Attach_4_Perf_Work_Stat_Gold_Beach.pdf

Gold Beach Presribed Burning Solicitation: TBA

Attachment 001 - Performance Work Statement

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

Project Title: Gold Beach Prescribed Burning

Project Locations: Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, Gold Beach and Powers Ranger Districts

Period of Performance: Award Date to August 31, 2028

This work is heavily dependent on favorable burning conditions, such as smoke clearance and/or appropriate burning conditions.

The term “Task Order” refers to this solicitation.

Part 1

Scope

Services shall be non-personal. The Government shall neither supervise contractor employees nor control the method by which the contractor performs the required tasks. Under no circumstances shall the Government assign tasks to, or prepare work schedules for, individual contractor employees.

1.1 Description of Services

1.1.1 The contractor shall provide all qualified/trained personnel, equipment and supplies (except those specified as Government furnished), tools, materials, supervision, transportation, lodging, and services necessary to perform wildfire hazard reduction through prescribed burning and mop-up operations, and related services.

1.1.2 The contractor shall furnish labor, supervision, transportation, operating supplies (except those specified as Government furnished) to perform work necessary to conduct fire line construction and/or maintenance (mechanical and/or hand line), brushing/lopping/scattering/pruning for vegetation modification in preparation for prescribed burning, fuels pullback, ignition, holding/suppression, snag felling, mop-up and patrol, and fire line and road access repair. The COR will describe the specific objectives of any operational duty, normally during a pre-operational briefing. The Contractor’s employees must meet the standard classifications of positions on prescribed burn projects as defined in the National Wildfire Coordinating Group National Incident Management System: Wildland Fire Qualifications System Guide (PMS 310-1, NFES 1414, October 2018, or latest version) which is available under “Publications” at the following website: https://www.nwcg.gov.

1.1.3 Escape Burn Guidelines and Procedure - If, in the judgment of the COR, a slopover that occurs during ignition or mop-up cannot be contained with the personnel and equipment identified in the Contingency Plan, Element 17 of the Prescribed Fire Plan, the Burn Boss will follow the procedures outlined in the Wildfire Declaration, Element 18 of the Prescribed Fire Plan.

Under this condition, the Contractor shall take immediate action to control, suppress, and mop up the escaped fire. The Contractor and crew(s) shall work under the guidance of the Government and continue working until released by the Government. The COR will notify the responsible dispatch center.

1.2 Background: Prescribed burning has been shown to reduce the risk of wildland fire and the severity of fires that do occur through the reduction in available fuel loading and changes in fuel composition and structure across the landscape. Project areas are reforestation areas, natural and managed stands of timber woodlands, shrub fields, or grass areas of all ages, size, and species. Fuels will consist of harvest activity slash and natural fuels, live fuels, jackpot fuels, piled fuels and slashed shrubs and trees. Fuel loadings range from less than ½ ton per acre to as high as 100 tons or more per acre.

https://www.nwcg.gov/

Gold Beach Prescribed Burning

1.3 Objectives: It is the objective of this contract to provide services to the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to assist with its prescribed burning program on identified units to reduce fuel loading and/or change the composition and structure of fuels to optimize the treatment of those fuels to the most effective burning period.

1.4 Location: Services will be performed within Region 6 of the Forest Service in Oregon on national Forest Service lands on the Rogue River-Siskiyou NF.

1.4.1 Boundaries of project areas are generally identifiable as logged units, by changes in vegetation structure or type, roads, or flagging. The boundaries can be adjacent timber stands, recent harvest units, property line boundaries, or other natural or manmade features that clearly define the boundary as noted on the project area maps.

1.4.2 Access is by all-weather and seasonal roads. Seasonal roads may be impassable for several days after heavy rains, or snow-blocked roads during the winter months.

1.4.3 Contractors accessing project areas via private land shall obtain permission to travel over private lands unless the Government has already obtained access from the private land owner. Otherwise, the Contractor shall provide the Government a written statement or written documentation of verbal approval given by a named person on a stated date and time that the contractor has been granted permission to travel over private lands.

1.4.4 Access to individual project areas may be through locked gates. Access behind locked gates shall be for the purpose of conducting work under this contract only. Locked gates shall remain locked at all times other than when the Contractor is passing through them unless other arrangements are approved by the COR. A key for access to locked gates may be supplied to the Contractor at issuance of award. Supplying the Contractor a key for access is at the discretion of the COR. The key shall be returned to the COR in a usable condition before final payment is made. When two or more locks are present on a gate, the Contractor shall secure the lock so that access is not restricted nor prevent the unlocking of other locks on the gate.

1.4.5 Unique features of Project Areas - Standing timber, wildlife trees and snags may be present within the project sites. Research plots or special protection buffers may be located within the project boundaries. These may have seasonal restrictions on operations and cannot be disturbed during project treatments.

1.5 Period of Performance (PoP): The period of performance for each task order will be identified in that order’s schedule. The period during which work will be performed may be dependent on burn windows, and the Government shall provide the expected burn window’s for each order when issued. Burn windows shall always be within the order’s period of performance.

1.5.1 The COR for each order shall notify the contractor at least 6 hours before the start of a changed, cancelled, or postponed burn window. If the Government changes a burn window and provides a notice of the change to the contractor at least 6 hours in advance, then the Contractor shall provide services under the new burn window.

1.5.2 The Contracting Officer, COR, or Contractor may stop performance due to the following:

a. Contractor has not maintained a safe work environment for their employees in accordance with the law. Work will not resume until the issue has been resolved in accordance with the contract’s terms and conditions. The Contracting Officer shall not make an equitable adjustment to the period of performance, delivery schedule, or the contract price.

b. Contractor has damaged Government property, defaced the landscape, or caused pollution. Work will not resume until the Contractor has corrected all damages at no cost to the Government, and all issues have been resolved in accordance with the contract’s terms and conditions. The Contracting Officer shall not make an equitable adjustment to the period of performance, delivery schedule, or the contract price.

c. The Government discovers threatened, endangered, and sensitive species present in or adjacent to the project area. If work has not resumed within three days of stoppage, the Government and Contractor will negotiate an equitable adjustment to the period of performance and/or delivery schedule.

d. The discovery of historical and archeological resources. If work has not resumed within three days of stoppage, the Government and Contractor will negotiate an equitable adjustment to the period of performance and/or delivery schedule.

e. Environmental hazard threatening the project area, such as a forest fire. If work has not resumed within three days of stoppage, the Government and Contractor will negotiate an equitable adjustment to the period of performance and/or delivery schedule.

1.6 Post Award Conference: The Contracting Officer shall schedule a post award conference with the Contractor, COR, and any other parties involved with the contract. The meeting will take place before the start of the period of performance and will be held through teleconference or Microsoft Teams. The COR may choose to schedule a separate, project specific, pre-work meeting in the form of a briefing to gain project specific objectives and/or review the site before work begins.

1.7 Key Personnel: The Government considers the following personnel key for successful performance: Crew Bosses (CRWB), Engine Bosses/Operators (ENGB), Squad Bosses (FFT1). The minimum qualifications for all key personnel are listed below:

a. The Contractor’s key personnel and all employees must meet the standard classifications of positions on fire projects as defined in the National Wildfire Coordinating Group National Incident Management System: Wildland Fire Qualifications System Guide (PMS 310-1, NFES 1414, October 2018, or latest version) which is available under “Publications” at the following website: https://www.nwcg.gov.

b. English Speaking Requirement – Prompt and efficient communications between the Contractor’s key personnel and the Government’s prescribed fire personnel is mandatory for safe and effective performance. At a minimum, all the assigned Contractor’s Crew Boss (CRWB) and Squad Boss (FFT1), Engine Boss (ENGB) shall be proficient in the English language. The CRWB and ENGB must be proficient in all languages used by their crew members. The Squad Bosses (FFT1) must be able to communicate proficiently in any language used by their squad members. The CRWB, all Squad Bosses (FFT1), and ENGB must also be able to read the Prescribed Fire Burn Plan and communicate the information contained therein to all crewmembers. All radio communication on Government-assigned frequencies shall be in English.

Part 2

Definitions

2.1 Brushing/lopping/scattering - Removing live or dead vegetation by slashing and pruning for the purpose of hazardous fuel reduction and safety when preparing for or implementing a prescribed burn. Severed vegetation may be scattered or piled.

Lopping is the cutting of tops, branches and tree boles of vegetative material on the ground so that the material will lie close to the ground. Scattering is the spreading of cut or lopped material so that is evenly distributed across the ground.

2.2 Complexity of Prescribed Burn Projects - The Government will evaluate and rate prescribed burn complexity based on the Prescribed Fire Complexity Rating System Guide (Attachment 1). The Guide considers three fire complexity factors: risk, potential consequences, and technical difficulty. Fourteen elements are assigned a Low, Moderate, or High complexity rating for each factor and a summary complexity is determined. Complexity and Level of Difficulty are not synonymous. Burn complexity is one of several factors that influence Levels of Difficulty. A highly complex burn may not be a highly rated level of difficulty.

2.3 Contingency Plan - Identification of actions to be taken if the fire exceeds prescription parameters and/or escapes perimeter lines and cannot be returned to prescription or contained with the resources identified in the Prescribed Fire Plan.

2.4 Contracting Officer (CO) - A person with authority to enter into, administer, and or terminate contracts, and make related determinations and findings on behalf of the government. The only individual who can legally bind the government.

2.5 Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) - An employee of the U.S. Government appointed by the contracting officer to administer the contract. Such appointment shall be in writing and shall state the scope of authority and limitations. This individual has authority to provide technical guidance to the Contractor as long as that guidance is within the scope of the contract, does not constitute a change, and has no funding implications. This individual does NOT have authority to change the terms and conditions of the contract.

2.6 Control Line (fire line) - An inclusive term for all constructed or natural barriers and treated fire edges used to control a fire.

https://www.nwcg.gov/

2.7 Crew - Type 2 10-person - A firefighting unit consisting of 7 Firefighter Type 2 (FFT2), 2 Advanced Firefighter/Squad Bosses (FFT1), and 1 Crew Boss, Single Resource (CRWB), of whom 40% or more have at least one season of firefighting experience.

2.8 Heavy Equipment Operator - An experienced and competent heavy equipment operator. The operator must have experience on the equipment type and model provided by the Contractor.

2.9 Engine Boss - (ENGB) Each Engine Boss shall have met the training and experience requirements for Engine Boss and the performance tasks in PMS 311-14 (PTB) for ENGB. Operator will be properly licensed and endorsed for the equipment type and model they are operating.

2.10 Fire Crew Member (FFT2) - All other Crew Members shall have met the training requirements for Firefighter Type 2.

2.11 Firing Boss (FIRB) - FIRB oversees all aspects of ignition and provides direction to lighting crew during ignition of the unit.

Standard classification of position on fire projects as defined in the Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide published by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group, Publication Number PMS 310-1.

2.12 Fire Line - All constructed or natural barriers used to control a fire or stop fire spread to undesired areas.

2.13 Fireline Construction – Hand Line - Fire lines shall be cleared of all brush and debris for a minimum width of 8 ft. with the outer edge of the clearing inside the burn unit boundary. Debris for the clearing shall be scattered inside the burn unit to reduce the creation of a windrow of slash along the fire line. A continuous fire line, minimum of 18 inches wide (or as determined during project) shall be dug to mineral soil within the outer portion of the clearing. Any berms created during fire line construction shall be on the outside edge of the 18 inch line, away from the interior of the burn unit.

2.14 Fireline Construction – Machine Line - Fire lines shall be cleared of all brush and debris for a minimum width of 10 feet with the outer edge of the clearing inside the burn unit boundary. Debris from the clearing shall be scattered inside the burn unit to reduce the creation of a windrow of slash along the fire line. A continuous fire line approximately 6 feet wide (or as determined during project) for mechanical, shall be dug to mineral soil within the out portion of the clearing. Any berms created during fire line construction shall be on the outside edge of the fire line (mineral soil fire line), away from the interior of the burn unit.

2.15 Fuels Modification - Treatment of vegetative fuels to reduce adverse fire effects, limit rate of spread, and establish defensible areas by slashing shrubs, small vegetation and the pruning of live vegetation. Treated areas are usually along ridge lines, between separate stand and vegetative types, or adjacent to private property.

2.16 Fuels Pullback - Removing surface fuels from the base of standing trees and snags for a designated distance and removal of ladder fuels by pruning for a designated height.

2.17 Handheld Radio – A communication device capable of utilizing assigned radio frequencies. Standard FM radios for incident use are programable, multi-channel, handheld, battery powered,

2.18 Hazard Reduction - The planned treatment or manipulation of naturally growing vegetation or any other flammable material for the purpose of reducing rate of spread and output of heat energy from any wildfire occurring in the area treated.

2.19 Holding - Monitoring the burning area closest to the fire line to detect and extinguish fire, hot embers or smokes that are a threat of fire escaping fire line. Water, water-foam mixture and dirt may be used to extinguish burning material. Holding activities occur near the fire line, or in the event of dense smoke and reduced visibility, holding may occur in an area of improved visibility a short distance outside of the fire line. Holding distance from the fire line will be the expected spotting distance as described in the pre-operational briefing.

2.20 Holding Boss (Holding Specialist) - The individual who provides direction to those personnel responsible for holding the fire line during ignition and burn out period(s). Required individual qualifications are identified in the Prescribed Fire Plan and are based on the complexity of the prescribed burn.

2.21 Ignition - The act of starting the prescribed fire. Ignition devices that may be used are drip torches and fusees. Contractor will ensure any hand crew members assigned to ignition duties are trained and qualified to operate ignition devices safely and competently.

2.22 Jackpot Burn - Burning concentrations of fuels (jackpots) at a time or under conditions that won’t allow fire to spread from the target area.

2.23 Ladder Fuels - Fuels that provide vertical continuity between the ground and the tree crowns, thus creating a pathway for surface fire to move into the overstory tree crowns.

2.24 Mop-up - The act of extinguishing the prescribed fire after the initial burn period. Water, water-foam mixture and dirt may be used to extinguish burning material or burning material may be removed from near fire lines and located more interior of the burn unit, logs may be trenched to prevent rolling, and burning or burnt material may be carefully examined and monitored to ensure it is extinguished. The minimum performance level for mop-up is 1/3 acre per person per 8-hour day.

2.25 Patrol - Similar to holding activities except that patrolling begins after the ignition has been completed. Patrolling may occur immediately after ignition, during subsequent burn periods or after ignitions have been completed.

2.26 Prescribed (RX) Burning - Controlled application of fire to wildland fuels in either their natural or modified state, under specified environmental conditions which allow the fire to be confined to a predetermined area and at the same time to produce the intensity of heat and rate of spread required to attain planned resource management and prescribed burn objectives. Types of prescribed burning include pile burning, jackpot burning, underburning or broadcast burning.

2.27 Prescribed Fire Burn Boss (RXB2 or RXB3) - Is responsible for the organizing and management of all personnel and equipment on the burn project and for meeting prescribed burn objectives. Standard classifications of positions on fire projects are defined in the National Wildfire Coordinating Group Wildland Fire Qualifications Subsystem Guide (PMS 310-1, NFES 1414). Available under “Qualifications” at the following website: http://www.nwcg.gov.

2.28 Prescribed Fire Plan - Also called the Burn Plan. This is a written plan which includes burn area description, resource and prescribed fire objectives, fuels description, weather and fuel parameters, acceptable fire behavior, smoke management and other considerations, ignition schedule, ignition and holding plan, safety considerations, workforce and equipment needs, unit maps, escape contingency plan, crew briefing and go/no go checklist, and the complexity rating of the burn project. The plan shall be reviewed and approved prior to implementation.

2.29 Project Area - The area being treated as identified in the task order.

2.30 Pruning - Removal of live and dead limbs from standing trees for a specified height for the purpose of removing ladder fuels.

Pruned material is usually pulled back from the tree bole for a specified distance and scattered within the burn unit.

2.31 Quality Assurance - The government procedures to verify that services being performed by the Contractor are performed according to acceptable standards.

2.32 Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) - An organized written document specifying the Government’s surveillance methodology to be used for surveillance of contractor performance.

2.33 Quality Control - All necessary measures taken by the Contractor to assure that the quality of an end product or service shall meet contract requirements.

2.34 Single Resource Crew Boss (CRWB) - Responsible for supervising and directing a fire suppression hand crew. The Crew Boss shall have met the training and experience requirements for Single Resource - Crew Boss and the performance tasks in PMS 311-13 (PTB) for CRWB.

2.35 Skidgen Operator – (EQOP) - An experienced and competent skidgen operator. The skidgen operator must have experience on the equipment type and model provided by the Contractor.

2.36 Slash - Any cut vegetation or existing natural (dead and down) woody debris.

http://www.nwcg.gov/

2.37 Slopover - Fire that crosses an established control line but can be contained by personnel and equipment identified in the Prescribed Fire Plan (Contingency Plan).

2.38 Spot Fire - Any fire located outside of the prescribed burn unit caused by airborne fire brands (embers) or radiated heat emitted from the prescribed burn.

2.39 Squad Boss (FFT1) - Responsible for supervising and directing up to five fire crew members (FFT2). Each Squad Boss shall have met the training and experience requirements for Advanced Firefighter/Squad Boss and the performance tasks in PMS 311-14 (PTB) for FFT1.

2.40 Tender Operator (WTOP) - An experienced and competent tender operator. The tender operator must have experience on the equipment type and model provided by the contractor. Operator will be properly licensed and endorsed for the equipment type and model they are operating.

2.41 Water Tender - Self-propelled unit equipped with suitable tank, pump, pump power unit, valves, hose, suction line, and fittings for a water delivery system.

2.42 Water Delivery System - A system to deliver water to the fire line (i.e. Fold-A-Tank or equivalent) of a minimum of 1,000 gallon capacity or greater with associated pump(s), hoses and fittings to deliver water to specified locations.

2.43 Wildland Fire Incident Qualification Card (WFIQC) - Each CRWB/FIRB, FFT2, FFT1, WTOP and EQOP shall possess a valid WFIQC (also known as a Red Card) or similar official agency document issued by any of the NWCG member agencies in the western states (Oregon, Washington, California, Idaho, Nevada, Alaska, Arizona, Utah, and Montana) and have acceptable support documentation that the individual has met the training and experience requirements for such position(s).

The Government reserves the right to reject any CRWB/FIRB, FFT1, FFT2, WTOP or EQOP who is not in full compliance with the specifications listed above. In addition, failure of any personnel to demonstrate an ability to perform the tasks listed in the Position Task Book (PTB) for that individual’s position shall be cause for immediate release of that individual from the prescribed fire operation.

2.44 Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher - In addition to the training requirements for the CRWB, ENGB, FFT1, and FFT2 positions described above, Tender and Skidgen Operator, the Contractor shall ensure that all of its returning certified employees complete RT-130 Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher prior to a prescribed fire assignment. The Contractor shall place in the employee’s training file a course roster and training certificate, signed and dated after January 1 of the current calendar year, by the instructor that confirms firefighter attendance and completion of the required annual refresher training.

Wildland Fire Safety Training Annual Refresher must be at least six 6 hours in length and must include the following core topics:

Entrapment Avoidance – Use training and reference materials to study the risk management process (as identified in the Incident Response Pocket Guide) and rules of engagement (e.g., LCES, 10, 18, Look Up, Look Down, Look Around). Current Issues – Review and discuss identified “hot topics” and “national emphasis topics” including the “Do the Right Thing” video.

Review forecasts and assessments for the upcoming fire season and discuss implications for firefighter safety. Fire Shelter – review and discuss last resort survival. Conduct “hands-on” fire shelter inspections. Practice shelter deployments in applicable crew/module configurations. No “live fire” exercises for the purpose of fire shelter deployment training will be conducted.

Other Hazards and Safety Issues – Choose additional hazard and safety subjects, which could include SAFENET, current safety alerts, site/unit specific safety issues and hazards.

2.45 Wildlife Trees - Standing dead or live trees left for nesting, feeding, perching and shelter for birds and mammals. Trees may be marked with paint and/or designated with a tag stating it is a wildlife tree or as identified by the COR.

Part 3

Government-Furnished Documents, Property, Supplies, & Services

3.1 Government-Furnished Documents: The Government shall provide the following documents for each task order.

a. Applicable prescribed burn unit maps with previously identified boundaries, applicable road numbers or names, critical holding points and locations specifying where work is to be completed, such as, fire line construction that will be provided to Contractor key personnel.

b. A copy of the completed and signed prescribed fire burn plan, if contractor will be responsible for full prescribed burn planning and implementation.

3.2 Government-Furnished Property: The Contractor shall be liable for all loss or damage of Government-furnished property until return and COR acceptance of property. The Government will provide the following property to the Contractor for use in the performance of this contract.

a. Keys for locked Government gates.

3.3 Government-Furnished Supplies: The Government shall provide the following supplies for each task order.

a. For prescribed burn support projects, the government will furnish the contractor with drip torches and burn fuel for refilling drip torches used for ignition devices.

3.4 Government-Furnished Services: The Government shall provide the following services for each task order.

a. The Government shall obtain prescribe burn clearance from the appropriate state air quality regulatory agency.

3.5 Government-Furnished Campsites: The Forest Service (FS) and BLM may have various camping opportunities available.

The Contractor must notify the COR if camping opportunities are wanted. The COR will check to see if camping opportunities are available. If available, the COR will provide the contractor with the local FS or BLM unit for camping requirements, camping permits, and local fire restriction policies. If camps will be used to house workers subject to MSPA, they are also subject to the temporary labor camp standards at 29 CFR 1910.142. The Government reserves the right to terminate a camping permit at any time.

a. Every structure used as shelter must provide protection from the elements. Where adequate heat is not provided, make other arrangements to protect workers from the cold. Cut firewood only after a Firewood Permit is obtained, if required.

b. The campsite must not encroach beyond the boundaries designated by the Government. The campsite location must minimize impacts on streams, lakes, and other bodies of water. Camping may not be permitted within developed recreational sites or along primary recreational roads.

c. The campsite must have a clean appearance at all times. Upon abandonment of any campsite, or termination, revocation, or cancellation of camping privileges, the contractor shall remove, within 10 calendar days, all structures and improvements except those owned by the United States, and shall restore the site, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing or in the camping permit. Structures or improvements the contractor fails to remove within the 10-calendar day period becomes the property of the United States, however, the contractor remains liable for the cost of the removal and restoration of the site.

d. Unless otherwise designated by the CO, the use of the area is not exclusive and may be granted to other permittees, contractors, or recreating public. Disorderly conduct is not permitted.

e. Damaging or removing any natural feature or other property of the Government is prohibited.

f. Servicing of equipment in the campsite is not permissible unless the campsite is within the project area.

g. The Contractor will provide sanitary facilities for storing food. Provide ice chests or coolers, with ice supply made from potable water, and replenish as necessary. Provide sufficient storage for perishable food items. It may be required for food to be stored in secure boxes (i.e. bear boxes) and kept in vehicles to prevent animals from accessing food in some locations.

h. The Contractor will provide an adequate and convenient potable water supply in each camp for drinking and cooking purposes.

i. The Contractor will provide adequate toilet facilities and toilet paper for the capacity of the camp. Service and maintain facilities in a sanitary condition.

j. The Contractor shall collect, store, and dispose of garbage daily in a manner to discourage animal access, minimize attraction of flies, and prevent scattering by wind.

k. The Contractor shall maintain basic first aid supplies available, which must be under the charge of a person trained to administer first aid.

l. The Contractor shall wash laundry in such a way that washing and rinsing will not pollute lakes, streams, or other flowing water.

m. The Contractor shall dispose wastewater away from living and eating areas and in such a way that minimizes pollution to lakes, streams, and other flowing water.

n. The Contractor shall take all reasonable precautions to prevent and suppress forest fires. Do not dispose of material by burning in open fires during the closed season established by law or regulation without the written permission from the Forest Service.

o. If authorized to have an open fire, the Contractor shall comply with the following fire regulations: • A shovel, axe or Pulaski, a 10-quart pail, which is full of water for immediate use, and a fire extinguisher with an Underwriters Laboratory (UL) rating of at least 1:A 10:BC is required. The Contractor will follow campfire restriction guidelines for the location of camping.

1. All fire rings or outside fireplaces must be approved by the Forest Service representative. The area must be cleared down to mineral soil for a distance of one foot outside of the ring or fireplace, and it must not have any overhanging material. Fire rings must be dismantled and material disposed prior to leaving the site.

2. All generators and other internal combustion engines must be equipped with Forest Service approved spark arrestors and/or factory designed muffler and exhaust system in good working order. They will be located in a cleared area with the same requirements as in described in the previous paragraph.

3. All fuel must be stored in UL approved flammable storage containers and be located at least 50 feet from any open flame or other source of ignition. When fuel containers are stored on the ground, they must be on fuel absorbent pads.

Part 4

General Requirements for Work on the Forest

4.1 Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): The COR will be identified by separate letter. The COR monitors all technical aspects of the task order and assists in task order administration. The COR is authorized to perform the following functions:

assure that the Contractor performs the technical requirements of the task order, perform inspections necessary in connection with task order performance, maintain written and oral communications with the Contractor concerning technical aspects of the task order, issue written interpretations of technical requirements (including Government drawings, designs, and specifications), monitor Contractor's performance, notifies both the Contracting Officer and Contractor of any deficiencies, coordinate availability of government furnished property, and provide site entry of Contractor personnel. A letter of designation issued to the COR, a copy of which is sent to the Contractor, states the responsibilities and limitations of the COR. The COR is not authorized to change any of the terms and conditions of the resulting contract.

4.2 Quality Assurance: The government shall evaluate the contractor's performance under each task order in accordance with a quality assurance surveillance plan. This plan is primarily focused on what the government must do to ensure the contractor has performed in accordance with the performance standards. It defines how the performance standards will be applied, the frequency of surveillance, and the minimum acceptable defect rates.

4.3 Business Relations: The contractor shall successfully integrate and coordinate all activity needed to execute the requirement.

The contractor shall manage the timeliness, completeness, and quality of problem identification. The contractor shall provide corrective action plans, proposal submittals, timely identification of issues, and effective management of subcontractors. The contractor shall seek to ensure customer satisfaction and professional and ethical behavior of all contractor personnel.

4.4 Security Requirements: The contractor may leave its equipment and Government-furnished property at the work site. The contractor shall be responsible for the contractor’s equipment and Government-furnished property if it should be lost, stolen or damaged, unless the Government orders the material to be left unattended by the contractor, such as when the water delivery system is to be provided without crew support.

4.5 Safety: The Contractor shall develop a general safety plan that complies with or exceeds OSHA standards. It shall describe safety procedures for crew safety. Emergency numbers and communications shall be described in the plan. The plan shall be provided to the COR before any work begins. This plan shall be presented and reviewed by all crew members before work begins and be available to all crews at all sites during work periods. The plan shall also be available to the Government for inspection at any time.

4.5.1 In addition to the general Safety Plan, the Contractor shall have a site-specific Communication/Safety/Emergency Plan. The site-specific plan shall be a document giving location of operations, name and phone number of individuals to call in case of an emergency, phone number of nearest fire department, travel route(s) to project location(s), nearest hospital, and fire rescue and ambulance (EMS). If gate keys are needed, this document shall also include where they can be obtained. This plan shall be presented and reviewed by all crew members and be available to all crews at all sites during work periods. The plan shall also be available to the Government for inspection at any time.

4.5.2 Potential Safety Hazards: Data and information furnished or referred to below is for the Contractor's information. The Government shall not be responsible for any interpretation of or conclusion drawn from the data or information by the Contractor. This list shall not be deemed to be all inclusive. The Contractor shall bear the sole responsibility for taking all appropriate actions necessary to prevent accidents and injuries to individuals at the worksite. The following checked activities have been identified by the Government as potential safety hazards.

[X] Tree falling.

[X] Fall hazard from work heights exceeding six feet.

[X] Traffic control on high-volume and/or high-speed and/or limited visibility roads.

[X] Travel on decommissioned roads, i.e. roads with waterbars and other barriers

[X] Heavy equipment operation.

[ ] Tree climbing and/or tower climbing.

[X] Fire hazards.

[X] Hazardous materials handling.

[ ] Electrical hazard.

[X] Hydraulic and/or pneumatic and/or other high pressure hazards.

[ ] Mechanical hazards such as pulleys, springs, etc.

[X] Crossing streams-footing, fast water

[X] Carrying heavy loads over steep ground

[X] Other: uneven ground conditions

4.6 Fire Protection & Suppression

4.6.1 The Contractor shall preserve and protect all structures, equipment, and vegetation (such as trees, shrubs, and grass) on or adjacent to the work site, which are not to be removed and which do not unreasonably interfere with the work required under this contract. The Contractor shall only remove trees when specifically authorized to do so, and shall avoid damaging vegetation that will remain in place. If any limbs or branches of trees are broken during contract performance, or by the careless operation of equipment, or by workmen, the Contractor shall trim those limbs or branches with a clean cut and paint the cut with a tree-pruning compound as directed by the Contracting Officer’s Representative.

4.6.2 The Contractor shall protect from damage all existing improvements and utilities (1)at or near the work site, and (2) on adjacent property of a third party, the locations of which are made known to or should be known by the Contractor. The Contractor shall repair any damage to those facilities, including those that are the property of a third party, resulting from failure to comply with the requirements of this contract or failure to exercise reasonable care in performing the work. If the Contractor fails or refuses to repair the damage promptly, the Contracting Officer may have the necessary work performed and charge the cost to the Contractor.

4.6.3 The Contractor shall immediately extinguish all fires on the work site other than those fires in use as a part of the work.

4.6.4 The Contractor may be held liable for all damages and for all costs incurred by the Government for labor, subsistence, equipment, supplies and transportation deemed necessary to control or suppress a fire set or caused by the Contractor or the Contractor's agents or employees.

4.6.5 The Contractor shall immediately notify the Government of any fires sighted on or in the vicinity of the work site.

4.7 Use of Biobased Products

4.7.1 The Contractor shall utilize products and material made from biobased materials to the maximum extent possible without jeopardizing the intended end use or detracting form the overall quality delivered of the end user. All supplies and materials shall be of a type and quality that conform to applicable Federal Specifications and standards. All supplies and materials to be used in the performance of work described herein are subject to the approval of the Contracting Officer’s Representative.

4.7.2 The following is an example list of products that may be used in this contract for which biobased products are available. The list is not all inclusive. It is desirable that vendors be able to supply the greatest number of biobased products listed meeting the health and environmental specifications.

a. Chain and Cable Lubricants

b. Greases

c. Penetrating Lubricants

4.7.3 The Contractor shall comply with the provision of FAR 52.223-1, Biobased Product Certification, and clause FAR 52.223-2, Affirmative Procurement of Biobased Products Under Service and Construction Contracts. The guide to minimum biobased content may be found at the following: http://www.BioPreferred.gov/BioPreferred/faces/pages/ProductCategories.xhtml.

4.8 Personal Protective Equipment

4.8.1 Personal protective equipment, including personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head, and extremities shall be provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary by reason of hazards or processes encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body. The contractor will provide training to their employees in the safe operation and use of equipment being used. Defective or damaged personal protective equipment shall not be used.

4.8.2 The contractor shall provide, at no cost to the employee, to each employee who operates a chain saw, chain saw chaps and assure the chaps are worn during saw operations. These chaps must be approved by Underwriters Laboratory or meet Forest Service specification 6170-47. The chaps shall cover the full length of the thigh to the top of the boot on each leg and be washed or replaced if they have any evidence of damage or heavily soiled with oil or lubricants.

4.8.3 The contractor shall assure that each employee wears foot protection that provides adequate traction and ankle support and must meet OAR 437-007-1320. Employees operating chain saws shall wear foot protection that is constructed with cut-resistant material which will protect the employee against contact with a running chain saw.

4.8.4 The contractor shall provide, at no cost to the employee, and assure that each employee who works in an area where there is potential for head injury from falling objects or flying objects wears a hard hat that meets the minimum requirements of American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard Z89.1-1977 and meets the NFPA 1977 (1998 edition) standard.

4.8.5 The contractor shall provide, at no cost to the employee, eye protection where there is potential for eye injury due to flying objects. This eye protection must meet the minimum requirements of ANSI standard Z87.1-2003.

4.8.6 The contractor shall provide, at no cost to the employee, hearing protection where there is a potential for hearing loss due to high intensity noise i.e., chain saw or pump operation.

Part 5

Specific Tasks, Deliverables, & Performance Standards

5.1 Prescribed Fire Modules

Prescribed Fire Modules may be ordered by the Government for unit(s) when the Government is conducting prescribed fire and needs assistance in one or more prescribed fire operations. These operations include the following: ignition assistance, holding assistance, pile burning, burned unit patrol, mop-up of burned unit(s) and prescribed fire preparation to include existing fire line improvement, fire line construction and fuels pull back. Prescribed Fire Modules can be ordered for any one of the above operations, a combination, or all the operations. The government will provide all burn bosses. The government will monitor burn windows and provide a reporting location for any module requested to assist with prescribed burning. Notification for assistance will occur within 16 hours of desired reporting time. If a burn window is postponed, 6 hours notice will be given.

During ignition operations, the Contractor's crew supervisor shall maintain contact at all times with the Government representative through mutually-agreed-upon communications system.

Modules may conduct holding operations as necessary in accordance with the prescribed fire plan. Relocation of personnel and equipment may be required as ignition and burnout progress. The Contractor's crew supervisor shall recognize the need for and http://www.biopreferred.gov/BioPreferred/faces/pages/ProductCategories.xhtml make such relocations, dependent upon on-site weather and fire conditions and direction from the burn boss. Holding typically is not necessary when pile burning during winter conditions.

Extinguish any fire outside the fire line of the unit, or unit boundary, and promptly report this to the COR at the site. A fire line shall be constructed completely around fire inside the unit actively spreading away from piles, slop-over, and/or spot fires outside the primary unit boundaries. The minimum shall be a fire line scraped to mineral soil 18 inches in width with all overhanging combustible material cleared for 3 feet on either side, and 6 feet overhead.

Do not fell any reserved trees which may have fire in them without written approval of the COR.

Mop-up shall be performed in accordance with 5.2, Standard Mop-Up and Patrol.

The Government will inspect patrol and mop-up operations to determine compliance with the required mop-up standards.

Levels of difficulty for Prescribed Fire Modules will be identified in the task order and consist of modules of various amounts and types of resources required on a Daily Rate to meet the unit objectives. Work assignments will average 8 to 12 hours per day. Individual assignments may range from as few as 3 hours and shall not exceed 16 hours per day. All water delivery vehicles shall be full of water prior to arrival to the work site.

a. Level II Prescribed Fire Module – Engine Module - Consisting of one (1) Engine, minimum Type VI (250 gallons), with operator and assistant.

b. Level VI Prescribed Fire Module – Ten-Person Module – Consisting of one Crew Boss (CRWB), two Squad Bosses (FFT1) and seven crew members (FFT2), equipment and transportation.

5.1.1 Performance Standards

Should the Contractor (1) fail to provide the ordered services; (2) quit work early or leave work before being released, or (3) fail to complete the project as specified in the Daily Shift Plan Objectives, the task order may be considered in default. Payment will be made for work completed.

Extended Hours - subitems with a daily rate unit of issue, for which services are provided beyond 12 hours, but not to exceed 24 hours in a day, will be paid an additional daily rate. For example, if the Contractor satisfactorily works 16 hours in one day, then they may invoice for a quantity of two days.

Start-Work Procedures - The COR will notify the Contractor via telephone or direct communications of the Level of Difficulty Modules required and the type of prescribed fire operation to be performed. The Contractor shall notify the COR of any concerns or questions regarding understanding of, or Contractor’s ability to successfully achieve, the Prescribed Fire Plan or Module(s) Daily Shift Plan Objectives, Standards, and Assignments. This notification shall occur at the time of ordering, briefing, or anytime during the shift. Depending on the prescribed fire operation, a briefing will be held via telephone or direct communication. The briefing can be held on or in the vicinity of the work site, at the agency office, or other agreed-upon location. The Contractor shall be required to respond and arrive at the agreed upon location at a specified time for the briefing.

At the briefing, the Government will provide the Contractor with the following:

a. See items listed in Section 3.1a and 3.1b.

b. Briefing on Prescribed Fire Plan and Objectives, Standards, and Assignments for ignition and holding assistance.

c. Module(s) Daily Shift Plan Objectives, Standards, and Assignments for patrol and mop-up assistance.

d. Communications instructions and chain of command.

e. Identification of any priorities.

f. Safety concerns and issues.

g. Target Completion Time, anticipated length of shift.

5.1.2 Performance Standards

The following are the descriptions of requirements for personnel, transportation, engines, water tenders, and equipment for each of the Levels of Difficulty Modules.

a. Level II, Type VI Engine, Minimum of 250 Gallons.

1. Engine - Self-propelled unit equipped with a minimum of 250-gallon water tank and pump capable of pumping a minimum 30 gallons per minute at 150 psi through 1/4-inch nozzle at the end of a 50-foot length of 1 inch hose and equipped with minimum of 200 feet of 1-inch rubber hose or cotton/synthetic lined hose, on a live reel, and additional hose to reach a total of 1,500 feet. Additional hose can be 1-inch or 1 and one-half inch cotton/synthetic jacket rubber lined hose, appropriate fittings, and at least 2 nozzles. Operator and assistant - two people total.

2. Equipment:

Handheld Radio - 1

Pulaski – 2

Shovel – 1

Fedcos or equivalent backpack water pump – 1

Chainsaw – 1

b. Level VI – Ten (10) person Crew Module

1. Ten (10) persons, at least one qualified as CRWB (Crewboss) and two qualified as FFT1 (Squad Boss)

2. Transportation – 2-3 vehicles

3. Equipment:

Handheld Radio - 3

Pulaski – 8

Shovel – 2

Fedco or equivalent backpack water pump – 10

Chainsaw - 2

Ignition Assistance: This prescribed fire operation involves the direct igniting of fuels, usually with a drip torch. Ignition assistance by the Contractor shall be from crew members from the Ten-Person Crew Modules. When the Government is ordering Prescribed Fire Modules to assist in ignition operations, the Government will provide Prescribed Fire Burn Boss, Firing Boss, Holding Specialist, drip torches and ignition fuel. The Government may also provide crew members. The Contractor’s crew supervisor shall maintain contact at all times with the Firing Boss through mutually agreed upon communications system.

Holding Assistance: This prescribed fire operation can involve any of the Prescribed Fire Modules. Holding operations shall be conducted in accordance with the prescribed fire plan. Relocation of personnel and equipment may be required as ignition and burnout progress. The Contractor’s crew supervisor shall recognize the need for and make such relocations, dependent upon on-site weather and fire conditions and direction from the burn boss.

Extinguish any fire outside the fire line of the unit, or unit boundary, and promptly report this to the COR at the site. A fire line shall be constructed completely around any fire, slopover, or spot fire outside the primary unit boundary. The minimum shall be a fire line scraped to mineral soil 18 inches in width with all overhanging material cleared for three feet on either side, and six feet overhead.

Do not fell any reserved trees or snags which may have fire in them without approval from the COR.

Mop-up shall be performed in accordance with 5.2, Standard Mop-Up and Patrol.

Patrol Assistance: The prescribed fire operation can involve Crew Modules or Engine Modules or a combination of both. Patrol includes checking previously burned units for visible smokes or hot spots and the areas surrounding the previously burned units for spot fires or slopovers and taking mop-up…