Attachment 1 - Statement of Work.pdf

US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Statement of Work

Pacific Northwest Research Station

Forest Inventory and Analysis – ONGRID Area 8 Oregon

Contact Johnny Carson for questions johnny.carson@usda.gov

(503) 704-9747 mailto:johnny.carson@usda.gov

SECTION C--

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

C-1 - SCOPE OF CONTRACT

The general scope of this solicitation requires locating and installing or remeasuring Forest Inventory plots on all lands and ownerships including but not limited to Federal owned lands, State owned lands, County and Local Government owned lands, and lands owned by private organizations as well as individual landowners. *This document uses the terminology of “landowner” however landowner can refer to the actual landowner or anyone authorized to speak on behalf of a landowner. A few examples include the land manager, board member, trustee, lawyer, relative etc.

The contractor is responsible for providing digital delivery of data, and related work in compliance with its terms, specifications, and provisions. This includes furnishing labor, equipment (including all computer hardware and software deemed necessary to perform the requirements of the contract), supervision, transportation, operating supplies (except those designated as Government-furnished), and incidentals. Work shall be done in accordance with the most up to date version of procedures detailed in “Field Instructions for the Annual Inventory of California, Oregon, Washington” (EXHIBIT B) for all inventory plots located in California, Oregon, and Washington and Region 6 administered lands in Idaho.

C-2 - PROJECT LOCATION

Projects will be located on all land ownerships located within the states of California, Oregon, Washington, and Region 6 administered land in Idaho. Plot Vicinity maps (EXHIBIT E) showing approximate project locations and access.

Road access to each inventory location is not guaranteed. Access to the plots may require short or very long hike-ins, horse packing, boat, airplane or helicopter access. The cost to access these plots shall be determined by the offeror and be reflected in the offeror’s pricing.

The Contractor shall coordinate access information for plot access and/or locked gates owned and operated by the landowner. Permission to access privately owned land is the responsibility of The Contractor. The Contractor will document access per instructions in (EXHIBIT G) and must provide the minimum of a name of the landowner contact or authorized representative of the landowner and email or phone number for that contact allowing access to their land.

Trespassing is not acceptable and may be grounds for termination of The Contractor or the contract.

AREAS 1-9 in Washington and Oregon States

C-3 -WORK STANDARDS

The following standards are required:

A. Contractor’s Quality of Work

1. Full pay (payout at bid price) occurs when the Contractors scores 95% or above on the Inspection Quality Form (EXHIBIT A) on one plot within the packet. All plots within the packet will be paid out at this price. A packet is to contain 10 plots, but the COR reserves the right to change the number of plots in a packet due to time, logistics, weather, natural disasters, or other unforeseen circumstances.

2. If the Contractor scores between 85% and 94.9% on the Inspection Quality Form (EXHIBIT A), the contractor will be paid at this percentage of the bid price. All plots within the packet will be paid out at this price.

3. If a Contractor scores less than 85% on the Inspection Quality form (EXHIBIT A), The Government may require a rework of the plot by the Contractor. If The Government discovers that the quality issues are systemic within the packet, The Government may require a rework of every plot within the packet. Once the Contractor has reworked the plot(s), The Government will perform a reinspection to ensure the issues have been remedied. The Contractor will be paid for the plot and the packet at the original inspection percent price and not the reinspection price.

4. If an individual or crew repeatedly makes inaccurate measurements or observations, over two or more plots, The Government may notify the Contractor and require the Contractor to replace the individual or entire crew.

5. If three consecutive plots fail to pass field inspection (<85% on the Inspection Quality Form) (EXHIBIT A) in one packet or if an individual or crew fails to pass two field inspections in any two consecutive plot packets, the Government may notify the Contractor and cause the Contractor to immediately replace one or more employee(s).

B. General Information

1. Work shall be performed in accordance with the Technical Specifications outlined in the “Field Instructions”.

2. Plot vicinity maps (EXHIBIT E) will show approximate plot locations. These maps are only intended to show the general vicinity of the work area.

3. Some plot locations may have local and/or seasonal access restrictions including, but not limited to, proximity to Port Orford Cedar Root Disease (POC), Sudden Oak Death Disease high risk areas (SOD), designated wildlife areas, hunting seasons, emergency fire restrictions, snow, unstable terrain, etc. These restrictions may include road closures.

Exact timing of closures will vary depending on season, weather conditions, or other constraints. Prior to commencing work within these locations, The Contractor shall contact the appropriate landowner(s) to determine operational restrictions or refer to the permit if one has been issued (e.g., access, waste disposal, camping, quarantine restrictions).

4. Plots associated with high elevation, latitude, permit restrictions, and/or Wilderness sites may be shown in the Plot List (EXHIBIT D) and noted as “Critical Plots” to be completed by the specified date.

5. All Contractors/subcontractors/employees shall sign a Nondisclosure Agreement (NDA) (EXHIBIT C) before starting work.

6. Prior to collecting field data, the Contractor will be required to use Government-supplied software from which plot information must be used to enter field collected data using the associated files. The Contractor shall install the data collection software specified in EXHIBIT F and apply application updates for their data collection hardware and computers as supplied by the Government, through access to the National MIDAS internet site. https://apps.fs.usda.gov/fia/midas-v2/main (subject to change).

C-4 CONTRACTOR’S OBLIGATIONS

https://apps.fs.usda.gov/fia/midas-v2/main

The Contractor shall furnish the following in performance of the contract:

A. Measurement Crew - The Contractor shall furnish crews whose responsibility shall be to locate, measure and maintain plots in accordance with “Field Instructions”.

B. Each crew shall have a Crew Leader present while performing all field work. The Crew

Leader shall meet the appropriate minimum education and experience level stated in Section L, Education and Experience Requirements. The Crew Leader is responsible for all data quality on the plot.

C. Number of Crews - A sufficient number of Crew Leaders and Crew Members to maintain the production schedule.

D. Mandatory Crew Preparation – All Contractor Crew Leaders and Crew Members assigned to work on this contract shall be required to review all supplemental materials provided by the Government prior to beginning work every year. In person or virtual trainings may be required of contractors with no prior FIA experience prior to commencing work on the contract.

E. Government Meetings - The Contractor shall be available to meet with Government personnel as necessary for the execution of this contract (pricing should reflect this commitment). The Government will not be liable for costs incurred because of lost production due to the Contractor attending these meetings.

F. Hardware, Software, and Data Handling Procedures - The Contractor shall provide the hardware and software contained in (EXHIBIT F) – Hardware, Software, and Data Processing Procedures. The Contractor shall also have high-speed internet connections available to their crews for semi-monthly download of required Government-supplied software updates. The contractor shall also utilize high-speed internet connections to upload their completed, full edited plots to the national MIDAS website server prior to submitting plots for inspection.

G. Ability to investigate parcel ownership data which may require the purchase of an online account. (such as parcel quest)

H. Paid digital data storage account – A digital data storage location required for housing Government data (EXHIBIT H). *This account/ data storage location is subject to change in the future to meet the needs of The Government.

C-5 LANDOWNER CONTACT

*This document uses the terminology of “landowner” however “landowner” can refer to the actual landowner of the property or anyone authorized to speak on behalf of a landowner, a few examples include the land manager, board member, trustee, lawyer, relative etc.

Landowner Letter Initial outreach to landowners to obtain permission to access land will be completed by The Government. Landowners have the option of responding to this letter to grant or deny access to the plot location or to ask for more information. All returned letters will be scanned and placed into a digital data storage location (EXHIBIT H) account for access by the Contractor. This is only an initial attempt at contact with the landowner, follow up attempts may be necessary by the Contractor if the Landowner does not respond. Reponses from landowners is not guaranteed.

Landowner Contacts

All follow-up contacts with landowners to coordinate access and/or permission is the responsibility of the Contractor. The Contractor shall coordinate access on lands owned and operated by all landowners for locked gates or other access issues.

• There may be numerous instances in which The Government did not receive responses from landowners prior to the beginning of the Period of Performance. In these instances, it is the responsibility of the Contractor to obtain permission from the landowner(s) to gain access to the plot area.

• If access to a plot is not obtained, denied or revoked by a landowner at any time, the Government may suggest a substitute plot that is mutually agreeable to the Government and the Contractor.

• When the Government has obtained permission prior to the Period of Performance, it is the responsibility of the Contractor to contact the landowner(s) prior to accessing the plot area to establish a date and time for the Contractor to access the plot area. This is required unless the landowner letter was returned to the Government with access granted and not indicating further contact needed.

• Contact methods include but are not limited to:

1. Calling the landowner with the phone number provided by the Government or obtained by the contractor through media searching to obtain permission to the plot area.

2. Searching phonebooks, websites, or other media to locate contact information (phone number, address, and/or email address) for a specific landowner.

3. The Contractor is permitted to search social media sites for landowner contact information. The Contractor is not permitted to contact any landowners through these social media sites.

4. Emailing the landowner to obtain permission to plot area.

5. Driving to the landowner’s plot area, residence, and/or business (door knocking) and obtaining permission to plot area in person.

6. Leaving Contractor business cards and/or door hangers on gates or doors.

7. The Contractor is prohibited from mailing the landowner any information through any type of mail/parcel carrier. If the Contractor wants to mail the landowner, including in response to landowner requests for additional materials by mail, the Contractor will notify the Contract Officer’s Representative (COR).

8. The Contractor is prohibited from placing any materials in a landowner’s mailbox.

9. The Contractor is prohibited from contacting landowners identified on the “DO NOT CONTACT” list provided by the COR.

Documentation and Permission

• Trespassing is not permitted at any time, definitive verbal or written consent must be given to the Contractor by the landowner to access plots located on all lands. Trespassing does not include door knocking to obtain permission, although alternative means of contact are encouraged if “No Trespassing” or “No solicitation” signs are visible.

• If it is discovered that the contractor has trespassed, The Government may terminate the contractor and/or contract immediately.

• The Contractor must have permission from every landowner whose property will be crossed to access the plot area.

• The Contractor must have permission from every landowner that owns land on the plot area to take measurements on that land.

• All contact events and attempts with all landowners, including plot area owners and access-only owners, must be documented per (EXHIBIT G).

• The full name of the landowner contact(s) or authorized representative of the landowner and their corresponding phone number must be entered per (EXHIBIT G). If there is no phone number available, then email shall replace the requirement of a phone number for that landowner contact.

• The Contractor will comply with official closures on all ownerships unless special permission is granted to the Contractor from the landowner.

• If numerous landowners own land on the plot area, and one or more landowner(s) denies access, the Contractor will conduct measurements only in the areas owned by the landowner(s) that granted permission.

• The Contractor is a representative of the Government and will always conduct themselves in a professional manner while communicating with landowners or members of the public.

• If it is discovered that the Contractor conducted themselves in an inappropriate manner as determined by The Government, the Contractor and/or contract may be terminated immediately.

Requirements for Non-Responsive Landowners

• The Contractor must attempt to contact a landowner by telephone or email until a definitive access granted or access denied response is received. If the landowner cannot be reached by phone or email, the Contractor must physically visit the access location for the plot area residence, and/or business to attempt to contact the landowner or leave a business card, door hanger, or note. If instructed to do so by the COR. If there is no response to the business card, door hanger, or note after 15 days, the Contractor must conduct one follow up visit physically to attempt contact and leave another business card, door hanger, or note while also continuing to attempt contact with the landowner through phone and email. After the Contractor has exhausted all options to gain permission, the Contractor will contact the COR and provide the COR a copy of the landowner contact(s) information. The COR will review the documentation and make the final decision if the plot will be considered access denied. The COR may request that the Contractor takes further action to try and contact the landowner. If the COR considers the plot access denied, the Contractor will submit the plot data according to Non-Sampled protocol in the “Field Instructions”.

• If a landowner has not granted permission by the end of the period of performance, and the COR does not deem the plot access denied, the plot will be considered a skipped visit.

The Contractor will fill out the plot and submit the plot as a skipped visit plot, and the plot will be returned to the Government. All materials and contact documentation must be kept and turned in with the plot. The Contractor must not dispose of any information pertaining to landowner contact. The contractor will not be paid for any plots that are considered skipped visit until they are completed or deemed access denied.

• If a plot is determined to be access denied by the COR, the Contractor will be paid out at 40% of the bid price for the plot.

Landowner Interactions and Plot Confidentiality

• Compliance with the NDA (EXHIBIT C) is required when speaking with landowners.

The Contractor is not permitted to discuss exact plot locations with landowners. The Contractor must not show landowners digital imagery of the exact plot locations. The Contractor may disclose the Township Range and Section of a plot but must not provide more precise location information. Landowners may accompany the Contractor to the plot location.

C-6 – PERMITS

• The Government may obtain permits from landowners to provide to the Contractor prior to the period of performance. The Contractor may be required to sign the permit and assume all responsibilities designated on the permit. The Contractor may be required to provide additional information to the landowner such as liability insurance information.

There may be instances where the Government was unaware a permit was required.

During the landowner contact process, if the Contractor discovers that a permit is required, the Contractor may be required to sign the permit before accessing the plot area.

If there are any questions about signing a permit, the Contractor shall contact the COR.

• All permits must be finalized and signed before the Contractor can measure plots on those specified lands.

• The Contractor will adhere to all the requirements on the permit. The language on the permit supersedes the requirements outlined in the “Field Instructions”.

C-7 - SPECIAL STUDIES

There will be instances where Special Studies will be added to the solicitation prior to bid. These special studies include, but are not limited to, Fire Effects and Recovery (FERS), URBAN FIA, and LIDAR. In addition to following the “Field Instructions”, there will be supplemental “Special Study Field Instructions”. For these special studies, all work shall be done in accordance with the most up-to-date version of procedures detailed in the “Field Instructions” as well as the “Special Study Field Instructions”. Special Studies will be identified as a line item within the solicitation. The Contractor may be required to be certified before work can begin on any Special Studies. The Government will determine the certification method.

SECTION D--PACKAGING AND MARKING

{For this Solicitation, there are NO clauses in this Section}

SECTION E--INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

E-1 - FAR 52.252-2 - CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): www.arnet.gov/far/.

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

FAR 52.246-4 Inspection of Services--Fixed-Price (AUG 1996)

E-2 – CONTRACTOR’S PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY

Exhibits are in Section J-3 - Attachments.

TASKS QUALITY/

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

ACCEPTABLE

QUALITY LEVEL

MEANS OF

MEASUREMENT

PAYMENT FOR

WORK

Crew Leader Certification

Compliance with EXHIBIT B, "Field Instructions”, and/or “Special

Study Field Instructions” and the Government Quality Assurance

Plan, (Section E-3).

Within tolerances shown in EXHIBIT B, of the “Field Instructions” and/or in the “Special Studies field Instructions”

1 plot is to be completed by the Crew Leader. The

Government reserves the right to choose the plot that will become the cert plot.

The COR or

Technical Monitor will inspect and score the plot based on the Inspection Quality

Form (EXHIBIT A)

>95% = Full pay and Certification.

85%-94.99 =

Percentage of pay and Certification.

<85% = Percentage of pay and not Certified, rework required.

Landowner Contact

Compliance with C-5- LANDOWNER CONTACT and

(EXHIBIT G)

Obtaining a definite access granted or access denied answer from Landowner.

All correspondence and contact events have been recorded and cataloged in accordance with

(EXHIBIT G)

Any plot recorded as access denied will result in the Contractor receiving 40% of bid price.

Data Collection

Compliance with EXHIBIT B, "Field Instructions”, and/or “Special

Study Field Instructions” and Government Quality Assurance Plan

(Section E-3)

Within tolerances shown in EXHIBIT B, of the “Field Instructions” and/or in the “Special Studies Field Instructions”

1 plot in each packet is to be chosen by the

COR or Technical Monitor to be inspected and scored based on the

Inspection Quality Form (EXHIBIT A).

The score of inspection will be

>95% = Full pay for all plots in the packet.

85%-94.9 = Percentage of pay for all plots in the packet.

<85% = Percentage of pay for all plots in the applied to all plots in the packet.

packet, rework required.

Digital Data Delivery

Compliance with EXHIBIT B, "Field Instructions”, and

Government Quality Assurance Plan (Section E-3)

100% Compliance with

EXHIBIT B &

Government Quality Assurance Plan (Section E-3).

Passed MIDAS Mobile application edits and passing the EPF Inspection.

Passed the MIDAS Edit Review process

All plots must be submitted by the end of the period of performance.

Submission of Plots

Compliance with Government Quality Assurance Plan (Section E-

3)

100% Compliance with Government Quality

Assurance Plan (Section E-3).

All completed Plots will undergo EPF Inspection, and

MIDAS Edit Review

(MER)

All plots must be submitted by the end of the period of performance.

Non-Sampled Plots

Compliance with EXHIBIT B, "Field Instructions”, and

Government Quality Assurance Plan (Section E-3)

100% Compliance with EXHIBIT B and

Government Quality Assurance Plan (Section E-3)

COR will examine data and Electronic

Plot Files for compliance.

Any plots recorded as Non-Sampled (access denied or hazardous) will result in the Contractor receiving

40% of bid price. The Government will determine whether the contractor has done their due diligence to attempt to access the plot before paying for nonsampled plots.

Skipped Visit Plots

Compliance with EXHIBIT B, "Field Instructions”, and

Government Quality Assurance Plan (Section E-3)

100% Compliance with EXHIBIT B and

Government Quality Assurance Plan (Section E-3)

COR will examine data and Electronic

Plot Files for compliance.

The Contractor will not be paid for any plot that could not be completed within the Period of Performance. These plots will be returned to the Government.

E-3 - GOVERNMENT’S QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN

A. Plot Location The Contractor shall measure the plot in the location of previously installed Forest Inventory and Analysis plots regardless of proximity to aerial photo pinprick. In the event the plot cannot be relocated using the instructions described in the “Field Instructions”, the Contractor shall contact the COR for guidance. If the plot did not previously have a Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) plot installed, the plot shall be located and installed as described in the “Field Instructions” (EXHIBIT B).

B. Submission of Plots

1. Prior to submission to the Government, plot(s) or plot packets shall meet the following criteria:

(i) Plot data shall be collected and edited at the plot location on an appropriate PDR using the most recent updated MIDAS program (reference EXHIBIT F), and in accordance with “Field Instructions” (EXHIBIT B).

(ii) Use of Non-Government-furnished Property - Plots installed using other than the Government-furnished property specified in Section G-3 are unacceptable.

The Contractor shall rework that plot and the remaining uninspected plots in the packet, and remove all materials incorrectly installed.

(iii) It is a requirement to for the Contractor to complete a plot edit per the “Field Instructions”) prior to submitting plot files. Only after all plot data has been successfully edited and errors corrected in the latest version of the MIDAS program, and all errors and warnings are resolved with detailed logical explanations, the Contractor shall access the National MIDAS website https://apps.fs.usda.gov/fia/midas-v2/main (URL is subject to change) and follow outlined Government procedures to upload the electronic MIDAS.STD file.

To successfully upload plot files, the Contractor must use the most updated version of MIDAS software and resolve any additional errors identified when uploading data files to MIDAS. After successfully uploading the plot data files (.std file) to MIDAS, the Contractor shall submit the electronic plot files (EXHIBIT H) using Government-furnished software to a required Government digital storage location (example in EXHIBIT H). All required electronic files will be placed in specified subfolders outlined in the “Field Instructions” (EXHIBIT B) and in HARDWARE, SOFTWARE AND DATA

PROCESSING PROCEDURES (EXHIBIT F).

When uploading a plot file to MIDAS and a Government digital data storage location, the Contractor is verifying the edit checks outlined in the “Field Instructions” were completed. The completion of these edits is part of the Inspection Quality Form (EXHIBIT A) on a field inspection and will be graded on plots that are field inspected. These edits will only be graded for field inspected plots, but every plot within a packet will go through the EPF inspection process and the MIDAS Edit Review (MER) process. If any discrepancies are found, the plot will be returned to the contractor for updating.

(iv) The Contractor shall follow the procedures outlined in EXHIBIT F:

HARDWARE, SOFTWARE AND DATA PROCESSING PROCEDURES

C. Submission for Certification https://apps.fs.usda.gov/fia/midas-v2/main

Each new Crew Leader will be required to pass a certification plot prior to beginning work on the rest of the packet. 1 plot is to be completed by the Crew Leader. The Government reserves the right to choose the plot that will become the cert plot. The Crew Leader must complete the plot to the best of their ability. This plot will be uploaded to the MIDAS website and to the Government digital data storage location.

The COR or Technical Monitor will inspect the certification plot and if the plot scores >85% on the Inspection Quality Form (EXHIBIT A), the crew leader will be certified and allowed to continue working on the packet. Payment for the certification plot is separate from payment on a packet. The certification plot will be paid out as one individual plot. Each plot completed for certification shall be submitted individually upon completion. The Contractor will notify the COR once the certification plot has been submitted for inspection. If the Crew Leader scores <85% on the Quality Inspection Form (EXHIBIT A), the Crew Leader will be required to rework the certification plot or complete a new certification plot at the discretion of the Government.

D. Submission following Certification

Plots shall be submitted for inspection and acceptance in the following manner after successful initial certification:

(i) Plot packets shall contain 10 plots. Any variance must be pre-approved by the COR in writing. The Government reserves the right to change the number of plots in a packet based on feedback from the COR or Technical Monitors, or due to logistics and planning.

(ii) Each packet shall contain the plots completed by one certified Crew Leader. Any variance must be pre-approved by the COR in writing.

(iii) Plot packets shall be submitted within ten calendar days after completion of the last plot in the packet.

E-4- RE-INSPECTION UPON CONTRACTOR REQUEST

If the Government's original inspection results are unacceptable to the Contractor, the Contractor has the option to request, in writing, a re-inspection. Requests for re-inspection shall be made within five days after receipt of initial inspection results. A complete re-inspection of the plot will be made. If the re-inspection results differ by 2.00 percent or more from the Government's original inspection results (Pay %), the re-inspection results will be used for payment for the certification and/or the packet. The Government reserves the right to deny this request if the cost to the Government is deemed to be unacceptable.

E-5 - REWORK AND REINSPECTION AFTER REWORK

Any plot that is sent back to the Contractor for rework (initial inspection score <85%), may be reinspected by the Government once the Contractor completes the plot and loads the data. All reworked plots that are returned to the Contractor will have an Electronic Plot Folder inspection after completion by the Contractor. Payment for reworked plots will remain at the initial inspection percentage, pay will not be based off the reinspection percentage.

SECTION F--DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F-1 - FAR 52.252-2 - CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

www.arnet.gov/far/

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

52.242-15 Stop Work Order (AUG 1989)

F-2 - PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

The anticipated annual period of performance is as follows:

ONGRID AREA 8 OREGON: 05/11 – 10/30/2024. Critical plots must be completed by September 15th, 2024.

*The above dates are estimates only. The period of performance will be determined by the Contracting Officer and be based on the award date.

The Contractor shall be required to (a) commence work under the contract within ten calendar days after the date the Contractor receives the Notice to Proceed, (b) prosecute the work diligently, and (c) complete the entire work ready for use not later than the dates shown in the period of performance. The time stated for completion shall include final edits. Plots that are considered critical will have a specified completion date within the period of performance. See (EXHIBIT D – Plot List)

F-3 - PROSECUTION OF WORK

Work shall begin on contract certification plots that may be pre-selected by the Government. As Crew Leaders become certified, they shall work on a ten (10) plot packet basis. Work on plot packets (non-certification plots) shall not proceed until Certification plots have been completed and accepted by the Government.

Specific work areas will be established by agreement between the Government and Contractor by using a Progress Work Schedule (PWS). At the post award conference, the Contractor shall submit for the approval of the Government, a PWS specifying the resources (including people, equipment, and other factors) The Contractor shall use as well as the rate of progress the Contractor proposes to achieve. To be acceptable, the PWS shall include a breakdown of planned progress in terms of plots completed by individual crew for each month of work. The PWS shall meet or exceed the rate of production needed to complete the project by the last date in the period of performance schedule for each item. Any modification of the plan will be subject to approval by the Government. A revised PWS may be requested by the Government if actual progress falls behind the current approved Progress Work Schedule.

Upon award, a Critical Plots listing will be provided to the Contractor (EXHIBIT D – Plot List), which are plots that have been predetermined to have a limited opportunity for access based solely on plot elevation, latitude, wilderness designation, or other factors determined by the COR. These plots are designated in the Critical Plot column of the Exhibit and so noted by the terms “Elevation”, “Latitude”, “Wilderness”, “Remote” “Helicopter” or “Other”. The Contractor shall complete all critical plots within each contract Area prior to the dates specified. Note: The listing of critical plots should not be considered a comprehensive list of all plots that may have limited access issues. Many other access restrictions do occur such as wildlife seasonal closures, road maintenance, hunting season closures, etc. It is the Contractor’s responsibility to contact the proper landowner(s) and determine all potential access restrictions and utilize this information in their project planning and prosecution of work.

When temporary hazards such as high water, bees, or bears hinder completing a plot, the Contractor shall contact the COR to develop a timeframe to return to finish the plot later, but before the end of the period of performance.

When the work performance of a Contractor crew is deficient, the Contractor shall correct the deficiencies in the work performance before the crew can proceed with any additional work.

SECTION G--CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G-1 - AGAR 452.215-73 – POST AWARD CONFERENCE (NOV 1996)

A post award conference with the successful offeror is required. It will be scheduled within 30 days after the date of contract award. The conference will be held at (time and place to be agreed upon and announced after award).

G-2 – MEASUREMENT AND BASIS FOR PAYMENT

The Government will determine plot quality by inspection of completed packets. In addition to Government inspection of all certification plots, a minimum of one plot per packet submitted by a given crew will be inspected. A plot or plot packet is considered complete when all work has been inspected and accepted for payment. An inspection will consist of:

1. Plot Location – Plot will be determined to be in correct location based on field procedures in "Field Instructions" (EXHIBIT B).

2. Electronic Plot Folder Inspection – Each plot in a packet will undergo an office edit (EPF inspection) conducted by the COR or Technical Monitors. If any data errors are found, the plot will be returned to the Contractor, and the Contractor will be required to fix the identified errors and reload the plot within 2 weeks of receiving the returned EPF Inspection Form (EXHIBIT I). A secondary office edit will be performed on the returned work to ensure all required data fixes were completed.

3. Field Inspection - The field inspection will check the selected plot for accuracy, correctness, and completeness of submitted data. Each measurement, observation or other work as specified by the "Field Instructions" and/or “Special Study Field Instructions” shall be verified, and the correct value recorded by the COR or Technical Monitors. Plots will be evaluated by use of the tolerances specified in " Field Instructions" and/or the Special Study Field Instructions”, and on the Inspection Quality Form. (EXHIBITS A and B)

The following shall be checked on each Field Inspection:

A. Verify documented measured distances and written directions from nearest town to plot location. Verify that plot narrative is accurate.

B. RP/POD data; when necessary or required, and always when it is critical to locating the plot.

C. Digital Image: for Plot Center location labeled correctly.

D. GPS data.

E. Plot Level attributes.

F. Condition Class Attributes.

G. Subplot Attributes.

H. Seedling Count.

I. Boundary References.

J. Tree and Sapling Data.

K. Seedling Data.

L. Site Tree measurements.

M. Down Woody Material.

N. Vegetation Profile.

O. Invasive Species (where applicable).

P. Soil Sampling (Interior Alaska only).

Q. Ground Layer data (Interior Alaska only).

R. MIDAS edits critical warnings have adequate explanations or data updated where applicable.

S. Review for completeness and legibility the following:

T. Electronic Plot Card U. Landowner Contact (EXHIBIT G).

V. If the plot is part of a special study, The COR or Technical Monitor will check the selected plot for accuracy, correctness, and completeness of submitted data. Each measurement, observation or other work as specified by the "Special Study Field Instructions" shall be verified and the correct value recorded by the COR or Technical Monitors. Plots will be evaluated by use of the tolerances specified in "Special Study Field Instructions", and on the Inspection Quality Form. (EXHIBITS A and B)

A minimum of two subplots are fully inspected and a minimum of 20 trees are measured unless the plot has low tally, is non-forest or it is a cover check. If there are not enough trees available on the two fully inspected subplots, additional subplots are fully inspected to meet the 20-tree minimum. The COR or Technical Monitors will record all measurements as they are at the time of inspection.

On all four subplots, the following will be checked:

A. Plot layout; including both subplot and microplot center locations.

B. Condition Class presence/absence.

C. Subplot Attributes.

D. Microplot seedling count.

E. Boundary mapping.

F. Missed/added Tree Tally (including saplings on the microplot), also checking for trees in or out near the different plot radius boundaries.

4. MIDAS Edit Review (MER): Periodically throughout the period of performance and even after the period of performance has lapsed, PNW-FIA will conduct several rounds of MER. If discrepancies in the data are observed, the plot will be returned to the Contractor to fix and reload.

A. Plot Re-measure/Installation Payment:

The unit of measure and payment will be the plot as described herein. The plots completed satisfactorily will be processed for payment in accordance with the payment rate provisions herein based on the unit price and will constitute full compensation for furnishing all equipment, labor, supervision, supplies, transportation, and incidentals.

1. Plot(s) selected for field inspection will undergo an office edit (i.e. EPF inspection) to ensure procedural correctness using the Inspection Quality Form (EXHIBIT A) to record credits and errors.

2. “Pay %” will be determined by the overall percent pay quality as calculated in Inspection Quality Form (EXHIBIT A). Refer to E-2 –

CONTRACTOR’S PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY.

3. A failed plot inspection will be considered unacceptable performance.

The individual failed plot packet will be paid at the calculated percent quality level. The contractor may be asked to return to the plot and fix the data issues found during the inspection.

B. Deficiencies:

When the quality of a field inspected plot does not exceed 84.99%, the Contractor will be limited to reworking the remaining plots in the packet(s); Work cannot proceed on plots outside of the packet until rework has been completed and inspected as instructed by the Government. The Contractor will be required to rework a field inspected plot receiving a quality of below 85.00%. Plots returned for rework shall be completed and returned within 20 calendar days. All plots in this packet get the score of the original inspected plot. A score >95% = full pay. A score <95% is the percentage of pay applied to the entire packet.

If the Contractor fails to perform the work to the standards specified after replacing employee(s) or crew(s) failing inspections and/or meeting the requirements in the Performance Improvement Plan, the Contract Officer may find the primary Contractor in default

C. Skipped, access-denied, and hazardous plots:

Required procedures and documentation for determining skipped plots, access-denied plots, and hazardous plots must be complied with as described in sections above.

The Contractor will not be paid for any plots that are considered skipped visits.

If a plot is determined to be access denied by the COR, the Contractor will be paid out at 40% of the bid price for the plot.

If a plot has been deemed hazardous, the Contractor will be paid out at 40% of the bid price for the plot. Unless sufficient evidence can be provided showing it took more time to determine the plot was hazardous than the 40% would support.

The Government will determine whether the contractor has done their due diligence to attempt to access the plot before authorizing payment for hazardous or access denied plots.

G-3 – GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY

The Government will provide the following item(s) of Government property to the Contractor for use in the performance of this contract.

1. Field Instruction Manuals - One copy per contract crew member. Additional hard copies may be available upon request. Digital copy available here:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/pnw/page/pnw-fia-field-manuals-0 (Web location is subject to change)

2. Electronic Plot Folders (EPF) for Contractor’s work Area(s) (example shown in EXHIBIT H). Actual EPFs will not be provided until after contract award and prefield review. They will be available prior to field work commencing.

3. Numbered silver or blue aluminum round tree tags (where applicable).

4. Square aluminum reference tags.

5. Aluminum nails.

6. Steel nails (where applicable)

7. Yellow/white round aluminum reference tags.

8. Subplot and microplot center monumentation pins

9. Digital Maps - One set of plot location maps per field crew.

10. Software and files for field data collection on Windows Mobile Devices such as Juniper Systems Allegro (The acceptable data collection systems are subject to change, see EXHIBIT F for most current software requirements.)

11. Landowner contact forms (EXHIBIT G)

12. Forms and/or guides required to complete data collection including but not limited to, SOD Forms, Fuel Model Guides, etc. (EXHIBIT L)

*All unused Government-furnished materials shall be returned at the completion of the contract.

G-4 - DESIGNATION OF CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE

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

https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fs.usda.gov%2Fpnw%2Fpage%2Fpnw-fia-field-manuals-0&data=02%7C01%7CNadia.Tase%40fire.ca.gov%7Cb101b922a9ed410bcf9f08d7af4869e0%7C447a4ca05405454dad68c98a520261f8%7C1%7C1%7C637170598769743579&sdata=%2BECp3XTUGBl%2FDT41hYthe3zH2xHmHWxrF5%2FMHg24UWA%3D&reserved=0

The Contracting Officer should be informed as soon as possible of any actions or inactions by the Contractor or the Government which will change the required delivery or completion times stated in the contract, and the contract will be modified accordingly.

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

SECTION H--SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H-1 - AGAR 452.237-74 – KEY PERSONNEL (FEB 1988)

A. The Contractor shall assign to this contract the following key personnel: Crew Leader(s).

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

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

H-2 - CERTIFICATION OF CREWS

All work shall be performed by personnel who have demonstrated the ability to read, interpret, and apply information contained in “Field Instructions”. The process is not intended to train crews, but only to evaluate their competency for use on this contract. The Contractor will be paid for certification plots under the same inspection and payment provisions that apply to the rest of the contract work.

1. Certification by The Government - The Government will furnish a crew certification process as follows:

A. All Contractor's personnel shall demonstrate the ability to read, interpret, and apply information contained in the “Field Instructions” and/or “Special Study Field Instructions” by recording, estimating, and editing plot data during the measurement of one acceptable certification plot. An acceptable certification plot is defined as a plot completed by the crew leader receiving a score of greater than 85% as defined by the standards set in the “Field Instructions” and in the Inspection Quality Form

(EXHIBIT A)

B. The Government will provide certification of contract crew leaders. For certification purposes, the government reserves the right to determine the number of crew leaders that can be certified per solicitation.

Requests for additional certification shall be submitted to the Government in writing and must state the number of additional certifications requested and the dates. If request(s) are approved, the Government will select the plots to be used for additional certification within five (5) Government working days from the date the certification request is approved.

C. The Contractor shall begin work on certification plots in accordance with the Period of Performance. Non-certified Crew Leaders listed in the approved Resource Plan shall complete and submit the certification plot within a timeframe designated by the COR of the effective start work date, or the Government may act in accordance with the Termination for Default clause. The initial certification will consist of one field plot that is satisfactorily completed and submitted. The Government reserves the right to select which field plot(s) will be used as certification plots. At the discretion of the Government, an off-grid practice plot may be selected to use for certification or recertification in lieu of a field plot from one of the solicitation packets. In the event a Crew Leader fails the certification plot (e.g., does not meet the standards outlined in the inspection quality form with a score of greater than 85% (EXHIBIT A)), The Government may require the Crew Leader to rework the original certification plot and/or a second certification plot shall be included as part of that crew's initial certification. For a certification plot to be acceptable, the inspected plot quality shall meet the standards outlined in the inspection quality form (EXHIBIT A).

Certification plots that do not meet quality standards will not be acceptable.

D. During the initial certification of Crew Leader(s), meetings may be held at times and locations designated by the Government. The Government may use these meetings to return plot inspection results, address specific contract questions, or accept certification plots for field inspection. Failure of two certification plots maybe cause to notify the Contractor and request that the Crew Leader(s) be replaced.

H-3 - CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE

The contractor shall certify compliance with specific fire precautionary measures included in the attached Fire Protection and Suppression Forms (see J-1). The certification shall be made prior to commencement of work and shall be updated at any time during performance if the conditions change. The Government may conduct verification inspections to ensure Contractor's compliance.

H-4 - LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION

The Contractor shall give attention to the effect of contract operation upon the landscape, shall take care to maintain natural surroundings undamaged, and shall always conduct the work in compliance with the following requirements.

A. Prevention of the Landscape Defacement. The Contractor shall not remove, deface, injure, or destroy trees, shrubs, lawns, or other natural features or any other improvements in the work area unless specifically authorized by the Government.

Unless otherwise provided herein, the Contractor shall confine contract operations to within the areas designated in contract documents.

B. Protection of Streams, Lakes, and Reservoirs. The Contractor shall take sufficient precautions to prevent pollution of streams, lakes, small ponds, and reservoirs with fuels, oils, bitumen, calcium chloride, silt, or other harmful materials. Mechanical equipment shall not be operated in live streams without written approval of the Government.

H-5 - MOTORIZED EQUIPMENT

Use of motorized equipment will not be permitted without approval of the “Landowner”. The Contractor must adhere to any restrictions imposed by “Landowners” at all times. Any use of helicopters or fixed-wing aircraft to access field plots must be conducted in accordance with all requirements set by the Landowner, to include Federal and State land management agencies. The Government will assist this process by providing appropriate State and Federal agency aviation points of contact to the Contractor.

H-6 - SAFETY

Contractor shall provide a written, job specific safety plan, using the template provided in EXHIBIT M. The plan shall be presented at the prework meeting.