AG-82X9-S-12-0081.pdf

AG-82X9-S-12-0081

1. REQUEST NO.

5a. ISSUED BY

NAME

a. NAME

c. STREET ADDRESS

d. CITY

10. PLEASE FURNISH QUOTATIONS TO

THE ISSUING OFFICE IN BLOCK 5a ON

OR BEFORE CLOSE OF BUSINESS (Date)

2. DATE ISSUED 3. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQUEST NO. 4. CERT. FOR NAT. DEF.

UNDER BDSA REG. 2

AND/OR DMS REG.1

RATING

6. DELIVERY BY (Date)

7. DELIVERY

9. DESTINATION

a. NAME OF CONSIGNEE

b. STREET ADDRESS

PAGE OF PAGES

5b. FOR INFORMATION CALL: (No collect calls)

TELEPHONE NUMBER

AREA CODE NUMBER

8. TO:

b. COMPANY

e. STATE f. ZIP CODE

c. CITY

d. STATE e. ZIP CODE

IMPORTANT: This is a request for information, and quotations furnished are not offers. If you are unable to quote, please so indicate on this form and return it to the address in Block 5a. This request does not commit the Government to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of the submission of this quotation or to contract for supplies or services. Supplies are of domestic origin unless otherwise indicated by quoter. Any representations and/or certifications attached to this Request for Quotations must be completed by the quoter.

11. SCHEDULE (Include applicable Federal, State and local taxes)

THIS RFQ

REQUEST FOR QUOTATION

(THIS IS NOT AN ORDER)

IS IS NOT A SMALL BUSINESS SET ASIDEX

04/05/2012

1 23

ROCKY MOUNTAIN REGION ATTN AQM

15 BURNETT COURT

DURANGO CO 81301

USDA FOREST SERVICE

Multiple

970 385-1245GINGER DOMINGOS

05/30/2012 1200 MT

FOB DESTINATION

OTHER

(See Schedule)X

ITEM NO.

(a)

SUPPLIES/SERVICES

(b)

QUANTITY

(c)

UNIT

(d)

UNIT PRICE

(e)

AMOUNT

(f)

TITLE: Roxborough Mastication, Mechanical Fuels Treatment, South Platte RD, Pike National Forest, Colorado

NOTE: This is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) under the BLM National IDIQ Fuels Reduction Contract.

Only those contractors awarded item 0017AA, for Colorado, will be eligible for award. See Schedule if Items contained herein.

An organized prebid/show me trip has been scheduled: See Section L for details.

12. DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT

a. 10 CALENDAR DAYS (%) b. 20 CALENDAR DAYS (%) c. 30 CALENDAR DAYS (%) d. CALENDAR DAYS

NUMBER PERCENTAGE

NOTE: Additional provisions and representations

13. NAME AND ADDRESS OF QUOTER

b. STREET ADDRESS

c. COUNTY

d. CITY e. STATE f. ZIP CODE

14. SIGNATURE OF PERSON AUTHORIZED TO

SIGN QUOTATION

16. SIGNER

a. NAME (Type or print)

c. TITLE (Type or print)

a. NAME OF QUOTER

AREA CODE

NUMBER

15. DATE OF QUOTATION

b. TELEPHONE are are not attached

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

Previous edition not usable

STANDARD FORM 18 (REV. 6-95)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.215-1(a)

Roxborough Mastication

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION B – SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

SECTION C – DECSCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

SECTION E – INSPECTION AND ACCCEPTANCE

SECTION G – CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

SECTION H – SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

SECTION I – CONTRACT CLAUSES

SECTION J - ATTACHMENTS

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO BIDDERS

SECTION M – EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

SECTION B – SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

Line Item Description Quantity Unit Unit Price

Total Price (incl.

discounts)

0001 Upper South Platte Phase 1 – Roxborough 1

Item 0017AA

– Level 1

Mechanical Fuel Treatment (Grinding) 202 acre $_____ $________

SECTION C – DECSCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1. SCOPE OF CONTRACT

This contract requires mastication (grinding) of designated vegetation and related work in compliance with its terms, specifications, and provisions. This work will be conducted using the appropriate tracked or wheeled mechanical equipment. This includes furnishing labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, operating supplies, and incidentals. This portion of Phase 1 of the Upper South Platte Project includes 202 acres of treatment for the required item. The South Platte Ranger District intends to complete treatment on this portion of the project using a task order under the National Fuels Reduction IDIQ contract. All master contract terms, conditions, and specifications apply to this contract in addition to the specifications, terms, and conditions of this specific task order.

C.2. APPLICABLE DIRECTIVES

All applicable legal directives pertaining to this project are described in Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact for the Phase 1 Environmental Assessment for the Upper South Platte Watershed Protection and Restoration Project, Vegetation Treatment Subproject in Non- Roadless Areas, signed August 2, 2001 by Forest Supervisor Abigail Kimbell. Other important directives referenced in this document include the Land and Resource Management Plan for the Pike and San Isabel National Forests, as well as the Biological Opinion for Phase 1 of the Upper South Platte Project. Each of these documents is available at the South Platte District Office.

C.3. STATEMENT OF WORK

C.3.1 LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

This project is located on the South Platte Ranger District, Pike National Forest, on National Forest System land located north of the Indian Creek Work Center and west of Roxborough State Park (Map 1). The contract area is located approximately 40 road miles south of downtown Denver, Colorado. The treatment unit is located in sections 22, 26, and 27 in Township 7 South, Range 69 West (Map 1). All legal descriptions are located using the 6th Principle Meridian, and are in Douglas County, Colorado.

C.3.2 ACCESS

Access to the treatment unit is from Douglas County Road (DCR) 67 and National Forest System Road (NFSR) 512 that approaches the unit from the south (off DCR 67, see Map 2). NFSR 512 is approximately 4.5 miles long. DCR 67 is an all-weather paved road that is maintained in the winter. NFSR 512 is a native surface single lane forest road that is not maintained in the winter. Access on NFSR 512 to the treatment unit is generally possible from May to November without snow-plowing, depending on weather conditions. Within the unit, travel will be cross-country, except where NFSR 512 crosses the southern end of the unit. Motorized equipment, such as all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), may only be used on approved access routes and may not be used to travel cross-country within the treatment unit. Such equipment must be properly registered for use in the State of Colorado. The contractor is advised that communications are poor to non-existent in the unit. Cell phone coverage is generally not available. The contractor may want to consider arranging alternate means of communication and safety check-in, check-out procedures.

C.3.3 BOUNDARIES OF TREATMENT UNITS

The exterior boundaries of the treatment unit are marked with orange flagging, blue boundary signs, and orange paint. The contractor will be provided with topographic and aerial photograph maps of the treatment unit at a scale of 1:12,000. At the contractor’s request GIS shapefiles, a Google Earth file, or GPS track logs can be provided to aid in unit boundary location.

C.3.4 CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS

The contractor shall provide all labor, transportation, materials, and equipment necessary to perform the work described in this task order.

C.3.5 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED ITEMS

The government will provide:

Topographical and aerial photograph maps at a scale of 1:12,000 showing the boundaries of the treatment unit.

GIS and GPS-compatible digital data for the boundaries of the treatment unit, if requested.

Forest Service access key and gate information.

Maps and digital data need not be returned at the end of the contract. Access keys and gate information must be returned within 24 hours of final contract acceptance.

Replacement cost of lost keys is $300.00 per key.

C.3.6 TECHNICAL TREATMENT SPECIFICATIONS

Unless otherwise noted here, the specifications from the master contract will be applicable.

C.3.6.1 General Objectives

The purpose of this project is to: 1) reduce the risk of high intensity fires and subsequent erosion in the watershed that could threaten property and human life and exacerbate soils and water quality problems; and 2) restore the forest to more resilient and sustainable conditions.

The primary objective of the treatment will be to modify forest vegetation by reducing tree density, increasing canopy base height, reducing canopy bulk density, and retaining larger trees of fire resistant species. To accomplish this objective, mastication will be used to reduce understory tree and shrub density, as well as ladder fuels. More specific details of the treatment are described below.

C.3.6.2 Treatment Specifications

C.3.6.2.1 Unit Description

Physical Description o Size: 202 acres o Location: Sections 22, 26, and 27, Township 7 South, Range

69 West o Elevation: 6,900 to 7,500 feet o Average slope: 21%

Vegetation Description o This unit is a mix of ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir, with more ponderosa pine in the larger size classes, but more Douglas-fir overall. There are also scattered aspen in the unit and a few spruce lower in the draws. The unit contains some large, dense patches of Gambel’s oak, as well as many scattered patches of Gambel’s oak and other brush.

o Current basal area is 180 ft2/ac. Current stand density is 424 trees per acre. Current canopy cover is approximately 58% for trees and 30% for shrubs.

o Estimated percent cover of material to be cut is 25%.

Estimated trees to be cut are 302 trees per acre.

Treatment Requirements Specific to this Treatment Unit o Target basal area is 120 square feet per acre (ft2/ac).

o This unit contains approximately 900 linear feet of the

Waterton-Malta 230 kV transmission line, as shown on Map 2.

No treatment is required (or allowed) within the 100-foot right-of-way (50 feet either side of centerline). The right-of-way contains approximately two acres, which has been subtracted from the total acres of the unit.

o National Forest System Road 512 shall be kept free of slash or other material created by the tasks in this contract at all times.

o Trail 800 shall be crossed at designated locations only, as agreed upon in advance between the contractor and Contracting Officer’s Representative.

o Trail 800 shall be returned to its pre-treatment condition as soon as operations are complete in the area adjacent to the trail. This trail need not be kept free of slash or other material during treatment operations. All signs and other trail improvements shall be restored to their pre-treatment condition and location. The intent of this requirement is that the trail should be closed and in unusable condition for the minimum amount of time needed to safely complete treatments adjacent to the trail. Keeping this trail closed for the entire period of treatment operations on this contract will not be acceptable.

C.3.6.2.2 Spacing

No required tree spacing will be specified for this task order. Thinning goals will be based on a target basal area, as averaged across the entire treatment unit. The basal area goal for this unit is 120 ft2/ac. Use a prism to help determine residual basal area. Actual average basal area in the completed unit may vary as much as +/- 10 ft2/ac. To achieve the target basal area would require mastication of most trees and shrubs less than 10 inches dbh; however, some smaller trees should be retained, meaning that some trees up to 12 inches dbh will need to be masticated to meet the target requirement. The intent of the prescription is that most, but not all, trees masticated will be less than 10 inches dbh.

The purpose of using a targeted basal area is to avoid creating a uniform, “tree-farm” stand structure, while encouraging thinning that mimics natural, irregular, patchy landscape patterns. Openings will be expanded, open stands will become more open, and denser stands will remain relatively dense, though more open than the pre-treatment condition.

To achieve the desired basal area, the contractor will need to masticate some portions of the unit much heavier than others. For example, in patches of heavy

Gambel’s oak, all shrubs and smaller trees should be masticated, creating an opening (less than 10% canopy cover) that may cover up to 10 acres. In areas with many large trees, only a few smaller trees will be masticated. The goal of this requirement is to meet the target basal area as averaged across the entire unit, not on each acre.

C.3.6.2.2 Tree and Shrub Removal

Thin from below by removing progressively larger diameter classes until the targeted basal area has been met. Some smaller trees of good form and vigor should be retained where available to promote age class diversity. Trees selected for retention should have crown ratios greater than 40%, show good form and vigor, and not have forked tops.

Cottonwood, willow, and other riparian trees and shrubs shall not be masticated.

Trees or shrubs removed adjacent to riparian areas shall be masticated to avoid riparian vegetation to the extent this can be safely accomplished.

Spruce should not be cut, except where their removal is needed to meet the objectives of a particular treatment. Aspen and ponderosa pine should be favored for retention. Douglas-fir should be favored for removal. All Rocky Mountain juniper less than 12 inches dbh should be removed where safely practical. While ponderosa pine should be favored for retention, do not cut a superior Douglas-fir over a less desirable ponderosa pine.

Where aspen clones exist within units, enhance future recruitment and survival of the aspen by removing all conifers less than 12 inches dbh within 1.5 tree heights surrounding the aspen following the other selection criteria. An aspen clone is defined as a dense patch of aspen trees at least 0.10 acre in size. This requirement does not apply to scattered individual aspen trees.

In areas of dwarf mistletoe infection, favor retaining non-infected trees over infected trees. In heavily infected areas with Douglas-fir present, favor the Douglas-fir for retention. Use these areas as possible openings. However, some mistletoe trees may be retained to provide wildlife habitat and other components of diversity.

Favor removal of live trees infested by mountain pine beetle or other insects.

This includes trees with new hits or visible signs of dying trees such as thinning, browning crowns. Save snags that have already lost their needles for wildlife habitat except where they are a hazard.

All shrubs greater than two feet in height shall be masticated, to the extent practical. General exceptions to this requirement include, but are not limited to, areas of steep slopes, riparian areas, rocky areas, or where shrubs are growing too close to the boles of leave trees to be masticated without damaging the leave trees. A performance standard of 90% has been set for shrub removal; however, the contractor is expected to generally remove all shrubs in operable areas to compensate for their inability to remove shrubs in the exception areas.

Do not cut snags except where they are a hazard. Existing dead and down woody material (for example, fallen snags) should not be masticated, except as needed for safety or access through the unit.

SECTION E – INSPECTION AND ACCCEPTANCE

The contractor will be provided information on the inspection sampling methods applied by the Government. The contractor shall monitor their own work for compliance with all contract requirements.

The Government will complete inspections for all work included in the task order after notification from the contractor that they have met all contract requirements.

E.1 INSPECTION METHODS

Plot centers with a spacing of five acres were established during unit layout and will be used for inspections. Variable radius plots as determined by a prism with a BAF of 10 will be used for inspection of basal area and shrub removal. Additional plots may be added as needed to ensure sample confidence intervals are small enough to determine compliance with contract requirements.

E.2 QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN

E.2.1 BASAL AREA

E.2.1.1 Performance Standard

Basal area, averaged across the treatment unit, shall meet the specified target level of 120 ft2/ac.

E.2.1.2 Acceptable Quality Level

The acceptable quality range is 110 ft2/ac to 130 ft2/ac.

E.2.1.3 Disincentive

If the completed basal area is outside the acceptable quality range, payment will be reduced 3% for each 1 ft2/ac outside the range. No payment will be made if the basal area exceeds 150 ft2/ac.

For example, if the actual basal area recorded during inspection were 132 ft2/ac, the payment would be reduced by 6% (3% x 2 ft2/ac.).

E.2.2 SHRUB REMOVAL

E.2.2.1 Performance Standard

Ninety percent (90%) of the stems of all shrubs greater than two feet in height shall be masticated.

E.2.2.2 Acceptable Quality Level

The acceptable quality level is mastication of 90% or more of shrubs in the treatment unit.

E.2.2.3 Disincentive

Payment will be reduced by 1% for each percent below the acceptable quality level. For example, if the inspections indicate 85% shrub removal, payment would be reduced by 5%.

SECTION F – DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1 Period of Performance

The contractor shall complete the work under this task order within the contract time specified herein. The estimated start work date for all items is July 9, 2012. Contract time will run concurrently on all items awarded to any specific contractor. Contract must be completed no later than December 31, 2012. The time includes all weather related stoppages, including, but not limited to, snow accumulation, saturated soils, fire restrictions, etc. The expected operating season includes the entire operating period, with the exception of certain seasonal restrictions in some units. The contractor is encouraged to consider seasonal restrictions and winter access concerns when planning work on this contract. Additional contract time may be granted at the discretion of the Contracting Officer in the case of suspension of work orders related to fire, significant periods of adverse weather, or other factors beyond the control of the contractor.

Contract time will start on the effective date specified on the Notice to Proceed, or the third day after the Post Office has issued a notice of certified mail to the contractor, or when work commences, whichever is sooner.

SECTION G – CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1 452.215-73 Postaward Conference. (NOV 1996)

A post award conference with the successful offeror is required. It will be scheduled within 30 days after the date of contract award. The conference will be held at a site determined after award.

G.2 GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY

The government will provide the following item(s) of Government property to the Contractor for use in the performance of this contract. This property shall be used and maintained by the Contractor in accordance with the provisions of the "Government Property" FAR clause contained elsewhere in the contract:

Topographical and aerial photograph maps at a scale of 1:12,000 showing the boundaries of each treatment unit.

GIS and GPS-compatible digital data for the boundaries of each treatment unit.

Forest Service access key and gate information.

Maps and digital data need not be returned at the end of the contract. Access keys and gate information must be returned within 24 hours of final contract acceptance. Replacement cost of lost keys is $300.00 per key.

G.3 Designated Government Office for Submitting Proper Invoice

Invoices may be submitted hard copy (via Mail) or electronically (via email).

Attn: Toinette Aranda, Contracting Officer

Pike and San Isabel National Forests

2840 Kachina Drive

Pueblo, CO 81008

Fax: 719-553-1435

G.4 Payment

The Government will make payment by task order line item for completed units, unless otherwise approved by the CO.

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.

G.5 Acreage and Measurement

Approximate unit acreage was determined by differentially corrected Global Positioning System (GPS) data traverses or existing GIS coverages. Refer to the Detailed Unit Information Table for approximate acres and spacing guidelines for individual units. The Government provides acreage values as estimates only. The Contractor should offset any discrepancies by an associated offer. For example, if the Contractor feels the acreage is more than is indicated, the offer should be higher. The Government will not re-measure the units under any circumstances.

SECTION H – SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1 Work Hours

Work hours are not restricted on this task order.

H.2 Operating Plan

After contract award and upon request of the Contracting Officer, the contractor shall submit a written proposed operating plan to the Contracting Officer for approval. The contractor shall not begin work on the contract until the contractor has received written approval of their proposed operating plan by the CO, regardless of whether the Notice to Proceed has been issued or not. At a minimum, the operating plan shall include a milestone schedule of progress through the treatment units and anticipated major activities and orderly completion of the work within contract time. The operating plan shall also contain the name and contact information for the contractor’s project manager and other key personnel, public safety measures, and management of gates. The contractor shall include other specific information in the plan if specifically requested in writing by the CO. The operating plan shall be revised as requested in writing by the CO.

H.3 Health and Safety

When the contractor’s operations are in progress, the contractor shall furnish, install, and maintain all temporary traffic controls that provide the user with adequate warning of hazardous conditions associated with contractor’s operations. The contractor and CO will agree to a specific traffic control plan prior to commencing operations. Devices shall be covered or removed when not needed. Except as otherwise agreed, flagman and devices shall be as specified in the “Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways” (MUTCD).

The contractor shall develop and maintain a written safety plan specific to the work under this task order and shall show it or provide it to the Government if requested by Government.

H.4 Pre-work Meeting

Prior to the commencement of work under the contract, the contractor shall meet with the Contracting Officer or Contracting Officer’s Representative to discuss the task order requirements. The meeting will be held at the South Platte Ranger District Office, unless otherwise agreed to by the Contracting Officer. This meeting may be combined with the post-award conference described in section G.1.

H.5 Noxious Weeds

The contractor shall ensure that prior to moving on to the National Forest all equipment is free of soil, seeds, vegetative matter, or other debris that could contain or hold seeds. The contractor shall employ whatever cleaning methods are necessary to ensure that equipment is free of noxious weeds. The contractor shall provide the Contacting Officer with certification, in writing, that all equipment is free of noxious weeds prior to start-up of operations. Equipment shall be considered free of soil, seeds, and other such debris when a visual inspection by the Government does not disclose such material. Disassembly of equipment components or specialized inspection tools is not required. Unless otherwise directed by the CO, the Government will not require the contractor’s equipment to be cleaned before moving to another treatment unit if the contractor is moving directly from one contract unit to another.

H.6 CONTRACTOR REPRESENTATIVE

The contractor shall provide a contract representative for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate(s) who shall act for the contractor when the contractor is absent shall be designated in writing to the contracting officer. The contractor representative or alternate shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The contractor representative and alternate(s) must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English, as well as the primary language of the work crews.

H.7 FIRE PREVENTION AND CONTROL

See Fire Prevention and Control Plan – Section J (Attachment 3)

SECTION I – CONTRACT CLAUSES

I.1 452.228-71 Insurance Coverage. (NOV 1996)

Pursuant to FAR clause 52.228-5, Insurance-Work on a Government Installation, the Contractor will be required to present evidence to show, as a minimum, the amounts of insurance coverage indicated below:

(a) Workers Compensation and Employer's Liability. The Contractor is required to comply with applicable Federal and State workers' compensation and occupational disease statutes. If occupational diseases are not compensable under those statutes, they shall be covered under the employer's liability section of the insurance policy, except when contract operations are so commingled with a Contractor's commercial operations that it would not be practical to require this coverage. Employer's liability coverage of at least $100,000 shall be required, except in States with exclusive or monopolistic funds that do not permit worker's compensation to be written by private carriers.

(b) General Liability. The Contractor shall have bodily injury liability insurance coverage written on a comprehensive form of policy of at least $500,000 per occurrence.

(c) Automobile Liability. The Contractor shall have automobile liability insurance written on a comprehensive form of policy. The policy shall provide for bodily injury and property damage liability covering the operation of all automobiles used in connection with performing the contract.

Policies covering automobiles operated in the United States shall provide coverage of at least $200,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and $20,000 per occurrence for property damage or loss.

(d) Aircraft Public and Passenger Liability. When aircraft are used in connection with performing the contract, the Contractor shall have aircraft public and passenger liability insurance. Coverage shall be at least $200,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, other than passenger injury. Coverage for passenger injury shall be at least $200,000 multiplied by the number of seats or passengers, whichever is greater.

I.2 FSAR 4G52.222-704 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (FEB 2007)

1. The contractor will train in the safe operation and use of equipment to all workers using such equipment.

2. Personal protective equipment, including personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head, and extremities shall be provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary by reason of hazards or processes encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body. Defective or damaged personal protective equipment shall not be used.

3. The contractor shall provide, at no cost to the employee, to each employee who operates a chain saw, chain saw chaps and assure the chaps are worn during saw operations. These chaps must be approved by Underwriters Laboratory or meet Forest Service specification 6170-47. The chaps shall cover the full length of the thigh to the top of the boot on each leg.

4. The contractor shall assure that each employee wears foot protection that provides adequate traction and ankle support. Employees operating chain saws shall wear foot protection that is constructed with cut-resistant material which will protect the employee against contact with a running chain saw.

5. The contractor shall provide, at no cost to the employee, and assure that each employee who works in an area where there is potential for head injury from falling objects or flying objects wears a hard hat that meets the minimum requirements of American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard Z89.1-1997.

6. The contractor shall provide, at no cost to the employee, eye protection where there is potential for eye injury due to flying objects. This eye protection must meet the minimum requirements of ANSI standard Z87.1-2003.

7. The contractor shall provide, at no cost to the employee, hearing protection where there is a potential for hearing loss due to high intensity noise e.g., chain saw operation.

I.3 CAMPING PROVISIONS FOR LABOR INTENSIVE CONTRACTS

The following provisions apply to all camping on National Forest lands during performance of this contract:

These provisions are in addition to those contained in, or provided for, in the clause titled “Use of Premises”, in this contract. A permit must be obtained by the Contractor, from the District Ranger, prior to any camping on the National Forest

Every structure used as shelter shall provide protection from the elements. Where heat adequate for weather conditions is not provided, other arrangements should be made to protect workers from the cold. Firewood may be cut only after obtaining a District Firewood Permit.

The campsite will not encroach beyond the boundaries designated by the Forest Service. The campsite shall be located so as to minimize impacts on streams, lakes, and other bodies of water. No camping shall be permitted within developed recreation sites or along primary recreation roads.

The campsite shall have a clean appearance at all times. Upon abandonment of any campsite, or termination, revocation, or cancellation of camping privileges, the contractor shall remove, within 10 calendar days, all structures and improvements except those owned by the United States, and shall restore the site, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing or in the camping permit. If the contractor fails to remove all structures or improvements within the 10 calendar days, they shall become the property of the United States, but that will not relieve the contractor of liability for the cost of their removal and restoration of the site.

Unless otherwise designated by the Contracting Officer, the use of this area is not exclusive, and may be granted to other Permittees, contractors, or recreating public. Disorderly conduct is not permitted.

Damaging or removing any natural feature or other property of the Forest Service is prohibited.

Servicing of equipment in the campsite is not permitted, unless the campsite is within the project area.

Sanitary facilities shall be provided for storing food. Ice chests or coolers, with ice supply made from potable water and replenished as necessary, shall be provided and sufficient for the storage of perishable food items. An adequate and convenient potable water supply shall be provided in each camp for drinking and cooking purposes. Toilet facilities adequate for the capacity of the camp shall be provided and supplied with adequate toilet paper. Such facilities shall be serviced and maintained in a sanitary condition.

Garbage shall be collected, stored, and disposed of in such a manner as to prevent scattering by the wind, minimize attraction of flies, and discourage access by rodents.

Basic first aid supplies shall be maintained, available and under the charge of a person trained to administer first aid. The supplies shall include:

Gauze pads (at least 4x4 inches) Two large gauze pads (at least 8x10 inches) Box adhesive bandages (band-aids) One package of gauze roller bandage at least 2 inches wide Two triangular bandages Scissors At least one blanket Tweezers Adhesive tape Latex gloves Resuscitation device such as resuscitation bag, airway, or pocket mask

Any washing of laundry shall be done in such a way as to provide for washing and rinsing without polluting lakes, streams, or other flowing water.

Waste water must be disposed of away from living and eating areas and in a fashion that minimizes pollution to lakes, streams, and other flowing water.

The contractor shall take all reasonable precautions to prevent and suppress forest fires. No material shall be disposed of by burning in open fires during the closed season established by law or regulation without the written permission from the Forest Service.

The contractor shall comply with the following fire regulations during fire season:

A shovel, axe or pulaski, 10 quart pail which is full of water for immediate use and a fire extinguisher with an Underwriters Laboratory (UL) rating of at least 1:A 10:BC is required during the fire season.

All fire rings or outside fireplaces will be approved by the Forest Service representative. The area will be cleared down to mineral soil for a distance of 1 foot outside of the ring or fireplace and it will not have any overhanging material. Fire rings will be dismantled and material disposed prior to leaving the site.

All generators and other internal combustion engines will be equipped with USFS approved spark arrestors and/or factory designed muffler and exhaust system in good working order. They will be located in a cleared area with the same requirements as in (b).

All fuel will be stored in UL approved flammable storage containers and be located at least 50 feet from any open flame or other source of ignition.

Any violation of these conditions constitutes a breach of contract, and may result in revocation of camping approval.

The Forest Service reserves the right to terminate a camping permit at any time.

I.4 FSAR 4G52.222-701 Employment of Eligible Workers (DEC 1999)

Section 274A of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 USC 1324a) makes it unlawful for an employer to hire undocumented workers. The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) has established the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification Form, as the document to be used for employment eligibility verification (see 8 CFR 274a).

The Contractor is required to (1) have all employees complete and sign the I-9 Form to certify that they are eligible for employment; (2) examine documents presented by the employee and ensure the documents appear to be genuine and related to the individual; (3) record information about the documents on the form, and complete the certification portion of the form; (4) retain the form for three years, or one year past the end of employment of the individual, whichever is longer.

It is illegal to discriminate against any individual (other than a citizen of another country who is not authorized to work in the United States) in hiring, discharging, or recruiting because of that individual's national origin or citizenship status.

Compliance with Section 274A of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1324a) is a material condition of the contract. If the Contractor employs unauthorized workers during contract performance in violation of Section 274A, the Government may terminate the contract, in addition to other remedies or penalties prescribed by law.

For further information on the requirements of the Act, Contractors should contact the Employer and Labor Relations Officer of their local INS office.

I.5 FSAR 4G52.222-702 Labor Standards for Contracts Involving Migrant and Seasonal

Agricultural Workers (DEC 1999) as supplimented

(a) General. This contract is subject to the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Workers Protection Act (MSPA) (29 U.S.C 1801-1872) and to Department of Labor regulations implementing MSPA (see 29 CFR 500). The purpose of MSPA is to eliminate activities that are detrimental to migrant and seasonal agricultural workers, to require registration of farm labor Contractors, and to assure necessary protections for the workers. In addition to traditional farm labor activities, the Act applies to predominately manual forestry work including, but not limited to, tree planting, release, precommercial thinning, and site preparation and wildland fire fighting.

(b) Definitions.

"Migrant Agricultural Worker" and "Seasonal Agricultural Worker", as used in this clause, mean individuals employed in agricultural (including forestry) work on a seasonal or temporary basis. A worker who moves from one seasonal activity to another is employed on a seasonal basis even though the worker may continue to be employed during a major portion of the year. Migrant workers are required to be absent overnight from their permanent place of residence. Seasonal workers are not required to be absent overnight from their permanent place of residence. Members of the Contractor's immediate family are not considered to be either migrant or seasonal workers. "Immediate family" includes only (1) spouse; (2) children, stepchildren, or foster children; (3) parents, stepparents, or foster parents; and (4) brothers and sisters.

"Farm Labor Contractor", as used in this clause, means an individual who, for any money or other valuable consideration, paid or promised to be paid, performs any recruiting, soliciting, hiring, employing, furnishing, or transporting of any migrant or seasonal agricultural worker.

(c) Registration Requirement. Any Contractor who provides or hires migrant or seasonal workers to perform agricultural or manual forestry work shall first obtain a Certificate of Registration from the Department of Labor or an authorized State agency. The Contractor shall carry the Certificate at all times while engaged in contract performance, and shall display it upon request. Any of the Contractor's employees who also perform any one or more of the activities defined for a "Farm Labor Contractor" in paragraph (b) must have their own Farm Labor Contractor Employee Certificate.

(d) Worker Protections. The Contractor shall comply with the following protections and standards related to wage disclosure, record keeping, vehicle safety, and housing:

(1) The Contractor shall display and maintain at the place of employment the MSPA poster provided by the Department of Labor.

(2) Wage and Payroll Standards

(i) The Contractor shall disclose in writing to each worker in a language common to the worker the full terms of their employment, including workers compensation information, at the time they are recruited or hired. The Department of Labor provides an optional form WH-516 for Contractor's use in disclosure.

(ii) The Contractor must keep the following payroll records for each employee: name, address, social security number, basis for wages (i.e. per hour, per tree, per acre), number of Units earned if paid on a per Unit basis, hours worked, total pay, withholdings and purpose for each, and net pay. Payroll records shall be retained for three years.

(iii) Payments must be made no less frequently than every two weeks or semi-monthly. At the time of each payment, the Contractor shall provide to the employee a written itemization of the information listed above and which shall include the employer's tax identification number.

(iv) If paid on a piece rate basis, the employee's wage must be at least equivalent to the required hourly wage for the hours worked, including overtime differential for time in excess of 40 hours per week.

(3) Motor Vehicle Safety

(i) The Contractor must be register all vehicles used to transport employees, unless employees provide their own transportation or carpool by their own arrangement in one of their own vehicles. The authorization to transport employees must appear on the Contractor's certificate. If the Contractor directs or requests employees to carpool, the registration requirement is still applicable. Any driver who transports workers for a fee or at the direction of the Contractor must be registered as a farm labor Contractor or a farm labor Contractor employee.

(ii) Any vehicle under the ownership or control of the Contractor shall comply with safety standards applicable to that vehicle. Generally passenger vehicles or station wagons must comply with Department of Labor regulations at 29 CFR 500.104. Vehicles other than passenger vehicles or station wagons which are driven more than 75 miles must comply with Department of Transportation Regulations referenced at 29 CFR 500.105. All drivers must have a current, valid State driver’s license and must comply with Department of Transportation work/rest requirements.

(iii) Each vehicle under the ownership or control of the Contractor which is used to transport any migrant or seasonal agricultural worker shall be covered by vehicle insurance in accordance with applicable state requirements.

(4) Housing

(i) The Contractor shall house workers only in a commercial establishment or a facility that has been certified by a health authority or other appropriate agency. The Contractor must post the certificate of occupancy at the housing site.

(ii) The authorization to furnish housing, other than commercial lodging, must appear on the Contractor's certificate.

(iii) If the Contractor is not furnishing worker housing:

Workers on this contract may obtain housing only in a residential accommodation, including a commercial establishment such as a hotel or motel, which meets all applicable state and federal standards for employee housing.

Within 10 days after award, and prior to the issuance of Notice to Proceed, the Contractor must notify the Contracting Officer of the planned worker housing site.

If the housing site is located on a National Forest, the Contractor must obtain a permit from the District Ranger for the District on which the housing site is located and the facilities established for the workers must meet the applicable U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) MSPA standards for such sites.

If the housing site is not located on a National Forest, the site must meet the applicable housing standards in MSPA.

Compliance with MSPA is a material condition of the contract. If the Contractor fails to provide a valid MSPA number in accordance with this clause, or falsely states that it is exempt from the MSPA, the Government may terminate the contract, If an exemption from the permit requirement is claimed, the Contractor must provide a written statement identifying the law authorizing the exemption, stating the facts constituting an exemption under that law, and identifying a USDOL employee or official who stated or concurred that the accommodations were exempt, citing name, date, and means of communication.

If the housing site is changed after approval by the Contracting Officer, the Contractor must provide a new Permit or exemption statement. The above requirements are material conditions of this contract. If the Contractor fails to comply, the Government may terminate the contract.

In addition, other remedies or penalties prescribed by law may apply

(5) Field Sanitation

In accordance with US Department of Labor Fact Sheet No. ESA 97-28 “Field Sanitation Standards” (Ref. 29CFR 1928.110), employers must provide:

(i) Potable drinking water, suitably cool and in sufficient amounts, dispensed in single-use cups or by fountains, located so as to be readily accessible to employees.

(ii) Facilities maintained in accordance with public health sanitation practices include upkeep of water quality through daily change or more often if necessary.

(iii) Notification to each employee of the location of the water and allowance of reasonable opportunities during the workday to use them. The employer also must inform the employee of the relevant health hazards in the field and the practices necessary to minimize them.

Employees cannot be made to bear the costs incurred by the employer for providing required facilities.

(e) For further information on the requirements of the Act, Contractors should contact their local Wage and Hour Division of the Department of Labor.

SECTION J - ATTACHMENTS

Attachment Number

Attachment Title Number of Pages

1 Maps 2 2 SCA Wage Determination No. 1976-1351, Rev 38 3 3 Fire Plan 2 4 Google Earth File for Aerial View N/A

SECTION L – INSTRUCTIONS, CONDITIONS, AND NOTICES TO BIDDERS

L.1. 52.216-1 Type of Contract. (APR 1984)

The Government contemplates award of a single Firm-Fixed price contract resulting from this solicitation.

L.2. 452.237-71 Pre-Bid/Pre-Proposal Conference. (FEB 1988)

(a) The Government is planning a pre-bid/pre-proposal conference, during which potential offerors may obtain a better understanding of the work required.

(b) Offerors are encouraged to submit all questions in writing at least five (5) days prior to the conference. Questions will be considered at any time prior to or during the conference; however, offerors will be asked to confirm verbal questions in writing. Subsequent to the conference, an amendment to the solicitation containing an abstract of the questions and answers, and a list of attendees, will be disseminated.

(c) In order to facilitate conference preparations, it is requested that the person named on the Standard Form 18 of this solicitation be contacted and advised of the number of persons who will attend.

(d) The Government assumes no responsibility for any expense incurred by an offeror prior to contract award.

(e) Offerors are cautioned that, notwithstanding any remarks or clarifications given at the conference, all terms and conditions of the solicitation remain unchanged unless they are changed by amendment to the solicitation. If the answers to conference questions, or any solicitation amendment, create ambiguities, it is the responsibility of the offeror to seek clarification prior to submitting an offer.

(f) The conference will be held:

Date: May 16, 2012 (weather permitting) Time: 9:00 am (local time)

Location: USDA FOREST SERVICE OFFICE

19316 Goddard Ranch Court Morrison, Colorado 80465

Offerors planning to attend the site visit should inform the office of their intentions by calling 303-275-5615 or emailing mschweich@fs.fed.us no less than 48 hours before the site visit.

No site visit or conference opportunities will be provided by the Government outside of the scheduled meeting shown above.

L.3 PROPOSAL INSTRUCTIONS

The Government must receive your proposal no later than the time and date specified in the request for proposal or subsequent amendment(s). To ensure timely and equitable evaluation of the proposal, the offeror must follow these instructions. Offerors must meet all solicitation requirements, including terms and conditions and technical requirements. Failure to follow these instructions may result in an offeror being ineligible for award.

The proposal shall include one original signed business proposal, one original signed technical proposal, and an additional copy of the technical proposal. The technical proposal must not contain reference to cost. Each of the parts shall be separate and complete so that evaluation of one may be accomplished independently from evaluation of the other. The technical approach should be in as much detail as the offeror considers necessary to fully explain the proposed technical approach method.

The business proposal shall include the completed SF 18 cover page (block 13 A thru F, block 14, 15 and 16 A thru C) and a completed Schedule of Items Section B (1 pages).

Facsimile Proposals will NOT be accepted. Email submission of proposals is acceptable as long as all required information is submitted, including required signatures.

SECTION M – EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD

M.1. EVALUATION FACTORS

Technical proposals will be evaluated and rated by a Technical Evaluation Board who may have access to the business proposals. Proposals shall be prepared in accordance with the technical proposal preparation instructions as shown in Section L of this Request for Quotation. At a minimum, the technical proposal must provide adequate information on each of the evaluation factors described below which clearly demonstrates ability to perform the required work satisfactorily. Technical factors, when combined, are approximately equal to cost or price. The following factors will be used in the technical evaluation process.

A. Past Performance:

The offeror shall provide a maximum of two (2) single pages (sheets), one-sided that provides specific information of recent relevant, similar effort contracts that support past and present performance. Furnish a list of three (3) projects of similar magnitude within the last three (3) years. Firms lacking past performance will not be rated favorable or unfavorable in this area, but instead will receive a neutral rating. For each relevant contract or reference, the offeror is to provide:

Agency/company and contact point (name, telephone number, address or email) Contract name, number, and type Period of Performance Dollar Value of Contract

Provide a description of the project, relevancy to the current project (past projects with a substantial hand thinning component), and schedule compliance. For those contracts with less than positive performance, provide a description of the problems and the efforts made to correct and prevent future occurrences.

When assessing your past performance we may contact other sources of information, including, but not limited to Federal, State, local government agencies, better business bureaus, published media, and electronic data bases regarding:

Adherence to performance schedule Quality reports submitted timely Responsiveness and interface with Government Minimal Problems encountered

B. Technical Approach:

The offeror shall provide a maximum of three (3) single pages (sheets), one-sided plan outlining their approach to performing the required services, to include manpower and equipment, with special attention to the particular requirements of this project (hand thinning). Provide a plan detailing how the contract will be executed. Identify in the plan, by percentage of the task, the utilization of subcontractors, if any.

M.2. AWARD DETERMINATION

Award will be made to that offeror whose quote is technically acceptable and whose technical/cost relationship is the most advantageous to the government. Technical factors, when combined are approximately equal to cost or price. Award may not necessarily be made for technical capabilities that would appear to exceed those needed for the successful performance of the work.

The Government reserves the right to make cost/technical tradeoffs…