AG-84M8-S-17-0004_RFP.docx

REGION 4 UTAH AQUISTION SUPPORT CENTER INSTRUCTIONAL COVER SHEET

Solicitation:

AG-84M8-S-17-0004 Cone

Collections

Intermountain

Region

Forests

ISSUING OFFICE:

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOREST SERVICE

REGIONAL OFFICE-INTERMOUNTAIN REGION 324 25TH STREET

OGDEN, UT 84401

FAX (801) 625-5365

SOLICITATION NO. AG-84M8-S-17-0004

PROPOSALS ARE SOLICITED FOR: CONE COLLECTIONS – INTERMOUNTAIN FORESTS

IMPORTANT – NOTICE TO OFFEROR:

AT A MINIMUM, OFFEROR SHALL SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS BACK WITH THEIR RESPONSE TO THIS SOLICITATION:

Offeror shall complete the following:

-SF 1449, Solicitation/Contract/Order for Commercial Items -Schedule of Items -Evaluations (Technical) -Representations and Certifications (Complete the Representations and Certifications electronically in the Online Representations and Certifications Application (ORCA) website at http://orca.bpn.gov) IT IS REQUIRED YOU WRITE THE SOLICITATION NUMBER ON THE OUTSIDE OF YOUR ENVELOPE OR FAX COVERSHEET.

Return to: Regional Office – AQM Intermountain Region ATTN: Becky Briggs 324 25th Street Ogden, UT 84401 Solicitation No. AG-84M8-S-17-0004

Please keep a copy of your quote for your records.

IT IS REQUIRED THAT ALL CONTRACTOR’S BE REGISTERED IN THE CENTRAL CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION DATABASE PRIOR TO AWARD UNDER THIS SOLICITATION. SEE CLAUSE 52.205-7 CENTRAL CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO APPLY.

ALL SOLICITATIONS SHALL BE ISSUED THROUGH THE FBO WEBSITE (HTTPS://WWW.FBO.GOV). NO PAPER SOLICITATIONS SHALL BE ISSUED. IT IS THE OFFERORS RESPONSIBILITY TO WATCH FOR ANY AND ALL AMENDMENTS TO THE SOLICITATION, WHICH SHALL BE ISSUED ELECTRONICALLY THROUGH THE FBO WEBSITE.

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS

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

AG-84M8-S-17-0004

6. SOLICITATION

ISSUE DATE

02/01/2017

BECKY BRIGGS

b. TELEPHONE NUMBER (No collect calls)

(801) 625-5762

8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIME

03/02/2017 1400 MT

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

HUBZONE SMALL SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM NAICS: 113210 BUSINESS EDWOSB

SMALL BUSINESS

INTERMOUNTAIN REGION

324 25TH STREET OGDEN UT 84401

11. DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA- TION UNLESS BLOCK IS MARKED

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

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

INTERMOUNTAIN REGION

324 25TH STREET OGDEN UT 84401

INTERMOUNTAIN REGION

324 25TH STREET OGDEN UT 84401

17a. CONTRACTOR/ CODE OFFEROR

FACILITY CODE

18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY CODE

TELEPHONE NO.

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

****See Attached Schedule of Items***** Schedule of Items for Base Year and all Options will need to be completed and submitted in response to this RFP.

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

X

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.

29.

AWARD

OF

CONTRACT:

OFFER

DATED

YOUR

OFFER

ON

SOLICITATION

(BLOCK

5), INCLUDING

ANY

ADDITIONS

OR

CHANGES

WHICH

ARE

SET

FORTH

HEREIN,

IS

ACCEPTED

AS

TO

ITEMS:

30a.

SIGNATURE

OF

OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

31a.

UNITED

STATES

OF

AMERICA

(SIGNA

TURE

OF

CONTRACTING

OFFICER

30b.

NAME

AND

TITLE

OF

SIGNER

(Type or print) 30c.

DATE

SIGNED

31b.

NAME

OF

CONTRACTING

OFFICER

(Type or print)

BECKY

A.

BRIGGS

31c.

DATE

SIGNED

)X 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

X ARE ARE

ARE NOT ATTACHED. ARE NOT ATTACHED.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

19.

ITEM NO.

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

21.

QUANTITY

UNIT PRICE

24.

AMOUNT

Cone Collection - Base Year

3 April 2017 thru 2 April 2018

Product/Service Code: F009

Product/Service Description: NATURAL RESOURCES/

CONSERVATION- SEED COLLECTION/PRODUCTION

3 April 2018 thru 2 April 2019

(Option Line Item)

Product/Service Code: F009

Product/Service Description: NATURAL RESOURCES/

CONSERVATION- SEED COLLECTION/PRODUCTION

Cone Collection - Option Two, Year Three

3 April 2019 thru 2 April 2020

(Option Line Item)

Product/Service Code: F009

Product/Service Description: NATURAL

RESOURCES/CONSERVATION- SEED COLLECTION/PRODUCTION

3 April 2020 thru 2 April 2021

(Option Line Item)

Product/Service Code: F009

Product/Service Description: NATURAL

RESOURCES/CONSERVATION- SEED COLLECTION/PRODUCTION

3 April 2021 thru 2 April 2022

(Option Line Item)

Product/Service Code: F009

Product/Service Description: NATURAL

RESOURCES/CONSERVATION- SEED COLLECTION/PRODUCTION

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED

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

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

PARTIAL FINAL

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012) BACK

Base Year 1 (SEE PAGE 2)

SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

Solicitation:

AG-84M8-S-17-0004

Cone Collections

Intermountain Region

Forests Page of

TOTAL ESTIMATED BASE PRICE

Species Include:

Not all forests will have all species. Species will be contingent on availability per season.

Item Number Description Unit Unit

Price 002A

PP

Tree Climbing Bushel 002B

PP

Mechanical

Lift

Truck Bushel 002C

PP

Trees felled by

Forest

Service Bushel 002D

PP

Lift/Ladders at

Salmon

River

Seed

Orchard Bushel 002E

DF

Tree Climbing Bushel 002F

DF

Mechanical

Lift

Truck Bushel 002G

DF

Trees

Felled by

Forest

Service Bushel 002H

ES

Tree Climbing Bushel 002I

ES

Mechanical

Lift

Truck Bushel 002J

ES

Trees felled by

Forest

Service Bushel 002K

LP

Tree Climbing Bushel 002L

LP

Mechanical

Lift

Truck Bushel 002M

LP

Trees

Felled

By

Forest

Service Bushel 002N

WL

Tree

Climbing Bushel 002O

WL

Mechanical

Lift

Truck Bushel 002P

WL

Trees felled by

Forest

Service Bushel 002Q

BP

Tree Climbing (no spur) Tree 002R

BP

Mechanical

Lift Truck Tree 002S

BP

Trees felled by

Forest

Service Tree 002T

PF

Tree Climbing

(no spur) Tree 002U

PF

Mechanical

Lift

Truck Tree 002V

PF

Cone Hooks/Ladders Tree 002W

WP

Tree Climbing place cage (no spur) Tree 002X

WP

Tree Climbing, remove cage collect cones (no spur) Tree 002Y

WP

Mechanical

Lift

Truck place cage Tree 002Z

WP

Mechanical

Lift

Truck, remove cage, collect cones Tree

002AA

JP

Tree Climbing Bushel

002BB

JP

Mechanical

Lift

Truck Bushel

002CC

JP

Trees felled by

Forest

Service Bushel

002DD

IC –

Tree Climbing Bushel

002EE

IC –

Mechanical

Lift

Truck Bushel

002FF

IC –

Trees felled by

Forest

Service Bushel

002GG

Mobility

Cost for

Ashley

National Forest

(1 mobility cost per task order) Each

002HH

Mobility

Cost for

Boise National

Forest (1 mobility cost per task order) Each

002II

Mobility

Cost for

Bridger-Teton

National

Forest (1 mobility cost per task order) Each

002JJ

Mobility

Cost for

Caribou-Targhee National

Forest (1 mobility cost per task order) Each

002KK

Mobility

Cost for

Dixie National

Forest (1 mobility cost per task order) Each

002LL

Mobility

Cost for

Fishlake

National

Forest

(1 mobility cost per task order) Each

002MM

Mobility

Cost for

Humboldt-Toiyabe National

Forest (1 mobility cost per task order) Each

002NN

Mobility

Cost for

Manti-LaSal

National

Forest (1 mobility cost per task order) Each

002OO

Mobility

Cost for

Payette National

Forest

(1 mobility cost per task order) Each

002PP

Mobility

Cost for

Salmon-Challis

National

Forest (1 mobility cost per task order) Each

002QQ

Mobility

Cost for

Sawtooth

National

Forest

(1 mobility cost per task order) Each

002RR

Mobility

Cost for

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National

Forest (1 mobility cost per task order) Each

002SS

Mobility

Cost for

Salmon

River

Seed

Orchard

(1 mobility cost per task order) Each

002TT

Climb tree for seed sampling purposes

(includes all species)

(no spur for

BP

WP)

Tree

TOTAL

ESTIMATED

OPTION

1, YEAR

PRICE

)Option 1, Year 2 (SEE PAGE 2)

Item Number Description Unit Unit

Price 003A

PP

Tree Climbing Bushel 003B

PP

Mechanical

Lift

Truck Bushel 003C

PP

Trees felled by

Forest

Service Bushel 003D

PP

Lift/Ladders at

Salmon

River

Seed

Orchard Bushel 003E

DF

Tree Climbing Bushel 003F

DF

Mechanical

Lift

Truck Bushel 003G

DF

Trees

Felled by

Forest

Service Bushel 003H

ES

Tree Climbing Bushel 003I

ES

Mechanical

Lift

Truck Bushel 003J

ES

Trees felled by

Forest

Service Bushel 003K

LP

Tree Climbing Bushel 003L

LP

Mechanical

Lift

Truck Bushel 003M

LP

Trees

Felled

By

Forest

Service Bushel 003N

WL

Tree

Climbing Bushel 003O

WL

Mechanical

Lift

Truck Bushel 003P

WL

Trees felled by

Forest

Service Bushel 003Q

BP

Tree Climbing (no spur) Tree 003R

BP

Mechanical

Lift Truck Tree 003S

BP

Trees felled by

Forest

Service Tree 003T

PF

Tree Climbing

(no spur) Tree 003U

PF

Mechanical

Lift

Truck Tree 003V

PF

Cone Hooks/Ladders Tree 003W

WP

Tree Climbing place cage (no spur) Tree 003X

WP

Tree Climbing, remove cage collect cones (no spur) Tree 003Y

WP

Mechanical

Lift

Truck place cage Tree 003Z

WP

Mechanical

Lift

Truck, remove cage, collect cones Tree

003AA

JP

Tree Climbing Bushel

003BB

JP

Mechanical

Lift

Truck Bushel

003CC

JP

Trees felled by

Forest

Service Bushel

003DD

IC –

Tree Climbing Bushel

003EE

IC –

Mechanical

Lift

Truck Bushel

003FF

IC –

Trees felled by

Forest

Service Bushel

003GG

Mobility

Cost for

Ashley

National Forest

(1 mobility cost per task order) Each

003HH

Mobility

Cost for

Boise National

Forest (1 mobility cost per task order) Each

003II

Mobility

Cost for

Bridger-Teton

National

Forest (1 mobility cost per task order) Each

003JJ

Mobility

Cost for

Caribou-Targhee National

Forest (1 mobility cost per task order) Each

003KK

Mobility

Cost for

Dixie National

Forest (1 mobility cost per task order) Each

003LL

Mobility

Cost for

Fishlake

National

Forest (1 mobility cost per task order) Each

003MM

Mobility

Cost for

Humboldt-Toiyabe National

Forest (1 mobility cost per task order) Each

003NN

Mobility

Cost for

Manti-LaSal

National

Forest (1 mobility cost per task order) Each

003OO

Mobility

Cost for

Payette

National

Forest

(1 mobility cost per task order) Each

003PP

Mobility

Cost for

Salmon-Challis

National

Forest (1 mobility cost per task order) Each

003QQ

Mobility

Cost for

Sawtooth

National

Forest

(1 mobility cost per task order) Each

003RR

Mobility

Cost for

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National

Forest (1 mobility cost per task order) Each

003SS

Mobility

Cost for

Salmon

River

Seed

Orchard

(1 mobility cost per task order) Each

003TT

Climb tree for seed sampling purposes

(includes all species)

(no spur for

BP

WP)

Tree

TOTAL

ESTIMATED

OPTION

2, YEAR

)Option 2, Year 3 (SEE PAGE 2)

Not all forests will have all species. Species will be contingent on availability per season.

Option 3, Year 4 (SEE PAGE 2)

TOTAL ESTIMATED OPTION 3, YEAR 4 PRICE

Solicitation:

AG-84M8-S-17-0004

Cone Collections

Intermountain Region

Forests Page of

Item Number Description Unit

Unit

Price 005A

PP

Tree Climbing Bushel 005B

PP

Mechanical

Lift

Truck Bushel 005C

PP

Trees felled by

Forest

Service Bushel 005D

PP

Lift/Ladders at

Salmon

River

Seed

Orchard Bushel 005E

DF

Tree Climbing Bushel 005F

DF

Mechanical

Lift

Truck Bushel 005G

DF

Trees

Felled by

Forest

Service Bushel 005H

ES

Tree Climbing Bushel 005I

ES

Mechanical

Lift

Truck Bushel 005J

ES

Trees felled by

Forest

Service Bushel 005K

LP

Tree Climbing Bushel 005L

LP

Mechanical

Lift

Truck Bushel 005M

LP

Trees

Felled

By

Forest

Service Bushel 005N

WL

Tree

Climbing Bushel 005O

WL

Mechanical

Lift

Truck Bushel 005P

WL

Trees felled by

Forest

Service Bushel 005Q

BP

Tree Climbing (no spur) Tree 005R

BP

Mechanical

Lift Truck Tree 005S

BP

Trees felled by

Forest

Service Tree 005T

PF

Tree Climbing

(no spur) Tree 005U

PF

Mechanical

Lift

Truck Tree 005V

PF

Cone Hooks/Ladders Tree 005W

WP

Tree Climbing place cage (no spur) Tree 005X

WP

Tree Climbing, remove cage collect cones (no spur) Tree 005Y

WP

Mechanical

Lift

Truck place cage Tree 005Z

WP

Mechanical

Lift

Truck, remove cage, collect cones Tree

005AA

JP

Tree Climbing Bushel

005BB

JP

Mechanical

Lift

Truck Bushel

005CC

JP

Trees felled by

Forest

Service Bushel

005DD

IC –

Tree Climbing Bushel

005EE

IC –

Mechanical

Lift

Truck Bushel

005FF

IC –

Trees felled by

Forest

Service Bushel

005GG

Mobility

Cost for

Ashley

National Forest

(1 mobility cost per task order) Each

005HH

Mobility

Cost for

Boise National

Forest (1 mobility cost per task order) Each

005II

Mobility

Cost for

Bridger-Teton

National

Forest (1 mobility cost per task order) Each

005JJ

Mobility

Cost for

Caribou-Targhee National

Forest (1 mobility cost per task order) Each

005KK

Mobility

Cost for

Dixie National

Forest (1 mobility cost per task order) Each

005LL

Mobility

Cost for

Fishlake

National

Forest (1 mobility cost per task order) Each

005MM

Mobility

Cost for

Humboldt-Toiyabe National

Forest (1 mobility cost per task order) Each

005NN

Mobility

Cost for

Manti-LaSal

National

Forest (1 mobility cost per task order) Each

005OO

Mobility

Cost for

Payette

National

Forest

(1 mobility cost per task order) Each

005PP

Mobility

Cost for

Salmon-Challis

National

Forest (1 mobility cost per task order) Each

005QQ

Mobility

Cost for

Sawtooth

National

Forest

(1 mobility cost per task order) Each

005RR

Mobility

Cost for

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National

Forest (1 mobility cost per task order) Each

005SS

Mobility

Cost for

Salmon

River

Seed

Orchard

(1 mobility cost per task order) Each

005TT

Climb tree for seed sampling purposes

(includes all species) Tree

TOTAL

ESTIMATED

OPTION

4, Year

)Option 4, Year 5 (SEE PAGE 2)

Solicitation:

AG-84M8-S-17-0004

Cone Collections

Intermountain Region

Forests Page of

OFFEROR’S COMPANY INFORMATION:

Name of Company (please print):

DUNs Number:

Printed Name of Company Agent:

Signature of Company Agent:

Date:

Phone Number:

E-Mail Address:

Complete Section B, Schedule of Items for the base year and all options. All proposed rates for each labor category should be fully burdened, to include overhead, profit, etc. The above fixed hourly rates and identified labor disciplines shall apply and be used for pricing and billing task orders placed under this contract.

A firm-fixed price by project will be established at the time of issuance of individual task orders. The Contractor is to enter the price in accordance with the labor categories as noted in the above schedule labor categories.

QUOTE OF ALL ITEMS

Only quotes to the nearest cent will be accepted.

AGAR 452.216-73 MINIMUM AND MAXIMUM CONTRACT AMOUNTS (FEB 1988)

During the term of the contract (base and any options exercised) the Government shall place orders totaling a minimum of $2,500.00, but not in excess of $875,000.00.

AGAR 452.216-74 CEILING PRICE (FEB 1988)

The ceiling price of this contract is $875,000.00 for base and any exercised option years. The Contractor shall not make expenditures or incur obligations in the performance of this contract which exceed the ceiling price specified herein, except at the Contractor's own risk.

BASIS FOR AWARD

Evaluation factors are stated in Section M – Evaluation Factors for Award

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

INTRODUCTION

C.1.1. SCOPE OF CONTRACT / PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

The Forest Service is in need of conifer seed to restore and reforest National Forest Land and for Tree Improvement genetic testing. The purpose of this solicitation is to secure commercial services for the harvest of mature seed cones in areas prescribed by the terms of this contract. Services needed include caging cones and/or collecting cones from a variety of species located on 12 (twelve) National Forests and 1 (one) Seed Orchard located in California, Utah, Idaho, Nevada, and Wyoming (Ashley, Boise, Bridger-Teton, Caribou-Targhee, Dixie, Fishlake, Humboldt-Toyiabe, Manti-LaSal, Payette, Salmon-Challis, Sawtooth, and Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forests and the Salmon River Seed Orchard (SRSO)).

Collection may be by tree climbing, by using a mechanical lift truck, or by picking from felled trees, as specified by the Forest Service in the task order. Additional information for each forest can be found at the following webpages:

Ashley – http://www.fs.usda.gov/ashley Boise - http://www.fs.usda.gov/boise/ Bridger-Teton - http://www.fs.usda.gov/btnf/ Caribou-Targhee - http://www.fs.usda.gov/ctnf Dixie – http://www.fs.usda/gov/dixie Fishlake – http://www.fs.usda/gov/fishlake Humboldt-Toiyabe - http://www.fs.usda.gov/htnf/ Manti-LaSal – http://www.fs.usda/gov/mantilasal Payette - http://www.fs.usda.gov/payette/ Salmon-Challis - http://www.fs.usda.gov/scnf/ Sawtooth - http://www.fs.usda.gov/sawtooth/ Uinta-Wasatch-Cache – http://www.fs.usda/gov/uwcnf Salmon River Seed Orchard (SRSO) – located just East of US Highway 95 at approximately milepost 208.2 between Riggins and Whitebird, Idaho.

The scope of contract includes Contractor furnished labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, operating supplies, and incidentals (except those items designated as Government-furnished property), in compliance with the contract's terms, specifications and provisions. All tree seed cones collected under the provisions of this contract are and shall remain the property of the U.S. Government. The Government is responsible for surveying and identifying trees or areas for general cone collecting and Tree Improvement.

Cone caging only applies to whitebark pine and usually takes place in early July, however, actual caging is dependent on cone ripening and snowmelt. Cone collections usually takes place from August through September for all forests, however, actual collections are dependent on cone ripening and there often is a very short period of time suitable for collection. Collection times vary by location, elevation and species. In any given year, all species will not be collected on all forests.

Species include:

Bristlecone Pine (BP)

Douglas-Fir (DF)

Engelmann Spruce (ES)

Incense Cedar (IC)

The resulting Fixed Price, Indefinite Delivery – Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract will include services for tree climbing, use of mechanical lift truck and picking from felled trees for the caging and collection of cones from a variety of species (refer to Schedule of Items for Species listing) in accordance with all safety requirements for such work as directed by the Government.

3.1.2. LOCATIONS AND DESCRIPTIONS

Trees to collect cones from are located in different areas of each of the 12 (twelve) National Forests and Salmon River Seed Orchard. Specific trees or collection areas will be identified by the Government in a Task Order.

3.1.3. SITE VISIT

A site visit is not planned for this project. For further information, please contact:

3.1.4. WORK STANDARDS

Cone Collection: For safety reasons, Contractor shall have two climbers within voice contact on site while work is being performed. All cones collected under this contract are and shall remain the property of the Government. The delivery point is along an accessible road near the collection area (refer to section b. Cone Collection Standard). Unless otherwise stated all standards apply to all locations and all species.

a. Seed Cone Source

i. Cones shall be harvested only from Government-designated trees. The Contractor is expected to collect from all trees designated for picking under a Task Order. The contractor may be required to identify potential collection trees (item B.10.a) but the Government reserves the right to accept or decline identified collection trees.

All species except BP, PF, WL, & WP: Generally, at least 20 trees will be identified in a collection area: the actual number will be specified in the task order. Trees will typically be at least 200 feet apart. To ensure a well distributed sample, cones from a single tree shall not constitute more than 20% of the cone lot.

BP, PF, WL, & WP: Generally, at least 10 trees will be identified in a collection area; the actual number will be specified in the task order. Trees will typically be at least 200 feet apart.

SRSO location only: Generally at least 20 bushels will be collected in an individual task order; the actual number will be specified in the task order. PP is the only species that will be collected at this site. The trees are located in four distinct blocked orchards. The maximum tree height is 25 feet, with an average diameter less than 14 inches dbh. Trees are aligned in Rows (east and west) and Columns (north and south) on 20 foot x 20 foot spacing. Maximum slope in collection areas is 12%.

It is the Government’s responsibility to determine the quality of the cones prior to collection. The COR may require the Contractor to climb designated trees to pick sample cones to determine ripeness and seed quality prior to making a collection.

ii. If after Government evaluation no further cone collections are made from that tree, the Contractor will be paid the bid rate for climbing for seed sampling purposes. If further collections are made from that tree while the Contractor is still in the tree, the Contractor will be paid for the collection (bushel of cones) only. Any designated tree the Contractor declares unsafe to climb shall be reported to the COR and a substitute tree may be selected.

iii. If the COR or Inspector determines that there are not enough cones or seed count is too low to warrant picking, the Contractor will be notified verbally and with documentation in writing not to pick from that tree, and the tree will be deleted from the Task Order.

iv. Cones cut by squirrels shall not be collected, nor cones collected from squirrel caches.

b. Cone Collection Standard

i. The Contractor shall take all precautions necessary to prevent excessive damage to trees. Live branches shall not be unnecessarily broken, barked, or cut, tree trunks shall not be skinned or peeled to cause excessive damage to cambium. If the COR determines that excessive damage is occurring, the Contractor’s right to proceed will be suspended until the proper corrections have been made.

ii. BP, PF & WP: Spur climbing or other methods that damage the tree are not allowed to access the tree crown. The Contractor may use a ladder, ascenders, or other methods that do not cause damage to the tree are allowable to access the tree crown or in some cases cut cone bearing branch ends from the ground. No spurs or equipment that causes damage to the bole and/or main stem(s) of the tree is permitted. Ladders or other methods are required to climb BP, PF & WP to prevent damage to the bole of the tree(s). The contractor shall provide a collapsible pole or branch hook for pulling the branches toward them to reach the cones. The contractor shall provide all equipment (e.g. - ladder, tagline, etc.) to climb each tree and collect cones without damaging the bole of the tree.

iii. For all trees except for BP, PF, WP: The Contractor shall harvest cones only from the top 1/3 of the tree crown, unless otherwise directed by the COR. It is common when large amounts of cones are needed that cones from the lower part of the tree will also be collected.

BP, PF & WP: Cones shall be collected from the entire crown unless otherwise directed by the COR.

iv. For all species except LP: Only cones from the current calendar year (closed cones that have not shed their seed) will be accepted. LP only: both current year and closed (never previously opened) cones from previous year crops will be accepted that have less than ½ of surface area of grey color (weathered).

v. Collections at the Salmon River Seed Orchard (SRSO) (location = mile marker 208.2 – US Highway 95) only:

1. Cones must be collected using a mechanical lift & tripod orchard ladders and cone hooks. The mechanical lift must have a maneuverable vertical boom with an open bucket or cage at the end from which a worker can perform aerial work, to pick and clip cones from live standing tree. The contractor shall ensure minimum tree damage (e.g. limb breakage).

2. Vehicles can be driven north and south up and down the columns and must avoid damaging irrigation equipment.

3. Additional trees may be designated from other nearby blocked seed orchards, if they meet Breeding Zone elevation guidelines.

4. Cones shall be bulk collected within Breeding Zone Blocks: one tree per bag, or bags for larger collection.

vi. Cones are live plant material and as such shall not be handled roughly or exposed to damaging conditions. Collected cones shall be free of mold, and not showing damage by animals, insects or disease or physical damage.

vii. Cones shall be bagged for the collection area where they were collected. Bags will be furnished by the Government. Bagged cones shall be free of debris (such as twigs, needles, cone stems, cones of other tree source); bags with greater than 1 pint (33 cu. Inches) of debris will be rejected. The base of the cones shall be clean of any extra material. Bags shall be ½ full; a maximum of 1 bushel of cones shall be put in a two bushel bag. Each bag of cones shall be tied securely shut approximately 3 inches from the top of the bag with baling twine that meets the following specifications:

1. Baling twine shall be high visibility (e.g. orange, blue etc.) and be at least three ply weave, or wire ties.

2. Each bushel bag shall be wrapped with at least three tight wraps and tied with a secure knot.

3. Baling twine shall have a minimum breaking tensile strength of 110 lbs.

viii. Bagged cones shall not be thrown or dropped out of trees. Bags of cones shall be lowered to the ground with a rope, haul line, or other method approved by the COR.

All species except BP, PF, IC, & WP: Cones may be cut from branch ends, using cone hooks or other approved equipment/methods, and dropped to the ground, or individual cones may be picked and bagged. When cone bearing branch ends are dropped from the tree, they shall be dropped onto tarps to avoid contamination with soil bearing fungi. Bags may contain cones from more than one tree (of the same species) in a collection area. However, bags with cones from multiple collection areas will not be accepted nor bags with multiple species.

BP, PF, IC, & WP: Cones must be picked and bagged in the tree and shall not be dropped from the tree. Cones from each tree shall be bagged separately: one tree per bag, or bags for larger collection.

ix. The contractor shall be responsible for correct labeling of cones. For each bag of cones, the Contractor shall prepare two Cone Tags. Tags will be provided by the Government along with a sample tag that has been properly filled out using the information provided by the Government. Information must be legible, visible through both layers of the cone tag, in permanent ink, and in English. Each cone lot shall have a unique color of flagging stapled or otherwise attached to each tag. One tag shall be placed inside the bag at the top, the other securely fastened to the outside of the closed bag.

x. All locations except the SRSO: The Contractor shall deliver bagged cones to a mutually, agreeable, and accessible road near the collection site; the site will be selected prior to commencement of cone collection.

All locations (including the SRSO): Cones shall be submitted to the COR or Inspector each day for inspection and acceptance. Cones shall be protected from moisture, heat and direct sunlight. Cones shall not be damaged during any phase of picking or transporting. No payment will be made for collection of cones that have been damaged. The COR may suspend work until proper procedures are being followed.

SRSO only: The contractor shall deliver bagged cones to the temporary cone storage area at Slate Creek Ranger District (approximately 6 miles north of the seed orchard). The Contractor shall be responsible for storing tagged and bagged cones in a single layer (promoting maximum air flow) on designated cone racks at the close of each business day. The contractor must also ensure that each bushel of cones bagged in any previous contract days are rotated and turned while temporarily stored on the designated cone racks throughout until all collections on the task order are completed. Cone racks will be provided by the Government

xi. When a mechanical lift truck is used, the Contractor shall operate it to avoid soil damage and erosion, generally accessing the tree from a road although flat ground may be acceptable in some cases. When soil damage is occurring, the operations will be suspended. Alternate collection methods may be substituted.

xii. The contractor shall take all precautions necessary to prevent excessive damage to trees. Living branches shall not be deliberately broken, barked, or cut, nor shall tree trunks be skinned or peeled that causes excessive damage to the cambium. If the COR determines excessive damage is occurring, the contractor’s right to proceed will be suspended until the proper corrections have been made.

xiii. Cone Caging (WP only) The contractor shall be responsible for transporting the Government furnished cone cages and wire from a mutually agreed upon location (e.g. the roadway) to the trees to be caged. The contractor shall place the cone cages over the tips of limbs that contain cones and then close the open end of the cage while fastening it to the limb with a small piece of wire to ensure it does not slip off or blow open in the wind. The cages are constructed of a stiff wire mesh and are approximately 1 ft. by 2 ft. in size.

1. The limbs containing multiple cones that can be covered by one cage shall be prioritized. When feasible, the contractor shall place several limbs with cones in an individual cage.

2. Each tree will typically have about 10 cages placed to protect the ripening cones.

3. Generally a minimum of 5 cages will be placed in each tree. No more than 20 cages shall be placed in one tree, unless authorized by the COR or designated inspector.

4. The contractor shall take the necessary precautions to prevent damaging the limbs when climbing and installing cone cages and prevent breaking cones off of the branch tips while placing cages.

5. The contractor shall allow enough room in the cages for cones to grow and ripen and be out of reach from birds and squirrels.

xiv. Cage removal and Cone Collection (WP only) The contractor shall remove the cone cages by cutting the small piece of wire that attaches the cage to the limb.

1. All cages must be removed, collected and returned to a mutually agreed upon location (e.g. the road).

2. The cages may be thrown from the tree only if they will not be damaged and can be retrieved. Otherwise, the cages shall be lowered from the tree.

3. All cones that are free of insect, disease, and animal damage that were protected by the mesh cages shall be harvested.

c. Operational Safety

i. The Contractor shall comply with the safety requirements of the Forest Service Safety and Health Program Handbook (FSH 2709.11, Section 22.49 and FSH 6709.12) and the Forest Service National Tree Climbing Guide (Technical Report 0567-2819- MTDC, March 2005). The Forest Service National Tree Climbing Guide (Technical Report 0567-2819-MTDC, March, 2005, may be found at: http://www.fs.fed.us/treeclimbing/policy/guide/tree-climbing-field-guide-2005-edition.pdf. The Contractor’s proposal shall include any alternate practices which the Contractor feels meet the intent of the FS safety practices, but differs in actual practice. The Contractor shall utilize the safety practices for safe climbing, rescue and emergency communication.

ii. The Contractor shall follow all Federal, State, and local safety laws and regulations applicable to the contract work to be performed.

iii. Contractor assumes all risks of loss or damage to his/her equipment and injury to self or employees, and will hold and save the Government and its employees harmless from liability of any nature or kind resulting from performance of this contract, except for negligent acts of Government employees.

3.1.5. DELIVERABLES

Cone Care 3.1.4.1.b.v and 3.1.4.1.b.ix

Cleaning, and Bagging 3.1.4.1.b.vii

Cone Tag 3.1.4.1.d.viii

Safety 3.1.4.1.c

3.1.6. Quantities

There are not any minimum or maximum number of bushels required under the base contract or any option year contracts. Bushel quantities will be identified on the individual Task Orders.

3.2. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED MATERIALS

The property that will be provided by the Government is as follows:

delete the inaccessible area(s) or tree(s); or (3) substitute similar area(s) or tree(s).

3.3. DEFINITIONS

Bushel – dry measurement, 8 gallons or approximately 12 cubic feet.

Branch Hook – Long handled devise used to pull limbs into the bole of the tree, so that the tree climber can pick the cones safety without damaging the tree they are harvesting cones from.

Collection Area - The cones from a variety of trees, usually at least 20 (twenty), from the same elevation band (this term is synonymous with cone lot).

Cone Cage – A cage used to encase white bark pine cones, protecting them from predation from squirrels and birds.

Cone Collection Record – Record of what trees and seed lots were collected per day. This record is often used to support payment and consolidate data listed on cone tags.

Cone cut – A cut made a bit off center, length wise, on a cone to cut into two halves (cut face) exposing the seed inside of the enclosed cone. From these cone samples one can have seed counts made per cut face determining whether viable amounts of seed exist in the cone crop for each tree being evaluated.

Contracting Officer (CO) – The person with authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts, as well as make related determinations and findings.

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) – Is a program official that is designated by the contracting officer to assist in administering specific aspects (such as technical aspects) of the contract.

Contract Time – Length of time to be determined based on task orders issued allowing a minimum number of contract days for an established average number of contract items ordered. (also refer to period of performance)

Cut Face – The exposed face of one side of a cone that has been cleanly sliced (cut) lengthwise along the cone.

Cone cutter – A sharp device used to make the cone cut. (e.g., large knife, cleaver)

Cone lot – The cones from a variety of trees, usually at least 20, from the same elevation band and within the same collection area. (if we are not there checking all the time, may want this – These cones will be bulked together at a later time, but during collection, the cones from each tree are maintained separately.)

Desirable physical characteristics of the selected trees: Selected trees are indicative of the genetic makeup of the seed, thus the selected trees shall be equal or better than the average of the same species in the area and be healthy and vigorous. Physical characteristics that are desirable include:

· Dominant or codominant trees (tree crown extends above the general level of the canopy or forms the general level of the canopy) relative to the neighboring trees.

· Straight stem free from crook, sweep, spiral grain, and forking.

· Branch bases small in relation to the stem and branches should project horizontally or angle slightly upward. Do not collect from “wolfy” trees.

· At least 30% live crown ratio.

· Tree crown compact for the species but have a large area of foliage.

· Conical crown indicating the tree growing and is vigorous.

· Free form insect and disease damage.

· Tree age approximately 40 to 110 years old. (Very old and very young trees have poor sound seed production even when there are numerous cones.)

· History of past cone crops is desirable.

· Avoid trees that are isolated by trees of the same species by more than 100 feet (may be inadequately pollinated by other trees).

Filled seed per cut face - a method used to determine seed yield which includes the count of seed on the one cut face exhibiting the highest exposed filled seed count. Only seed that have been sliced open sufficiently so that the inside of the seed is readily visible are counted as exposed. Only seed containing storage tissue (endosperm) and that are sound are counted as filled seed. Seed that are not sliced open (i.e., the seed coat remain intact), are ignored.

Mature seed - The actual seed condition will vary by species but in general seed is considered mature when the embryo fills 90% or more of the embryo cavity (most important criteria) and is a cream or pale yellow color. The surrounding storage tissue (endosperm) is a firm consistency and not a viscous milky condition. The seed coat and seed wing have darkened in color and is easily lifted from the cone scale (from Guide to Collecting Cone of BC Conifers, 1989, p. 25).

Sound seed - Seed is considered sound when the endosperm and embryo are developing normally and there is no evidence of insect, disease, climatic or other types of damage.

Species Code – Numeric value or alpha characters assigned by the Government to represent various species of vegetation. These numeric values or alpha characters for species of seed to collect on this contract will be given to the Contractor by the COR.

3.4. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

3.4.1. GOVERNMENT QUALITY ASSURANCE

Quality assurance will be performed by the Government during the contract and through task orders at regular intervals. Methods may include visual survey and review of Contractor quality control documents. Deduction for work may include rework at no cost to the Government or Government acceptance with price reduction.

3.4.1. CONTRACTOR QUALITY CONTROL

The Contractor, not the Government, is responsible for management and quality control actions to meet the terms of this contract. The role of the Government is quality assurance to ensure contract standards are met. Records of quality inspections shall be kept and made available to the Government throughout the performance period and for the period after contract completion until final settlement of any claims under this contract. A description of the site specific quality control inspection plan shall be provided within thirty (30) days of contract award. The plan shall include:

(1) control procedures for security of Government provided items such as keys, and lock combinations; (2) location of the inspection documents; (3) corrective or preventive actions that will be taken to meet quality standards; and (4) a customer comments feedback system.

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

FAR 52.252-2 CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address (es): http://farsite.hill.af.mil/vffar1.htm www.arnet.gov/far/ (End of clause) FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER) CLAUSES 52.242-15 STOP-WORK ORDER (AUG 1989)

52.242-17 GOVERNMENT DELAY OF WORK (APR 1984)

AGAR 452.211-5 PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE (FEB 1988)

The period of performance of this contract is from the date of award through last option period. Task Orders period of performance may extend past the expiration of this contract with all terms and conditions remaining in full force until the Task Order expires.

The Government will issue a Notice to Proceed as soon as cone conditions are favorable for work on one or more of the areas. Contract time will start (1) on the date specified on the Notice to Proceed, if the notice is hand-delivered; Or (2) on the third-day after the post office has issued a Notice of Certified Mail to the Contractor. Failure of the Contractor to pick-up Certified Mail will not be considered excusable.

(End of Clause)

CONTRACT TIME

The Contractor shall start work promptly after receipt of a Notice to Proceed. The Contractor shall maintain progress at a rate that will assure completion within the stated contract time. The contract time specified on each Task Order will generally not exceed a required rate of progress exceeding that determined from the accepted work plan. Specific Contract Time will be determined on each Task Order. The decision of the Contracting Officer that the collection season is ended will be final.