AG-82X9-S-12-0066.pdf

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

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

2. CONTRACT NO.

7. FOR SOLICITATION

INFORMATION CALL:

9. ISSUED BY

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

15. DELIVER TO

17a. CONTRACTOR/

OFFEROR

TELEPHONE NO.

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN

OFFER

19.

ITEM NO.

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

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND

DELIVER ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY

ADDITIONAL SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

1. REQUISITION NUMBER

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (No collect calls)

UNRESTRICTED OR

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (WOSB)

ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(EDWOSB)

8 (A)

13b. RATING

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

RFQ

CODE

CODE

SEE ADDENDUM

21.

QUANTITY

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

ARE

ARE

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REF. OFFER

DATED . . YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION

(BLOCK 5), INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE

SET FORTH HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

31c. DATE SIGNED

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 3/2011)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

CODE

3. AWARD/EFFECTIVE

DATE

a. NAME

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

CODE

CODE

FACILITY

CODE

30c. DATE SIGNED

4. ORDER NUMBER

10. THIS ACQUISITION IS

16. ADMINISTERED BY

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK

BELOW IS CHECKED

31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

13a. THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

SET ASIDE:

IFB

PAGE 1 OF

6. SOLICITATION ISSUE

DATE

8. OFFER DUE DATE/

LOCAL TIME

NAICS:

SIZE STANDARD:

ARE NOT ATTACHED

ARE NOT ATTACHED

24.

AMOUNT

RFP

% FOR:

AG-82X9-S-12-0066 Page 1 AG-82X9-S-12-0066

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 4/2002) BACK

32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

22.

UNIT

23.

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED:

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

32c. DATE

41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER 41c. DATE

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42c. DATE REC'D (YY/MM/DD) 42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS

40. PAID BY

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

33. SHIP NUMBER 34. VOUCHER NUMBER 35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

PARTIAL FINAL

37. CHECK NUMBER

38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER 39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER

36. PAYMENT

COMPLETE PARTIAL FINAL

AG-82X9-S-12-0066 Page 2 AG-82X9-S-12-0066

Contractual Questions: David H. Johnson – 307-578-5148

Technical Questions: Jason McGaughey – 307-455-4155

Site Location: Throughout the Bighorn NF and Shoshone NF, WY

Site Visit: None

Pre-Bid Meeting: None

Has ORCA been completed? Y N If no, complete Section K, Reps & Certs

Are you CCR registered? Y N If no, complete CCR registration prior to submission.

Socio-Economic Status ( must complete ) 8(a) = SBA 8(a) Program, HubZone = Geographic Historically Underutilized Business Zone, SDVOB = Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business, WOSB = Woman Owned Small Business ( only for certain NAICS)

8(a ) Y N HubZone Y N SVDOB Y N

WOSB Y N

Fax proposals are NOT acceptable. Sign and fill in and return the following, Standard Form 1449, Pages 1-3, Pricing Sheet Section B/Schedule of items; Section K Representations and Certifications. Required Technical Proposal and References.

Technical Proposal and References: Shall be labeled with the project title and solicitation number - Technical Proposal and be limited to 30 double sided pages (60 sides) and shall be: un-punched, un-stapled, un-tabbed and shall be clipped together with a banker’s clip or similar device. Failure to submit this information will render the offer as non-responsive. See Section L

Non Discrimination

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 for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

AG-82X9-S-12-0066 Page 3 AG-82X9-S-12-0066

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B – SERVICES AND PRICES

HAZARDOUS FUEL REDUCTION TREATMENTS WITHIN

THE SHOSHONE AND BIGHORN NATIONAL FORESTS.

This is a 5-year indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity multiple award contract for the services specified. This contract is designed to focus on mechanical applications primarily with the addition of limited hand work.

Specific locations and quantities will be specified in the task order. Tasks and level of difficulty for each item are defined in section C.5 Specific Tasks.

B.1 Schedule of Items Item No. Description Estimated

Quantity Unit Unit Price

1 Mastication/Chipping:

Timber Stands

Base Year

Option Year 1

Option Year 2

Option Year 3

Option Year 4 Item / Level of Difficulty

1 A– I TBA Acre 1 A– II TBA Acre 1 A– III TBA Acre 1 A– IV TBA Acre 1 A– V TBA Acre 1 A– VI TBA Acre 1 A– VII TBA Acre 1 A- VIII TBA Acre 1 A- IX TBA Acre 1 A- X TBA Acre 1 A– XI TBA Acre 1 A– XII TBA Acre

1A-XII TBA Acre 1A-XIV TBA Acre 1A – XV TBA Acre 1A – XVI TBA Acre 1A – XVII TBA Acre 1A – XVIII TBA Acre 1A – XIX TBA Acre 1A – XX TBA Acre 1A – XXI TBA Acre 1A – XXII TBA Acre 1A – XXIII TBA Acre 1A – XXIV TBA Acre 1B - I TBA Acre 1B - II TBA Acre 1B - III TBA Acre 1B - IV TBA Acre 1B – V TBA Acre 1B - VI TBA Acre 1B - VII TBA Acre

AG-82X9-S-12-0066 Page 4 AG-82X9-S-12-0066

Item No. Description Estimated

Quantity Unit Unit Price

1B - VIII TBA Acre 1B - VIX TBA Acre 1B – X TBA Acre 1B - XI TBA Acre 1B - XII TBA Acre 1B - XIII TBA Acre 1B - XIV TBA Acre 1B - XV TBA Acre 1B - XVI TBA Acre 1B - XVII TBA Acre 1B - XVIII TBA Acre 1B - XIX TBA Acre 1B - XX TBA Acre 1B - XXI TBA Acre 1B - XXII TBA Acre 1B - XXIII TBA Acre 1B -XXIV TBA Acre

2 Mastication/Chipping/

Mowing:

Woodland/Shrubland

Option Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4 Item / Level of Difficulty

2 – I TBA Acre 2 – II TBA Acre 2 – III TBA Acre 2 – IV TBA Acre 2 – V TBA Acre 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

AG-82X9-S-12-0066 Page 5 AG-82X9-S-12-0066

3 Selective Slashing/Thinning

Year

Option Year 1

Option Year 2

Option Year 3

Option Year 4 Item / Level of Difficulty

3 - I TBA Acre 3 - II TBA Acre 3 - III TBA Acre 3 - IV TBA Acre 3 - V TBA Acre 3 - VI TBA Acre

3 – VII TBA Acre 3 – VIII TBA Acre 3 – IX TBA Acre 3 - X TBA Acre 3 – XI TBA Acre 3 - XII TBA Acre

4 Fuel Break Construction:

Timber Stands

Option Year 1

Option Year 2

Option Year 3

Option Year 4 Item / Level of Difficulty

4 - I TBA Acre 4 - II TBA Acre 4 - III TBA Acre 4 - IV TBA Acre 4 - V TBA Acre 4 - VI TBA Acre 4 - VII TBA Acre 4 - VIII TBA Acre 4 - IX TBA Acre

5 Fuel Break Construction:

Woodland/Shrubland

Option Year 1

Option Year 2

Option Year 3

Option Year 4 Item / Level of Difficulty

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

AG-82X9-S-12-0066 Page 6 AG-82X9-S-12-0066

6 Mechanical Piling

Year

Option Year 1

Option Year 2

Option Year 3

Option Year 4 Item / Level of Difficulty

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

7 Mechanical Yarding and

Piling of Slash and/or Yarding of Merchantable Material

Option Year 1

Option Year 2

Option Year 3

Option Year 4

Item / Level of Difficulty 7A - I TBD Acre 7A - II TBD Acre 7A - III TBD Acre 7A - IV TBD Acre 7A - V TBD Acre 7A - VI TBD Acre 7A - VII TBD Acre 7A - VIII TBD Acre 7A - IX TBD Acre 7A - X TBD Acre 7A - XI TBD Acre 7A - XII TBD Acre 7A - XIII TBD Acre

7B – I TBD Acre 7B – II TBD Acre 7B – III TBD Acre 7B – IV TBD Acre 7B – V TBD Acre 7B – VI TBD Acre 7B – VII TBD Acre 7B – VIII TBD Acre 7B – IX TBD Acre 7B – X TBD Acre 7B – XI TBD Acre 7B – XII TBD Acre 7B – XIII TBD Acre

More than one task order may be awarded, by item, to the Contractor(s) providing the best over-all value to the Government (See Sections L and M for instructions for submitting proposals). 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.

AG-82X9-S-12-0066 Page 7 AG-82X9-S-12-0066

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 $3,000.00, but not in excess of $1,000,000.00. $3,000 guarantee for base year only.

AG-82X9-S-12-0066 Page 8 AG-82X9-S-12-0066

SECTION C--DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

STATEMENT OF WORK

AGAR 452.211-72 Statement Of Work/Specifications (FEB 1988)

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

AGAR 452.211-73 Attachments To Statement Of Work/Specifications (FEB 1988)

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

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 designed to focus on mechanical applications with the addition of limited hand work. This contract is an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity 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 Non-Merchantable Material- During performance of any task order issued under the terms and conditions of this contract, non-merchantable material may be produced. Any task order issued hereunder that would result in the production of non-merchantable material will address the disposal of the non-merchantable 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 non-merchantable 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 -

1. Task orders will be issued on a case by case basis.

2. The task order will address specific requirements of a project and may include: seasonal limitations, resource protection requirements in addition to those listed in section H, equipment specifications, and surplus vegetation requirements.

AG-82X9-S-12-0066 Page 9 AG-82X9-S-12-0066

3. Multiple tasks may be awarded for the same treatment area. When multiple tasks are awarded for the same treatment area, each separate task may be awarded to a different contractor. Multiple contractors will not be assigned the same tasks for the same treatment area.

4. Task Orders issued under this contract may include designation by descriptions, which require a working knowledge of silvicultural terminology and treatments.

C.2 Definitions

Accessible - Road access to a unit. Unit will be considered accessible when road access is within 1/2 mile of the unit.

Advanced Regeneration - Seedlings or saplings that develop or are present in the understory.

Basal Area (BA) - The cross-sectional area of a single stem, including the bark, measured at breast height (4.5 ft from the ground on the uphill side of a tree). The cross-sectional area of all stems of a species or all stems in a stand measured at breast height and expressed per unit of land area.

Cable Logging - Cable logging involves stationary machines with towers and winches that are parked and anchored near or on roads. These machines skid trees or logs from steep or sensitive slopes with cables. This type of logging is preferably done by skidding logs uphill, but can also skid downhill depending on the configuration of the machine, as well as having the ability to suspend logs fully from the ground.

Chipper - machine used for reducing wood (generally tree limbs or trunks) into smaller parts, such as wood chips or sawdust. They cannot move independently, and must be mounted on wheels and frames suitable for towing behind a truck or van and left at a designated sight for use.

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

Crown Class - A category of tree based on its crown position relative to those of adjacent trees.

Types of crown classes are the following:

− Codominant: A tree whose crown helps to form the general level of the main canopy in even-aged stands or in uneven-aged stands, the main canopy of the tree’s immediate neighbors, receiving full light from above and comparatively little from the sides.

− Dominant: A tree whose crown extends through the upper layer of the forest canopy of even-aged stands or in uneven-aged stands, above the crowns of the tree’s immediate neighbors and receiving full light from above and partial light from the sides.

− Emergent: A tree whose crown is completely above the general level of the main canopy, receiving full light from above and from all sides.

− Intermediate: A tree whose crown extends into the lower portion of the main canopy of even-aged stands, or in uneven-aged stands, into the lower portion of the canopy formed by the tree’s immediate neighbors, but shorter in height than the codominants and receiving little direct light from above and none from the sides.

− Overtopped (suppressed): A tree whose crown is completely overtopped by the crowns of one or more neighboring trees – the vigor of overtopped trees varies from high to low depending on individual circumstances.

− Predominant: A tree whose crown has grown above the general level of the upper canopy.

AG-82X9-S-12-0066 Page 10 AG-82X9-S-12-0066 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wood_chip http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sawdust

Damage - Defect or deformity of a tree resulting from agents such as wind, snow, animals, insects, disease, equipment, and evidenced by such things as dead or broken tops or trunks, crooks, and deep scars or damage to the bark on more than ¼ of the circumference of the tree.

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

Desirable Leave Trees - Trees that are desirable to leave have the following characteristics:

• Straight stem

• Small branch diameter

• Good coloration

• Well-formed crown

• Branches horizontal or slightly angled to bole

• Free of insect or disease damage and/or symptoms

• Vigorous annual terminal growth (especially in the last 1 to 3 years)

• Crown class of dominant or codominant

• Crown ratio is 40% or larger.

Undesirable Leave Trees - Trees that are not desirable to leave have the following characteristics:

• Multiple tops

• Poor crown form

• Crook or sweep in the bole

• Dead or broken tops

• Poor coloration or chlorotic

• Large branch diameter

• Present of insect or diseases, such as (but not limited to):

• Bark beetles (on pines, spruce, Doug-fir and true firs) as indicated by:

Mountain pine beetle indicators: dead, red-needled, or with green needles, pitch tubes, frass and/or beetle galleries and/or larvae under the bark.

Doug-fir beetle indicators: dead, red, or fading crowns, pitch streaking evident on trees boles.

Spruce beetle indicators: dead or fading crowns, bark flaking, and/or beetle galleries and/or larvae under the bark.

• Dwarf Mistletoe/Comandra blister rust indicators: bole cankers, dead tops above bole cankers, brooms or mistletoe plants on any portion of the tree.

• White pine blister rust

• Western gall rust

• Wood rot

• Branches more than 45 degrees from horizontal

• Physical or mechanical damage

• Suppressed

• Poor annual growth

• Sucker limbs

AG-82X9-S-12-0066 Page 11 AG-82X9-S-12-0066

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.

Hardwood or Aspen Clones - Any area containing hardwoods that are greater than or equal to ¼ acre in size.

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.

Intermediate Treatment - Any treatment or tending designed to enhance growth, quality, vigor, and compositions of the stand after establishment or regeneration and prior to final harvest.

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 Shrub Clump - A group of 2 or more 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.

Masticator - A masticator is a device mounted on a track or wheeled vehicle that grinds or flails woody vegetation into chips that are deposited on the forest floor. It effectively cuts down and grinds up whole standing trees in one process.

Merchantability Specifications -

Product Species Specific Specifications - Minimum Live and Dead

Engelmann spruce (ES), Subalpine Fir (AF), Whitebark/Limber Pine (WBP), Lodgepole Pine (LP), Douglas-fir (DF), Ponderosa Pine (PP)

Sawtimber 7.0” DBH 6.0” top DIB 8’ Piece

10.67 Merchantability Factor or 34% sound

POL 5.0” DBH

4.0” top DIB 6.5’ Piece 100% Sound

Overstory Removal - The cutting of trees constituting an upper canopy layer to release trees or other vegetation in an understory.

Pole - A tree of a size between a sapling and a mature tree, generally between 5 and 7” DBH.

AG-82X9-S-12-0066 Page 12 AG-82X9-S-12-0066 http://www.treesearch.fs.fed.us/pubs/6447

Precommercial Thinning - The removal of trees not for immediate financial return but to reduce stocking to concentrate growth on the more desirable trees.

Regeneration Method (syn. reproduction method) - A cutting procedure by which a new age class is created. The primary methods are:

1. Even-aged Methods: Regenerate and maintain stand within a single age class.

a. Coppice: A regeneration method where regeneration is achieved from stump sprout or root suckers.

i. Coppice Selection: only selected stems of merchantable size are cut at each felling, giving even-aged stands.

ii. Coppice with Reserves (syn. coppice with standards): Reserve trees are retained to attain goals other than regeneration.

b. Clearcutting: the cutting of essentially all trees, producing a fully exposed microclimate for the development of a new age class. Regeneration can be from natural seeding, direct seedling, planted seedlings, or advance reproduction. Cutting may be done in groups or patches, or in strips. When the primary source of regeneration is advance reproduction, the preferred term is overstory removal. With Reserves: Clearcutting in which varying numbers of reserve trees are not harvested to attain goals other than regeneration.

c. Seed Tree: The cutting of all trees except for a small number of widely dispersed trees retained for seed production and to produce a new age class in fully exposed microenvironment. Seed trees are usually removed after regeneration is established. With Reserves: some or all of the seed trees are retained after regeneration has become established to attain goals other than regeneration.

d. Shelterwood Seed Cut: The cutting of most trees, leaving those need to produce sufficient shade to produce a new age class in a moderated microenvironment. The sequence of treatments can include three types of cuttings:

i. Preparation Cut (optional): To enhance conditions for seed production.

ii. Establishment (Seed) Cut: To prepare the seed bed and to create a new age class.

iii. Removal Cut: to release established regeneration from competition with the overwood.

Cutting may be done uniformly throughout the stand (uniform shelterwood), in groups or patches (group shelterwood), or in strips (strip shelterwood). In the latter, regeneration cuttings may progress against the prevailing wind.

With Reserves: some or all of the shelter trees are retained after regeneration has become established to attain goals other than regeneration.

2. Uneven-aged (selection) Methods (syn. all-aged methods): Regenerate and maintain a multi-aged structure by removing some trees in all size classes either singly, in small groups, or in strips.

AG-82X9-S-12-0066 Page 13 AG-82X9-S-12-0066

a. Group Selection: trees are removed and new age classes are established in small groups.

The width of the groups is commonly approximately twice the height of the mature trees with small openings providing microenvironments suitable for tolerant regeneration and larger openings providing conditions suitable for more intolerant regeneration. With Reserves:

some trees are not cut to attain goals other than regeneration within the group.

b. Single Tree Selection (syn. individual tree selection): Individual trees of all size classes are removed more or less uniformly throughout the stand, to promote growth of remaining trees and to provide space for regeneration.

Release - A treatment designed to free young trees from undesirable, usually overtopping, competing vegetation. Treatments include:

− Cleaning: A release made in an age class not past the sapling stage to free the favored trees from less desirable individuals of the same age class that overtop them or are likely to do so. Also, a treatment designed to eradicate individual trees infected with dwarf mistletoe.

− Liberation: A release treatment made in a stand not past the sapling stage to free the favored trees from competition with older, overtopping trees.

− Weeding: A treatment in stands not past the sapling stage that eliminates or suppresses undesirable vegetation regardless of crown position.

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.

Salvage - The removal of dead trees or trees damaged or dying because of injurious agents other than competition, to recover economic value that would otherwise be lost.

Sanitation - The removal of trees to improve stand health by stopping or reducing the actual or anticipating spread of insects and disease.

Sapling - A usually young tree larger than a seedling but smaller than a pole; generally between 1 and 5” DBH.

Seedling - A usually young tree less than 1” DBH.

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.

Slashing – action of removing the branches and non-merchantable material from a felled tree.

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

Spacing - The horizontal distance from the trunk of one leave tree to the trunk of the next nearest leave tree.

Streamcourse - The area along a stream (including the stream) with riparian vegetation and other riparian characteristics. Protected streamcourses will be shown on task order maps.

AG-82X9-S-12-0066 Page 14 AG-82X9-S-12-0066

Stump Diameter - Stump diameter is measured outside bark at four inches above ground level on the uphill side of the tree and may be measured using a diameter tape or caliper according to standard measurement procedures in use by the Forest Service.

Surplus Vegetation/Slash – Surplus vegetation includes standing 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. Surplus vegetation becomes slash when it is cut. Slash can include any existing natural (dead and down) woody debris.

Thinning - A cultural treatment made to reduce stand density of trees primarily to improve growth, enhance forest health, or recover potential mortality. Types of thinning include the following:

Chemical: The killing of unwanted trees by using an herbicide, including band or frill girdling.

Free: The removal of trees to control stand spacing and favor desired trees, using a combination of thinning criteria without regard to crown position.

Mechanical (syn. geometric thinning): The thinning of trees in either even- or uneven-aged stands, involving removal of trees in rows, strips, or by using fixed spacing intervals.

Thinning from above (syn. crown thinning): The removal of trees from the dominant and codominant crown classes in order to favor the best trees of those same crown classes.

Thinning from below (syn. low thinning): The removal of trees from the lower crown classes to favor those in the upper crown classes.

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 20 percent in order to select the most desirable tree. Spacing control using the specified leave tree guidelines shall be maintained wherever possible.

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.

Water Influence Zone (WIZ) - The land next to water bodies where vegetation plays a major role in sustaining long-term integrity of aquatic systems. It includes the geomorphic floodplain (valley bottom), riparian ecosystem, and inner gorge. Its minimum horizontal width (from top of each bank) is generally 100 feet or the mean height of mature dominant late-seral vegetation, whichever is most.

Wetland - A transitional area between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems that is inundated or saturated for periods long enough to produce hydric soils and support hydrophytic vegetation.

Wildlife Trees - Standing dead or live trees left for nesting, feeding, perching and shelter for birds 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.

AG-82X9-S-12-0066 Page 15 AG-82X9-S-12-0066

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 English literate Supervisor- 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.3.5 Contractor Furnished Seed - The contractor will provide seed for rehabilitation services as specified in Section H.6.3. Seed mixes will be specified by the Forest Service on individual task orders or at pre-work conferences. Potential seed mixes are attached in Section J.

C.4 GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY AND SERVICES

C.4.1 Government Furnished Items- will be identified in the task order. The Contractor shall return all

Government furnished-property within 24 hours from final acceptance. At time of return, the Contractor shall furnish the COR with an inventory of property being returned. The Contractor shall be financially responsible for any shortages or damage of Government-furnished property.

C.5 Specific Tasks

C.5.1 Item #1 -Mastication/Chipping - Timber Stands

C.5.1.1 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 standing 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. The primary type of masticator to be used on these task orders will be the vertical shaft, or rotary disc (further referred to as rotary), masticator and needs to be boom-mounted. What distinguishes a masticator as rotary is a vertical drive shaft that is attached to a bar or disk; this bar or disk contains the cutting apparatus which can be fixed or free-swinging teeth or blades. Other specifications might include: rubber tracked, rubber wheeled, or metal tracked. These specifications will be identified in the task order.

C.5.1.2 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, diameter 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

AG-82X9-S-12-0066 Page 16 AG-82X9-S-12-0066 wheeled, horizontal mounted drums, articulated head, etc) it will be identified in the task order. If diameters of material exceed those listed in the levels of difficulty below, vegetation above those limits are still required to be felled and the slash from the vegetation will be masticated or chipped.

Levels of difficulty for mastication are listed under Item 1A; levels of difficulty for chipping are listed under item 1B. If a particular treatment area does not fall within the level of difficulties listed below, a mixture of percentages of the difficulty levels may be incorporated to best illustrate the intensity of work required on a given area.

Mastication Level of Difficulty

Item #1A - 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. The maximum diameter to treat is generally 18” DBH or less. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a 0% to 25% slope.

Item #1A - 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. The maximum diameter to treat is generally 18” DBH or less. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a 0% to 25% slope.

Item #1A - Level III - The fuel model is best represented by FBFM 8. The percent cover of material to be treated is greater than 60 percent. The maximum diameter to treat is generally 18” DBH or less.

75 percent or more of the project site is on a 0% to 25% slope.

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

Item #1A- Level V - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 10. The percent cover of

Item #1A - 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. The maximum diameter to treat is generally 18”

Item #1A - Level VII - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 8. The percent cover of or less. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a 25% to 50% slope.

Item #1A - Level VIII - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 8. The percent cover of

DBH or less. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a 25% to 50% slope.

Item #1A - 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. The maximum diameter to treat is generally 18” DBH or less. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a 25% to 50% slope

AG-82X9-S-12-0066 Page 17 AG-82X9-S-12-0066

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

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

Item #1A - Level XII - 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 25% to 50% slope

Item #1A - Level XIII – The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 8. The percent cover of material to be treated is less than 40 percent. The maximum diameter to treat is generally over 18” DBH. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a 0% to 25% slope.

Item #1A - Level XIV - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 8. The percent cover of material to be treated is between 40 and 60 percent. The maximum diameter to treat is generally over 18” DBH. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a 0% to 25% slope.

Item #1A - Level XV - The fuel model is best represented by FBFM 8. The percent cover of material to be treated is greater than 60 percent. The maximum diameter to treat is generally over 18” DBH.

Item #1 A - Level XVI - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 10. The percent cover of material to be treated is less than 40 percent. The maximum diameter to treat is generally over 18” DBH. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a 0% to 25% slope

Item #1 A - Level XVII - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 10. The percent cover of material to be treated is between 40 and 60 percent. The maximum diameter to treat is generally over 18” DBH. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a 0% to 25% slope.

Item #1A - Level XVIII - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 10. The percent cover of material to be treated is greater than 60 percent. The maximum diameter to treat is generally over 18” DBH. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a 0% to 25% slope.

Item #1A - Level XIX - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 8. The percent cover of material to be treated is less than 40 percent. The maximum diameter to treat is generally over 18” DBH. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a 25% to 50% slope.

Item #1A - Level XX - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 8. The percent cover of

18” DBH. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a 25% to 50% slope.

Item #1A - Level XXI - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 8. The percent cover of material to be treated is greater than 60 percent. The maximum diameter to treat is generally over 18” DBH. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a 25% to 50% slope

AG-82X9-S-12-0066 Page 18 AG-82X9-S-12-0066

Item #1A - Level XXII- The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 10. The percent cover of material to be treated is less than 40 percent. The maximum diameter to treat is generally over 18”

Item #1A - Level XXIII - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 10. The percent cover over 18” DBH. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a 25% to 50% slope.

Item #1A - Level XXIV - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 10. The percent cover of material to be treated is greater than 60 percent. The maximum diameter to treat is generally over 18” DBH. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a 25% to 50% slope.

Chipping Level of Difficulty

Item #1B - 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. The maximum diameter to treat is generally 8” DBH or less. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a 0% to 25% slope.

Item #1B - 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. The maximum diameter to treat is generally 8”

Item #1B - Level III - The fuel model is best represented by FBFM 8. The percent cover of material to be treated is greater than 60 percent. The maximum diameter to treat is generally 8” DBH or less.

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

Item #1 B - Level V - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 10. The percent cover of

Item #1B - 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. The maximum diameter to treat is generally 8” DBH or less. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a 0% to 25% slope.

Item #1B - Level VII - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 8. The percent cover of less. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a 25% to 50% slope.

Item #1B - Level VIII - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 8. The percent cover of

Item #1B - Level IX - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 8. The percent cover of or less. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a 25% to 50% slope

AG-82X9-S-12-0066 Page 19 AG-82X9-S-12-0066

Item #1B - Level X - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 10. The percent cover of less. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a 25% to 50% slope.

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

Item #1B - Level XII - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 10. The percent cover of

Item #1B - Level XIII – The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 8. The percent cover of material to be treated is less than 40 percent. The maximum diameter to treat is generally over 8” DBH. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a 0% to 25% slope.

Item #1B - Level XIV - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 8. The percent cover of

8” DBH. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a 0% to 25% slope.

Item #1B - Level XV - The fuel model is best represented by FBFM 8. The percent cover of material to be treated is greater than 60 percent. The maximum diameter to treat is generally over 8” DBH.

Item #1B - Level XVI - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 10. The percent cover of

DBH. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a 0% to 25% slope

Item #1B - Level XVII - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 10. The percent cover over 8” DBH. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a 0% to 25% slope.

Item #1B - Level XVIII - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 10. The percent cover of material to be treated is greater than 60 percent. The maximum diameter to treat is generally over 8” DBH. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a 0% to 25% slope.

Item #1B - Level XIX - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 8. The percent cover of

Item #1B - Level XX - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 8. The percent cover of

8” DBH. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a 25% to 50% slope.

Item #1B - Level XXI - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 8. The percent cover of material to be treated is greater than 60 percent. The maximum diameter to treat is generally over 8” DBH. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a 25% to 50% slope

Item #1B - Level XXII- The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 10. The percent cover of material to be treated is less than 40 percent. The maximum diameter to treat is generally over 8”

AG-82X9-S-12-0066 Page 20 AG-82X9-S-12-0066

Item #1B - Level XXIII - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 10. The percent cover over 8” DBH. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a 25% to 50% slope.

Item #1B - Level XXIV - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 10. The percent cover of material to be treated is greater than 60 percent. The maximum diameter to treat is generally over 8” DBH. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a 25% to 50% slope.

C.5.1.3 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.5.1.4 Spacing - Spacing width and spacing variance shall be designated for each unit in written instructions with each task order. For example, 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.5.1.5 Criteria for Selection of Leave Trees or shrubs - Task orders will include instructions designating criteria for selection of leave trees or shrubs.

C.5.1.6 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.5.1.7 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. Masticate/Chip all slash generated from treatment.

b. Fifty percent of preexisting slash and/or down/dead fuels will also be masticated/chipped.

Preference for masticating/chipping preexisting slash/down/dead fuels will be given to material under 8” DBH or to material that is jackstrawed and contributes to ladder fuels.

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

d. Chips or debris for either mastication or chipping shall be spread in patches across the unit. Chip depth may range from 6 to 12 inches; maximum chip depth will be specified in each task order.

Areas that exceed that depth must either be spread throughout the unit or transported off site.

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

AG-82X9-S-12-0066 Page 21 AG-82X9-S-12-0066

f. Tree Stump height shall not exceed six (6) inches and shrub stump height shall not exceed six (6) inches above ground level measured on the uphill side. There may be mitigating circumstances within the terrain being treated to adjust the stump height to reduce damage to the equipment.

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

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

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

j. Contractor generated slash shall be immediately removed from water courses (either continuous or seasonal), existing slash-free fuel breaks, power-line and telephone rights-of-way, and road cuts, fills, and running surfaces.

AG-82X9-S-12-0066 Page 22 AG-82X9-S-12-0066

C.5.2 Item #2 -Mastication/Chipping/Mowing – Woodland/Shrubland

C.5.2.1 Mastication/Chipping/Mowing 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.5.2.2 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 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 #2 - Level II - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 2. 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 #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 0% to 25% slope.

Item #2 - Level IV - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 6. 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 #2 - Level V - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 6. 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 #2 - Level VI - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 6. 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 #2 - Level VII - The vegetation on site is best represented by FBFM 2. The percent cover of material to be treated is less than 40 percent. 75 percent or more of the project site is on a 25% to 50% slope.

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

AG-82X9-S-12-0066 Page 23 AG-82X9-S-12-0066

Item #2 - Level IX - The vegetation on site 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 25% to 50% slope

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