AG-82CS-S-13-0013.pdf

AG-82CS-S-13-0013

SOLICITATION, OFFER AND AWARD

4. TYPE OF SOLICITATION2. CONTRACT NUMBER 3. SOLICITATION NUMBER

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

ORDER UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700)

6. REQUISITION/PURCHASE NUMBER

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

NEGOTIATED (RFP)

SEALED BID (IFB)

5. DATE ISSUED

1. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED RATING PAGE OF PAGES

1 47

C. E-MAIL ADDRESS

EXT.NUMBERAREA CODE

B. TELEPHONE (NO COLLECT CALLS)A. NAME

10. FOR

INFORMATION

CALL:

CAUTION: LATE Submissions, Modifications, and Withdrawals: See Section L, Provision No. 52.214-7 or 52.215-1. All offers are subject to all terms and conditions contained in this solicitation.

(Date)(Hour) local timeuntildepository located in copies for furnishing the supplies or services in the Schedule will be received at the place specified in Item 8, or if hand carried, in the

SOLICITATION

9. Sealed offers in original and

PART IV - REPRESENTATIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS

OTHER STATEMENTS OF OFFERORS

EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

INSTRS., CONDS., AND NOTICES TO OFFERORS

REPRESENTATIONS, CERTIFICATIONS AND

LIST OF ATTACHMENTS

CONTRACT CLAUSES

PART III - LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS AND OTHER ATTACH.

I

J

K

L

M SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

PACKAGING AND MARKING

DESCRIPTION/SPECS./WORK STATEMENT

SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT FORM

PART II - CONTRACT CLAUSESPART I - THE SCHEDULE

H

G

F

E

D

C

B

A

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

11. TABLE OF CONTENTS

18. OFFER DATE17. SIGNATURE

SUCH ADDRESS IN SCHEDULE.

IS DIFFERENT FROM ABOVE - ENTER

15C. CHECK IF REMITTANCE ADDRESS

EXT.NUMBERAREA CODE

15B. TELEPHONE NUMBER

(Type or print)AND

ADDRESS

OF

OFFEROR

CODE FACILITY

16. NAME AND TITLE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO SIGN OFFER15A. NAME

DATEAMENDMENT NO.DATEAMENDMENT NO.

and related documents numbered and dated):

amendments to the SOLICITATION for offerors

(The offeror acknowledges receipt of

14. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF AMENDMENTS

CALENDAR DAYS (%)30 CALENDAR DAYS (%)20 CALENDAR DAYS (%)10 CALENDAR DAYS (%)

(See Section I, Clause No. 52.232.8)

13. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

designated point(s), within the time specified in the schedule.

by the offeror) from the date for receipt of offers specified above, to furnish any or all items upon which prices are offered at the price set opposite each item, delivered at the

12. In compliance with the above, the undersigned agrees, if this offer is accepted within ______________ calendar days (60 calendar days unless a different period is inserted

NOTE: Item 12 does not apply if the solicitation includes the provisions at 52.214-16, Minimum Bid Acceptance Period.

OFFER (Must be fully completed by offeror)

IMPORTANT - Award will be made on this Form, or on Standard Form 26, or by other authorized official written notice.

28. AWARD DATE

(Signature of Contracting Officer)

27. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

25. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

26. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

CODE 24. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than Item 7)

ITEM

(4 copies unless otherwise specified)

23. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN

41 U.S.C. 253 (c) ( 10 U.S.C. 2304 (c) (

22. AUTHORITY FOR USING OTHER THAN FULL AND OPEN COMPETITION:

21. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION20. AMOUNT19. ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS NUMBERED

AWARD (To be completed by government)

CODE

04/12/2013 X

82X9

USDA FOREST SERVICE

ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION ATTN AQM

15 BURNETT COURT

DURANGO CO 81301

USDA Forest Service Attn: Ginger Domingos 15 Burnett Court Durango, CO 81301

FRONT DESK (BLOCK 7) 1400 MT 05/15/2013

GINGER R DOMINGOS 970

gingerdomingos@fs.fed.us

385-1245

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

PAGE(S)

GINGER R. DOMINGOS

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition is unusable

STANDARD FORM 33 (Rev. 9-97)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.214(c)

1-2 3-9

10-17 20-21 22-23 24-31

32-36

38-41

42-45

46-47

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

2 47

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

AG-82CS-S-13-0013

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

TITLE: Cone Collection IDIQ for San Juan, Rio Grande, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, Pike and San-Isabel National Forests, Region 2, USDA Forest Service, Colorado

OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

Sponsored by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

NSN 7540-01-152-8067

Solicitation No. AG-82CS-S-13-0013 Page 3 of 47 Cone Colleciton – Southern Tier, Region 2

SECTION B - Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs Schedule of Items

Contractor’s Company Name:

Signature of Offeror:

Title of Offeror:

Date:

DUN’s Number:

Tax ID Number:

Solicitation No. AG-82CS-S-13-0013 Page 4 of 47

2.1.a. SCHEDULE OF ITEMS –Base Year (July 1, 2013 thru June 30, 2014)

Item Number

Description

Estimated Quantity

Unit

Unit Price

B.1.a. PP – Tree Climbing Bushel $ B.1.b. PP – Mechanical Lift Truck Bushel $ B.1.c. PP – Trees felled by Forest Service Bushel $ B.1.d PP- Trees felled by Contractor Bushel $ B.2.a. DF – Tree Climbing Bushel $ B.2.b. DF – Mechanical Lift Truck Bushel $ B.2.c. DF – Trees Felled by Forest Service Bushel $ B.2.d DF- Trees Felled by Contractor Bushel $ B.3.a. ES – Tree Climbing Bushel $ B.3.b. ES – Mechanical Lift Truck Bushel $ B.3.c. ES – Trees felled by Forest Service Bushel $ B.3.d ES- Trees felled by Contactor Bushel $ B.4.a. LP – Tree Climbing Bushel $ B.4.b. LP – Mechanical Lift Truck Bushel $ B.4.c LP – Trees Felled by Forest Service Bushel $ B.4.d LP – Trees Felled By Contractor Bushel $ B.5.a BS – Tree Climbing Bushel $ B.5.b BS- Mechanical Lift Truck Bushel $ B.5.c BS – Trees felled by Forest Service Bushel $ B.5.d BS – Trees felled by Contractor Bushel $ B.6.a SP – Tree Climbing Bushel $ B.6.b SP- Mechanical Lift Truck Bushel $ B.6.c SP- Tree felled by Forest Service Bushel $ B.6.d SP- Tree felled by Contractor Bushel $ B.7.a. BP – Tree Climbing (no spurs) Tree $ B.7.b. BP – Mechanical Lift Truck Tree $ B.7.c. BP – Trees felled by Forest Service Tree $ B.7.d BP – Trees felled by Contractor Tree $ B.8.a. LMP – Tree Climbing (no spurs) Tree $ B.8.b. LMP – Mechanical Lift Truck Tree $ B.8.c. LMP – Trees felled by Forest Service Tree $ B.8.d LMP- Trees felled by Contractor Tree

B.9.a. Mobility Cost for San Juan National Forest (1 mobility cost per task order) Each $

B.9.b. Mobility Cost for Rio Grande National Forest (1 mobility cost per task order)

Each $

B.9.c. Mobility Cost for Pike-San Isabel National Forest (1 mobility cost per task order)

B.9.d. Mobility Cost for Grand Mesa-Uncompahgre-Gunnison NF (1 mobility cost per task order)

Each $

B.10.a. Climb tree for seed sampling purposes (includes all species) Tree $

B.11a Tree Reconnaissance and Tree Selection (Section C.4.2) Day $ Species include: Ponderosa pine (PP); Douglas-fir (DF); Engelmann spruce (ES); Lodgepole pine (LP); Blue spruce (BS); Bristlecone pine (BP); Limber pine (LMP); Southwest white pine (SP)

Not all forests will have all species. Species will be contingent on availability per season.

Solicitation No. AG-82CS-S-13-0013 Page 5 of 47

2.1.b. SCHEDULE OF ITEMS –Base Year (July 1, 2014 thru June 30, 2015)

Unit Price

B.1.a. PP – Tree Climbing Bushel $ B.1.b. PP – Mechanical Lift Truck Bushel $ B.1.c. PP – Trees felled by Forest Service Bushel $ B.1.d PP- Trees felled by Contractor Bushel $ B.2.a. DF – Tree Climbing Bushel $ B.2.b. DF – Mechanical Lift Truck Bushel $ B.2.c. DF – Trees Felled by Forest Service Bushel $ B.2.d DF- Trees Felled by Contractor Bushel $ B.3.a. ES – Tree Climbing Bushel $ B.3.b. ES – Mechanical Lift Truck Bushel $ B.3.c. ES – Trees felled by Forest Service Bushel $ B.3.d ES- Trees felled by Contactor Bushel $ B.4.a. LP – Tree Climbing Bushel $ B.4.b. LP – Mechanical Lift Truck Bushel $ B.4.c LP – Trees Felled by Forest Service Bushel $ B.4.d LP – Trees Felled By Contractor Bushel $ B.5.a BS – Tree Climbing Bushel $ B.5.b BS- Mechanical Lift Truck Bushel $ B.5.c BS – Trees felled by Forest Service Bushel $ B.5.d BS – Trees felled by Contractor Bushel $ B.6.a SP – Tree Climbing Bushel $ B.6.b SP- Mechanical Lift Truck Bushel $ B.6.c SP- Tree felled by Forest Service Bushel $ B.6.d SP- Tree felled by Contractor Bushel $ B.7.a. BP – Tree Climbing (no spurs) Tree $ B.7.b. BP – Mechanical Lift Truck Tree $ B.7.c. BP – Trees felled by Forest Service Tree $ B.7.d BP – Trees felled by Contractor Tree $ B.8.a. LMP – Tree Climbing (no spurs) Tree $ B.8.b. LMP – Mechanical Lift Truck Tree $ B.8.c. LMP – Trees felled by Forest Service Tree $ B.8.d LMP- Trees felled by Contractor Tree

B.9.a. Mobility Cost for San Juan National Forest (1 mobility cost per task order) Each $

B.9.b. Mobility Cost for Rio Grande National Forest (1 mobility cost per task order)

Each $

B.9.c. Mobility Cost for Pike-San Isabel National Forest (1 mobility cost per task order)

B.9.d. Mobility Cost for Grand Mesa-Uncompahgre-Gunnison

Species include: Ponderosa pine (PP); Douglas-fir (DF); Engelmann spruce (ES); Lodgepole pine (LP); Blue

Solicitation No. AG-82CS-S-13-0013 Page 6 of 47

2.1. c. SCHEDULE OF ITEMS –Base Year (July 1, 2015 thru June 30, 2016)

Unit Price

B.1.a. PP – Tree Climbing Bushel $ B.1.b. PP – Mechanical Lift Truck Bushel $ B.1.c. PP – Trees felled by Forest Service Bushel $ B.1.d PP- Trees felled by Contractor Bushel $ B.2.a. DF – Tree Climbing Bushel $ B.2.b. DF – Mechanical Lift Truck Bushel $ B.2.c. DF – Trees Felled by Forest Service Bushel $ B.2.d DF- Trees Felled by Contractor Bushel $ B.3.a. ES – Tree Climbing Bushel $ B.3.b. ES – Mechanical Lift Truck Bushel $ B.3.c. ES – Trees felled by Forest Service Bushel $ B.3.d ES- Trees felled by Contactor Bushel $ B.4.a. LP – Tree Climbing Bushel $ B.4.b. LP – Mechanical Lift Truck Bushel $ B.4.c LP – Trees Felled by Forest Service Bushel $ B.4.d LP – Trees Felled By Contractor Bushel $ B.5.a BS – Tree Climbing Bushel $ B.5.b BS- Mechanical Lift Truck Bushel $ B.5.c BS – Trees felled by Forest Service Bushel $ B.5.d BS – Trees felled by Contractor Bushel $ B.6.a SP – Tree Climbing Bushel $ B.6.b SP- Mechanical Lift Truck Bushel $ B.6.c SP- Tree felled by Forest Service Bushel $ B.6.d SP- Tree felled by Contractor Bushel $ B.7.a. BP – Tree Climbing (no spurs) Tree $ B.7.b. BP – Mechanical Lift Truck Tree $ B.7.c. BP – Trees felled by Forest Service Tree $ B.7.d BP – Trees felled by Contractor Tree $ B.8.a. LMP – Tree Climbing (no spurs) Tree $ B.8.b. LMP – Mechanical Lift Truck Tree $ B.8.c. LMP – Trees felled by Forest Service Tree $ B.8.d LMP- Trees felled by Contractor Tree

B.9.a. Mobility Cost for San Juan National Forest (1 mobility cost per task order) Each $

B.9.b. Mobility Cost for Rio Grande National Forest (1 mobility cost per task order)

Each $

B.9.c. Mobility Cost for Pike-San Isabel National Forest (1 mobility cost per task order)

B.9.d. Mobility Cost for Grand Mesa-Uncompahgre-Gunnison

Species include: Ponderosa pine (PP); Douglas-fir (DF); Engelmann spruce (ES); Lodgepole pine (LP); Blue

Solicitation No. AG-82CS-S-13-0013 Page 7 of 47

2.1.d. SCHEDULE OF ITEMS –Base Year (July 1, 2016 thru June 30, 2017)

Unit Price

B.1.a. PP – Tree Climbing Bushel $ B.1.b. PP – Mechanical Lift Truck Bushel $ B.1.c. PP – Trees felled by Forest Service Bushel $ B.1.d PP- Trees felled by Contractor Bushel $ B.2.a. DF – Tree Climbing Bushel $ B.2.b. DF – Mechanical Lift Truck Bushel $ B.2.c. DF – Trees Felled by Forest Service Bushel $ B.2.d DF- Trees Felled by Contractor Bushel $ B.3.a. ES – Tree Climbing Bushel $ B.3.b. ES – Mechanical Lift Truck Bushel $ B.3.c. ES – Trees felled by Forest Service Bushel $ B.3.d ES- Trees felled by Contactor Bushel $ B.4.a. LP – Tree Climbing Bushel $ B.4.b. LP – Mechanical Lift Truck Bushel $ B.4.c LP – Trees Felled by Forest Service Bushel $ B.4.d LP – Trees Felled By Contractor Bushel $ B.5.a BS – Tree Climbing Bushel $ B.5.b BS- Mechanical Lift Truck Bushel $ B.5.c BS – Trees felled by Forest Service Bushel $ B.5.d BS – Trees felled by Contractor Bushel $ B.6.a SP – Tree Climbing Bushel $ B.6.b SP- Mechanical Lift Truck Bushel $ B.6.c SP- Tree felled by Forest Service Bushel $ B.6.d SP- Tree felled by Contractor Bushel $ B.7.a. BP – Tree Climbing (no spurs) Tree $ B.7.b. BP – Mechanical Lift Truck Tree $ B.7.c. BP – Trees felled by Forest Service Tree $ B.7.d BP – Trees felled by Contractor Tree $ B.8.a. LMP – Tree Climbing (no spurs) Tree $ B.8.b. LMP – Mechanical Lift Truck Tree $ B.8.c. LMP – Trees felled by Forest Service Tree $ B.8.d LMP- Trees felled by Contractor Tree

B.9.a. Mobility Cost for San Juan National Forest (1 mobility cost per task order) Each $

B.9.b. Mobility Cost for Rio Grande National Forest (1 mobility cost per task order)

Each $

B.9.c. Mobility Cost for Pike-San Isabel National Forest (1 mobility cost per task order)

B.9.d. Mobility Cost for Grand Mesa-Uncompahgre-Gunnison

Species include: Ponderosa pine (PP); Douglas-fir (DF); Engelmann spruce (ES); Lodgepole pine (LP); Blue

Solicitation No. AG-82CS-S-13-0013 Page 8 of 47

2.1.e. SCHEDULE OF ITEMS –Base Year (July 1, 2017 thru June 30, 2018)

Unit Price

B.1.a. PP – Tree Climbing Bushel $ B.1.b. PP – Mechanical Lift Truck Bushel $ B.1.c. PP – Trees felled by Forest Service Bushel $ B.1.d PP- Trees felled by Contractor Bushel $ B.2.a. DF – Tree Climbing Bushel $ B.2.b. DF – Mechanical Lift Truck Bushel $ B.2.c. DF – Trees Felled by Forest Service Bushel $ B.2.d DF- Trees Felled by Contractor Bushel $ B.3.a. ES – Tree Climbing Bushel $ B.3.b. ES – Mechanical Lift Truck Bushel $ B.3.c. ES – Trees felled by Forest Service Bushel $ B.3.d ES- Trees felled by Contactor Bushel $ B.4.a. LP – Tree Climbing Bushel $ B.4.b. LP – Mechanical Lift Truck Bushel $ B.4.c LP – Trees Felled by Forest Service Bushel $ B.4.d LP – Trees Felled By Contractor Bushel $ B.5.a BS – Tree Climbing Bushel $ B.5.b BS- Mechanical Lift Truck Bushel $ B.5.c BS – Trees felled by Forest Service Bushel $ B.5.d BS – Trees felled by Contractor Bushel $ B.6.a SP – Tree Climbing Bushel $ B.6.b SP- Mechanical Lift Truck Bushel $ B.6.c SP- Tree felled by Forest Service Bushel $ B.6.d SP- Tree felled by Contractor Bushel $ B.7.a. BP – Tree Climbing (no spurs) Tree $ B.7.b. BP – Mechanical Lift Truck Tree $ B.7.c. BP – Trees felled by Forest Service Tree $ B.7.d BP – Trees felled by Contractor Tree $ B.8.a. LMP – Tree Climbing (no spurs) Tree $ B.8.b. LMP – Mechanical Lift Truck Tree $ B.8.c. LMP – Trees felled by Forest Service Tree $ B.8.d LMP- Trees felled by Contractor Tree

B.9.a. Mobility Cost for San Juan National Forest (1 mobility cost per task order) Each $

B.9.b. Mobility Cost for Rio Grande National Forest (1 mobility cost per task order)

Each $

B.9.c. Mobility Cost for Pike-San Isabel National Forest (1 mobility cost per task order)

B.9.d. Mobility Cost for Grand Mesa-Uncompahgre-Gunnison

Species include: Ponderosa pine (PP); Douglas-fir (DF); Engelmann spruce (ES); Lodgepole pine (LP); Blue

Solicitation No. AG-82CS-S-13-0013 Page 9 of 47

2.2. QUOTE OF ALL ITEMS: Only quotes to the nearest cent will be accepted.

2.3. AUTHORIZED ORDERING ACTIVITIES: Specific work will be performed under a task order. The task order shall be in written form. Task orders may be sent via facsimile and shall be followed with original signed, acknowledgment to and from both parties. Task orders shall only be issued by the Contracting Officer or other warranted procurement official in the Rocky Mountain Acquisition Service Team (RMAST) Office, Region 2, Colorado. Additional task orders may be issued throughout the cone collection season, as needed.

2.4. WRITTEN ACCEPTANCE: Any contract resulting from this solicitation will require written acceptance within 7 (seven) calendar days of receipt by the Contractor.

2.5. ECONOMIC PRICE ADJUSTMENT: The Economic Price Adjustment clause does not appear in this solicitation. Rather, offerors are asked to propose prices for years 2013 through 2018 at this time. The new prices would go into effect at the time of option renewal, should the option be exercised.

2.6. MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM CONTRACT AMOUNTS: During the term of the contract (base and any options exercised) the Government shall place orders totaling a minimum of $2,000.00, but not in excess of $300,000.00.

2.7. BASIS FOR AWARD: Evaluation factors are stated in Section M. More than one contract may be awarded to the Offeror(s) providing the best over-all value to the Government (see Section M). Task Orders will be issued with actual quantities to the Contractor at the beginning of each cone collection period. Task orders may be issued electronically, by fax, or by U.S. Postal Service.

Solicitation No. AG-82CS-S-13-0013 Page 10 of 47

SECTION C - Description/Specifications/Statement of Work

C-1 INTRODUCTION

C-1.1 Scope of Contract

The USDA Forest Service is in need of conifer seed used to restore and reforest National Forest System lands located in Colorado. The purpose of this solicitation is to secure commercial services for the harvest of mature seed cones in areas prescribed by the terms of this contract. Services needed include collecting cones from a variety of species located on 4 (four) administrative National Forests located in Colorado (San Juan, Rio Grande, Pike-San Isabel, and Grand Mesa-Uncompahgre-Gunnison), Collection may be by tree climbing, by using a mechanical lift truck, or by picking from felled trees, as specified by the Forest Service in the task order.

Additional information for each forest can be found at the following webpages:

San Juan – http://www.fs.usda.gov/sanjuan Rio Grande – http://www.fs.usda.gov/riogrande Pike-San Isabel – http://www.fs.usda.gov/psicc Grand Mesa-Uncompahgre-Gunnison - http://www.fs.usda.gov/gmug

The contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, supplies (except those designated as Government furnished) and incidentals to perform all work necessary to select trees (if required) and to pick, bag, label, and deliver cones to the delivery point. All tree seed cones collected under the provisions of this contract are and shall remain the property of the U.S. Government. Unless otherwise specified in the task order, the Government is responsible for surveying and identifying trees or areas for general cone collection.

Cone collections usually take place from August through September for all forests, however actual collections are dependent on cone ripening and there often is a very short period of time suitable for collection. Collection times vary by location, elevation, and species. In any given year, all species will not be collected on all forests.

The resulting Fixed Price, Indefinite Delivery – Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract will include services for tree climbing, use of mechanical lift truck, and picking from felled trees for the collection of cones from a variety of species (refer to Schedule of Items for species listing) in accordance with all safety requirements for such work as directed by the Government. The work may also include tree reconnaissance and tree selection, if required in the task order.

C.1.2 Location and Description

Collection areas may be located throughout the San Juan, Rio Grande, Pike-San Isabel, and Grand Mesa- Uncompahgre-Gunnison National Forests. Collection areas range from 6,000 to over 12,000 feet in elevation on four (4) National Forests, depending on species being collected.

Collection area maps and seed zone information shall be provided in a task order at the pre-work meetings.

C.1.3 Site Visit

No site visit is planned for this project. For further information, contact:

Forest Contact Person Address Phone/Email

San Juan NF Beth Vance

Columbine Ranger District 367 S. Pearl St.

Bayfield, CO 81122

Phone: 970-884-1411 Email: evance@fs.fed.us

Rio Grande NF Diana McGinn 1803 W. Hwy 160 Monte Vista, CO 81144

Phone: 719-852-6241 Email: dmcginn@fs.fed.us

Solicitation No. AG-82CS-S-13-0013 Page 11 of 47

Forest Contact Person Address Phone/Email

Pike-San Isabel NF Jeff Underhill 2840 Kachina Dr.

Pueblo, CO 81008 Phone: 719-553-1513 Email: junderhill@fs.fed.us

Grand Mesa- Uncompahgre- Gunnison NF

George Panek 2250 Hwy 50 Delta, CO 81416

Phone: 970-874-6657 Email: gpanek@fs.fed.us

C.2 TECHNICAL DEFINITIONS

Bushel: dry measurement, 8 gallons or approximately 12 cubic feet.

Branch Hook: Long-handled devise used to pull limbs into the bole of the tree, so that the climber can safely pick cones without damaging the tree.

Cone lot: The cones from a variety of trees, usually at least 20, from the same elevation band and within the same collection area. These cones will be bulked together at a later time but during collection the cones from each tree are maintained separately.

Contracting Officer (CO). The person executing this contract on behalf of the Government, including any duly appointed successor and authorized representatives of the Contracting Officer acting within the limits of their authority.

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

Contract Time: Length of time to be determined based on Task Orders issued allowing a minimum number of contract days for an established number of contract items ordered.

Cut face: The exposed face of one side of a cone that has been cleanly sliced lengthwise along the cone axis exposing the inside of the cone and the seeds.

Mature seed: The actual seed condition will vary by species, but in general seed is considered mature when the embryo fills 90% or more of the embryo cavity (most important criteria) and is a cream or pale yellow color. The surrounding storage tissue (endosperm) is a firm consistency and not a viscous milky condition. The seed coat and seed wing have darkened in color and is easily lifted from the cone scale.

Filled seed per cut face: a method used to determine seed yield which includes the count of seed on the cut face exhibiting the highest exposed filled seed count. Only seed that have been sliced open sufficiently so that the inside of the seed is readily visible are counted as exposed. Only seed containing storage tissue (endosperm) and that are sound are counted as filled seed. Seed that are not sliced open (i.e., the seed coat remain intact), are ignored.

Sound seed: Seed is considered sound when the endosperm and embryo are developing normally and there is no evidence of insect, disease, climatic or other types of damage.

Species Definitions:

Abbreviation Species- Common Name Scientific Name Species Code

DF Douglas-fir Pseudotsuga menziesii PSME ES Engelmann spruce Picea engelmannii PIEN LP Lodgepole Pine Pinus contorta PICO PP Ponderosa Pine Pinus ponderosa PIPO BS Blue spruce Picea pungens PIPU

LMP Limber pine Pinus flexilus PIFL2

Solicitation No. AG-82CS-S-13-0013 Page 12 of 47

Abbreviation Species- Common Name Scientific Name Species Code

BP Bristlecone Pinus aristata PIAR SP Southwestern White pine Pinus strobiformus PIST3

C.3 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY AND SERVICES

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

Item No.

Item Name Description Where, When, How

3.1 Project Maps Maps of seed zones and general

collection areas and information; Will also include Motor Vehicle Use Maps, forest maps and topographic maps.

Maps will be provided with task order or at pre-work meeting.

3.2 General Collection Cone

Tags

Cone ID tags – At pre-work meeting, with task order, or upon Contractor request. Refer to Section J for instructions to fill out tag.

3.3 Bagging Materials Burlap cone bags and fasteners for

bagging cones.

At pre-work meeting, with task order, or upon Contractor request.

The Contractor shall return unused government supplies, maps, and forms to the Government to the same location they were delivered or as agreed to with the COR.

C.4 CONTRACTOR WORK REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS

C.4.1 Access

The Contractor may access the collection areas from forest roads indicated on forest travel maps. All roads should be drivable during the performance period; a high clearance or four-wheel drive vehicle, however, may be necessary, particularly under wet conditions.

The Contractor is not allowed to drive off of forest roads indicated on forest travel maps, unless approved in advanced by the Contracting Officer or Contracting Officer Representative. Travel on closed roads is prohibited, except with prior written permission of the Contracting Officer.

The Contractor shall be responsible for transportation of all equipment and supplies to the cone collection and delivery sites.

Walk-ins to some sites may be necessary, but generally should be less than 1/4 mile.

C.4.2 Tree Selection - General Collection

If required in the task order, Contractor will follow the requirement set forth below in to select the trees that will be used for collection.

C.4.2.1 Cone Lot Requirements. If specified in the Task Order, the Contractor shall survey and select trees for each cone lot specified for collection. Collections within each cone lot shall meet the following criteria described in this section:

C.4.2.1.1 Selected trees shall be within the specified cone lot and elevation bands specified on the General Collection - Information Chart provided with the task order.

C.4.2.1.2 In most cases, at least 20 trees shall be selected. In some cases, the Contracting Officer or COR may authorize fewer trees when cone crops are small. More than 20 trees may be selected to assure there are sufficient cones for the estimated

Solicitation No. AG-82CS-S-13-0013 Page 13 of 47 collection. For BP or LMP collections, the number of trees may be reduced to a minimum of 10 trees, if specified in the task order. Cones from a single tree shall not constitute more than 20% of the cone lot.

C.4.2.1.3 The physical characteristics of the selected trees are indicative of the genetic makeup of the seed, thus the selected trees shall be equal or better than the average of the same species in the area and be healthy and vigorous. Physical characteristics that are desirable include:

Dominant or co-dominant trees (tree crown extends above the general level of the canopy or forms the general level of the canopy) relative to the neighboring trees.

Straight stem free from crook, sweep, spiral grain, and forking.

Branch bases small in relation to the stem and branches should project horizontally or angle slightly upward. Do not collect from “wolfy” trees.

At least 30% live crown ratio.

Tree crown compact for the species but have a large area of foliage.

Conical crown indicating the tree growing and is vigorous.

Free from insect and disease damage.

Tree age approximately 40 to 110 years old. (Very old and very young trees have poor sound seed production even when there are numerous cones.)

History of past cone crops is desirable.

Avoid trees that are isolated by trees of the same species by more than 100 feet (may be inadequately pollinated by other trees).

C.4.2.1.4 The selected trees should have a cone crop that is expected to provide seed quality and quantity suitable for collection as described in C.4.3. If the Government selects the trees, the COR may require the contractor to climb designated trees to pick sample cones to determine ripeness and seed quality prior to making a collection. If after evaluation, no further collections are made from that tree, the Contractor will be paid the bid rate for climbing for seed sampling purposes. If further collections are made from that tree while the Contractor is in the tree, the Contractor will be paid for the collection (bushel of cones) only.

C.4.2.1.5 Each selected tree is at least 200 feet from another selected tree. If two trees are closer, only one can be used in the collection.

C.4.2.1.6 Selected trees are considered appropriate for tree climbing, when applicable, by the Contractor.

C.4.2.1.7 Selected trees should not be taken from second growth plantations.

C.4.2.2 If the Contractor selects the trees, the COR shall accept a sample of the trees in each cone lot selected for collection to assure that the physical characteristics of the selected trees are suitable prior to the Contractor expending the time to collect from trees that could be substandard.

C.4.3 Cone Collection - General Collection

C.4.3.1 General

Except for lodgepole pine (where both current year and closed cones from the previous year will be accepted, if less than ½ of the surface is weathered), cones shall be from the current calendar year, and meet the quality standards described in C.4.3.2. Trees that are picked shall be clearly marked with a Contractor specified number. Contractor may be required to collect from trees, which yield less than 1 bushel per tree.

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The upper 1/3 of the tree crown typically has the best quality cones and should be the priority for collecting. The lower portions of the tree may be allowed by the COR when large collections are needed and the cones meet the quality standards. The Contractor shall flag the highest portion of the tree where cones were picked. The flagging shall be visible from the ground. Contractor shall pick at least 90% of the cones visible from the ground with binoculars before a tree will be accepted.

The Contractor shall take all precautions to prevent excessive damage to trees. Live branches or tops of trees being climbed shall not be deliberately broken or cut. If pole cutting, damage to branches shall be minimized; live branches may be pruned if needed for ladder placement with approval of the COR.

The Contractor shall plan the collection and sequence of collection to be most efficient in collecting the estimated quantity when cones mature but prior to cone flaring.

C.4.3.2 Seed Quality Standards

C.4.3.2.1 Mature, Sound Seed. Only cones with mature, sound seed shall be used in the collection. The Contractor shall discuss with the COR where the seed quality is questionable. Refer to definitions in C.2 for definitions of mature seed and sound seed.

C.4.3.2.2 Filled Seed Content. An acceptable collection for an individual tree shall be based on evaluating the filled seeds per cut face on a sample of at least 5 cones. An average of the cones tested shall have the following minimum number of mature, filled seed per cut face at the time of collection:

Species No. Filled Seeds per Cut Face

DF 5

LP 5

ES 7

PP 7

BS 7

LMP 5

BP 7

SP 5

Due to past drought seasons and unknown Cut Face Seed, the Government may at its option, reduce the minimum number of filled seed per cut face at the time of collection.

Refer to definition in C.2 for definition of filled seed per cut face. The test cones shall come from different branches and different areas of the portion of the tree that will be collected from. Test cones shall be bagged separately (a clean plastic bag is suitable) and delivered with the collection for that tree.

C.4.3.2.3 Cone Condition- Cones must be dry, free of mold and not showing damage by animals, disease, or physical damage.

C.4.3.2.4 The Contractor shall notify the COR when cones are not sufficiently mature for collection; the government may move the contractor to another area or suspend operations if cones have not yet matured.

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C.4.3.3 Cone Care

Contractor actions shall not cause cones to come in contact with the ground surface to avoid contamination of cones by soil bearing fungi. Tarps or other protection may be needed to avoid such contamination.

Cones are live plant material and as such shall not be handled roughly or exposed to damaging conditions. Bags of cones shall not be dropped and shall be protected from moisture and heat.

C.4.3.4 Collection, Cleaning, and Bagging Standards

Prior to delivery, a maximum of one bushel will be put in the Government provided bag to allow cones to expand during storage. Bags shall be free of debris (such as twigs, needles, cone stems, cones of other species or tree source). All bags shall be tied securely shut approximately 3 inches from the top of the bag. Only cones that meet the quality standards shall be included in the bag.

C.4.3.4.1 The contractor shall plan the collection and sequence of collection to be most efficient in collecting the desired quantity when cones mature but prior to cone flaring.

C.4.3.4.2 Branch tips shall not be cut off in order to collect cones. Branches may be bent in gently using a pole with a hook, and cones removed by hand.

C.4.3.4.3 The Contractor may request on a case-by case basis to prune live branches or use a pruning pole if he/she deems it necessary for safety. If the contractor is authorized by the COR to prune and/or pole cut, damage to branches shall be minimized.

C.4.3.4.4 Cones must be placed into bags (furnished by the Government) or other acceptable container, while in the tree and lowered to the ground. Bagged cones shall not be thrown or dropped out of the trees and protected from heat and moisture.

C.4.3.4.5 Cones shall not come in contact with the ground surface to avoid contamination of cones by soil bearing fungi. Tarps or other protection may be needed to avoid such contamination.

C.4.3.4.6 No more than one bushel may be put in the Government provided burlap bags.

Bags shall be free of debris such as (twigs, needles, and cone stems). All bags shall be tied securely as indicated on the bag or approximately 3 inches from the top of the bag.

If specified in the task order, cones from each BP and LMP tree may be required to be bagged separately (one tree per bag(s)).

C.4.3.5 Cone Tags

For each tree, the Contractor shall prepare two general collection cone tags. Information shall be legible through both layers of the cone tag, be in permanent in, and written in English. One tag shall be placed inside the bag at the top, and the other securely fastened on the outside of the closed bag.

The Contractor specified tree number shall be clearly marked on flagging and shall be consistent with the number on the tree, and on the Contractors Collection Record.

C.4.3.6 Delivery

Bagged cones shall be delivered to a mutually agreeable and accessible road near the collection site as soon as practical after bagging the cones; they will be available for pickup by the

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Government on the same day that the collection was made. Cones shall be protected from moisture, heat, and direct sunlight.

C.4.4 Cone Collection

C.4.4.1 Tree Climbing Standards

C.4.4.1.1 The Contractor shall provide ladders, a tagline, and a collapsible pole or branch hook for pulling the branches toward them to reach the cones.

C.4.4.1.2 The Contractor shall take all precautions necessary to prevent excessive damage to trees. Living branches shall not be deliberately broken, barked, or cut nor shall tree trunks be skinned or peeled to cause excessive damage to the cambium. Spur climbing is not allowed for BP and LMP. If the COR determines that excessive damage is occurring, the Contractor’s right to proceed will be suspended until the proper corrections have been made.

C.4.4.2 Mechanical Lift and/or Tree Felling and Slash Requirements

C.4.4.2.1 The Contractor may use a mechanical lift to collect cones if selected trees are within 300 feet, or other approved distance, of a road and accessible to this type of equipment and would not cause resource damage. If soil damage is occurring, operations will be suspended. Alternate collection methods may be substituted.

C.4.4.2.2 With previous approval from Contracting Officer tree felling may be an acceptable method of cone collection. Trees to be felled shall 1st be sampled to ensure sound and viable seed is present. Trees shall be directionally felled to mitigate resource damage. Any potential damage as identified by the COR will be corrected to COR standard. Examples include but are not limited to: trees blocking drainages, roads or culverts; damage to improvements; slash not scattered to specifications etc. Damage to improvements shall be corrected by the contractor within timeframe stated by Contracting Officer. Felled trees shall be limbed at bole and lopped and scattered to lie within 2ft of ground surface.

C.4.5 Cone Collection Record

The Contractor shall provide daily cone collection records to the COR based on the agreed to schedule which allows the government to pick up cones timely and before the end of each workday. The cone collection record shall provide the following information at a minimum for each tree:

Contractor specified tree number

Collector’s name Bushels collected Sound seed per cut face

Location of cone bags Date and time of collection Elevation Number of trees in lot Location of tree Species Contractor’s inspection notes

C.4.6 Crew Safety

The Contractor shall prepare a Safety Plan, which addresses the specific hazards of the work site. The Contractor shall identify the specify conditions that s/he considers is a hazard. The Safety Plan shall also address the personal protective equipment and mitigating measures the Contractor will do to increase safety on the worksite.

If climbing, the contractors shall comply with the safety requirements of:

FSH 6709.11 - Health and Safety Code Handbook, section 22.49, Section J.

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Forest Service National Tree Climbing Guide (Technical Report 0567-2819-MTDC, March 2005;

found at http://www.fs.fed.us/treeclimbing/policy/guide/tree-climbing-field-guide-2005-edition.pdf.)

At the request of the Contractor, alternative procedures may be approved by the Contracting Officer that meet the intent of Forest Service safety requirements, but differ in actual practice.

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

Failure to meet safety requirements will result in an immediate work shut down until requirements are met.

Contractor assumes all risks of loss or damage to his/her equipment and injury to self or employees, and will hold and save the Government and its employees harmless from liability of any nature or kind resulting from performance of this contract, except for negligent acts of Government employees.

C.4.7 Communications

The Contractor shall keep the Contracting Officer’s Representative advised as to where the Contractor can be reached prior to start of Contract Time.

C.5 TASK ORDERS: The Contracting Officer shall submit an executed task order to the Contractor. All work will be ordered by Firm-Fixed price TASK ORDERS (TO) at the prices listed on the Schedule of Items through the Base Period and each Option Year exercised. The price may change only by a written modification to the task order signed by the Contracting Officer and the Contractor. The Contractor shall schedule work to minimize impact on road use when possible.

C.6 452.211-72 Statement of Work/Specifications. (FEB 1988)

The Contractor shall furnish the necessary personnel, material, equipment, services and facilities (except as otherwise specified), to perform the Statement of Work/Specifications referenced in Section J.

C.7 452.211-73 Attachments to Statements of Work/Specifications. (FEB 1988)

The attachments to the Statement of Work/Specifications listed in Section J are hereby made part of this solicitation and any resultant contract.

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SECTION D - Packaging and Marking

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SECTION E - Inspection and Acceptance

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

E. 1 52.246-4 Inspection of Services - Fixed-Price. (AUG 1996)

E.2 Contractor Quality Control

The contractor shall provide a general Quality Control Plan (QCP) with the technical proposal. The Contractor shall supplement the QCP within 10 days before start work based on the items awarded to the Contractor.

The QCP must demonstrate how the Contractor will assure quality meet the requirements and specifications of the contract. It shall describe how quality will be monitored to assure that cone collection meets the standards for tree selection, collection, testing of cones, safety and other associated tasks.

Cone quality inspection shall include tests from at least 5 cones from the area of the crown being collected from and demonstrate that seeds are mature and the average number of mature filled seed meets the minimum quantity described in C.4.3 and C.4.4, and meet the other quality requirements. These test cones shall be provided to the government in a separate bag identified and delivered with the appropriate bag of cones. The test cones may be in addition to that made just prior to the cone collection and if so should be identified as such.

The Contractor shall provide written comments and quality control results to the government on the daily Cone Collection Record.

E.3 Work Plan and Schedule

The Contractor shall provide a work plan and schedule that demonstrates how the work can be completed within the performance time. The Contractor shall advise the COR of the next day’s work area to allow for Government quality assurance.

E.4 Acceptance

E.4.1 The Government will accept all cones which meet the standards in C.4 and F.5.

E.4.2 Collections which fail to meet the above requirements will not be acceptable. When rework is possible, the Contracting Officer may allow rework. When rework is not possible, then the affected bags of cones will be rejected. All rework will be at the expense of the Contractor.

E.4.2.1 If the contractor fails to collect from sufficient trees for the cone lot, the Government may require the contractor to collect from additional trees or reject the cone lot. All cones remain the property of the Government even if they are rejected.

E.4.2.2 If the Contractor fails to collect sufficient cones to meet the estimated quantity in each task order, and the Government determines more are available in the collection area and elevation band, the Government may require the contractor to collect more cones from approved trees. All cones remain the property of the Government even if they are rejected.

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SECTION F - Deliveries or Performance

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.1 52.242-15 Stop-Work Order. (AUG 1989) F.2 52.242-17 Government Delay of Work. (APR 1984)

F.3 452.211-74 Period of Performance. (FEB 1988)

The period of performance of this contract is from award through June 30, 2014. There will be four (4) one year optional years that may be exercised at the discretion of the Government

The Government will issue a Notice to Proceed as soon as cone 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 emailed; Or (2) on the third-day after the post office has issued a Notice of Certified Mail to the Contractor.

Failure of the Contractor to pick-up Certified Mail will not be considered excusable.

F.4 Contract Time

The Contractor shall start work promptly after receipt of a Notice to Proceed. The Contractor shall maintain progress at a rate, which will assure completion within the stated contract. Specific Contract Time will be determined on each Task Order. Progress shall be according to the schedule provided by Contractor and approved by the Contracting Officer.

If the Contractor’s progress falls behind for more than 10 percent, the Contractor’s right to proceed may be terminated if satisfactory progress is not attained within the time specified in a written notice. Such notice may be in the form of a Work Order and shall allow no more than 2 working days for corrective action to be completed.

Contracting Officer may suspend work and stop contract time when no trees with cones in suitable condition for picking are available.

Some variance will occur in approximate start dates due to the uncertainty of cone ripening. The Government will issue a Notice to Proceed as soon as cone conditions are favorable for work. The count of contract time will start on the date specified on the Notice to Proceed.

The decision of the Contracting Officer that the collection season is ended will be final. If the Contracting Officer closes the season prior to the estimated closing date, the Contractor will be paid for the number of bushels collected that are satisfactorily completed and accepted.

F.5 Performance Summary

Specification Work Requirement

Performance Standard Government Method of Assessment

Incentives and Deductions for Meeting Standard

C.4.2 Tree Selection

(if required as part of task order)

90% of trees selected meet standards.

Sample observation;

approval will be given prior to collection.

Failure to meet standard, which results in a delay in collection, may result in Government making selection at Contractors expense.

C.4.2.1 Cone lot requirements

Unless otherwise specified, at least 20 trees are collected from to make up the cone lot and no single tree comprises more than 20% of lot.

Periodic inspection Failure to meet minimum standards will result in rework if possible and/or rejection of cones. Unless agreed in advance, failure to collect from at least 20 trees may deem the collection of the cone lot unacceptable.

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Specification Work

Requirement Performance Standard Government Method of Assessment Incentives and Deductions for

Meeting Standard C.4.3.2

Cone and seed quality

(if required as part of task order)

Cone test indicates seeds are mature and the average number of mature filled seed per cut face meets minimum requirements.

Periodic sample of cones using cut face technique.

Examination of contractor test cones.

Failure to meet minimum standards result in rejection of cones and no payment for all cones collected from the affected tree.

C.4.3.3

Cone care

100% of cones delivered to government are properly cared for.

Periodic Field Observation

Rejection of affected cones.

C.4.3.4

Cleaning, and bagging

Less than 1.5% of the bag may have trash (up to 1 pint per bushel). Bags are filled no more than ½ full (one bushel per two-bushel bag)

Periodic Inspection.

Inspection for trash may occur in the field or at the District Office.

Contractor shall rework unacceptable bags or result in reduced payment.

C.4.3.5

Cone tag All tags are properly filled out with one tag in bag, one secured to top of outside of bag.

100% inspection Failure to meet standards result in rework or rejection of collection for tree in question.

C.4.5 Contractor Collection record

Completely filled out, accurate information, consistent with Cone tag and identifier on the tree.

100% inspection Failure to meet standard result in rework or rejection of collection for tree(s) in question.

C.4.6 Safety All activities meet Safety Plan

Periodic field observation

Failure to meet safety plan will result in work suspension until corrections are made.

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SECTION G - Contract Administration Data

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

G.1 52.242-15 Stop-Work Order. (AUG 1989)

G.2 INVOICES & PAYMENTS:

INVOICES SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO:

Ginger R. Domingos, CONTRACTING OFFICER (CO)

PHONE: (970) 385-1245

FAX: (970) 385-1243

EMAIL: gingerdomingos@fs.fed.us USDA Forest Service, RMAST Attn: Domingos 15 Burnett Court Durango, Colorado

PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY:

USDA Rural Development Centralized Servicing Center 4300 Goodfellow Blvd (FC-233) Bldg 105E St. Louis, MO 63120-1703

PHONE: 314-457-4525

G.3 FOREST SERVICE REPRESENTATIVES:

Ginger R. Domingos will serve as the Contracting Officer on this contract. She will have full warrant authority over all contract issues. She can be reached at 970-385-1245 or gingerdomingos@fs.fed.us

A Contracting Officer Representative (COR) will be appointed for this contract upon award.

His/her delegated authority and responsibilities will be defined on a delegation letter issued after contract award. This delegation will also contain his contact information.

G.4 ADMINISTRATION

1. Contract Award; A written award or acceptance of offer mailed or otherwise furnished to the Contractor shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party.

2. Notice to Proceed; The Contractor shall commence work upon receipt of a properly executed Notice to Proceed.

3. Changes; The Contracting Officer is the only person authorized to approve changes in any of the requirements under this contract and notwithstanding any provisions contained elsewhere in this contract, the said authority remains solely with the Contracting Officer. In the event the Contractor effects any such change at the direction of any person other than the Contracting Officer, the change will be considered to have been made without authority and no adjustment will be made in the contract price to cover any increase in costs incurred as a result thereof.

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4. Unauthorized Instructions from Government or Other Personnel; The Contractor shall not accept instructions issued by any person employed by the U.S. Government or otherwise other than the Contracting Officer, or the authorized representative of the Contracting Officer acting within the limits of his/her authority.

G.5 MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT

Payment will be made at the rates shown in the Schedule of Items for each tree successfully completed and accepted.