Attachment_1_-_West_Lodgepole_thinning_PWS_28_MAY_24.pdf

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT – Pocatello Field Office Performance Work Statement

West Lodgepole Thinning F-1

1. General: This is a non-personal services contract to provide for tree thinning services. The Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the providers performing these services. Such contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the Contractor who, in turn, is responsible to the Government.

1.1. Description of Services/Introduction: The Pocatello Field Office, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is acquiring services for fuels management services to reduce the risk of wildland fires while improving forest and rangeland health. The Contractor shall furnish all personnel, tools, labor, supervision, equipment, materials, supplies, transportation, training, and incidentals necessary to perform tree thinning services in accordance with the specifications provided.

1.2. Background: The project area generally consists of one or more of the following vegetation types:

stands of mixed Douglas-fir/aspen forest, Douglas-fir forests, lodgepole pine plantations, and sagebrush steppe. Fuel loadings range from less than ½ ton per acre to as high as 40 tons or more per acre.

Because of the scattered nature of the vegetation and varying prescription within the project as a whole, not all acres within the established boundary of the unit will require the same amount of labor to achieve the specifications. The cut and piled trees will be burned at a later date.

1.3. Objectives: The objective of this service to reduce fuel loadings and extreme fire danger that exist around the community of Island Park, as well as improve forest health and wildlife habitat. The objective of this unit is to reduce ladder fuels as well as the tree canopy density so that the stands will be less likely to support a running crown fire. The thinning is intended to keep wildfire on the ground where it is more easily managed by wildland fire fighting resources. The main goals of the projects is to reduce the risk of large and/or severe wildland fire, rejuvenate quaking aspen and mountain shrub stands, and reduce Lodgepole pine cover there by improving the health of the sagebrush steppe. A combination of treatment methods will be utilized over the life of the projects including: hand thinning, prescribed fire, mechanical treatments, and chemical treatments.

1.4. Scope: The work under this contract is to eliminate live lodgepole pine and Douglas fir saplings or naturally regenerated in the early 1970’s by cutting pile or scatter the treatment slash per contract specifications. Piled slash will be burned at a later date. Units may be cut and piled by varying methods, including: hand thinning/piling, mechanical (feller buncher, skidder, log loader i.e.).

1.5. Period of Performance: Treatment operations will begin on or after July 15, 2024 as soon as weather and ground conditions are favorable. The Contracting Officer’s representative will notify the contractor that favorable conditions have been met and the contractor shall be prepared to operations within 3 calendar days of notification. All operations shall be completed no later than November 15, 2024.

Estimated Start Date: July 15, 2024 Required End Date: November 15, 2024

1.6. General Information

1.6.1. Hours of Operation: Work hours under this contract shall be limited to the time between one-half hours before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset each day. Work will not be permitted on Federal holidays, unless authorized by the COR.

1.6.2. Federal Observed Holidays: In addition to any holidays declared by Executive Orders, the following Federal Legal Holidays are observed: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President’s Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day.

1.6.3. Place of Performance: Project area is located in Fremont County, Idaho approximately fifteen

(15) miles west of Island Park, Idaho (T13N R41E Sec. 33-34). Access is made by way of the Yale-Kilgore (A2) Road, Old Shotgun Road, and unimproved two-track roads. The treatment area consists entirely of BLM public land, however, Forest Service and State managed land is adjacent to but outside the treatment area. Elevations at the treatment site range from 6,350 feet to 6,450 feet. Acreage of the units was determined by calculations based on a horizontal plane using GIS technology (see Area Maps). See attached aerial photo and topographic maps for general location of project area. Site is accessible from native surface roads and by walk-in of less than 1/2 mile.

1.6.4. Pre-work Conference: Prior to commencement of work, a meeting may be requested by the

Contracting Officer to be attended by the Contractor, the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), and the Project Inspector(s). The meeting will be held at the Pocatello Field Office at a time mutually agreeable to the Contractor and the Contracting Officer to discuss the work schedule and to familiarize both parties with the responsibilities of each under this contract. At this time the Contractor shall provide to the COR a written "work progress plan" that details dates, locations, equipment, and employees to provide for orderly completion of the work within the contract performance time. This work schedule must be acceptable to the Government. At a minimum, the schedule must reflect a work progress rate equal to the available amount of contract performance time.

1.6.5. Invoicing: Invoices shall be submitted through IPP for payment, after services have been performed with supporting invoice on company letterhead and referenced purchase order number.

Unit Costs offered must be “All-Inclusive” for materials, labor, transportation, surcharges, fees and services necessary and incidental to tree thinning services. Invoices shall reflect only those costs indicated in the Price Schedule. All expenses relating to maintenance and operation of equipment shall be considered in the all – inclusive pricing. The Contract will be considered completed and payment due when all areas furnished to the Contractor by the Government have been treated to the standards specified.

1.6.6. Project Boundary Marking: The location and access to the areas are shown on the work location and project location maps. The project areas are identifiable by flagging, paint on trees, or a combination of both. Project areas may also be m by changes in vegetation, roads, topography changes, or streams. If these types of project area boundaries are used, the contractor will be notified. The boundaries can be adjacent timber stands, recent harvest units, or other natural or manmade features that clearly define the boundary as noted on the project area maps. All areas will be flagged in some type and color of flagging that will be identified prior to starting of implementation of the project. Supplemental georeferenced PDF map of units for use on Avenza can be used by contractor if desired.

1.6.7. Access: Legal public access to the project areas will be identified on the maps prior to the contractor starting the implementation phase. Seasonal road closers may exist (contractor will be notified of closers upon award). Contractor will assume responsibility for any additional access if desired. If roads or any type of access become subject to damage, because of adverse weather conditions or other natural and or political reasons, the COR/PI will relay information to the contractor, and a Stop Work Order may be implemented by the Contacting Officer (CO) until other access can be decided.

1.6.8. Notification of Cessation or Restart of Work: 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.

1.6.9. Personnel Requirements: The Contractor must always maintain an adequate work force to ensure timely completion of the work and is responsible for the crew knowing the requirements of the contract. The crew is also responsible for maintaining a safe working environment following OSHA standards. The Contractor must attend the pre-work meeting and provide a written performance plan including crew size prior to beginning work.

1.6.9.1. Key Personnel: The following personnel are considered key personnel by the

Government: Crew Foreman must be designated by the Contractor. The contractor will furnish a legible list of all contract employees (last name, first name) to the assigned COR. If there are any changes to the list of contract employees during the life of the contract a new list will be provided to the COR.

1.6.9.1.1. Crew Foreman: A Contractor Representative must be on-site always directing work. This person must be fluent in English and will also serve as an on the ground contact person for the COR/PI. Failure to maintain a Contractor Representative will result in suspension of work until an acceptable on-the-ground Contractor Representative is provided. A maximum of five (5) days will be allowed to produce a qualified Contractor Representative. Failure to do so within five days may result in the Contracting Officer (CO) issuing a Suspend Work Order. CO and COR must be informed of any changes of Contractor Representative.

1.6.10. Camping: Camping on agency-administered lands will only be allowed on site(s) pre-approved by an authorized officer. Camping areas for crews will be identified and surveyed for cultural resources prior to use of that camp location. Some camp sites including designated camp sites have been identified and cleared for use, ask the COR for details. The Contractor shall maintain all camping areas in an orderly and sanitary manner. The ordering and maintenance of portable toilets and dumpsters is the responsibility of the contractor. All fire regulations and restrictions shall be followed. All garbage and refuse shall be removed from the camp site(s) by the Contractor and disposed of offsite before final payment is made.

1.6.11. Detailed Unit Information: The West Lodgepole Treatment (Shotgun Valley Project) consists of lodgepole pine plantations with an occasional aspen/Douglas fir tree and brush. Tree densities of each of the units will vary in ranges of 100-300 stems per acre. The total acreage for this unit is 130 acres total, with 44 acres being opening units and 86 acres being thinning units. Acreage of the unit was determined by calculations based on a horizontal plane using GIS technology (see attached map). Units may be cut and piled by varying methods, including: hand thinning/piling, mechanical (feller buncher, skidder, log loader i.e.).

1.6.12. Risk and Damages: The Contractor shall assume all risks in connection with performance of the contract and shall be liable for any damages to persons or property in connection with the prosecution of the work, including the employees of the Contractor.

1.6.13. Protection of Improvements: 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. Any soil and ground disturbance caused by equipment during and after operations will be rehabilitated.

1.6.14. Salvage Rights: No salvage will be allowed.

1.6.15. Designation of Contracting Officer’s Representative: The CO shall designate the COR and PI.

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 documentation executed by the CO prior to completion of the contract.

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2. Definitions

2.1. Contractor: A supplier or vendor awarded a contract to provide specific supplies or service to the government. The term used in this contract refers to the prime.

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

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

2.4. Deliverable: Anything that can be physically delivered but may include non-manufactured things such as meeting minutes or reports.

2.5. Equipment: A tangible item that is functionally complete for its intended purpose, durable, nonexpendable, and needed for the performance of a contract. Equipment is not intended for sale and does not ordinarily lose its identity or become a component part of another article when put into use.

Equipment does not include material, real property, special test equipment or special tooling.

2.6. Key Personnel: Contractor personnel that are evaluated in a source selection process and that may be required to be used in the performance of a contract. When key personnel are used as an evaluation factor in best value procurement, an offer can be rejected if it does not have a firm commitment from the persons that are listed in the proposal. The prime contractor is responsible for performance of all subcontractors.

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

2.8. Subcontractor: One that enters into a contract with a prime contractor. The Government does not have privity of contract with the subcontractor.

2.9. Dead tree: A standing tree with no crown, or less than 30% live crown, or a very thin crown with yellowing needles. Also includes green trees visibly infested with insects and/or diseases.

2.10. Leave tree: The largest, healthiest, best-formed trees shall be selected as leave trees. ALL Aspen, Douglas-fir, Engleman spruce, sub alpine fir and Limber pine will be retained regardless of size.

2.11. Skid trail: A path used during ground-based operations to move material or machinery from one area to another.

2.12. Slash: Any material cut by the Contractor or which has been previously cut, either during logging or a previous maintenance treatment; the residue left on the ground after felling timber and brush.

2.13. DBH - Diameter at breast height; the diameter of a tree measured at a point 4.5 feet above the ground on the uphill side of the tree.

2.14. Bole: The trunk or main stem of a tree.

2.15. Sapling - Young tree larger than a seedling but smaller than a pole (generally >4’ tall and <10.0” DBH).

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3. Government Furnished Property and Services

3.1. The Government will provide various USGS 7.5-minute quadrangles (1:24,000 scales) or GIS equivalent with clear cut unit boundaries clearly identified.

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4. Contractor -Furnished Items and Services

4.1. Equipment Requirements:

4.1.1. Unless otherwise specified herein, the Contractor shall provide all labor, transportation, materials, and equipment necessary to perform the work as described herein.

4.1.2. Ensure that all equipment is cleaned off prior to operating on Government lands. Remove all dirt, grease, and plant parts that carry noxious weed seeds or vegetative parts. This may be accomplished with a pressure hose. In addition, if equipment is found operating in a noxious weed area, the equipment must be cleaned before leaving project or moving to another area.

4.1.3. GPS equipment must have an accuracy of +/- 10 meters and be capable of accepting/uploading shape files or track logs.

4.1.4. Any temporary skid trails or landings created by mechanized equipment will be rehabilitated and approved by COR/PI before final payment.

4.2. Service Requirements:

4.2.1. West Lodgepole Cut and Pile

4.2.1.1. The material to be treated consists of live lodgepole pine and Douglas fir saplings planted or naturally regenerated in the early 1970’s.

4.2.1.2. Thinning units (86 acres): Three fourths of all live lodgepole trees equal to or less than 27

in. dbh will be cut OR 20 x 20 (+/- 10 ft.) foot spacing of leave trees in areas where all trees are 27 in. dbh or less shall be completely severed with the stump height not to exceed 4 in.

and cut flat. No live limbs shall be left on the stumps of cut trees. All lodgepole within thinning units within 75 feet of aspen stands will be cut.

4.2.1.3. “All” trees 1 inch in diameter and greater, that are leaning against other trees, will be cut into the required lengths (4 ft. in length) and then piled.

4.2.1.4. Criteria for Selection of Leave Trees: The largest, healthiest, best-formed trees shall be selected as leave trees:

4.2.1.4.1. ALL Aspen, Douglas-fir, Engleman spruce, sub alpine fir and Limber pine will be retained regardless of size.

4.2.1.4.2. No apparent damage to the main bole;

4.2.1.4.3. Is not chlorotic;

4.2.1.4.4. Demonstrates good vigor and is disease/bug free;

4.2.1.4.5. Has at least 40 percent crown ratio, or largest crown ratio if none greater than 40 percent are present.

4.2.1.5. All slash between 1 to 7 inches in diameter and greater than or equal to 2 ft. in length shall be piled. Piled slash will not exceed 4 ft. in length. Slash less than 1 in. diameter and less than 2 ft. in length shall be left on the ground. Slash left on the ground shall not exceed 6 inches in depth.

4.2.1.6. Piles will be constructed so they are TIGHTLY woven together, air space free, and dirt free. The piles will consist of a mixture of small diameter and larger diameter material (Needles, Stems, and boles).

4.2.1.7. Unless approved by the COR, maximum pile size shall be 8 ft. in diameter by 8 ft. in height. Minimum pile size shall be 7 ft. in diameter by 7 ft. in height.

4.2.1.8. Piles shall not be closer than 10 ft. to crown of leave trees or 25 ft. to a unit boundary, unless approved by the COR. Slash shall not be piled or placed on logs or stumps, in roadways or drainage ditches, or within channel bottoms or streams.

4.2.1.9. Felled trees within 50 feet of either side of any erosion rill or gully will “NOT” be placed in the erosion rill or gully.

4.2.2. Opening Units

4.2.2.1. The material to be treated consists of live lodgepole pine saplings planted or naturally regenerated in the early 1970’s.

4.2.2.2. Clear cut units (44 acres): All lodgepole pine up to 27 in. dbh will be cut, all trees under 27 in. dbh or less shall be completely severed with the stump height not to exceed 4 in. and cut flat. No live limbs shall be left on the stumps of cut trees. ALL Douglas-fir, Limber pine and Aspen will be retained within clear cut units.

4.2.2.3. All slash between 1 to 7 inches in diameter and greater than or equal to 2 ft. in length shall be piled. Plied slash will not exceed 4 ft. in length. Slash less than 1 in. diameter and less than 2 ft. in length shall be left on the ground. Slash left on the ground shall not exceed 6 inches in depth.

4.2.2.4. Piles will be constructed so they are TIGHTLY woven together, air space free, and dirt free. The piles will consist of a mixture of small diameter and larger diameter material (Needles, Stems, and boles).

4.2.2.5. Unless approved by the COR, hand piles size shall be 8 ft. in diameter by 8 ft. in height.

Minimum pile size shall be 7 ft. in diameter by 7 ft. in height. Piles constructed with mechanized equipment shall be tight and free of dirt, not to exceed ¼ acre in footprint.

4.2.2.6. Hand piles shall not be closer than 10 ft. to crown of leave trees or 25 ft. to a unit boundary, unless approved by the COR. Piles made by mechanized, depending on size will be spaced appropriately to not scorch leave trees. Slash shall not be piled or placed on logs or stumps, in roadways or drainage ditches, or within channel bottoms or streams.

4.2.2.7. Felled trees within 50 feet of either side of any erosion rill or gully will “NOT” be placed in the erosion rill or gully.

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5. Specific Tasks

5.1. West Lodgepole Cut and Pile: The Contractor shall furnish all personnel, tools, labor, supervision, equipment, materials, supplies, transportation, training, and incidentals necessary to perform the thinning services in accordance with the specifications provided. Services shall be billed in accordance with pricing schedule (See PWS 4.2.1).

5.2. Opening Units: The Contractor shall furnish all personnel, tools, labor, supervision, equipment, materials, supplies, transportation, training, and incidentals necessary to perform the tree removal in clear cut units accordance with the specifications provided. Services shall be billed in accordance with pricing schedule (See PWS 4.2.2).

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6. Applicable Technical Orders, Specifications, Regulations, Manuals

6.1. Fire Prevention: Primarily for purposes of fire prevention and control, the Contractor shall comply with the following provisions:

6.1.1. The Contractor shall comply with all the applicable Idaho State Fire Prevention Laws, Rules, Regulations, and Standards.

6.1.2. Prior to starting operations during a closed fire season or periods of high fire danger, the Contractor shall prepare a fire prevention and fire control plan to the satisfaction of the COR.

6.1.3. Provide and maintain in good repair on the contract area the following equipment for use during a closed fire season or periods of high fire danger:

6.1.3.1. Firefighting tools shall be kept at vehicle staging areas or at such other place(s) as the COR shall designate whenever employees of the Contractor are working on the contract area.

All firefighting tools shall be identified, organized, and easily accessible to all Contractor employees. The fire tools shall be in good condition, be tight on strong handles, and have sharp cutting edges. There shall be at least one (1) tool for each Contractor employee working on the contract area. Three-fourths (3/4) of all fire tools shall be shovels, hoes, or other scraping tools. The fire tools shall be used only for fighting fire.

6.1.3.2. A shovel in good condition with not less than a three (3) foot handle and a blade not less than seven and three-quarters (7 3/4) inches wide shall be within fifty (50) feet of any power saw when in operation.

6.1.3.3. Two (2) back-pack pumps at each vehicle staging area to be kept full of water and in good operating condition.

6.1.3.4. A serviceable chemical fire extinguisher of at least eight (8) ounces minimum capacity shall be carried during a closed fire season or period of high fire danger by each saw operator using a power saw on the contract area. Such fire extinguisher shall be filled and in operating condition and shall at all times be immediately available to the operator when the saw is being fueled or the motor of the saw is running. Any fueling of a power saw shall be done in an area which has first been cleared of all flammable material. Power saws shall be moved at least twenty (20) feet from the place of fueling before the engine is started. A shovel shall be available with each gas can when refueling. Each power saw shall be equipped with an exhaust system and a spark arresting device.

6.1.3.5. The CO may require additional fire tools and fire equipment as the fire danger may warrant.

Technical Exhibits:

Required services table with AQL:

Performance Task Performance

Standard Acceptable Quality Level Method(s) of

Surveillance Slashing, Limbing, Piling (PWS 5.1 & 5.2)

Stump height < 4"

90% Random inspection

Live limbs removed

90% Random inspection

Trees felled that meet specifications

90% Random inspection

Scattered slash within 6 in of ground level

90% Random inspection

Piled slash meets specifications

90% Random inspection

DELIVERABLE FREQUENCY REFERENCE MEDIUM/FORMAT SUBMIT

TO

Performance/Work Plan

Once 1.6.4 Pre-work conference

By email in PDF format or hard copy

COR

Crew Manifest Once, and as needed when crew manifest changes.

1.6.9 Personnel

Requirements

By email in PDF or scanned or hard copy

COR