RFP Solicitation_0249.docx

INTERMOUNTAIN ECONOMIC RECOVERY OPERATION CENTER INSTRUCTION SHEET

ISSUING OFFICE:

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

FOREST SERVICE

INTERMOUNTAIN EROC

740 SIMMS STREET

GOLDEN, CO 80401

FAX (303) 275-5299

SOLICITATION NO.: RFP AG-82B1-S-10-0249

QUOTES ARE SOLICITED FOR: RECOVERY –2011 HAND TREE PLANTING

IMPORTANT – NOTICE TO QUOTER:

AT A MINIMUM, QUOTER SHALL SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS AS THEIR RESPONSE TO THIS SOLICITATION:

1.SF-1449 SOLICITATION, CONTRACT, ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS (Complete, date, and sign)

2.Section B – Schedule of Items (Pages 2). (Complete Unit Price and Amount)

3.Section K – Representations and Certifications (Pages 77-80). (Complete the Representations and Certifications electronically via the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) website at http://orca.bpn.gov)

4.Acknowledgement of Amendments (If Applicable)

IT IS REQUIRED THAT YOU WRITE THE SOLICITATION NUMBER ON THE OUTSIDE OF YOUR ENVELOPE.

ATTN: George Jackson

IT IS REQUIRED THAT ALL CONTRACTOR’S BE REGISTERED IN THE CENTRAL CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION DATABASE PRIOR TO AWARD UNDER THIS SOLICITATION. SEE CLAUSE I-3 – FAR 52.204-7 CENTRAL CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO APPLY.

IT IS THE OFFERORS RESPONSIBILITY TO WATCH FOR ANY AND ALL AMENDMENTS TO THE SOLICITATION, WHICH SHALL BE ISSUED ELECTRONICALLY THROUGH FEDBIZOPS.

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

1. REQUISITION NUMBER

379812

2. CONTRACT NO.

3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE DATE

4. ORDER NUMBER

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

AG-82B1-S-10-0249

6. SOLICITATION ISSUE DATE

04/01/10

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL

a. NAME William Pfeifer

b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (No collect calls)

(406) 487-6760

8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIME

04/23/10 3:00 p.m. MST

9. ISSUED BY CODE

USDA, Forest Service Intermountain EROC 740 Simms Street Golden, CO 80401 |_| UNRESTRICTED or |X| SET ASIDE: 100 % FOR |X| Small Business |X| Emerging Small Business |_| Hubzone Small Business |X| 8(A) |_| Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business

NAICS: 212321

SIZE STANDARD: 500 Employees

|_| 13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED ORDER

UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13b. RATING

11. Delivery for FOB Destination unless Block is Marked

|_| See Schedule

12. Discount Terms

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

|_| RFQ |_| IFB |X| RFP

CODE

15. DELIVER TO

See Delivery Schedule Same as Block 9

TELEPHONE NO.:_____________________________________

DUNS NO:_____________________ TIN No. ___________________________ U.S. Dept. of Agriculture National Finance Center P.O. Box 60000 New Orleans, LA 70160-0001

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

RECOVERY – Hand Tree Planting , Kootenai National Forest Montana

Faxes will not be accepted.

PLEASE PLACE YOUR QUOTE IN SECTION I- SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

|_| 27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA |_| ARE |_| ARE NOT ATTACHED.

|_| 27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA |_| ARE |_| ARE NOT ATTACHED.

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR 31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (TYPE OR PRINT) 30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (TYPE OR PRINT) 31c. DATE SIGNED

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

|_| RECEIVED |_| INSPECTED |_| ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED: ___________________________________________

32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

|_| COMPLETE |_| PARTIAL |_| FINAL

37. CHECK NUMBER

PARTIAL

FINAL

42.b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

Standard Form 1449 (REV. 3/2005) Back

PART I—THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B--SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

HAND TREE PLANTING

Kootenai National Forest Rexford Ranger Districts Lincoln County, Montana

B.1. SCHEDULE OF ITEMS – REXFORD RANGER DISTRICT

The Rexford Ranger District is requesting proposals for Hand Tree Planting of an estimated 68,000 container seedlings by the thousand in the Spring of 2011. All of these seedlings will be planted with a spacing that averages 200 TPA over 350 acres. These are estimated quantities and may vary up to plus or minus 25 percent. (See Section C for more details on the area to be planted)

The following price categories have been substituted for the standard listing of each planting unit. Offerors are required to enter proposed planting prices by the thousand trees for each stock type.

Stock Type

(a) C1 - Extracted Container Stock (6" long).

NOTE: The basic prices shall include the following requirements:

1. Clearing - 6" minimum diameter and a maximum 6" depth. (C.4.4.2 Clearing and Scalping)

2. Scalping - 6" minimum diameter and a maximum 3" depth. (C.4.4.2 Clearing and Scalping)

3. Microsite - Shade Clause 2. (C.4.4.3 Shade)

4. Walk-in up to and including one half mile.

5. Spacing – Average spacing will be 200-300 trees per acre (C.4.4.2 Spacing)

ITEM 1:

Basic Price Categories BY THE THOUSAND TREES for Rexford R. D. 2011 Spring Planting (C4.4.Tree Planting):

Additional Requirements: Additional services, over and above those included in the base prices, may be required for some units. These requirements will be identified in the Detailed Information Chart provided at the pre-bid site visit trip.

Average Tree Spacing between 100-199 tpa (C.4.4.2 Spacing)

Walk-in Requirements: Additional walk-in, over and above those included in the base prices, may be required for some units. These requirements will be identified in the Detailed Information Chart provided with the delivery order. These prices will be added to the basic price when required.

52.237-1 -- Site Visit (Apr 1984): Offerors or quoters are urged and expected to inspect the site where services are to be performed and to satisfy themselves regarding all general and local conditions that may affect the cost of contract performance, to the extent that the information is reasonably obtainable. In no event shall failure to inspect the site constitute grounds for a claim after contract award.

NOTE: Please separate your business/price proposal (Section B) from your technical proposal (Evaluation Criteria in Section M) when submitting your quote. Ensure your technical proposal has adequately addressed all the evaluation criteria outlined in Section M. Also include the Experience Questionnaire as part of your technical proposal. If you have letters of recommendation, performance appraisals or the like, they may help in rating past performance.

NOTE 2: Acknowledge and return with your quote any solicitation amendments (SF-30), if forthcoming.

SECTION C--DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

C. 1. INTRODUCTION

C.1.1. Background

The Forest Service is in need of tree planting services to restore and reforest lands burned over after wildfire. The purpose of this contract is to secure tree planting services in a manner that insures tree survival and growth. Tree survival and growth is dependant on the initial health of the tree seedlings, the manner in which trees are handled and planted, environmental conditions such as soil moisture and weather, and animal damage to the seedlings. The services secured with this contract will focus on the need to provide appropriate tree handling and planting techniques during a period of time when environmental conditions are most favorable to insure tree survival.

C.1.2. Scope of Contract

The solicitation is for tree planting services on the Rexford Ranger District of the Kootenai National Forest Land. 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 in the task order. The contract includes tree handling and planting, shading, and tree transportation to provide the seedlings with the greatest chance of survival. All aspects of the work program shall be performed in an organized, systematic manner to assure services shall be performed over the entire unit.

C.1.2.1. This contract is a Performance Based, firm-fixed price contract.

C.1.2.2. The period of performance will be from approximately May 1, 2011 to June 15, 2011

C.1.2.3. Location and Description. This planting project is located in T33N R30W Sections: 13 & 24, and T33N R29W Sections: 17, 18, 19 & 21. The contract has only one Item made up of 18 individual stands which total approximately 350 acres. The stands are previously harvested regeneration sites(1985-1993) which were wildfire burned in 2009. Some of stands will be completely replanted, others will be partial planting units with pink flagged boundaries. The trees per acre will vary from 100–199 and 200–300, depending on the site prep/burn. Contractor shall space off standing sapling size trees both dead and alive present in stands (See C.4.4.6. Acceptable established trees and other planted trees). Due to management restrictions and distance of project from roads, the contractor shall be required to walk to all units from the access point shown on the project map. (Section J, Exhibit 03). For more information on location of project, if interested in a pre-bid meeting; contact Angie Stafford at the Eureka Ranger Station, phone 406-296-7142.

C.1.2.4. Access. Refer to Government-furnished services in Section C.3 and Contractor Requirements in Section C.4 for additional information. NOTE: all stands are accessed via walking from the Access Point shown on Stand Map in Section J Exhibit. Trees will be delivered to a main area closer to units via pack string, this will not totally eliminate need for Contractor to carry trees for some distances. There will be 2-3 tree delivery points.

C. 2. DEFINITIONS

Pertaining to Tree Planting:

Acceptable established tree. An existing conifer of seedling and/or sapling size that is of good form, color, free of damage, has 50% or greater crown ratio, and is the species and size specified by the COR.

Access point. The point identified for access to planting areas.

Animal Damage Control (ADC). Not Applicable

Clean water and buckets. Water and buckets used for tree dipping that are free of contaminants that could injure the trees. Water is initially suitable for human consumption.

Clearing. Removal of surface debris around the planting hole to avoid debris from falling into the hole. Debris includes duff, litter, rotten or charred wood, moss, loose rock, ashes, snow, and surface frost.

Contract Time. See Period of Performance.

Container plug. Seedling grown in a receptacle containing soil and nutrients. When the container seedlings are extracted from the receptacle, the soil stays in tact around the roots. The soil and roots together are referred to as the container plug; the soil is the container media.

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

Delivery point. The point identified for delivery of trees and other supplies. If there are multiple points for delivery of various items, it will be so noted.

Drip line. The line extending vertically from the exterior edge of a tree’s live crown to the ground.

Foreign material (in planting hole). Large rocks, sticks, litter or similar material not part of the surrounding soil substrate that is in the planting hole after the tree is planted.

Ground line of tree before planting. The original ground line of the tree before planting is the soil surface level in the nursery beds or in the container receptacle. It is between the cotyledon scar and the root collar.

Inbox temperature. The temperature near the center of the box of trees measured with a probe thermometer or similar instrument. This is the temperature of the seedlings while in the shipping box.

Lateral Roots. The horizontal roots extending from the main vertical (tap) root.

Microsite. A plantable spot favorable to seedling survival and growth. Examples of favorable microsites are stumps, down logs, large slash, snags, and standing cull trees that provide protection from sun, wind, animals, and other damaging agents.

Moist Soil (in the planting hole). The soil in the planting hole is considered “moist” if it is similar in moisture to the undisturbed soil next to the planting hole at similar depth.

Period of Performance (also Performance Period or Contract Time). All calendar days allowed for completion of contract work. Includes all days of the week including weekends and holidays.

Plantable Spot. An area where a tree can be planted in accordance with all specifications in the contract. In the Planting Inspection method, a plantable spot is also any area where the Contractor has planted a tree.

Protection. Natural and artificial materials that act as an obstacle protecting the tree from animal or other injurious agents. The protection material and effort required by the planter to protect the tree varies depending on the site conditions of each unit.

Quality Assurance. The actions taken by the Government to assess the Contractor’s 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. The methods for inspecting for quality control are described in the Contractor’s Quality Control Plan (QCP).

Planting Inspection. The standard planting inspection procedure as described in Forest Service Handbook, R1 Supplement 2409.17 (effective 4/29/2002), 2.82 part 2 (refer to Section C.5.1 for internet access and provided in Section J. It includes the description of planting violations that result in unsatisfactorily planted trees, plot sizes, calculations for determining planting quality based on trees planted, and similar information.

Residual tree. Live trees remaining in the unit after the harvest or fire activity.

Root length. The root length measured from the original ground line to the end of the main vertical or tap root.

Satisfactorily planted tree. A tree that is planted in accordance with C.4.4.1.

Scalping. The removal of live vegetation including roots to reduce competition from existing vegetation and to expose mineral soil.

Shade . Natural and artificial materials that protect the tree from the sun’s heat and wind. The type of shade material and effort required by the planter to shade the tree varies depending on the site conditions of each unit. .

Full site Prep. Sites prepared by any method or combination of methods such as broadcast burning or various mechanical treatments, that resulted in the reduction of most of the logging slash and vegetation, and the exposure of mineral soil, so as to provide reasonably good access through the unit and to planting spots. (Note: this may not affect plantability.)

Partial Site Preparation. Sites prepared by any method or combination of methods that resulted in the reduction of slash and vegetation, but left a substantial amount of these materials present, thus hampering access through the unit and to planting spots. (Note: this may or may not affect plantability.)

No Site Preparation. Sites where little or no treatment of slash and vegetation has occurred or where length of time has been sufficient that the benefits of past treatments have abated to the point where access is significantly impaired. (Note: this may or may not affect plantability.)

Stationary material. Natural material used to shade or protect the tree that is not moveable by the planter. Natural material includes items such as stumps, logs, dead brush, rocks, or terrain features used to provide the required protection for a tree. Stationary material generally offers the most shade and protection for seedlings from sun and animal trampling.

Top height. The length from the original ground line to the top of the terminal leader; does not include needles extending above the leader.

Transportable shade. Not Applicable

Trees in possession of the Contractor. The time after trees has been issued to the Contractor. During this time, the Contractor is responsible for all aspects of tree care and accountable for tree quantities.

Unplantable spot. An area where a tree cannot be planted satisfactorily and no tree has been planted. An allowance is given in the Planting Inspection for unplantable spots within the plot.

In hoe planting a spot is considered unplantable if a suitable spot for planting a tree cannot be found after three attempts of throwing the hoe, and if the hole cannot be opened at the spot with five swings or less.

In auger planting , the spot in considered unplantable if a suitable spot cannot be found after three attempts at clearing or scalping to find a plantable spot, and then after three attempts to open the hole in the spot with the auger fail.

Unsatisfactory planted tree. A planted tree which fails to meet one or more of the specifications of a satisfactorily planted tree. Refer to definitions for planting violations described by Planting Inspection in FSH 2409.17, 2.82 provided in Section J.

Wasted material. Material provided to the Contractor to conduct a task such as installing artificial shade or animal damage control that is lost, dropped, or damaged by the Contractor, or which is installed on trees not in accordance with the requirements of the contract. This may include, but is not limited to, installing shade on the wrong species or netting on the wrong tree(s).

Wasted tree. A tree that is lost, damaged, destroyed or handled contrary to the standards for care of trees. Planted trees that exceed the maximum number of trees in the Planting Inspection plot procedure are also considered wasted trees.

C. 3. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY and SERVICES

The property and services that will be provided by the Government are as follows:

Delivered to delivery point.

Date of Revision: 12/08/2009 Section J, Exhibit 06.

C. 4. CONTRACTOR WORK REQUIREMENTS and STANDARDS

C.4.1. General

C.4.1.1. Road Access. The Contractor may access the project to the access point from forest roads indicated on project maps. All units require the Contractor to walk from the access point noted on project maps.

C.4.1.1.1. Tree transport within unit. The Contractor may transport trees from the secondary tree delivery point to portions of the unit at the Contractor’s discretion consistent with any restrictions on motorized or other vehicle types specified in the contract and with COR approval.

C.4.1.2. Walk-in Units. These units cannot be accessed from open forest roads. The Contractor shall transport trees from the secondary tree delivery point to the unit using the method of his/her choice consistent with restrictions on motorized vehicles or other transport method noted in the contract.

C.4.1.3. Air Transport. Air Operations are not allowed without prior approval.

C.4.1.4. Locked Gates. In cases where units are behind locked gates, the Contractor shall close and lock gates (see C.3.4) after entering or exiting each gate and will be subject to all other restrictions of administrative use. The Contractor is permitted to drive from the locked gate to the unit access point with only the minimum number of vehicles necessary for efficient transport of the crew. No firearms are permitted behind locked gates.

C.4.1.5. Tree Orders and Delivery. The Contractor shall order trees at least 12 hours in advance of desired delivery. This time period is necessary to allow the Government time to prepare trees for planting and for acclimatization if needed.

C.4.1.5.2. The Contractor shall plant all trees ordered and delivered to the planting unit within 12 hours of delivery, unless otherwise approved by the COR. Trees shall not be returned to the Government for cooler storage unless approved by the COR. When the COR determines that conditions are unsuitable for planting, the Contractor shall return all unplanted trees to the delivery point with no penalty for delay in planting the delivered trees.

C.4.1.6. ADC Materials Orders and Delivery. Not Applicable

C.4.1.7. Return Government Equipment. The Contractor shall return unused Government supplies, unplanted trees, all packaging materials, and wrapping materials to the delivery point at the end of each planting day. Gate locks shall be returned after completion of the planting unit accessed by the gated road.

C.4.2. Tree Handling and Care

C.4.2.1. The Contractor shall be responsible for the care of trees from the delivery point and throughout the time that trees are in possession of the Contractor to assure they are properly cared for and not damaged or exposed to damaging conditions consistent with FSH 2409.17, 2.53 parts 6 and 7, provided in Section J. Trees not properly cared for may be considered wasted trees.

C.4.2.1.1. Augers shall be lubricated with vegetable oils or similar substances not injurious to trees.

C.4.2.2. Contractor shall not alter the trees (includes no root or top pruning).

C.4.2.3. Contractor shall take precautions to keep roots moist during the planting operation.

C.4.2.4. The Contractor shall be aware of environmental hazards which affect tree survival; he/she shall alter crew work schedules and tree handling practices to allow planting whenever possible. Environmental Hazards are described in FSH 2409.17, 2.53, part 8 and 2.82 part 1c.(2) and provided in Section J.

C.4.2.6. Care for wrapped bundles. When bareroot trees are wrapped in burlap or kimtex-like material, additional care must be taken so the trees do not warm and spoil, and become wasted trees.

C.4.3. Tree Preparation – Not Applicable

C.4.4. Tree Planting

C.4.4.1. Satisfactorily Planted Tree. Trees shall be planted satisfactorily both above and below ground as defined in FSH 2409.17, 2.66 and 2.67. Trees shall be planted in moist soil, free of foreign debris, and in a hole deep enough to accommodate the fully extended tree roots, and shall meet all requirements of the contract. The open-hole method shall be used as described in FSH 2409.17, 2.63. FSH references are provided in Section J.

C.4.4.2. Clearing and Scalping. Each planting spot shall be free of surface debris and competing vegetation consistent with FSH 2409.17, 2.62 parts 1 and 2. The distances may differ from those stated in FSH 2409.17, 2.62.

C.4.4.3. Shade. Trees shall be planted in the best microsite available to mitigate problems associated with hot dry aspects, consistent with FSH 2409.17, 2.61, part 2 and 3a. Each tree shall be as close to the shade material as possible.

C.4.4.3.1. Planted trees shall be shaded consistent with the following shade requirements and identified in task orders.

Shade Requirements Codes

1. No shade. A tree may be planted based on spacing and there is no requirement to select the planting spot based on shade or protection.

2. Stationary material first, then plant in open. A tree shall be planted next to stationary material when it is available. When stationary material is not available, the tree may be planted in the open.

3. Stationary material first, transportable shade second, plant in open last. A tree shall be planted next to stationary material when it is available. If stationary material does not exist in the spacing allowance, shade shall be transported to the tree. When neither stationary nor transportable material exists, the tree may be planted in the open.

4. Stationary material first, transportable shade second, do not plant last. A tree shall be planted next to stationary material when it is available. If stationary material does not exist in the spacing allowance, shade shall be transported to the tree. When neither stationary nor transportable material exists, the tree will not be planted.

C.4.4.3.2. When shade is required, each tree shall be shaded at the ground level from the afternoon sun (approximately 2-4 p.m.), except on east facing slopes when the tree shall be shaded from the morning sun .

C.4.4.3.3. When transportable (shade) material is required, it must be at least 3 inches in diameter, and be within one-half of the spacing distance to the planted tree. Do not place shade on the uphill side of a planted tree where it can roll on to the tree.

C.4.4.4. Protection-only. Trees shall be planted in the best microsite possible to mitigate trampling, harsh winds, etc. No additional protection measures beyond shade clauses will be required.

C.4.4.4.1. Planted trees shall be protected consistent with the protection requirement. Each tree shall be planted as close to the stump, log, or other suitable protection material as possible.

C.4.4.5. Spacing. Trees shall be planted to achieve the average spacing specified in the Detailed Information Chart. For individual trees, the spacing may be varied as much as 50 percent in any direction to attain the best plantable spot. The number of trees planted shall not be materially changed by the method of selecting planting spots.

C.4.4.6. Acceptable established trees and other planted trees. A tree shall not be planted in direct competition with an acceptable established tree or another planted tree. Therefore, do not plant a tree closer than:

(a) 50 percent of the planting spacing, from an acceptable established tree (See Section C.2 Definitions)(example: with 14’ x14’, no closer than 7’) or

(b) two feet from any dead seedling/sapling size tree.

C.4.4.7. Residual trees. Unless directed otherwise by the COR, trees shall be planted at the prescribed spacing from the bole of residual trees.

C.4.4.8. Species Mix. Where a mixture of species is required, the Contractor shall distribute the variety of species over the entire unit except when otherwise noted by the COR. When there is a geographic preference for certain species (i.e., red cedar in draws), the Contractor shall discuss the requirements for species placement with the COR before the unit is planted.

C.4.4.9. Trees not meeting specifications. The Contractor is not obligated to plant trees that do not meet the specifications in C.3.5 and they shall be returned to the Government. Except as noted below, if trees not meeting specifications are planted, they shall be planted satisfactorily.

C.4.4.9.1. In no cases shall bareroot trees with root systems less than 8 inches long and fewer than 3 roots (vertical or lateral) be planted. The Contractor shall return them to the Government

C.4.5. Artificial Shade installation. Not applicable.

C.4.6. Animal Damage Control (ADC) installation – Not Applicable

C.4.7. Quality Control. The Contractor shall prepare a Quality Control Plan as described in Section E. The Contractor shall inspect the work in accordance with the accepted Quality Control Plan.

C.4.8. Work Plan and Schedule. The Contractor shall prepare a work plan and schedule that demonstrates that work will be completed within the performance period described in Section F. The Contractor shall provide a general plan with the technical proposal. A supplementary plan and schedule shall be provided after issuance of a task order.

The Contractor shall update the work plan as work is in progress to account for changes; the Contracting Officer may accept the updated work plan.

C.4.9. 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 conditions will be consistent with the requirements of Section H and Section I.

C.4.10. Communications. The Contractor shall keep the Contracting Officer advised as to where the Contractor can be reached prior to start of Contract Time. Further the Contractor shall maintain contact with the Contracting Officer during periods of work suspension to reduce any delay in resuming planting and to determine the best suitable time and conditions to resume planting.

C.4.11. On-site Representative. The Contractor’s on-site representative shall be fully conversant and literate in the English language and shall be in the work area whenever work is in progress. Refer to F.3. Superintendence by the Contractor. The Contractor’s Inspector shall also be conversant and literate in the English language.

C.4.12. Crew Safety. The Contractor shall consider and address crew safety and provide a Safety Plan consistent with FAR 52.236.13, Accident Prevention, recognizing that areas of snags and fire burned trees will present high hazards, particularly in windy conditions.

C. 5. STANDARDS

C.5.1. Mandatory Standard. The following sections from the Forest Service Handbook, R1-Supplement 2409.17-2002-1 (effective 4/29/2002), Chapter 2 – Reforestation, are mandatory for execution of this contract.

Sections: 2.53 parts 3, 5-8; 2.61; 2.62 parts 1 and 2; 2.63; 2.66; 2.67;and 2.82 parts 1.c. and 2.

Sections mandatory for contract execution are provided in Section J as guidelines; the complete handbook is available at: http://www.fs.fed.us/im/directives/field/r1/fsh/2409.17/2409.17_2_01-2_5 and www.fs.fed.us/im/directives/field/r1/fsh/2409.17/2409.17_2.6-2.9.doc

C.5.2. Non-Mandatory Standard. The following references do not supersede direction given in C.5.1 or requirements set forth in this contract, but provide background and supporting information that may be useful to a prospective offeror.

C.5.2.1. The Forest Service Handbook, R1-Supplement 2409.17-2002-1 (effective 4/29/2002), Chapter 2 – Reforestation exclusive of the sections listed in C.5.1. The handbook is available at the website specified in C.5.1.

C.5.2.2. Tree handling and planting procedures that are acceptable are like those generally accepted for planting seedlings in forested conditions. There are a number of references describing the care and planting procedures. One reference is Reforestation Practices in Southwestern Oregon and Northern California (eds. Stephen D. Hobbs, Steven D. Tesch, Peyton W. Owston, Ronald E. Steward, John C. Tappeiner II, Gail E. Wells), Oregon State University Corvallis, Oregon. Specifically refer to Chapter 14, Seedling Handling and Planting by Robin Rose, pp. 330, and 334-343.

C. 6. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY

The following describes the major items in the contract with the incentives and deductions for the work described. Items below are included here as requirements.

Tree Handling and Care C.4.2, and Tree Preparation C.4.3 Trees are properly handled and cared for. Box temperatures are below 40 degrees F while in the Contractor’s possession. When violations occur, Contractor takes corrective action immediately.

Tree bundles are properly wrapped Bundles that are not properly wrapped are reworked.

· If Contractor meets the standard, no deduction.

· If Contractor does not meet the standard and/or take corrective action, the Government may assess liquidated or actual damages (Section G), and provide adverse performance assessment.

Tree Planting C.4.4

· If Contractor achieves 93% planting quality or greater, full unit price as incentive.

· If Contractor does not achieve at least 93% quality, deductions as per Section G. May result in adverse performance assessment.

ADC Installation C.4.6.

Not Applicable

Quality Control C4.7.

· If the Contractor fails to meet standards, work may be suspended or the Contractor put in Default for failure to take corrective action immediately and result in adverse performance assessment.

· When Contractor’s plot inspections meet standards, no deduction.

· If quality does not meet standard, deduction (Section G) and/or additional costs to the Government will be assessed.

Work Plan and Schedule C.4.8.

· Work not completed on schedule is subject to Default and may result in assessment of actual costs.

SECTION E--INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E. 1. 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): http://www.arnet.gov/far

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR Chapter 1) CLAUSES

52.246-4 Inspection of Services - Fixed-Price (AUG 1996)

E. 2. CONTRACTOR QUALITY CONTROL

E.2.1. Quality Control Plan. The Contractor shall provide a general Quality Control Plan (QCP) with the technical proposal. The Contractor shall supplement the QCP 10 days prior to start of work based on items awarded to the Contractor and Government comments.

The general Quality Control Plan must demonstrate how the Contractor will assure quality meets the requirements and specifications of the contract. The Plan shall describe how quality will be monitored to assure the performance standards are met, the supervision of crew and work, and personnel that will be performing the quality control. Quality control shall include monitoring quality while planting is in progress, tree care, and other associated tasks, and an unbiased sample of planting for determining actual quality percentage.

E.2.2. Plot Inspections- Tree Planting. The Contractor shall maintain a plot system that provides an unbiased sample of planting quality, and which represents the entire area planted. The plot system shall be consistent with the Planting Inspection method, specified in FSH 2409.17, 2.82 part 2, (provided in Section J). The Contractor shall sample at least 1-percent of the planted area, with a minimum of 5 plots per unit.

A 1/50th acre or appropriated plot size shall be used during inspection.

The Government will observe or re-examine the Contractor’s plots at any time.

E.2.2.1. The Contractor shall mark and identify each inspection plot on the ground.

E.2.2.2. The Contractor shall provide written inspection data by unit using the Planting Inspection Sheet (R1-2470-9), Section J, and shall provide a sketch map of the unit with plot locations. The Contractor shall provide the planting inspection sheets and maps to the Government by 8 a.m. the day after inspection, and the person who conducted the inspection shall sign and date each sheet and certify that the inspection records are complete and accurate.

No. of Satisfactory Trees Above Ground No. of Satisfactory Trees Below Ground (Column 9) X (Column 11) X 100 = Quality % Actual No.

Of Plantable Spots on which No. of Trees Dug Trees should have been Planted (Col. 5) (Column 10) )E.2.2.3. The following calculation shall be used to determine planting quality percent (reference columns of Planting Inspection Sheet):

All computations will be carried out to at least thousandths (.000) and the final percentage of planting quality as calculated above will be rounded to the nearest whole percent.

E.2.2.4. A tally of trees that are in excess to the maximum allowable trees to be planted shall be included in the plot inspection and noted in Column 8 of the Inspection Sheet. These trees are considered wasted trees. To ensure that trees are distributed throughout the unit fairly consistently, wasted trees shall be tallied by plot. The Government will use the sum of wasted trees on all plots to determine the liquidated damages assessment, Section G.

E.2.3. Inspections - Artificial Shade and/or Animal Damage Control. – Not Applicable

E.2.4. Acceptance. The Contractor’s Quality Control inspections for planting shall be within 5 percent of the Government quality assurance to be considered acceptable.

E.2.4.1. The Contractors quality control will be deemed unacceptable when the Contractor fails to provide planting quality within 5 percent of the Government’s quality assurance results at the completion of a unit. When the Contractor’s quality control is unacceptable, payment for the unit will be based on results of the Government’s quality assurance (G.3.1.).

If the Government’s results are objectionable to the Contractor, the Contractor may request a re-examination in writing within 5 calendar days after receipt of the Government’s quality assurance inspection results. The request shall include documentation that supports that the probability of an error exists. The Government’s re-examintion will consist of a 2-percent sample utilizing the same inspection method as the original examination, but new plots will be selected with different plot centers than the plots previously inspected by the Government. If the results of the re-examination are within 5-percent of the Contractor’s submitted quality control results, the Contractor’s results will be considered acceptable and used for pay. If results of the re-examinatoin exceed 5-percent of the Contractor’s submitted quality control results, the Government’s re-examination results will be used for the basis of pay and the Contractor will be assessed the costs incurred by the Government that are directly related to the performance of such service.

SECTION F--DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F. 1. 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): http://www.arnet.gov/far

F. 2. DELIVERIES

F.2.1. Contract Performance Time and Required Rate of Progress

Tree survival and growth is dependent upon proper soil and weather conditions at the time of planting and these conditions only prevail for a limited length of time. It is therefore imperative that work be started promptly after conditions for planting become suitable. The Contractor shall maintain progress at a rate that will assure completion within the performance period. The minimum acceptable rate of progress will be calculated by dividing the total unit of work for each Item by performance time specified. In the event the Contractor is delayed and falls more than 2 calendar days behind the progress rate required above, the Contractor’s right to proceed is subject to immediate termination for default. See FAR 52.249.10, Default, Section I, for additional information.

F.2.2. Contract Time. (See Period of Performance definition.) The Contractor shall start work promptly after receipt of a Notice to Proceed. The Contractor shall maintain progress at a rate that will assure completion within the stated contract time. The contract time specified in each Task Order will generally not exceed a required rate of progress exceeding that determined from the accepted work plan. If more than one area is available for planting, the Government may prescribe the planting sequence.

The Forest Service will issue a Notice to Proceed as soon as weather and ground conditions are favorable for planting and survival of the trees on one or more of the areas. Contract time will start: (1) on the date specified on the Notice to Proceed, if the notice is hand-delivered; or (2) on the third-day after the post office has issued a Notice of Certified Mail to the Contractor; or (3) when planting commences, whichever is sooner. Failure of the Contractor to pick-up Certified Mail will not be considered excusable.

F.2.3. Unsuitable Conditions. Whenever it is determined that environmental or physical conditions become unsuitable for tree survival, or when extreme weather conditions create the potential for blowdown, the Contractor shall move to another area identified by the Contractor and agreed to by the Contracting Officer, or take other mitigating actions to improve the situation agreed to by the Contracting Officer. When there is no acceptable mitigating practice and no other area is available, the Contracting Officer shall suspend work and stop the contract time. When conditions are again suitable, the Contracting Officer will issue an oral Resume Work Order and confirm that order in writing. The count of contract time will resume on the day indicated by the Contracting Officer. If the Contractor fails to keep in contact with the COR consistent with Section C.4.10, a written Resume Work Order will be mailed and the count of days of contract time will resume on the date specified in that order.

F. 3. FAR 52.236-6 SUPERINTENDENCE BY THE CONTRACTOR (APR 1984). At all times during performance of this contract and until the work is completed and accepted, the Contractor shall directly superintend the work or assign and have on the worksite a competent superintendent who is satisfactory to the Contracting Officer and has authority to act for the Contractor.

F-2 - AGAR 452.211-74 Period of Performance (FEB 1988)

The period of performance of this contract is from May 1, 2011 through Jun 15, 2011.

The Contractor shall maintain progress at a rate which will assure completion of work within the contract time specified above.

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

SECTION G--CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G. 1. MEASUREMENT

G.1.1. The area to be planted is provided in the Schedule of Items, Section B.. All linear and area measurements under this contract are measured on a horizontal plane. Boundaries are marked by flagging.

G.1.1.1. Acre unit of measure. When the quantity of measure is acres, the Contractor will be paid based on the acres indicated on the Schedule of Items.

Total No. Trees _ Total Wasted

Planted (Col. 7) Trees (Col 8) X Reciprocal of Plot Size X Acres = Number of Trees Number of Plots 1000 )G.1.1.2. Per Thousand unit of measure - tree planting. When the quantity of measure is by the per thousand trees planted, the actual number of trees planted will be computed based on the Government’s plots conducted for this purpose using the following formula (reference columns of Planting Inspection Sheet):

In no case will the calculated trees exceed the number of trees issued.

G.1.1.3. Actual Quantity unit of measure- artificial shade and ADC. Not applicable

G.1.2. Re-measurement. The Contractor may at any time after award request re-measurement of any unit/subitem. The request must be in writing within 10 calendar days after completion of a unit or pay item. The Government’s re-measurement of the unit/subitem will be made within the established boundaries.

G.1.2.1. Payment will be based on the re-measurement of the acreage or quantity count except when:

a. Per Acre unit of measure: No payment adjustment shall be made for areas less than 1 acre.

b. Per Thousand or Each unit of measure: No payment adjustment shall be made for quantities of 500 or less.

G.1.2.2. The Contractor shall pay for the cost of re-measurement if the re-measurement results in:

a. Per Acre unit of Measure: An increase of less than 1 acre on units smaller or equal to 20 acres or an increase of less than 5 percent on units larger than 20 acres.

b. Per Thousand unit of measure: An increase of less than 5 percent.

G. 2. METHOD OF CALCULATING PAYMENT

G.2.1. The Contractor’s Quality Control

For each completed unit, the Contractors quality control inspection percentage for tree planting, artificial shade, and animal damage control will be compared to the Government’s assessment results. If the results differ by 5 percent or less, the Contractor’s inspection will be considered acceptable and the quality percentage will be used as the basis for payment. When the results differ by more than 5 percent, the Government’s inspection percentage will be used as the basis for payment as per E.2.4.

G.2.2. Tree Planting- Payment Calculation Payment less damages will be based on the following methods.

G.2.2.1. Planting quality meets or exceeds 93 percent. Whenever the quality of planting exceeds 93 percent, based on the Contractor’s quality control inspection (plots) and verified by the Government assessment, the quality of planting will be acceptable and payment will be made at the full unit price for tree planting.

Payment Example: With a unit price of $100 and a unit size of 60 acres, the bid price would be $6,000. If the Contractor’s planting quality were 95 percent, payment would be $6,000.

G.2.2.2. Planting Quality less than 93 percent and at least 80 percent or over. Whenever the quality of planting is below 93 percent but is 80 percent or over, based on the Contractor’s quality control inspection (plots) and verified by the Government monitoring/assessment, the quality of planting will be considered unacceptable and payment will be made for the value of the…