Attachment 1 Statement of Work.docx

Solicitation No. 1284LM23Q0014 Attachment 1: Statement of Work

STATEMENT OF WORK

1. Scope of Contract

The U.S. Forest Service requires deferred trail maintenance on trails across the Flathead National Forest. This project is one of the implementation projects of the Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA). The goal of the GAOA project is to reduce deferred maintenance of recreation infrastructure.

The resultant award will require performance of trail maintenance work on the Flathead National Forest. The work involves performing Specification Clearing on select non-wilderness trails on Hungry Horse-Glacier View Ranger District that have not been maintained in some time. The type of work includes “Logging Out” all downed or leaning trees within the clearing limits, removing sticks, and re-cutting previously cut logs that do not meet clearing specification and standards. Trail clearing standards, specifications and performance requirements are detailed herein. Contractors are required to complete work to meet these specifications and performance requirements as explained in Sections 7 and 8.

The Contractor shall provide all expertise, labor, supervision, services, equipment, mobilization, tools, supplies, permits, licenses, transportation, and incidentals necessary to perform trail clearing, for which the desired outcome is in accordance with the Standard Trail Plans and Specifications. Trails in this contract were last maintained between 2011 and 2021. The amount of work required to successfully perform trail clearing will vary widely. Trails that have not seen maintenance for a long time or have been affected by fire or bug killed trees can have significantly increased workload. It is the quoter’s responsibility to consider trail conditions prior to submitting a quote. Prospective contractors should submit quotes that capture this consideration as part of that Item’s quote.

The terrain is characterized by very steep and deeply dissected topography. Weather conditions in this area are unpredictable and may include thunder, lightning storms, and wind. These conditions are already accommodated in the delivery schedule. Quoters may encounter tread conditions caused by natural events that may constitute a change. See also section 3, Catastrophic Situations. Conditions on the trails will vary regarding the amount and size of downed or leaning trees, the extent to which brush has grown into the trail corridor and conditions of the tread and trail surface.

Standing dead trees, often referred to as “snags”, occur throughout the Forest environment. They can fall to the ground unpredictably. Trail clearing may require that “snags” be cut, either from a leaning position above the ground or as a downed tree. Some weather conditions may increase snag instability. Trail maintenance contractors need to evaluate the hazard posed by snags for personal safety particularly during windy conditions.

These tasks shall be completed by the dates shown in Section 2, Location and Description, snow melt and other access conditions permitting. All laws, rules and regulations pertaining to travel restrictions and other activities on National Forest lands shall be adhered to during the performance of the work. Examples are weed free hay requirements, travel restrictions in effect in certain areas, and food storage requirements.

2. Location and Description

This project is located on Hungry Horse-Glacier View Ranger District on Flathead National Forest in Flathead County, Montana. See Attachment 2: 2023 HHGV Trail Clearing Map.

If the contractor has trouble locating a trail or sections of a trail, they shall contact the COR and request assistance in trail/section identification prior to proceeding.

Trail names, total length in miles, date of last known maintenance, and beginning/ending terminus are outlined below:

District

jct. with TR #26

NOTE: The contractor shall coordinate with the designated Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) at least one week prior to beginning work on Pioneer Ridge Trail #71 to ensure the Jewel Basin boundary is well understood and/or marked on the ground.

3. “Catastrophic” Situations

The Contractor may encounter trail conditions caused by natural events that may be outside the scope of this contract. In the past this has included, but may not be limited to, massive snow avalanches, or stream flooding which results in lost trail tread. These situations would be considered “catastrophic” and may constitute a Changed Condition, outside the workload normally encountered. The Contracting Officer may, in writing, order changes within the general scope of the contract if it is determined that the section of trail in question can be made operable with existing contractor resources during the life of this contract.

4. Blazing Trees

Blazing trees is prohibited. See 36 CFR § 261.9(a). Contractors shall comply with all regulations relevant to Forest Service administered lands. If the contractor is not able to locate/follow a trail, they shall contact the COR for assistance PRIOR to proceeding.

5. Government-Furnished Property

Gate key

6. Damages

The charge rate for Government-Furnished proerty that is not returned, or is returned in unusable condition, is as follows:

Gate key: $500.00 each

7. Performance Requirements

Performance is based on the elements of Trail Clearing. See Attachment 3: Clearing Limits-Trees Logs (STD 912-01).

Clearing Limits-Trees and Logs - STD_912-01:

Clearing Method: Clearing Type: (C7) Specification Clearing = trees, sticks, previously cut trees.

Clearing Limits: (A) downhill width is 4 feet, (B) uphill width is 4 feet, and (C) clearing height is 10 feet.

Leave Trees: (D) not applicable Clear Zone: (E) downhill width 12 inches (F) uphill width 18 inches and (G) maximum obstruction height is 24 inches Stumps: (H) maximum height is 12 inches as measured from uphill side.

Hazard Tree: N/A not applicable.

Disposal Method: (D2) Scatter, preferably on fill slope.

8. Specification Clearing:

Work consists of removing all downed or leaning trees, logs, or parts of trees/logs (attached or not attached to their root systems, live, dead or burned), and previously cut trees that extend across or into the trail clearing limits (height and width). Removal includes main bole, limbs, branches, bark, heavy concentrations of needles and other woody debris resulting from the tree falling or leaning into the trail clearing limits. Remove other sticks or wood chunks exceeding 2 inches in diameter and 12 inches in length that have fallen onto the trail bed.

Fell all trees over 4 inches in diameter that are leaning into the clearing limits. Stump height of leaning trees that are cut outside the clearing limits shall not exceed 12 inches as measured on the uphill side of the stump.

Remove roots and stumps from trees within the trailway that have been uprooted.

Rerouting the trail around windfalls, uprooted trees, and other obstacles will not be permitted. “Go Around” routes developed by users to by-pass down trees on the trail are not the original tread.

With prior written approval from the contracting officer, the Contractor may ramp or reroute sections of the trail tread that have been damaged by uprooted stumps to provide safe passage on the trail. Payment for such work will be incidental to the specified work item, and no extra payment will be made.

The portions of cut logs that remain on the upper side of the trail shall be either firmly anchored to prevent sliding or rolling onto the trailway or moved across the trail to the lower side and scattered outside the clearing limits. Do not place such materials in stream channels, drainage ways, ditches, culvert catch basins or other locations where they would prevent the free flow of water away from the trailbed.

These specifications have been tailored to suit the services for trail maintenance and supersede the version found in the “STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF TRAILS AND TRAIL BRIDGES ON FOREST SERVICE PROJECTS, U.S. Customary Units, National Technology and Development Program, 10/30/2014,” which supersedes the 1996 Standard Specification for Construction and Maintenance of Trails. The website below is for reference only to review only: http://www.fs.fed.us/recreation/programs/trail-management/trailplans/index.shtml

9. Camping:

Camping will be permitted only at locations designated by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). A camp management plan must be submitted to and approved by the COR prior to occupying any camp on National Forest land. The plan shall be given to the COR prior to work start date. The plan shall address camp locations, low impact methods, food storage, and disposal of garbage and human and animal wastes. Garbage shall be hauled to the nearest authorized county dump or transfer station. Use of developed (full service facilities) Forest Service campgrounds and other high use areas will not be allowed unless authorized by the COR.

Camping is restricted to low impact camping methods:

(a) Select campsites in durable areas at least 200 feet from lakes, streams, trails. Do not construct lean-to's, bough beds, or drainage ditches. Self-supporting tents and foam pads are alternatives to using native material.

(b) Camp sites shall be accessed by existing roads and routes.

(c) The camp area shall be maintained to present a clean, neat and orderly appearance. It should be free of litter at all times.

(d) Nailing to live trees is prohibited. Use rope or twine and shims if you attach tent poles to trees temporarily.

(e) Do not cut live trees or branches. If adequate dead and down material is not available for warming/cooking fires, the COR or representative will designate snags to be felled for camp wood. Felled trees will be low-stumped at no more than 3” height from the ground level.

(f) Equipment caches are prohibited. All equipment (including stoves, tables, beds, tools, dishes, etc.) and supplies (including camp gear, food and horse feed) will be packed out at the end of the project.

(g) Human waste shall be either buried in a pit (at least 18” deep and located at least 200’ away from water. As pit fills or when leaving the campsite, cover with at least 6” of soil) or contained and packed out in a portable toilet or self-contained camper.

(h) Do not build new rock fire rings. Use an existing fire ring, a fire pit, or fire pan to contain warming/cooking fires. Choose a site with mineral soil that will not damage existing trees, tree roots or leave black scars on boulders.

(i) Do not add soap to lakes or streams (bathing or washing dishes).

The Contractor shall be aware of and abide by the rules of the National Forest applicable to forest visitors, including storing all food, garbage, and attractants according to the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem Area storage order. See Attachment 4: NCDE Storage Order.

10. Fire Control

(a) Contractor's Responsibility for Contractor-Caused Fires. The Contractor, whether or not directed by the Forest Service, shall immediately extinguish, without expense to the Government, all fires on or in the vicinity of the project which are caused by Contractor's employees, whether set directly or indirectly as a result of Contractor operations. The Contractor may be held liable for all damages and costs of additional labor, subsistence, equipment, supplies, and transportation resulting from fires set or caused by the Contractor's employees or resulting from contract operations.

(b) Other Fires. For the purpose of fighting forest fires on or in the vicinity of the project which are not caused by the Contractor or the Contractor’s employees, the Contractor, when requested by the Contracting Officer, shall place the Contractor’s employees and equipment temporarily at the disposal of the Forest Service. Payment for such services will be made by the Government at not less than the current rate for fire-fighting services established by the Forest Service in the area concerned.

Any employees and equipment furnished will be relieved from firefighting as soon as the Forest Service finds that it is practicable to employ other labor and equipment adequate for the protection of the area.

An equitable adjustment in contract time may be made for this period.

(c) Fire Protection Requirements - Fire Plan. At all times during closed fire season period, as specified by State law, the Contractor shall comply with each of the following provisions to the extent applicable to the Contractor’s operation under the contract.

(1) Fire Tools. The Contractor will provide for each employee in the contract area at least one approved handtool of a type appropriate in the contract area, such as shovel, pulaski, or ax. Tools required and furnished under (2) and (4) below, shall count toward fulfillment of the above requirement. Where additional tools, beyond those required under (2) and (4) below, are to be provided, the Contractor shall seal such tools in one or more boxes painted red and marked "Tools for Fire Only." All tools required herein shall be kept sharp and in good serviceable condition and maintained at locations to be designated by the Forest Service.

(2) Fire Extinguishers and Tools on Mobile or Stationary Equipment. Each unit of powered equipment used in connection with this contract, including automobiles, trucks, tractors, etc., shall be equipped with serviceable tools and fire extinguishers as follows:

One - fire extinguisher, dry chemical type of not less than 2-1/2 pound capacity with 4 BC or higher rating.

One - shovel, round point #0 lady or equal.

One - ax, 2 pounds or over, 26-inch minimum length, or one pulaski.

One - water container (at least 1-gallon capacity), not required with stationary equipment.

(3) Spark Arresters. Each internal combustion engine shall be provided with a spark arrester or spark arresting device approved by the Forest Service. Exceptions where the Forest Service may approve mufflers, or other equipment in lieu of spark arresters qualified and rated under Forest Service Standard 5100-1a are:

(a) small multiposition engines, such as chain saws, shall meet Society of Automotive Engineers J335b standards;

(b) passenger-carrying vehicles and light trucks may have baffle-type mufflers with tail pipe;

(c) heavy-duty trucks may have a vertical stack exhaust system and muffler, provided the exhaust stack extends above the cab of the vehicle. An exhaust-driven turbocharger is considered to be a satisfactory spark arrester. Internal combustion engine exhaust systems, arresters, and other devices must be properly installed and maintained.

(4) Powersaws. For each powersaw used in connection with this contract, the following will be provided:

One - shovel, round point #0 lady or equal. Shovel must be immediately available for use.

One - Fire extinguisher, containing not less than 8 ounces of extinguisher fluid, or a dry chemical powder-type of not less than 1-pound capacity. The extinguisher must be immediately accessible to the saw operator at all times.

Any fueling or refueling of a powersaw shall only be done in an area which has first been cleared or is free of all material capable of carrying fire; powersaw shall be moved at least 10 feet from place of fueling before starting.

(5) Blasting. Fuse or prima cord shall not be used unless authorized in writing by the COR with special precautions stated.

(6) Smoking. Smoking shall not be permitted within the contract area except on surfaced or dirt roads, at landings, within closed vehicles, in camps, or at other posted places, and shall never be allowed while working or traveling on foot.

(7) Storage of Petroleum and Other Highly Flammable Products. Gasoline, oil, grease, or other highly flammable material will be stored either in a separate building used exclusively for such storage, or at a site where all combustible debris and vegetation is cleared away within a radius of 25 feet. Fire extinguishers and/or sand barrels may be required at such locations specified by the Forest Service when unusually hazardous conditions exist.

(8) Debris Burning and Warming Fires. Burning permits will be required for all debris burning fires. Lunch and warming fires may be allowed in fireproofed areas during periods of low fire danger if and as specified in the fire plan. Such fires must not be left burning unattended.

(9) Precautions for Stoves. Stovepipes on all temporary buildings, trailers, and tents using wood burning stoves, will be equipped with roof jacks and serviceable spark arresters of mesh with openings no larger than 5/8 inch.

All stovepipes, inside and out, will not be closer than 2 feet from any wood or other flammable material or 1 foot if the combustible material is protected by a metal or asbestos shield.

(10) Welding. Welding or use of cutting torches will be permitted only in areas that have been cleared or are free of all material capable of carrying fire. Flammable debris and vegetation must be removed from within a minimum of 10 feet radius of all welding and cutting torch operations. A shovel and a 5-gallon standard backpack water container (filled) with handpump attached, shall be immediately available for use in the event of a fire start.

(11) Fire Plan. Prior to initiating work on the contract area, during the closed fire season period, a fire prevention and suppression plan will usually be prepared. The Contractor and the Forest Service will jointly prepare this plan. Such plan shall include a detailed list of men and equipment at the Contractor's disposal for implementing the plan. The fire plan shall also specify additional measures and/or special requirements, such as Hoot Owl restrictions, necessary during periods of critical fire weather conditions.

When “Hoot Owl” restrictions are invoked, the Forest Service may curtail or shut down all or portions of a Contractor's operations. The following requirements may be imposed:

(i) All high fire risk operations could be terminated at 1300 local time.

(ii) All burning could be stopped, including debris burning fires.

(iii) Patrolman may be required for a period of 2 hours after high fire risk operations and 1 hour after end of work shift. The Contractor shall provide the patrolman unless the contract is for equipment rental, in which case the Government will provide the patrolman.

(12) Pump and Trailer. Not required

(13) Burning. Before starting any open burning, the Contractor shall comply with the following:

(i) Submit a burning plan, subject to approval by the Contracting Officer, designed to minimize the impact on air quality and to lessen any fire damage.

(ii) Obtain a burning permit from the District Ranger.

(iii) Use weather forecasts as far as possible in scheduling burning for more favorable dispersal of smoke.

(iv) Fuel shall be reasonably free of dirt and piled to facilitate rapid and complete combustion. Piles shall be tended during burning operations to maintain combustion and to eliminate unnecessary smudges. Piles shall be patrolled during off-work hours to avoid wildfires.

(v) Unless fire season controls dictate otherwise, burning shall be scheduled, as far as practicable, for the most favorable conditions during the burning period.

(vi) Under certain atmospheric conditions, smoke accumulations may become excessive and in these cases, the Regional Forester may, at his/her discretion, prohibit all open burning for definite periods within specific areas of the National Forest.

11. Contract Quality Control

The Contractor is responsible for the management and Quality Control (QC) of their work to meet the requirements of the contract. The role of the Government is Quality Assurance (QA) to ensure the contract standards (technical specifications, clearing limits, etc.) are met by the Contractor to a satisfactory level of performance for acceptance. The Contractor shall provide their Quality Control Plan (QCP) to describe how the Contractor will meet the contract requirements. The QCP shall include, but is not limited to the following:

(a) The Contractor shall provide a description of how the tasks/work items will be performed by the Contractor to meet the contract requirement (e.g. technical specifications, clearing limits, etc.) and shall be included in their QCP

(b) Key Personnel – The Contractor and Contractor’s employees shall be capable and experienced performing trail maintenance or similar Forestry work to perform the services required for this contract.

(c) Rate of Progress (e.g., estimated miles per day)

(d) Estimated start and completion dates - The Contractor shall maintain progress at a rate that will assure completion of work within the contract time specified in the Contract. Intermediate due dates are required for select trails. Please see the table in Section 2 for the Completion Due Date of each specific trail.

12. Safety

The Contractor shall comply with OSHA regulations and provide employees a work environment that is sanitary and not hazardous, which includes providing personal protective equipment. Contractors must maintain a health and safety plan and an accident prevention program, which includes frequent and regular inspections of the project site, materials, and equipment. Contractors are responsible for risk management regarding contractor/employee and public safety, which includes an experienced operator to handle road and terrain conditions, getting to the worksite, and coordination with other users.

13. Performance Period

The estimated start work date is June 1, depending on date of award and prework conference. All work shall be completed no later than October 15, 2023.

The count of contract time will start on the date specified on the notice to proceed. The contractor shall not begin work until a notice to proceed is issued.

14. Government Quality Assurance and Surveillance

The Government may perform periodic inspections during the performance period to ensure the accuracy of the fieldwork in accordance with the Contractor Quality Control Plan. Any inspection by the Government shall be conducted in a manner consistent with trail maintenance technical specifications. A Final Inspection will be performed when notified by the Contractor that work has been completed in part or in whole.

15. Additional Inspection and Acceptance Requirements

(a) Inspection Procedure. The Contractor shall notify the COR when each trail is complete and ready for inspection. The Government may conduct quality assurance for its benefit and has the right to refuse acceptance of nonconforming services. If inspection is not performed by the Government within 10 days of Contractor's notification to the COR that a trail is complete, the trail will be considered accepted.

(b) Reinspection. The CO/COR reserves the right to reject or require correction of any deficiencies found in the deliverables that are contrary to the information contained in this contract. In the event of a rejected deliverable, the Contractor will be notified by the CO/COR of the specific reasons for rejection. The Contractor will have, at minimum, ten (10) calendar days to correct the rejected deliverable and return it per delivery instructions. The CO may choose to extend this time period.

16. Measurement and Payment

The quantity to be paid for will be measured in miles and tenths of miles and will be those trails that are included in the contract, completed, and accepted.

17. Prework Conference

Prior to commencement of work, the Contracting Officer will arrange a meeting with the Contractor and Contracting Officer’s Representative to discuss the contract terms, Contractor’s Quality Control Plan, camping plan (if applicable), and work performance requirements.