AKCC_Draft_Statement_of_Work_1.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

1. GENERAL INFORMATION

This is a non-personal services contract to provide wildland fire Type 2 hand crew and Alaskan Fire Suppression Module services. The Government will not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein. Such contract service providers will be accountable solely to the Contractor, who in turn, is responsible to the Government.

1.1 Introduction/Background

This statement of work (SOW) is in support of the Alaska Fire Service (AFS), a component of the United States Department of the Interior (DOI), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), with responsibilities for fire suppression and fire management in Alaska. Throughout this Statement of Work (SOW), the terms “BLM”, “AFS” and “Government” will be used interchangeably.

The BLM AFS is responsible for fire suppression, management and protection of DOI administered lands and lands that require protection under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) as amended (43 U.S.C.1620(e)); hereinafter referred to as “native lands”.

Prior to 2020 the BLM AFS managed and directed an Administratively Determined (AD) wildland fire emergency firefighter (EFF) crew program that consisted of trained and experienced wildland firefighters (responders) from up to 24 remote Native Alaskan villages (communities) throughout northern interior Alaska. This EFF Crew Program produced as many as 25 to 30, Type 2 EFF crews from these villages utilizing upwards of 650 individuals.

Most of these remote Alaska firefighters lived in communities or “Assembly Points” (AP) that do not connect to the main Alaska road system because they are so far away from it. Flying is often the most reasonable and only means of getting responders/firefighter in and out of these villages. Because of the remote locality of this workforce, most crew members lived and worked in and around remote villages and camps throughout interior Alaska for most of their lives. This had lent itself well when it was necessary to assemble and mobilize a trained and qualified fire suppression workforce within these same areas. Having fully trained, qualified and outfitted National Standard Type 2 wildland fire hand crews ready for immediate mobilization from these remote village assembly points directly to the remote Alaska incidents (via helicopter or fixed wing aircraft) has proven to be an important tool in the overall mission of BLM AFS.

Due to a decline in the overall numbers of available EFFs, the BLM AFS now utilizes both EFF/AD and commercially contracted type 2 wildland fire hand crews on an as needed basis when regular agency crews are not available to support fire suppression/management and protection on fire suppression and mop-up activities; All-Hazard incidents and severity/preparedness assignments for wildland fire emergencies.

1.2 Objective

The intent of this requirement is to establish multiple Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contracts for commercial services of national standard wildland fire Type 2 (T2) hand crews and of Alaskan Fire Suppression Module (AKFSM) services (to be referred to collectively as Alaska Wildland Fire Hand Crew Services (AKCCs)) to the BLM AFS, as needed, on a nationwide basis. Task orders under these IDIQ contracts may be required during wildland fire suppression activities/incidents or All-Hazard incidents (i.e., hurricane cleanup and relief, and severity/preparedness assignments) hereby referred to as “incidents” or “assignments”. AKCCs will be required primarily in Alaska and primarily during the Alaska wildland fire season.

AKCCs may also be required on a nationwide basis, but only if AFS has determined there is no current need for these services in Alaska.

1.3 General Description

The typical work of a wildland fire suppression hand crew consists of initial attack (IA) operations, constructing hand lines, using ignition devices for firing out and mop-up operations.

Hand crews are vehicle mobile firefighters that specialize in the use of hand tools, chainsaws, portable pumps, drip torches and fusees. Hand tools are used to construct fireline through ground fuels in the path of the fire. Chainsaws are utilized to clear brush and fall trees that would otherwise provide a canopy of fuel over the fireline. The resultant fireline is free from vegetation and provides a barrier to halt fire spread. Burnout operations to secure the fireline utilize drip torches and fusees to remove unburned fuel between the fireline and fire front. Hand crews are often called upon to help construct hose lays and operate portable pumps that bring water to the fire area. Once the fire has been contained, crews perform mop-up operations which require the application of mineral soil and/or water to residual embers and hotspots. Scraping embers from heavy fuels with hand tools as well as falling and bucking large diameter fuels with chainsaws are typical activities associated with mop-up.

The work environment varies from forest to rangeland, often in steep terrain where surfaces may be extremely uneven, rocky, and covered with dense vegetation. Working conditions are often extreme as the influence of hot and dry, or hot and humid weather combines with the radiant heat of the fire environment. Extreme variations between day and night temperatures are common in mountainous as well as lower lying topographies. Sustained winds or inversion layers can make smoke and dust conditions severe. The hazardous nature of the work requires that protective clothing be worn at all times during work hours. Crews are required to eat, rest, and sleep at incident base camps, remote spike camps, or at agency or Cooperator campgrounds, any of which will typically be located near the fire area. Crew members must be fully prepared and outfitted not only to work in remote wildland fire conditions but also to live and sleep and endure for up to 28 days with limited support.

1.4 Designated Crew Regions & Assembly Points

The Designated Crew Region (DCR) is one of the geographic areas or regions identified in the table below. Within each DCR the Government has identified multiple Assembly Points (AP) which are the airfields that serve the local village(s) or community(s). The APs are the locations where a crew is assembled for pick up either by Government arranged transportation or Contractor arranged transportation at the time of mobilization. The DCR is where the “Crew”, consisting of all rostered crew members and all required gear, supplies, and equipment (i.e., Personal Protective Equipment, hand tools, chainsaws, food, water, etc.) necessary for the duration identified in the task order will be physically located during the Mandatory Availability Period (MAP). The Contractor has two hours after receiving the authorization to proceed (ATP) to assemble a crew and provide dispatch with a PMS 245 manifest and must be staged for readiness at the DCR within three hours of receipt of the ATP in order to facilitate timely mobilizations to incidents.

Upon completion of assignment, demobilization will commence, and crew members shall be returned back to the same assembly point location using the same mode (Government or Contractor provided) used at departure.

Contractors may not change their DCR or APs. Contractors that have relocated their AKCC during the MAP without prior written Government approval may be found noncompliant. The Government will only reimburse the Contractor for travel when the Contractor has obtained Government approval of Contractor’s DCR or APs in advance of travel.

Table 1

Crew Regions Communities/

Villages Assembly Points**

Dispatch Center (HUCC) MAP

Region 1 Lower Innoko

Grayling KGX

AK-YFDC

(Yukon Fire Dispatch Center)

June 1 to

August 31

Holy Cross HCA Anvik ANV

Shagluk SHX

Region 2 Middle Yukon

Ruby RBY

AK-YFDC

(Yukon Fire Dispatch Center)

June 1 to

August 31

Galena GAL Nulato NUL

Koyukuk KYU Kaltag KAL

Region 3 Upper Koyukuk

Hughes HUS

AK-YFDC

(Yukon Fire Dispatch Center)

June 1 to

August 31 Huslia HLA

Allakaket 6A8

Region 4 Lower Tanana

Minto 51Z

AK-YFDC

(Yukon Fire Dispatch Center)

June 1 to

August 31 Tanana TAL

Rampart RMP

Region 5 Upper Yukon

Arctic Village ARC AK-YFDC (Yukon Fire Dispatch Center)

June 1 to

August 31 Venetie VEE

Fort Yukon FYU

Region 6 Lower Yukon

Pilot Station 0AK

AK-YFDC

(Yukon Fire Dispatch Center)

June 1 to

August 31

St. Mary’s KSM Marshall MDM

Mountain Village MOU Russian Mission RSH

Region 7 Norton Sound

Koyuk KKA

AK-YFDC

(Yukon Fire Dispatch Center)

June 1 to

August 31

Stebbins WBB/SMK Saint Michael SMK

Unalakleet UNK Shaktoolik 2C7

Region 8 Kobuk River

Noorvik D76

AK-YFDC

(Yukon Fire Dispatch Center)

June 1 to

August 31

Selawik WLK Kotzebue OTZ Buckland BVK

** Assembly Points (APs) are usually the local airfields that serve the village or community.

Contractors are authorized to mobilize crew members from these APs as necessary to field the ordered service(s). Individual firefighters will be returned back to those same APs by the Contractor or the Government upon completion of the assignment(s) and commencement of demobilization.

1.5 Crew Lodging & Camping

The Government will either provide lodging for all crew members or request the Contractor to provide their own lodging as necessary for all crew members as stated in each task order.

Contractors must be prepared to cover all expenses associated with lodging up front. When the Government cannot provide a campsite, and if authorized by the Receiving or Host Unit and properly receipted and invoiced, actual lodging expenses (double occupancy) incurred by the AKCC in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) are reimbursable.

In most cases the Contractor crew will be camping out in designated sites identified by the Government Incident Management Team at no cost to the Contractor. Contractor employees must keep every crew camp clean, well-organized, free from any hazards and ready for inspection at any time by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) or designated Project Inspector (PI). The Contractor shall provide sleeping equipment to suit the conditions such as tents, shelters, ground cloths, and sleeping bags.

If the order includes the requirement for the Contractor to furnish its personnel with lodging for one or more nights, the Contractor must comply with the following:

Provide Contractor personnel with a copy of the applicable Tax-Exempt certificate.

Ensure Contractor personnel provide a copy of the Tax-Exempt certificate to the hotel/place of lodging and request for taxes to be removed from the lodging bill prior to checkout.

Lodging rooms shall be utilized with double occupancy. However male and female crew members are not required to lodge together. In these cases, or if an odd number of crew members are mobilized for an assignment, the Contractor is authorized an additional room to accommodate the entire crew. The maximum allowable lodging rates per room, excluding taxes shall not exceed the current standard Continental United States (CONUS) lodging rates referenced in the FTR. Double occupancy rates may be higher but must not exceed double the standard CONUS lodging rate. Any associated lodging taxes are reimbursable as documented on the lodging invoice. For any lodging expenses invoiced at single occupancy, the reimbursement payment shall be reduced by 50% for each room singly occupied.

When a task order requires the Contractor to furnish lodging, reimbursement of costs incurred shall not exceed the authorized federal per diem rates associated with that lodging location at the time the cost is incurred. Any costs incurred in an amount

Kiana IAN

Region 9 Upper Kobuk Valley

Ambler AFM

AK-YFDC

(Yukon Fire Dispatch Center)

June 1 to

August 31 Shungnak SHG

Kobuk OBU exceeding this maximum, in general, are not allowable for reimbursement. If an exception is granted, it must be pre-approved in writing by the CO or provided by modification to the task order.

While in travel status to or from incidents actual lodging expenses are reimbursable.

Notwithstanding the user unit authorization above, the Commercial Lodging is authorized while in travel status when the Contractor cannot reach an assigned destination due to the Incident Operation Driving Guidelines driving limitations.

If commercial lodging is authorized for a company field representative (CFR) position, it will be included in the task order terms and conditions.

1.6 Crew Availability

Contractors are required to call into the COR and the Yukon Fire Dispatch Center prior to June 1 to indicate their crew availability as well as every time the crew status changes. This includes during mobilization or demobilization, while in stagging, while on R&R or any time the crew gets released and/or reassigned to a different incident. The COR and the Yukon Fire Dispatch Center need to know the status of the crew every time it changes therefore, the Contractor must notify the COR and dispatch.

Crews and modules must be available for work from June 1 through August 31 of each year.

This is called the Mandatory Availability Period. Crews can be available and ordered outside of the MAP so long as they otherwise meet all requirements.

The AFS management will determine if and when any AKCCs may be made available for Lower 48 assignments. The AKCC crews primary purpose is to supplement the workforce necessary to cover the workload during the Alaska fire season.

The Yukon Fire Dispatch Center will maintain the status of each AKCC through the use of local and national dispatching procedures and systems.

1.7 Crew Member Replacements and Associated Costs

Replacement or replacing crew members should be rare and should never impact crew operations during an assignment. Crew member replacements should take place only during R&R. The Contractor is not authorized to charge the Government for any costs associated with releasing and sending any crew member home early nor for any costs associated with replacing any crew member who went home early. The Contractor is not authorized to invoice for position rates for time in travel status or for Meals & Incidental Expenses (M&IE) for any position being replaced or any position being sent home early.

1.8 Crew Briefings at the Incidents

Contractor CRWB positions as well as Squad Boss (FFT1) positions (including any trainees for these positions) are allowed to attend all incident operational shift briefings as necessary. During that time, the remainder of the Contractor crew is expected to be preparing the mobilized equipment (hand tools/chainsaws), line gear, daily supplies, food, water and vehicles for work to start. The actual time spent during this preparation is an allowable reimbursement that the Contractor may invoice.

This contract does not allow for the Contractor to invoice or charge hourly rates for positions that are NOT actively working under this contract, unless otherwise provided in this SOW. Examples of circumstances for which the Contractor must not invoice for time, include but not limited to the following circumstances:

Illnesses and injuries: All ill and injured employees must report these situations to the appropriate incident overhead, usually the Medical Unit.

Eating breakfast or diner.

Sleeping both in camp and on the line.

Any position that chooses to terminate their own employment or becomes terminated by the Contractor.

Transporting other positions to and from jet ports to the crew locations during replacement operations.

2. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES

2.1 Government Furnished Property (GFP), Equipment (GFE) and Information (GFI) If it is in the best interest of the Government to provide hand tools, chainsaws, radios or any other Government furnished property, equipment or information while on assignment under a task order, the Contractor must return all GFP, GFE and GFI to the incident prior to being released. The Contractor will be charged for any items not returned.

2.2 Consumable Goods

At the Government’s discretion incidental consumable goods, such as the following, may be provided as Government Furnished Material (GFM) to the Contractor while working under a task order. This list is not all inclusive:

One-quart plastic canteens Plastic sheeting Replacement batteries for radios and/or headlamps Fiber tape Insect repellant P-cord (parachute cord) nylon shroud Trash bags Saw fuel and bar oil, drip torch fuel, vehicle fuel

2.3 Durable and Accountable Goods

At the Government’s discretion Durable Goods and/or Accountable Goods, such as the below bulleted items, may be provided as Government Furnished Property to the Contractor when under a task order. If applicable, all items must be returned prior to demobilization from the incident.

Chainsaws and chainsaw kits Hand tools Oil and fuel containers

Drip torches Radios Any power tool, hand tool or piece of equipment necessary to complete tasks assigned.

The Contractor will be charged for unreturned items. The cost per item can be found in the catalogs at the following websites:

Alaska Task Orders: https://fire.ak.blm.gov/content/aicc/Equipment-Supply/2024%20- %202025%20AFS%20Interagency%20Cache%20Catalog.pdf

Lower-48 Task Orders: https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/pms449-1. This catalog will be updated annually.

The Contractor shall document the circumstances concerning the lost, damaged or destruction of GFP. Documentation must be submitted to the CO and COR within ten days after release from incident.

3. CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Contractor must provide fully qualified personnel to fill crew requirements under this contract. Contractor personnel must meet the minimum qualification requirements as stated herein. The Contractor is responsible for managing its personnel qualifications to ensure training and certifications are and remain current during the life of the contract. As detailed below, the Contractor must furnish supplies and equipment needed to complete the work required under this contract, including hand tools, chainsaws, personal protective equipment (PPE), and supplies.

3.1 Crew Configuration Requirements

At a minimum, the Contractor must provide either one Type 2 crew or two 7-10 person Alaska Fire Suppression Module crews comprised of the below configurations. Upon receipt of CO ATP or task order award, Contractor crews must be “prepositioned” at the BLM approved assembly points in Alaska and ready for immediate “deployment” to wildland fire incidents.

3.1.1 Type 2 Crews

Each crew must be supervised by one Crew Boss and three Squad Bosses to cover all supervisory responsibilities. All crew bosses and squad bosses shall be good quality leaders with positive and effective leadership skills and capable of effective communication.

The Type 2 crew configuration is as follows:

A total minimum of 18 and maximum of 20 qualified individuals (TBD at the time of order) 1 Crew Boss (CRWB) 3 Squad Bosses (FFT1) 2 to 4 Fallers (Sawyers): Type 2 (FAL2) -or- Type 3 (FAL3) (TBD at the time of order) 12 to 14 Basic Firefighters (FFT2) (TBD at the time of order)

3.1.2 Alaska Fire Suppression Module

Each crew must be supervised by one Crew Boss with Incident Commander Type 5 (ICT5) qualifications and three Squad Bosses to cover all supervisory responsibilities. All crew bosses and squad bosses shall be good quality leaders with positive and effective leadership skills and capable of effective communication.

The Alaska Fire Suppression Module (AKFSM) configuration is as follows:

A total minimum of 7 and maximum of 10 individuals (TBD at the time of order).

1 Crew Boss (CRWB) with ICT5 -or- any Single Resource Boss (SRB) with ICT5 qualifications.

2 Squad Bosses (FFT1) 0 to 7 Fallers (FAL2 -or- FAL3) (TBD at the time of order) 0 to 7 Basic Firefighters (FFT2) (TBD at the time of order)

The AKFSM is not a national standard configuration. This configuration is specific only to Alaska. The Government will specify the actual configuration of AKFSM requirements separately in subsequent task order notices.

3.2 Communication Skill Requirements

All personnel in leadership positions such as Crew Bosses, Squad Bosses, as well as radio operators must be able to fluently and clearly communicate English at a conversational level.

Specifically, all radio communication on tactical, command, and air-to-ground frequencies shall be in the English language. All supervisors of personnel engaged in fire suppression and prescribed fire operations must be able to read, write, and speak English sufficiently to understand and communicate in English. All designated Contractor supervisors must also be able to effectively communicate in the language of the crew personnel they are assigned to supervise.

3.3 Crew Member Training and Position Qualification Requirements The Government is not responsible for certifying or maintaining qualification records for Contractors or Contractor’s employee(s). If it is determined at any time that a Contractor’s employee is not qualified for or not current in the position they have been hired and/or rostered for, the Government will require the Contractor to remove the individual from that position or off of the crew and return to the Government all payments obtained for that individual’s deficient services. Government payment is entirely contingent upon Contractor providing and certifying that all employees are trained, tested, and equipped as required.

The Government reserves the right to:

Monitor and inspect all training and testing provided to Contractor employees.

To inspect all Contractor employee digital or hardcopy training records, experience and qualification records, task books, performance evaluations (individual and crew), training certificates, red cards and any other required records.

To inspect all Contractor processes and procedures for managing employee training, experience and qualifications records and red card management and production.

To conduct any Pre-Season crew inspections or any field crew inspections it so chooses.

This includes inspections during mobilization, demobilization, preposition, stagging, R&R and regular workdays.

3.3.1 Certification and Maintenance of Qualification Records

The Contractor is required to maintain all Work Capacity Test (WCT) and training course/session documentation including attendee rosters, lists of instructors and facilitators, instructor and facilitator qualifications, dates, times, locations, and certificates of completion.

Training and experience records for employees who have separated from the company must be maintained for a minimum of three years after the date of separation.

Contractors must ensure that each employee meets or exceeds the minimum training, experience, physical fitness level, and currency standards for wildland fire position qualifications in accordance with the following:

3.3.1.1 The most recent issue of the National Incident Management System: Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide (PMS 310-1): https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/310-

1. PMS 310-1 outlines the order and sequence of training and experience for each crew position/qualification required under the terms of this contract.

3.3.1.2 The most recent issue of the Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations (NFES 2724): https://www.nifc.gov/policies/pol_ref_redbook.html.

3.3.1.3 The most recent issue of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Standards for Course Delivery (PMS 901-1):

https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/pms901-1.

3.3.1.4 The most recent issue of the Work Capacity Test Administrator’s Guide (PMS 307, NFES 1109): https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/pms307.

3.3.2 Qualifications and Training Records

The Contractor must maintain current hardcopy records of each employee’s qualifications to verify the individual meets the minimum qualifications of this contract. The Government reserves the right to request review of Contractor training and qualification records during the life of this contract. When doing so, the COR will coordinate with the CO who, in turn, will send the request to the Contractor.

3.3.3 Incident Qualification Cards (Red Cards)

Contractors must issue a signed Incident Position Qualification Card (Red Card) to each Contractor employee hired to fill a rostered crew position. Information on the card must be typewritten or neatly printed, and must include all of the following:

Name of the Contractor company Firefighter’s full legal name (first, middle and last name, including suffix; for example: John Edward Doe Sr).

A unique employee number (not their social security number) A list of position(s) for which the firefighter is qualified and date when each position/qualification will expire.

The most recent date the firefighter completed Annual Fireline Safety Refresher

Training.

The most recent date when the firefighter passed the Arduous Work Capacity Test.

An indication of firefighter’s experience/qualifications as follows:

o YELLOW for firefighters with less than one season experience.

o RED for firefighters with one season or more experience o BLUE for supervisors including FFT1 (Squad Boss) and CRWB (Crew Boss).

The Contractor must sign the firefighter’s Incident Position Qualification Card certifying that the individual has met all the training and qualification requirements of this contract. Upon award, the Contractor individual authorized to sign the Incident Position Qualification Cards must be identified to the Government. The Contractor may elect to designate one person at the IDIQ contract level or individually at the task order level.

3.3.4 Additional Training & Qualification Requirements

The Contractor must manage task book administration according to the National Incident Management System Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide (PMS 310-1) https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/310-1.

The Contractor must initiate the firefighter’s Task Book(s) and certify by signature that the individual has met all requirements for training, experience, and qualification as applicable by position.

3.3.4.1 Training Record Components. At a minimum each record shall include: (1) training course certificates of completion, (2) Position Task Books showing proof of initiation, (3) evaluation records, (4) final evaluation and certification, (5) documentation of Annual Fireline Safety Refresher Training and Work Capacity Tests, (6) any performance evaluations received for work done while on assignment under this contract, and the employee’s annual Incident/Position Qualification Card (“Red Card”).

3.3.4.2 Travel not authorized for Training

Unless specifically stated in this contract, the Government will not reimburse travel costs associated with transportation, lodging or M&IE to attend training or otherwise required for Contractor personnel to meet the minimum qualifications of this contract.

3.3.5 Trainee Position Limitations

The Contractor must clearly identify all trainee positions on the Crew Manifest and not exceed the following number of trainee position per crew per incident/assignment.

No more than one CRWB No more than two FFT1 No more than three total trainee positions per task order

3.3.6 Trainee Coach / Evaluator

Each trainee requires a coach/evaluator, who must be fully certified in the position(s) being coached or evaluated. Each Coach/Evaluator is limited to only one trainee position at a time.

3.3.7 Chainsaw Operator Qualifications. All chainsaw operators shall be minimally qualified as a FAL2 or FAL3 and only perform within the operators qualification standards.

Contractors must follow established faller qualifications as stated in the National Incident Management System: Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide (PMS 310-1).

3.4 Public Training Providers

To ensure sufficient wildland fire training opportunities are available which meet or exceed NWCG standards for private sector Contractors to participate in firefighter crew contracts, the Alaska Wildland Fire Coordinating Group (AWFCG) has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with certain public training providers. Contractors may request a list of these training providers by submitting an email request to the COR.

3.5 Safety Standards and Risk Management Guidelines

All Contractor employees must understand, implement, and adhere to all Safety and Risk Management guidelines as written in Chapter 7 of the Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations (NFES 2724) (https://www.nifc.gov/sites/default/files/redbook-files/RedBookAll.pdf.) The Contractor is responsible for certifying that its crew employees understand the safety guidelines and actions required in each guideline. The Contractor must implement measures as needed to ensure all Contractor personnel adhere to the safety guidelines.

3.5.1 Nonconformance of Safety Guidelines

If, at any time during an assignment, including (but not limited to) mobilization, demobilization, stagging, work, rest or management directed days off, it is determined that a crew member is performing or conducting themselves in an unsafe manner or may pose a safety risk to themselves or others; BLM leadership (i.e., strike team leader, task force leader, division supervisor or incident commander) may send a request to the COR for action. The COR will coordinate a resolution with the Contractor’s designated CRWB or FFT1. This may include requesting removal and replacement of the appropriate Contractor employee(s) from the current crew roster and removal of authorization to Incident Command Post (ICP), camp, transportation, meals, lodging and all labor rates from that moment on.

If any Contractor employee is removed under this contract, the Contractor’s CRWB is responsible for ensuring that the employee leaves the crew location immediately and has no further connection with the crew for the remainder of the assignment. When necessary for nonconformance, the CO reserves the right to direct the entire crew to be removed from the assignment, released, and returned home.

3.5.2 Heat Stress

All Contractor employees must be familiar with the risk factors that can contribute to heat illness, common heat illness signs and symptoms, and what action(s) to take if a Heat Disorder or Heat Stress is suspected. Contractors shall train employees on the topic of heat stress in accordance with the guidelines found at the following hyperlink:

https://www.nwcg.gov/committee/6mfs/firefighterhealthfirst-aid.

3.5.3 Physical Demands

Arduous duties involve field work requiring physical performance calling for above-average endurance and superior conditioning. These duties may include an occasional demand for extraordinarily strenuous activities in emergencies under adverse environmental conditions and over extended periods. Requirements include running, walking, climbing, jumping, twisting, bending, and lifting more than 50 pounds; the pace of work typically is set by the emergency condition.

3.5.4 First Aid Kits

The Contractor must ensure that each AKCC crew arrives with the equivalent of two “Class B” ten Person First Aid Kits appropriately stocked and fully functional. Kits should be “belt” type or otherwise capable of being attached to individual line gear and intended for portable use. Kits should be able to withstand damage due to outdoor environmental factors and rough handling.

3.6 Crew Rotation

Due to health and safety concerns of individual firefighters on each crew the overall lengths of each assignment, the Contractor must ensure that the number of days off between assignments and the work/rest ratio of each assignment maintain compliance with Chapter 7 of the Interagency Standards for Fire & Fire Aviation Operations.

3.7 Contractor Provided Equipment

3.7.1 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

All Contractor employee crews must maintain full compliance with the Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations (ISFFAO) “Red Book” Chapter 7 Safety and Risk Management Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) section at all times of performance of this contract.

The Contractor must ensure its personnel arrive at the incident fully outfitted with all of the proper required PPE and fully prepared to perform the work required under this contract. The Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring all PPE is operable and maintained in good repair throughout the duration of an assignment.. At a minimum contractor personnel’s protective gear/clothing must be cleaned after each assignment; and more frequently, as needed, to preclude unsafe working conditions.

If the AKCC, upon arrival or during the course of the incident, does not have the required PPE, the Contractor will be considered noncompliant. Nonconformance with PPE requirements will immediately be reported to the COR who will coordinate action with the Contractor designated CRWB or FFT1. At times, the COR may coordinate nonconformance activities with CO for appropriate action.

3.7.1.1 Chainsaw Operator PPE. Required PPE for chainsaw operators include saw chaps (leg protection), hearing protection, eye protection, helmet, boots, and hand protection.

3.7.2 Hand Tools

The Contractor must ensure that each AKCC crew arrives with the appropriate and required hand tools and chainsaws specified at the task order level. Required hand tools must remain in good working and serviceable condition meeting the minimum standards.

The BLM reserves the right to order services under this contract for AKCC mobilization from the DCR/AP to an incident without hand tools and/or chainsaws if it is determined in the Government’s best interest to do so. In these cases, both the resource order and task order will specify that all hand tools, power tools and/or chainsaws needed for that task order will be provided by the Government.

3.7.2.1 Minimum Crew Tools

When the order has not specified otherwise, each individual (position) on the crew must arrive with the hand tool and/or chainsaw as specified in the task order. At a minimum, each AKCC crew member will be required to arrive with at least one hand tool. Each AKCC Sawyer (chainsaw operator) must arrive with at least one chainsaw. Note: sawyers will not be required to also carry a hand tool while working on the fire line using a chainsaw. Additionally, unless otherwise specified in the task order, each crew (as a whole) must arrive with a minimum of four additional hand tools as replacements in the event that one or more of the hand tools is broken or otherwise becomes unserviceable.

3.7.2.2 Minimum IDIQ Contract Tools

The following lists specify the Contractor’s minimum hand tool and chainsaw requirements under the IDIQ contract.

3.7.2.2.1 Hand tools

18 Pulaski Tools (3 ¾ lb. head, 36” handle) 4 Shovels (size 0 or 1, round point)

3.7.2.2.2 Chainsaws, Chainsaw Kits, and Chainsaw Operators

Task orders may require the Contractor to provide a chainsaw operator with a chainsaw. Use of the chainsaw is only for fireline construction, mop-up, clearing access routes, emergency escape routes and camp sites, storm debris clean-up and light project work such as small tree thinning and brush removal. Chainsaw operators shall NOT perform as Hazardous Tree Fallers.

The Contractor must have the capability to provide a minimum of four chainsaws and chainsaw kits for each contractor proposed AKCC T2 crew under this IDIQ contract.

At a minimum, each chainsaw kit must include the following:

1 - 24-inch bar 1 - 3.44 cubic inch size motor 1 - pair saw chaps (leg protection) meeting U.S. Forest Service (USFS)

Specification 6170-4F or later, or certified to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1977

1 - extra appropriately sized saw chain 1 - chainsaw wrench (scrench) 1 - appropriately sized round file for sharpening 1 - large flat sharpening file 1 - falling axe

3 - falling wedges (1 - 5.5 inch, 1 - 8 inch, 1 - 10 inch) 1 - operational shift worth of chainsaw fuel and bar oil are required for each saw with a maximum of 2.5 gallons of fuel and 2 quarts bar oil.

3.7.2.3 AKFSM Minimums

Minimum hand tool, chainsaws, chainsaw kits and chainsaw operators for AKFSM crews will be determined at task order level.

3.7.3 Radios and Frequencies

3.7.3.1 Radios

Unless otherwise specified in a task order, the Contractor must provide a minimum of six two-way radios for each T2 crew and a minimum of five for each AKFSM crew for communication purposes. The CRWB and each FFT1 must be available to communicate via two-way radio; must carry and use the Contractor provided two-way radio while on assignment. The remaining unused two-way radio(s) must be available as a “back-up” in case one or more of the assigned two-way radios becomes inoperable. The Contractor is permitted to carry more than the minimum number of radios required for a crew assignment providing the maximum weight allowed is not exceeded.

3.7.3.1.1 Qualifications. The Contractor must ensure that each Contractor crew member knows how to operate, program and clone each of the Contractor provided radios. A Contractor may be required to sign certifying as such at the task order level.

3.7.3.1.2 Authorized Radio List

The Contractor must only use radios listed on the most recent issue of the National Interagency Incident Communications Division (NIICD) “Approved Radios” document that can be found at the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) web site under the NIICD section (https://www.nifc.gov/resources/NIICD/niicd-documents).

3.7.3.1.3 Radio Accessories

The Contractor must provide all necessary cloning or programming cables or connectors needed for each of the radios. Radios can be cloned or programed by the incident communications section or by the Contractor’s individual radio operators.

Contractor must supply any radio belt holsters, chest harnesses, or carrying cases if so desired.

3.7.3.1.4 Radio Batteries

Contractor crew must arrive at the incident with enough new AA batteries for each radio required to have at least three sets of batteries and at a minimum enough batteries to last through the first operational shift of each assignment or reassignment.

After the first operational shift of an assignment, the Government will generally provide replacement batteries for radios per each shift worked. At the time of demobilization from an incident, the Government will provide enough AA batteries to the Contractor for each of the radios to have three new sets of batteries up to 140 AA batteries for T2 crews and up to 84 AA batteries for AKFSMs.

3.7.3.2 Radio Frequency

3.7.3.2.1 Fire Suppression/All-Hazard Assignments

The radio frequencies will be installed at the incident by either the Government or Contractor. The Contractor must comply with all National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) rules and regulations and with all Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations. The Contractor shall not use Government assigned frequencies for anything but performance under a task order.

3.7.3.2.3 Severity/Preparedness Assignments

The Government will be responsible for assigning the frequencies and the Contractor will be responsible for programming their radios at the start of Severity/Preparedness assignments. The Contractor will be responsible for removing the programming prior to leaving the assignment. This programming direction is applicable only to Severity/Preparedness assignments.

3.7.4 Miscellaneous Equipment, Gear, and Supplies

3.7.4.1 Minimum Equipment and Supplies

The Contractor must ensure each crew member assigned under task order arrives at incident with the following minimum equipment and supplies. At a minimum, supplies must cover the crew member for one operational shift.

Line Gear: one set of line gear designed to be worn by a wildland firefighter during day or night operational shifts. Line gear must be durable, comfortable and capable of containing the fire shelter, water bottles, meals and all other individual firefighter and sawyer essentials.

Tent: a tent suitable for providing the necessary protection from the elements.

Sleeping Gear: sleeping bag and sleeping pad.

Chainsaw Fuel: 1.25 gallons of chainsaw fuel (premix) per saw or 5 gallons max for 4 saws Bar Oil Chain Lubricant: 1 quart of bar oil chain lubricant per saw with a maximum of 2.5 gallons for 4 saws Batteries: 140 AA Batteries (Radios – 27 batteries per radio per day)

3.7.4.2 Meals and Water

The Contractor must ensure each crew member assigned under task order arrives at incident with a minimum of one days’ worth of meals and water according to the below list for T2 and AKFSM. In most cases, after the first day at the incident, the Government will provide meals and water while the crew members are assigned to the incident.

If it is determined to be in the best interest of the Government and defined in the task order, the Contractor may be required to provide each Contractor employee’s meals and water for the duration of the assignment. Therefore, under the IDIQ contract, the

Contractor must be prepared to provide for the crew including field rations, groceries, sack lunches or restaurants. Under this circumstance, the Contractor is permitted reimbursement of allowable per diem costs for meals not provided by the Government.

Contractor costs claimed for per diem reimbursement must comply with the federal travel regulations M&IE breakdowns at https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates/mie-breakdown.

3.7.4.2.1 Meal Allowance

The Contractor is required to provide the first 24 hours’ worth of food and water for the crew. Thereafter, when no food or water are provided by the Government, the Contractor must provide in accordance with the terms and conditions of this contract, FAR 31.205-46, and the Federal Travel Regulations. Meal allowance is paid while in travel status, after the first 24 hours. If certain meal periods (i.e., breakfast, lunch or dinner) are provided by the Government (on any given day), that shall be documented on the Crew Time Report and deducted from the M&IE allowance for that given day.

If the crew earns any part of a meal allowance on a given day, they are also entitled to the incidentals portion of the M&IE allowance for that given day. When the crew is released from one incident and reassigned to another incident prior to returning to its DCR or AP, the Government will provide for a meal allowance beginning with the first date of dispatch of the new incident if no food and drink are provided by the Government.

If available, the Government may provide food and drink in lieu of M&IE.

Firefighters are encouraged to take sufficient drink with them to the fireline. During demobilization and/or reassignment, the Government may provide sack lunches to AKCC personnel in lieu of M&IE.

M&IE breakdowns may be found at https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-book/per-diem-rates/mie-breakdown.

3.7.4.2.2 T2 Crew Meals and Water

Unless otherwise stated in the task order, each Contractor T2 Crew must arrive at the incident with a minimum of the following amounts of food and water.

Food: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Meals must be portable, ready to eat with no heating or cooking required. The equivalent of 60 meals or three per crew member.

Water: 6 to 8 full five-gallon cubies per 20-person crew (up to 40 gallons) as stated in the following USDA reference: https://www.fs.usda.gov/t-d/pubs/pdfpubs/pdf10512316/pdf10512316dpi72.pdf

3.7.4.2.3 AKFSM Crew Meals and Water

Unless otherwise stated in the task order, each Contractor AKFSM must arrive at the incident with a minimum of the following amounts of food and water.

Food: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Meals must be portable, ready to eat with no heating or cooking required. Three meals per crew member manifested.

Water: 3-4 full five-gallon cubies per 20 AKFSM (up to 20 gallons)

3.7.5 Supply Unit Ordering Process

The Contractor CRWB or official designee shall contact the supply unit at the incident to acquire any supplies necessary. The Contractor must have a general message form showing the needs which is signed by the crew’s incident Supervisor or Line Supervisor. The Supply Unit leader will document using the national standards in accordance with incident business management practices. The Contractor is required to sign for each item supplied to them from the supply unit.

3.8 Communication

The Contractor must maintain good communication with the CO, COR other contracting specialists as necessary throughout the year by responding to phone calls, emails and text messages in a timely manner. The Contractor must maintain good communication with Yukon Fire Dispatch Center as necessary during the MAP and all incident assignments.

3.9 Performance Evaluations

Contractor Crew Boss must request a crew performance evaluation from the crew’s line/project supervisor (or higher) for each assignment. Copies of all crew performance evaluations must be submitted to the COR on record when requested.

3.10 Meetings

Contractors are required to attend the annual AKCC Mid-Winter Contractors Meeting in Fairbanks each winter. A minimum of one company CRWB and one CFR per contract must attend. The location, length (number of days) and actual date and time will be determined and provided to the Contractor. In most instances, this information will be available on or before November 30 of each year . However, the meeting will be sometime between January 15 and March 15.

3.11 Fort Wainwright Post Access & Security Screening

The Contractor shall ensure all Contractor personnel (employees) are clear for entry onto Fort Wainwright Army Post for access to the AFS facilities and mobilization center. This includes all Contractor support personnel who may not be mobilized with a crew but may need to have access onto Fort Wainwright and AFS facilities for logistical and other support purposes. For information about installation access requirements call the Fort Wainwright Directorate of Emergency Services, Physical Security Division at (907) 361-7537.

3.12 Personal Identification

Contractor employees must carry one of the forms of identification identified by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification with them at all times during assignments under this contract. This requirement is necessary for access to Fort Wainwright Army Post as well as for TSA clearing checkpoints at commercial airports.

3.13 REAL ID Compliance

Contractor employees must comply with all Federal REAL ID laws and regulations. Each crew member must carry a REAL ID compliant form of identification with them at all times if required to do so by law.

For more information regarding REAL ID compliance contact:

Alaska Department of Motor Vehicles: https://dmv.alaska.gov/credential-services/realidupdate/

Department of Homeland Security: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id Transportation Security Administration: https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification

3.14 Injuries and Illnesses Related to Work

If Contractor personnel become injured or ill while working on assignment or injuries and illnesses are related to work while on the assignment, the Contractor must report such injuries and/or illnesses to the incident medical staff immediately. The Government may provide first aid and emergency medical treatment by on scene Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) personnel, emergency ground ambulance services, emergency air transportation services or any form of medical transportation necessary to get the Contractor employee to an appropriately equipped medical treatment facility. If the Government provides Contractor personnel transportation to the medical treatment facility, it is not responsible for any other costs associated with medical treatment of Contractor personnel.

The Contractor shall provide its designated Crew Boss and/or CFR sufficient medical and emergency documentation to maintain for relevant Contractor employees (crew members) on the assignment. Documentation may include appropriate insurance forms, medical insurance ID cards, and other documents necessary to facilitate medical treatment of Contractor personnel at all times under this contract. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to ensure any necessary documentation will accompany the injured person(s), if a medical need arises.

The Government will not reimburse the Contractor for non-work time for its personnel, including sick leave or personal time off under this contract.

3.15 Vehicle Cleaning for Noxious Weed Control

When directed by the incident, the Contractor shall clean their vehicle(s) to remove noxious weed seeds. Time spent by the Contractor performing this task is considered on-shift time. The Government will normally provide cleaning facilities. If the Government requires use of commercial facilities, the Government will reimburse the Contractor for costs associated with this task, providing a detailed written receipt is provided as an attachment to the invoice.

3.16 Deliverables

3.16.1 Contractor Training Plans

The Contractor is required to provide the Government with an electronic copy of their annual training plan(s) no later than May 1 of each year. Training plans must include all the following:

Name and Number of course(s) to be facilitated.

o Example: RT-130 Fireline Safety Refresher Training o Example: WCT-A Work Capacity Test - Arduous

Dates of each session.

Location of each session.

Lead Instructor and Unit Instructors Lead Instructors qualifications Roster of students with sign-in signatures required.

Pass/Fail indicators for each student enrolled in each course.

Copy of the course agenda

3.16.2 Key Personnel & Pre-Season Roster

For each crew or module, the Contractor must identify the individuals who will fill the minimum number of “Primary” and “Alternate” positions as outlined below on the “Identification of Key Personnel & Pre-Season Roster”. The Contractor should also include all additional personnel that they intend to use on their crew at any point in time, not just the minimums. (list all additional alternates).

3.16.2.1 For T2 Crews:

For each T2 crew proposed, identify the individuals who will fill the following “Primary” positions:

(MINIMUM REQUIRED)

1 qualified Crew Boss (CRWB) 3 qualified Squad Bosses (FFT1) (must have ICT5 if T2IA crew) 3 qualified Fallers/Sawyers (either FAL3 or FAL2) 13 qualified Firefighters (FFT2)…