Attachment_1_-_Pine_Creek_Plant_Material_SOW_6_MAR_24.pdf

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS

(PLANT MATERIAL)

PART 1: GENERAL

1.1 SUMMARY

This will be a multiple year contract in which the contractor will grow the plant material identified in Tables 1 and

2. Additionally, the contractor will provide delivery to and installation of said plant material (excluding the Tex

Creek Mountain Big Sagebrush) to the Pine Creek project area (see Attached Map) in the fall of 2024 and 2025. The contractor will furnish all labor, equipment, material, and supplies to grow, deliver, and install, to the specifications identified, the plant material listed in Tables 1 and 2. The same quantity of plant material will be supplied in 2025 as in 2024. Plant material delivery and installation will not be needed for the Tex Creek Mountain Big Sagebrush plant material and shall therefore only be considered for the Pine Creek designated plant material.

1.2 PERFORMANCE PERIOD

The planned period of performance for this contract is May 1, 2024 – November 30, 2025. The REQUIRED start of planting operations for this contract is November 1, 2024 – November 10, 2024, and November 1, 2025 – November

10, 2025, for each of the planting years respectively. The contractor shall complete planting operations within 20 calendar days once planting is initiated following notification from the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) that planting conditions are favorable. Planting operations shall be completed no later than November 30 of each respective planting year.

At the post-award conference, the Contractor shall provide the COR a written “work progress plan” that details the plant material to be supplied, species of plant material, timeframe for performance, delivery, and installation within the contract performance time.

1.3 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

The government will furnish cleaned, high PLS Antelope Bitterbrush and Mountain Big Sagebrush seed for the 2024 and 2025 grow out.

PART 2: GROWING OPERATIONS

2.1 STANDARDS

A. Standards: Supply plant material quantities detailed in Table 1 and Table 2 from seed furnished by the Government. The same quantity will be supplied in both project years.

(i) All 60-cubic-inch containerized shrub seedlings will have a minimum of 12-inches above ground growth with more than 50% of the crown in full leaf vigor.

(ii) All 7-cubic-inch and 10-cubic-inch containerized seedlings will have a minimum of 5-inches above ground growth with more than 50% of the crown in full leaf vigor.

B. In the event the contractor overproduces the given supply variation (20%), the Government is not obligated to buy the additional quantities. The Government, however, may choose to purchase the additional trees or shrubs at the unit price bid.

C. The contractor shall provide monthly greenhouse updates on seedling progress with pictures representative of individual seedling and overall progress. The contractor shall do a seedling inventory by August 11, 2024, and 2025 to determine estimated number of seedlings to be provided. Contractor shall send this estimate to the Government by August 18, 2024, and 2025.

The Government will have the option to inspect the Contractor's greenhouse and plant material before, during, and after completion of this contract to verify growing progress.

D. All plants shall be hardened off in climatic conditions similar to the planting sites, located in southeast Idaho.

E. Plants shall be culled and graded to specifications above to ensure that they meet specifications.

Only plants that meet specification shall be purchased and installed.

F. Plants shall be well shaped, vigorous, and healthy with a well-developed and healthy root system comprised of firm, white, and well branched roots forming a sufficiently bound root ball. The plants should be free from disease, harmful insect and insect eggs, sunscald injury, disfigurement, or abrasion.

G. Plants shall be free of shock or damage to branches, trunk, or root systems, which may occur from shipment.

H. Plants shall be grown in 7-cubic-inch, 10-cubic-inch, or 60-cubic-inch containers.

I. All plants shall have fibrous roots and be well established in containers to be easily removed from containers while maintaining their shape and intact root mass.

J. Plants shall not have broken roots or broken container. Plants with inadequate above ground growth, poor root development or color, are pot bound, or have an excessive amount of circling or exposed roots will be rejected.

PART 3: CONTRACTOR OBLIGATIONS

Contractor shall supply, deliver, and install plant material products on specified restoration and rehabilitation areas located on lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) Upper Snake Field Office (USFO). Plant material may be rejected by the Government should they be unsuitable for their intended purpose. The Contractor shall furnish, except for Government-furnished property, all labor, equipment, supervision, supplies, and incidentals.

All federal and state rules and regulations will be followed as well as appropriate federal agency jurisdictional guidelines unique to each agency.

A. Contractor shall:

(i) Have a growing facility located within 100-miles of Idaho Falls, ID, and provide all labor, supervision, equipment and supplies necessary to cultivate and produce locally acclimated plant materials specified in Table 1 and Table 2. A fully implemented irrigation system will be required.

(ii) Contractor must provide/supply seedling stock for serviceberry, chokecherry, and snowberry grow out operations.

(a) If needed, snowberry cutting collection sites on BLM lands will be identified after the contract is awarded. These sites will be near the project locations in the Upper Snake

Field Office. A BLM collection permit will be granted to the contractor at no cost to the contractor. Collection permits outside of BLM lands will be the responsibility of the contractor.

(iii) Be a qualified nursery producer/manager with a suitable level of experience in tree, shrub, grass or forb seed germination and plant production. Nursery must have a valid nursery license issued by the State of Idaho Department of Agriculture.

(iv) Perform all work for BLM in compliance with Department of Agriculture state laws, all

Federal and local laws related to the production and transport of plant material.

PART 4: GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

Upon award, the Government shall furnish the contractor the following property and supplies. This is “Government

Furnished Property.” The USFO will supply the following property, supplies, and services:

A. Locally collected Antelope Bitterbrush and Mountain Big Sagebrush seed, as needed, for species specific custom grow outs.

B. A BLM Representative (COR/PI) will be available for technical guidance regarding the contract.

Regular communications between the BLM representatives and the contractor will alleviate any problems or delays.

PART 5: DISTRIBUTION, INSTALLATION AND CARE OF SEEDLINGS

5.1 SEEDLING CARE – SEEDLING CACHES (TEMPORARY STORAGE)

A. A Government Official shall approve all seedling temporary storage sites. Overnight storage will be cleared by the COR/PI.

B. Seedlings stored in boxes, bags, or bundles shall not be exposed to direct sunlight. Punctured or torn bags or boxes must be promptly resealed. Containers of seedlings shall be opened only in full shade.

C. Seedlings shall not be removed from shipping containers until needed for preparation for planting.

5.2 SEEDLING CARE (FIELD HANDLING)

The contractor shall adhere to the following specifications for care and protection of seedlings:

A. Seedlings shall not be handled in any manner that may cause injury to the seedlings.

B. Frozen seedlings shall not be handled until completely thawed and shall be thawed in full shade.

C. Seedlings removed from cold storage facilities shall not stand or lay in water or snow or be covered directly with snow.

D. Seedlings shall be protected at all times from drying, heating, smothering, freezing, crushing, drowning, abrasion, rapid temperature fluctuations, and contact with injurious substances such as petroleum products or petroleum product residues.

E. If the Contractor notices dryness of roots, mold, or other evidence of damage to seedlings, he/she will immediately notify the COR/PI.

5.3 SEEDLING DELIVERY

A. The Contractor will be required to protect seedlings from damage while loading and in transit to project location.

B. The contractor will stage seedlings at a pre-approved point on or near the project site unless other arrangements are approved by a COR/PI. Seedlings must be protected against damage to tops and roots, including damage from freezing, heating, and drying as indicated in the following requirements.

C. Delivery of seedlings to the drop off point (Staging Area) locations shall be done by the

Contractor. Pick up of the Mountain Big Sagebrush seedlings will be coordinated by the government upon notification by the contractor that the seedlings are available. Mountain Big

Sagebrush seedlings will need to be made available no later than October 1st of each year.

D. Upon arrival at the planting site, seedlings shall be stored in a manner that protects them from frost and wind and provides for proper air circulation around seedlings. Seedlings shall not be allowed to stand or lay in water or directly on snow. Seedlings that are frozen shall not be handled until completely thawed. They shall be thawed in full shade.

5.4 INSTALLATION REQUIRERMENTS

A. Crew Requirements. The contractor will be required to supply a crew to complete the work. The crew is responsible for maintaining a safe working environment following OSHA standards.

Personnel involved with the execution of this contract shall be experienced and qualified in the type of work required.

B. Crew Foreman.

(i) A crew foreman must be on-site directing work at all times. This person will also serve as an on the ground contact person for the COR/PI. Failure to maintain a crew foreman will result in suspension of work until a crew foreman is provided. A maximum of five (5) days will be allowed to produce a qualified foreman. Failure to produce a qualified on-the-ground foreman within five days may result in the Contracting Officer (CO) issuing a

Suspend Work Order. CO and COR must be informed of any changes in Crew Foreman.

C. Work Camps.

(i) Camping on agency-administered lands will only be allowed in approved sites and with the prior written authorization of the responsible land manager. Should such a work camp be authorized, the Contractor shall maintain the camp in an orderly and sanitary manner.

All fire regulations and permits shall be followed. All garbage and refuse shall be removed from the camp site(s) by the Contractor and properly disposed of offsite before final payment is made.

D. Work Hours.

(i) No work will be done on legal National Holidays unless authorized by the COR.

E. Salvage Rights.

(i) No salvage rights will be allowed.

PART 6: SEEDLING INSTALATION/PLANTING SPECIFICATIONS

A. The Contractor shall uniformly plant shrubs. Shrubs will be planted on public lands within the

Pine Creek project area. The Contractor shall furnish all equipment, labor, supplies, and materials required to complete the job.

B. Seedlings

i. The Contractor shall load and deliver seedlings to the project site and shall be responsible for the protection from loss or damage due to weather, mold, rodents, insects, theft, or any other hazard. The contractor shall only take as many seedlings as he/she feels can be successfully planted per day. The remaining seedlings would be kept in cold storage, to reduce the potential for damage until they are needed.

C. Planting Conditions – Timing

i. Seedlings shall not be planted when the ground is frozen or if there is snow unless permission is given by the COR in writing. Ultimately, the planting shall be accomplished in such manner as to provide the shrubs the best opportunity for survival

(i.e., full soil to root contact, proper planting hole depth and orientation to prevent "J-rooting", proper plant spacing, etc.). The Contractor shall complete planting within 20 calendar days after the COR has notified the contractor that favorable conditions have been met. The Contractor shall be prepared to commence planting around the estimated start of the planting operations and shall ensure timely communication with the COR to ensure timely performance. This narrow window of performance is required to take advantage of shrub dormancy ensuring shrubs retain their integrity. This performance window is subject to potential weather conditions that may prevent planting (i.e., frozen ground). The Contractor would be well advised to consider the appropriate labor requirements to meet the 20-day performance window.

D. Planting Areas

i. Actual planting locations will be identified at the pre-work meeting.

Actual planting locations and number of seedlings planted per location within the project area will depend on site conditions. All of the shrubs should be planted within the identified locations, however if site conditions limit the number of shrubs that can be planted within these areas, the COR or PI will designate additional or alternate planting areas within the project area.

E. Planting Specifications

i. Every attempt should be made to uniformly plant shrubs at a minimum of 5-foot centers

(5’ apart). The shrubs shall be planted so that the entire root length is buried in the ground. The roots shall be inserted into an adequately deep hole 11”-15” made by an earth auger, planting bar or similar type device. Holes will be large enough and deep enough to insert plant roots without bending or crushing root fibers. All plant roots will be inserted vertically into the hole, with roots straight to avoid "J-rooting” of seedling plants (roots bent at the tip due to shallow hole). Plant roots will be completely surrounded by soil so that no roots are exposed to air. Soil around plant roots will be loose enough so that roots will thrive and grow, yet compacted enough so that there is no air contact to roots. No scalping will be required but seedlings shall be planted in

“interspaces” and away from existing shrubs and trees. Attempts will be made to keep any unnecessary soil disturbance to a minimum. Shrubs shall remain in storage until the day they are planted to maintain dormancy. Any extra plants not planted will be stored in cool, dry location each day.

PART 7: INSPECTION

A. The Government will inspect seedlings and final plant installation to determine compliance with specifications and to provide the basis for computing the rate of payment. Inspections will consist of observations of seedling storage and handling, and examination of individual seedlings.

B. Determination of the acceptability of the work performed will be based on these inspections, which will be considered conclusive, except as otherwise provided in the contract. The Contractor or designated representative is encouraged to observe inspections while they are underway.

C. Seedlings that are handled in a manner inconsistent with these specifications will be declared

“wasted” seedlings and may result in assessment of liquidated damages against the Contractor.

D. Seedling counts will be conducted randomly on packaged seedlings to ensure actual packaged seedlings match the quantities given by the contractor.

E. Based on inspection results, if unit(s) fall below the treatment specifications, the COR will immediately notify the Contractor, in writing, and instruct the Contractor to improve the quality of the work. If the quality of the work is not raised to the minimum specification, the CO may issue a suspend work order to resolve the problem, during which time contract performance time will continue to run.

F. The Contractor will notify the COR whenever he/she intends to cease operations for three or more days and will notify the COR before starting operations after a shutdown of three or more days.

PART 8: ACCEPTANCE

A. Acceptable Quality Level (AQL)

(i) Shrub spacing would be no less than 5’ (planted on 5’ centers).

(ii) The required number of seedlings are planted per planting area on the following Pine

Creek project areas.

(a) Pine Creek North (2024)

i. 25,000 Bitterbrush Seedings

ii. 25,000 Sagebrush Seedings

iii. 3,750 Chokecherry

iv. 3,750 Serviceberry

v. 1,500 Snowberry

(b) Dry Canyon South (2024)

i. 25,000 Bitterbrush Seedings

ii. 25,000 Sagebrush Seedings

iii. 3,750 Chokecherry

iv. 3,750 Serviceberry

v. 1,500 Snowberry

(c) Pine Creek North (2025)

i. 25,000 Bitterbrush Seedings

ii. 25,000 Sagebrush Seedings

iii. 3,750 Chokecherry

iv. 3,750 Serviceberry

v. 1,500 Snowberry

(d) Dry Canyon South (2025)

i. 25,000 Bitterbrush Seedings

ii. 25,000 Sagebrush Seedings

iii. 3,750 Chokecherry

iv. 3,750 Serviceberry

v. 1,500 Snowberry

(iii) 99% of the shrubs are planted correctly with no exposed roots, all shoots are vertical and that the root apical meristem is pointed down and not “J-rooted” prior to roots being covered by soil.

(iv) Roots have been adequately covered and have proper soil to root contact.

B. Unsatisfactory Work Quality

(i) Based on inspection results, if unit(s) fall below the treatment specifications, the COR will immediately notify the Contractor, in writing, and instruct the Contractor to improve the quality of the work. If the quality of the work is not raised to the minimum specification, the CO may issue a suspend work order to resolve the problem, during which time contract performance time will continue to run.

C. Final payment shall not be granted until project is complete to the satisfactory quality standard.

D. Work Stoppages

(i) The Government reserves the right to stop operations at any time when conditions are considered sufficiently unfavorable and warrant stoppage. The COR may order a cessation of work if vehicles are operated on roads within the work area when ground or weather conditions cause or lead to loss of traction. Such conditions usually develop where frozen ground is thawing, when snow is melting, and during or immediately following rainstorms. Stoppage shall continue until operations are again authorized by the

Government. Any soil and ground disturbance caused by equipment during and after operations will be rehabilitated. Because of the nature of the work, any time for which work is suspended by the Government because of unsuitable conditions, will not be counted against the contract completion time. However, no monetary compensation will be given to the Contractor by reason of such work suspension.

E. Notification of Cessation or Restart of Work

(i) The Contractor will notify the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) whenever he/she intends to cease operations for three or more days and will notify the COR before starting operations after a shutdown of three or more days.

PART 9: COMPLETION OF CONTRACT

F. The contract will be considered completed and payment due when:

(i) All shrubs/trees have been grown and picked up (Tex Creek) and delivered and installed at the designated project locations (Pine Creek), to the identified standards/specifications;

or if performance under the contract is ordered terminated by the Government.

(ii) A final report with map is received by the government with all GPS shapefiles as stated above.

PART 10: PAYMENT

A. Payment will be based on the contractor providing the desired seedlings and installation requirements that meet the standards outlined above and are installed at the timeframe and location specified between the BLM and contractor.

B. The government will permit the contractor to submit annual invoices for the plant material produced, delivered, and installed during the project year.

C. Invoices shall provide a statement of actual costs in sufficient detail to allow the Government to evaluate the reasonableness of the charges. Itemized information shall include, without limitation:

the Contract number, project name/number, vendor invoice number, the billing period, and plant materials installed. An itemized plant material list identifying plant species, size, quantity, and unit price(s) shall be provided.

D. Final invoices shall be submitted via the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) once services are rendered for the project year. See FAR 52.212-4(g) for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) requirements. www.ipp.gov.