Challenge_CSE_Task_Order_0002_Package.pdf

Updated thru FAC 27 Requisition # Contract No. Project Name: Challenge, Strawberry, and

Mooreville Common Stand Exam Plot Contract

Task Order No. 0002

Contractor:

Issuing and Billing Office:

Central California Acquisition Service Area 631 Coyote Street Nevada City, CA 95959

Item No.

Description Qty Order

Unit

Unit Price

Amount

1 Challenge Treatment Unit Stand Exam Plots

113 Plots

Challenge Riparian Conservation Area Stand Exam Plots 27 Plots

3 Strawberry Treatment Unit Stand Exam Plots 164 Plots

4 Strawberry Riparian Conservation Area Stand Exam Plots 36 Plots

5 Mooreville Treatment Unit Stand Exam Plots

91 Plots

6 Mooreville Riparian Conservation Area Stand Exam Plots 9 Plots

Total 440 Plots

Remarks: See Attachments for additional terms and conditions.

Terms and Conditions of the Professional Forestry Services Contract are incorporated by reference

Total Price:

Contractor: (Name and Signature)

Print Name:

Requested By: (Name and Signature)

COR: Ken Kneely 530-532-7413 Fund Authorization (Name and Signature)

Line Officer Ordered By: (Name and Signature)

Contracting Officer: Raymond Garleb Order Date:

Job Code:

Original to CO, CC to Contractor, B&F and COR

If this order is Greater Than $2,500.00, it is Not Valid Until Signed by the Contracting Officer

Challenge, Strawberry, and Mooreville Common Stand Exam Plot Contract Plumas National Forest

Feather River Ranger District

C1. DESCRIPTION OF WORK:

The intent of this contract is to secure services for the installation and measurement of common stand exams plots within the Challenge, Strawberry, and Mooreville Project areas on the Feather River Ranger District, Plumas National Forest.

Work under this contract includes the following:

a. Using GPS for locating and monumenting (i.e., flagging) common stand exam plots within each unit.

b. Taking photographs of the plots in each of the cardinal directions (i.e., N, E, S, W).

c. Conducting and collecting Common Stand Exam (CSE) data within each plot.

d. Providing data in hard copy (paper form) and electronic format (i.e., Windows PC Exam Software and/or Portable Data Recorder).

The Common Stand Exam includes collecting data for the following components:

• Setting (Stand) Data

• Plot Data

• Tree Data (a variable 30 Basal Area Factor (BAF) Prism)

• Seedling Data(1/100 acre fixed plot)

• Snag Data, (a variable 10 BAF Prism) (especially dead trees that are 15 inches DBH and greater and 15 feet or greater in height).

• Down Woody Material Data, (along an 80-foot transect).

C1.2 PROJECT LOCATIONS:

The Challenge, Strawberry, and Mooreville Common Stand Exam contract is located on the Feather River Ranger District of the Plumas National Forest. Specifically, it includes the areas Challenge, Strawberry Valley, and Mooreville Ridge up to Little Grass Valley Reservoir.

The project is located in the following townships, ranges, and sections:

Project Township Range Sections

Challenge T.19 N. R.07 E. 6, 16, 19, 20, 21, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34

Strawberry T.19 N.

T.20 N.

T.21 N.

R.07 E.

R.08 E.

R.07 E.

R.08 E.

R.08 E.

3, 4, 5, 6, 9

1, 2, 11, 12, 14, 21, 22, 23, 28

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22, 28, 29, 31, 30, 32, 33

19, 20, 28, 29, 31, 32, 33

Mooreville T.21 N.

T.22 N.

R.08 E.

R.09 E.

R.08 E.

R.09 E

1, 2, 3, 9, 10, 11, 12, 17, 22, 27

25, 26, 27, 32, 34, 35, 36

The contractor can access the project area via the Oro–Quincy Highway.

Maps and photos may indicate that a road goes to the plot locations; however, vehicle access may be difficult or restricted. Stand locations may necessitate that the Contractor walks to the stand or acquire some other means of travel. The Government assumes no responsibility to maintain roads in a passable condition.

C1.4 CONTRACTOR FURNISHED EQUIPMENT:

All equipment used within the contract stands shall be in such mechanical condition and of an appropriate type to meet with the requirements of the work and to produce and maintain a satisfactory quality of work. All equipment used will meet or exceed OSHA specifications. The contractor shall provide the laptop, portable date recorder if needed, global positioning system (GPS), and cameria for taking pictures. The contractor shall supply the white flagging and the pink flag wire stake pins in monumenting the plots.

C1.5 SITE VISIT/PREWORK MEETING

Offerors or quoters are urged and expected to inspect the site where services are to be performed and to satisfy themselves regarding all general and local conditions that may affect the cost of contract performance, to the extent that the information is reasonably obtainable. In no event shall failure to inspect the site constitute grounds for a claim after contract award.

C1.6 DEFINITIONS

The following terms are defined for this contract:

Aspect - A position facing or commanding a given direction; exposure. Aspect is the compass direction of the prevailing slope with respect to true north.

Azimuth - A horizontal angular measure from true north to an object of interest.

Basal Area - The cross‐sectional area of the stem or stems of a plant or of all plants in a stand, generally expressed as square units per unit area. For trees, measured at 4.5 feet above ground, for forbs and grasses, measured at the root crown.

Bole – Stem portion of a tree.

Bole Length - The straight‐line distance measured parallel to the main bole of a tree, from its base to its tip.

Breast Height - A point located on the uphill side of the main stem, by measuring 4.5 feet along the uphill side of the bole from ground level or the predominant root collar. Preclude slight, non‐compacted litter accumulations when establishing breast height.

CALVEG - Classification and Assessment with LANDSAT of Visible Ecological Groupings. It is a California‐ wide system for classifying vegetative and nonvegetative cover types. The primary cover type relates to life form and uses a 3‐character alpha code.

Canopy Cover - The percent of a fixed area covered by the crown of an individual plant species or delimited by the vertical projection of its outermost perimeter; small openings in the crown are included.

Co-dominant Tree - A tree with the crown forming the general level of the crown cover and receiving full light from above, but comparatively little from the sides.

Compacted Live Crown Ratio - The percent of the total height of the tree that supports a full, live crown.

For trees that have uneven length crowns, occularly transfer lower branches to fill holes in the upper portions of the crown, until a full, even crown is created.

Compartment - A land area, usually between 3,000 and 8,000 acres, easily identified on the ground by physical features. A compartment is comparable in size to a subwatershed, or landscape management unit. It is used as a convenience for maintaining stand records and planning vegetation management projects.

Conifer - A cone-bearing tree with needles or leaf scales (e.g. pine, fir, cedar).

Crown – The part of the tree comprised of the branches, twigs and foliage, which carry on the majority of the photosynthesis. Live crown ratio is the percent of tree crown that supports live foliage effectively contributing to tree growth.

Crown Class - The relative position of the tree or shrub crown with respect to the competing vegetation around it. Crown class for each tree or shrub is judged in the context of its immediate environment, that its, those trees or shrubs which are competing for sunlight with the subject tree or shrub.

Crown Length - The vertical distance from the top of the leader to the base of the crown, measured to the lowest live branch‐whorl with live branches in at least three quadrants, and continuous with the main crown.

Crown Ratio - The ratio of compacted live crown length to bole length. Lengths are measured parallel to the bole from the base of the tree to the tip.

Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) - A measure at breast height (4.5 feet) above the ground, outside bark, of the tree bole, perpendicular to the tree bole, on the uphill side of the tree

Diameter at Root Collar (DRC) - The straight line passing through the center of a cross section of a bole measured at the root collar of a shrub or tree.

Down Log - Stem material (conifer or hardwood) that is lying on the ground. If a stem material is leaning more than 45 degrees from vertical, is not self-supporting, and/or in contact with the ground, it is considered a down log.

Down Woody Material - Woody pieces of trees and shrubs that have been uprooted (no longer supporting growth) or severed from their root system, not self‐supporting, and are lying on the ground.

Duff Layer - Duff is the fermentation and humus layer of the forest floor. It does not include the freshly cast material in the litter layer. The top of the duff is where needles, leaves, and other cast‐off vegetative material have noticeably begun to decompose. Individual particles usually will be bound by fungi mycelium. When moss is present, the top of the duff is just below the green portion of the moss.

The bottom of the duff is the start of the soil ("A" horizon).

Elevation - Vertical distance from a datum, usually mean sea level, to a point or object on the earth’s surface. Not to be confused with altitude, this refers to points above the earth’s surface.

Fuel Bed - The fuel bed is the accumulation of dead, woody residue on the forest floor.It begins at the top of the duff layer and above. It includes litter, dead limb wood and bole wood from tree species, as well as dead material from shrub, herbaceous, and grass species

Fuel Model - Mathematical descriptions of fuel properties (e.g. fuel load and fuel depth) that are used as inputs to calculations of fire danger indices and fire behavior potential.

Ground Level - The forest floor, made up by soil and duff layer. It does not include unincorporated woody debris that may rise above the ground line. In reference to a point of measure, it is the highest point of the ground touching the base of the object being referenced.

Hardwood – A tree with broad leaves rather than needles (e.g., oak, madrone, etc.)

Intersect Diameter - Measurement of diameter at a point where the sampling plane intersects the geometric center of the object being tallied. No adjustment is made for stem irregularities at the point of intersection.

Limiting Distance - A comparative measurement between the subplot radius and the distance from the subplot center to the center of the object. The comparison is used to determine whether the object is IN or OUT of the fixed area subplot.

IN ‐ The object is “in” if the measured distance is equal to or less than the subplot radius.

OUT ‐ The object is “out” if the measured distance is greater than the subplot radius.

Live Crown Length - The straight‐line distance measured parallel to the main bole of a tree, from the top of the live crown to the base of the live crown.

Live Crown Ratio – The percentage of the live limbs in relation to the total tree height.

LOP –Limited Operating Period. The period during which the contractor cannot operate within specified time or days.

Natural Stands – Unplanted stands, having a variety of tree species and trees of differing ages.

Plantation Stands – Planted stands of even aged conifers.

Plot Configuration - The size and shape of the sampling unit (plot) and the spatial arrangement of subplots within that unit.

Plot - A sub‐sample of a plot or stand exam. This is the unit on which data are recorded to individual trees, snags, logs, understory vegetation, and fuels. Data can be collected on either a fixed area or variable radius area.

Riparian Conservation Area (RCA) - Riparian area protected during logging, mechanical treatments, and site preparation; contains natural debris and vegetation Shrub- A woody plant at least 12 inches tall, distinguised from a tree by having several stems rather than a single trunk. Shrubs do not include hardwoods or conifers.

Slope - A deviation from the horizontal.

Spacing – The horizontal distance from the bole of one leave tree to the bole of the nearest leave tree.

Stand - A spatially continuous group of trees and associated vegetation having similar structures and growing under similar soil and climatic conditions.

Stand Exam Grid - Basic data collection method for stand exams. It consists of a set of plots, separated by equal distances on a grid pattern. The lines of the grid (transects) are oriented in cardinal directions.

There is a predetermined distance between plots. The number of transects and grid plots will vary depending upon the size and shape of the stand.

Stratified Sample - A method of sampling forest resources where stands or polygons of similar properties are lumped into strata. This improves the efficiency of an inventory by reducing the variability within a given population. The less variability there is within a strata, the fewer samples will need to be taken to achieve a statistically valid result.

Stratum - A group of stands within a condition class; similar characteristics such as forest type, tree size class, and canopy density.

Streamside Management Zone (SMZ) - Riparian area protected during logging, mechanical treatments, and site preparation; contains natural debris and vegetation.

Stump - The woody base of a tree remaining in contact with the soil after the trunk or main stem has been severed at a point less than 4.5 feet above ground height (measured on the uphill side).

Suppressed Tree - Any tree with less than 30% of its total height in live green crown or with less than 4 inches of current leader growth.

Tree - A woody perennial plant, typically large, with a single well‐defined stem carrying a more or less definite crown.

Tree Age - Total age of the above ground stem of a tree (not age of the root stock or the total age from seed). Total age is usually the annual ring count to the pith of the tree at breast height plus an estimate of the number of years it took the tree to reach breast height.

True fir – This classification refers to the conifer species Red fir & White fir.

C2. SPECIFIC WORK REQUIREMENTS:

The technical specifications are based on the overall composition and condition of the stand, and are intended to be guidelines for achieving a high quality final product in a professional manner.

Contractor is expected to use knowledge to identify and adjust to variations within the stand.

Collected data shall be submitted in hardcopy (paper form) and electronic format. Data may be collected using EXAMS software on the Personal Data Recorder (PDR) or on paper and entered into the ExamsPC software on a personal computer. Submitted plot cards shall be readable for future data entry and will be rejected if not in a readable condition.

The Contractor shall successfully run the electronic data through the Pre-load Audit program (compatible with Microsoft Office Professional) to clean the data. The Contractor’s electronic data generated from the EXAMS software shall successfully transmit to the U.S.F.S. FSVeg System using the computer equipment at the Feather River Ranger District as arranged with the COR.

C2.1 Locating and Monumenting Plots

Plots have been identified and located through the government’s GIS System, ArcMap. Plots have been placed on a grid across land areas or stands that are to be sampled through common stand exam (CSE) plots. Some plots have been adjusted within the grid to re-locate off roads, non-sample areas and locations that fall immediately between delineated stands. The Government will provide the Contractor with topographic maps and aerial photo prints on which the plot locations are identified and the unit boundaries are delineated. Unit/plot shape-files will also be provided.

a. Utilizing GPS, navigate to the plot as designated in the provided shapefile. Establish the plot center utilizing GPS to determine closest approximate location.

b. Use a global positioning system (GPS) unit to determine the plot latitude and longitude of all plots. Collect at least 180 GPS readings at plot center, which will then be averaged by the GPS unit. Each individual reading should have an error of less than 70 ft if possible (the error of all the averaged readings is far less).

c. Plot Latitude: This is the plot latitude as measured by a Global Positioning System (GPS). All Latitude values will be positive (North assumed). Degrees must be from 18‐71 inclusive, minutes must be from 0‐59 inclusive and seconds must be from 0‐59.99 inclusive.

d. Plot Longitude: This is the plot longitude as measured by a Global Positioning System (GPS). All Longitude values will be positive (West assumed). Degrees must be from 44‐172 inclusive, minutes must be from 0‐ 59 inclusive and seconds must be from 0‐59.99 inclusive..

e. Plot Center shall be identified by a pin flag with a pink 4 inch by 5 inch flag. Place pin flag securely in the earth to prevent movement of plot center. Plot number, date, and initials shall be written on the pin flag with an indelible black ink, felt tip marker.

f. Hang white attention flags at or above eye level at the nearest available location to plot center.

If attention flagging cannot be hung within visual range of plot center, distance and azimuth to plot center shall be written on the attention flagging with a black indelible ink marker.

g. Proceed with photographic arrays and plot measurement.

C2.2 Photographic Arrays

a. At each plot, a set of photographic picture arrays will be taken. A total of 4 digital photos will be taken at cardinal directions (North, East, South, and West) from plot center out away from the plot.

b. Each photo is expected to show the vegetation and ground conditions from plot center to approximately a chain (66’) out from the plot (+ 15 percent from level).

c. The procedure or method of identification of photos by plot number and direction can be determined by the contractor. A method the government has identified is using a white board that would be visible and readable within each photo. However, a numerical system for identifying and electronically changing the file name of each photo would be acceptable too.

d. Delivery of the digital photos is expected electronically.

C2.3 Setting (Stand) Data

Stand exam plot installation and data collection shall comply with Common Stand Exam Field Guide, Region 5, August 2012.

Table 1 displays what information shall be collected for the setting (stand) data.

Table 1 – Setting (Stand) Data

Data Electronic

Comments CSE R5 Field Guide Page No. Yes No

Project Name X Challenge, Strawberry, or Mooreville R5FG‐10

Location X Taken from the Bid Item R5FG‐11

Stand Number X Taken from the Map R5FG‐11

Date X Enter as described in Field Guide R5FG‐13

Stand Elevation X Enter as described in Field Guide R5FG‐18

Stand Aspect X Enter as described in Field Guide R5FG‐18

Stand Slope X Enter as described in Field Guide R5FG‐18

Stand Slope Position X Enter as described in Field Guide R5FG‐19

Stand Acres X Take from stand list. R5FG‐19

Examiner X Enter as described in Field Guide R5FG‐20

Setting/Stand Remarks

X Enter remarks as needed.. R5FG‐21

C2.4 Plot Data

Table 2 displays what information shall be collected for the plot data.

Table 2 – Plot Data

Data Electronic

Comments CSE R5 Field Guide Page No. Yes No

Stand Number X Taken from Map R5FG‐11

Plot Number X Taken from Map R5FG‐36

Plot Latitude X Enter as described in Field Guide R5FG‐37

Plot Longitude X Enter as described in Field Guide R5FG‐37

Plot Aspect X Enter as described in Field Guide R5FG‐38

Plot Slope X Enter as described in Field Guide R5FG‐38‐39

Plot Slope Position X Enter as described in Field Guide R5FG‐39

Plot Elevation X Enter as described in Field Guide R5FG‐41

Tree Canopy Cover X % Ocular estimate of total tree canopy for plot

R5FG‐88-89, 93

Plot Remarks X Enter remarks as needed.. R5FG‐43

C2.5 Tree Data (a variable 30 Basal Area Factor Prism)

All variable plots shall use a 30 basal area factor (BAF) prism to measure live and dead trees that fall within the prism’s spectrum. Table 3 displays what information shall be collected for the tree data.

Table 3 - Tree Data

Data Electronic

Comments CSE R5 Field Guide Page No. Yes No

Stand Number X Taken from Map R5FG‐11

Plot Number X Taken from Map R5FG‐36

Tag (Tree) Number X Enter as described in Field Guide R5FG‐49

Tree Status X Live or dead. R5FG‐49‐50

Tree Species X

The first two letters from the scientific name.

Example: ‘PIPO” for Pinus ponderosa

R5FG‐52

Diameter (DBH) X

All live trees greater than 4.9 inches DBH.

All dead trees greater than 4.9.0 inches but less than 14.9 inches DBH.

R5FG‐53-58

Tree Height X

Measure the height of the 1st dominant or codominate of each live tree species starting from the north.

R5FG‐60-63

Height to Crown X

Measure the height of the live crown for those trees that the height were taken above.

R5FG‐64

Crown Ratio X

Determine the crown ratio in percent.for all live trees.

R5FG‐71-72

Crown Class X Record the crown class for all live trees R5FG‐72-74

Damage Category X

Only for the following categories:

11-Bark Beetles; 21-Root/Butte Diseases;

22-Stem Decay/Cankers; 23-Mistletoes;

26-Stem Rusts; 99-Physical Effects

R5FG‐77

Appendix K-1

Damage Agent X

As related to the above damage categories. R5FG‐77

Appendix K

Damage Severity X

As related to the above damaging agents. R5FG‐77

Appendix K

Tree Part X

As related to above damage categories, agents, and severity.

R5FG‐77

Appendix K-21

Tree Remarks X Enter remarks as needed..

C2.6 Seedling Data (1/100 acre fixed plot)

The seedling plot is measured utilizing a 1/100th acre fixed radius plot (11.8 feet radius) for all live trees between 1.0 and 5.9 inches DBH and 0.5 inches to 4.5 feet in height. Table 4 displays what information shall be collected for the seedling data.

Table 4 – Seedling Data

Data Electronic Comments

Yes No CSE R5 Field Guide Page No.

Stand number X Taken from Map R5FG‐11

Plot Number X Taken from Map R5FG‐36

Status X Live R5FG‐49-50

Species X Enter one line for each conifer and hardwood species. The first two letters from the scientific name. Example: ‘PIPO” for Pinus ponderosa

R5FG‐52

Tree(Seedling)Count X Tally no more than 20 seedlings per species.

Average Height X Take an average height per species

C2.7 Snag Data (a variable 10 Basal Area Factor Prism)

Snag plots shall use a variable 10 basal area factor (BAF) prism to measure dead trees that are greater or equal to 15 inches DBH and are greater or equal to 15 feet in height that fall within the prism’s spectrum. Table 5 displays what information shall be collected for the snag data.

Table 5 – Snag Data

Electronic

Comments CSE R5 Field Guide Page No. Yes No

Stand number X Taken from Map R5FG‐11

Plot Number X Taken from Map R5FG‐36

Status X Dead R5FG‐49-50

Species X Enter if known, otherwise identify as unknown hardwood or conifer.

R5FG‐52

DBH X >15 inches DBH R5FG‐53-58

Height X > 15 feet tall R5FG‐60-63

Decay Class X Enter one of the 5 decay classes R5FG‐75-76

Remarks X

C2.8 Down Woody Material (Down Log) Data (an 80 foot long transect)

The down woody material plot shall utilize a 80-foot transect to measure dead twigs, branches, stems, boles of trees, and brush that have fallen and lie on or above the ground.

The transect for plot 1 shall be laid out on the cardinal direction of North (0 degrees) from the plot center. The transect for plot 2 shall be laid on the cardinal direction of East (90 degrees) from the plot center. The transect for plot 3 shall be laid on the cardinal direction of South (180 degrees) from the plot center. The transect for plot 4 shall be laid on the cardinal direction of West (270 degrees) from the plot center. The transects for plots 5 and greater shall follow the same pattern as plots 1-4.

Table 6 – Browns Down Woody Material and Down Log Data

Electronic

Comments CSE R5 Field Guide Page No. Yes No

Stand number X Taken from Map R5FG‐11

Plot Number X Taken from Map R5FG‐36

Transect Bearing (Degrees)

X Record the transect direction travelled in degrees, from 0° to 360°. Subsequnet transects will be rotated 90 degrees from plot to plot.

R5FG‐24, 117

First Duff Depth X This is the duff, in inches, to the nearest 0.1‐inch. Take the first duff measurement at one foot from the sample plot center.

R5FG‐117

Second Duff Depth This is the duff, in inches, to the nearest 0.1‐inch. Take the second duff at six feet from sample plot center.

R5FG‐117

Fuel Depth X This is the total vertical dead fuel depth, in inches, to the nearest whole inch. Take three

R5FG‐117

equally spaced measurements (at 20 feet, 40 feet, 60 feet), along the longest transect (80 feet), and record the average depth.

Twig 1 (0 ‐ .24) 1‐ hour fuels

X This is the number of small twig intersections for each sampling plot. Measurement is taken from 0 -7 feet. R5FG‐118

Twig 2 (.25 ‐ .99) 10‐ hour fuels

X This is the number of large twig intersections for each sampling plot. Measurement is taken from 0 -7 feet. R5FG‐118

Twig 3 (1.0 ‐ 2.99) 100‐hour fuels

X This is the number of branch intersections for each sampling plot. Measurement is taken from 0 -18 feet. R5FG‐118

Piece Count X Tally each decay class separately. If pieces are touching, it is considered one piece.

R5FG‐118

Decay Class X Enter one of the 5 decay classes R5FG‐118

Diameter X This is the diameter of each intersected piece three inches in diameter and larger.

R5FG‐119

Diameter Large End X This is the large end diameter of the intersected piece R5FG‐119

Diameter Small End X This is the small end diameter of the intersected piece R5FG‐119

Piece Length X This is the piece length, in feet, of each piece three inches in diameter or larger.

R5FG‐119

Remarks X

C2.9 Riparian Conservation Area (RCA) or Streamside Management Zone (SMZ)

Several streams have been identified for collecting common stand exam plots. Three plots per point have been idenitified through ArcMap. Placement of each point has been tentatively determined by using ArcMap.

a. The contractor shall install the first plot for these points up 10 feet from the bottom of the stream on the West or North side of the stream.

b. Then the contractor shall install two more plots, for each point identified through ArcMap. The second plot shall be placed 100 feet to the right (i.e., south or east) and the third plot shall be placed 100 feet to the left (i.e., north or west) of stream bottom’s first plot.

c. Plots 2 and 3 shall be placed perpendicular to plot 1 along the contour (Figure 1).

d. Then collect the common stand exam information as required in sections C2 through C2.8

3. RESOURCE PROTECTION

3.1 LIMITED OPERATING PERIODS (LOP)

The Contactor shall adhere to limited operating periods within those units specified on the Schedule of Items. The LOP period is that period during which the Contactor shall not operate within the specified unit. If surveys are completed and no presence is detected, then the LOP may be waived.

Item Unit Number Limited Operating Period

NA NA NA

A. If new species are listed on the Endangered Species List or Forest Service Sensitive species are discovered within or adjacent to the Project Area, within an area in which they may be adversely affected by activities, a limited Operating Period (LOP) will be added as recommended by a qualified biologist, as appropriate for the species. If current protection measures prove inadequate, if other such areas are discovered, the FS may unilaterally modify this contract to provide additional protection regardless of when such facts become known. Discovery of such areas by either party shall be reported within 24 hours to the other party.

B. If management objectives cannot be met by implementing the LOPs identified, a qualified wildlife biologist may be consulted to determine more specific areas and kinds of activities that may be pursued. The biologist may recommend removing LOPs, if sufficient information is provided by additional surveys or new information arises.

3.2 IMPROVEMENTS

Contractor shall protect all known survey monuments, witness corners, reference monuments, and bearing trees. If any of these are destroyed, obliterated, or damaged during Contractor’s operations, Contractor shall hire the appropriate county surveyor or a registered land surveyor to reestablish or restore at the same location the monuments, corners, or accessories. Such surveyors shall use procedures in accordance with the Bureau of Land Management Manual of Instructions for the Survey of the Public Land of the United States for General Land Office surveys, and in accordance with the state law for others. Contractor shall record such survey in appropriate county records.

3.3 RESTRICTIONS ON WORK

Work will occur in accordance with the Plan of Operations approved by the Contracting Officer.

Work may be performed at any time during the period of the contract with the following exceptions:

(1) In accordance with the fire plan;

(2) When the Contracting Officer’s Representative has determined that adverse weather has made access too dangerous; and

(3) When winter weather sets in and the continuation of work is impractical, upon written request by the Contractor, the Contracting Officer authorizes a total suspension until such winter weather has passed and work can proceed.

The Forest Service shall determine when operations are allowable due to soil moisture conditions. This is necessary to avoid operations on saturated soils.

E.2-2 Quality Inspection

The Government will conduct its own inspection for payment and to determine if the contractor’s inspection efforts are adequate. The Government will inspect by reviewing, checking and measuring CSE plots already established by the contractor to determine compliance with the contract and quality standards. Inspection plots may be selected randomly from those submitted by the contractor and will measure plot location, spacing and quality of work. All plots sampled will represent the final result in meeting the Quality Standard or Acceptable Quality Level (AQL). Plots shall be submitted and inspection will by bid item. Therefore, the inspection process will inspect each bid item once completed and submitted for inspection by the contractor. Each bid item will be fully accepted upon an inspection meeting the AQL. Once an inspection is complete and bid item accepted, payment will be made for the individual bid item.

Inspection results will be averaged per item and payment calculated on a per item basis. The Government will only share the results of its inspections at the direction of the COR.

E.2-3 Specific Inspection Procedures

A quality inspection will be conducted by the government. A minimum of 5 plots or 10% of the plots (whichever is greater), will be randomly selected to inspect the quality of the contractor’s work. The check for sample quality (data entry errors, measurement error and errors of tolerance) will be done by re-visiting plots by inspectors to check data. Sample quality will be determined on a point system under the following guidelines; each entry made under the tree and snag variable plot sample will be worth one point, each entry made under the setting, plot, and the seedling fixed plot sample will be worth ½ point, and each entry made under the down woody material transect will be worth ½ point. Data not entered or missed, as well as data entered in the wrong fields will be the same as an incorrect entry.

Error will be for incorrect entries that fall outside the acceptable tolerance levels as stated in E.2-4 of this document. Acceptable quality is considered to be 90% (89.5% would be rounded up to 90%).

Grading example; if the total points available for the plot, based on total entries, was 80, and 0 entries were missed for the setting and plot data, and 3 entries missed were on the tree and snag variable plot, and 4 entries were missed in the seedling fixed plot and 1 entry was missed on the down woody material transect, then a total of 5.5 points were missed for a total of 74.5 of 80 or 93%; thus meeting the acceptable quality level. Total points available on each plot would be variable depending on the complexity of the plot. Grading will be based on all plots sampled, not individual plots.

E.2-4 Data Entry Tolerances

Under this CSE contract, the most important sampling consideration is the tree data under the variable plot, i.e., making sure trees are not “missed” or added. Missed/added trees will penalize all entries.

The following tables contain the tolerance levels:

Setting (Stand) Data

Data Tolerances CSE R5 Field Guide Page No.

Project Name No Errors R5FG‐Appendix L-1

Location No Errors R5FG‐Appendix L-1

Stand Number No Errors R5FG‐Appendix L-1

Date No Errors R5FG‐Appendix L-1

Stand Elevation ± 2 Contour Intervals R5FG‐Appendix L-1

Stand Aspect ± 45 degrees R5FG‐Appendix L-1

Stand Slope ± 10 Percent R5FG‐Appendix L-1

Stand Slope Position ± 1 class R5FG‐Appendix L-1

Stand Acres No Errors R5FG‐Appendix L-1

Examiner No Errors R5FG‐Appendix L-1

Setting/Stand Remarks R5FG‐Appendix L-1

Plot Data

Plot Number No Errors R5FG‐Appendix L-1

Plot Latitude No Errors R5FG‐Appendix L-2

Plot Longitude No Errors R5FG‐Appendix L-2

Plot Aspect ± 45° R5FG‐Appendix L-2

Plot Slope ± 10 Percent R5FG‐Appendix L-2

Plot Slope Position ± 1 Class R5FG‐Appendix L-2

Plot Elevation ± 2 Contour Intervals R5FG‐Appendix L-2

Tree Canopy Cover ± 10 Percent R5FG‐Appendix L-5

Plot Remarks

Tree Data (variable plot 30 BAF Prism)

Plot Number No Errors R5FG‐Appendix L-1

Tag (Tree) Number No Errors R5FG‐Appendix L-3

Tree Status No Errors R5FG‐Appendix L-3

Tree Species No Errors R5FG‐Appendix L-3

Diameter (DBH) + 1 inch DBH Using 2-inch DBH classes

Tree Height ± 10 % R5FG‐Appendix L-3

Height to Crown ± 10 % R5FG‐Appendix L-3

Crown Ratio ± 10 % R5FG‐Appendix L-4

Crown Class No Errors R5FG‐Appendix L-4

Damage Category

11-Bark Beetles No misses on live trees with a severity of 2 or greater.

R5FG‐Appendix L-4

21- Root/Butt Diseases No misses on live trees with a severity of 2 or greater

R5FG‐Appendix L-4

22- Stem Decays/Cankers No misses on live trees with a severity of 3 or greater

R5FG‐Appendix L-4

23 - Mistletoes No misses on live trees with a severity of 3 or greater

26 - Stem Rusts

Damage Agent

Damage Severity

Tree Part

Tree Remarks

Seedling Data (a 1/100th acre fixed plot)

Stand number No Errors R5FG‐Appendix L-1

Plot Number No Errors R5FG‐Appendix L-1

Status No Errors R5FG‐Appendix L-3

Species No Errors R5FG‐Appendix L-3

Tree (Seedling) Count + 2 seedlings per species

Average Height + 0.5 feet

Snag Data (variable plot 10 BAF Prism)

Plot Number No Errors R5FG‐Appendix L-1

Status No Errors R5FG‐Appendix L-3

Species No Deduction Try to code by species or at least as an unknown hardwood or conifer.

DBH + 1 inch DBH Using 2-inch DBH classes

Height ± 10 % R5FG‐Appendix L-3

Decay Class No Errors R5FG‐Appendix L-4

Down Woody Material (Down Log) Data (an 80-foot transect)

Plot Number No Errors R5FG‐Appendix L-1

Transect Bearing (Degrees) No Errors R5FG‐Appendix L-2

First and Second Duff Depth ± 1/2 inch R5FG‐Appendix L-6

Fuel Depth No Errors R5FG‐Appendix L-6

Twig 1 (0 ‐ .24 ± 40% R5FG‐Appendix L-6

Twig 2 (.25 ‐ .99) ± 30% R5FG‐Appendix L-6

Twig 3 (1.0 ‐ 2.99) ± 20% R5FG‐Appendix L-6

Piece Count No missed pieces R5FG‐Appendix L-6

Decay Class No Errors R5FG‐Appendix L-6

Diameter ± 1 inch on measurements R5FG‐Appendix L-6

Diameter Large End ± 1 inch on measurements R5FG‐Appendix L-6

Diameter Small End ± 1 inch on measurements R5FG‐Appendix L-6

Piece Length No Errors R5FG‐Appendix L-6

Photo Arrays

These are not to be graded under the plot performance, however it is expected that each photograph will identified by the plot number and direction. If photo identification cannot be determined then the photograph will fail and payment will not be made.

Hard Copy Plot Forms

These are not to be graded under the plot performance, however it is expected that the data on each form is readable. If forms are not readable, then it will fail and payment will not be made.

Electronic Data

Electronic data must be able to pass the audit checks before payment will be made.

E.3 Acceptance Work on this contract will be deemed acceptable when the Government’s final inspection meets the Quality Standard or Acceptable Quality Level without dispute by the Contractor, or when the Contractor accepts the Governments’ final inspection at a lesser AQL s specified in E.3-1.

Work on this contract will be deemed acceptable when the government’s CSE plot inspections show acceptable quality or when actual sample plots indicate a quality of 90% or better.

E.3-1 Acceptance Level

Quality Standard: The Contractor’s performance shall be measured through compliance inspection and formal inspection. Work with a quality of 90% or greater, as determined by Government inspections, will be accepted at full payment.

Acceptable Quality Level: Units that have a Government inspection quality of 90% or better will be paid at the full bid rate. Work falling below this level will be considered unacceptable and must be reworked at the Contractor’s expense.

Minimum Quality Level: Quality below 90% on any unit is not acceptable. The minimum quality level for payment is stated within Section G. At the option of the COR with contractor’s agreement, payment may be made on a graduated pay scale, or shall require rework at the Contractor’s expense. (See section G)

Work Timing The Contractor shall begin work within 10 calendar days after the effective date of the Notice to Proceed and shall prosecute the work at a rate that will result in completion of all work within the following time frame:

Item No. Estimated Start Work Date Completion Date

1-6 June 12, 2017 August 31, 2017

Delays due to normal adverse weather, weekends, and holidays have been included in the calculation of contract time. The Government reserves the right to set the priority of items or sub items. Contractor shall complete all work on one sub item before proceeding to another.

[ ] If this solicitation has more than one numbered item, award of more than one item to one contractor will not change the start work dates or the amount of contract time; times will run concurrently.

[ X ] In the event of award of more than one item to one contractor, times will run consecutively. Time on a second item would not begin until after expiration of time on the first item.

Pre-work

Pre-work conference. Before work begins on service contracts, a pre-work conference is normally held to discuss the contract--especially the specifications, labor provisions, plan of work, and selected standard clauses. The pre-work meeting should be attended by an officer of the firm or someone designated in writing to act on behalf of the firm. The pre-work meeting may be waived at the discretion of the Contracting Officer.

Notice to Proceed.

A. [X] No work may begin on this contract until the Contracting Officer has issued a Notice to Proceed.

B. [ ] Work on this contract may proceed and contract time will begin upon receipt of the awarded contract. Any adjustments to the anticipated completion date will be noted in the award letter.

Measurement Methods of Measurement.

[ ] Acreage was measured by dot grid method from aerial photographs.

[ ] Acreage was measured on a horizontal plane using compass and chain.

[ ] Acreage was measured on a horizontal plane using a Global Positioning System.

[ ] Linear measurements have been taken with a wheel on the centerline of the trail or road.

[ ] Estimated acreage: Actual acreage worked will be measured by the method(s) indicated above.

Re-measurement. Unless otherwise indicated by this contract, the contractor may request remeasurement of any quantities in Part B, when the units are acres or any linear measurement. The request must be made in writing and must be made within 10 calendar days of completing work on the unit in question. If remeasurement indicates a variance of five percent or less from the stated quantity, the Contractor shall pay for the actual cost of remeasurement and no adjustment will be made in the quantity as stated in Part B. If remeasurement indicates a variance more than five percent from the stated quantity, payment will be based on the remeasured quantity, and the Contractor will not be liable for the costs of remeasurement. All remeasurements will be done by the Government.

Remeasurement of acreage will be done with two people using a hand compass and ground measurement or by means of a Global Positioning System. This clause is not applicable to quantities listed as estimated quantities.

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.

The government shall furnish the following under this contract:

1. Individual CSE plot forms (i.e., Setting, Plot, Tree, and Down Woody Material) or combined CSE plot form.

2. Plot location on topographic and/or aerial image maps.

3. Stand Maps

4. Plot location GIS shape-files.

5. PC Exams Software for Windows and/or Portable Data Recorder (PDR)

Project Area

Challenge, Strawberry, Mooreville Common Stand Exam

Vicinity Map

Challenge Project Area

T. 19 N.

R. 7 E.

Riparian Conservation Area Stand Exam Plots (9 x 3 = 27)

Treatment Unit (Stand) Stand Exam Plots (113)

Strawberry Project Area

Riparian Conservation Area Stand Exam Plots (12 x 3 = 36)

Treatment Unit (Stand) Stand Exam Plots (164)

T. 20 N.

R. 7 E.

Mooreville Project Area

RCA (Riparian Conservation Area) Stand Exam Plots (3 x 3 = 9)

Treatment Unit (Stand) Stand Exam Plots (91)

T. 21 N.

R. 8 E.

PROJECT DATE: CREW:

Down logs 3.0 - 99.9 inches @ 80.0 foot transect

Stand/Plot Plot Transect 1st Duff 2nd Duff Twig 1 Twig 2 Twig 3 Piece Decay Diam. Diam. Diam. Piece

Number Number Bearing @1.0 Ft.. @6.0 Ft. @7 Ft. @7 Ft. @18 Ft. @20 Ft. @40 Ft. @60 Ft. Ave. Count Class @ X Large End Small End Length

(Degrees) (Inches) (Inches) (0.0-0.24") (0.25 -0.99") (1.0-2.99") (Inches) (Inches) (Inches) (Inches) (1 to 5) (Inches) (Inches) (Inches) (Ft.)

XXX-XXX X XXX XX.X XX.X XXX XXX XXX XX.X XX.X XX.X XX.X XXX X XXX.X XXX.X XXX.X XXX.X

Fuel Depth

Page of

Project: Location: County: Stand: Plot: Date: Examiners:

Aspect: ° Slope: % Slope Pos: Elevation: Stand Ac:

* ALL TREES **HEIGHT TREES

Length (Feet)

Dead Live Dead Live Dead Live Dead Live Dead Live Dead Live Dead Live

** Use Browns Down Woody Form if collecting Duff & Fuel Depth, Twig and Down Log Data

Remarks

Crown Ratio % = length of live crown/tree height

Live / Dead tree plot - 30 BAF prism - Live trees > 5.0"dbh; Dead trees >5.0 to 14.9" dbh

Seedling plot - 1/100th acre (11.8 ft) - All live trees 1.0" to 4.9" DBH and >0.5" height

Snag plot - 10 BAF prism - Snags >15"dbh and >15' tall

Down woody transect - 80 feet long - All down logs >20" diameter and >10' long **

Decay Class

Diameter (inches)

Small End Dia

Large End Dia

Damage Agent.*

Damage Severity*Count* DBH*

(inches) Height**

(feet) Tree Part*Species* Crown Ratio (%)*

Damage Category*

Crown Class*

Status DBH (inches)

Height (feet)

Height to Crown**

Species

Tree #* Status*

Lat (DDDMMSS): Long (DDDMMSS):

STAND EXAM PLOT DATA FORM

Remarks:Decay Class Status Species Count Avg. Height