AG-82X9-S-09-0179.pdf

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

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

1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE 1 OF

2. CONTRACT NO. 3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE

DATE

4. ORDER NUMBER 5. SOLICITATION NUMBER 6. SOLICITATION ISSUE

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PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 4/2002)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

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SET ASIDE: % FOR

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HUBZONE SMALL

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STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 4/2002) BACK

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REPRESENTATIVE

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41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT

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36. PAYMENT

COMPLETE PARTIAL FINAL

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PART I – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B – SERVICES AND PRICES

HAZARDOUS FUEL REDUCTION TREATMENTS WITHIN

THE SHOSHONE AND BIGHORN NATIONAL FORESTS.

This is a 3-year indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract for the services specified. Specific locations and quantities will be specified in the task order. Tasks and level of difficulty for each item are defined in section C.4 Specific Tasks.

B.1 Schedule of Items

Item No.

Description Estimated Quantity

Unit Unit Price

1 Mastication/Chipping:

Timber Stands Base Option Option

Item / Level of Difficulty Year Year 1 Year 2

1 - I TBA Acre

1 - II TBA Acre

1 - III TBA Acre

1 - IV TBA Acre

1 - V TBA Acre

1 - VI TBA Acre

1 - VII TBA Acre

1 - VIII TBA Acre

1 - IX TBA Acre

1 - X TBA Acre

1 - XI TBA Acre

1 - XII TBA Acre

2 Mastication/Chipping/Mowing:

Woodland/Shrubland Base Option Option

Item / Level of Difficulty Year Year 1 Year 2

2 - I TBA Acre

2 - II TBA Acre

2 - III TBA Acre

2 - IV TBA Acre

2 - V TBA Acre

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No.

Description Estimated Quantity

2 Mastication/Chipping/Mowing:

Cont’d Woodland/Shrubland Base Option Option

Item / Level of Difficulty Year Year 1 Year 2

2 - VI TBA Acre

2 - VII TBA Acre

2 - VIII TBA Acre

2 - IX TBA Acre

2 - X TBA Acre

2 - XI TBA Acre

2 - XII TBA Acre

Selective Slashing: Base Option Option

Item / Level of Difficulty Year Year 1 Year 2

3 - I TBA Acre

3 - II TBA Acre

3 - III TBA Acre

3 - IV TBA Acre

3 - V TBA Acre

3 - VI TBA Acre

Lop and Scatter Base Option Option

Item / Level of Difficulty Year Year 1 Year 2

4 - I TBA Acre

4 - II TBA Acre

4 - III TBA Acre

4 - IV TBA Acre

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Description Estimated Quantity

5 Fuel Break Construction:

Timber Stands Base Option Option

Item / Level of Difficulty Year Year 1 Year 2

5 - I TBA Acre

5 - II TBA Acre

5 - III TBA Acre

5 - IV TBA Acre

5 - V TBA Acre

5 - VI TBA Acre

5 - VII TBA Acre

5 - VIII TBA Acre

5 - IX TBA Acre

6 Fuel Break Construction:

Woodland/Shrubland Base Option Option

Item / Level of Difficulty Year Year 1 Year 2

6 - I TBA Acre

6 - II TBA Acre

6 - III TBA Acre

6 - IV TBA Acre

6 - V TBA Acre

6 - VI TBA Acre

6 - VII TBA Acre

6 - VIII TBA Acre

6 - IX TBA Acre

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Description Estimated Quantity

Unit

Unit

Mechanical Piling:

Base Option Option

Item / Level of Difficulty Year Year 1 Year 2

7 - I TBA Acre

7 - II TBA Acre

7 - III TBA Acre

7 - IV TBA Acre

7 - V TBA Acre

7 - VI TBA Acre

7 - VII TBA Acre

8 Yard slash and Mechanical Piling at selected locations: Base Option Option

Item / Level of Difficulty Year Year 1 Year 2

8 - I TBA Acre

8 - II TBA Acre

8 - III TBA Acre

8 - IV TBA Acre

8 - V TBA Acre

8 - VI TBA Acre

8 - VII TBA Acre

8 - VIII TBA Acre

8 - IX TBA Acre

8 - X TBA Acre

8 - XI TBA Acre

8 - XII TBA Acre

8 - XIII TBA Acre

More than one task order may be awarded, by item, to the Contractor(s) providing the best over-all value to the Government. Task Orders will be issued to the Contractor(s) with actual quantities at the beginning of each operational period. Task orders may be issued electronically, by fax, or by U.S.

Postal Service.

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AGAR 452.216-73 Minimum and Maximum Contract Amounts (FEB 1988)

During the period specified in FAR clause 52.216-18, ORDERING, the Government shall place orders totaling a minimum of $3000.00, but not in excess of $50,000.00

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SECTION C--DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1 Introduction

C.1.1 Scope of Contract- The purpose of this contract is to secure services for fuels reduction and vegetation treatments throughout the Shoshone and Bighorn National Forests. This contract is an indefinite quantity/indefinite delivery contract. This contract does not establish an obligation of total price and does not commit the government to any quantity. Task orders will be issued that will obligate sections of the Geographic Areas the Forest Service wants to treat as funding and projects become available.

C.1.2 Location and Description- The work will be performed on U.S. Forest Service administered lands or on adjacent non-Forest owned land. The specific location of the projects will be shown on maps attached to each task order. Task Orders will be issued to the Contractor with actual quantities for each unit to be treated. The Shoshone and Bighorn National Forests are located in north central Wyoming.

C.1.3 Boundaries- Unit boundaries and markings will be identified on each task order. In addition, a map of the desired treatment unit will be provided.

C.1.4 Salvage Material- During performance of any task order issued under the terms and conditions of this contract, salvageable material may be produced. Any task order issued hereunder that would result in the production of salvageable material will address the disposal of the salvageable material in compliance with the governing regulations. A reduced cost to the U. S. Forest Service may be negotiated for services rendered in order to negate the value of the salvage material.

C.1.5 Access - Access to project areas will be highly variable and identified in each specific task order. Generally access is by all weather and seasonal roads. Seasonal roads may be impassable for several days after heavy rains or snow-blocked during the winter months.

C.1.6 Task Order Issuance - Task orders will be issued on a case by case basis. The task order will address specific requirements of a project and may include: seasonal limitations, equipment specifications, and surplus vegetation requirements.

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C.2 Definitions

Accessible - Road access to a unit. Unit will be considered accessible when road access is within 1/4 mile of the unit.

Canopy Cover – the proportion of the ground covered by a vertical projection of the outermost perimeter of the natural spread of foliage, plans or slash, including small openings within the canopy.

DBH - Diameter at Breast Height. Diameter of the tree at 4.5 feet on the uphill side of the tree.

Fire Behavior Fuel Model (FBFM) - Simulated fuel complex for which all fuel descriptors required for the solution of a mathematical rate of spread model have been specified. In the instance of this contract fuel models are used to characterize on site vegetation types.

Anderson’s “Aids to Determining Fuel Models For Estimating Fire Behavior” may be viewed at (http://www.treesearch.fs.fed.us/pubs/6447) which includes photos of typical fuel model types. Also see Fuel Model Examples located in Section J – Exhibits.

Hazard - The existence of a fuel complex that constitutes a threat of wildfire ignition, unacceptable fire behavior and severity, or suppression difficulty.

Hazard Reduction - The planned treatment or manipulation of naturally growing vegetation or any other flammable material for the purpose of reducing rate of spread and output of heat energy from any wildfire occurring in the area treated.

Leave Trees - Trees designated not to be cut. May include conifers, hardwoods, or hardwood clumps with less than or equal to three sprouts of common origin.

Leave Tree Group - A group of 2 -5 plus trees growing within an 8-foot diameter circle at ground level that are of exceptional quality in terms of vigor and structure. Groups may contain more than one species of tree. An example would be two healthy ponderosa pine trees growing immediately adjacent to one another.

Leave Shrub Clump - A group of 2 to 4 shrub plants with stems growing within a 6-foot diameter circle at ground level that are the same species.

Litter - Needles, duff, twigs, cones and leaves.

Reserved Trees or Reserved Areas - Individual species of trees or certain areas within a treatment unit that the contract or COR designates are reserved from treatment.

Shrub (or brush) - Vegetation consisting of woody perennial plant smaller than a tree, usually having permanent single or multiple stems originating at or near the ground level not normally reaching 20 feet in height.

Slash - Any cut vegetation or existing natural (dead and down) woody debris.

Snag - a standing dead or living tree that has 10 percent or less live crown.

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Surplus Vegetation - Includes vegetation (conifers and hardwoods) greater than 1 foot tall and shrubs less than 12 inches diameter at ground level; when not selected as leave trees, reserved, or needed to meet spacing requirements. Standing dead conifers, hardwoods and shrubs shall be included as surplus when not reserved.

Tons/Acre - Unit of measurement of fuel, usually but not always, of dead and down woody debris (slash). Tons/Acre is generally determined by using a Photo Series, such as USDA Forest Service GTR-PNW 51 (1976). These documents are available for review by the contractor by contacting the issuing office.

Wildlife Trees - Standing dead or live trees left for nesting, feeding, perching and shelter for bids and mammals. Trees may be marked with paint and/or designated with a tag stating it is a wildlife tree or as identified by the COR.

C.3 CONTRACTOR-FURNISHED PROPERTY AND SERVICES

C.3.1 Contractor Furnished Items- Unless otherwise specified herein, the Contractor shall provide all labor, supervision, transportation, materials, and equipment necessary to perform the work as described herein.

C.3.2 Security of Materials - The Contractor may leave its equipment and Government-furnished property at the work site. The Contractor shall be responsible for the Contractor's equipment and Government-furnished property if it should be lost, stolen or damaged.

C.3.3 Noxious Weeds – equipment cleaning requirements must be followed. (see section J)

C.3.4 A working (English literate) supervisor, who is knowledgeable and experienced in the required work and supervision, shall be provided for each crew and is required to stay with the crew while work is in progress.

C.4 Specific Tasks

C.4.1 Item #1 -Mastication/Chipping - Timber Stands

C.4.1.1 Mastication/Chipping of Timber Stands - will be conducted to reduce adverse wildfire effects, limit rate of spread, and/or to establish defensible areas for use during fire suppression activities. Flammable material shall be masticated or chipped and dispersed on site, including live and dead fuels. Treatments required in this item may include mastication/chipping of trees, shrubs and small vegetation, dead and down trees, and snags.

Mastication/chipping may occur in whole or portions of stands, along ridge lines, between separate stand and vegetative types, and on or adjacent to private property. If a specific type of masticator or chipper is required (i.e. rubber tracked, rubber wheeled, horizontal mounted drums, articulated head, etc) it will be identified in the task order.

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C.4.1.2 Level of Difficulty - The level of difficulty for mastication/chipping is determined by on site vegetation represented as a fire behavior fuel model (FBFM, see definitions), percent cover of material to be treated, and project site slope. The level of difficulty will be determined by the task order and may include mixed percentages of two or more levels of difficulty. If a specific type of masticator or chipper is required (i.e. rubber tracked, rubber wheeled, horizontal mounted drums, articulated head, etc) it will be identified in the task order.

Item #1 - Level I – The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 8. The percent cover of material to be treated is less than 40 percent. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a 0% to 25% slope.

Item #1 - Level II - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 8. The percent cover of material to be treated is between 40 and 60 percent. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a 0% to 25% slope.

Item #1 - Level III - The fuel model is best represented by FBFM 8. The percent cover of material to be treated is greater than 60 percent. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a

Item #1 - Level IV - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 10. The percent cover of material to be treated is less than 40 percent. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a 0% to 25% slope

Item #1 - Level V - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 10. The percent cover of material to be treated is between 40 and 60 percent. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a 0% to 25% slope.

Item #1 - Level VI - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 10. The percent cover of material to be treated is greater than 60 percent. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a 0% to 25% slope.

Item #1 - Level VII - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 8. The percent on a 25% to 50% slope.

Item #1 - Level VIII - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 8. The percent project site is on a 25% to 50% slope.

Item #1 - Level IX - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 8. The percent cover of material to be treated is greater than 60 percent. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a 25% to 50% slope

Item #1 - Level X - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 10. The percent

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Item #1 - Level XI - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 10. The percent

Item #1 - Level XII - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 10. The percent site is on a 25% to 50% slope

If a particular treatment area does not fall within the level of difficulties listed, a mixture of percentages of the difficulty levels may be incorporated to best illustrate the intensity of work required on a given area. Level I being the least and level XII the highest.

C.4.1.3 Each task order will specify the level of difficulty, the specifications, the ranking of preferred species and the size range limits for treatment, whether hardwoods and/or conifers are included, and if any individual species are reserved from treatment.

C.4.1.4 Spacing - Spacing width shall be designated for each unit in written instructions with each task order. The average spacing may vary + or - 20% of the designated spacing in order to select the best leave trees without numerically changing the average number of leave trees per acre.

C.4.1.5 Criteria for Selection of Leave Trees or shrubs - Task orders will include instructions designating criteria for selection of leave trees or shrubs.

C.4.1.6 Reserve Trees and Shrubs

a. Areas of trees and shrubs may be reserved from treatment in designated units.

Reserve areas may be designated by the Government or the Contractor. Prior to the Contractor commencing work in a unit, the Government may designate no-treatment area(s) within each unit, or, the Government may authorize the Contractor to designate the no-treatment area(s) within each unit. No cutting of vegetation shall be done within these designated areas. These areas may range in size and vary in number.

b. Reserve trees and shrubs shall be designated by the Government with marking (paint, flagging, or sign), or by written instructions. Reserve trees and shrubs shall not be damaged or cut. Reserve trees and shrubs shall not be considered in the spacing of leave trees or shrubs.

C.4.1.7 Mastication/Chipping Specifications- Task orders will include written instructions designating mastication/chipping specifications. As a reference specifications may include but are not limited to:

a. Treat existing slash greater than one (1) foot in height above ground level.

b. Vegetation and slash to be treated shall be chipped so that no woody piece is greater than three (3) feet in length.

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c. Chip depth shall not be more than twelve (12) inches above the normal plane of the ground.

d. All vegetation to be cut or removed shall be completely severed from the stump.

e. Tree Stump height shall not exceed twelve (12) inches and shrub stump height shall not exceed six (6) inches above ground level measured on the uphill side.

f. Leave trees shall not be damaged while cutting vegetation, or buried with slash or chips

g. Cut or removed trees and brush shall not be left hanging up in leave trees.

h. Vegetation or slash to be treated that is lodged in or covering a leave tree shall be dislodged or removed before chipping.

i. Contractor generated slash shall be immediately removed from water courses, existing slash-free fuel breaks, power-line and telephone rights-of-way, and road cuts, fills, and running surfaces.

C.4.2 Item #2 -Mastication/Chipping/Mowing – Woodland/Shrubland

C.4.2.1 Mastication/Chipping/Mowi ng of Woodland and Shrubland -will be conducted to reduce adverse wildfire effects, limit rate of spread, and/or to establish defensible areas for use during fire suppression activities. Flammable material shall be masticated, chipped, or mowed and dispersed on site, including live and dead fuels. Treatments required in this item may include mastication/chipping of standing or dead and down trees, or mastication/chipping/mowing of shrubs and small vegetation. Mastication/chipping/mowing may occur in whole or portions of stands, along ridge lines, between separate stand and vegetative types, and on or adjacent to private property. If a specific type of masticator/chipper/mower is required (i.e. rubber tracked, rubber wheeled, horizontal mounted drums, articulated head, etc) it will be identified in the task order.

C.4.2.2 Level of Difficulty - The level of difficulty for mastication/chipping/mowing is determined by on site vegetation represented as a fire behavior fuel model (FBFM, see definitions), percent cover of material to be treated, and project site slope. The level of difficulty will be determined by the task order and may include mixed percentages of two or more levels of difficulty.

Item #2 - Level I – The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 2. The percent cover

Item #2 - Level II - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 2. The percent cover

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Item #2 - Level III - The fuel model is best represented by FBFM 2. The percent cover of material to be treated is greater than 60 percent. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a

Item #2 - Level IV - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 6. The percent cover

0% to 25% slope

Item #2 - Level V - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 6. The percent cover

Item #2 - Level VI - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 6. The percent cover a 0% to 25% slope.

Item #2 - Level VII - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 2. The percent

Item #2 - Level VIII - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 2. The percent

Item #2 - Level IX - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 2. The percent cover a 25% to 50% slope

Item #2 - Level X - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 6. The percent cover

25% to 50% slope.

Item #2 - Level XI - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 6. The percent cover is on a 25% to 50% slope.

Item #2 - Level XII - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 6. The percent site is on a 25% to 50% slope

If a particular treatment area does not fall within the level of difficulties listed, a mixture of percentages of the difficulty levels may be incorporated to best illustrate the intensity of work required on a given area. Level I being the least and level XII the highest.

C.4.2.3 Refer to C.4.1.3- C.4.1.7 for additional sub-items.

C.4.3 Item #3 – Selective Slashing/Thinning

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C.4.3.1 Level of Difficulty - The level of difficulty for selective slashing/thinning is determined by the task order. The level is based on the estimated canopy cover of the vegetation to be slashed.

Item #3 - Level I - Canopy cover is estimated to average less than 40 percent cover.

Item #3 - Level II - Canopy cover is estimated to average between 40 and 60 percent cover.

Item #3 - Level III - Canopy cover is estimated to average greater than 60 percent cover.

Task orders will identify the designated leave tree spacing requirements.

Under this item, task orders may be issued to treat conifer in hardwoods. The difficulty level will be determined by the estimated canopy cover of the conifer to be slashed as referenced above.

C.4.3.2 Criteria for selection of leave trees will be identified in the task order.

C.4.3.3 Treatment of Surplus Vegetation

a. All vegetation not selected as leave trees shall be severed 6 inches or less above the ground. Stumps shall be cut to an angle of less than 30 degrees from the horizontal. Trees shall be completely severed from the stump and no live limbs shall be left on the stump of any cut stem.

b. Leave trees shall not be damaged while cutting vegetation, or buried with slash.

c. The resulting slash is to be lopped and scattered to a maximum 12-foot length and a depth not to exceed 24 inches.

C.4.3.4 No slash cut by the Contractor shall be left on the ground within 25 feet of any road or outside the project area. Remove all slash at least 25 feet from the road cut and fill.

C.4.3.5 Individual species may be specified as reserved from selective slashing on individual units.

C.4.4 Item #4 – Lop and Scatter

C.4.4.1 Level of Difficulty - The level of difficulty for lop and scatter is determined by the task order. The level is based on the amount of the slash to be treated, access to the project site, and reduction height of slash.

Item #4 - Level I - The amount of slash to be lopped and scattered averages less than 12 tons per acre. Site is accessible. Reduce slash to the extent that it is within 18 inches of the ground at all points.

Item #4 - Level II - The amount of slash to be lopped and scattered averages between 12 and 20 tons per acre. Site is accessible. Reduce slash to the extent that it is within 24 inches of the ground at all points.

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Item #4 - Level III - The amount of slash to be lopped and scattered averages less than 12 tons per acre. Access requires a walk-in of 1/4 mile or more. Reduce slash to the extent that it is within 18 inches of the ground at all points.

Item #4 - Level IV - The amount of slash to be lopped and scattered averages between 12 and 20 tons per acre. Access requires a walk-in of 1/4 mile or more. Slash shall be reduced to the extent that it is within 24 inches of the ground at all points.

C.4.4.2 Slash to be Treated - The material to be treated consists of down woody material created from vegetation treatments (such as harvest, thinning, or slashing, etc.) or created through natural processes.

C.4.4.3 Lop and scatter all existing slash so that all top and side branches are free of the central stem so that the slash is reduced to within the limit of the ground at all points, as stated for the level of difficulty. Central stem length shall not exceed 12 feet.

C.4.5 Item #5 – Fuel Break Construction- Timber Stands

C.4.5.1 Fuel Breaks - shall be created to reduce adverse wildfire effects, limit rate of spread, and/or to establish defensible areas for use during fire suppression activities. Flammable material shall be treated and removed from the surface, under-story, and canopy. Treatments required in this item include cutting of trees, slashing of shrubs and small vegetation, pruning of residual trees, and snag felling. Fuel Breaks will normally be created in whole or portions of stands, along ridge lines, between separate stand and vegetative types, and on or adjacent to private property.

C.4.5.2 Level of Difficulty - The level of difficulty for Fuel Break Construction is based on percent cover of material to be treated and access to the project site. Level is determined by the task order.

Item #5 - Level I - Site is accessible. The percent cover of material to be treated is less than 40 percent.

Item #5 - Level II - Site is accessible. The percent cover of material to be treated is between 40 and 60 percent.

Item #5 - Level III - Site is accessible. The percent cover of material to be treated is greater than 60 percent.

Item #5 - Level IV - Access is limited with longest walk-in of ½ mile or less. The percent cover of material to be treated is less than 40 percent.

Item #5 - Level V - Access is limited with longest walk-in of ½ mile or less. The percent cover of material to be treated is between 40 and 60 percent.

Item #5 - Level VI - Access is limited with at least 50 percent of the work site accessible with longest walk-in of ½ mile or less. The percent cover of material to be treated is greater

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Item #5 - Level VII - Access is limited with a walk-in of more than a ½ mile. The percent

Item #5 - Level VIII - Access is limited with a walk-in of more than a ½ mile. The percent

Item #5 - Level IX - Access is limited with a walk-in of more than a ½ mile. The percent cover of material to be treated is greater than 60 percent.

C.4.5.3 Task orders will include written instructions designating spacing width; pruning height; any no treatment areas; additional reserve trees, hardwoods, and/or shrubs; and/or girdling instructions.

C.4.5.4 Spacing - Spacing width and variation tolerances shall be designated for each unit in written instructions with each task order.

C.4.5.5 Criteria for Selection of Leave Trees or shrubs - Task orders will include instructions designating criteria for selection of leave trees or shrubs.

C.4.5.6 Reserve Trees and Shrubs

a. Areas of trees and shrubs may be reserved from treatment in designated units.

Reserve areas may be designated by the Government or the Contractor. Prior to the Contractor commencing work in a unit, the Government may designate no-treatment area(s) within each unit, or, the Government may authorize the Contractor to designate the no-treatment area(s) within each unit. No cutting of vegetation shall be done within these designated areas. These areas may range in size and vary in number.

b. Reserve trees and shrubs shall be designated by the Government with marking (paint, flagging, or sign), or by written instructions. Reserve trees and shrubs shall not be damaged or cut. Reserve trees and shrubs shall not be considered in the spacing of leave trees or shrubs.

C.4.5.7 Treatment of Surplus Trees and Shrubs

a. All vegetation not selected as leave trees shall be severed 6 inches or less above the ground. Stumps shall be cut to an angle of less than 30 degrees from the horizontal. Trees shall be completely severed from the stump and no live limbs shall be left on the stump of any cut stem.

b. Leave trees shall not be damaged while cutting vegetation, or buried with slash.

C.4.5.8 Treatment of slash will be prescribed in the task order, such as hand/machine piling, or lop and scatter the resulting slash to a maximum 12-foot length and a depth not to exceed 24 inches.

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C.4.5.9 No slash cut shall be left on the ground outside of the project area or within 25 feet of any road cut, fill, or running surface.

C.4.5.10 Bucking of Cut Material - Slashed, cut and felled material shall be bucked into the standard length of 12 feet or less unless otherwise designated by the task order. Longer lengths may be designated in order to meet utilization objectives.

C.4.5.11 Pruning - Leave trees and leave snags shall be pruned to a height between 6 and 12 feet or as designated by the task order. Live and dead limbs and branches shall be cut cleanly and as close to the bole of the tree as possible without damaging it. Tree limbs and branches that attach to the bole above the designated pruning height but have limbs or branches extending into the pruning height area shall be pruned so they do not extend below the height designated in the task order.

C.4.5.12 Snag Felling - Selected snags may be reserved from felling requirements by the government when snags are deemed necessary for other resource objectives.

C.4.6 Item #6 – Fuel Break Construction- Woodland/Shrubland

C.4.6.1 Fuel Breaks - shall be created to reduce adverse wildfire effects, limit rate of spread, and/or to establish defensible areas for use during fire suppression activities. Flammable material shall be treated and removed from the surface, under-story, and canopy. Treatments required in this item include cutting of trees, slashing of shrubs and small vegetation, pruning of residual trees, and snag felling. Fuel Breaks will normally be created in whole or portions of stands, along ridge lines, between separate stand and vegetative types, and on or adjacent to private property.

C.4.6.2 Level of Difficulty - The level of difficulty for Fuel Break Construction is based on percent cover of material to be treated and access to the project site. Level is determined by the task order.

Item #6 - Level I - Site is accessible. The percent cover of material to be treated is less than 40 percent.

Item #6 - Level II - Site is accessible. The percent cover of material to be treated is between 40 and 60 percent.

Item #6 - Level III - Site is accessible. The percent cover of material to be treated is greater

Item #6 - Level IV - Access is limited with longest walk-in of ½ mile or less. The percent

Item #6 - Level V - Access is limited with longest walk-in of ½ mile or less. The percent

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Item #6 - Level VI - Access is limited with at least 50 percent of the work site accessible with longest walk-in of ½ mile or less. The percent cover of material to be treated is greater

Item #6 - Level VII - Access is limited with a walk-in of more than a ½ mile. The percent

Item #6 - Level VIII - Access is limited with a walk-in of more than a ½ mile. The percent

Item #6 - Level IX - Access is limited with a walk-in of more than a ½ mile. The percent cover of material to be treated is greater than 60 percent.

C.4.6.3 See section C.4.5.3- C4.5.12 for additional sub-items.

C.4.7 Item #7 – Mechanical Piling

C.4.7.2 Level of Difficulty - The level of difficulty for mechanical piling is determined by the task order. The level is based on the percent cover of the slash to be piled according to the slope of the area to be piled. Specific equipment requirements may be specified in the task order.

Item #7 – Level I – The slash to be piled is estimated to be between 0 and 30 percent total cover. Slope is under 30%.

Item #7 - Level II – The slash to be piled is estimated to be between 0 and 30 percent total cover. Slope is from 30 to 45%.

Item #7 - Level III – The slash to be piled is estimated to be from 31 to 60 percent total cover. Slope is under 30%.

Item #7 - Level IV- The slash to be piled is estimated to be from 31 to 60 percent total cover. Slope is from 30 to 45%.

Item #7 - Level V – The slash to be piled is estimated to be greater than 60% percent total cover. Slope is under 30%.

Item #7 - Level VI – The slash to be piled is estimated to be greater than 60% percent total cover. Slope is from 30 to 45%.

Item #7 - Level VII - Hourly rate to mechanically pile.

C.4.7.3 Size, shape, placement, and number of piles per area will be identified in the task order.

C.4.8 Item #8 – Yard slash and Mechanical Piling at selected locations

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C.4.8.2 Level of Difficulty - The level of difficulty for yard slash and mechanical piling is determined by the task order. The level is based on the percent cover of the slash to be piled according to the slope of the area to be piled, and the average distance slash is to be yarded to the designated piling area. Specific equipment requirements and percentage of slash to be yarded and piled may be specified in the task order.

Item #8 – Level I – The slash to be piled is estimated to be between 0 and 30 percent total cover. Slope is under 30%. Average yarding distance is less than 15 chains (990’).

Item #8 - Level II – The slash to be piled is estimated to be between 0 and 30 percent total cover. Slope is from 30 to 45%. Average yarding distance is less than 15 chains (990’).

Item #8 - Level III – The slash to be piled is estimated to be from 31 to 60 percent total cover. Slope is under 30%. Average yarding distance is less than 15 chains (990’).

Item #8 - Level IV- The slash to be piled is estimated to be from 31 to 60 percent total cover. Slope is from 30 to 45%. Average yarding distance is less than 15 chains (990’).

Item #8 - Level V – The slash to be piled is estimated to be greater than 60% percent total cover. Slope is under 30%. Average yarding distance is less than 15 chains (990’).

Item #8 - Level VI – The slash to be piled is estimated to be greater than 60% percent total cover. Slope is from 30 to 45%. Average yarding distance is less than 15 chains (990’).

Item #8 – Level VII – The slash to be piled is estimated to be between 0 and 30 percent total cover. Slope is under 30%. Average yarding distance is greater than 15 chains (990’) and less than 30 chains (1,980’).

Item #8 - Level VIII – The slash to be piled is estimated to be between 0 and 30 percent total cover. Slope is from 30 to 45%. Average yarding distance is greater than 15 chains (990’) and less than 30 chains (1,980’).

Item #8 - Level IX – The slash to be piled is estimated to be from 31 to 60 percent total cover. Slope is under 30%. Average yarding distance is greater than 15 chains (990’) and less than 30 chains (1,980’).

Item #8 - Level X- The slash to be piled is estimated to be from 31 to 60 percent total cover. Slope is from 30 to 45%. Average yarding distance is greater than 15 chains (990’) and less than 30 chains (1,980’).

Item #8 - Level XI – The slash to be piled is estimated to be greater than 60% percent total cover. Slope is under 30%. Average yarding distance is greater than 15 chains (990’) and less than 30 chains (1,980’).

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Item #8 - Level XII – The slash to be piled is estimated to be greater than 60% percent total cover. Slope is from 30 to 45%. Average yarding distance is greater than 15 chains (990’) and less than 30 chains (1,980’).

Item #8 - Level XIII - Hourly rate to mechanically pile.

C.4.8.3 Size, shape, placement, and number of piles per area will be identified in the task order.

C.4.8.4 Acceptable slash treatment will be 60% of the slash 1 to 3” in diameter, 75% of the slash 3-

6” in diameter, and 60% of the slash 6” and greater treated to specification.

C.5 Treatment Plan and Schedule

C.5.1 The Contractor shall develop a Treatment Plan and Schedule once the task order is issued.

The Treatment Plan and Schedule will become a part of the awarded contract. Any changes to the agreed upon Treatment Plan and Schedule will be agreed to in advance by both parties.

As a minimum, the Treatment Plan and Schedule will include the following items:

a. Quality Control Plan:

b. Work Plan:

C.5.2 Quality Control Plan - The contractor shall provide a general Quality Control Plan (QCP) with the technical proposal. The Contractor shall supplement the QCP within 10 days before start work based on the items awarded to the Contractor. The QCP must demonstrate how the Contractor will assure quality, meet the requirements and specifications of the contract, and that work is progressing in compliance with specifications. The Contractor’s quality control inspection system shall be used in the administration of the requirements for all service work.

C.5.3 Work Plan and Schedule - The Contractor shall provide a work plan and schedule that demonstrates how the work will be completed and in what time frame.

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SECTION D--PACKAGING AND MARKING

{For this Solicitation, there are NO clauses in this Section}

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SECTION E--INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998)

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

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

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

E.1 INSPECTION OF SERVICES

(a) Definitions. "Services," as used in this clause, includes services performed, workmanship, and material furnished or utilized in the performance of services.

(b) The Contractor shall provide and maintain an inspection system acceptable to the Government covering the services under this contract. Complete records of all inspection work performed by the Contractor shall be maintained and made available to the Government during contract performance and for as long afterwards as the contract requires.

(c) The Government has the right to inspect and test all services called for by the contract, to the extent practicable at all times and places during the term of the contract. The Government shall perform inspections and tests in a manner that will not unduly delay the work.

(d) If the Government performs inspections or tests on the premises of the Contractor or a subcontractor, the Contractor shall furnish, and shall require subcontractors to furnish, at no increase in contract price, all reasonable facilities and assistance for the safe and convenient performance of these duties.

(e) If any of the services do not conform to contract requirements, the Government may require the Contractor to perform the services again in conformity with contract requirements, at no increase in contract amount. When the defects in services cannot be corrected by reworking, the Government may (1) require the Contractor to take necessary action to ensure that future performance conforms to contract requirements and (2) reduce the contract price to reflect the reduced value of the services performed.

(f) If the Contractor fails to promptly perform the services again or to take the necessary action to ensure future performance in conformity with contract requirements, the Government may (1) by contract or otherwise, perform the services and charge to the Contractor any cost incurred by the Government that is directly related to the performance of such service or (2) terminate the contract for default.

E.1.1 QUALIT Y ASSURANCE PLAN/INSPECTION

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The Government will inspect completed units as a basis for acceptance and payments, and to provide recommendations to improve work quality while work is in progress. The Contractor is responsible for providing quality control to assure that work complies with requirements of contract specifications.

E.1.2 All work included in the contract specifications shall be subject to inspections by the

Government at periodic intervals during the performance of this contract. Treatment inspections are for the sole benefit of the Government and shall not release the Contractor of the responsibility of providing quality control measures to assure that the work strictly complies with the contract requirements.

E.1.3 Inspection for Fuels Reduction Treatments

a. Inspections will be made on a series of 1/40th acre (18.625 feet radius), or as specified in each task order, plots located at predetermined intervals across each work unit. Sufficient plots will be taken to obtain at least one percent sample of the work unit.

b. Each inspection plot will be subdivided into four (4) quadrants based on cardinal directions. Each quadrant will be evaluated for compliance with all contract specifications as stated in Section C that pertains to that individual treatment. If two (2) or more quadrants fail to comply, the plot will fail.

E.1.4 Work Quality Percentage

Work quality percentages are derived from data developed from inspection plots. The total number of satisfactory plots divided by the number of plots inspected determines the quality rate. This rate multiplied by 100 provides the work quality percentage.

Example: Number of plots inspected 25 Number of satisfactory plots 23 23 divided by 25 .92 Work Quality Percentage 92%

E.1.5 Acceptable Quality Level - Acceptance of work will be based on compliance with all Section

C.4 Specific Tasks that correspond to the treatment. A minimum basic quality of 90 percent is required.

E.1.6 Unsatisfactory Work - If the work quality falls below 90 percent, the COR will immediately notify the Contractor in writing and direct the Contractor to improve the quality of his work.

If the quality of work is not raised to an acceptable level within 5 working days after written notification, the Contracting Officer may issue a Suspend Work Order to resolve the problem, during which time contract performance time will continue to run. If untreated or unsatisfactory treated areas are the primary reason for unsatisfactory work, the area shall be reworked to obtain satisfactory work quality. If, after the allowable time for correction of the quality of work, the COR in conjunction with the Contracting Officer may deduct a percentage of funds from the line items that corresponds to the 90 percent required and the actual percentage obtained.

Disagreement between the parties will be subject to the clause entitled “Disputes”.

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In the event that work is performed that is contrary to the requirements in the task order the Government is not liable for costs incurred by the contractor during negligent performance that is without the fault or negligence of the Government.

E.2 BASIS OF PAYMENT

E.2.1 Method of Measurement

a. Acreage is measured on the horizontal plane.

c. The Contractor may, at any time during the course of the contract, request re-measurement of any project area if he feels that the acreage stated in the contract is incorrect. If re-measurement indicates that a variance of 5% or less exists, the Contractor will pay for the actual cost of the re-measurement. Under this condition, payment for the project area will be made on the acreage stated in the contract. If re-measurement indicates the actual variance is greater than 5%, payment for the project area will be based on the re-measured acreage.

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SECTION F--DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

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

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

AGAR 452.211-75 Effective Period of Contract (FEB 1988)

The effective period of this contract is from 1 August 2009 through 31 July 2012

F.1 The Contractor shall begin work from the effective date of the Notice to Proceed and shall continue performance of the work under the contract without delay or interruption except for causes beyond his control as defined in the contract, or by the receipt of a "Suspend Work Order" issued by the Government.

F.2 Task orders may be placed throughout the contract by the CO at the prices listed on the

Schedule of Items. The CO will consider contractor proximity to project, contractor status as a small business, contractor’s plan for providing employment and training opportunities to people in local rural communities, past performance and price, on this and previous contracts in determining placement of task orders. When past performance histories of awarded contractor are considered relatively close, price will be a major selection factor. The level of difficulty for each item of work ordered will be determined by the COR in accordance with the definitions in Section C.

F.3 Post Award Conference - Prior to commencement of work, the Contracting Officer will arrange a meeting with the Contractor to discuss the contract terms, task order, and work performance requirements. At this meeting such things as work progress schedule, quality control, camping/worksite plan, and Safety Plan shall be finalized in writing.

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SECTION G--CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

AGAR 452.215-73 Post Award Conference (NOV 1996)

A post award conference with the successful offeror is required. It will be scheduled within 14 days after the date of contract award. The conference will be held at a location to be determined.

G.1.0 CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE DEFINITION

The "Contracting Officer's Representative (COR)" is the on-the-ground administrator for the Contracting Officer.

G.2.0 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE AND

TASK ORDER MANAGER

G.2.1 The COR's authorities and responsibilities are defined in the COR's Designation Letter. The

COR is authorized to clarify technical requirements, and to review and approve work which is clearly within the scope of work. He is NOT authorized to issue changes pursuant to the changes clause or to in any other way modify the scope of work.

G.2.2 The Task Order Manager is responsible for checking the Contractor's compliance with the technical specifications, drawings, work schedule, and labor provisions at the site of the work.

G.4.0 NOTICE TO PROCEED

G.4.1 After award of contract, the Contracting Officer ( CO ) will issue to the Contractor a written notice to proceed. Issuance of the notice may be delayed for a reasonable time, at the discretion of the Government, if adverse soil, vegetative, or climate conditions exist.

G.4.2 The Contractor shall perform no preliminary work prior to receipt of the written notice to proceed. Contract time starts on the effective date of the notice to proceed.

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SECTION H--SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1.0 WORK HOURS

Work hours under this contract shall be limited to the time between one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset each day. No work will be done on Sunday or Federal Holidays unless mutually agreed upon.

H.2.0 PROSECUTION OF THE WORK

H.2.1 The capacity of the Contractor's plant, method of operation, and forces employed shall, at all times during the continuance of the contract, be subject to the approval of the Contracting Officer and shall be such as to assure the completion of the work within the specified period of time. To the extent stated in the specifications, the Contracting Officer shall have the right to select the sequence in which the individual work will be completed.

H.2.2 If work is seriously or chronically deficient, the Contractor's right to proceed may be suspended until the performance problems can be resolved and work may resume. The contract time will continue to run during any such period of suspension.

H.3.0 ENVIRONMENTAL INTERRUPTION OF WORK

H.3.1 Environmental - The Contracting Officer, by issuance of a suspend work order, may direct the Contractor to shut down any work that may be subject to damage due to…