S-16-0023_Forestry_Hazard_Tree_Removal_Campgrounds.pdf

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION REVISED PAGE OF PAGES

(THIS IS NOT AN ORDER) THIS RFQ IS IS NOT A SMALL BUSINESS SET- ASIDE 1 57

1. REQUEST NO. 2. DATE ISSUED 3. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUEST NO. 4. CERT. FOR NAT.DEF. RATING

3/11/2016

AND/OR DMS REG. 1

5a. ISSUED BY 6. DELIVER BY (Date)

USDA FOREST SERVICE, APACHE-SITGREAVES N.F., PO BOX 640

30 S. CHIRICAHUA DR, SPRINGERVILLE, AZ 85938-0640

5b. FOR INFORMATION CALL (NO COLLECT CALLS) 7. DELIVERY FOB DESTINATION NAME TELEPHONE NUMBER OTHER (See Schedule)

AREA CODE NUMBER 9. DESTINATION

Apache Sitgreaves National Forest

WARREN ABBOTT 928 333-6344 a. NAME OF CONSIGNEE

8. TO:

a. NAME b. COMPANY b. STREET ADDRESS 30 South Chiricahua Drive

c. STREET ADDRESS c. CITY Springerville

d. CITY e. STATE f. ZIP CODE d. STATE e. ZIP CODE

AZ 85938

10. PLEASE FURNISH QUOTATIONS TO THE ISSUING

OFFICE IN BLOCK 5A ON OR BEFORE CLOSE OF

BUSINESS

IMPORTANT: This is a request for information, and quotations furnished are not offers. If you are unable to quote, please so indicate on this form and return it to the address in BLOCK 5a. This request does not commit the Government to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of the

April 27, 2016, 4:00 MST REVISED

(LOCAL TIME)

submission of this quotation or to contract for supplies or services. Supplies are of domestic origin unless otherwise indicated by quoter. Any representations and/or certifications attached to this Request for Quotations must be completed by the quoter.

11. SCHEDULE (Include applicable Federal, State and local taxes)

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

(a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f)

SEE ATTACHED SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

a. 10 CALENDAR DAYS (%) b. 20 CALENDAR DAYS (%) c. 30 CALENDAR DAYS (%) d. CALENDAR DAYS

NUMBER PERCENTAGE

NOTE: Additional provisions and representations are are not attached.

13. NAME AND ADDRESS OF QUOTER 14. SIGNATURE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO 15. DATE OF

a. NAME OF QUOTER SIGN QUOTATION QUOTATION

b. STREET ADDRESS 16. SIGNER

a. NAME (Type or print) b. TELEPHONE

c. COUNTY AREA CODE

d. CITY e. STATE f. ZIP CODE c. TITLE (Type or Print) NUMBER

NSN 7540-01-152-8084

Previous edition not usable

18-121 STANDARD FORM 18 (Rev. 6-95) Prescribed by GSA-FAR (48 CFR) 53.215-1(a)

SERVICE RFQ P a g e | 2 SOL NO: AG-8173-S-16-0023

LOCATION: APACHE-SITGREAVES NF

PROJECT NAME: CAMPGROUND HAZARD TREE REMOVAL

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B – SERVICES AND PRICES REVISED

B1.0 LINE ITEMS:

LINE

ITEM

NO.

DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

UNIT

OF

MEAS.

EST

QTY

LUMP SUM PRICE TO PERFORM ALL THE

WORK

B1.1 Diamond Rock Campground:

CUT HAZARD/BROOD TREES 12” DBH

AND LARGER, REMOVE ALL TREE

BOLES. REMOVE SLASH.

OR

CUT HAZARD/BROOD TREES 12” DBH

AND LARGER, REMOVE ALL TREE

BOLES. HUAL SLASH TO DISPOSAL

AREA (NO CHIPS)

JOB

OR

JOB

B2.1 ADDITIONAL TREES ADDED DURING

TREATMENT, TREATED AS PRESCRIBED

IN B1.1

TREE 1 $__________________________

B3.1 GABALDON CAMPGROUND:

CUT HAZARD/BROOD TREES, REMOVE

ALL TREE BOLES. REMOVE SLASH.

OR

CUT HAZARD/BROOD TREES, REMOVE

ALL TREE BOLES. HUAL SLASH TO

DISPOSAL AREA (NO CHIPS)

JOB 1

B4.1 ADDITIONAL TREES ADDED DURING

TREATMENT, TREATED AS PRESCRIBED

IN B3.1

TREE 1 $__________________________

B5.1 OPTIONAL WORK: CUT HAZARD TREES

1.5 TREE LENGTHS FROM ROAD EDGE,

ALONG THE FOREST ROAD 276

CORRIDOR FROM DIAMOND ROCK TO

BUFFALO CROSSING CAMPGROUND.

REMOVE THE BOLE, SCATTER AND/OR

PILE SLASH

TREE 1 $__________________________

NAME OF COMPANY:____________________________________________________________

TYPED NAME OF INDIVIDUAL

AUTHORIZED TO SIGN:___________________________________________________________

SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED:_____________________________________ DATE____________

SITE VISIT HAS BEEN SCHEDULED FOR:

APRIL 13, 2016, 1:30 PM

MEET AT:

SPRINGERVILLE RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE

165 S. MOUNTAIN AVENUE, SPRINGERVILLE, AZ 85938

SERVICE RFQ P a g e | 3 SOL NO: AG-8173-S-16-0023

PROJECT NAME: FORESTRY-HAZARD TREE REMOVAL CAMPGROUNDS

CHECKLIST OF MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

TO RESPOND TO THIS REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS (RFQ)

_____ Provide business email to facilitate communications______________________________

_____ Provide your DUNS number________________________(Must match SAM record, keep SAM record up-to-date)

_____ Request For Quotations (RFQ) Return Package (Be sure to include Schedule of Items; Past Performance and Technical Capability as requested) and address the following:

_____ Address in your offer and/or submit qualifications to substantiate the following requirements:

o Qualified climber and operates in a safe and competent manner.

o Familiar with rescue techniques when climbing trees over 20 feet (OSHA and ISA requirement).

o Have a valid First Aid/CPR card.

o Have equipment which is UIAA (Union International Alpinists Association) approved o Preferably certified through a qualified organization, such as:

International Society of Arboriculture – http://www.isa-arbor.com National Arborist Association – http://www.natlarb.com Society of Commercial Arboriculture – http://sca.isa-arbor.com Union International Alpinists Association – http://www.uiaa.ch

SPECIAL NOTE: Within the Project Area protected improvements exist which shall not be damaged during contractor operations. Contractor shall provide Certification of Insurance for Liability to property to Contracting Officer with submission of an offer:

PROTECTED

IMPROVEMENTS

DESCRIPTION LOCATION

Fences Upright and fair condition multi-strand smooth or barb wire with wood or steel posts. Wood constructed buck and rail

As located throughout project areas

Gates Gates, Cattle Guards As located throughout project areas.

Roads and Ditches Road Prisms and Water Ditches, pavement As located throughout project areas.

Power line/water sewer lines

Power line and poles, buried utility lines, water lines sewer lines

As located throughout project areas.

Facilities Picnic Tables, Outhouses & Air Vents, Water Faucets, Fire Rings and Grills, Garbage Containers, Directional Posts, Site Identification Posts, Parking lots, Parking Barriers, Tent Pads, Information Boards, Pay Station Facilities, Boat Ramp Facilities, Bridges, Hand Pumps, Social Trails, Flower Boxes, Hanging Racks, Planted and Staked Trees, General Buildings and Signs, All Improvements Not Owned by the Forest Service.

As located throughout project areas.

http://www.isa-arbor.com/ http://www.natlarb.com/ http://sca.isa-arbor.com/ http://www.uiaa.ch/

SERVICE RFQ P a g e | 4 SOL NO: AG-8173-S-16-0023

SECTION C – STATEMENT OF WORK

C1.1 INTRODUCTION AND SCOPE OF WORK

The Wallow Fire burned area has seen an increase in Bark beetle activity since the 2011 wildfire. There is a need to cut and remove hazard trees from high-use recreation areas and to remove the slash material to reduce the attractant to additional beetles and reduce fuel loading within the campground. Hazard/brood trees are standing dead or live ponderosa pine, southwestern white pine, Douglas-fir, Engelmann spruce, blue spruce, cork bark fir, white fir or aspen trees.

Hazard/brood trees are identified by Forest Service personnel for removal with blue marking paint. The intent of this work is to remove and reduce fuel loading and reduce hazards to the public and infrastructure. Limitations on types of equipment to be used are in place, there are weight restrictions on all of the roads within the campgrounds of 50,000 pounds gross weight. The hazard tree and fuels reduction treatment will be implemented through removal from the forest of the boles, branches, and limbs or by some other treatment method that is deemed acceptable to the Contracting Officer.

The Government anticipates awarding a Firm Fixed-Price contract for the hazard tree cutting and removal from the Gabaldon and Diamond Rock campgrounds. In addition to the campgrounds there is a need to cut and remove hazard trees along the Forest Road 276 corridor from Diamond Rock to Buffalo Crossing campground. The cut and removal of hazard trees along the road corridor is an optional item. The road corridor work is 1.5 tree lengths from the road edge.

At Gabaldon campground the created slash will be removed, or will be hauled and piled in the Burro Pit located on Forest Road 8037 (see map for location) dependent on bid. For the Diamond Rock campground the created slash will be removed or hauled and piled in the pit off Forest Roads 8306 and / or 8842R (see map for locations).

The purpose of the awarded contract is to remove trees recently killed in the Gabaldon and Diamond Rock campgrounds.

The Contracting Officer anticipates issuing Notice-To-Proceed (NTP) on or about MAY 9, 2016.

This contract requires the falling and removal of site specific trees meeting a hazard rating as applied by Forest Service personnel. Care will be taken by the Contractor to ensure damage to residual or otherwise healthy trees does not occur.

If the Contractor through their actions create an additional hazard tree as identified by Forest Service personnel, that tree will be removed at the Contractor’s expense.

The contractor shall furnish all technical expertise, labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, operating supplies, and incidentals necessary to complete the work required. The execution of the work shall be performed in an organized, systematic manner to assure all required services shall be performed to completion before any new work may begin. The Contracting Officer or Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) shall determine when satisfactory completion of portions of the contract are sufficient to allow additional work to begin in an additional plot, block, section or portion.

C1.2 LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

The Apache Sitgreaves National Forests (ASNF) is located in east-central Arizona approximately 220 miles northeast of Phoenix, Arizona. The Gabaldon campground is located on the Springerville Ranger District. The project area can be accessed by AZ HWYs 261 and/or 273. Diamond Rock Campground is located on the Alpine Ranger District. The project area for Diamond Rock can be accessed off of US HWY 180/191 by way of FR249 to FR276, or FR26 to FR24.

Project areas are within designated recreation areas and have site improvements as listed under Special Features. These also pose hazards to the Contractor who is responsible for noting all improvements prior to initiating work within a project area.

Hazard/brood trees will be marked by Forest Service Personnel with blue paint. Flagging may be used to enhance visual location trees. Maps will be provided of the general area. Maps may or may not show infrastructure improvements.

SERVICE RFQ P a g e | 5 SOL NO: AG-8173-S-16-0023

PROJECT NAME: FORESTRY-HAZARD TREE REMOVAL CAMPGROUNDS

C.1.3.1 Detailed Unit Information

Gabaldon campground is located on the Springerville RD, Apache-Sitgreaves NF, Apache County, Township 6 North Range 27 Section 10 East Gila & Salt River meridian. The campground is composed of the access road, 5 campsites, 5 horse corrals, numerous signs, a bulletin board and a vault toilet. Trees designated for removal are marked in BLUE PAINT. The estimated number of trees to cut as follows:

Gabaldon Campground

Diameter Range Number of Trees

Marked in Blue Paint CCF of Hazard trees

5”-8.9” 23 1

9”-11.9” 17 1.3

12”-17.9” 21 5

18”+ 5 4

Estimated Totals* 66 11.3

*Number of trees are estimated, bid under B1.1 includes all trees designated on the ground to be cut as specified.

Diamond Rock Campground is located within the East Fork Recreation Area on the Alpine RD, Apache-Sitgreaves NF’s, Apache County, Township 5 North Range 29 East Section 20. The campground is composed of a 2 loop access roads, 1 spur access road, 12 campsites containing picnic tables and fire rings, 2 Adirondack-style camping shelters, numerous signs, a bulletin board, and 2 vault toilets. All hazard trees are marked in BLUE PAINT, this contract only includes those trees 12” DBH and greater to be cut and the slash treated as bid. The estimated number of trees to cut as follows:

Diamond Rock Campground

Diameter Range Number of Trees Marked in Blue

Paint CCF of Hazard trees

5”-8.9” Marked but not included in contract

9”-11.9” Marked but not included in contract

12”-17.9” 45 10.6

18”+ 99 91

Estimated Totals* 144 101.6

*Number of trees are estimated, bid under B3.1 includes all trees designated on the ground to be cut as specified..

General information common to all task orders is outlined here.

Topography will vary from flats, to ridgetops, mid-slopes, foot hills and drainage bottoms. The contract elevation range is approximately 7,000-9,000 feet above sea level. Species that could be identified as a hazard tree may include Ponderosa Pine, Southwestern White Pine, Douglas Fir, White Fir, Corkbark Fir, Blue Spruce, Engelmann Spruce and aspen. Trees may be alive or dead.

Hazard trees will vary in species, diameter and height. Trees may have varying defects and falling hazards, some will be very technical to fall due to defects.

Activity slash will be treated as defined in Section C.4.3, or accepted method proposed by offeror. All project created slash must be treated as created to reduce public hazards, fire hazard and/or bark beetle risk.

C.1.3.2 Accessibility

Project areas can be accessed by US highway 180/191, State highway 261 and/or 273 and Forest Service Roads. Road conditions may vary, roads are not plowed or maintained during the winter months, and State highways are closed during

SERVICE RFQ P a g e | 6 SOL NO: AG-8173-S-16-0023

PROJECT NAME: FORESTRY-HAZARD TREE REMOVAL CAMPGROUNDS

winter. Maintenance may occur during high-use periods. In some cases project areas are behind Forest road closures or area closures (locked gated). The Government will provide a key to the Contractor during the Performance Period for that line item. Government furnished keys will be issued at the pre-operations meeting. The Contractor will need to complete and sign AD107 Transfer of property form. The contractor will be charged $300 per key for keys not returned to the Forest Service. In cases where required work is located 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 shall be permitted to drive from the locked gate to the work area with only the minimum number of vehicles necessary for efficient transport of the crew and equipment. No firearms or weapons are permitted behind locked gates.

C.1.4. 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 contactor’s representative or alternate shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. In order to effectively manage the day-to-day operations of this type of contract, the Government requires the awarded Contractor to provide key personnel that represent the Contractor to have fluency in English capable of reading, writing, conversing, and comprehension.

C.1.5. Timber Rights:

C.1.5.1. Contractor is required to remove the boles from the Forest Service. A separate Forest Service contract/ permit is a requirement to remove forest products from the National Forest. The contractor is required to obtain this contract/permit from the Alpine or Springerville Ranger Station to cover this removal. This permit must be obtained before work is to commence whichever comes first. This material will become the property of the contractor upon removal. Rights to any material not removed from the project after expiration of the contract Performance Period shall revert back to the Government.

C.1.5.2. Awarded Contractor shall provide a more detailed logging plan which shall include:

(a) Name of salvage operator and all employees.

(b) List of equipment to be used. Equipment should be in compliance with the Industrial Fire Plan

(Exhibit 2).

(c) Tentative destination/s of salvaged material.

(d) Approximate date salvage and hauling will be accomplished.

(e) Other information specific to the project as requested by the COR.

C2.0 DEFINITIONS

C2.1 Standard Definitions

C2.1.1 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.

C2.1.2 Contracting Officer (CO). Federal Government employee with the sole authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings.

C2.1.3 Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). A Government person appointed by the Contracting Officer to provide daily administration and surveillance of a Federal Government contract. The duties and responsibilities of a COR are defined in the letter of designation by the CO.

C2.1.6 Contractor. Term used to represent the prime contractor that is awarded the contract, who is also responsible for the work and conduct of all partners, employees, equipment, and subcontractors assigned by the prime to perform the contract.

SERVICE RFQ P a g e | 7 SOL NO: AG-8173-S-16-0023

PROJECT NAME: FORESTRY-HAZARD TREE REMOVAL CAMPGROUNDS

C2.1.7 Defective Service. A unit of service that contains one or more defects, or nonconformance with specified requirements.

C2.1.8 Government Inspector. A Government person appointed by the COR to help the COR with the contract administration and surveillance. The duties and responsibilities of a Government Inspector are defined in the letter of designation by the COR.

C2.1.9 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.

C2.1.10 Performance Work Statement (PWS). A statement of work to be performed which identifies the specific work to be performed.

C2.1.11 Period of Performance (also Performance Period or Contract Time).

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

C2.1.12 Quality Assurance. Those actions taken by the Government to assure services meet the requirements of the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

C2.1.13 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.

C2.1.14 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).

C2.1.15 Random Sampling. A sampling method in which each service output in a unit has an equal chance of being selected.

C2.2 Technical Definitions

Bole. The trunk or stem of a tree.

Bucking. Cutting the boles and limbs to specified lengths.

Controlled Area. Areas delineated by flagging for the purpose of protecting sensitive plants, animals, or heritage resources. The areas will be marked on the ground, however, they are not located on the project map, other than the cutting unit they occur in.

Chipping. Converting slash and/or boles into small (chipped) product.

Crushing. Flattening of slash down to a specified height from ground surface by driving heavy equipment over it one or more times.

Cut Trees. Trees designated to be cut under this contract.

Cut Tree Mark (CTM). Trees designated by the USFS with painted marks to be cut. Paint color is specified in the Unit Information form.

Damaged Tree. Any species of tree with any of the following characteristics that were inflicted by actions of the Contractor performing actions under this contract:

a. Bole/stem broken at or below the 4” diameter top, for single-stem species.

b. A main stem or fork broken off for a tree with multiple tops or forks of any species.

c. Less than 2/3 of the live green limbs left fully attached to the bole.

d. Bent over or leaning more than 30 degrees from vertical.

SERVICE RFQ P a g e | 8 SOL NO: AG-8173-S-16-0023

PROJECT NAME: FORESTRY-HAZARD TREE REMOVAL CAMPGROUNDS

e. Bole damage where the bark is loosened or removed from more than 33% of the tree’s bole circumference.

Dead Trees. Trees with no live needles or limbs.

Decking. Gathering and stacking of boles at designated landings.

Diameter Breast Height (DBH). Diameter of the trunk of a tree measured 4 ½ feet above the ground level on the uphill side of the tree. Used for commercial timber species, like ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir.

Diameter Root Collar (DRC). Diameter of the trunk of a tree measured at ground level on the uphill side of non-commercial timber species tree, like pinyon pine and junipers.

Directional Felling. Felling cut-trees or snags a predetermined direction to protect natural resources and land improvements, and/or to facilitate removal.

Dwarf Mistletoe Rating (DMR). The standard visual 6-class system used for rating infection levels in individual trees.

Instructions with illustration are provided as an exhibit in Section J.

Elevation. The elevation recorded in feet above sea level for the majority of the site.

Ephemeral drainage. A drainage which forms the lowest spot of the surrounding ground. It forms obvious channel continuity along its length and joins with more obvious channels downstream. It shows evidence of having run water on previous occasions, i.e., litter and vegetation has moved, or there is a lack of litter in the channel.

Felling. Completely severing a tree bole from the stump, by any means except explosives, to place the tree on the ground.

Also includes completely repositioning a dead snag from standing or leaning, to place it on the ground. This may include cutting, pushing, winching, or other hand or mechanical means, but not by means of fire or explosives. Maximum stump heights apply to both snags and live trees felled.

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

Hang-up tree. Any tree suspended off the ground.

Hazard Tree. Trees identified by the Forest Service that have been damaged by mechanical or natural means, structurally unsound and/or are dying or are dead and if left standing could potentially be harmful to public safety.

Landings. Areas used to stage and load wood or slash materials just prior to removal from the unit. Existing openings along edges of haul roads which are large enough to hold decks, slash piles, and accommodate loading equipment to place removal materials onto haul vehicles.

Leave Tree. Any live or dead tree that is selected or required to be left standing, as provided in the specifications.

Limbing. Totally severing live and dead limbs from off of the bole.

Live Limb. A limb of any size that has green needles attached.

MUTCD. Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices Street and Highway.

Project Area. Generally a campground, developed site or high-use area where Hazard Trees are to be removed. One or more geographically grouped units within the contract area that when combined form a single Task Order.

Project Level Information Form. Additional site specific document may be included with specific information about the project area, including number of calendar days period of performance, treatment type, slash treatment type, timing restrictions, and restricted road use limitations.

SERVICE RFQ P a g e | 9 SOL NO: AG-8173-S-16-0023

Protected Reserve Trees. All leave trees and/or Snags which are not designated to be cut by this contract. The Government may assess penalties for damage done to these trees through willful or negligent actions by the Contractor.

Pruning. Removal of limbs from trees as specified in the Unit Information. The purpose may be for mitigation of a hazard, control of disease, or for lifting the tree crown above ground to reduce ladder fuels. All pruned limbs shall be completely severed from the main tree bole. Cuts shall be done flush with the bole bark, so as not to leave a portion of the limb protruding beyond 1/2 inch from the bole bark surface. Pruning of limbs shall always be started with an undercut, followed by a top cut if needed, in order to prevent bole bark from peeling down as the limb falls. No damage penetrating beneath the bark layer shall be inflicted to the tree bole during pruning. Pruning may require climbing and rigging of limbs. Bucket trucks or other high-lift equipment may not have access to all trees identified for pruning. Pruning slash shall be treated the same as created slash, unless it is isolated and agreed by with the COR for other means.

Skidding. Transportation of felled whole trees or snags, trimmed boles, bucked boles, and/or slash from the point of origin to designated landings along haul roads. Skidding is done only on pre-approved skid trail locations. It may include transport by machine, vehicle, animal, or hand.

Slash. Any Contractor generated residue (limbs, tops, bark) from cutting, limbing, or bucking the boles of standing or down dead trees. See the following section Slash Treatment for a complete description of slash treatment methods and specifications.

Snag. Any standing or leaning dead tree taller than 6 feet.

Sound (referring to dead wood). Wood that is solid enough to hold together for skidding as an intact piece.

Stream course. The area along a stream with riparian vegetation and other riparian characteristics. Stream courses are noted on the project maps. They typically require special treatment, which may include alteration to the tree cutting, slash treatment, vehicle travel or fueling of saws.

Streamside and Spring Filter Zone (SFZ). A linear or circular strip of land set at a designated width along the edges of protected drainages and around springs, in which ground disturbance by mechanized equipment is restricted.

Maintaining a mat of herbaceous vegetation and ground cover in place to filter out overland movement of sediment or ash into the water channel is the primary objective. SFZ widths are determined based on the soil erosion hazard stated in the Unit Information.

Stump Height. Stump height is the acceptable maximum level left above ground, measured from the uphill side, after a tree is felled. Stumps shall not exceed 6 inches for trees 12.0 inches DRC/DBH and larger. They shall not exceed 3 inches for trees under 12.0 inches DRC/DBH, which may require lowering the stump after felling. Maximum stump height may be modified in both cases to 2 inches above fixed natural obstacles, such as large rocks. Trees designated for felling which are wired into established fence lines shall be cut at 4 inches above the top fence wire.

Timing Restrictions. A period during the year when operations are restricted:

Arizona Highway 261 and 273 closed in winter, time varies depending on snowfall, roads are normally gated December 24th to April 15th, but may close earlier and remain closed longer due to snow.

MSO (Mexican Spotted Owl) – No activities from March 1 – August 31 GSH (Northern Goshawk) – No activities from March 1 – September 30 Other restrictions may apply to other Threatened and Endangered or Sensitive species.

Soils - No off-road equipment activities unless soils are dry or frozen.

Slash - Must be treated as created for reduced public hazard, fire hazard and bark beetle risk.

High Use Recreation time – Use of campground may be limited during high use (i.e. Weekends, Holidays)

Tree Designation. Trees designated to be cut, reserved or otherwise treated.

Undesignated Tree Unnecessarily Damaged or Negligently or Willfully Cut. Undesignated live tree meeting unnecessarily damaged or negligently or willfully cut by Contractor shall be assessed at current Forest standard rates for penalty and may be required to be removed at the Contractor’s expense.

SERVICE RFQ P a g e | 10 SOL NO: AG-8173-S-16-0023

Unit. A specifically defined geographic area such as an individual campground, developed site or high-use area where Hazard Trees are to be removed.

Unit Information Form. A document that may be included in the Task Order and shown that describes the treatment and activities that will occur in a unit. It may describe work complexity, desired condition, what is to be completed, what material is to be left, slash treatments, and any special considerations or restrictions that apply to a given unit. See Section J exhibit.

Unique Features. Include various amenities found at developed sites that need to be protected from damage during the execution of the contract. Unique Features are listed in B.3.

Unsatisfactory Tree. Cutting of a tree that fails to meet contract standards; includes but is not limited to:

Cutting the wrong tree or failing to cut a correct tree. Unsatisfactory trees are considered a deficiency or discrepancy in contract inspection.

Winching. Pulling or end-lining felled trees or slash over inaccessible ground, or a specified protected distance, or out of a group of trees where damage may occur if normally skidded, by means of cable drawn out from the skidder or skidding vehicle. May also be used to assist felling or dropping snags.

SECTION C3 – GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, MATERIALS, SERVICES

Item Description Where, When, How

3.1 Project Area

treatment requirements, restrictions, and maps

Exhibits – Project Map Provided for each Task Order.

3.2 Access Roads The Government will allow access

to the Project area by National Forest roads shown on the project map. Roads will be kept open and passable during operations but may be temporarily closed during work periods.

Project Map Provided with each Task Order

3.3 Contractor Hazard

Tree Mitigation Completion Form

Quantity necessary to complete the contract.

Provided at Prework meeting. Sample provided in Section J.

3.4 Keys to Gates Government Furnished Keys Keys will be issued at the pre-operations meeting. The Contractor will need to complete and sign AD107 Transfer of property form. The contractor will be charged $300 per key for keys not returned to the Forest Service

3.5 Log Removal Receipts Government Furnished Load

tickets to be used when product is removed from forest

Issued after purchased of permit when mill destination of product is known

SECTION C4 – CONTRACTOR WORK REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS

C4.1. General.

C4.1.1. Road Access and Landings. The Contractor may use system roads and service roads that run through the project area for access with motorized vehicles such as cars, trucks, or other mechanized equipment to perform work during normal operating seasons. However, some of the interior roads have been closed, i.e., heavily water barred, ripped or brush placed on roadway. The Contractor will restore pre-existing water bars and road closure efforts resulting from Contractor’s use. The COR will approve the use, and conditions of use, of any road not shown on the project or unit map.

SERVICE RFQ P a g e | 11 SOL NO: AG-8173-S-16-0023

PROJECT NAME: FORESTRY-HAZARD TREE REMOVAL CAMPGROUNDS

Any new temporary road is required to be approved by the COR prior to construction. All roads within the Big Lake Campground Complex are weight restricted to not exceed 50,000 pounds gross weight.

C.4.1.2. Vehicle or Equipment Operations. Vehicle or Equipment operations for transportation of crews, equipment, removal of trees and slash treatment, including hauling, is subject to “dry or frozen conditions” (See section J, Apache- Sitgreaves Rutting Guidelines).

C.4.1.3. ATVs and all other off-road vehicles. Use of and condition of use of ATVs or other off road vehicles must be approved by the COR.

C.4.1.4. Locked gates. In cases where Units are behind locked gates, the Contractor shall close and lock gates (see C.3.2) after entering or exiting each gate and will be subject to all other restrictions of administrative use. The Contractor shall be permitted to drive from the locked gate to the Unit with only the minimum number of vehicles necessary for efficient transport of the crew. No firearms are permitted behind locked gates.

C.4.1.5. Project Area Boundaries. Prior to initiating operations, the Contractor shall complete a reconnaissance of the Project Area (PA) or Treatment Unit. The purpose of this field review will be to confirm and agree on all areas of concern or special protection areas and Unique Features within the PA.

C.4.1.5.1. Project Area Boundaries. The exterior boundaries of the project areas are not marked. Maps of the campground identifying the external boundaries and will be provided.

C.4.1.6. Cultural and Historic Properties. All cultural and historic sites will be protected. Most sites will be protected by complete avoidance by hazard tree removal operations. Any removal of trees or slash treatment where an identified cultural or historic site is a target must be coordinated with the COR. Designated site boundaries will be identified and flagged by the Forest Service prior to operations. Specifically within the West Fork Campground there are two Adirondack-style camp shelters that are visually obvious and need protection.

C.4.2. Hazard/Brood Tree Felling, Bucking, Hauling and Decking

C.4.2.1. Hazard/Brood Tree Identification. Hazard trees will be identified by the Forest Service by a paint mark, Green painted trees are Hazard/ Beetle Brood trees. Flagging may be used to visually enhance the location of trees to be treated.

C.4.2.2. Felling:

Contractor assumes all risks of loss or damage to his/her equipment and injury to self or employees.

Falling must be completed in a manner that will avoid damage to the residual stand. Residual trees damaged in the falling operation may be designated for removal by the Forest Service at the Contractor’s expense and will not be reimbursed by the Forest Service.

Guidelines for Trees damaged by falling operations: If a tree less than 12” dbh is struck by the identified hazard tree and is damaged, that tree must also be felled and treated as specified under this contract. If a tree > 12” is struck and is damaged, as long as there is live branches below the break the tree can be left, if there are no live branches below the breaking point, then that tree must be felled and treated under these contract specifications.

Falling must be completed in a manner that will avoid damage to any site amenities including those items listed under unique features in B.3. The Contractor will reimburse the Forest Service the cost of repairs or replacement.

Felling must be completed using chain saws, wheeled, or tracked equipment off of permanent roads will not be permitted.

No trees shall be felled within two tree heights of wheeled vehicles.

The Contractor is required to establish safety zones around each work area of at least two tree heights and keep the public out of the designated safety zone.

C.4.2.3. Tree Climbing Standards. The Contractor shall take all precautions necessary to prevent excessive damage to trees during pruning operations. Ladders are preferred to avoid spurring the tree down low on the bole. The Contractor shall provide a ladder, a tagline, and a collapsible pole saw or trimming saw to cut the hazardous branches. Living or non-

SERVICE RFQ P a g e | 12 SOL NO: AG-8173-S-16-0023

PROJECT NAME: FORESTRY-HAZARD TREE REMOVAL CAMPGROUNDS

hazardous branches shall not be deliberately broken, barked, or cut nor shall tree trunks be skinned or peeled to cause excessive damage to the cambium. If the COR determines that excessive damage is occurring, the Contractor’s right to proceed will be suspended until the proper corrections have been made. Rappelling out of the crown is allowed.

C.4.2.4. Slash and bole hauling. Mechanical skidding is permitted within Campgrounds for required removal of material.

Hauling will be allowed only on permanent roads, road weight restrictions of 50,000 pounds enforced on roads within the Big Lake Campground complex.

Mechanized equipment used for hauling must be approved by the COR prior to use.

Skidding equipment must remain on designated skid trails or roads and approved by the COR.

Trees moved from the stump to a decking area cannot be dragged and must be partially or completely suspended.

C.4.2.5. Whole Tree Skidding / Whole length Hauling is allowed as long as minimal damage occurs to residual stand and improvements.

C.4.3.1. Cutting Guidelines.

Cut Tree Mark, Cut those trees identified in the contract and designated on the ground in project area.

No live limbs shall be left on the stump of any cut stem.

C.4.3.2. Slash Treatments

Vegetative debris larger than 1 inch in diameter and 3 feet long resulting from Contractor's operations in the cutting of trees is created slash, and must be treated according to contract specifications or accepted method proposed by offeror.

Timing of Slash treatment. Slash treatment shall be concurrent and progressive with each hazard tree felled. The Contractor shall not move into a new Treatment Unit without completion of slash treatment requirements unless otherwise approved by the COR.

In the event the resulting tree boles, limbs or tops (slash) are not removed due to circumstances beyond the control of the contractor and agreed to by the contracting officer, the contractor is responsible for the treatment of the remaining slash. The remaining slash will receive one or more of the following treatments, depending on resource objectives: 1.

Lopping and scattering to within 2 feet of the ground; 2. Hand piling 3.Chipping (Optional); 4. Salvage of certain species/sizes if requested and approved; 5. In some cases, No treatment may be necessary (ex. snags with few or no branch wood).

When the specified treatment is by a combination of methods, slash not treated by one of the methods shall be treated by the other(s).

Slash treatment along roads shall be accomplished without affecting the proper functioning of channels leading to and from drainage structures.

All vegetative debris associated with construction of Temporary Roads such as unutilized timber, brush and grubbed stumps is construction slash. Measures to be taken by Contractor for treatment of construction slash will be described in specific task orders as part of the road work.

C.4.3.3. Method: REMOVAL

Definition and Specifications: Slash to be removed from site and to be hauled off Forest or to site designated in contract (Disposal Area).

C.4.3.3.1 DISPOSAL AREA

Definition and Specifications: A site on forest were slash can be hauled to and piled as designated in contract. Chipped products are not to be hauled there.

C.4.3.4. Protected Areas. All items identified as a Unique Feature as well as all roads open to motorized travel and hiking/walking trails will be kept free of slash created by the tasks in this contract at all times. No created slash shall be

SERVICE RFQ P a g e | 13 SOL NO: AG-8173-S-16-0023

PROJECT NAME: FORESTRY-HAZARD TREE REMOVAL CAMPGROUNDS

left in road prisms, ditches, walking trails or stream courses. Slash will not be piled within 25 feet of historic or cultural properties.

C4.5. Fire Precautions. The contractor shall provide a fire toolbox as described in the Industrial Fire Plan.

C4.7. Resource Protection. The Contractor shall exercise extreme care to prevent damage to existing facilities, developments and resources in all aspects of the contract work.

C4.6. Camping and Worksite Conditions. The Contractor shall prepare a Camping and/or Worksite Plan and operate in a manner that will protect the environmental resources and the public facilities. The Contractor shall obtain a camping permit from the Ranger District on which work will be performed, prior to establishment of the camp. The conditions will be consistent with the requirements of Section H.10.0. Sanitation and Camp privileges.

C.4.7. Communications. The Contractor shall keep the Contracting Officer advised as to where the Contractor or Contractor's representative may be reached by phone during periods of work suspension and periods of time without work. Further, the Contractor shall maintain contact with the Contracting Officer during periods of work suspension or periods of time without work. Communication shall also be required to meet the Industrial Fire Plan in Section H.11.0.

C.4.8. On-Site Representative. Contractor shall provide an on-site representative that is conversant and literate in the English language whenever work is in progress.

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.

C.5.1. Tree Felling. The contractor shall thin and fell trees not less than 2 feet tall and not greater than 12 inches DBH/DRC, and/or as specified in the Unit Information Forms for each Task Order. Other requirements such as pruning may be listed in Project or Unit Information example forms shown as exhibits in Section J.

C.5.2. Slash treatment. The resultant slash from the felling operations, shall be removed with the boles in accordance to standards in Slash Treatment in C.4.

C.5.3. Road Maintenance and/or Erosion Control. Only where hauling for removal is required, roads will be maintained according to the standards listed in Section H. Only where mechanized equipment is used, erosion control work will conform to specifications listed in Section H.

C.5.4. Submittals. The awarded contractor shall provide the following submittals:

C.5.4.1 Quality Control Plan. The contractor shall establish and maintain a complete Quality Control Plan acceptable to the Government to ensure the requirements of the contract are provided as specified.

C.5.4.2 Detailed Work Plan and Progress Schedule. The work plan shall describe how the contractor plans to perform the project Task Order. Include methods, personnel and organization, and equipment (also see C.5.4.3 below). The contractor shall prepare and submit a practical schedule showing the order in which the contractor will perform the work and the dates on which the contractor contemplates starting and completing each task. Work shall be performed in only two units per Task Order at a time unless otherwise authorized by the CO in writing.

C.5.4.3 Equipment and Limitations. The work plan shall include a detailed list of all equipment that will be used.

Limitations of each piece of equipment will be stated, such as: rope strength, UIAA Safety Certification, size and types of chainsaws available, climbing ladders and lengths, maximum tree bole diameter cutting ability, chipping capacity, or other applicable information including safety certification or standards.

C.5.4.4 Crew Safety. The Contractor shall comply with the safety requirements of the Forest Service Safety and Health Program Handbook (FSH 6709.12), the National Tree Climbing Guide. At the request of the Contractor, alternate

SERVICE RFQ P a g e | 14 SOL NO: AG-8173-S-16-0023

PROJECT NAME: FORESTRY-HAZARD TREE REMOVAL CAMPGROUNDS

procedures may be approved by the Contracting Officer that meet the intent of Forest Service safety requirements, but differ in actual practice. The Forest Service National Tree Climbing Guide (Technical Report 0567-2819-MTDC, March, 2005, may be found at:http://www.fs.fed.us/treeclimbing/policy/guide/tree-climbing-field-guide-2005-edition.pdf.

The Contractor shall follow all Federal, State, and local safety laws and regulations applicable to the contract work to be performed.

a) Provide a statement of technical capability and the number of years the Contractor has performed tree climbing work.

b) Document the qualifications or skill level of individual personnel who will execute the provisions of the contract.

c) Specify the techniques and safety practices planned and/or equipment to be used for the contract to minimize natural resource damage outside the scope of work.

d) Provide proof of insurance for self and employees.

e)

SECTION C6 – GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS / INDUSTRY STANDARDS / STATE STANDARDS / GOVERNMENT STANADARDS

/ TECHNICAL EXHIBITS

SERVICE RFQ P a g e | 15 SOL NO: AG-8173-S-16-0023

PROJECT NAME: FORESTRY-HAZARD TREE REMOVAL CAMPGROUNDS

SECTION C7. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY

The following describes the major items in the contract with the incentives and deductions for the work described.

*Performance Standards used to measure E.3.4

TASK /

SUBTASK

PERFORMANCE STANDARD ACCEPTABLE

QUALITY LEVEL

MONITORING

METHOD

DISINCENTIVE FOR NOT

MEETING STANDARDS

Project area.

The contractor shall fell standing live and dead Hazard Trees as identified (CTM). Treat created slash.

*Cutting Hazard Trees as described in C.4.

*Perform Slash Removal Requirements as described in C.4.

Tree species identification and hazard awareness.

*Care must be taken to protect existing facilities, unique features, cultural or historic properties, Section H.6.1.

90 % minimum acceptable level of performance.

Review contractor’s records of inspection system & sampling results, and perform periodic onsite inspections.

(Refer to Section E.2 & .3)

Must pass government inspection of thinning with 90% or greater for full payment.

Slash treatment must pass performance standards based on QASP standards.

Non-attainment may result in with-holding of payment.

Rework at contractor’s expense.

Poor performance rating. Refer to Section M.1. for explanation.

C5.4 Submittals

C5.4.1.

Quality Control Plan

(QCP)

C5.4.2. Work Plan and Progress Schedule

C.5.4.3 Equipment and Limitations List

C5.4.4. Crew Safety and Experience

All submittals are required within 5 days after contract award.

QCP includes contractor’s inspection system and method for identifying and preventing defectives in the quality of service performed. Includes method and frequency of inspections.

On-site records of all quality control inspections are submitted weekly.

As specified in section E.2.

As specified in sections C5.4.2.

As specified in section C5.4.3.

As specified in section C5.4.4.

100% compliance

Submittal review Contractor will be assessed delay which may result in 5 percent deduction in pay.

Payment deduction of 5% if quality control inspections are not performed in accordance with QCP.

SERVICE RFQ P a g e | 16 SOL NO: AG-8173-S-16-0023

SECTION D--PACKAGING AND MARKING

{For this Solicitation, there are NO clauses in this Section}

SECTION E--INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): www.arnet.gov/far/

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

52.246-1 Contractor Inspection Requirements (APR 1984) 52.246-4 Inspection of Services--Fixed-Price (AUG 1996)

E.1.1 Performance Standards

A. Quality Level: By monitoring the Contractor, the COR will determine whether the performance levels set forth in the contract have been attained. Quality standards for all tasks are specified in the PWS in Section C7.

B. On-Site Inspections: The COR will evaluate the current levels of performance, according to the standards set forth in this contract at the discretion of the COR.

C. Records Inspections: The Contractor shall provide and maintain an inspection system acceptable to the government covering the services under this contract. Complete records of all inspection work performed by the Contractor shall be maintained and made available to the Government during contract performance and for as long afterwards as the contract requires.

D. Documentation: The COR will keep a file containing the following:

Copy of the contract Copy of COR and Government Inspector appointment letters Copy of Contractor Designated Representatives letter Copies of all required documents provided by the Contractor under this contract All contract correspondence initiated or received by the COR All modifications to the contract Copies of all completed inspection reports, checklists, logs, diaries, contract discrepancy reports and surveillance certifications Records of meetings attended Copies of processed invoices and receipt documents

E.3.2. Visual Inspection

The government will make periodic inspections while work is in progress to assure that work is proceeding satisfactorily. These inspections will initially be done daily but may vary if work progresses in a satisfactory manner.

Inspection for acceptance of work will be accomplished by a visual or random hazard tree inspection of through each unit and will be based on adherence to the specifications. If the work quality is determined to be 90 percent or higher, payment will be made at 100 percent of unit price.

E.3.3 Visual Inspection Indicating Less Than Quality Work http://www.arnet.gov/far/

SERVICE RFQ P a g e | 17 SOL NO: AG-8173-S-16-0023

PROJECT NAME: FORESTRY-HAZARD TREE REMOVAL CAMPGROUNDS

In the event visual inspection indicates that work quality is less than 90 percent and the operator will not re-work the unit voluntarily, then the Government shall, by formal inspection, determine if the specified methods of work have been used. Failure to use specified methods shall require prompt corrective action. Repeated failure to follow the specified methods of work may be cause for termination of the Contractor’s right to proceed and the contract considered in default.

The inspections will be made on a series of individual hazard trees. At least 50% of the total trees will be sampled using a random number generator. This will constitute a minimum inspection for determining satisfactory performance. All hazard trees will be assigned a number. That number will be marked on the hazard tree and will correspond with hazard numbers on the inspection forms and in the Task Order.

The inspection of this project will be to determine the following:

A. Was the Hazard tree felled.

B. Any resource or unique feature damage that occurred.

C. Additional work completed due to Contractor’s actions.

D. Satisfactory stump height,…