Statement of Work

A. SCOPE OF CONTRACT

The Forest Service is in need of pre-commercial tree thinning, white pine pruning and stand improvement activities which include but not limited to day lighting ,release and special projects, to reduce the tree density, by the deliberate selection of leave trees, improve the overall health and condition of the stand based on the prescribed objectives. Tree selection and cutting of undesirable or excess trees will provide space for the leave trees to grow and develop, reduce the incidence of insect and diseases that affect growth, and undesirable tree qualities.

The solicitation is for Pre-commercial tree thinning, white pine pruning ,slash treatment and related work in compliance with its terms, specifications, and provisions for the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, on the St Joe Ranger District, Benewah, Latah and Shoshone Counties, Idaho. The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, supplies (except those designated as Government furnished), and incidentals to perform all work necessary on the areas specified. All aspects of the work program shall be performed in an organized, systematic manner to assure services will be performed over the entire unit.

B. LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

The work is located on the St Joe Ranger District of the Idaho Panhandle National Forest. The work site, access to the area, size of unit, and other information pertinent to the project units are listed in the Silvicultural Prescription Summary and on the project maps.

(a) Boundaries. Unit boundaries are obvious on-the-ground features or will be flagged where the boundaries aren’t clearly defined.

C. PROJECT ACCESS

(a) Roads. The project areas may be reached by forest roads that are accessible by standard two wheel drive pickup truck equipped for mountain driving during the normal operating season. However, not every road shown on the maps can necessarily be used for vehicle access. The Government assumes no obligation to plow snow or do special maintenance to keep roads open. No additional payment will be made for walk-in’s.

(b) Gates. Some of the subitems are behind locked gates, which require written authorization and keys for access. Contractors will be allowed access behind the gates to conduct site visits and to perform the work. Offerors are advised to make arrangements at least 48 hours in advance to access units behind the gates. For more information and to and obtain authorization, contact St Joe Ranger District.

(c) Motorized Equipment. Use of motorized equipment, other than hand held equipment such as power saws and brush cutters will not be permitted off designated roads in the project area without approval of the Contracting Officer.

D. DEFINITIONS OF TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS AND TERMS

Acceptable (Stocking) Density. The number of trees specified in the Silviculture Unit Specifications All crop trees are included. Tree larger than maximum diameter to be cut are included if stated in Silvicultural Unit Specifications.

Brushing. When brush is overtopping a tree it will be cut from around it.

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

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The on-site contract administrator for the Contracting Officer. The duties and responsibilities of the COR are defined in the letter of designation issued by the Contracting Officer

Best Tree in Competitive area leave tree selection method. [Required with Best Tree in competitive area method] A method for selecting leave trees by identifying trees that have the potential for being the best crop tree. The trees having the potential for crop trees are rated in relation to the optimal tree of the same species and age in the Competitive area. The selected leave trees have the highest rating in the decision area. The number of leave trees to be left in the decision area will depend on the acceptable stocking density. (Example: 1/50 of the acre decision area will have a range of 7 to 9 trees when the acceptable stocking density is 350-450 trees per acre.) When there is more than one tree rated the highest for its species for species in the decision area, the selection is based on the species preference list. Selected leave trees have the best form and vigor based on the characteristics for desirable leave trees, are of a species listed in the species preference in the prescription, and are within the acceptable stocking density. Defects are acceptable for a particular leave tree if it is the best selection within a decision area.

Competitive area. [required with Best Tree in competitive area method] The area used for comparison of potential leave trees of the same species. The radius of the competitive area is specified in the Silvicultural Unit Requirements.

Crop Tree. A leave tree that will be a component of a future commercial harvest or managed into the future. In this contract, it is interpreted as the trees specified in the Silvicultural Unit Specifications that are of preferred species, free of insect or disease infection, or if it is present does not threaten the tree survival or growth. Crop trees have desirable leave tree characteristics (see definition) except if otherwise noted in Silvicultural Unit Specifications. Crop trees are included in Acceptable stocking density.

Damage. Defect or deformity of a tree resulting from agents such as wind, snow, animals, insects, disease, and equipment, and evidenced by such things as dead or broken tops or trunks, crooks, and deep scars or damage to the bark on more than ¼ of the circumference of the tree.

Daylight. Removal of all trees within a specified radius from designated leave trees as specified in the Silvicultural Unit Specifications.

Decision Area. [required with Best Tree in competitive area method ] An area that is evaluated to determine the appropriate number of leave trees. The Decision Area is stated in the Silviculture Unit Specifications

Deficiency (or discrepancy). Trees which are unsatisfactory either because they were cut and met the requirements for a leave tree or were not cut and should have been. There are three categories of deficiencies described in the Inspection procedure.

Category A deficiencies – cutting trees that should not be cut or damaging selected leave trees. These are non-correctable errors.

Category B deficiencies - leaving trees that should be cut. These are excess trees and are correctable errors.

Category C deficiencies – other types of errors such as not completely severing trees from stumps, leaving small trees, and other errors as described on the inspection form.

Desirable leave tree characteristics. . In general, trees that are desirable as leave trees have the following characteristics. The Silviculture Unit Specifications will identify exceptions to these general characteristics.

Trees that are desirable to be leave trees have the following characteristics:

Straight stem Small branch diameter Good coloration Well-formed crown Branches horizontal or slightly angled to bole Vigorous annual terminal growth (especially in last 1 to 3 years) Crown class of dominant or co-dominant Crown ratio is 40% or larger.

Characteristics of trees that are not desirable for leave trees:

Multiple tops Poor crown form Crook or seep in bole Dead or broken tops Poor coloration Large branch diameter Presence of insect or diseases Branches more than 45 degrees from horizontal Physical or mechanical damage Suppressed Poor annual growth Sucker limbs

Diameter breast height (dbh). The diameter of the trunk measure at a point 4-1/2 feet above the ground level on the uphill side of the tree.

Dominate tree. A tree whose crown extends above the general level of the main canopy; or in some cases, a tree whose canopy is above the main canopy of the tree’s immediate neighbors, receiving full light from above.

Excess tree. An uncut tree that according to contract specifications should have been cut. Excess trees are considered a Category B deficiency in the inspection procedure; these are generally correctable.

Girdle. A cut through the bark and cambium tissue completely encircling the tree trunk for the purpose of killing the tree.

Healthy conifer. Trees that are growing well, exhibited by good leader growth, green foliage, and at least 40 percent crown ratio (ratio of crown to overall length), has upright growth form, absence of forking or broken tops, absence of mortality causing diseases or insects in the terminal buds.

Hang-up tree. Any cut tree suspended more than 3 feet off the ground.

Improperly Cut tree. A tree that was cut that should have been a leave tree based on contract specifications. Also includes any leave tree that was damaged by the contractor’s operations. This is considered a Category A deficiency and is not a correctable deficiency.

Inspection Procedure. The plot inspection procedure described in G. Used to determine quality of work

Leave Tree. Any tree that is selected or required to be left standing described in the Silvicultural Unit Specifications.

Leave Trees per acre. The number of leave trees within one acre. Generally referred to average leave trees per acre calculated from one or more plot samples.

No. of trees per plot X reciprocal of plot size = leave trees per acre and Total trees on all plots X reciprocal of plot size = leave trees per acre Total no. plots taken

Minor damage. Trees with damage, however, the crooks in the trunk are offset less than 3 inches from the long axis and within 13 feet of the ground, or bark damage to less than one-fourth the circumference of the tree. Trees with forks or broken tops are not considered to have minor damage.

Period of Performance (also Performance Period or Contract Time). The number of calendar days allowed in the contract for completion of contract work .

Quality Assurance. The actions taken by the Government to assess the results to determine that they meet contract requirements. The methods for quality assurance are described in the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).

Quality Control. Those actions taken by a Contractor to control the production of outputs to ensure that they conform to the contract requirements.

Release. Cutting competing vegetation from around selected crop trees to allow the crop trees room to grow.

Satisfactory leave tree. Tree that is selected to be left on the unit that meets contract specifications.

Small Trees. Trees to be cut that are taller than the minimum tree height to be cut. Trees defined as “small trees” shall be cut however there is a greater tolerance for failure to cut these trees compared to larger trees. Small trees that are not cut are considered a Category C deficiency.

Spacing. The horizontal distance from the trunk of one leave tree to the trunk of the next nearest leave tree. Average spacing is calculated from the leave trees per acre.

Special Protection Area. A zone that has special characteristics such as riparian vegetation, wildlife calving areas, etc. Special protection areas are noted on the project maps and they may require special treatment such as an alteration to the tree cutting, slash treatment, vehicle travel or fueling of saws. Refer to the Silvicultural Unit Specifications for required practices.

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. Special treatments will be specified in the Silvicultural Unit Specifications.

Surplus tree: A tree that is left in the unit that is in addition to the other satisfactory leave trees and is larger than those defined as small trees. It is not counted in the acceptable tree per acre calculation but does contribute to the total trees per acre on the unit. A surplus tree is coded as S3 or S4 trees in the inspection procedure.

Thinning slash. Debris created from work under this contract, including all cut trees and shrubs including the tops, trunks, and branches.

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

(1) Cutting the wrong tree, failure to cut a correct tree, failure to completely sever a live limb, etc. (2) Failure to prune a tree or pruning that is not in contract.

(3) Failure to girdle a tree that meets the specifications is also an unsatisfactory tree.

Unsatisfactory trees are considered a deficiency or discrepancy in contract inspection and may be either a Category A, Category B or Category C deficiency.

Slash. Trunks of cut trees, and/or limbs created by the Contractor’s operations.

Pruning The severing of all live or dead limbs from the bole of a tree to a specified pruning height.

Branch Collar: The Basal enlargement of a branch.

Whorl: The arrangement of limbs in a circle around the bole of the White pine tree.

Canker; A spreading White pine blister rust infection.

Deficient Trees: Those trees not pruned which should have been pruned to maintain average spacing requirements; or trees not selected according to the technical specifications requirements; or trees that are excessively damaged by the pruning operation.

Forked Tree: Tree with one or more forks in the live crown.

Operational Damage: Deep bark gouges, rips, tears (to the cambium), or other damage to the bole or damage to the branch collar.

Improper tree selection: Includes pruning a tree specie other than western white pine; the pruning of white pine that has blister rust evident on the bole or a branch canker that is within 6 inches of the bole; A pruned white pine that is less than the specified minimum tree height; A pruned white pine that exceed the maximum allowable trees per acre; The pruning of a white pine that exhibits less desirable characteristics such as crooked bole, damages due to insects, disease, physical and mechanical causes, when a more desirable tree could be selected.

Improper spacing: Pruned white pine that are closer than 8 feet.

Improper pruning height: Includes pruned white pine that have less than 50%( minimum amount of the crown remaining) and/or less than 4 whorls. This also includes not pruning the proper amount of the crown.

Missed Limbs: Includes not cutting live or dead limbs and needles within the prunable area of the tree.

Stub length too long: Branch stubs that remain after pruning exceed 1/2 inch.

E. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

(1) SELECTION OF LEAVE TREES

The goal of this contract is to leave the best potential crop tree of the desired species using variable spacing while reducing the overall tree density. Leave trees shall be selected from dominant and codominant trees of the desired specie that have no major defects, are of good form and vigor, and be within the allowable stocking density as specified in the Prescription Summary. However, when selections must be made between trees that are desirable, they will be done in accordance with the species preference list in the Prescription Summary.

(a) Indicators of Desirable Leave Trees are:

Trees in the dominant or codominant crown class Straight stem Good foliage coloration Balanced full crown Free of insect and disease damage and/or symptoms Vigorous annual terminal growth

These indicators, as well as overall tree vigor, are important criteria for leave tree selection. The most prominent indicator for vigor is annual terminal growth for the past 1 to 3 years.

(a) Indicators of Undesirable Trees are:

Trees in the intermediate or overtopped crown class Short, incomplete or sparse crown Crook or sweep in bole Dead or broken tops Multiple tops Poor foliage coloration Insect and disease Physical or mechanical damage Poor annual growth

These indicators shall determine trees to be cut, but minor defects will be acceptable for a particular leave tree if it is the best selection in the competitive area. Trees should be relatively free of insect and disease, animal damage, mechanical damage, except for minor problems that will not affect long term growth. Trees displaying these symptoms may be left as leave trees if they are the best available within the competitive area.

The number of leave trees per acre shall be within the maximum/minimum allowance specified for each subitem in the Prescription Summary. The appropriate number of leave trees will vary throughout the stand, being dictated by tree size and their relative position within the canopy (crown class). The minimum distance allowed between leave trees shall be eight (8) feet. However, two healthy trees that are out in a natural opening and not affected by other competition shall be left regardless of how close they are.

NOTE: The prescription objective is based on the overall composition and condition of the stand and is intended to be a guideline for achieving a high quality final product in a professional manner. The Contractor shall use their silvicultural knowledge to identify and adjust to any conditions within the stand and notify the Contracting Officer of any conditions not addressed in the prescription. The Contractor shall recognize any insect, disease, or animal damage problems and report them to the Contracting Officer. Major problems and treatment are described in the Prescription Summary.

(2) CUTTING REQUIREMENTS

(a) Cutting. All cut trees shall be completely severed from the stump. Stump height shall not exceed 4 inches above the ground level or 2 inches above natural obstacles.

The maximum tree diameter to cut is specified in the Silvicultural Prescription Summary.

The minimum tree height to be cut is specified in the Silvicultural Prescription Summary. No Pacific yew shall be cut (in form of bush or tree).

(b) Felling. Cut trees shall be felled away from unit boundaries, established trails, game trails, telephone lines, fence lines, stock driveways, established land corners, and streams. Any trees felled across such areas shall be removed.

Snags shall not be cut except where they jeopardize the safety of the Contractor’s operation.

(c) Riparian Areas. Any trees within 25 feet of a stream that are providing streamside shade shall not be cut. Any trees that are rooted in the stream channel bank shall not be cut.

(d) White Pine. In units where the white pine are pruned, all healthy pruned white pine shall be considered a crop tree unless the prescription states otherwise.

(3) PRUNING REQUIREMENTS

White Pine Pruning. Pruning of white pine significantly reduces the mortality and maintains the white pine component within the stand, as prescribed for each individual unit.

Selection of White Pine Trees to be pruned will be generally those of the tallest height, largest crown, and straightest stems that are free of damage due to insects, disease, physical, or mechanical causes.

The Contractor shall utilize the Silvicultural Prescription, characteristics of white pine to be pruned trees (refer to definitions) and requirements in this section for selecting prunable trees. The prescription is based on the overall composition and condition of the stand and is intended to be a guideline for achieving the desired final condition.

The acceptable minimum/maximum trees per acre, minimum tree height to prune, and unique unit requirements for selecting white pine trees are defined in the Silvicultural Prescription.

(a). All limbs specified by the Silvicultural Prescription shall be cut to within 1/2 inch of the limb collar and needles removed from the bole. Refer to attachments for diagram. Pruned limbs shall be completely severed from the tree.

(b). The bole of the tree and limbs to be retained shall not be damaged in the pruning operation. Chainsaws are not deemed acceptable.

(c). Pruning Height: Prune all branches within the lower 50% of the bole while retaining 50% of the live crown and four or more whorls.

(4) SLASH TREATMENT

Slash created by the Contractor shall be reduced to a height of less than two feet and placed so that it will not lean against or be suspended by an uncut tree, stump, log, or any obstacle. Any special slash treatment requirements will be specified in the Prescription Summary. Slash shall be pulled back five feet from culverts. All debris from the Contractor’s operation shall be removed from stream courses and drivable roads. The road clearing includes ditches along the road, cut slopes and any weeding debris that hangs over the cut slope.

Slash treatment shall be performed concurrent with the thinning operation.

(5) RESOURCE PROTECTION

The Contractor shall exercise extreme care to prevent damage to existing facilities, developments, and resources. If existing facilities, such as roads, fences, erosion dips, trails, barriers, and drainage facilities are damaged, they shall be replaced or repaired at no cost to the Government.

Stream courses. The Contractor shall minimize damage to stream courses. All slash resulting from project activities will be removed from riparian zones. A 100 foot no activity buffer will be maintained along class 1 streams, a 50 foot buffer along class 2 streams as in compliance with the States Best Management Practices. Also a 50 foot buffer will be maintained along all wetted defined channels and springs. Trees shall be directionally felled away from the stream course.

F. CONTRACTOR QUALITY CONTROL

The Contractor shall provide quality control for all thinning and pruning operations. The Contractor is expected to conduct their own prompt inspections to ensure that all thinning, pruning and slash treatment requirements are being met. Government inspections are for payment determination only, and are not intended to be used as a quality control by the Contractor. Any delay in Government inspections will not cause the Government to be responsible for the Contractors thinning quality.

The Contractor’s onsite representative shall be fully conversant in the English language.

G. GOVERNMENT QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN

(a) Inspection. The Government’s quality assurance inspections will determine compliance with specifications and provide the basis for computing the rate of payment. Inspections will consist of visual observations and sample plots to determine compliance with the specifications. The plots will be located throughout the thinned areas to obtain a representative sample of the work. Plot centers will be marked and numbered. Each contract subitem will be inspected separately and inspection results will not be averaged with those of other contract subitems.

Determination of the acceptability of the work performed will be based on these inspections, which will be considered conclusive, except as otherwise provided in the contract. The Contractor or his representative may observe inspections while they are underway.

(b) Plot Procedures for Thinning. Each plot will be examined and the findings on the items listed below recorded:

(i) Number and species of satisfactory trees remaining.

(ii) Category “A” – Uncorrectable Deficiency

(A) Number of cut leave trees; a leave tree in accordance with the clause entitled Selection of Leave Trees or the Prescription Summary that was cut.

(B) Wrong selection of leave tree; a leave tree that was cut while leaving a lesser tree.

(iii) Category “B” – Correctable Deficiency

(A) Number of excess trees or tree should have been cut due to damage, insect, disease or poor form.

(iv) Category “C” – Correctable Deficiency

(A) Small trees missed, high stump, hang up tree or tree not severed from stump.

(c) Upon inspection of all plots for a unit, the number of leave trees per acre and the quality of thinning and release will be calculated as follows:

(i) Number of leave trees per acre:

Number of trees left X reciprocal of plot size = Leave trees per acre Number of plots taken

(ii) Thinning Quality:

(d) Rework and Reinspection after Rework. Category “B” – When total number of leave trees exceed the maximum allowance or when Category “C”, total number of small trees missed exceed 50 trees per acre, payment will not be made until the deficiency is corrected, unless the Contracting Officer determines excess tree deficiency to be minor and will not result in any material differences in total number of trees to be left. Inspections after rework will be made in the same manner as the first inspection but on different plot lines. The Contractor shall pay for inspections necessitated by rework.

(e) Inspection of Slash Treatment and Other Contract Requirements. Acceptance will be determined by inspection of areas requiring treatment and will be based on adherence to the specifications. Noncompliance with any of the specifications will classify the treatment as unsatisfactory and rework will be required to bring the treatment up to specification standards.

(f) PLOT PROCEDURES FOR PRUNING;

(g) Plots shall be marked and identifiable on the ground.

(h) Number of trees that were pruned satisfactorily.

(i) Number of trees that were defiicient.

(j)

(i) Number of satisfactorily pruned trees per acre:

Number of satisfactorily pruned trees X reciprocal of plot size = Leave trees per acre Number of plots taken

(k) Tree Pruning Quality shall be calculated based on the equation specified. ( Quality Total number of deficient trees

= 1

- X 100 Percent Number of trees that should’ve been pruned (l) (m)

(n) Slash Treatment quality must reflect full compliance with requirements.

(o)

H. DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

(1) ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

Performance Period.

Item Estimated Beginning Date Completion Date

1 May 15, 2010 September 30, 2010

2 May 15, 2010 September 30, 2010

The Contractor shall maintain progress at a rate that will assure completion of work by the required completion date for each Item.

The Government will issue a Notice to Proceed as soon as weather and ground conditions are favorable for work. The count of contract time will start on the date specified in the Notice to Proceed.

The Government reserves the right to prescribe the sequence in which the units will be worked.

The Work Plan and Production Schedule submitted in the offeror’s Technical Proposal shall describe the workforce to be provided and production rates to be achieved, and include specific dates of performance. This schedule shall be made part of the contract requirements, so that the Government may plan for inspection personnel.

(2) MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT

(a) All linear and area measurements under this contract are measured on a horizontal plane within the established boundaries. Boundaries are marked as indicated in the Silviculture Unit Specifications.

(b)Re-measurement. The Contractor may at any time after award request re-measurement of any sub-item. The request must be in writing within 10 days after completion of a unit or pay item. The Government’s re-measurement of the unit/sub item will be made within established boundaries.

(c). If re-measurement indicates a variance of 5 percent or less in the acreage stated , there will be no adjustment in acres and the Contractor shall pay for the actual cost of re-measurement.

(d) If re-measurement results in a variance greater than 5 percent in the acreage stated in the Schedule of Items, payment shall be based on the re-measured acreage and the Government shall pay for the re-measurement

(e)Calculation of Payment for Thinning. After inspection of a completed subitem, the Contracting Officer will calculate the pay rate for the acceptable work.

(1) When the quality is 90 percent or greater, the work will be considered acceptable and payment will be made at the contract unit price. When the quality of work is less than 90 percent but is 80 percent or over, the work will be considered unacceptable but payment will be made for the value of services received. Payment will be made after assessment of a 1 percent deduction in the unit price for each 1 percent the thinning quality is below 90 percent. This payment shall only be made after the Government determines that no further rework shall be required nor allowed. No payment will be made for quality of work below 80 percent.

(2) Pull back, lopping, slash treatment, and walk-in access are included in the unit price and no additional payment will be made.

(f) Unacceptable Work. Any unit, with quality less 90 percent, is considered unacceptable and may be rejected. For these areas the Government may (i) accept the work at a reduced price (ii) require the area to be re-worked at no additional expense to the Government, or (iii) reject the work in its entirety. If the quality is unacceptable, the Contractor's right to proceed is subject to immediate termination for default. When work quality falls below 90 percent in areas of 1 acre or larger and the quality of work can be corrected, the Government may require the area to be reworked.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

1. The contractor will train in the safe operation and use of equipment to all workers using such equipment.

2. Personal protective equipment, including personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head, and extremities shall be provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary by reason of hazards or processes encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body.

3. Defective or damaged personal protective equipment shall not be used.

4. The contractor shall provide, at no cost to the employee, to each employee who operates a chain saw, chain saw chaps and assure the chaps are worn during saw operations. These chaps must be approved by Underwriters Laboratory or meet Forest Service specification 6170-47. The chaps shall cover the full length of the thigh to the top of the boot on each leg.

5. The contractor shall assure that each employee wears foot protection that provides adequate traction and ankle support. Employees operating chain saws shall wear foot protection that is constructed with cut-resistant material which will protect the employee against contact with a running chain saw.

6. The contractor shall provide, at no cost to the employee, and assure that each employee who works in an area where there is potential for head injury from falling objects or flying objects wears a hard hat that meets the minimum requirements of American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard Z89.1-1997.

7. The contractor shall provide, at no cost to the employee, eye protection where there is potential for eye injury due to flying objects. This eye protection must meet the minimum requirements of ANSI standard Z87.1-2003.

8. The contractor shall provide, at no cost to the employee, hearing protection where there is a potential for hearing loss due to high intensity noise e.g., chain saw operation.

CAMPING PROVISIONS FOR LABOR INTENSIVE CONTRACTS

The following provisions apply to all camping on National Forest lands during performance of this contract:

1. These provisions are in addition to those contained in, or provided for, in the clause titled “Use of Premises”, in this contract.

2. Every structure used as shelter shall provide protection from the elements. Where heat adequate for weather conditions is not provided, other arrangements should be made to protect workers from the cold. Firewood may be cut only after obtaining a District Firewood Permit.

3. The campsite will not encroach beyond the boundaries designated by the Forest Service. The campsite shall be located so as to minimize impacts on streams, lakes, and other bodies of water. No camping shall be permitted within developed recreation sites or along primary recreation roads.

4. The campsite shall have a clean appearance at all times.

5. Upon abandonment of any campsite, or termination, revocation, or cancellation of camping privileges, the contractor shall remove, within 10 calendar days, all structures and improvements except those owned by the United States, and shall restore the site, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing or in the camping permit. If the contractor fails to remove all structures or improvements within the 10 calendar days, they shall become the property of the United States, but that will not relieve the contractor of liability for the cost of their removal and restoration of the site.

6. Unless otherwise designated by the Contracting Officer, the use of this area is not exclusive, and may be granted to other Permittees, contractors, or recreating public. Disorderly conduct is not permitted.

7. Damaging or removing any natural feature or other property of the Forest Service is prohibited.

8. Servicing of equipment in the campsite is not permitted, unless the campsite is within the project area.

9. Sanitary facilities shall be provided for storing food. Ice chests or coolers, with ice supply made from potable water and replenished as necessary, shall be provided and sufficient for the storage of perishable food items.

10. An adequate and convenient potable water supply shall be provided in each camp for drinking and cooking purposes.

11. Toilet facilities adequate for the capacity of the camp shall be provided and supplied with adequate toilet paper. Such facilities shall be serviced and maintained in a sanitary condition.

12. Garbage shall be collected, stored, and disposed of in such a manner as to prevent scattering by the wind, minimize attraction of flies, and discourage access by rodants.

13. Basic first aid supplies shall be maintained, available and under the charge of a person trained to administer first aid. The supplies shall include:

a. Gauze pads (at least 4x4 inches)

b. Two large gauze pads (at least 8x10 inches)

c. Box adhesive bandages (band-aids)

d. One package of gauze roller bandage at least 2 inches wide

e. Two triangular bandages

f. Scissors

g. At least one blanket

h. Tweezers

i. Adhesive tape

j. Latex gloves

k. Resuscitation device such as resuscitation bag, airway, or pocket mask

14. Any washing of laundry shall be done in such a way as to provide for washing and rinsing without polluting lakes, streams, or other flowing water.

15. Waste water must be disposed of away from living and eating areas and in a fashion that minimizes pollution to lakes, streams, and other flowing water.

16. The contractor shall take all reasonable precautions to prevent and suppress forest fires. No material shall be disposed of by burning in open fires during the closed season established by law or regulation without the written permission from the Forest Service.

17. The contractor shall comply with the following fire regulations during fire season:

a. A shovel, axe or pulaski, 10 quart pail which is full of water for immediate use and a fire extinguisher with an Underwriters Laboratory (UL) rating of at least 1:A 10:BC is required during the fire season.

b. All fire rings or outside fireplaces will be approved by the Forest Service representative. The area will be cleared down to mineral soil for a distance of 1 foot outside of the ring or fireplace and it will not have any overhanging material. Fire rings will be dismantled and material disposed prior to leaving the site.

c. All generators and other internal combustion engines will be equipped with USFS approved spark arrestors and/or factory designed muffler and exhaust system in good working order. They will be located in a cleared area with the same requirements as in (b).

d. All fuel will be stored in UL approved flammable storage containers and be located at least 50 feet from any open flame or other source of ignition.

18. Any violation of these conditions constitutes a breach of contract, and may result in revocation of camping approval.

19. The Forest Service reserves the right to terminate a camping permit at any time.

Worker Housing Supplement to 4G52.222-702 (d) (4) Add the following, subparagraph (4) Housing:

(iii) If the contractor is not furnishing worker housing:

Workers on this contract may obtain housing only in a residential accommodation, including a commercial establishment such as a hotel or motel, which meets all applicable state and federal standards for employee housing.

Within 10 days after award, and prior to the issuance of Notice to Proceed, the contractor must notify the Contracting Officer of the planned worker housing site.

If the housing site is located on a National Forest, the Contractor must obtain a permit from the District Ranger for the District on which the housing site is located and the facilities established for the workers must meet the applicable U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) MSPA standards for such sites.

If the housing site is not located on a National Forest, the site must meet the applicable housing standards in MSPA.

If an exemption from the permit requirement is claimed, the contractor must provide a written statement identifying the law authorizing the exemption, stating the facts constituting an exemption under that law, and identifying a USDOL employee or official who stated or concurred that the accommodations were exempt, citing name, date, and means of communication.

If the housing site is changed after approval by the Contracting Officer, the contractor must provide a new Permit or exemption statement. The above requirements are material conditions of this contract. If the contractor fails to comply, the Government may terminate the contract. In addition, other remedies or penalties prescribed by law may apply.

Field Sanitation In accordance with US Department of Labor Fact Sheet No. ESA 97-28 “Field Sanitation Standards” (Ref. 29CFR 1928.110), employers must provide:

· Potable drinking water, suitably cool and in sufficient amounts, dispensed in single-use cups or by fountains, located so as to be readily accessible to employees.

· Facilities maintained in accordance with public health sanitation practices include upkeep of water quality through daily change or more often if necessary.

· Notification to each employee of the location of the water and allowance of reasonable opportunities during the workday to use them. The employer also must inform the employee of the relevant health hazards in the field and the practices necessary to minimize them.

Employees cannot be made to bear the costs incurred by the employer for providing required facilities.

FIRE CONTROL

(a) Contractor's Responsibility for Contractor-Caused Fires. The Contractor, whether or not directed by the Forest Service, shall immediately extinguish, without expense to the Government, all fires on or in the vicinity of the project which are caused by Contractor's employees, whether set directly or indirectly as a result of Contractor operations. The Contractor may be held liable for all damages and costs of additional labor, subsistence, equipment, supplies, and transportation resulting from fires set or caused by the Contractor's employees or resulting from contract operations.

(b) Other Fires. For the purpose of fighting forest fires on or in the vicinity of the project which are not caused by the Contractor or his employees, the Contractor when requested by the Contracting Officer shall place his employees and equipment temporarily at the disposal of the Forest Service. Payment for such services will be made by the Government at not less than the current rate for fire-fighting services established by the Forest Service in the area concerned.

Any employees and equipment furnished will be relieved from fire fighting as soon as the Forest Service finds that it is practicable to employ other labor and equipment adequate for the protection of the area.

An equitable adjustment in contract time may be made for this period.

(c) Fire Protection Requirements - Fire Plan. At all times during closed fire season period, as specified by State law, the Contractor shall comply with each of the following provisions to the extent applicable to his operation under the contract.

(1) Fire Tools. The Contractor will provide for each employee in the contract area at least one approved handtool of a type appropriate in the contract area, such as shovel, pulaski, or ax. Tools required and furnished under (2) and (4) below, shall count toward fulfillment of the above requirement. Where additional tools, beyond those required under (2) and (4) below, are to be provided, the Contractor shall seal such tools in one or more boxes painted red and marked "Tools for Fire Only." All tools required herein shall be kept sharp and in good serviceable condition and maintained at locations to be designated by the Forest Service.

(2) Fire Extinguishers and Tools on Mobile or Stationary Equipment. Each unit of powered equipment used in connection with this contract, including automobiles, trucks, tractors, etc., shall be equipped with serviceable tools and fire extinguishers as follows:

One - fire extinguisher, dry chemical type of not less than 2-1/2 pound capacity with a 4 BC or higher rating.

One - shovel, round point #0 lady or equal.

One - ax, 2 pounds or over, 26-inch minimum length, or one pulaski.

One - water container (at least 1-gallon capacity), not required with stationary equipment.

(3) Spark Arresters. Each internal combustion engine shall be provided with a spark arrester or spark arresting device approved by the Forest Service. Exceptions where the Forest Service may approve mufflers, or other equipment in lieu of spark arresters qualified and rated under Forest Service Standard 5100-1a are: (a) small multiposition engines, such as chain saws, shall meet Society of Automotive Engineers J335b standards; (b) passenger-carrying vehicles and light trucks may have baffle-type mufflers with tail pipe; (c) heavy-duty trucks may have a vertical stack exhaust system and muffler, provided the exhaust stack extends above the cab of the vehicle. An exhaust-driven turbocharger is considered to be a satisfactory spark arrester. Internal combustion engine exhaust systems, arresters, and other devices must be properly installed and maintained.

(4) Powersaws. For each powersaw used in connection with this contract, the following will be provided:

One - shovel, round point #0 lady or equal. Shovel must be immediately available for use.

One - Fire extinguisher, containing not less than 8 ounces of extinguisher fluid, or a dry chemical powder-type of not less than 1-pound capacity. The extinguisher must be immediately accessible to the saw operator at all times.

Any fueling or refueling of a powersaw shall only be done in an area which has first been cleared or is free of all material capable of carrying fire; powersaw shall be moved at least 10 feet from place of fueling before starting.

(5) Blasting. Fuse or prima cord shall not be used unless authorized in writing by the COR with special precautions stated.

(6) Smoking. Smoking shall not be permitted within the contract area except on surfaced or dirt roads, at landings, within closed vehicles, in camps, or at other posted places, and shall never be allowed while working or traveling on foot.

(7) Storage of Petroleum and Other Highly Flammable Products. Gasoline, oil, grease, or other highly flammable material will be stored either in a separate building used exclusively for such storage, or at a site when all combustible debris and vegetation is cleared away within a radius of 25 feet. Fire extinguishers and/or sand barrels may be required at such locations specified by the Forest Service when unusually hazardous conditions exist.

(8) Debris Burning and Warming Fires. Burning permits will be required for all debris burning fires. Lunch and warming fires may be allowed in fireproofed areas during periods of low fire danger if and as specified in the fire plan. Such fires must not be left burning unattended.

(9) Precautions for Stoves. Stovepipes on all temporary buildings, trailers, and tents using wood burning stoves, will be equipped with roof jacks and serviceable spark arresters of mesh with openings no larger than 5/8 inch.

All stovepipes, inside and out, will not be closer than 2 feet from any wood or other flammable material or 1 foot if the combustible material is protected by a metal or asbestos shield.

(10) Welding. Welding or use of cutting torches will be permitted only in areas that have been cleared or are free of all material capable of carrying fire. Flammable debris and vegetation must be removed from within a minimum of 10 feet radius of all welding and cutting torch operations. A shovel and a 5-gallon standard backpack water container (filled) with handpump attached, shall be immediately available for use in the event of a fire start.

(11) Fire Plan. Prior to initiating work on the contract area, during the closed fire season period, a fire prevention and suppression plan will usually be prepared. The Contractor and the Forest Service will jointly prepare this plan. Such plan shall include a detailed list of men and equipment at the Contractor's disposal for implementing the plan. The fire plan shall also specify additional measures and/or special requirements, such as Hoot Owl restrictions, necessary during periods of critical fire weather conditions.

When Hoot Owl restrictions are invoked, the Forest Service may curtail or shut down all or portions of a Contractor's operations. The following requirements may be imposed:

(i) All high fire risk operations could be terminated at 1300 local time.

(ii) All burning could be stopped, including debris burning fires.

(iii) Patrolman may be required for a period of 2 hours after high fire risk operations and 1 hour after end of work shift. The Contractor shall provide the patrolman unless the contract is for equipment rental, in which case the Government will provide the patrolman.

(12) Pump and Trailer. NOT USED.

(13) Burning. Before starting any open burning, the Contractor shall comply with the following:

(i) Submit a burning plan, subject to approval by the Contracting Officer, designed to minimize the impact on air quality and to lessen any fire damage.

(ii) Submit a burning permit from the District Ranger.

(iii) Use weather forecasts as far as possible in scheduling burning for more favorable dispersal of smoke.

(iv) Fuel shall be reasonably free of dirt and piled to facilitate rapid and complete combustion. Piles shall be tended during burning operations to maintain combustion and to eliminate unnecessary smudges. Piles shall be patrolled during off-work hours to avoid wildfires.

(v) Unless fire season controls dictate otherwise, burning shall be scheduled, as far as practicable, for the most favorable conditions during the burning period.

(vi) Under certain atmospheric conditions, smoke accumulations may become excessive and in these cases, the Regional Forester may, at his discretion, prohibit all open burning for definite periods within specific areas of the National Forest.

KEY PERSONNEL

The key personnel specified in the Offeror's Technical Proposal are considered to be essential to the work being performed hereunder. Prior to diverting any of the specified individuals to other programs, the Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer reasonably in advance and shall submit justification (including proposed substitutions) in sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the impact on the contract. No diversion shall be made by the Contractor without the written consent of the Contracting Officer: Provided that the Contracting Officer may ratify in writing such diversion and such ratification shall constitute the consent of the Contracting Officer required by this clause. The contract may be amended from time to time during the course of the contract to either add or delete personnel, as appropriate.