Questions_asked_by_prospective_contractors_and_answers_given_by_Forest_Service.pdf

Questions asked by prospective contractors and answers given by Forest Service (FS) during site visit are as follows:

Q: The Period of Performance and the estimated start date create two different time lines, one is approximately four months and the latter is two months. What should we base our production on?

A: Prospective Contractors should use the October 1 st date when planning for this project, if the fire hazard was unseasonably low or personnel were available for administration earlier in the season, an earlier start date may be negotiated with contractor. The Forest Service has determined a two month window is adequate to complete this project, therefore an estimated start date of Oct 1 st allows contractors sufficient time to complete contractual obligations by December 1 st under the most favorable atmospheric and environmental conditions.

Q: Will FS Supply GIS or GPS for Boundaries or have boundaries designated by flagging by prior to commencing work?

A: FS will flag boundaries for Item 1 and Item 2 prior to commencement of work. Colors to be determined. Currently foot print of previous years’ work is highly visible and should be adequate to build contractor estimates.

Q: Could a small live tree be cut to create a larger area to pile in?

A: On a case-by-case basis, contractor may propose to remove a small live tree to create a more favorable piling location. This would be agreed upon prior to removing the live tree in question and should be considered an exception to the standards listed in C.8-2. In cases where it is agreed advantageous to the FS, Contractor shall treat the cut tree as slash and pile or chip portions of all of the tree depending on where it falls within the foot print of the project.

Q: Along the road where shrubs were previously left, do they need to be removed?

A: Yes, a “brow” was left along portions of the project area adjacent to the road. These areas should be treated as specified in C.8-2.1.2 Shrub Removal, In open locations where no tree canopy is found 50% of the brush would be removed, where canopy is formed all shrubs would be removed within 1.5 times the length of the drip line of the trees. No oaks would be cut regardless of location, and Manzanita would be favored for retention when required by the provision.

Q: Are there any T&E species that may affect work time lines?

A: No, the period of performance has already taken into account limited operating periods for migratory birds. See C.5 Restrictions on Work, for all restrictions, biological or physical, i.e. Plant protections, stream protections, etc.

Q: Does the contract require pruning of Oaks or just the conifers?

A: Only conifers shall be pruned as specified under C.8-2.1.3.

Q: Does the Hazard Tree Abatement only occur along the system roads?

A: No, Hazard trees shall be removed along system roads and the outer perimeter of the unit. See C.8-

2.1.1 Hazard Tree Abatement and C.8-1 Definitions “Hazard Tree” for a full description of the task.

Q: In some cases 75 feet extends out past the current foot print, is the contractor responsible for cutting or removing more shrubs and trees to reach 75 feet?

A: No, Chipping will be required to 75 feet or the edge of the current foot print; whichever is less.

Additionally some discrepancies exist on map boundaries and actual on-the-ground footprint. The current foot print overrides the map, for example; the map shows the boundary for item 1 to extend 100 feet farther out then the boundary for item 2, on the ground the boundaries are one and the same, therefore the contractor works only the current boundaries as treated during previous years and would not cut 100 feet more beyond the item 2 boundary.

Q: Is Pruning required just within the 75 feet of item 2 or in the greater portion of item 1?

A: Pruning is required on all residual conifers across the larger 95 acre foot print.