Attachment 2 - General Specifications.docx

TIMBER MARKING AND VOLUME ESTIMATION/CRUISING

OTTAWA NATIONAL FOREST

SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATION/WORK STATEMENT

C.1 SCOPE OF CONTRACT

(a) This contract advertisement calls for the marking and volume estimation of timber sales on the Ottawa National Forest. Refer to Attachments 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 for specific contract information for each project.

(b) On all projects specified above, the Contractor shall furnish all labor, materials, equipment, tools, instruments, supplies, transportation, professional services and supervision EXCEPT that which is designated in the Government Furnished Property clause.

(c) All Attachments will be available to the Contractor during the pre-work meetings. During the advertisement period, Attachments may be requested for review and forwarded to the requestor electronically. Contact the specified Technical Contact, Paul Tikusis (South Zone Timber Management Assistant) for this information for Bid Items 1-4 and James Pelkola (North Zone Timber Management Assistant) for this information for Bid Items 5-10

(d) Where applicable, all activities performed by the Contractor must be performed in adherence to the Ottawa National Forest Timber Theft Prevention Plan (Attachment 13)

C.2 LOCATIONS AND DESCRIPTIONS

(a) Project areas will be on the Ottawa National Forest and are located on the Bergland, Bessemer, Kenton, Ontonagon, and Watersmeet-Iron Districts. These Districts are located in the Michigan Counties of: Gogebic, Houghton, Iron and Ontonagon. Refer to Attachments 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 for project specific locations and descriptions.

(b) Keep in mind how the tree will be felled, which will require access for equipment and drop zones for larger trees to avoid damage to residual trees during logging. Marking objectives include establishing skid trails prior to thinning to the desired residual basal area and spacing guidelines between trails, which may result in the target basal area being achieved. There may be scattered inclusions of small, poorly drained pockets, seeps, steep slopes, perched water tables, or shallow bedrock areas; do not designate any trees for removal in these areas unless specifically identified in the prescriptions.

GENERAL MARKING AND CRUISING DESCRIPTIONS

(1) HARDWOOD SELECTION, IMPROVEMENT, THINNING (Marking & Cruising)

Uneven aged stands or even-aged stands with uneven-aged or even-aged objectives consisting of a mixture of Northern Hardwood types of various size classes. These stands contain both pulpwood and sawtimber Species/Product/Unit mixes. Marking objectives are to remove trees considered high risk, defective, poor form, or mature and to maintain or develop size class structure with optimum growing stock, per the specific marking instructions.

(2) PINE AND SPRUCE THINNING (even-age) (Marking & Cruising) These stands are second and third entries, and generally are heavier to sawtimber-sized trees. The objectives are to remove high risk trees and thin the remainder of the stand to the desired residual basal area and spacing specifications. Skid trails are generally in place from previous harvest. When applicable and at the discretion of the COR, marking objectives include establishing skid trails prior to thinning to the desired residual basal area and spacing guidelines between trails.

(3) PINE AND SPRUCE THINNING (even-age, 1st Thinning) (Marking & Cruising)

First thinning’s in pine and spruce stands. These stands consist of a higher basal area of pole-sized trees, and are predominately uniform plantations. Some stands may contain damage from disease or insects. Stands that have not been on “regular entry cycle for thinning” could also include a sawtimber-sized component. Marking objectives include establishing skid trails prior to thinning to the desired residual basal area and spacing guidelines between trails.

(4) WHITE PINE THINNING – (Marking & Cruising)

These stands are mixtures of white pine, mixed conifer, aspen and hardwood species. Some stands may contain damage from disease or insects. The objectives are to remove high risk, disease or insect infected trees and undesirable tree species while maintaining a residual stand of healthy trees. Residual basal areas in these stands may vary along with the species composition.

(5) SHELTERWOOD/SEED CUT/OVERSTORY REMOVAL CUT (Marking & Cruising)

Treatments may be applied to hardwood, aspen, pine and mixed conifer stands. Some of which may be high risk trees and contain undesirable species prescribed for removal. The objective is to remove or reduce the overstory competition and regenerate or release stocked stands with desirable species.

(6) CLEARCUT/REMOVAL CUT (Marking & Cruising - where all trees are counted) Generally in a clearcut or removal cut, where all LIVE and/or DEAD trees that meet minimum specifications for size or species are designated for removal EXCEPT for trees marked as RESERVE TREES, LEAVE TREES or trees within PROTECTED AREAS. In units specified in the Marking and Cruising guides requiring leave trees, these leave trees will be marked with ORANGE paint by Forest Service personal.

In Payment Units where designated Species are too variable for Area Estimate Cruising methods, trees designated for removal will be marked with a paint spot at eye level to verify the tree was counted – a stump mark is not generally required (100% Count).

(7) SAMPLE TREE CRUISING METHOD

The Sample Tree cruising method (STR) involves measuring a specified proportion (Sample Interval) of trees in the defined sub-population. The remaining trees included for removal are tallied as count trees. With this cruising method, every tree included for removal must be visited and marked.

(8) VARIABLE PLOT CRUISING (CRUISING ONLY)

The Contractor will establish variable plots and cruise volume with a 10 Basal Area Factor (BAF) prism in units to be clearcut, species designated units (DxSPP) or Leave Tree Marked units. This method could be Point Cruising (every tree on the point is measured) or Point Count Measure (not all of the trees on the point are measured, but all are counted). Generally, plots are systematically distributed at the rate of approximately one plot per two acres or as specified in the cruise design (higher or lower intensity). Variable plot cruises may be used on Leave Tree Marking Payment Units or even-aged, uniform stands of aspen, hardwoods and pine. In units specified in the Marking and Cruising guides requiring leave trees, these leave trees must be marked with ORANGE paint prior to the Contractor commencing in the cruising of these units.

For CLEARCUT/REMOVAL CUT Payment Units where volume is cruised using Variable Plot these trees will not be marked with paint (EXCEPT for cruise trees on plots/points).

C.3 MONUMENTING BOUNDARY TREES and OTHER LEAVE TREES

(a) The Forest Service will mark boundaries with ORANGE paint prior to the Contractor entering the Payment Units to commence marking and cruising work. Boundary trees will be marked with a “slash” that is “wrapped” in such a way as to be visible from 3 faces of the boundary tree. Each “slash” is approximately 2-3 inches in width spaced approximately 5-7 inches apart, at eye-level or higher. Boundary trees will be of sufficient diameter (at least 3” DBH when available) to be visible by equipment operators. Any brush or limbs that hinder the visibility of the boundary marks will be removed. Boundary trees will be inter-visible during the leaf-on period. The only exception permitted would be where the payment unit is intended to follow a dominant feature on the land and will be shown on the sale area map; such as a system road or powerline.

(b) Exterior Payment Unit boundaries will be designated with a 3 slash ORANGE line facing into the Sale Area or Payment Unit. Exterior boundary trees will include a stump mark (1 spot with an 18” – 24” tail, a minimum 2” in width). Stump marks should be concentrated in a crevice of the tree relatively free of moss or lichens. On sloped ground, the stump mark shall be placed on the downhill side of the tree.

(c) Interior Payment Unit boundaries will be designated with a 2 slash ORANGE line, on opposite sides of the tree facing into the respective Payment Units. Interior boundary trees will include a stump mark (1 spot with an 18” – 24” tail, a minimum 2” in width). Stump mark should be concentrated in a crevice of the tree relatively free of moss or lichens. On sloped ground, the stump marks shall be placed on the downhill side of the tree.

(d) No Equipment Zone boundaries will be designated with a 1 slash ORANGE line facing into the Payment Unit where it is easily visible to approaching logging equipment. Stump marks will NOT be placed on these boundaries.

(e) Protected Area boundaries will be designated with a 3 slash ORANGE line facing away from the Protected Area. Protected Area boundary trees will include a stump mark (1 spot with an 18” – 24” tail, a minimum 2” in width). Stump marks should be concentrated in a crevice of the tree relatively free of moss or lichens. On sloped ground, the stump marks shall be placed on the downhill side of the tree. In addition, “PA” will be painted on random boundary trees (particularly on corners in the line) to avoid confusion with Sale Area or Payment Unit boundaries. Protected Areas may protect archeological sites, sensitive plants and animal species, Ecological Classification System plots, or other resources. Trees are not to be marked within Protected Areas.

(f) Reserve Trees shall be marked with a single two-inch wide band of ORANGE paint encircling the tree and “RT” at eye level along with two stump marks (two spots with two 18”-24” tails) placed on opposite sides of the tree. Reserve trees are designated for a specific reason (i.e. wildlife tree, superior tree). Stump marks should be concentrated in a crevice of the tree relatively free of moss or lichens. On sloped ground, the stump mark shall be placed on the downhill side of the tree.

(g) Leave Trees in Leave Tree Marking Payment Units will use a single ORANGE paint BAND at eye level eye level and will include a stump mark (1 spot with an 18” – 24” tail, a minimum 2” in width). Bands are approximately 2 inches in width completely circling the tree. Stump marks should be concentrated in a crevice of the tree relatively free of moss or lichens. On sloped ground, the stump mark shall be placed on the downhill side of the tree.

C.4 SELECTING TIMBER FOR HARVEST

(a) The Forest Service will mark unit boundaries with ORANGE or another designated color of paint with slashes prior to the Contractor entering the units to commence marking work. Trees shall be selected and designated (marked with paint) for harvest in the appropriate unit according to the General Marking Instructions and Detailed Prescriptions included for each solicitation. Boundary trees and Reserve Trees will be marked as described above in Section C.3. Trees selected for harvest must be capable of being economically felled and removed without damage to the residual stand. No marking will occur within Protected Areas. For a tree to be designated for harvest it must meet minimum tree specifications and include one minimum piece. Refer to Attachment 13 – Minimum Tree and Piece Specifications.

(b) Trees are NOT to be marked outside of Sale Area or Payment Unit boundaries (visually “draw” a line from boundary tree to boundary tree). If there is a potential for a designated tree (designated by species/diameter, DxSPP, in a clearcut) to appear to be outside of a unit boundary, then place a stump mark on that tree along with the required mark at eye level.

C.5 MARKING TREES FOR HARVEST

(a) Marking in Cut Tree Mark (CTM) Units (Intermediate harvest unit). Paint is for marking trees for cutting, tallying trees, and strip lines. Prior to application, Contractor shall vigorously shake each can of paint to assure tracer element and pigment are incorporated. Strip lines are to be confined to ribbon lines or sub-merchantable trees (less than 3-inch DBH), as approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative.

(b) Mark sawtimber trees with a single two inch wide horizontal stripe of paint on opposite sides of the tree at eye level along with two stump marks (18 inch – 24 inch “tail” approximately 2 inches in width). Eye level marks shall cover the entire face of the bole. On sloped ground, eye level marks shall be on the uphill and downhill side of the tree.

Mark pulpwood trees with a single two inch wide horizontal stripe of paint on opposite sides of the tree at eye level along with one stump mark (18 inch – 24 inch “tail” approximately 2 inches in width). Eye level marks shall cover the entire face of the bole. On sloped ground, eye level marks shall be on the uphill and downhill side of the tree.

(c) If there are multiple stems on a single stump (or where 2 trees have grown together) with each qualifying as an individual tree, there will be a corresponding stump mark for EACH tree in the “clump”. If one tree is marked for removal in a clump, then all trees in the clump need to be marked.

(d) All cut trees will be marked on two sides at eye level unless specified otherwise (example: along sensitive travel corridors).

(e) Non-merchantable/substandard trees marked to be cut in drop zones; cut trees that present a felling hazard for merchantable marked trees; or trees in right-of-way clearings >= 3” dbh will be marked with an “X” at eye level with a stump mark (only a spot is required without a “tail”).

Apply paint with a sweeping motion to eye level marks, forming horizontal stripes covering the entire face of the bole. All eye level marks shall face approximately the same direction in the individual units. When 2 or more shots are used for an individual mark, shots should only overlap by a minimal amount on edges. DO NOT PUT 2 OR MORE SHOTS DIRECTLY OVER EACH OTHER since this will increase drying time and can significantly increase potential for wash off if heavy rains occur prior to paint drying. Avoid marking topside of leaning trees where mark has greater exposure to weather and water is likely to run during periods of heavy rainfall.

Place stump marks inside butt flanges where possible to protect from damage during felling and skidding. Stump marks shall be applied using proper technique. The stump marks shall be placed on clean bark or wood, not moss or dirty stumps. Moss or other debris may need to be removed, without damaging tree. Marks shall be located on the LOW SIDE of the stump in recessed portions of the stump. A liberal amount of paint shall be used on stump marks, since these are very important marks and must be durable. Stump mark shall include a "tail" or "comet" extending 18-24 inches above ground. Paint must not be diluted.

Marking timber should be avoided during extreme wet weather, or when the boles of standing timber are saturated and wet to the touch. The contractor should contact the COR for site specific details and direction when this saturation occurs. Paint will be expected to last a minimum of 4 years. If the contractor fails to use good judgment, he/she will remark the problem area with no adjustment in total acres. The Forest Service will supply only additional paint.

(g) Some prescriptions may require the creation of canopy gaps. If specified in marking guides, all undesirable nonmerchantable trees shall be marked at eye level on two sides of the tree and one stump mark applied. A different color of paint than used to mark merchantable trees will be designated for this work.

C.6 SPECIAL CONDITIONS

(a) Any survey corner monument (Bearing Tree) or any tree that has been blazed as a line tree along an established land line, or any tree which is designated as a Superior Tree shall not be designated for cutting. Superior trees are designated with a white ring around the tree bole, generally at breast height. Survey trees generally have red paint marks on the blazes (there is potential for blazed trees without paint).

(b) Unit specific marking guides may identify other special conditions such as wildlife den trees, raptor nests, or riparian inclusions which should not be marked. Contractor may be required to demark any areas which did not follow guidelines for special conditions without any additional cost to the Government. Contractor will notify the Government immediately of any changed conditions – such as new raptor nests or previously un-identified archeological sites.

C.7 DESIGNATION BY SPECIES AND DIAMETER (DxSPP)

(a) Generally, in a clearcut or removal cut, where all LIVE and/or DEAD trees that meet minimum specifications (Appendix J.) are designated for removal EXCEPT for trees marked as RESERVE TREES, LEAVE TREES, or trees within PROTECTED AREAS. For Payment Units where volume is cruised using Variable Plot or Fixed Plot Cruising these trees will not be marked with paint (EXCEPT for trees on plots/points – discussed elsewhere). In Payment Units where designated Species are too variable for Area Estimate Cruising methods (using Sample Tree Measure cruise method), trees designated for removal shall be intentionally marked with a stripe/dot of paint at eye level to verify the tree was counted (100% Count).

C.8 VOLUME ESTIMATION USING CUT TREE MARKING OR 100% COUNT/SAMPLE TREE CRUISING METHOD

(a) General Requirements. Contractor will perform volume estimation accurately to insure that net volume estimates are within +/- 5% of cubic foot volume of ALL check cruised sample trees and +/- 10% of check cruised sawtimber trees; in addition to Elements identified in the Field Measurements Evaluation Form (Attachment 13, dated 11/08/2012) for all elements evaluated and acceptable tolerances for error.

(b) Sample Tree Selection. The Contractor will use an unbiased selection of sample trees marked by the timber cruisers. Sampling intensities for each stratum and sample groups are found in the marking instructions/cruise design. Details concerning sampling will be finalized at the pre-work conference.

(c) Instrument Acceptance and Calibration. If requested by the COR, Contractor will provide for inspection and acceptance by COR all instruments used for tree measurements. Instruments will be checked for calibration periodically. Measurements will be made against known and established measures, to insure accurate measurements.

(d) Sample Tree Measurements. Sample tree measurements will be made according to methods outlined in:

1. Qualified Cruiser Reference Guide – Eastern Region, (Attachment 13, revised 04/28/2016)

Required measurements include:

1) DBH (Diameter at Breast Height taken at points other than 4.5' above ground on the high side of the tree because of swell or other bole deformities, shall be identified with a horizontal paint mark on the tree bole at the point of measurement). For all DBH measurements (measured to the nearest 1 tenth of an inch) a tolerance of +/- 2 tenths of an inch will be accepted before an error is assessed.

2) Merchantable height will be measured in feet according to methods described in Attachment 13, “Cruising Changes Guide”, (dated 5/5/2008):

a. Sawtimber heights will be measured to the nearest foot, with a tolerance of +/- 4 feet. Topwood heights will be measured to the nearest foot, with a tolerance of +/- 4 feet. For hardwood trees this is to a 4” top dib (diameter inside bark); for conifer trees this is to the top of the tree.

b. Pulpwood heights will be measured to the nearest foot, with a tolerance of +/- 4 feet. Hardwood trees would be measured to a 4” top dib; conifers would be measured to the top of the tree.

[Note: applies to sawtimber and pulpwood heights: The butt piece shall be a minimum of 9-feet in height in order to account for the automatic 12-inch deduction (for sawtimber) and 6-inch deduction (for pulpwood) by the Volume Equation. The remaining pieces shall be in 8-foot increments. Measurement will be taken from the high side of the stump at ground level.

3) Determination of internal and external defects including sweep, crook, rot, etc.

4) All sawtimber sample trees will meet minimum Grade 3 standards according to the following guides for Forest Service standard grades for hardwood factory-lumber logs, unless specified otherwise in project specific instructions.

(e) Identifying Sample Sawtimber Trees. In addition to the marking instructions above for sawtimber primary product trees (and multi-product trees), a unique tree number that matches the tree number on the Payment Unit tally card (Attachment 13, R9 Timber Sale Cruise Tally Card) will be painted on the sample tree, in addition to the assigned Cruiser identification letter. The following information will be written on a flagging ribbon with permanent marker, with the ribbon turned with the information facing to the inside against the bole of the tree (to protect the information):

1) Unique tree number assigned to that Sample Tree

2) Sample Group # in the Cruise Design

3) Species (use the applicable Species Code shown in Species Code Guide, Section J.)

4) DBH (nearest tenth of an inch)

5) Sawlog height in feet

6) Percent of saw defect (rounded to nearest 5%) percent of Recoverable volume (rounded to nearest 5%)

7) Non-sawlog height in feet (to a 4 inch top dib for hardwood species and total height for conifer species)

8) Percent of non-saw defect (rounded to nearest 5%)

9) Marker's cruising identification as agreed to with the Forest Service COR.

[Note: Calculate defect and recoverable volume to the nearest % then round to the nearest 5%]

Ribbon the sample tree with flagging ribbon at DBH with two foot tails. Flagging ribbon color will be agreed upon, in writing, at the pre-work conference.

(f) Identifying Sample Pulpwood Trees. In addition to the marking instructions above for pulpwood primary product trees, a unique tree number that matches the tree number on the Payment Unit tally card (Attachment 13, R9 Timber Sale Cruise Tally Card)) will be painted on the sample tree, in addition to the assigned Cruiser identification letter. Each pulpwood sample tree will contain the following information written on a flagging ribbon with permanent marker, with the ribbon turned with the information facing to the inside against the bole of the tree (to protect the information):

1) Unique tree number assigned to that Sample Tree

2) Sample Group # in the Cruise Design

3) Species (use the applicable Species Code shown in Species Code Guide, Section J.)

4) DBH (nearest tenth of an inch)

5) Pulpwood (non-saw) height in feet (4 inch top dib for hardwood species and total height for conifer species.

6) Percent of defect (rounded to nearest 5%)

7) Marker's cruising identification as agreed to with the Forest Service COR.

[Note: Calculate defect to the nearest % then round to the nearest 5%]

Ribbon the sample tree with flagging ribbon at breast height with two foot tails. Flagging ribbon color will be agreed upon, in writing, at the pre-work conference.

C.9 VOLUME ESTIMATION USING AREA ESTIMATE SAMPLING METHOD

(a) Variable plot sampling. Where specified in the contract, the Contractor will use variable plot sampling to determine volumes after acreage is computed. The plots shall be sampled with a 10 BAF prism, Relaskop, or other equivalent approved optical instrument. The BAF, grid size, and plot spacing is specified in the Cruise Plan for each project. Plot locations will be determined by Forest Service personnel and shared with the Contractor prior to cruising, unless otherwise agreed upon with the Contract Officer Representative. The point sampling method is generally used in clearcuts and Leave Tree Marking, but may include other applications. Methodology is discussed in Attachment 13, “Qualified Cruiser Reference Guide – Eastern Region”, (revision 04/28/2016). Limiting distance tables are also included in this document.

(b) General Requirements. Contractor will perform volume estimation accurately to insure that net volume estimates are within +/- 5% of net volume for all species and products combined of plots checked on an area estimate cruises.

(c) Point sampling methods will utilize the Point Count Measure (PCMTRE) standard. All of the trees on every variable radius point are counted, with a sample interval assigned to the measure trees in each Sample Group.

(d) Variable Plot Operational Features.

(1) Sample Plot Location. Location of sample points/plots should result in a representative sample of the population and be free of bias. Number of samples to be taken will be determined by the Forest Service and intensity of points may vary based upon stand variability. Sample points should be located so they reflect stand variations which may occur in the Payment Unit. Cruise lines should cross drainages or topographic patterns rather than parallel them. The Forest Services shall plan location of points/plots and grid on the Contract Map, prior to cruising on the ground.

Establish cruise lines using a compass and proceed in a north, south, east, or west direction. Refer to Attachment 13, “Qualified Cruisers Reference Guide – Eastern Region”, (revision 04/28/2016).

(2) Marking Variable Plots. Plots shall be clearly marked with the plot number identified at the top of the plot marker. The plot marker shall consist of a stake, engineering flag, or other straight object which will show where the plot center is located. The actual plot center will be where the stake goes into the ground. Plot number will be written as Payment Unit Number/Plot (or point) Number (i.e. 01/01). Plot “Marker” type will be agreed to in writing by the Contractor and Forest Service at the pre-work conference.

(3) Sample Tree Selection. In most cases selection of sample and measure trees will follow direction given below. Variations in sampling design may include other methods which would be described in project cruise designs.

(i) Proceeding clockwise from direction of travel, check each tree around the point, normally at DBH, as a possible sample tree.

(ii) Generally the first tree clockwise from direction of travel that falls within the basal area factor shall be the first tree measured and shall be flagged unless specified otherwise in the cruise design. Every first sample group species/product tree which falls within the basal area factor shall be tallied. Depending on sampling method used, all or a selected interval of the remaining “in” trees will be measured. Variations in selection of measure trees may be specified in project specific cruise designs. The Point Sampling Guide for BAF 5, 10, or 20 in Attachment 13, “Qualified Cruiser Reference Guide – Eastern Region”, (revision 04/28/2016), shall be used to assess borderline or other questionable trees.

(iii) Trees to be left need not be tallied, unless specified otherwise for each project.

(4) Sample Tree Measurements. Sample tree measurements for variable plot sample cruising shall be the same as that described above for Cut Tree Marking/Sample Tree cruising method. Measured trees on the plot, or point, will be identified in the same manner as described in Section C.8. Other trees that meet minimum specifications and fall within the plot/point, and are designated species, will be marked with a paint spot at eye-level. All paint marks must face the plot/point center.

C.10 MARKING RECORDS.

(a) Contractor shall ensure accurate recording of all marking records including a tree counts for each sample group in each unit. The following procedures will be applied:

(1) Measurements from each sample tree shall be recorded on the R9 Timber Sale Cruise Tally Card according to techniques on Instruction side of the Tally Card.

(2) Diameter Breast Height (DBH) shall be measured to the nearest lower 0.1 inch (i.e. 12.96 = 12.9), and recorded as measured. A tolerance of +/- 2 tenths of an inch will be granted before an error is assessed. Rounding protocol depends on the measuring instrument and is described in Attachment 13, Qualified Cruiser Reference Guide, (revision 04/28/2016).

(3) Sawtimber or multi-product tree heights will be determined using the procedures described in C.8, items 4(e) and 4(f). Tolerance level is +/- 4 feet of height measurement.

(4) Internal and external defect shall be determined for the sample tree in total then rounded to the nearest 5% using the Volume Distribution Chart. Tolerance level on defect is +/- 5% for each product. Round up to 5% if defect is >=3%, otherwise round down to 0%; if greater than 10% defect, then use the even-odd rounding protocol (i.e., if % is even # such as 18% would round to 20%, if 17% would round done to 15%)

(5) Tally sheet data entries shall be complete and legible. Original tally sheets for each unit will be turned in together within 5 business days when unit work is completed. No recopying of field records is permitted. Tally sheets should not contain erasures. Any data that needs correcting will be marked through with a single line and the correct data written next to that entry; or the entire line of data marked through with a single line and the correct data written below. Any sheets used to track and record tree counts should be attached to the corresponding tally sheet and submitted for each unit cruised. This will be discussed at the pre-work conference. All data fields will be completed by the Contractor. Within each Payment Unit the Tree Line Number will start with 1 and continue consecutively through all cards as this will be the unique tree number to be written on Sample Trees, as described above, unless agreed otherwise in writing.

(6) A Timber Sale Payment Unit Information Sheet (Attachment 13) will be filled out by the Contractor for each unit listing unusual circumstances such as raptor nests, archaeological sites, permanent deer blinds, riparian inclusions and so on.

(7) On a copy of the timber sale map, daily marking progress and location of any sites discussed under (6) above will be indicated. This record will be made available for the Forest Service Contracting Officer or his designated representative on a daily basis.

C.11 PRE-WORK CONFERENCE

A conference will be held prior to the start of work. The Contracting Officer and/or Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) will meet with Contractor to discuss contract items, work performance requirements, anticipated rate of production, scheduling of work, Government furnished materials and work conditions pertaining to the contract. Contractor will submit Operating Plan and Safety Plan prior to/or at the Pre-Work Conference for approval prior to the Notice to Proceed being issued. A SAMPLE Operating Plan format will be provided to Contractor upon request for optional use. Operating Plans shall include how and where Contractor will be storing Government provided property (Paint).

C.12 Sustainable Acquisitions The Contractor shall comply with FAR Part 23 Sustainable Acquisition Policy and all associated laws, rules, regulations, and executive orders referenced therein. Contracts that include the supply of products and for the acquisition of services (including construction) that include the supply of products, require that the products provided are—

(1) Energy-efficient (ENERGY STAR® or Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP)-designated); (applicable if FAR Clause 52.223-15 is included)

(2) Water-efficient; (applicable if FAR Clause 52.223-15 is included)

(3) Biobased; (applicable if FAR Clause 52.223-2 is included)

(4) Environmentally preferable (e.g., EPEAT®-registered, or non-toxic or less toxic alternatives); (applicable if FAR Clause 52.223-13,14, or 16 are included)

(5) Non-ozone depleting; (applicable if FAR clause 52.223-11,12,20, or 21 are included), and/or

(6) Made with recovered materials (EPA-Designated products) (applicable if FAR clause 52.223-9 or 17 is included).

(b) The required products in the contract actions for services include products that are—

(1) Delivered to the Government during performance;

(2) Acquired by the contractor for use in performing services at a Federally-controlled facility; or

(3) Furnished by the contractor for use by the Government.

C.14.1 Sustainable products identified for this solicitation:

The following is a list of sustainable products that that may be used in the performance of this contract. The list is not all inclusive; the Contractor shall research for available products.

C.14.1.1 Energy-efficient and Water-efficient Products ENERGY STAR® at http://www.energystar.gov/; and FEMP at http://www1.eere.energy.gov/femp/procurement/eep_requirements.html www.epa.gov/watersense None

C.14.1.2 Biobased Products: (requires reporting at www.sam.gov by 10/31 each year) http://www.biopreferred.gov a Diesel Fuel Additives

(1) Any substance, other than one composed solely of carbon and/or hydrogen, that is intentionally added to diesel fuel (including any added to a motor vehicle's fuel system) and that is not intentionally removed prior to sale or use.

(2) Neat biodiesel, also referred to as B100, when used as an additive. Diesel fuel additive does not mean neat biodiesel when used as a fuel or blended biodiesel fuel (e.g., B20). 90% - Minimum Biobased Content.

b Penetrating Lubricants Products formulated to provide light lubrication and corrosion resistance in close tolerant internal and external applications including frozen nuts and bolts, power tools, gears, valves, chains, and cables. 68% - Minimum Biobased Content.

c Gear Lubricants Products, such as greases or oils, that are designed to reduce friction when applied to a toothed machine part (such as a wheel or cylinder) that meshes with another toothed part to transmit motion or to change speed or direction. 58% - Minimum Biobased Content.

d Fuel Conditioners Products formulated to improve the performance and efficiency of engines by providing benefits such as removing accumulated deposits, increasing lubricity, removing moisture, increasing the cetane number, and/or preventing microbial growths within the fuel system. 64% - Minimum Biobased Content.

e 2-Cycle Engine Oils Lubricants designed for use in 2-cycle engines to provide lubrication, decreased spark plug fouling, reduced deposit formation, and/or reduced engine wear. 34% - Minimum Biobased Content.

C.14.1.3 Environmentally Preferable Products:

www.epa.gov/epeat.

None

C.14.1.4 Non-ozone Depleting Products:

http://www.epa.gov/snap

None

C.14.1.5 EPA Designated Products:

https://www.epa.gov/smm/comprehensive-procurement-guideline-cpg-program

None

SAFETY AND HEALTH

SUBMITTALS

A. Safety and Health Programs: The Contractor shall submit, for approval, a safety plan, as applicable to the work scope.