Att. 5 Description_Specifications_Statement of Work for Task Orders.docx

Solicitation No: 12445526Q0039 GMNF General Road/Civil Construction IDIQ

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

1.1 SCOPE OF CONTRACT

The US. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service intends to make multiple award indefinite-delivery indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts for general road/civil construction and maintenance for the Green Mountain National Forest. The construction and maintenance would primarily consist of road and other transportation related repair and construction, however, may include other civil engineering construction work typically performed by road construction and excavation type contractors.

Work includes road, bridge, structure work, and site work as identified but not limited to:

· Road construction, re-construction, emergency road construction due to damage from human or natural causes, road and/or parking area construction, reconstruction, reconditioning, maintenance, and decommissioning.

· Culvert and bridge construction, installation and repair, road/stream interaction, aquatic organism passage, erosion control, and related stream work within project area.

· Trail construction, reconstruction, reconditioning, maintenance, and decommissioning.

· Recreational site construction, reconstruction, reconditioning, demolition, and maintenance including vault toilet demolition and install new prefabricated concrete toilet, and routine repairs to water and sewer lines.

· Site construction, reconstruction, reconditioning, demolition, and maintenance including utility work on sites to support water, wastewater, trenching and running conduit etc.

· Road maintenance to include material haul, haul and placement of imported borrow or aggregate; extraction and processing of borrow or aggregate from Forest Service owned gravel pits.

· Related work includes signs; guardrails; closure devices such as gates, fences, stream grade, alignment control, and scour protection.

The Contractor is required to furnish all labor, supervision, materials, equipment, transportation, and incidentals to perform work in accordance with all terms, specifications, conditions, and provisions of this solicitation, and task order statement of work/specifications.

In addition, the Contractor may be required to obtain all necessary permits, develop fire/erosion control/management/safety type plan(s), coordinate with private utilities providers, negotiate with State & local officials, and special consideration planning necessary for the construction of the task order.

This is a 100% Total Small Business Set-Aside. The primary NAICS is 237310 Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction. The small business size standard is $45 million. Other NAICS that may be applicable include 237110 Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction and 237990 Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction.

1.2 PROJECT LOCATION

The work is located within the Green Mountain National Forest (GMNF) located within the State of Vermont. Specific project areas will be identified on each task order. Work is primarily located within Addison, Bennington, Rutland, Washington, Windham, and Windsor counties.

2.3 MAGNITUDE OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

The maximum award limitation is $7 million. This amount is cumulative and tracked as a shared ceiling for all IDIQ contracts issued. This amount includes minimum guarantees, task orders and modifications issued under the IDIQ contracts.

3.4 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Standard Specifications The Standard Specifications for the Construction of Roads & Bridges on Federal Highway Projects (FP-14) are included in this solicitation by reference only. The requirements contained in these Specifications are hereby made a part of this solicitation and any resultant contract. Electronic versions of the FP-14 are available on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s website located at FP-14 | FHWA (dot.gov).

The Standard Specifications for the Construction of Roads and Bridges on Federal Highway Projects (FP-24) was issued in 2024 and will replace the FP-14. The FP-24 is not currently approved for use on projects. Contractors will be notified when the FP-24 is approved for use. The requirements contained in these Specification are hereby made a part of this solicitation and after approval any resultant contract. Electronic versions of the FP-24 are available on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s website located at FP-24 | FHWA (dot.gov).

Supplemental Specifications The Forest Service Supplemental Specifications (FSSS) are used to modify the FP Standard Specifications to align with Forest Service terminology, requirements, and expectations.

Special and/or supplemental specifications and drawings will be applicable at the task order level and shall be included with each TOPR The FP-14 Standard, FSSS, and additional specifications shall all be used in conjunction with each other to properly determine the work requirements for each task order.

Work Planning and Scheduling Unless otherwise stated in the task order, all work shall be performed Monday – Friday between the hours of 0700-1700 hrs. local time. No work will be permitted on Government Holidays or weekends without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer.

All work to be coordinated to minimize interference with any the public and Forest Service personnel.

Site Management Maintain walkways, driveways, roads, parking, and project site to be free of all construction debris, equipment, and materials on a daily basis as well as the site free of hazards at all times. Occupancy access shall be negotiated on a project specific basis. Safety equipment, fencing and barriers shall be installed. Erosion control and sedimentation structures shall be constructed in according with EPA/State standards as needed. Historical and/or archeological issues shall be addressed as needed.

Existing Utilities The contractor shall contact the Public Utility locating service for the geographic area of where the work is located. Such as 1-888-DIGSAFE, Dig Safe, etc. prior to performing any digging or trenching. In addition, the contractor shall field verify all utility locations by, but not limited to; the use of sonic, electronic or magnetic detection devices, by noting pull box and utility box locations at the surface, use of locator services, and by potholing. Government provided drawings indicating utility locations are approximate, unless noted in the task order as “as- built” and require field verification as described above. Contractor shall be responsible for repairing any utilities damaged during construction at no additional cost to the Government.

Construction Schedule For all task orders; prior to notice to proceed, the Contractor shall prepare a construction schedule of activities indicating labor, materials and activity proposed for each day.

Notify the Contracting Officer whenever there are significant departures from the approved task construction schedule. Submit any requests to modify the construction schedule, in writing to the Contracting Officer with an explanation for the deviation.

Government Furnished Property The Government will provide Government-furnished property required by each task order to the Contractor for use in the performance of the task order. 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.

Unless otherwise agreed upon, any Government-furnished property incorporated into the work shall be delivered to the project site by the Contractor and the cost will be included with the task order.

Government will provide official National Forest Maps and specific vicinity maps for each task order issued.

Construction Safety The Contractor shall have the ultimate responsibility for health and safety on the project site at all times, as described in CFR FAR 52.236-13, “Accident Prevention”. The Contractor is responsible for ensuring that all onsite activities, facilities constructed, and equipment conform fully to the standards of the Department of Labor (DOL), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 29 CFR 1926 and 1910, and any supplemental DOL and Forest Service policies.

Prepare, and submit for government review, a written permit space program for any identified OSHA 29 CFR 1926.1203 identified confined spaces. Also, inform employees and post signage per 1926.1203(b)(1). Comply with all applicable Federal, State and local safety requirements. In the event where any safety standard referenced herein conflicts with another, the more stringent shall govern.

Initiate and maintain, throughout the performance of this contract, an effective health and safety program that provides adequate policies, procedures, and practices to protect workers from (and allow them to recognize) job-related health and safety hazards. The program shall include provisions for the identification, evaluation, prevention and control of general work site hazards, specific job hazards, and potential hazards that may arise from foreseeable construction methods and conditions, as well as providing a competent person to conduct frequent and regular inspections. Each employee (Contractor or subcontractor) must be instructed in the recognition and avoidance of unsafe conditions and the regulations applicable to the work environment. Site safety plan shall include pandemic guidance and compliance identified by local, state, or federal authorities if applicable at the time of the task order’s Period of Performance (POP).

Provide barricades and warning devices as necessary to safeguard the public, workers, and government personnel. Where project work affects public roads, provide signage in accordance with the current edition of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) as published by the US Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration. Rollover Protection and Seat Belts: In addition to the Accident Prevention clause Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.236-13, rollover protection and seat belts required by 29CFR 1926 (OSHA) shall be extended to include equipment regardless of the year of manufacturer.

Construction Quality Control (CQC) Designate in writing a single person to oversee and manage on-site quality control activities. The Contractor is responsible for quality control of all project work including any subcontracted work, and to submit thorough documentation that work fully complies with the construction documents and project permits.

Quality control processes include but are not limited to proactively: Ensuring compliance with the construction documents and project permits. Make vertical work plumb and make horizontal work level. Managing specialty subcontractors. Reviewing and processing samples, mockups, shop drawings and other construction submittals. Ensuring that the workers have the appropriate expertise and proper equipment to perform the work. Effectively utilizing third-party sampling & testing services (typically for earthwork gradation, compaction, concrete & asphalt testing, welding, pile driving and other specialty inspections). Initialing timely reviews and corrective actions to substrates prior to proceeding with subsequent work.

Load-Limits: Heavy equipment operated on Forest Service roads and parking areas shall comply with highway-legal load limits unless explicitly approved otherwise. Field-verify all dimensions and conditions prior to performing the work. Notify the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) of any conflicts. Improvements shall be constructed in accordance with the product manufacturer’s written instructions and standards.

As-Built Drawings When as-built drawings are required by a task order, the Contractor shall maintain at the job site one (1) set of contract drawings marked in red to show any deviations which are found to exist or have been made from the contract drawings. Upon completion of the work, the marked set of drawings shall be delivered to the Contracting Officer. Request for final payment will not be approved until the marked drawings are delivered to the Contracting Officer.

Statement of Work/Specifications The Contractor shall furnish the necessary personnel, material, equipment, services and facilities (except as otherwise specified), to perform the Statement of Work/Specifications referenced in Section J.

Attachments to Statement of Work/Specifications The attachments to the Statement of Work/Specifications listed in Section J are hereby made part of this solicitation and any resultant contract.

2.2 OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Pre-Work Meetings Pre-work meetings or pre-work conference calls will be scheduled on a task order basis as appropriate.

Designation of Contracting Officer's Representative The contracting officer will designate a contracting officer's representative (COR) on individual task orders.

The COR is responsible for administering the performance of work under this contract. In no event, however, will any understanding, agreement, modification, change order, or other matter deviating from the terms of this contract be effective or binding upon the Government unless formalized by proper contractual documents executed by the Contracting Officer prior to completion of the contract.

On all matters that pertain to the contract terms the contractor must communicate with the Contracting Officer. Whenever, in the opinion of the Contractor, the COR requests effort outside the scope of the contract, the Contractor should so advise the COR. If the COR persists and there still exists a disagreement as to proper contractual coverage, the contracting officer should be notified immediately, preferably in writing if time permits. Proceeding with work without proper contractual coverage could result in nonpayment or necessitate submittal for a contract claim.

Invoicing The "Submit Invoice-to" address for USDA orders is the Department of Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). All invoices are to be submitted online via IPP. This is a mandatory requirement initiated by the U.S. Department of Treasury. More information can be found at the following website https://www.ipp.gov/. Contractors must register at https://www.ipp.gov/vendors/enrollment-vendors to establish an account in order to submit an invoice on this project.

Ordering Procedures - Issuance of Task Orders A Task Order is a contractual instrument issued by an authorized and warranted government contracting officer to order work for the government. Task Orders will be issued in accordance with FAR 52.216-18, FAR 52.216-19, and FAR 52.216-22.

Minimum and Maximum Contract Amounts: During the period specified in FAR Clause 52.216-18 Ordering, the Government shall place orders totaling a minimum of $2,000, but not more than $7 million.

Task orders issued under this IDIQ will be for the Green Mountain National Forest. As the need exists for performance under the terms of this Contract any warranted Forest Service contracting officer may solicit quotes and issue task orders against this contract within their delegated warrant authority. All task orders are subject to the terms and conditions of this contract.

Task orders ordered off this IDIQ contract may be for service or construction activities. Each task order will identify which type of work is applicable and will supplement IDIQ contract clauses accordingly. Each task order will include a Service Contract Act or Davis-Bacon Act wage determination as applicable.

Bid Guarantee/Bid Bond and Payment Protection requirements shall be identified on each TOPR. Payment for bond premiums in accordance with FAR Clause 52.232-5, Payment Under Fixed-Price Construction Contracts shall not be in addition to the contract price. Therefore, any prices offered for a task order shall include bonding costs when applicable.

Current bond thresholds are:

Bid Bonds required for any task order over $150,000 (Shall use form SF-24 https://www.gsa.gov/reference/forms/bid-bond) Payment bonds are required on all task orders over $35,000 (Shall use for SF-25A https://www.gsa.gov/reference/forms/payment-bond) Performance bonds are required on all task orders over $150,000 (shall use SF-25 https://www.gsa.gov/reference/forms/performance-bond) These thresholds are subject to change if there is a change to the regulation. Proper notice would be provided.

The Task Order Issuance process will begin with a Task Order Pricing Request. This request will address specific requirements of a project, Schedule of Items, specific supplemental specifications within the scope of work, specific site locations, etc.

The Task Order Pricing Request (TOPR):

a) Will be issued by email. The Contractor is responsible for checking their email for task order issuances as no other notice will be provided.

b) Will be issued during the effective period of this contract.

c) Will be issued to Contractors awarded an IDIQ contract from solicitation 12445526Q0039.

d) Will include the required due date, specific instructions for the submission for quotes, and other information deemed appropriate.

e) Contractors who are awarded an IDIQ contract under 12445526Q0039 will not be required to submit a quote on every task order but will forfeit their right to the minimum award guarantee if they fail to quote on more than two task orders during the life of the IDIQ contract. If a contractor cannot meet the dates identified on the task order, an alternate schedule can be submitted by the contractor and will be considered for award.

f) The Contractor is encouraged to visit the site prior to quoting on the project.

The following procedures will be utilized to provide awardees a fair opportunity in accordance with FAR Part 16.505(b) or to meet a minimum award guarantee. Method for selecting a contractor for task order award will be as shown in “a” through “c” below.

a) It is the intent that task orders will be competed between all Contractors awarded an IDIQ contract under 12445526Q0039. Exceptions to the fair opportunity process will follow FAR 16.507-6. If a fair opportunity exception applies, the TOPR will be issued to a single or limited number of Contractors.

b) Competed task orders will generally be evaluated on price alone. However, may include evaluation criteria (i.e. past performance, technical approach, etc.) which will require submission of technical information. The type of evaluation, and required information to be submitted, will be identified on each TOPR. Single or multiple awards may be made for individual task orders, as specified on the task order.

c) Once an award decision is made, the contracting officer will email the awarded task order to the successful contractor and the COR. Work shall not begin until directed by the contracting officer. Each task order will include:

a. The contract number.

b. The task order number.

c. Authorized signature of warranted contracting officer.

d. Detailed description of the task or service to be performed.

e. Firm-fixed price of the project.

f. Detailed description of required submittals.

g. Map or other descriptions of the project location.

h. Designation of the contracting officer’s representative.

i. Government furnished property, if provided.

j. Applicable wage determination (project specific).

d) The contracting officer will notify unsuccessful contractors of the final award decision.

Incidental Payment Items The intent of the contract is to provide for the complete performance of the task orders as described. Unless otherwise provided, the Contractor shall furnish all labor, materials, equipment, tools, transportation, and supplies and perform all work required to complete the task orders in accordance with drawings, specifications, and provisions of the contract and task orders. Payment for contract work will be made only for and under those pay items included in each task order’s Schedule of Items. All other work and materials will be considered as incidental to and included in the payment for items shown.

The following requirements only apply to construction task orders.

Final Payment - Release of Claims

The Government shall pay the final amount due the Contractor under this contract, and for each task order, after—

(1) Completion and acceptance of all work;

(2) Presentation of a properly executed invoice; and

(3) Presentation of release of all claims against the Government arising by virtue of this contract, other than claims, in stated amounts, that the Contractor has specifically excepted from the operation of the release.

RELEASE OF CLAIMS

To be submitted with final invoice Contract Number:

In consideration of the receipt of final payment in the amount of $____ the undersigned hereby releases the United States of America from any and all obligations arising under this contract and any modifications thereof except as reserved below.

Signature: ________________________________

Printed Name: ________________________________

Title: ________________________________

Company: ________________________________

Date: ________________________________

Contractor Certification Contractor will submit certification with every progress invoice.

CONTRACTOR CERTIFICATION

I hereby certify, to the best of my knowledge and belief, that--

(1) The amounts requested are only for performance in accordance with the specifications, terms, and conditions of the contract;

(2) Payments to subcontractors and suppliers have been made, and timely payments will be made for the work activities covered by this certification, in accordance with subcontract agreements and the requirements of Chapter 39 of Title 31, United States Code;

(3) This request for progress payments/credits does not include any amounts which the prime contractor intends to withhold or retain from a subcontractor or supplier in accordance with the terms and conditions of the subcontract; and

(4) This certification is not to be construed as final acceptance of a subcontractor's performance.

(Name)

(Title)

(Date)

428.306 Insurance Under Fixed-Price Contracts.

Applies to solicitations and contracts which include the clause at FAR 52.228-5, Insurance - Work on a Government Installation.

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

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

3) Automobile Liability. The Contractor must have automobile liability insurance written on a comprehensive form of policy. The policy must provide for bodily injury and property damage liability covering the operation of all automobiles used in connection with performing the contract. Policies covering automobiles operated in the United States must provide coverage of at least $200,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and $20,000 per occurrence for property damage or loss.

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

Key Personnel

(a) The Contractor shall assign to this contract the following key personnel: Project Leader/Manager or Superintendent

(b) During the first ninety (90) days of performance, the Contractor shall make no substitutions of key personnel unless the substitution is necessitated by illness, death, or termination of employment. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer within 15 calendar days after the occurrence of any of these events and provide the information required by paragraph (c) below. After the initial 90-day period, the Contractor shall submit the information required by paragraph (c) to the Contracting Officer at least 15 days prior to making any permanent substitutions.

(c) The Contractor shall provide a detailed explanation of the circumstances necessitating the proposed substitutions, complete resumes for the proposed substitutes, and any additional information requested by the Contracting Officer. Proposed substitutes should have comparable qualifications to those of the persons being replaced. The Contracting Officer will notify the Contractor within 15 calendar days after receipt of all required information of the decision on substitutions. The contract will be modified to reflect any approved changes of key personnel.

Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System

(a) General. This contract is subject to Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Agriculture Acquisition Regulations (AGAR), and Forest Service Acquisition Regulations (FSAR) that require past performance evaluations to be completed and entered into the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS).

(b) Contact Information. Upon award, the name and email address of the Contractor Representative responsible for reviewing the CPARS evaluations will be required.

(c) Assessment. Upon completion of each year associated with the contract, an evaluation will be initiated by the Contracting Officer in CPARS, and the Contractor Representative will receive an auto-email from CPARS with instructions for review of the evaluation. The Contractor will review the Government’s evaluation and either concur or disagree and route the evaluation back to the Contracting Officer (Assessing Official). If the evaluation received contractor concurrence, it will be finalized by the Assessing Official. If there is disagreement, further discussion will be initiated prior to finalization.