Uncompahgre_Mastication_SOW.pdf

North Uncompahgre Habitat Improvement Mastication Solicitation No. AG-82D7-S-17-0002

Habitat Improvement Mastication Work 2017 Grand Valley Ranger District

Section B – Schedule of Items

Pay Item

Description Measure Quantity Units Cost/Unit Total

1 La Fair Unit 1

Acres 284 AQ

2 La Fair Unit 2

Acres 232 AQ

3 La Fair RX Line 1

Acres 3 AQ

Additive Bid Units/Optional Acres

4 GUSG Unit

Acres 159 AQ

5 GUSG Unit

Acres 103 AQ

Totals 781 acres

Company:

TIN:

DUNS:

Phone:

E- mail:

REQUIREMENTS: OFFERORS MUST BE REGISTERED IN SAM AND RESPOND TO ALL

CRITERIA INCLUDED IN SECTION L. OFFERORS WHO FAIL TO MEET THESE

REQUIREMENTS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR AWARD.

Section C - Statement of Work

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION, SPECIFICATIONS and WORK STATEMENT

SCOPE OF CONTRACT

This contract will hire a qualified contractor to operate a mastication machines (fecon or hydro-axe) on the Uncompahgre plateau in 2017. The successful contractor will provide the mastication machines and qualified operators in order to accomplish the project areas outlined in the contract. The contractor will be able to provide multiple fecon or hydro-axe machines (at a minimum two machines at all times) while working on this project. Multiple machines will ensure that the project is completed in a timely manner and that work can continue when mechanical issues arise. If all machines are incapacitated due to mechanical issues, the operator will supply an additional machine within 48 hours to continue work.

The machines will have rubber tires and will have either a fecon head or hydro-axe masticator. The project areas will be conducted in several different vegetation types and varying levels of difficulty. The specific areas of treatments are displayed in detail on the maps in the appendix. Once the primary target acres are accomplished, the remaining units will be additive and completed as the funding remains available to accomplish these other target acres. The following will be provided by the contractor and will be included in the bid per acre for the completion of the project.

• Mobilization of the machine at the beginning and end of the work period.

• A qualified operator(s) that is familiar with the machine and can work for an extended period of time on the various planned projects. Operator will be responsible for the daily maintenance and upkeep of the machine.

• Contractor will provide on-site support equipment that can optimize the daily production. This would likely be in the form of a fully equipped service truck that can provide service and repairs in the field.

• Fuel will be provided by the contractor and will be incorporated into the price per hour. A fuel trailer or similar container that is moveable should be provided to the job site for the duration of the rental agreement.

• Contractor will utilize a GPS unit to delineate treatment units and areas that are to be avoided.

No new roads or trails will be constructed during the implementation phase of the project, with access and travel, restricted to existing roads and trails within the project area.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objectives of the proposed treatments is to thin various vegetative stands in order to improve stand growth and health, promote the growth of understory forbs and shrubs; while reducing the threat of a catastrophic wild-fire or pine beetle infestation within this stand. The machines may also be utilized to help create fire lines and fire breaks around future planned prescribed fire areas. This would require the mastication of all vegetation along a linear perimeter approximately 10 -20 feet in width.

The objectives will depend on the vegetation type and the specific project area that is being worked in.

Overall, the mastication work will improve growing conditions for shrubs, grasses and forbs; while reducing hazardous fuels. This will enhance available forage for big game and other wildlife species that utilize these areas throughout the year. An additional objective will be to create variable stocking conditions within the stand resulting in some areas remaining clumped (high stocking), some areas with wider spacing and some small openings (low stocking).

If the units in the grouse habitat are awarded, these units will be treated to remove any oak or pinyon juniper within the treatment area. This will expand the sage parks and improve habitat for grouse.

DESIRED OUTCOMES AND BENEFITS

The desired end product will be dependent on the vegetation being treated and the intent of that specific treatment area. Treatments in mature ponderosa pine stands will result in a more open ponderosa pine stand that will reduce 40 – 70% of the understory vegetation. Vegetation that provides ladder fuels to mature pine trees will be targeted. The ponderosa pine treatment areas will provide roosting, cover and foraging habitat for a variety of species, particularly turkeys and big game species. We are anticipating accelerated growth of grasses, forbs and shrubs in the understory; and a larger, mature stand of ponderosa pine for the next several decades.

Treatments in sage parks will be implemented in order to expand the size and overall conditions of the sage parks. The removal of pinyon/juniper and oak in these habitats will create a habitat that grouse would be more likely to utilize. All trees (90-100%) in these units are to be removed.

Treatments that are part of fire line preparation will create linear breaks in the vegetation that will enable future prescribed burning in a safe and more controlled environment. Treatments will be approximately 20 feet wide and will require the removal of all vegetation in this linear treatment.

PROJECT LOCATION

The mastication work will occur on the Grand Valley Ranger district of the Uncompahgre Plateau in Mesa County, Colorado. There are four different treatment units and an RX line that are targeted for treatment in the area. The project area is approximately 30 – 40 miles southwest of Grand Junction, CO.

See the maps in the appendix for the project locations. All areas that need to be worked in will be closely coordinated with the operator. Maps of units or linear fire lines will be provided to the operator, as well as a GPS unit if the operator cannot provide their own GPS. The operator will be expected to be able to navigate comfortably the treatment areas with a GPS unit.

TREATMENT UNITS

There are three distinct treatment areas that may be treated depending on the funding and price/acre of the contract. The descriptions below will describe the different treatment areas and the prescription for each area.

1. La Fair ponderosa pine treatment area: This area is located on up the Uranium road from the pine hill project area. The machines will be need to be driven individually up the hill to this project area. This project area borders the divide road, a highly maintained Forest Service/county road. The area that is intended for treatment in 2016 was divided into 3 units and the amount treated will be dependent on the price/acre for the contract. This treatment area is comprised of mature ponderosa pine with a mixed mountain shrub understory, primarily gambel’s oak. There are pockets of smaller aspen and mixed conifer mixed throughout the stand.

The prescription will be to reduce the understory and ladder fuels in the stand. Smaller diameter ponderosa pine will be maintained in the stand. There is good access and the terrain is flat.

a. Unit 2a – 284 acres. This will be the target unit treated under this contract. If the price/acre allows, we will finish the remaining two units at this time.

b. Unit 2b – 232 acres.

c. RX Fire line – 3 acres

2. Gunnison Sage-grouse habitat Enhancement: This project area in on the far north end of the Uncompahgre plateau. The treatment will create larger sage parks for grouse habitat. The vegetation is sage with gambel’s oak and pinyon/juniper mixed in. There are two units in this project area:

a. GUSG Unit 1 – 159 acres

b. GUSG Unit 2 – 103 acres

DEFINITIONS

COR- Contracting Officer's Representative DBH – Diameter at Breast Height – Diameter of a tree measured outside of the bark at a height of

4.5 feet above ground level on the uphill side of the tree.

Designation Vegetation - Shrubs are designation by description. Other species of shrubs may be mowed and shredded as necessary to access and shred the designated vegetation.

DRC- Diameter at Root Collar- diameter of the tree or shrub measured outside the bark just above the root collar swell.

TREE CLASS – A classification of trees based on the position of the crown relative to other trees of the same species in the stand.

Open grown/emergent – trees that are growing in the open, receiving light from all sides and generally have full crowns.

Dominant – trees with crowns above the general canopy level and are receiving light from all sides but competing with nearby trees.

Codominant – trees with crowns within the general canopy level direct from above and partially from the sides. Crowns are reduced.

Intermediate – trees with crowns generally below the average canopy level and are only receiving light from above. Crowns are significantly reduced and uneven.

Overtopped/Suppressed – Trees with crowns completely overtopped and shaded by other trees in the stand.

Riparian Area – The area associated with a stream or lake that supports riparian vegetation such as willows, cottonwoods, boxelder or dogwood.

Slash – All vegetative material including, but not limited to, cull logs, chunks, broken tops, limbs, branches, tops, rotten wood, damaged brush, damaged or destroyed reproduction, saplings or poles, which is created or disturbed as a result of Contractor’s operations.

Snag – A standing dead tree at least 12 inches DBH and 15 feet tall.

Savanah gambel oak – Gambel oak trees that are taller than typical gambel oak trees and have a higher canopy.

Obstacle –Any object, which can impede, or damage the shredding/mulching or tree cutting equipment. This could include rocks, logs, old stumps, road banks or culverts.

Treatment Unit – Area where contract work will be completed that is delineated on the Project Area Map. There are 2 treatment units.

STANDARDS

Specifications: Mechanical Fuels Treatment (mulching) - Line Item 0017

1) The following vegetation is designated to be treated by cover type and treatment unit(s).

2) Potential treatment areas are discussed below by the dominant vegetation that may be present:

a) Ponderosa pine areas -

• Mow and shred 40-70% of the understory within the ponderosa pine stand.

• Understory vegetation will not be a priority for treatment along roads and trails.

• Leave any large diameter “savannah” gambel’s oak that has a higher crown in the pine stand.

b) Sage Park treatments-

• Remove 90-100% of the trees and vegetation that is not sage in these units.

c) Fire Line Treatment-

• Vegetation is mainly comprised of mixed mountain shrubs and manzanita.

Some smaller ponderosa pine is also present. All vegetation under 6” DBH in this linear line will be removed.

3) Mow and shred only on slopes less than 30 percent.

4) All mowed vegetation shall be shredded such that 60 percent of the mulch material is less than 4 inches in diameter and 12 inches long. Eighty percent of the mulch and slash resulting from the mowing and shredding must be distributed on the ground surface at a depth less than 6 inches. A small portion of the slash resulting from the mowing and shredding (not more than 20%) may be higher than 6 inches but no more than 18 inches above the ground.

5) Stumps and stubble heights must be less than 8 inches above the ground surface or any obstacle.

6) Do not mow large “savannah” Gambel oak (DRC 6 inches and greater with a heightened crown).

7) Snags greater than 12 inches DBH and 15 feet tall are protected. If a snag is identified, surrounding live trees will be left to act as a buffer.

8) The Contractor shall minimize soil disturbance and exposure of mineral soil to less than 10% of the treatment area.

Treatment units will not be flagged and will be easy to identify based on the vegetation. In addition, shapefiles of the units will be provided to the contractor for use in GPS units. The contractor will be expected to use GPS units to accurately identify the unit boundaries. The unit boundaries are also identified on the project map provided in Section J. All cultural sites of importance will be flagged and avoided during implementation.

Any Contractor created access points shall be restored to a non-accessible state by the Contractor as directed by the Government. Methods may include earthen berms or slash distributed along access roads. Any bare soil areas created as a result of accessing the units shall be seeded by the Contractor with the seed mixture prescribed and provided by the Government.

Treatments will be completed during time periods that generally limit impact to soil resources.

Environmental conditions such as wet/saturated ground, standing water, or heavy snowfall (12”+) would limit operations. The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) will determine when soil moisture is at a level where operations must be curtailed. Specifically, if heavy rutting (over six inches) occurs in the unit, operations shall be suspended. When such conditions are encountered, the Contractor shall stop work and notify the COR.

Dry or frozen soil conditions are preferred. Operations outside the preferred conditions will be coordinated with the COR. Sections of an individual unit may be restricted, while other sections are deemed operable; however the final determination will be made by the Government.

Camping is permitted; however camp sites must be pre-approved by the COR and campsites must be maintained in accordance with Forest Service policy.

The Contractor shall provide transportation for all equipment, personnel, fuel, and water to and from the site. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing the necessary material handling equipment to on- load and off-load materials as well as provide appropriate security of equipment and property left on site.

RESOURCE PROTECTION STANDARDS

Water Quality - The following measures shall be observed to protect stream courses:

1. The Contractor’s operations shall be conducted to prevent debris from entering stream courses. In event the Contractor causes debris to enter stream courses in amounts which may adversely affect the natural flow of the stream, water quality or fishery resource, the Contractor shall remove such debris as soon as practicable, but not to exceed 48 hours, and in an agreed manner that will cause the least disturbance to stream courses.

2. Wheeled equipment shall not be operated in stream courses except at crossings designated by the Forest Service. Contractor should cross perpendicular to direction of flow.

3. Mowing/shredding equipment must not be operated in riparian areas, which are defined as permanent or intermittent wet spots or drainages with willows, cottonwood trees or other riparian vegetation. These areas are protected by description and may or may not be designated on the ground.

4. Avoid working within 50 feet of a gully or channel with vertical banks of 4 feet or greater.

Wet Period Restrictions

Forest Service “all-weather” roads with a gravel or paved surface can be operated on during most weather conditions except extremely wet periods. All other roads are native surface. Travel on native surface roads and off-road with equipment is restricted when the soil is saturated. Soils are too wet when the moisture content exceeds the plastic limit. If soils within 6 inches of the surface can be rolled into threads 3 millimeters in diameter without breaking or crumbling the soils are too wet for operations. If the soils are saturated such that ruts 3 inches or deeper and 10 feet long are created by heavy vehicles, the Contractor shall cease operations in that area. If conditions persists, the COR may suspend the Contract until the soils dry out or freeze. If the Contract is suspended due to wet conditions, the Government is not responsible for additional mobilization costs.

Other Resource Protection

All of the activities associated with this project shall be conducted in such a manner that there shall not be any adverse impact to the following resources listed.

1. Improvements and Survey Monuments - The Contractor (s) shall avoid any damage to improvements such as, but not limited to, fences, gates, utility poles, survey markers or monuments, survey witness trees and cultural sites. The Contractor will be required to repair or pay fair market value to replace any damaged improvements.

2. Cultural Sites – The Project Area has been surveyed and flagged for avoidance for all cultural sites prior to layout of Treatment Units, however should any heritage or cultural sites be discovered during operations, the Contractor should immediately stop treatment in that area and contact the COR who will notify the District Archeologist. Protected cultural areas will be flagged with pink and black ribbon and should be considered no treatment areas.

3. Wildlife - No disruptive activities will be allowed within 300 feet of any active raptor nest during the period May 1 - July 31. If operator discovers an active nest it is to be reported to the COR or inspector. If a goshawk nest is discovered, no disruptive activities will be allowed near the nest during the period March 1 - August 15. A district wildlife biologist will be consulted to determine an appropriate buffer.

4. Protected Trees – The COR may require the Contractor to sever from the stump and shred trees damaged by the Contractor's or Subcontractor if the damage exceeds any of the following:

a. Bark removed from more than 50% of the circumference of the bole.

b. Top is broken.

c. More than 1/3 of the cross-section of the bole is missing.

d. More than 30% of the live crown is missing.

The COR or designated inspector will identify and mark all damaged trees. If the damage is excessive (outside of the Acceptable Quality Level), the Contractor will be charged a rate of $20/tree. See performance requirements summary table on page 7.

SAFETY

When the Contractor’s operations are in progress adjacent to or on Forest Service/BLM/County controlled roads and trails open to public travel, the Contractor shall furnish, install and maintain all temporary traffic controls that provide the user with adequate warning of hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions associated with the Contractor’s operations. A specific traffic control plan for each Treatment Unit shall be agreed to by the Contractor and the Forest Service or BLM prior to commencing operations. Devices shall be appropriate to current conditions and shall be covered or removed when not needed. Flagmen and devices shall be as specified in the “Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways” (MUTCD).

Contractor shall take precautions when operating directly adjacent to private land to avoid creating hazardous conditions that compromise the safety of residents or that my damage buildings and property.

Warning signs must be posted at least 300 feet away from the machinery on roads and trails adjacent to the Treatment Units while the shredding/mowing machinery is in operation.

ROAD MAINTENANCE

Commensurate with use, the Contractor is responsible for maintaining all roads within the project area. Maintenance shall be performed in a timely manner to prevent rutting and seasonal weather damage, and safeguarding soil and water quality, and provide for safe use. Specifications for road maintenance activities are listed below.

e. Visibility - The Contractor shall remove vegetation or other obstructions to driver visibility as such obstructions caused by Contractor’s activities during the permit period.

f. Drainage Maintenance - The Contractor shall keep ditches, culverts, water bars and other drainage facilities clear and functioning.

NOXIOUS WEEDS

Cleaning of Equipment - The Contractor shall insure all equipment moved onto Public Land is free of soil, seeds and vegetative matter or other debris that could contain or hold seeds. The Contractor shall employ whatever cleaning methods are necessary to insure compliance, and shall notify the COR prior to moving each piece of equipment onto Public land. Notification will include identifying the location of the equipment’s most recent operations. Arrangements will be made for the Forest Service or BLM representative to inspect each piece of equipment prior to it being moved onto National Forest land.

“Equipment” includes all machinery except for log trucks, chip vans, pickup trucks, cars, or other vehicles primarily for transport personnel.

LUBRICATING, SERVICING AND REPAIRS OF EQUIPMENT

The Contractor shall be responsible for the service and repair of all equipment including bulldozer(s), roller chopper(s), seeders and any support vehicles. The use of welding equipment for equipment repair may be limited by fire restrictions. It is the Contractors responsibility to keep current on any current fire restrictions. The contractor shall keep the equipment in proper functioning condition to insure objectives for the project are met.

AGAR 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.

(End of Clause)

AGAR 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.

Fire Plan for Mastication Contract

This plan outlines the Contractor’s responsibilities for fire prevention and suppression activities within the Contractor’s project area. For the purposes of this provision, the project area is defined as the area within one half mile (0.5 miles) of the project boundary.

R2-CT7.2 – Fire Precautions (9/93)

SMOKING AND LUNCH FIRE RESTRICTIONS

Smoking is prohibited except inside a building, developed recreation site, vehicle, or while seated in an area of at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials. 36 CFR 261.52(d), 42 CFR 9212(a).

The building of camp, lunch, warming and other fires within the project area and vicinity is prohibited, except at established camps or at other safe places where all flammable material has been cleared away sufficiently to prevent the start and spread of wildfires.

The Forest Service/BLM may, upon written request, designate specific places where campfires may be built for purposes of heating lunches.

SPARK ARRESTERS AND MUFFLERS

Operating or using any internal combustion engine, on any timber, brush, or grass covered land, including trails and roads traversing such land, without a spark arrester, is prohibited. The spark arrester must be maintained in effective working order, meeting either (1) Department of Agriculture, Forest Service/BLM standard 5100, Spark Arresters for Internal Combustion Engines (current edition); or (2) the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recommended Practices J335, Multiposition Small Engine Exhaust System Fire Ignition Suppression (current revision), and J350, 36 CFR 261.52(j), 43 CFR 9212.1(h).

Passenger vehicles, pickups, medium and large highway trucks (80,000 GVW) will be equipped with a factory designed muffler system which is specified for the make and model of the respective vehicle/truck or with a muffler system that is equivalent or that exceeds factory specifications.

Exhaust systems shall be properly installed and continually maintained in serviceable condition.

FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND TOOLS ON EQUIPMENT

While in use, each piece of equipment with an internal combustion engine shall be provided with at least the following:

(a) One fire extinguisher, at least 5# ABC with an Underwriters Laboratory (UL) rating of 3A

– 40BC, or greater.

(b) One shovel, sharp, size 0 or larger, round-pointed with an overall length of at least 48 inches.

(c) One axe, sharp, double bit 3-1/2 #, or one sharp Pulaski.

Extinguishers, shovels, axes, and pulaskis shall be mounted so they are readily available to the operator. All tools shall be maintained in a serviceable condition.

POWER SAWS

Each gasoline engine power saw shall be provided with one chemical-pressurized fire extinguisher of not less than 8-ounce capacity by weight, and one size 0 or larger, round- pointed shovel with an overall length of at least 48 inches. The extinguisher and shovel shall be maintained in good working order. The extinguisher shall be with the power saw operator and immediately available for use at all times. The extinguisher shall not be affixed to the saw. The shovel shall be readily available to the operator of the saw at all times. Having the shovel with the gas can used to refuel the saw may be considered “readily available” if not more than 200 feet from the saw. During periods of critical fire danger, the Forest Service/BLM may prescribe other precautionary measures.

Any fueling or refueling of a power saw shall be done in an area which has first been cleared of material which will carry fire. The power saw shall be moved at least 10 feet from the place of fueling or refueling before starting.

BLASTING AND WELDING

The use of fuses in blasting shall not be permitted except near power lines where the danger of accidental detonation is present, and then only by special written permission of the Forest Service/BLM.

Whenever the relative humidity falls below 50 percent, the Contractor shall place a watchman at each point where blasting is done who shall remain on duty for at least one hour after blasting is finished, and who shall be equipped with a shovel and a water-filled backpack can equipped with hand pump. During periods when the relative humidity falls below 20 percent, blasting shall be discontinued unless authorized, with special provisions, in writing by the Forest Service/BLM. Blasting shall not be permitted in any area not cleared to mineral soil without advance written approval of the Forest Service/BLM and with such special precautions as may be required.

Prima Cord shall not be used in clearing operations, and in other areas where timber has been felled and slash not burned.

Unless otherwise directed in writing by the Forest Service/BLM, all flammable material shall be cleared for 10 feet around any piece of equipment being welded. In addition, the

Contractor shall provide a fire extinguisher of a size and type designed to extinguish a fire in the flammable materials surrounding the spot being welded.

In order to determine the relative humidity, the operator shall either (a) provide and maintain weather instruments that will measure relative humidity in the area where the blasting will occur; or (b) provide communications to obtain weather data from the Forest Service/BLM.

Explosives shall be stored at all times in a locked box marked “Explosives”. Powder and blasting caps shall be stored in separate boxes.

STORAGE OF FLAMMABLES

Gasoline, oil, grease and other highly flammable material shall be stored either in a separate building, or at a site where all debris is cleared within a radius of 25 feet. Storage buildings or sites shall be a minimum distance of 50 feet from other structures. Storage buildings shall be adequately posted to warn of the flammables and to prohibit smoking in or around the building.

CAMP FIRE PROTECTION

The ground around all trailers, buildings, and other facilities constructed or placed on or near the project area shall be kept free of flammable material for a distance of at least 20 feet from the wall of such structure. Burning of such flammable material shall be as prescribed by the Forest Service/BLM in writing.

Stovepipes of all wood burning stoves shall be equipped with suitable roof jacks and serviceable spark arresters. Stovepipes shall be no closer than 2 feet from any wood or other flammables unless adequately protected by metal or asbestos shield.

BT7.0 – Fire Precautions and Control BT7.1

PLANS

Prior to initiating the Contractor’s operations during the Fire Precautionary Period, which is from to , the Contractor shall file with the Forest Service/BLM a Fire Prevention and Control Plan providing for the prevention and control of fires on the project area. The Plan shall include a detailed list of personnel and equipment at the Contractor’s disposal for implementing the Plan. This requirement may be met by preparing a single Plan for more than one project.

BT7.2 FIRE PRECAUTIONS

Specific Fire Precautionary measures listed in CT7.2 shall be applicable during the Contractor’s operations in the Fire Precautionary Period. The Contracting Officer may change the dates of the Fire Precautionary Period by advance written notice, if justified by unusual weather or other conditions. Required tools and equipment shall be kept in serviceable condition and immediately available for firefighting at all times during the Contractor’s operations in the Fire Precautionary Period.

BT7.21 SUBSTITUTE PRECAUTIONS

The Forest Service/BLM may authorize substitute measures or equipment, or waive specific requirements by written notice, if substitute measures or equipment will afford equal protection, or some of the required measures and equipment are unnecessary.

BT7.22 EMERGENCY PRECAUTIONS

The Forest Service/BLM may require the necessary shutting down of equipment on portions of the Contractor’s operations when emergency fire precautions are necessary. Under such conditions, after the Contractor ceases active operations, the Contractor shall release for hire by the Forest Service/BLM, if needed, shutdown equipment for fire standby on the project area and personnel for fire standby or fire patrol, when such personnel and equipment are not needed by the Contractor for other firefighting or protection from fire. Equipment shall be paid for at firefighting equipment rates common in the area or at prior agreed rates and, if Contractor requests, shall be operated only by personnel approved by the Contractor. Personnel so hired shall be subject to direction and control by the Forest Service/BLM and shall be paid by the Forest Service/BLM at firefighting rates common in the area or at prior agreed rates.

BT7.3 FIRE CONTROL

The Contractor shall, both independently and in cooperation with the Forest Service/BLM, take all reasonable and practicable action to prevent and suppress fires resulting from the Contractor’s operations and to suppress any forest fire on the project area. The Contractor’s independent initial fire suppression action on such fires shall be immediate and shall include the use of all necessary personnel and equipment at the Contractor’s disposal on the project area.

BT7.31 CONTRACTOR’S REINFORCEMENT OBLIGATIONS

Whenever an Operations Fire or Negligent Fire, whether on or off the project area, or any other forest fire on the project area, has not been suppressed by initial action and appreciable reinforcement strength is required, the Forest Service/BLM may require further actions by the Contractor until such fire is controlled and mopped up to a point of safety. Such actions may include any or all of the following as necessary to fight such fire:

BT7.311 SUSPEND OPERATIONS

To suspend any or all of the Contractor’s operations.

BT7.312 PERSONNEL

To release for employment by the Forest Service/BLM any or all of the Contractor’s personnel engaged in the Contractor’s operations. Any organized crew so hired shall include the Contractor’s supervisor, if any. Personnel so employed shall be paid at the Forest Service/BLM standard emergency firefighting rates.

BT7.313 EQUIPMENT

The Contractor shall make available for rental to the Forest Service/BLM any or all equipment suitable for firefighting and currently engaged in the Contractor’s project area. The equipment shall be hired at firefighting equipment rates common in the area or at prior agreed rates.

Equipment shall be operated only by personnel approved by the Contractor, if so requested by the Contractor.

BT7.4 FIRE SUPPRESSION COSTS

The Contractor’s obligations for cost of fire suppression vary according to three classifications of fires as follows:

BT7.41 OPERATIONS FIRE

An Operations Fire is a fire caused by the Contractor’s operations other than a Negligent Fire.

The Forest Service/BLM, except as provided in BT7.3, shall, under 16 USC 572, perform fire suppression activities on Operations Fires. The Contractor agrees to reimburse the Forest Service/BLM for such cost for each Operations Fire, subject to a maximum of the dollar amount of $ . The cost of the Contractor’s actions, supplies, and equipment on any such fire provided pursuant to BT7.3, or otherwise at the request of the Forest Service/BLM, shall be credited toward such maximum. If the contractor’s actual cost exceeds the contractor’s obligation stated above, the Forest Service/BLM shall reimburse the Contractor for the excess.

BT7.42 NEGLIGENT FIRE

A Negligent Fire is a fire caused by negligence or fault of the Contractor’s operations, including, but not limited to, one caused by smoking by persons engaged in the Contractor’s operations during the course of their employment, or during rest or lunch periods; or if the contractor’s failure to comply with the requirements of BT7.2 and BT7.3 results in a fire starting or permits a fire to spread.

Damages and the cost of suppressing Negligent Fires shall be borne by the Contractor.

BT7.43 OTHER FIRES ON PROJECT AREA

The Forest Service/BLM shall pay the Contractor, at firefighting rates common in the area or at prior agreed rates, for equipment or personnel furnished by the Contractor pursuant to BT7.3, or otherwise at the request of the Forest Service/BLM, on any fire on the Project area other than an Operations Fire or a Negligent Fire.

BT7.5 STATE LAW

The Contractor shall not be relieved by the terms of this contract of any liability to the United States for fire suppression costs recoverable in an action based on State law, except for such costs resulting from Operations Fires. Amounts due the Contractor for firefighting expenditures in accordance with BT7.41 shall not be withheld pending settlement of any such claim or action based on State law.

BT7.6 PERFORMANCE BY CONTRACTOR

Where the Contractor’s employees, agents, contractors, subcontractors, or their employees or agents perform the Contractor’s operations in connection with fire responsibilities, the Contractor’s obligations shall be the same as if performance was by the Contractor.

CONTRACT TIME PERIOD

60 days

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING

-This section is blank

SECTION E - INSPECTION and ACCEPTANCE

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

452.246-70 Inspection and Acceptance. (FEB 1988)

(a) The Contracting Officer or the Contracting Officer's duly authorized representative will inspect and accept the supplies and/or services to be provided under this contract.

(b) Inspection and acceptance will be performed at: the worksite.

(End of clause)

Measurement and Payment

Measurement

Estimated acreage was calculated using ArcMap 10.0 GIS software. Actual acreage will be determined by Global Positioning System (GPS) data collected with a map grade Trimble GPS unit. Contractor will be paid for the amount of acres mowed. If the contractor cannot mow/mulch an area designated by the COR, the contract will be modified to adjust for this.

Payment

Payment will be made for the completed items at the contract unit prices, based on inspections. No payment will be made for any unit and/or item where inspections determine work does not meet contract specifications, until rework has been accepted by the Contracting Officer.

Payments will be made and processed as follows:

1. When brush mowing/shredding and repairs to damaged improvements are completed and accepted by the Contracting Officer on an entire treatment unit; payment will be made at the bid rate for the acreage completed.

2. No more than one payment will be processed in any one month.

No payments will be processed for less than $5,000.00 (unless it is a final payment).

Acceptable Quality Level

Performance Work Statement

Quality Standard

Performance Standard (Acceptable Quality Level)

Monitoring Methods

Effect Of Not Meeting Performance Standard

Mowing 65% of Gambel oak and associated shrubs.

Task accomplished in Section C.5.1.1 item 1.

Mowed area not less than 55 percent and not more than 75 percent of total pre-treatment canopy cover of Gambel oak. No more than 1 Gambel oak

Visual inspection and/or randomly placed sample plots.

If below minimum rework area at no additional cost to the Government. If above maximum, modify h d Thinning & mowing of ponderosa pine

Task accomplished in Section C.5.1.1 Item 2.

No more than 2. Missed ponderosa pine trees per acre that meet selection criteria excluding trees inaccessible to equipment or on > 30% slope.

Visual inspection and/or circular sample plots.

Modify methods to meet standards at no additional cost to the Government or up to 20% reduction in

Mowing of Douglas-fir, white-fir and juniper trees.

Task accomplished in Section C. 5.1.1 Item 3.

No more than 2/acre missed Douglas- fir, White-fir or juniper trees (combined total excluding trees inaccessible to equipment or on > 30% slope) within di

Visual inspection and/or randomly placed sample plots.

If more than minimum trees/acre missed rework area at no additional cost to the Government.

Size of shredded material

Task accomplished in Section C.5.1.1 Item 5.

At least 60 percent of the mulch material is less than1 inches in diameter and11 inches long. At least 80 percent of mulch and chips distributed on ground surface at a depth less than 4 inches and no slash higher than

Visual inspection and measurement of shredded material.

Rework area at no additional cost to the Government.

Stumps and stubble height

Task accomplished in Section C.5.1.1 Item 6.

95% of stump and stubble heights less than inches above the ground or any obstacle.

Measurement of stubble height.

Mow stumps and stubble at no additional cost to the Government.

Pre-settlement Task No pre-settlement ponderosa pine Visual Modify procedures to pine accomplished in Mowed of any size. Inspection. avoid pre-settlement Section C.5.1.1 Ponderosa pine trees.

Item 7.

SECTION F - DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

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

452.211-74 Period of Performance. (FEB 1988)

The period of performance of this contract is 120 days from receipt of Notice to Proceed.

Work Progress Schedule The Contractor shall be required to present at the pre-work conference (or within 10 days thereafter) a written plan of work providing for the orderly and timely completion of the contract requirements. This plan is subject to the approval of the Contracting Officer. The schedule may be modified in writing during the course of the contract when conditions warrant it.

If the work progress falls behind schedule, the Contractor shall take such action as necessary to ensure that the timely completion of the contract is not jeopardized. In addition, the Contracting Officer may require the Contractor to submit a revised plan of work showing how he intends to complete the project on time and in compliance with all contract requirements.

SECTION G- CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

452.215-73 Postaward Conference. (NOV 1996)

A post award conference with the successful offeror is required. It will be scheduled within TBD days after the date of contract award. The conference will be held at:

USDA FOREST SERVICE,

GRAND VALLEY RANGER DISTRICT

2777 CROSSROADS BLVD

GRAND JUNCTION CO 81506,

Date: TBD Time: TBD Mountain Time.

452.237-74 Key Personnel. (FEB 1988)

(a) The Contractor shall assign to this contract the following key personnel: Project Onsite Lead

(b) During the first ninety (90) days of performance, the Contractor shall make no substitutions of key personnel unless the substitution is necessitated by illness, death, or termination of employment. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer within 15 calendar days after the occurrence of any of these events and provide the information required by paragraph (c) below. After the initial 90-day period, the Contractor shall submit the information required by paragraph to the Contracting Officer at least 15 days prior to making any permanent substitutions.

(c) The Contractor shall provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions, complete resumes for the proposed substitutes, and any additional information requested by the Contracting Officer. Proposed substitutes should have comparable qualifications to those of the persons being replaced. The Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor within 15 calendar days after receipt of all required information of the decision on substitutions. The contract will be modified to reflect any approved changes of key personnel.

Invoices shall be submitted in accordance with the terms of the contract to:

The "Submit Invoice-to" address for USDA orders is the Department of Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). The contractor must follow the instructions on how to register and submit invoices via IPP as prescribed in the previous communications from USDA and Treasury.

All invoices are to be submitted via the electronic Invoice Processing Platform. This is a mandatory requirement initiated by the U.S. Department of Treasury and you can find more information at this website https://www.ipp.gov/index.htrn. Please make sure that your company has registered at https://www.ipp.gov/vendors/enrollment- vendors.htm to establish your account.

Forest Service Representative:

Lonnie D. Root will serve as the Contracting Officer on this resultant contract. He has full warrant authority over all contract issues. Mr. Root can be reached by email at lroot@fs.fed.us

Eric Freels will serve as the Contracting Officers Representative (COR) His delegation authority and responsibilities will be defined in writing by a delegation letter. This delegation will contain his contact information.

SECTION H - SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

452.236-77 Emergency Response. (NOV 1996)

(a) Contractor's Responsibility for Fire Fighting. (l) The Contractor, under the provisions of FAR clause 52.236-9, PROTECTION OF EXISTING VEGETATION, STRUCTURES, EQUIPMENT, UTILITIES, AND IMPROVEMENTS, shall immediately extinguish all fires on the work site other than those fires in use as a part of the work. (2) The Contractor may be held liable for all damages and for all costs incurred by the Government for labor, subsistence, equipment, supplies, and transportation deemed necessary to control or suppress a fire set or caused by the Contractor or the Contractor's agents or employees.

(b) Contractor's Responsibility for Notification in Case of Fire. The Contractor shall immediately notify the Government of any fires sighted on or in the vicinity of the work site.

(c) Contractor's Responsibility for Responding to Emergencies. When directed by the Contracting Officer, the Contractor shall allow the Government to temporarily use employees and equipment from the work site for emergency work (anticipated to be restricted to firefighting). An equitable adjustment for the temporary use of employees and equipment will be made under the CHANGES clause, FAR 52.243-1, Alt I

SECTION I - CONTRACT CLAUSE

52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference. (FEB 1998) http://www.ipp.gov/index.htrn http://www.ipp.gov/vendors/enrollment mailto:lroot@fs.fed.us

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

www.aquisition.gov/far www.usda.gov/procurement/policy/agar.html

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

52.202-1 Definitions. (NOV 2013) 52.203-3 Gratuities. (APR 1984) 52.203-6 Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government. (SEP 2006) - Alternate I (OCT 1995) 52.203-7 Anti-Kickback Procedures. (MAY 2014) 52.203-8 Cancellation, Rescission, and Recovery of Funds for Illegal or Improper Activity. (MAY 2014) 52.203-10 Price or Fee Adjustment for Illegal or Improper Activity. (MAY 2014) 52.203-17 Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights and Requirement to Inform Employees of Whistleblower Rights. (APR 2014) 52.204-4 Printed or Copied Double-Sided on Postconsumer Fiber Content Paper. (MAY 2011) 52.204-10 Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards. (OCT 2015) 52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance. (JUL 2013) 52.209-6 Protecting the Government's Interest When Subcontracting With Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (OCT 2015) 52.209-10 Prohibition on Contracting With Inverted Domestic Corporations. (NOV 2015) 52.209-11 Representation by Corporations Regarding Delinquent Tax Liability or a Felony Conviction under any Federal Law 52.215-2 Audit and Records - Negotiation. (OCT 2010) 52.215-8 Order of Precedence - Uniform Contract Format. (OCT 1997) 52.219-6 Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside. (NOV 2011) 52.219-8 Utilization of Small Business Concerns. (OCT 2014) 52.219-14 Limitations on Subcontracting. (NOV 2011) 52.219-28 Post-Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation. (JUL 2013) 52.222-3 Convict Labor. (JUN 2003) 52.222-4 Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards - Overtime Compensation. (MAY 2014) 52.222- 21 Prohibition of segregated facilities. (APR 2015) 52.222-26 Equal Opportunity. (APR 2015) 52.222-37 Employment Reports on Veterans. (FEB 2016) 52.222-40 Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act. (DEC 2010) 52.222-41 Service Contract Labor Standards. (MAY 2014) 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons. (MAR 2015) 52.222-54 Employment Eligibility Verification. (OCT 2015) 52.222-55 Minimum Wages under Executive Order 13658. (DEC 2015) 52.223-5 Pollution Prevention and Right-to-Know Information. (MAY 2011) 52.223-6 Drug-Free Workplace. (MAY 2001) 52.223-18 Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving. (AUG 2011) 52.225-13 Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases. (JUN 2008) 52.228-5 Insurance - Work on a Government Installation. (JAN 1997) 52.229-3 Federal, State, and Local Taxes. (FEB 2013) http://www.aquisition.gov/far http://www.usda.gov/procurement/policy/agar.html

52.232-1 Payments. (APR 1984) 52.232-8 Discounts for Prompt Payment. (FEB 2002) 52.232-11 Extras. (APR 1984) 52.232-17 Interest. (MAY 2014) 52.232-24 Prohibition of Assignment of Claims. (MAY 2014) 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer - System for Award Management. (JUL 2013) 52.232-39 Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations. (JUN 2013) 52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors. (DEC 2013) 52.233-1 Disputes. (MAY 2014) 52.233-3 Protest after Award. (AUG 1996) 52.233-4 Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim. (OCT 2004) 52.237-2 Protection of Government Buildings, Equipment, and Vegetation. (APR 1984) 52.242-13 Bankruptcy. (JUL 1995) 52.243-1 Changes - Fixed-Price. ALT I (AUG 1987) 52.249-4 Termination for Convenience of the Government (Services) (Short Form). (APR 1984) 52.249-8 Default (Fixed-Price Supply and Service). (APR 1984) 52.253-1 Computer Generated Forms (JAN 1991) 52.222-42 Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires. (MAY 2014)

In compliance with the Service Contract Labor Standards statute and the regulations of the Secretary of Labor (29 CFR part 4), this clause identifies the classes of service employees expected to be employed under the contract and states the wages and fringe benefits payable to each if they were employed by the contracting agency subject to the provisions of 5 U.S.C. 5341 or 5332.

This Statement is for Information Only: It is not a Wage Determination Employee Class:

GS-7 Monetary Wage - Fringe Benefits: $19.18

52.222-35 Equal Opportunity for Veterans (OCT 2015)

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause--

"Active duty wartime or campaign badge veteran," "Armed Forces service medal veteran," "disabled veteran," " protected veteran," "qualified disabled veteran,' and "recently separated veteran" have the meanings given at FAR 22.1301.

(b) Equal opportunity clause. The Contractor shall abide by the requirements of the equal opportunity clause at 41 CFR 60-300.5(a), as of March 24, 2014. This clause prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans, and requires affirmative action by the Contractor to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans.

(c) Subcontracts. The Contractor shall insert the terms of this clause in subcontracts of $150,000 or more unless exempted by rules, regulations, or orders of the Secretary of Labor. The Contractor shall act as specified by the Director, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, to enforce the terms, including action for noncompliance. Such necessary changes in language may be made as shall be appropriate of identify properly the parties and their undertakings.

52.222-36 Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUL 2014)

(a) Equal opportunity clause. The Contractor shall abide by the requirements of the equal opportunity clause at 41 CFR 60-741.S(a), as of March 24, 2014. This clause prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability, and requires affirmative action by the Contractor to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities.

(b) Subcontracts. The Contractor shall include the terms of this clause in every subcontract or purchase order in excess of $15,000 unless exempted by rules, regulations, or orders of the Secretary, so that such provisions will be binding upon each subcontractor or vendor. The Contractor shall act as specified by the Director, Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs of the U.S.

Department of Labor, to enforce the terms, including action for noncompliance. Such necessary changes in language may be made as shall be appropriate to identify…