel meeting these qualifications for performance of the work specified herein. The Government reserves the right to make determinations of employees' qualifications and any employee who does not meet the above described qualifications may be requested to leave the worksite with the contractor responsible for the re-collection and resubmitting any data supplied by that employee.

C5.5. Data Collection Requirements

This section describes the data collection forms and the fields on each form to be completed.

Detailed information and lists of valid codes for each of the following data forms are found in the Common Stand Exam (CSE) User Guide and Appendices (see Government Furnished Property). If the following contract specifications differ from the provided Common Stand Exam User Guide and Appendices listed below, the following contract specifications shall have precedent.

All data provided by the government or contractor shall be entered electronically by the contractor.

http://www.fs.fed.us/emc/nris/products/fsveg/

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C5.5.1. Setting Form (CSE)

Setting (Stand) Data. A setting is the stand in which the exam is being done. The following data must be collected for each setting. Detailed information and lists of valid codes are found in the Common Stand Exam User’s Guide and appendices found at http://www.fs.fed.us/nrm/fsveg/index.shtml . If GPS is unavailable and a compass is used this should be noted in the Remarks section.

The contractor shall be responsible for collecting and filling out the Setting Form for all data items that are set to “YES” in the Required column below:

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CSE Setting Form Contract Requirements

Field Description

Required

Data Source

Comments

Project Name YES Government

Region YES Government

Proclaimed Forest YES Government

District YES Government

Location/Watershed Alias YES Government

Stand YES Government

Owner YES Government

State YES Government

County YES Government

Admin Forest YES Government

Admin Region YES Government

Date YES Contractor

Photo ID NO Not Collected

Exam Level YES Government

Exam Purpose YES Government

Stratum NO Not collected

Existing Veg Ref YES Government

Existing Vegetation YES Government or Contractor

Potential Veg Ref YES Government

Potential Vegetation

YES

or NO

Contractor

Government

Only in task orders with “S-M-7 Burned” stands identified by the Government, Potential Veg.

(Habitat Type Plant Association) will be left blank for those stands due to recent wildfire ground/plant disturbance.

Structure YES Contractor

Capable Grow Area YES Contractor

Fuel Model YES Contractor

Elevation YES Contractor

Aspect YES Contractor

Slope YES Contractor

Slope Position YES Contractor

Acres YES Government

Radial Growth Interval YES Government Interval of 10 years will be used

Radial Growth Interval 2 NO Not collected

Height Growth Interval YES Government Interval of 5 feet will be used

Fuel Photo Reference* YES Contractor Fuel photo book = *CSE Code 12, provided by Government

Precision Protocol YES Government

Examiner YES Contractor

Remarks YES or NO Contractor Optional if needed

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Damage Category YES Contractor

Damage Agent YES Contractor

Damage Severity YES Contractor

Species of Management Interest NO

User Code N/A Not collected

Sketch Map YES Contractor If GPS is not available and a compass is used

Traverse Notes YES Contractor If GPS is not available and a compass is used

*Only Fuels Photo Reference Code 12 will be used, as Government-provided equipment:

Photo Series for Quantifying Forest Residues in the Southwestern Region.

USDA Forest Service Southwest Region. Albuquerque, NM. Author & Date Unknown. 227 p.

Fields not specifically required by this contract are to be skipped on the Setting Form.

C5.5.2. Sample Design Form (CSE)

The contractor shall be responsible for correctly filling out the Sample Design Form for all data items that are set to “YES” in the Required table column below. During or after the prework meeting Contractor shall complete an initial Sample Design Form for all data required in that task order (including Browns transects) for COR review and approval before field data collection begins.

In ALL task orders the Government will specify the sampling method to be used for live trees 5.0 inches DBH/DRC and greater (i.e. either Variable Radius plot or Fixed Radius plot). LIDAR task orders will provide the sample design form and the Government-determined plot size to be used at each plot.

If the task order requires Contractor-determined plot size, then then the Contractor must select the plot size radius or BAF sampling factor that will consistently produce the average minimum number of samples stated in Section C.5.5.4 (“CSE Tree Form” requirements) of this contract. The same plot size or sampling factor must be used consistently at every plot throughout the same stand, which may require stand reconnaissance to determine required plot size or BAF before completing the first plot.

Sample Design Form Contract Requirements

Fields not specifically required by this contract are to be skipped on the Sample Design Form.

C5.5.3. Plot Form (CSE)

Region YES Government

Proclaimed Forest YES Government

District YES Government

Location YES Government

Stand Num YES Government

Sample Selection Method YES Government

Sample Expansion Factor (BAF or fixed plot acreage to be used)

YES Contractor

Starting Azimuth YES Contractor If GPS is not available and a compass is used

Subpop Filter YES Government

Selection Criteria Number YES Government

Subpop Variable YES Government

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The following items are required to be recorded at each plot on the Plot form. Detailed information and lists of valid codes for each data item are found in the Common Stand Exam Users Guide and Appendices (see Government Furnished Property). The contractor shall be responsible for collecting and filling out the Plot Data Form for all data items that are set to “YES” in the Required column below.

Amend Common Stand Exam User Guide, Chapter 4, Plot Data with the following:

CSE Plot Form Contract Requirements

Proclaimed Forest YES Government

District YES Government

Location YES Government

Stand Number YES Government

Plot Number YES Government

Latitude YES Government

Longitude YES Government

Capable Grow Area YES Contractor

Aspect NO

Slope NO

Slope Position NO

Slope Horz Shape NO

Slope Vert Shape NO

Elevat…