AG_82X9_S_09_0035_By_Way_III_hand_thin.doc

Sol# AG-82X9-S-09-0035

By-Way III Thinning

Black Hills National Forest

02/04/2009

INFORMATION CALL:

03/16/2009

UNRESTRICTED OR FORMCHECKBOX

SET ASIDE 100 % FOR

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EMERGING SMALL

BUSINESS

1019 N Fifth St Custer SD 57730-8214

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HUBZONE SMALL

NAICS: 115310 BUSINESS

(605) 673-9200

(605) 673-9286 - FAX

tlward@fs.fed.us

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SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED SMALL

SIZE STANDARD: $6.50 BUSINESS

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8(A)

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINATION UNLESS BLOCK IS MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED ORDER UNDER DPAS (15 CFR 700) 13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

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IFB FORMCHECKBOX

RFP

15. DELIVER TO CODE

USDA Forest Service, Black Hills National Forest, Hell Canyon Ranger District

16. ADMINISTERED BY CODE

Terry Ward

17a. CONTRACTOR/ CODE FACILITY

OFFEROR, Mailing Address CODE

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

Block 9

TELEPHONE N0.

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17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN 18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW

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SEE ADDENDUM

POL Thinning/Hand Pile Fuel Break POL Thinning/Machine Pile POL Thinning (Slash Height 18”) Pine Encroachment All Contractors receiving an award under this solicitation must be actively registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) (www.ccr.gov) and must have completed their information in the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) (orca.bpn.gov), or complete and include with your quote.

DUNS: ________

TAX ID: ________

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

AC

AC

AC

AC

TOTAL

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

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

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ARE NOT ATTACHED

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ARE NOT ATTACHED

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. OFFER

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND

SET FORTH HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS: ____________________

TERRY WARD

31c. DATE SIGNED

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV.3/2005)

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

Prescribed by GSA ‑ FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

Black Hills National Forest Supervisors Office 1019 North Fifth St.

Custer, SD 57730

Please respond to tlward@fs.fed.us by 20 February 2009 if you plan to attend

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED

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INSPECTED

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ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED: ________________________________________

32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32f. TELPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

CORRECT FOR

|PARTIAL | |FINAL

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41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER

FOR PAYMENT

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV.3/2005) BACK

SCHEDULE OF ITEMS – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

TIMBER STAND IMPROVEMENT / FUEL REDUCTION

TOTAL

Continuation of SF1449

Block 27: The full text of a clause or provision may be accessed electronically at www.arnet.gov/far/ Non Discrimination Statement

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, ect.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

CONTRACT DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS OR ATTACHMENTS

PERFORMANCE STATEMENT OF WORK (PWS)

TIMBER STAND IMPROVEMENT/FUEL REDUCTION

SECTION I – GENERAL

1.1 SCOPE OF WORK: This statement of work consists of conducting timber stand improvement, and fuels treatment activities through POL thinning and pine encroachment, and or a combination of vegetative treatments. The contractor shall provide any and all labor, equipment, supplies, services, permits, supervision, workman’s compensation, unemployment, and transportation to accomplish projects on the Hell Canyon Ranger District, Black Hills National Forest. This statement of work consists of completing tasks in accordance with Section V, and performance requirements in Section VII.

1.1.1 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE: All work included in this contract shall be completed and accepted by the Government no later than December 31, 2011. Operational restrictions if required are listed in the Supplemental Specifications.

1.1.2 LOCATION DESCRIPTION: Project areas that are included under this contract are located on the Hell Canyon Ranger District, Black Hills National Forest.

1.1.3 LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: Contractor is encouraged to visit each project area prior to submitting pricing to determine level of difficulty such as accessibility, terrain, slope, etc.

1.1.4 ACCESSIBILITY: Specific site maps identifying units and access roads shall be provided to the contractor upon request and will be included with the contract package.

1.1.5 BOUNDARIES: Each project shall be marked separately and all markings identifying units within a project will be identified in the Supplemental Specifications.

1.1.6 CONTRACTOR REPRESENTATIVE: The contractor shall provide a contract representative for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate(s) who act for the contractor when the contractor is absent shall be designated in writing to the Contracting Officer. The contractor representative or alternate shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The contractor representative and alternate(s) must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.

SECTION II – DEFINITIONS

2.1 STANDARD DEFINITIONS

2.1.1 ACCEPTABLE QUALITY LEVEL (AQL): The maximum allowable deviation from perfect performance that may occur before the Government will invoke payment deduction. An AQL does not allow a contractor knowingly to offer defective service, but limits reduced payment to circumstances in which defective performance results in a measurable reduction in the value of services rendered.

2.1.2 DEFECTIVE SERVICE: A unit of service, which contains one or more defects, or nonconformance with specified requirements.

2.1.3 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY (PRS): Identifies the key service outputs of the contract that will be evaluated by the Government to assure contract performance standards are met by the contractor.

2.1.4 QUALITY ASSURANCE: Those actions taken by the Government to assure services meet the requirements of the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

2.1.5 CONTRACTING OFFICER REPRESENTATIVE (COR): A Government person appointed by the Contracting Officer to assist the Contracting Officer with contract administration and surveillance of the contract.

2.1.6 GOVERNMENT INSPECTOR: A Government person appointed by the COR to assist the COR with surveillance of contractor performance.

2.1.7 QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP): An organized written document used for quality assurance surveillance. The document contains specific methods the Government will use to perform surveillance of the contractor.

2.1.8 QUALITY CONTROL: Those actions taken by a contractor to control the performance of services so that they meet the requirements of the PWS.

2.2 TECHNICAL DEFINITIONS

2.2.1 AVERAGE SPACING: The average distance in feet between desirable leave trees.

2.2.2 CIRCULAR PLOT: A sample plot within a thinning unit that is used to determine the number of desirable trees left in a plot in accordance with the supplemental specifications.

2.2.3 CUT & FILL SLOPES: Banks along the high or low side of established roadways.

2.2.4 CUT TREES: Trees that do not possess the characteristics of desirable leave trees, and are required to be cut.

2.2.5 CUT TREE CHARACTERISTICS: Cut trees shall be those trees that are not to be left as leave trees.

1. Crooked Bole - Those trees with deformation so pronounced that one straight, eight-foot piece cannot be cut from the bottom twelve feet of the tree.

2. Broken Tops - Treetops broken as a result of physical damage.

3. Trees with broken tops and live crown ratios less than 30%.

4. Trees which are overtopped and growing into the crown of an adjacent larger tree.

5. Trees without broken tops with live crowns less than 20%.

6. Bark Beetle infested trees or trees exhibiting signs of mountain pine beetle infestation.

2.2.6 DBH: Diameter of the stem measured at a point of 4 ½ feet above the ground level on the uphill side of the tree.

2.2.7 DECKING: Stockpiling of commercial and non-commercial sized cut trees in a designated area.

2.2.8 DEFICIENT TREES: Trees that have been cut, that should have not been cut.

2.2.9 DESIRABLE LEAVE TREES: Trees left because they possess desirable leave tree characteristics.

1. Dominant Trees – Trees, which are taller on the average when compared to other trees in the unit. These trees are not severely suppressed.

2. Co-dominant Trees – Trees of average height when compared to other trees in the unit. These trees are not severely suppressed.

3. Healthy Foliage – Foliage shall be dark green in color with a full crown or over 1/3 or more of the tree.

4. Straight Bole – The bole or stem of the tree shall be relatively straight. Trees shall have a single branch terminal.

5. Free of Physical Damage – Trees shall not have physical damage from fire, animals, or weather on more than ¼ of the circumference of the bole or more than three feet of the length of the bole.

6. Free of Disease Damage – Trees shall not have disease such as gall rust, peridermium cankers, and stalactiform rust. Symptoms of gall rust are galls on the branch and stem. Symptoms of peridermium cankers are the presence of cankers on the bole of the branches. Symptoms of stalactiform rust are elongated, diamond-shaped cankers and associated resinosis.

7. Free of Insect Damage – Trees shall not have insect damage from Mountain Pine Beetles or Ips Beetles. Symptoms of Mountain Pine Beetles are small red to yellowish pitch tubes (less than ¼ inch) and boring dust in bark crevices and round the base of the tree. Symptoms of the Ips Beetles are dead tops and group killings without pitch tubes.

2.2.10 DIB: Diameter of the stem inside the bark

2.2.11 DITCHES: Drainages along a road that lead to a cross-drain mechanism.

2.2.12 EXCESS TREES: Uncut trees not needed to meet average spacing specifications and that do not qualify as leave trees.

2.2.13 FUELBREAK CONSTRUCTION: The cutting of trees less than 9” DBH and piling of existing and/or created slash less than 6” DIB in timber stands creating a break in fuel and slash free strip on the ground. . Desired spacing in fuel breaks is 24’ x 24’. Fuel break construction may be accomplished through the use of hand piling, machine piling, chipping, or a combination of several treatments, or as further identified in the Supplemental Specifications.

2.2.14 HANG-UP TREE: Any cut tree suspended above ground level.

2.2.15 LESS DESIRABLE LEAVE TREES: When the prescribed stocking level of most desirable leave trees cannot be achieved with trees that possess the most desirable characteristics.

1. Minor Defect - Trees with minor defect such as a sharp crook or a small amount of animal damage.

2. Suppressed Tree - Trees that have been severely suppressed. Characteristics of suppressed trees are extremely short or nonexistent internodes, twisted gnarled stems, or an extreme sparseness of foliage.

3. Other Live Trees - Trees other than insect or disease damaged trees with ¼ live crown and/or sparse crown.

4. Forked Tree - Those trees with two or more terminal leaders. Two or more stems originating from the same base shall only be left if needed for spacing purposes. Either both stems shall be cut or both stems shall be left.

5. Physical Damage - Trees that have physical damage on half or more of the bole circumference and greater than three feet in length. Equipment, falling trees, lightning, wind, animals, etc., may be causes of physical damage.

2.2.16 LOP AND SCATTER: Cutting limbs from cut trees and moving and/or rearranging of slash concentrations to achieve specific slash depth requires.

2.2.17 MACHINERY: Equipment used to meet contract requirements. Both rubber-tired and track machines may be used unless otherwise identified in the Supplemental Specifications. All equipment used for piling activities shall be equipped with a brush rake. Teeth on brush rake shall extend a minimum of 10” below the cutting edge of the blade.

2.2.18 MECHANICAL MASTICATION: Treatment utilizing machines to treat trees to shred, fragment, compact, thin, and otherwise rearrange and reduce the size of created and pre-existing slash or trees. Mastication treatment is generally conducted in conjunction with mechanical thinning.

2.2.19 MULCH DEPTH: Depth of shredded or mulched material measured from the ground to the top of mulch layer. Piece size shall not exceed 3’ in length, with mulch depth not to exceed 6” unless otherwise identified in the Supplemental Specifications.

2.2.20 PINE ENCROACHMENT: The cutting of all pine trees in a designated area greater than 1’ in height and less than 12” DBH and piling the created slash.

2.2.21 POL THINNING: Selective cutting of conifer trees 1’ in height and less than 9” DBH to a desired spacing guideline. Cut trees between 5” DBH and 9” DBH are skidded to an approved landing.

2.2.22 PRE-COMMERCIAL THINNING: Selective thinning of conifer trees 1’ in height and less than 5” DBH to a desired spacing guideline.

2.2.23 PROGRESSION OF WORK: Work conducted in a progressive and orderly manner by the contractor.

2.2.24 PROTECTION OF IMPROVEMENTS: The protection of known archeological sites and improvements. Costs to replace or repair damage, is the contractors responsibility.

2.2.25 ROADS, TRAILS, & OTHER OPEN AREAS: All roads, and trails within the project area, including but not limited to; existing slash free fuel breaks, private property, proximity to property corners, watercourses, meadows, parks.

2.2.26 SLASH: Any debris such as limbs, tree tops, boles, and other wood fiber pieces that are present and/or created as a result of violent storms, logging operations, thinning operations, or by the contractor’s activities.

2.2.27 SLASH PILING: Piling of existing slash and slash created as part of an activity. Size of material to be piled will vary depending on cutting requirements, terrain, and method of piling.

2.2.28 SNAG: A standing dead tree over 10 feet in height and greater than 8” DBH.

2.2.29 STUMP HEIGHT: The height of a stump on the uphill side. Stumps are cut to an angle of less than 30 degrees from horizontal.

2.2.30 THINNING & SLASH TREATMENT: The cutting of trees and limbs in excess of those left for future management and treatment of the associated slash.

2.2.31 THINNING UNIT: An individual area on the ground in which thinning will be performed and which may appear as a separate pay item in the Schedule of Items.

2.2.32 TREE SIZE: The contractor shall select cut or leave trees in accordance with these tree size guidelines.

1. Trees under 5.0 inches DBH (pre-commercial thinning) - Live ponderosa pine/white spruce trees over one feet in height and up to 5.0 inches DBH shall be cut unless they qualify as a desirable leave tree or they are needed to maintain the specified average spacing intervals. However, in no case shall any ponderosa pine/white spruce tree under 5.0 inches DBH be left closer than twelve feet to any other pine or white spruce.

2. Trees Over 5.0 inches DBH and under 9.0 Inches DBH (POL thinning) - Live conifer trees over 5.0 and under 9.0 inches DBH shall be considered as desirable leave trees for spacing purposes. Trees in this size class shall be cut if one or more of the following conditions exist:

a. Trees with deformation so pronounced that one straight eight-foot piece cannot be cut from the bottom twelve feet of the tree.

b. Trees with active peridermium cankers anywhere on the tree bole.

c. Trees with broken tops and live crown ratios less than 30%.

d. Trees which are overtopped and growing into the crown of an adjacent larger tree.

e. Trees without broken tops with live crowns less than 20%.

f. Bark Beetle infested trees or trees exhibiting signs of mountain pine beetle infestation.

3. Trees 9.0 inches D.B.H. and Over: shall not be cut unless they pose a safety hazard to the contractor, and shall not be considered as leave trees for spacing purposes.

2.2.33 TREE SPACING: Desired spacing intervals between leave trees.

2.2.34 TREE QUALITY: Trees left to meet stocking levels specified in thinning guides and supplemental specifications.

2.2.35 WEED AND RELEASE (WHIPS & CULLS): Trees left as a result of the initial timber harvest which have not been designated as wildlife trees (no sign and/or blue paint) that are bent, spindly, broken-topped, crooked, or have sparse crowns. Exhibit C identifies examples of whips and culls.

2.2.36 VARIABLE DENSITY THINNING: Variable density thinning addresses all size classes of trees. Spacing for leave trees can range from the minimum spacing to the maximum spacing so specified. Leave trees exceeding the maximum DBH cutting limits shall be left regardless of the spacing. Leave tree spacing may vary up to 50 percent in order to select the most desirable tree. Spacing control using the specified leave tree guidelines shall be maintained wherever possible.

SECTION III – GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

Thinning Inspection Record/Request for Inspection Sheets

Unit maps

SECTION IV – CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS/SERVICES

The contractor shall furnish all items required to perform this PWS.

SECTION V – PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT TASKS AND CRITICAL SUBTASKS

5.1 POL THINNING: The selective cutting of conifer trees 1’ in height and less than 9” DBH to a desired spacing guideline. Cut trees 5” – 9” DBH shall be skidded to a designated landing unless otherwise designated in the Supplemental Specifications.

5.2 POL THINNING WITH PILING: The selective cutting of conifer trees 1’ in height and less than 9” DBH to a desired spacing guideline. Cut trees 5” – 9” DBH shall be skidded to a designated landing. All existing and created slash less than 6” DIB shall be piled to meet contract specifications, and as defined in Exhibits A, B, C, D.

5.3 PINE ENCROACHMENT: The cutting of all pine trees 1’ in height and less than 12” DBH and piling all existing and created slash as part of the cutting operation less than 8” DIB.

5.4 PROTECTION OF IMPROVEMENTS: The protection of known archeological sites and improvements. Costs to replace or repair damage are the contractor’s responsibility.

5. 7 SUBMITTALS

5.7.1 QUALITY CONTROL PLAN: The contractor shall establish and maintain a complete Quality Control Plan acceptable to the Government to ensure the requirements of the contract are provided as specified.

5.7.2 WORK PLAN: The contractor provided Work Plan shall describe how the contractor plans to perform the project, including methods, personnel, and equipment.

5.7.3 PROGRESS SCHEDULE: The contractor shall prepare and submit a practical schedule showing the order in which the contractor will perform the work and the dates on which the contractor contemplates starting and completing each task.

SECTION VI – GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS/INDUSTRY STANDARDS/ STATE STANDARDS/ GOVERNMENT STANDARDS/TECHNICAL EXHIBITS

Attachments, including vicinity maps and exhibits, are included in the contract package and available from the COR.

SECTION VII – PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY

QUALITY LEVEL (AQL)

Leave trees shall be of the tallest crown and straightest stem and are free of disease

Variable density thinning, if required, allows contractor to select the most desirable leave trees regardless of spacing requirements

Number of trees per acre shall be maintained wherever possible to meet minimum spacing requirements

Cut trees between 5” and 9” DBH shall be skidded to approved landings as described in Exhibit D, unless otherwise stated.

Stump height shall not exceed 6” on uphill side of tree, and less than 30% angle from horizontal

Existing and activity slash shall not exceed a height of 18”

All conifer trees less than 10” DBH shall be cut for a distance of 12’ from any aspen or birch tree > than 3’ in height

Hardwood species shall not be cut unless they pose a hazard to the contractor

Bug infested green trees less than 10” DBH shall be cut and treated as specified

Perform periodic on-site inspections

Verifying compliance of contractor through inspection of 1/20 acre plots Rework at contractor’s expense

No payment will be made for less than 80% AQL

Contractor is responsible for re-inspection costs when inspections exceed two inspections per unit

Poor performance rating

Leave trees shall be of the tallest crown and straightest stem and are free of disease

Variable density thinning, if required, allows contractor to select the most desirable leave trees regardless of spacing requirements

Number of trees per acre shall be maintained wherever possible to meet minimum spacing requirements desired spacing is 24’ x 24’

Cut trees between 5” and 9” DBH shall be skidded to approved landings as described in Exhibit D, unless otherwise stated.

Stump height shall not exceed 6” on uphill side of tree, and less than 30% angle from horizontal

Existing and activity slash shall be piled as identified in Exhibits A and B

All conifer trees less than 10” DBH shall be cut for a distance of 12’ from any aspen or birch tree > than 3’ in height

Hardwood species shall not be cut unless they pose a hazard to the contractor

Bug infested green trees less than 10” DBH shall be cut and treated as specified

Perform periodic on-site inspections

Verifying compliance of contractor through inspection of 1/20 acre plots Rework at contractor’s expense

No payment will be made for less than 80% AQL

Contractor is responsible for re-inspection costs when inspections exceed two inspections per unit

Poor performance rating

Stump height shall not exceed 6” on uphill side of tree, and less than 30% angle from horizontal

Existing and activity slash shall be piled as identified in Exhibits A and B

All conifer trees less than 12” DBH shall be cut for a distance of 12’ from any aspen or birch tree > than 3’ in height

Hardwood species shall not be cut unless they pose a hazard to the contractor

Bug infested green trees less than 12” DBH shall be cut and treated as specified

Perform periodic on-site inspections

Ocular inspection process shall be used for inspections of pine encroachment areas Rework at contractor’s expense

No payment will be made for less than 80% AQL

Contractor is responsible for re-inspection costs when inspections exceed two inspections per unit

Poor performance rating

5.7 - Submittals

5.7.1 - Quality Control Plan (QCP)

5.7.2 - Work Plan

5.7.3 – Progress Work Schedule

All submittals are received within 10 days after contract award

QCP includes contractor’s inspection system and the method for identifying and preventing defectives in the quality of service performed. Includes method and frequency of inspections

On-site records of all quality control inspections are submitted weekly

BYWAY III

SUPPLEMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

The purpose of this contract is to secure services to conduct timber stand improvement and fuel reduction related work on the Hell Canyon Ranger District, Black Hills National Forest.

Location and Description

All units are located on the Hell Canyon Ranger District, Black Hills National Forest, Custer and Pennington Counties, South Dakota, and are further described as follows.

Period of Operation

Operations in all Byway units are limited to September 15th through February 28th of each year. There is no operation limitation for Goat unit #39.

Period of Performance

All work under this contract shall be completed no later than December 31, 2011.

Detailed Unit Information

ACRES

Total Acres

POL Thinning – 25 acres

POL Thinning with Fuel Break Construction (hand) – 466 acres

POL Thinning with Fuel Break Construction (Machine) – 47 acres

Pine Encroachment – 4 acres

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Tree Cutting Specifications

Goat unit #39, Byway units #34, 35, 36, 37, 39, 40, 41, 43, and 44, are identified as POL thinning units with fuel break construction. The contractor shall cut pine trees less than 9” DBH to a desired spacing of 24’ x 24’, depending on terrain, size class of trees, and presence of hardwoods including spruce, to meet the standards listed under Tree Quality of this contract. In addition to thinning, all existing and activity slash less than 6” DBH shall be piled. In no case will any tree meeting the cutting specifications be closer than 12’ from any other leave tree.

Byway unit #42 is identified as a POL thinning unit. The contractor shall cut pine trees less than 9” DBH to a desired spacing of 24’ x 24’, depending on terrain, size class of trees, and presence of hardwoods including spruce, to meet the standards listed under Tree Quality of this contract. All existing and activity slash shall be a height not to exceed 18”. In no case will any tree meeting the cutting specifications be closer than 12’ from any other leave tree.

Byway unit #38 is identified as a Pine Encroachment unit. Within this unit, the contractor shall cut all pine trees greater than 1’ in height and less than 12” DBH in the unit, and pile all created and activity slash.

In Goat unit #39 in addition to thinning, the contractor shall cut and skid all dead trees less than 10” DBH regardless of spacing to an approved landing. If the dead trees during skidding operations are decayed and fall apart, the contractor may treat the dead trees in place to meet the slash disposal requirements for the unit.

When aspen, birch, and oak greater than 3’ in height are encountered, all pine greater than 1’ in height and less than 9” DBH shall be cut for a distance of 12’ from any aspen, birch, or oak tree.

In all units under this contract, trees less than 9” DBH meeting the characteristics of the whips and cull definition as identified in the PWS and Exhibit C shall be cut and treated as prescribed under Tree Cutting Specifications.

Tree Quality – Add the Following

Aspen, birch, spruce, oak, and juniper are considered preferred species. In no case will preferred species be cut unless otherwise designated or are considered a safety hazard.

Slash Disposal

In Byway unit #42, all existing and activity slash shall not exceed 18” in height.

In Goat unit #39, all existing and activity slash less than 6” that has not been skidded shall be piled. The piling of large material or bug trees is not allowed. All piling may be conducted by machinery. Small areas exist within the unit, that are steep and rocky that may require hand piling. If terrain is not conducive for machine or hand piling, the contractor shall slash trees in place with slash height not to exceed 18”. The COR shall approve any area that is omitted from piling, on a case by case basis.

In Byway units #34, 35, 36, 37, 39, 40, 41, 43, and 44, all existing and activity slash less than 6” shall be piled. All piling shall be conducted by hand. Small areas exist within the Byway units that are steep and rocky. If terrain is not conducive for piling, the contractor shall slash trees in place with slash height not to exceed 18”. The COR shall approve any area that is omitted from piling, on a case by case basis. All material having the possibility of rolling and blocking roadways or damaging property will be placed perpendicular to the slope to minimize rolling material.

In Byway unit #38, all existing and activity slash shall be piled. All slash shall be cut in lengths less than 10’ prior to piling.

Rubber tired skidders or other machinery may be used to treat slash in Goat unit #39, and Byway unit #38. Equipment shall not be used in the Byway units. When equipment is utilized, its use will be limited to periods of dry or frozen ground conditions and shall be equipped with a brush rake, as identified in the PWS. Whenever erosion, compaction, or damage to the residual stand is likely to result, the Contracting Officer shall order the contractor to use an alternate slashing method.

Roads, Trails, Gates, and Other Open Areas

Trails and old roads exist throughout units. The contractor may use these roads to access units. All closed roads may be opened for thinning and fuel reduction activities unless otherwise stated. All opened trails or roads shall be closed prior to unit acceptance. Certain times each year, the Forest Service closes gates to protect wildlife. During this time, a contractor upon request may work behind locked gates. Contractor may be required to provide a padlock for access to a closed area.

All skid trails on slopes exceeding 10% and bare ground will require angled water-bars, or scattered brush to deflect runoff from trails. Where possible, slash piles shall be constructed in old existing skid trails.

Protection of Improvements

The contractor shall protect archeological sites and structural improvements. Any contractor caused damage to fences, or other structures within or adjacent to the contract area shall be repaired immediately at the expense of the contractor.

Acreage and Measurement

Approximate unit acreage was determined by differentially corrected Global Positioning System (GPS) data traverses or existing GIS coverage’s. Refer to the Detailed Unit Information Table for approximate acres. The government provided acreages are only estimates. The contractor is encouraged to visit each unit prior to submitting a price. The Government shall not re-measure the units under this contract.

Contractor Performance

Contractor shall have no more than two open units at any given time unless otherwise agreed to by the COR.

Boundary Marking

Goat unit #39 and all Byway units are marked with three orange vertical stripes with the center stripe facing into the unit. Paved and or gravel roads are used as boundaries wherever possible.

Contractor Inspection Procedure

The contractor shall use 1/20th (26.4’ radius) acre plots verifying compliance of contract specifications. One plot is required for every 10 acres of treatment. The contractor shall record all plot information on the Government supplied Thinning Inspection Record Form (BH-6300-1). The contractor shall provide the Thinning Inspection Record and a map of plot locations to the COR. All work included under this task order shall meet or exceed a 90% Acceptable Quality Level. Whenever the contractor does not meet the acceptable quality level, the Contracting Officer shall direct the contractor to rework the area.

Payment

Each unit will be paid for as a separate unit. No partial payments for partially completed units will be made. No payment shall be made for less than 100 acres; therefore units less than 100 acres will be combined with other units for payment purposes. The contractor will notify the COR when a unit is completed and ready for inspection. The Government will complete the final inspection within seven calendar days following the request and: if work completed is acceptable, payment will be recommended to the Contracting Officer.

Description of Units

Goat #39 – Located in T3S, R4E, Sections 10, 15, BHM, approximately 1 road mile north of Custer, SD. Unit is identified as a POL thinning unit with fuel break construction. The contractor shall cut pine trees less than 9” DBH to a desired spacing of 24’ x 24’, depending on terrain, size class of trees, and presence of hardwoods including spruce, to meet the standards listed under Tree Quality of this contract. In addition to thinning, all existing and activity slash less than 6” DBH shall be piled to meet requirements as listed in Exhibits A and B. In addition to thinning and piling, all bug infested and dead trees meeting the cutting specifications shall be cut and skidded to an approved landing. All size classes of trees shall be considered for spacing purposes. In no case shall any tree meeting the cutting specifications be any closer than 12’ to other leave trees.

Byway #34 – Located in T2S, R5E, Sections 3, 10, BHM, approximately 20 road miles northeast of Custer, SD. Unit is identified as a POL thinning unit with fuel break construction. The contractor shall cut pine trees less than 9” DBH to a desired spacing of 24’ x 24’, depending on terrain, size class of trees, and presence of hardwoods including spruce, to meet the standards listed under Tree Quality of this contract. In addition to thinning, all existing and activity slash less than 6” DBH shall be piled to meet requirements as listed in Exhibits A and B. All size classes of trees shall be considered for spacing purposes. In no case shall any tree meeting the cutting specifications be any closer than 12’ to other leave trees.

Byway #35 – Located in T2S, R5E, Sections 3, 10, BHM, approximately 20 road miles northeast of Custer, SD. Unit is identified as a POL thinning unit with fuel break construction. The contractor shall cut pine trees less than 9” DBH to a desired spacing of 24’ x 24’, depending on terrain, size class of trees, and presence of hardwoods including spruce, to meet the standards listed under Tree Quality of this contract. In addition to thinning, all existing and activity slash less than 6” DBH shall be piled to meet requirements as listed in Exhibits A and B. All size classes of trees shall be considered for spacing purposes. In no case shall any tree meeting the cutting specifications be any closer than 12’ to other leave trees.

Byway #36 – Located in T2S, R5E, Sections 3, 4, 9, 10, BHM, approximately 19 road miles northeast of Custer, SD. Unit is identified as a POL thinning unit with fuel break construction. The contractor shall cut pine trees less than 9” DBH to a desired spacing of 24’ x 24’, depending on terrain, size class of trees, and presence of hardwoods including spruce, to meet the standards listed under Tree Quality of this contract. In addition to thinning, all existing and activity slash less than 6” DBH shall be piled to meet requirements as listed in Exhibits A and B. All size classes of trees shall be considered for spacing purposes. In no case shall any tree meeting the cutting specifications be any closer than 12’ to other leave trees.

Byway #37 – Located in T2S, R5E, Section 4, BHM, approximately 19 road miles northeast of Custer, SD. Unit is identified as a POL thinning unit with fuel break construction. The contractor shall cut pine trees less than 9” DBH to a desired spacing of 24’ x 24’, depending on terrain, size class of trees, and presence of hardwoods including spruce, to meet the standards listed under Tree Quality of this contract. In addition to thinning, all existing and activity slash less than 6” DBH shall be piled to meet requirements as listed in Exhibits A and B. All size classes of trees shall be considered for spacing purposes. In no case shall any tree meeting the cutting specifications be any closer than 12’ to other leave trees.

Byway #38 – Located in T2S, R5E, Section 5, BHM, approximately 18 road miles northeast of Custer, SD. Unit is identified as a pine encroachment unit with slash piling. The contractor shall cut all pine trees 1’ in height and less than 12” DBH within the boundaries of the unit. Within this unit, all cutting and piling may be conducted by machine. All existing and activity slash shall be piled to meet requirements as listed in Exhibits A and B. Piece length of piled material shall not exceed 10’ in length.

Byway #39 – Located in T2S, R5E, Sections 5, 8, BHM, approximately 17 road miles northeast of Custer, SD. Unit is identified as a POL thinning unit with fuel break construction. The contractor shall cut pine trees less than 9” DBH to a desired spacing of 24’ x 24’, depending on terrain, size class of trees, and presence of hardwoods including spruce, to meet the standards listed under Tree Quality of this contract. In addition to thinning, all existing and activity slash less than 6” DBH shall be piled to meet requirements as listed in Exhibits A and B. All size classes of trees shall be considered for spacing purposes. In no case shall any tree meeting the cutting specifications be any closer than 12’ to other leave trees.

Byway #40 – Located in T2S, R5E, Sections 4, 9, BHM, approximately 17 road miles northeast of Custer, SD. Unit is identified as a POL thinning unit with fuel break construction. The contractor shall cut pine trees less than 9” DBH to a desired spacing of 24’ x 24’, depending on terrain, size class of trees, and presence of hardwoods including spruce, to meet the standards listed under Tree Quality of this contract. In addition to thinning, all existing and activity slash less than 6” DBH shall be piled to meet requirements as listed in Exhibits A and B. All size classes of trees shall be considered for spacing purposes. In no case shall any tree meeting the cutting specifications be any closer than 12’ to other leave trees.

Byway #41 – Located in T2S, R5E, Section 8, BHM, approximately 16 road miles northeast of Custer, SD. Unit is identified as a POL thinning unit with fuel break construction. The contractor shall cut pine trees less than 9” DBH to a desired spacing of 24’ x 24’, depending on terrain, size class of trees, and presence of hardwoods including spruce, to meet the standards listed under Tree Quality of this contract. In addition to thinning, all existing and activity slash less than 6” DBH shall be piled to meet requirements as listed in Exhibits A and B. All size classes of trees shall be considered for spacing purposes. In no case shall any tree meeting the cutting specifications be any closer than 12’ to other leave trees.

Byway #42 – Located in T2S, R6E, Section 8, BHM, approximately 25 road miles northeast of Custer, SD. Unit is identified as a POL thinning unit. The contractor shall cut pine trees less than 9” DBH to a desired spacing of 24’ x 24’, depending on terrain, size class of trees, and presence of hardwoods including spruce, to meet the standards listed under Tree Quality of this contract. Skidding of POL sized material is not required in this unit. All existing and activity slash shall not exceed 18” in height. All size classes of trees shall be considered for spacing purposes. In no case shall any tree meeting the cutting specifications be any closer than 12’ to other leave trees.

Byway #43 – Located in T2S, R6E, Sections 9, 16, BHM, approximately 27 road miles northeast of Custer, SD. Unit is identified as a POL thinning unit with fuel break construction. The contractor shall cut pine trees less than 9” DBH to a desired spacing of 24’ x 24’, depending on terrain, size class of trees, and presence of hardwoods including spruce, to meet the standards listed under Tree Quality of this contract. In addition to thinning, all existing and activity slash less than 6” DBH shall be piled to meet requirements as listed in Exhibits A and B. All size classes of trees shall be considered for spacing purposes. In no case shall any tree meeting the cutting specifications be any closer than 12’ to other leave trees.

Byway #44 – Located in T2S, R6E, Sections 9, 16, BHM, approximately 27 road miles northeast of Custer, SD. Unit is identified as a POL thinning unit with fuel break construction. The contractor shall cut pine trees less than 9” DBH to a desired spacing of 24’ x 24’, depending on terrain, size class of trees, and presence of hardwoods including spruce, to meet the standards listed under Tree Quality of this contract. In addition to thinning, all existing and activity slash less than 6” DBH shall be piled to meet requirements as listed in Exhibits A and B. All size classes of trees shall be considered for spacing purposes. In no case shall any tree meeting the cutting specifications be any closer than 12’ to other leave trees.

Fire Prevention and Control

(A) Tools and Equipment:

The Contractor shall furnish and maintain in a serviceable condition one shovel, size O or larger, for each employee working in the project area. The shovels may be stored in the employees’ private vehicle or the contractor's vehicles, but must be readily available to each employee while in the project area.

For each yarder, loader, jammer, chipper, crawler tractor, skidder, hauling truck, portable welder, or comparable type equipment, the Contractor shall furnish one shovel, size O or larger, attached to each unit and one two and one-half pound or larger dry chemical or four pound or larger carbon dioxide type fire extinguisher attached to each unit.

For each power saw, soil auger, portable pump, or like powered equipment, the Contractor shall furnish one shovel, size 0 or larger, and one dry chemical fire extinguisher, 8 ounce or larger, immediately available to the operator of the equipment. The fire extinguisher shall be with the operator of the equipment; the shovel may be with the fuel can used to refuel the equipment.

Refueling of the equipment shall be done in an area cleared and void of flammable materials. Power saws shall be moved from the spot of refueling before starting.

(B) Fire Prevention.

Blasting – Advance approval in writing is required from the District Ranger. The use of fuses shall not be permitted, except near power lines where the danger of accidental detonation is present. Use of prima cord will not be allowed in clearing operations where flammable materials are present. A watchman will remain on site for at least one hour after detonation in areas of blasting where flammable fuels are present. Explosives will be stored at all times in a locked box marked "Explosives." All Federal, State, and local laws concerning the use and storage of explosives shall be followed.

Welding – All flammable materials will be cleared for a minimum distance of 10 feet around any welding operation. Fire extinguishers and fire tools are required as shown in Section B-1(b).

Open Fires – In accordance with State and local regulations.

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50a the following is prohibited on each National Forest or National Grasslands in the Rocky Mountain Region:

Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine on any timber, brush or grass covered land, including trails traversing such land, without a spark arrester, maintained in effective working order, meeting either (i) Department of Agriculture, Forest Service Standard 5100-1a; or (ii) the 80 percent efficiency level determined according to the appropriate Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recommended Practices J335 and J350.

Violation of this regulation and the general prohibitions of 36 CFR 261.3 to .20 is punishable by a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment for not more than 6 months or both.

Gas and Oil Use and Storage - Gasoline will be stored and transported only in metal containers with tight caps or seals. Gas and oil drum storage areas will be cleared of all flammable material for a distance of 50 feet around the drums. Storage areas will be posted with "No Smoking" signs. Oil filters, oil cans, oily rags, etc., will be removed from the project area and discarded in proper waste disposal receptacles or sites.

Smoking – Smoking is prohibited while operating tractors or open-type vehicles, or while walking or working in an area with flammable fuels.

QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN

FOR

TIMBER STAND IMPROVEMENT/FUEL REDUCTION

Objective: The purpose of this plan is to provide a Quality Surveillance Plan for fuel reduction and timber stand improvement work projects conducted on the Hell Canyon Ranger District, Black Hills National Forest. This plan provides a basis for the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) to evaluate the quality of the contractor’s performance. The oversight provided for the contract and in this plan will help to ensure that quality levels reach the required levels of performance.

II. Performance Standards:

Quality Level: By monitoring the contractor, the COR will determine whether the performance levels set forth in the contract have been attained. Quality standards for all tasks are specified in the Performance Work Statement Sections V and VII, and supplemental specifications.

On-site Inspections: The COR will evaluate the current levels of performance, according to the standards set forth in this contract at the direction of the CO.

For POL thinning the contractor shall inspect each unit for compliance with contract requirements. Monitoring by the contractor shall be made through a series of 1/20th acre circular plots in all areas that require spacing of leave trees. Plots will be distributed throughout the unit as required to sample at least one percent of each unit. At each circular plot the contractor will examine the plot area for compliance with the specifications. The contractor shall record inspection findings on the Government provided inspection forms. Entries on the provided forms that must be filled out include Number of trees to be left, actual number of trees left, and number of desirable trees left. Plots shall be numbered consecutively within each unit and designated on a unit map. Plot center will be marked on the ground as specified in the supplemental specifications. Additional instructions for completing the inspection sheet are included in the form.

For pine encroachment, the contractor shall inspect each unit for compliance with contract requirements. Monitoring by the contractor shall be made while work is being conducted. The contractor shall use an ocular inspection or other inspection process.

Records Inspection: The COR will request and review the contractor’s inspection records and samples weekly.

Documentation: The COR will keep a file containing the following:

A. Copy of the contract

B. All modifications to the contract

C. Copy of the COR appointment letter

D. All contract correspondence initiated or received by the COR

E. Copies of all completed inspection reports, checklists, logs, diaries, contract discrepancy reports, and surveillance certifications

F. Records of meetings attended

G. Copies of processed invoices and receipt documents

H. Copies of designation of Contract Inspectors letters

III. Evaluation Methods: The COR will review the…