ARRA_stand_exam_contract_SOW.docx

STATEMENT of WORK (SOW)

Vegetation Stand Exam and Fuel Loading Data Collection

C.1 Introduction

The Dixie National Forest (DNF) U.S. Department of Agriculture has wildlife habitat and fuels management responsibilities for public lands on the Dixie National Forest. Before the Forest Service can develop a strategy to more effectively manage vegetation, the Dixie needs a thorough inventory of stand structure and wildlife habitat. Therefore, this contract calls for an inventory of vegetation and fuel loading in areas where vegetation management activities are proposed. It will be used to determine the current vegetative stand structure and fuel loading while helping managers implement treatment alternatives to bring areas closer to desired conditions.

Some stand data collection and very limited fuel loading data has been completed in the project areas. More data is needed to ensure Vegetation Stand Structure is accurate and meets the standard confidence interval while documenting pre-treatment fuel loading.

The objective of this contract is to provide the Dixie with stand exam data and fuel loading data of project areas, to current professional standards. With this data vegetation stand structure will be determined and used to comply with Forest Plan and amendment standards. Fuel loading data will be gathered to monitor post project success and ensure compliance with Forest plan.

C.1.1. Scope of Contract

The solicitation is for stand examination data collection activities on Dixie National Forest Land. The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, transportation, supervision, supplies (except those designated as Government-furnished), incidentals, and perform all work necessary to conduct stand examinations in compliance with terms, specifications, conditions, and provisions of this solicitation.

Information shall be collected as outlined in Chapter 4 of the Government provided Common Stand Exam User Guide and Region specific Appendices, unless specifically modified by the contents of this contract.

C.1.1.1. This contract is a Performance Based, firm-fixed price contract.

C.1.2. Location and Description

The project is located across the Dixie National Forest including the Cedar City, Powell, and Escalante Ranger Districts. The Dixie National Forest is headquartered in Cedar City, UT which is located approximately 250 miles south of Salt Lake City or 170 miles northeast of Las Vegas, NV. Ranger Districts are located in Cedar City (Cedar City RD), Panguitch (Powell RD), and Escalante (Escalante RD). The project area is accessed by Federal Highways, State Highways, County Roads, and Forest Roads. A small portion of the project area may be behind locked gates, access will be provided. Maps showing the general area and more specific location are attached in the Exhibits Section.

C.1.2.1 Access. Refer to Government furnished services in Section C.3 and Contractor requirements in Section C.4 for additional information on access to the stands.

C. 2. DEFINITIONS

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

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. The methods for inspecting for quality control are described in the Contractor’s Quality Control Plan (QCP).

C. 3. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

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

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

Section J, Exhibit ___

/products/fsveg/index.shtml .fs.fed.us Provided at pre-work conference.

www.fs.fed.us/emc/nris /products/fsveg/index.shtml .fs.fed.us Provided at pre-work conference.-

Use of Premises permits may be required for contractor’s camp if it exceeds local occupation time limit. All maps, aerial photos, and other unused Government-furnished items shall be returned to the Government upon completion of the job or upon request of the Contracting Officer. Aerial photos must be given exceptional care and returned in essentially the same condition as delivered. Replacement cost for any lost, damaged, or unused Government property that is not returned, shall be deducted from the Contractor’s final payment at the following rates: aerial photos - $10.00 each;

C. 4. CONTRACTOR WORK REQUIREMENTS and STANDARDS

C.4.1. General Specifications.

C.4.1.1. Accessibility: The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining all necessary permission to gain access to sample locations. If the Contractor cannot obtain permission to access a sample location, the Contractor must notify the Government in writing.

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

Most roads are accessible between the months of May through October, though high clearance vehicles may be necessary on some roads. A four-wheel drive, high clearance vehicle is recommended if these roads become saturated with water. The Government assumes no responsibility to maintain roads in a passable condition.

4.1.2 Resource Protection Conditions: Contractors are expected to respond to sensitive resource conditions, i.e. walk to plots where road conditions are poor/wet.

4.1.3 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 contract award.

4.1.3.1 The Contractor shall advise the Contracting Officer of any periods that the Contractor will not be working, not specified in the accepted Work Plan.

4.1.3.2 The Contractor may update the work plan when work is in progress and submit for approval to the Contracting Officer.

C.4.2 Technical Specifications A. Locating Plots

1. Plot Location Determination.

The contractor shall locate plots within each stand on a systematic, unbiased, grid basis. Sample plot locations to be measured within each stand will be marked on one of the provided stereo pairs of photographs or photo overlays or topographical map/s. The number of plots for each stand will be provided by the Government – see site list. No fewer than the indicated number will be acceptable. The grid size for determining distance between plots shall vary between stands to allow the systematic location of the specified number throughout the entire stand. Plots shall be evenly distributed throughout the stand.

The distance between plots for a square grid pattern can be determined for either feet or chains measurement.

a.

· Determine the feet measurement by taking the square root of the number of square feet in the stand area divided by the number of plots. For example, the plot spacing for an 80 acre stand exam of 11 plots is:

Plot spacing = 80 acres * 43,560 square feet / acre 11 plots

Plot Spacing = 3,484,800 square feet 11 plots

Plot Spacing = 562.85 feet between plots b.

· Determine the chain measurement by taking the square root of the stand acres multiplied by 10 and divided by number of plots.

Plot Spacing = 80 acres * 10 11 plots

Plot Spacing = 800

= 8.5 chains

2. Traversing To and Locating Plot Center. The Contractor shall locate the sample plot location on the ground. Upon arrival at the end of the traversed azimuth and distance, the Contractor shall check the photos to see if he/she is at the sample plot location and adjust as necessary.

3. RP Locations. The Contractor shall select and pinprick a point of beginning of the traverse, Reference Point (RP), on the photo. This Reference Point shall be marked on the back of the photo with a waterproof marker and labeled with a number. For example: "RP #l." Reference Points shall be numbered consecutively throughout the location. The Contractor shall determine the true azimuth and distance from the Reference Point to the first sample plot in the stand and from there to the subsequent sample plots. This will require the Contractor to determine the photo scale if not provided. The Contractor shall document the photo scale on the back of the photo. The Reference Point must be easily identified on the photo and on the ground. Effort should be made to hang RP flagging in a location that reduces the opportunity for vandalism (i.e. not within easy reach of a vehicle). The Reference Point location will be as close to the stand as possible or within the stand to be sampled.

The Reference Point shall be marked with glow pink flagging securely tied in a conspicuous location. The following information shall be written on the flagging using a waterproof marker: the letters "RP", RP number, location number, stand number, and true azimuth and distance to first measured plot. For example: "RP #l - l03604-000l 270o @ 5 ch. to plot 0l".

The Contractor shall document the reference points, travel routes, plot locations, and related information on the Stand Sketch & Notes provided in the exhibits. A sample plot may serve as the Reference Point for the subsequent sample plot if documented on the Stand Sketch & Notes provided in the exhibits.

4. Traverse Line Flagging. To facilitate inspection, the Contractor shall securely tie glow pink flagging along the traverse line at eye level, leaving at least a 12-inch streamer. Flagging shall be inter-visible. When crossing a road, flagging shall be tied on the transect line, adjacent to road, and the stand number, plot number, azimuth, and distance to the next plot shall be written on the flagging. When a change in travel direction is made at a spot other than a sample plot location, two flags shall be securely tied at the point of change. One of the two flags shall have the azimuth change written on it using a waterproof marker. For example: "Change Azimuth to 300o". The change shall also be noted on the Stand Sketch & Notes, provided in the exhibits.

Crossing over stand boundaries and installing plots in the wrong stand shall result in rejection of data. When a plot has been relocated, the Contractor shall remove the flagging from the miss-located plot.

B. Plot Center Identification/Flagging

The Contractor shall identify sample plot centers with a marker consisting of a 2 foot length of 3/8 inch rebar or equivalent based on decision at pre-work conference. Upon inspection, the center point of the marker where it intersects the ground shall be used as plot center. Sample plot center markers shall be firmly driven into the ground.

Glow pink flagging shall be tied to the marker, and so that it is visible above the plot center. The location, stand, and plot number, along with distance and azimuth to the next plot, shall be written legibly on the flagging using a waterproof marker. For example: "l03604-000l-0l 326o l0 ch. to plot 02".

The location of each plot center shall be pinpricked on the air photo. On the back of each photo for each plot, the pinprick will be circled with a waterproof marker and labeled with the appropriate Government assigned plot number. This information shall also be recorded in the Traverse Notes on the Setting Form.

C. Survey Technique

Hand compass (adjusted to a magnetic declination of 12° degrees east) and pacing methods or their equivalent shall be used to locate plot centers. Plots shall be located on the ground according to the aerial photo location. Acceptable error is +/- 10% of the distance between each plot or an azimuth error of +/- 5° between each plot. Recurring errors in location of sample plots greater than the acceptable error shall make the stand survey unsatisfactory and relocation of sample plots and remeasurement shall be required.

D. Recording Requirements

The data fields to be collected and recorded are enumerated in Section C 4.3. Data Collection Specifications.

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

· Government provided ExamsPDR program. The ExamsPDR program runs on several types of PDR style computers with the Windows CE or Windows Pocket PC operating system..

· Government provided ExamsPC program. The ExamsPC data entry program runs on computers with the Windows operating systems. This may require data to be recorded on paper forms in the field and then entered into the ExamsPC program at a later time.

The contractor is responsible for providing the computer hardware necessary for running the software program/s E. Qualifications

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

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

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

a. Proficient in the interpretation of aerial photography and associated maps.

b. Ability to distinguish between stand types both in the field and on original or photocopied aerial photographs.

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

d. Ability to accurately identify necessary tree, shrub, forb, and grass species needed for identifying local habitat types.

e. Knowledge of rating tree defects and parasitic plants.

f. Knowledge of common forest insect pests and diseases.

g. Familiar with habitat typing.

h. Proficient in the use of forest measurement equipment.

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

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

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

C.4.3 Data Collection Specifications

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

Detailed information and lists of valid codes for each of the following data forms are found in the Common Stand Exam (CSE) User Guide and Appendices (see Government Furnished Property). If the following contract specifications differ from the provided Common Stand Exam User Guide and Appendices listed in C.4.4 below, the following contract specifications shall have precedent.

A. Setting Form (CSE)

A setting is normally a stand in which the stand exam is being done. Following is a list of data fields required for each setting. Stand Sketch & Notes will be used to record RP description, traverse information and a general stand sketch. Project name (Field 1) will be supplied by the government.

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

Field Num

Field Description

Required Data Source

Comments

Not collected

Not collected

Not collected

Not collected

Not collected

Not collected

Not collected

Not collected

Not collected

Not collected

Not collected

Not collected

Not collected

Not collected

Not collected

Not collected

Not collected

Not collected

All Setting Form fields, whether required by this contract or not, are included on the setting form provided in the exhibits. Fields not specifically required by this contract are to be skipped on the form.

B. Sample Design Form (CSE)

The Contractor shall determine which BAF to use. To determine the BAF to use, a minimum of 5.0 trees per plot (greater than 5.0 inches DBH/DRC) average must be obtained on the variable plots in the stand. For BAF, allowable factors are 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40 and 60. If a BAF of 10 is used, the 5.0 trees per plot average will be waived.

If the small fixed plot size is not listed the contractor shall use a plot size of 1/100 on all small fixed plots.

The same BAF and/or fixed plot sizes must be used throughout the stand.

The contractor shall be responsible for collecting and filling out the Sample Design Form for all data items that are set to “YES” in the Required column. The contractor shall use the Sample Design form in Exhibit 2 as the template for all plots.

Field Num

Field Description

Required Data Source

Comments

Not collected

All sample design fields, whether required by this contract or not, are included on the design form provided in the exhibits. Fields not specifically required by this contract are to be skipped on the form.

C. Plot Form (CSE)

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

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

Capable Grow Area Percent. Based on a 1/10th acre plot, ocular estimate and record the percent of the area that can support tree growth. If the plot has no trees present and is not capable of supporting tree growth (non-stockable), record a 0 percent. If a portion of the plot is capable of supporting trees (stockable), record the percent of the plot area that is capable of supporting trees.

Field Num

Field Description

Required Data

Not collected

Not collected

Not collected

Not collected

Not collected

All plot data fields, whether required by this contract or not, are included on the plot data form provided in the exhibits. Fields not specifically required by this contract are to be skipped on the form.

D. Tree Form (CSE)

Begin recording standing tree data on the Tree form at azimuth 360 (North), progressing in a clockwise direction around plot center. Trees shall be recorded in the following order:

a. Growth Sample Trees located on the variable radius plot or large fixed radius plot or small fixed radius plot.

b. Live Trees and Dead Standing trees located on the variable radius plot or large fixed radius plot.

c. Live Trees and Dead Standing trees located on the small fixed radius plot.

d. Site trees that are located off plot.

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

Field 4: Site/Growth Trees. A minimum of 3 site trees will be sampled per stand. Site trees species selected will be representative of the species comprising the cover type of the stand. Acceptable site tree species are listed in Exhibit 8 -- List of Acceptable Site Tree Species.

Field 9: Height. Heights will be required for all trees recorded.

Field 21,22,24 : Damage. The presence or absence of Dwarf mistletoe will be checked on all pine species and Douglas Fir. Always record if present regardless of what other damages have been recorded. For all other damages record only those significant damages that are most affecting tree growth and/or longevity. For all trees, a maximum of 3 damages will be recorded. If a tree has no significant damage record no damages for that tree.

The following items, except as noted, are required to be collected by the Contractor for each tree on the plot, for the specified exam level. Detailed information and lists of valid codes for each data field are found in the Common Stand Exam User Guide and Appendices (see Government Furnished Property). The contractor shall be responsible for collecting and filling out the Tree Data Form for all data items that are set to “YES” in the Required column

Field Num

Required by Exam Level

Data

Required for:

Plot

Not collected

All tree data fields, whether required by this contract or not, are included on the tree data form provided in the exhibits. Fields not specifically required by this contract are to be skipped on the form.

E. Vegetation Composition Form (CSE)

ONLY GROUND SURFACE COVER DATA WILL BE COLLECTED. Vegetation composition forms 1-3 will not be used for this contract. Form 4 (ground surface cover) will be used to collect data on 1/100 acre (11.8 foot radius).

The following items are required at each plot. Detailed information and lists of valid codes for each data item are found in the Common stand Exam Users Guide and Appendices.

Form Type

Data Source

Remarks

Form

All vegetation composition data, whether required by this contract or not, are included on the vegetation composition form provided in the exhibits. Fields not specifically required by this contract are to be skipped on the form. All ground surface cover data, whether required by this contract or not, are included on the Ground Surface Cover Form provided in the exhibits. Fields not specifically required by this contract are to be skipped on the form.

F. Down Woody Form (CSE)

The following items are required to be recorded on the down woody form at each plot. Detailed information and lists of valid codes for each data item are found in the Common stand Exam Users Guide and Appendices.

Down woody material data will be collected using the Brown’s Planar Intercept method for determining fuel loading. See the Sample Design Specifications, exhibit 2, for the transect lengths.

Field Num

Required Data

All down woody fields, whether required by this contract or not, are included on the down woody form provided in the exhibits. Fields not specifically required by this contract are to be skipped on the form.

C.4.4. Standards

Common Stand Exam User’s Guide and appendices VERISON February 2010

C.4.5 Quality Control

Quality Control Plan: Required to be submitted in the soliciation as part of the evaluation factors for award. The Quality Control Plan must address how the contractor plans on meeting the Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) of key tasks in the Performance Requirements Summary within the Performance Work Statement. The Quality Control Plan is a key component in Performance Based contracts and tells the Government how the contractor palns on inspecting themselves during performance to meet the AQL.

C.4.5.1 Quality Control

The Contractor shall prepare a Quality Control Plan to describe methods and procedures to ensure quality. The Contractor shall inspect the work in accordance with the accepted Quality Control Plan. All Contractor quality control records shall be provided to the Government at the time a block of data is submitted for acceptance. All records shall be signed and dated by the person who conducted the inspection.

The government will review the quality control performed by the contractor as well as any required paper forms, electronic data, and pinpricked plot labeled aerial photographs, or other work submitted to determine whether the quality is sufficient for inspection.

C.4.5.2 Quality Assurance Plan

The government’s Quality Assurance Plan will be given to the contractor at the pre-work meeting. The plan outlines the minimum number of compliance inspections the government will perform on plots that have been inspected by the contractor for quality control. These are turned into the government for compliance inspection as part of quality assurance and inspection and acceptance E.1 . In the example below 10% government inspection of contractor inspected plots and 5% for non-inspected plots would yield :

Number of plots

Contractor Inspects 20% Government Inspects 10 % of contractor inspected

Remaining plots not inspected

Government Inspects 5 % of remaining not inspected

Total Plots Inspected by Government

These percentages may be negotiated by the government to most efficiently perform the quality assurance inspections.

E.1 Inspection and Acceptance

An inspection block, as established by the Government, will contain a minimum of 3 plots and a maximum of 20 plots, and will consist of complete stands. The initial inspection may be done on less than 50 plots if requested by Contractor.

A. Compliance Inspection

The CO will, by formal review, determine if the specified progress and methods of work are being carried out. Failure to comply with specified work standards may be cause for termination of the Contractor’s right to proceed.

B. Inspection of Work

The Government will inspect the stand examinations to determine compliance with contract specifications and to provide a basis for payment. If more than one exam level is specified, inspected stands will be in approximately the same ratio as the exam levels specified. The completed work shall be submitted within seven (7) days after completion of each block. The Government will inspect no more than 20 plots of submitted and completed work per week.

Completed work, consisting of any required paper forms, electronic data, and pinpricked plot labeled aerial photographs, will be turned in for inspection in blocks. Inspection will only be made on completed stands. When electronic data is provided, the inspection will be based on a printout of the electronic data or/ the inspection will be based on the .pdr or .tru files, as applicable.

The Government will make the compliance inspection of each block of completed stands within 10 calendar days without cost to the Contractor. No charge will be made for the first rework inspection. Thereafter, any contract re-inspection required will be at the Contractor's expense. Re-inspection charges may include, but are not limited to: inspector's wages for travel time to and from work site; inspector's wages to re-inspect; per diem cost (meals, lodging, field costs); COR wages; and vehicle use rate and mileage.

C. Demonstration of Inspection Procedures

Upon written request from the Contractor, the Government will perform one demonstration inspection of one sample plot at no cost to the Contractor as an example of inspection procedures and demonstration of potential problems. The Contractor shall accompany the Government inspector on the inspection.

D. Determination of Acceptable Work

An inspection, as stated above, will be performed by the Government for the evaluation of contract specification compliance. The following will be used for determination of acceptable or unacceptable work:

1. Pass-fail check of specified standards and procedures for each block.

Site examinations deficient in any of the following specifications are unacceptable on a "pass-fail" basis and will be returned to the Contractor with the entire block for rework. The determination of noncompliance with these items may be made during the office edit or during field inspection. Many of the following items appear on the Inspection Point Score Calculation Form included in the exhibits.

a. All completed forms and electronic data not submitted to the Forest Service in a timely manner after Contractor completion.

b. Forms that are illegible or cannot be reproduced on a copying machine.

c. Electronic data that cannot be read by Government computers.

d. Stands failing to meet minimum tree/plot averages where specified when a lower BAF could be selected, unless the Government specified the BAF used.

e. Located plot centers not within acceptable distance of plot location based on Government provided data or where plot location bias is evident.

f. Stands having less than the prescribed number of sample plots examined.

g. Sample plot center falls outside the stand boundary as identified on the stand map or aerial photo.

h. Any sample plot center which cannot be located because of improper plot center labeling or because of improper reference point labeling, or for any other reason attributable to noncompliance with specifications.

i. Stands with less than the minimum number of site and/or growth trees (as specified).

j. Stands submitted with incomplete information on any form, paper or electronic. This includes Remarks and the Stand Sketch Map and Traverse Notes.

k. Any form with inaccurate stand location and stand number data.

l. Stands where government supplied information are incompletely or inaccurately transcribed onto the forms.

m. Stands in which plots are not evenly distributed throughout each stand.

n. Stands with an error or incomplete information in a field designated “Unacceptable” in the Point Value column (A) on the Common Stand Exam Inspection Form (See attachments).

2. Point deduction for each deficient entry or procedure on an inspection site.

Acceptable tolerance levels for individual measurements are shown on each Exam Inspection Form located in the exhibits. Any item or measurement indicated by inspection to be outside these tolerance levels will be assigned a point deduction. Point deductions will be calculated separately for each form. An inspection/payment block may fail based on an individual form score or on the total form score calculation.

The number of errors for each field for the entire inspection/payment block is recorded in column 'B', "Number of Errors". The Point Deduction, column 'C', is calculated by multiplying the number of errors, column B, by the "Point Value", column 'A'. The Point Deductions are then totalled at the bottom of column 'C' in the "Total Deductions" field (D). This is then divided by the number of stands, plots, or tree data records inspected- Field (E) to calculate the "Form Score" -Field (F). Field (E) is the number of stands, plots, or tree data records actually inspected for that Form.

In determining pass/fail for Form Score or Total Score for inspections the government score will prevail.

3. Error trend.

If during inspection of selected plots or review of submitted data, the Government determines an error trend is occurring in the information being recorded by the Contractor, the Government will notify the Contractor of the findings. If the same trend continues in future inspection blocks, the blocks will be returned for rework even if the blocks have passing inspection scores. For example, all tree heights are measured taller by 15% when 10%+/- is the tolerance. Even though all other measurements are within tolerance the work could be returned for correction.

If during inspection of selected plots or review of submitted plot sheets, the Contractor’s inspection determines a similar discrepancy is occurring in the information being recorded, the Contractor shall ensure that their personnel are made aware of the findings to prevent further occurrences. In addition, if the Contractor notices a discrepancy trend developing while inspecting plots on the ground, he/she may visit plots not selected in the random sample, to inspect the field(s) in question. These plots will be used to determine if a discrepancy trend does exist, not for payment purposes. The Contractor shall ensure that their personnel are made aware of the findings to prevent future occurrences. Discrepancies found on initial inspection plots are subject to point deduction.

E. Rework of Unacceptable Work

The Government reserves the right to require unacceptable blocks, as determined under Section C. Determination of Acceptable Work, to be reworked. Upon written notification by the CO that a block is unacceptable, the Contractor may be required to complete and submit rework before beginning work on another block. The Government will specify rework requirements for each unacceptable block. In the case of data errors, the Government can require that they be corrected. In the case of plot location errors, the Government may require that the plots be relocated and measured.

1. Correction of Data Errors:

a. Pass-fail failures require correction of errors throughout the block.

b. Point deduction failures require:

For failure due to a Form Score: Correct individual items or measurements in the Form that failed. (i.e., if Tree Form fails, then only that form would need to be reworked). This may require revisiting all stands and sample plots in the block.

For failure due to a Total Score: Correct all items and measurements on all forms. This may require revisiting all stands and sample plots in the block.

For a failure due to a Form Score and a Total Score:. If a block fails due to both a Form score and a Total score, then the rework will be the same as for a Total score failure.

c. Trend error failures require rework of all items identified as having an error trend.

2. Correction of Plot Location Errors:

a. Incorrectly located plots shall be relocated and measured.

The Government will re-inspect blocks of data that have been reworked to determine compliance.

If reworked and re-inspected blocks fail during the first re-inspection, additional rework may be allowed at the discretion of the CO. Failure to pass inspection may result in contract default.

F. Re-inspection upon Contractor Request

If the original inspection results are not acceptable to the Contractor, a re-inspection may be requested, in writing, up to seven (7) days after receiving notification of unacceptable work. If the re-inspection confirms the results of the original inspection, the Contractor shall reimburse the Government for actual costs incurred for performing re-inspection. If re-inspection indicates that work does meet acceptable standards, the Government assumes the cost of re-inspection.

F1. METHOD OF PAYMENT

F. 2. DELIVERIES

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

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 units of work for each item by performance time specified.

F.2.2. Contract Time. 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.

AGAR 452.211-74 Period of Performance (FEB 1988) The period of performance of this contract is from the issuance of NTP through 30 Oct 2010].

The Government will issue A Notice to Proceed as soon as weather and ground conditions are favorable for work 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) Contract Time will start on the third-day after the post office has issued a Notice of Certified Mail to the Contractor; Or (3) Contract Time will start when thinning and/or other work commences, whichever is sooner. Failure of the Contractor to pick-up Certified Mail will not be considered excusable.

F.2.3 Resource Protection Conditions. Insert language required when resource protection issues prohibit access during certain periods.

F.2.4 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 contract award, but 5 days before start of work.

The Contractor shall advise the Contracting Officer of any periods that the Contractor will not be working, not specified in the accepted Work Plan.

The Contractor may update the work plan when work is in progress and the Contracting Officer may accept the updated work plan.

F.3. PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

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

deduction

Stand Exam Data Collection, C.4.3

Quality meets or exceeds acceptable performance standard in C.4.3

· If Contractor achieves acceptable performance quality, the Contractor will receive unit price as incentive.

· If Contractor does not achieve at least acceptable performance quality, rework at no expense to the Government. If rework does not meet acceptable performance quality negative incentive would be no pay, termination for default, and/or adverse performance evaluation.

Quality Control C.4.5 and E.1

· Achieving acceptable quality control is necessary to receive full unit price as positive incentive.

· If Contractor does not achieve at least acceptable performance quality, rework at no expense to the Government. If rework does not meet acceptable performance quality negative incentive would be , no pay, termination for default, and/or adverse performance evaluation.

· The Government may charge for re-inspection of a block in accordance with E.1.

Work Plan and Schedule F.2.4.

· Completing work on schedule is necessary to receive full unit price as positive incentive.

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

Intentionally left blank

B. Payments

Payments will be made on the number of sample plots within an inspection/payment block if that block has been accepted. Payment may be made for partially completed blocks as determined by the Government. No payment will be made for unacceptable blocks.

B. Deductions

Deductions from payments will be made for the following conditions:

1. Replacement cost for any lost, damaged or unused Government property that is not returned will be deducted from the Contractor's final payment at the following rates:

· Aerial photos - $10.00

· List of government furnished property

2. Re-inspection costs will also be deducted for any block that was reworked (other than the first re-inspection).

LIST OF EXHIBITS

1. Survey Stand List including Government specified sample design

2. Sample Design Specifications

3. General Area Map

4. Access Map

5. Stand Map

6. Example Data Forms

7. Common Stand Exam Inspection Forms with Accuracy Standards

8. List of Acceptable Site Tree Species

Dixie NF Fuels/VSS contract 2010 WFM- 0407-04HF 2/26/2010

EXHIBIT 1

Exhibit 1 -- SURVEY STAND LIST

The following is a list of stands to be sampled and the sampling design information to be used for each.

{The forest will fill in the required items for the contractor to use to establish the sampling design.}

(1)

Location/ Watershed Alias (2)

Stand Number (3)

Acres (4)

Photo Id (5)

Num.

of Plots (6)

ALL

Large Tree Expansion Factor

BAF

(7)

LIVE

Large Tree Expansion Factor

BAF

(8)

DEAD

Large Tree Expansion Factor

BAF

(9)

LIVE

Small Tree Expansion Factor

FRQ

(10)

DOWN

Tree Expansion Factor

FRQ

Tree Data

Veg Comp/ Ground Surface

Down Woody

{Columns 6, 7, 8 and 10 can be either a BAF or FRQ expansion factor based on the sample design example followed.} {If column 6 has a value, columns 7 and 8 should be blank and vice versa.}

0 - Form not Used

Exhibit 2 -- SAMPLE DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS

The following specifies the sample design to be used. The contractor will need to include the sample design with each stand.

REGION: _ PROC. FOREST: _ _ DISTRICT: _ LOCATION: ____ STAND NO.___________

Form

Sample Selection Method

XXX

Sample Expansion Factor

XXXXX.X

Starting Azimuth

XXX

Subpop.

Filter

XXXXXXXX

Selection Criteria Number

XX

Subpop.

Variable

XXX

Subpop.

Minimum Value

XXXX.X

Subpop.

Maximum Value

XXXX.X

1. Using a XX BAF, sample standing live trees 5.0” DBH/DRC and larger

2. Using a XX BAF, sample standing dead trees 5.0” DBH/DRC and larger

3. Using a 1/100th acre plot, sample DBH live trees between 0.1” and 4.9 “ DBH, DBH live trees between 0.5’ and 4.4’ in height, and DRC live trees between 0.1” and 4.9” DRC

4. On a 8 foot transect measure dead down woody material .01 to .24 inches in diameter or .24 to .99 inches in diameter.

5. On a 12 foot transect measure dead down woody material 1 to 2.99 inches in diameter.

6. On a 50 transect measure dead down woody material 3 to 99.9 inches in diameter.

7. Using a 1/10th acre plot, sample down dead trees 12” DIA and larger with a length of 8’ or more.

8. On a 1/100 acre plot measure the ground surface cover for…