Attachment 2 - Performance Work Statement.docx

Attachment 2 - Performance Work Statement

SCOPE OF WORK: The contractor shall provide any and all labor, materials, equipment, tools, transportation, supplies, services, incidentals, permits, and licenses necessary to perform Common Stand Exam, Timber Marking, and Timber Cruising on the Mark Twain National Forest; except for Forest Service Timber Marking Tracer Paint and Chalk/Applicators which will be issued to contractor by the Government. The Contractor shall follow all State and Federal regulations, including OSHA guidelines. All work shall be performed in accordance with the terms, conditions and specifications of this solicitation and any resultant contract.

This statement of work consists of completing the tasks/subtasks in Section 5 to the performance requirements of the technical specifications. Acreages listed have been determined by Global Positioning System (GPS) Traverses. Cut Units or Payment Units in Timber Sales will have the Unit boundaries marked and GPS traversed prior to Contractor’s crews walking over the areas and estimating the volumes to be cut and removed from the sale area.

CERTIFIED CRUISER REQUIREMENTS: 12444521R0004 is being solicited in such a way as to result in a pool of successful contractors – creating a set of multiple award Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity Contracts (IDIQs). Successful contractors/awardees shall be required to have a minimum of one Certified Cruiser present whenever the contractor is cruising trees for volume/defect estimations. This certification shall be obtained within 30 days of contract award. Contractor may have multiple employees with Certified Cruiser credentials. To become a Certified Cruiser, the candidate cruiser(s) will be required to pass a written exam and field practicum established by the Forest Service. Location will be on the Mark Twain National Forest and scheduling will be determined by the Forest Service. An individual candidate cruiser may attempt the written exam and/or field practicum twice per contract period of performance. FAILURE OF A CONTRACTOR TO SUCCESSFULLY QUALIFY A MINIMUM OF ONE EMPLOYEE AS A CERTIFIED CRUISER WITHIN 30 DAYS OF CONTRACT AWARD SHALL RESULT IN CONTRACTOR BECOMING INELIGIBLE FOR TASK ORDER AWARDS.

DESCRIPTION AND LOCATION: The areas are located within the boundaries of the Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri. Specific locations, area data, and maps will be issued with each task order.

BOUNDARIES: Individual cut or payment unit boundaries will be premarked by the Forest Service prior to Contractor doing the work. Boundaries will be marked on trees with two diagonal slash marks at eye level and two spots of Forest Service Orange or Pink Tracer paint on the stump next to ground so that all marks will face the interior of the Unit and can be seen from the interior of the Unit. All units will be signed from an access point along the boundary of the unit to identify the Unit. Signs will indicate the payment unit and Timber Sale Name. Generally, Units representing the volume for specified road construction or reconstruction will be estimated by Forest Service Crews prior to Contractor starting any work within that Timber Sale.

RE-MEASUREMENT: The Contractor may at any time after issuance of a Task Order (prior to invoice) request re-measurement of acres. The request must be in writing to the Contracting Officer. Payment will be based on the re-measurement of the acreage, except no adjustment shall be made for areas less than 1 acre. The Contractor shall pay for the cost of re-measurement if the re-measurement results in an increase of less than 10 percent; cost determined by multiplying the hourly burdened rated for the COR by the hours necessary to re-measure and deducting amount from current Task Order. Method of re-measurement to be used will be done with GPS (Global Positioning System) traverses by the Government.

PAYMENT: Payment for performed work shall be made at the contract price per acre for timber marking/cruising and price per plot for Common Stand Exam actually completed by the Contractor and accepted by the Government. Payment will be processed for completed units only and for a minimum amount of $5,000 or the entire Task Order whichever is less.

CONTRACTOR REPRESENTATIVE: The contractor shall provide a contract representative for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate(s) who shall act for the contractor when the contractor is absent shall be designated in writing to the contracting officer. The contractor representative or alternate shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The contractor representative and alternate(s) must be able to read, write, speak, understand English, and communicate with his crews. The contractor representative and/or alternate(s) for timber marking and cruising tasks must be Certified Qualified Cruisers who have passed both a written and field examination prior to award of this contract. The contractor representative and/or alternate(s) for Common Stand Exam tasks must have at least a bachelor’s degree in natural resources.

PRE-WORK CONFERENCE: Prior to commencement of work, the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) will arrange a meeting with the Contractor to discuss the contract terms and work performance requirements. A work progress schedule will be developed at this meeting.

Prior to commencement of work, preferably at the pre-work conference, the Contractor shall designate in writing a person to act for him in his absence. The Contractor or the designated representative shall be on the job whenever work is in progress. Contractor’s representative and/or alternate for timber marking and cruising tasks must be certified as Qualified Cruisers and have taken and passed both the written and field examinations for Qualified Cruisers.

In the absence of the Contractor, the authorized representative will take action as required to keep the job in progress under the terms of the contract. The presence of the Contractor's Representative or Contracting Officer's Representative on the job will not relieve the Contractor of responsibility for satisfactory performance.

WORK PROGRESS: The Contractor shall complete all work within the contract time stated on each task order. When Task Orders are sent out for bid the request for bids will contain a contract time and these are generally as follows:

· For timber marking and crusing 1 day for every three acres

· For Common Stand Exam it will be 20 plots per day for Quick Plots and 4 plots per day for Intensive Plots

· In addition, 5 days will be allowed for initial mobilization for all items above

The Contract Time listed in the Task order shall be binding – the calculations in the previous sentences are a general guideline only.

DAMAGE TO PROPERTY: The Contractor shall be responsible for any damage caused by his/her personnel or equipment to any existing structures, private or public. Damaged items shall be repaired or replaced by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government. In the event of interruption to utility service, the Contractor shall promptly notify the proper authority and shall cooperate with the authority in the restoration of service.

PROTECTION OF IMPROVEMENTS: Any improvements damaged by the contractor’s work shall be repaired to the condition that existed prior to the start of work at the contractor’s expense. ATV/UTV use by the Contractor will be permitted when approved by the COR in writing (for each Task Order) and only to the extent necessary to accomplish work associated with that specific task orders.

2.1 STANDARD DEFINITIONS

2.2 TECHNICAL DEFINITIONS

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY:

For timber marking and cruising tasks the Government will furnish:

(1) Forest Service Timber Marking Tracer Paint

(2) Chalk/applicators

(3) Initial FS Cruiser master file

(4) The current version of FS Cruiser software found at https://www.fs.fed.us/forestmanagement/products/measurement/cruising/fscruiser/index.php

For Common Stand Exam tasks the Government will furnish:

(1) Topographic maps (.pdf electronic copy and paper copy)

(2) List of plot locations

(3) ExamsCE Software for Personal Data Recorders (PDR) and ExamsPC Software for Personal Computers is available to downloaded from the internet at: http://www.fs.fed.us/nrm/fsveg/

(4) Mark Twain Exams Master .cse file

No other supplies or services will be supplied to the contractor.

CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS/SERVICES: Except for those items listed in Section 3, the contractor shall furnish all labor, materials, equipment, tools, transportation, supervision, supplies, and incidentals necessary to perform Timber Marking/Cruising activities (this may include flagging, pin flags, conduit, GPS, prism, D-Tape, clinometer, tally counters, marking guns, tree sounding devices, cruiser vests, field data recorder, etc.)

5.1 Quality Control Plan

The contractor shall establish and maintain a proactive Quality Control Plan. The QC Plan is to be submitted as part of the offeror’s Technical Proposal. Any changes to Plan after award shall require Government review/acceptance.

5.2 Work Plan

The work plan shall describe how the contractor plans to perform Timber Sale Prep and Common Stand Exam activities including methods, personnel, and equipment. This information is requested in further detail in the Evaluation Factors.

5.3 Progress Schedule

The contractor shall prepare and submit to the COR a practical work schedule for each task order the contractor competes for. This schedule should show the order in which the contractor will perform the work ordered and the dates on which the contractor contemplates starting and completing each road included on the project lists that accompany each task order.

5.4 Contractor Inspection Records

The contractor shall submit to the COR, all inspection records completed for each task order issued.

5.5 Safety Plan

Contractor shall provide a Safety Plan – requested in the Evaluation Factors. The Safety Plan shall include how the contractor intends to address Fire Suppression.

A. Cruise Plan & Silvicultural Prescription The Cruise Plan and Silvicultural Prescription for each task order can be found at the District Office and should be referred to prior to beginning any Timber Marking/Cruising work on any Task Order. An Individual Cruise Plan with specific Marking/Cruising Guidelines will be provided to the Contractor as each Task Order is sent out for bid. These Guidelines will provide specific direction on where the timber is located and how it is to be marked and cruised.

The Forest Service may identify protected areas (such as sensitive plants, archaeological sites, etc.) in the Cruise Plan. The contractor may need to avoid marking trees for removal in these areas, the Cruise Plans will have specific instructions for the contractor to follow. Should the contractor discover potential protected areas not designated by the Forest Service within the sale area or individual unit, notify the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) immediately and before proceeding so that proper preservation or safety measures can be taken if necessary.

B. Marker Certification Reference the Section: CERTIFIED CRUISER REQUIREMENTS

C. Tree Marking Tracer Paint Accountability The Government will furnish the necessary Tree Marking Tracer Paint required to complete the task order. Paint accountability is considered a very serious aspect of successful completion of contract requirements and will be covered in detail at the Pre-Work meeting.

All government Tree Marking Tracer Paint cans, full or empty, not in immediate use by the contractor, are required to be in locked storage. Tree Marking Tracer Paint remains property of the United States. Any unused quantities will be returned to the Government upon completion of the task order. All used paint cans shall be returned to the Government with the residual paint in the cans dried. Final payment invoices will not be processed until all paint is accounted for and completed “Mark Twain National Forest Contractor Tree Marking Tracer Paint Log” forms (Exhibt A) are provided to the COR.

D. Timber Marking and Timber Cruising Under this contract three different kinds of TIMBER MARKING may be used:

1. Cut Tree Marking (CTM): Trees to be removed are to be designated with Blue, Yellow, or Green Timber Marking Tracer Paint at or above eye level mark and at ground level.

2. Leave Tree Marking (LTM): Trees to be left uncut are to be designated with Orange or Pink Timber Marking Tracer Paint at or above eye level and at ground level.

3. Designation/CTM/LTM (DXX/CTM): Majority of trees to be removed are designated by some other means than individually painting. Trees may be defined by characteristics such as an entire species, species group, size class and/or damage class. Additional trees may be individually marked (CTM) if they don’t fall within the designation criteria. Additional trees may be individually marked (LTM) to leave that fall within the designation criteria.

Under this contract two kinds of TIMBER CRUISING may be used:

1. Sample Tree (STR) Cruising- The Sample Tree cruising method involves measuring a specified proportion (Sample Interval) of trees in the sub-population defined in the cruise plan. The remaining trees (trees not measured) included for removal are tallied as count trees. With this cruising method every tree included for removal must be visited.

2. Fixed Plot (FIX) Cruising- The contractor will establish fixed size plots (uniform circle of a fixed radius, generally 1/10th acre and/or 1/20th acre in size) in which all trees included for removal will be measured. Plots are distributed across the defined area per the Cruise Plan or as provided in a GIS file (generally 1 plot per 1-2 acres).

All tree measurements shall be done in accordance to the Qualified Cruiser Reference Guide which is posted with this solicitation as Attachment 4. Cruise files are required to be submitted electronically utilizing the current version of Forest Service National Cruise System (FS Cruiser) software at the time of the cruise.

D1. Cut Tree Marking (CTM) with Sample Tree Cruising (STR) In this contract CTM and STR will be used together for all 5.1 task items.

Cut Tree Marking

Cut Tree Marking (CTM): Trees to be removed are to be designated with Blue, Yellow, or Green Timber Marking Tracer Paint at or above eye level mark and at ground level.

Direction for Eye Level Marks (or DBH): Two paint marks at eye level (or DBH) will be used to designate all trees for cutting. Marks are to be placed on opposite sides of the tree. Marks will be either a 3” diameter spot or a horizontal or diagonal stripe. If stripes are used a minimum mark would be 2 inches in width and 6 inches long.

Direction for Stump Marks: Two stump marks will be used on all trees unless otherwise specified by the COR or Inspector at the Pre-work Meeting. Stump marks shall be placed inside large root pockets or between bark fissures where possible to protect them from damage during felling and skidding. Also, paint shall be placed on clean bark or wood or areas free or scraped free of moss, lichen, loose bark, or other debris. Marks shall be located on the LOW SIDE of the stump and in recessed portions of the stump where possible. Liberal amounts of paint shall be used on stump marks since these are very important marks and must be durable. Ideally, the marker would use two applications of paint per mark to apply an adequate amount of paint and the paint mark would touch the ground, (about 10% of the mark on the ground and 90% on the stump).

This marking procedure, when completed properly, will allow paint marks on all cut trees to be seen from any direction.

A draft copy of the sale area map shall be maintained with shading of progress- these maps shall be kept in a pre-sale folder. The FS Cruiser files and Contractor Tree Marking Paint Log shall be kept daily and filed in the pre-sale folder. The pre-sale folder shall be kept neat and orderly at all times.

Sample Tree Cruising

While individually marking trees, trees designated for removal shall be measured and/or counted at an interval identified in the cruise plan. Sample populations may be further stratified by having multiple sample groups. A proportional sample of trees are measured and counted while other trees within the sample population are merely counted with no specific measurements being recorded. Trees shall be counted using tally counters or comparable tools. Trees to be measured shall be selected each time a multiple of the sampling interval is reached on the counting mechanism.

The tree number and cruiser identification should be written on flagging and tied to the measured tree.

At the pre-work conference it will be determined when the contractors completed FS Cruiser electronic files will be given to the COR. The Contractor will be required to keep copies of the FS Cruiser electronic files until payment is recommended by the COR and payment is approved.

D2. Leave Tree Marking (LTM) with Sample Tree Cruising (STR) In this contract LTM and STR will be used together for all 5.2 task items.

Leave Tree Marking

Leave Tree Marking (LTM): Trees to be left uncut are to be designated with Orange or Pink Timber Marking Tracer Paint at or above eye level and at ground level.

Direction for Eye Level Marks (or DBH): The mark near eye level will be either a horizontal band completely around the tree or diagonal stripes, or some other method, so that the marks can be seen from any direction within the payment unit.

Direction for Stump Marks: There will be two stump marks applied to all Leave Trees unless otherwise specified by the COR or inspector at the Pre-work Meeting. Stump marks shall be placed inside large root pockets or between bark fissures where possible to protect them from damage during felling and skidding. Also, paint shall be placed on clean bark or wood or areas free or scraped free of moss, lichen, loose bark, or other debris. Marks shall be located on the LOW SIDE of the stump and in recessed portions of the stump where possible. Liberal amounts of paint shall be used on stump marks since these are very important marks and must be durable. Ideally, the marker would use two applications of paint per mark to apply an adequate amount of paint and the paint mark would touch the ground, (about 10% of the mark on the ground and 90% on the stump).

A draft copy of the sale area map shall be maintained with shading of progress- these maps shall be kept in a pre-sale folder. The FS Cruiser files and Contractor Tree Marking Paint Log shall be kept daily and filed in the pre-sale folder. The pre-sale folder shall be kept neat and orderly at all times.

Sample Tree Cruising

While using LTM as a designation method, it is strongly recommended that all trees for retention be individually marked prior to conducting the sample tree cruise (STR). After leave trees have been designated with paint, the remaining trees that meet product and utilization specifications identified in the cruise plan shall be cruised per the sampling standards identified in the cruise plan. Using this combination of designation and cruising technique requires that the contractor visit every tree meeting utilization specifications. The contractor shall use a chalk mark(s) to indicate that a specific tree has been visited and counted.

Trees designated for removal by stand prescription and/or cruise plan (those not marked with Orange or Pink paint) shall be measured and/or counted at an interval identified in the cruise plan. Sample populations may be further stratified by having multiple sample groups. A proportional sample of trees are measured and counted while other trees within the sample population are merely counted with no specific measurements being recorded. Trees shall be counted using tally counters or comparable tools. Trees to be measured shall be selected each time a multiple of the sampling interval is reached on the counting mechanism.

The Tree number and cruiser identification should be written on flagging and tied to the measured tree.

At the pre-work conference it will be determined when the contractors completed FS Cruiser electronic files will be given to the COR. The Contractor will be required to keep copies of the FS Cruiser electronic files until payment is recommended by the COR and payment is approved.

Fixed Plot Cruising While using LTM as a designation method all trees designated in the cruise plan for retention shall be individually marked prior to conducting the fixed plot cruising (FIX). After any individual tree marking has occurred, the contractor shall go back through payment units and put in approximately 1 plot per /acre (could be less plots per acre) acres using a fixed plot usually 1/10th acre and/or 1/20th acre in size. Fixed Plot cruising involves measuring all trees to be harvested in a plot. Plot locations and their coordinates will be determined by the Government and a map with these locations will be given to the contractor.

Plots shall be monumented using wooden stakes placed at the exact plot center, with the Plot number, cruiser initials, and tree count of trees to be harvested legibly written on it. A white or contrasting color ribbon shall be hung over the wooden stake as close as possible to the plot center and contain the Plot number.

All trees to be harvested within the plot should be measured and marked using flagging that is easily visible from plot center. The Plot # and Tree # will be written legibly on the flagging. Tree Measurements that need to be taken can be seen by looking at the Field Data Recorder.

The measuring of each plot needs to start at due North and work clockwise. Therefore, Tree #1 should be either located directly North or be the first tree to harvest you come to working clockwise from North.

Total sample trees and their respective measurements within each sample group are recorded on the Field Data Recorder.

At the pre-work conference it will be determined when the contractors completed FS Cruiser electronic files will be given to the COR. The Contractor will be required to keep copies of the FS Cruiser electronic files until payment is recommended by the COR and payment is approved.

D3. Designation by Description (DxD) with Sample Tree Cruising (STR) and Fixed Plot Cruising (FIX)

In this contract DxD and STR or FIX will be used together for all 5.3 task items.

DxD/Cut Tree Marking/Leave Tree Marking Designation by Description/CTM/LTM (DxD/CTM/LTM): Majority of trees to be removed are designated by some other means than individually painting. Trees may be defined by characteristics such as an entire species, species group, damage class, and/or size class. Additional trees may be individually marked (CTM) if they don’t fall within the designation criteria. Trees requiring cut tree marking (CTM) will be designated with Blue, Yellow, or Green Timber Marking Tracer Paint at or above eye level mark and at ground level. Additional trees may be individually marked (LTM) if they fall within the designation criteria. Trees requiring leave tree marking (LTM) will be designated with Orange or Pink Timber Marking Tracer Paint at or above eye level mark and at ground level.

Direction for Eye Level Marks (or DBH): Two paint marks at eye level (or DBH) will be used to designate additional trees for cutting (those not within the designation criteria). Marks are to be placed on opposite sides of the tree. Marks will be either a 3” diameter spot or a horizontal or diagonal stripe. If stripes are used a minimum mark would be 2 inches in width and 6 inches long.

Direction for Stump Marks: Two stump marks will be used on all trees unless otherwise specified by the COR or Inspector at the Pre-work Meeting. Stump marks shall be placed inside large root pockets or between bark fissures where possible to protect them from damage during felling and skidding. Also, paint shall be placed on clean bark or wood or areas free or scraped free of moss, lichen, loose bark, or other debris. Marks shall be located on the LOW SIDE of the stump and in recessed portions of the stump where possible. Liberal amounts of paint shall be used on stump marks since these are very important marks and must be durable. Ideally, the marker would use two applications of paint per mark to apply an adequate amount of paint and the paint mark would touch the ground, (about 10% of the mark on the ground and 90% on the stump).

This marking procedure, when completed properly, will allow paint marks on all cut trees to be seen from any direction. A draft copy of the sale area map shall be maintained with shading of progress- these maps shall be kept in a pre-sale folder. The FS Cruiser files and Contractor Tree Marking Paint Log shall be kept daily and filed in the pre-sale folder. The pre-sale folder shall be kept neat and orderly at all times.

Sample Tree Cruising

While using DxD as a designation method, trees designated for removal in the cruise plan shall be cruised per the sampling standards identified in the cruise plan. Using this combination of designation and cruising technique requires that the contractor visit every tree meeting removal designation specifications. The contractor shall use a chalk mark(s) to indicate that a specific tree has been visited and counted. In addition, trees not captured by designation criteria, but identified for removal by CTM per the stand prescription and/or cruise plan, must be incorporated into the cruise population.

Trees designated for removal shall be measured and/or counted at an interval identified in the cruise plan. Sample populations may be further stratified by having multiple sample groups. A proportional sample of trees are measured and counted while other trees within the sample population are merely counted with no specific measurements being recorded. Trees shall be counted by the use of tally counters or comparable tools. Trees to be measured shall be selected each time a multiple of the sampling interval is reached on the counting mechanism.

The Tree number and cruiser identification should be written on flagging and tied to the measured tree.

At the pre-work conference it will be determined when the contractors completed FS Cruiser electronic files will be given to the COR. The Contractor will be required to keep copies of the FS Cruiser electronic files until payment is recommended by the COR and payment is approved.

Fixed Plot Cruising

While using DxD as a designation method, the majority of trees in a stand will be designated for removal as identified in the cruise plan and shall be cruised per the sampling standards identified in the cruise plan. Trees to be left shall be designated with orange or pink paint by LTM. In addition, trees not captured by designation criteria, but identified for removal by CTM per the stand prescription and/or cruise plan, must be incorporated into the cruise population.

After any individual tree marking has occurred, the contractor shall go back through payment units and put in approximately 1 plot per /acre (could be less plots per acre) acres using a fixed plot usually 1/10th acre and/or 1/20th acre in size. Fixed Plot cruising involves measuring all trees to be harvested in a plot. Plot locations and their coordinates will be determined by the Government and a map with these locations will be given to the contractor.

Plots shall be monumented using wooden stakes placed at the exact plot center, with the Plot number, cruiser initials, and tree count of trees to be harvested legibly written on it. A white or contrasting color ribbon shall be hung over the wooden stake as close as possible to the plot center and contain the Plot number.

All trees to be harvested within the plot should be measured and marked using flagging that is easily visible from plot center. The Plot # and Tree # will be written legibly on the flagging. Tree Measurements that need to be taken can be seen by looking at the Field Data Recorder.

The measuring of each plot needs to start at due North and work clockwise. Therefore, Tree #1 should be either located directly North or be the first tree to harvest you come to working clockwise from North.

Total sample trees and their respective measurements within each sample group are recorded on the Field Data Recorder.

At the pre-work conference it will be determined when the contractors completed FS Cruiser electronic files will be given to the COR. The Contractor will be required to keep copies of the FS Cruiser electronic files until payment is recommended by the COR and payment is approved.

D4. Utilization Standards & Specifications

D5. Species Codes

5.0 Timber Marking & Timber Cruising

As mentioned earlier, a Cruise Plan and Silvicultural Prescription for each task order can be found at the District Office and should be referred to prior to beginning any Timber Marking/Cruising work on any task order. The Cruise Plan will have more specific Marking/Cruising Guidelines than what is listed below (see example Cruise Plans provided).

5.1 Cut Tree Marking with Sample Tree Cruising (STR)

5.1.1 Clear-cut with Reserves (CTM; STR)

Trees to be cut shall be designated with paint by CTM. Commercial trees will be marked within the Payment Unit to leave a BA/Acre of 0 ft2, except:

a.) 7-10% of the stand will be left as reserve groups/trees as described in the Cruise Plan.

b.) Trees within Watercourse Protection Zones (WPZ’s) c.) Other areas/trees may also be identified in the Cruise Plan not to be marked (Ex. Arch sites, certain products/species, etc.).

5.1.2 Seedtree/Shelterwood with Reserves (CTM; STR)

Trees to be cut shall be designated with paint by CTM. Commercial trees will be marked throughout the payment unit to leave a BA/Acre of 10-30 ft2 except:

a.) 7-10% of the stand will be left as reserve groups/trees as described in the Cruise Plan.

b.) Trees within Watercourse Protection Zones (WPZ’s) c.) Other areas/trees may also be identified in the Cruise Plan not to be marked.

In order to obtain the desired leave BA/acre stated above (10-30 ft2 BA), select trees to be marked based on the description in the individual stand prescription and/or Cruise Plan for the Payment Unit.

5.1.3 Open Woodland Thinning (CTM; STR)

Trees to be cut shall be designated with paint by CTM. Commercial trees will be marked throughout the payment unit so as to leave a BA/Acre of 30-60 ft2 except:

a.) Trees within Watercourse Protection Zones (WPZ’s) b.) Other areas/trees may also be identified in the Cruise Plan not to be marked.

c.) Areas with Group Selection Harvest identified in the Stand Prescription and/or Cruise Plan will be completely CTM (BA/Acre of 0 ft2) and may occur on up to 25% of the stand or unit area. Size of Group Section openings will be at least 1/3 acre but no more than two acres in size per group. Selection of groups of trees to be marked is based on the description in the individual stand prescription and/or cruise plan for the Payment Unit.

In order to obtain the desired leave BA/acre stated above (30-60 ft2), select trees to be marked based on the description in the individual stand prescription and/or Cruise Plan for the Payment Unit.

5.1.4 Commercial Thinning (CTM; STR)

Trees to be cut shall be designated with paint by CTM. Commercial trees will be marked throughout the payment unit so as to leave a BA/Acre of 50-80 ft2 except:

a.) Trees within Watercourse Protection Zones (WPZ’s) b.) Other areas/trees may also be identified in the Cruise Plan not to be marked.

In order to obtain the desired leave BA/acre stated above (50-80 ft2), select trees to be marked based on the description in the individual stand prescription and/or Cruise Plan for the Payment Unit.

5.1.5 Salvage (CTM; STR)

Trees to be cut shall be designated with paint by CTM. All standing and merchantable trees of a certain species (Ex. Black Oak) or trees of certain species that display certain characteristics will be marked. This could leave the stand in a wide range of Basal Areas. Trees will not be marked within:

a.) Watercourse Protection Zones (WPZ’s) b.) Other areas/trees may also be identified in the Cruise Plan not to be marked.

5.1.6 Blowdown Salvage (CTM; STR)

Trees to be cut shall be designated with paint by CTM as described in the prescription and/or cruise plan. All trees of a certain damage classification (Ex. All merchantable trees leaning greater than 45 degrees from vertical) or trees that display certain characteristics will be marked. This could leave the stand in a wide range of Basal Areas. Trees will not be marked within:

a.) Watercourse Protection Zones (WPZ’s) b.) Other areas/trees may also be identified in the Cruise Plan not to be marked.

5.1.7 Pine First Thinning (CTM; STR)

Trees to be cut shall be designated with paint by CTM. Commercial trees will be marked throughout the payment unit so as to leave a BA/Acre of 50-90 ft2 except:

a.) Trees within Watercourse Protection Zones (WPZ’s) b.) Other areas/trees may also be identified in the Cruise Plan not to be marked (Ex. Arch sites, certain products/species, etc.).

In order to obtain the desired leave BA/acre stated above (50-90 ft2), select trees to be marked based on the description in the individual Cruise Plan for the Payment Unit.

5.2 Leave Tree Marking with Sample Tree Cruising (STR) and Fixed Plot Cruising (FIX)

In this Task Item, Leave Trees will be identified first, then cut Trees will be cruised afterwards.

5.2.1 Clear-cut with Reserves (LTM; STR)

Trees to be left shall be designated with orange or pink paint by LTM. Leave trees will be marked with paint so that the desired BA/Acre of 0 ft2 would result after harvesting. In order to obtain the desired leave BA/acre stated above (0 ft2), select trees to be marked (left) based on the description in the individual Cruise Plan for the Payment Unit. Trees shall be designated as leave so as to:

a.) Leave uncut 7-10% of the stand as described in the Cruise Plan.

b.) Leave all trees located within Watercourse Protection Zones (WPZ)

5.2.2 Seedtree/Shelterwood with Reserves (LTM; STR)

Trees to be left shall be designated with orange or pink paint by LTM. Leave trees will be marked with paint so that the desired BA/Acre of 10-30 ft2 would result after harvesting. In order to obtain the desired leave BA/acre stated above (10-30 ft2), select trees to be marked (left) based on the description in the individual Cruise Plan for the Payment Unit. Trees shall be designated as leave within all Watercourse Protection Zones (WPZ’s).

5.2.3 Open Woodland Thinning (LTM; STR)

Trees to be left shall be designated with orange or pink paint by LTM. Leave trees will be marked with paint so that the desired BA/Acre of 30-60 ft2 would result after harvesting. In order to obtain the desired leave BA/acre stated above (30-60 ft2), select trees to be marked (left) based on the description in the individual Cruise Plan for the Payment Unit. Trees shall be designated as leave within all Watercourse Protection Zones (WPZ’s).

5.2.4 Commercial Thinning (LTM; STR)

Trees to be left shall be designated with orange or pink paint by LTM. Leave trees will be marked with paint so that the desired BA/Acre of 50-80 ft2 would result after harvesting. In order to obtain the desired leave BA/acre stated above (50-80 ft2), select trees to be marked (left) based on the description in the individual Cruise Plan for the Payment Unit. Trees shall be designated as leave within all Watercourse Protection Zones (WPZ’s).

5.2.5 Pine First Thinning (LTM; STR)

Trees to be left shall be designated with orange or pink paint by LTM. Leave trees will be marked with paint so that the desired BA/Acre of 50-90 ft2 would result after harvesting all unmarked trees. In order to obtain the desired leave BA/acre stated above (50-90 ft2), select trees to be marked (left) based on the description in the individual Cruise Plan for the Payment Unit. Trees shall be designated as leave within all Watercourse Protection Zones (WPZ’s).

5.2.6 Pine First Thinning (LTM; FIX)

Trees to be left shall be designated with orange or pink paint by LTM. Leave trees will be marked with paint so that the desired BA/Acre of 50-90 ft2 would result after harvesting all unmarked trees. In order to obtain the desired leave BA/acre stated above (50-90 ft2), select trees to be marked (left) based on the description in the individual Cruise Plan for the Payment Unit. Trees shall be designated as leave within all Watercourse Protection Zones (WPZ’s).

5.2.7 Restoration Thinning (LTM; FIX)

Trees to be left shall be designated with orange or pink paint by LTM. Leave trees will be marked with paint so that the desired BA/Acre of 30-80 ft2 would result after harvesting. In order to obtain the desired leave BA/acre stated above (30-80 ft2), select trees to be marked (left) based on the description in the individual Cruise Plan for the Payment Unit. Trees shall be designated as leave within all Watercourse Protection Zones (WPZ’s).

5.2.8 Even-aged with Reserves (LTM; FIX)

Trees to be left shall be designated with orange or pink paint by LTM. Leave trees will be marked with paint so that the desired BA/Acre of 5-30 ft2 would result after harvesting. In order to obtain the desired leave BA/acre stated above (5-30 ft2), select trees to be marked (left) based on the description in the individual Cruise Plan for the Payment Unit. Trees shall be designated as leave within all Watercourse Protection Zones (WPZ’s).

5.3 Designation by Description (DxD) with Sample Tree Cruising (STR) and Fixed Plot Cruising (FIX)

5.3.1 Designation by Species/Diameter (DxSPP)/CTM/LTM; STR)

All merchantable trees of a certain species (Ex. Red Oak species group) will be marked with chalk unless trees have been identified in the stand prescription and/or cruise plan to be left. Trees to be left shall be designated with orange or pink paint by LTM. Merchantable trees designated by DxSPP would represent the majority of trees identified for removal. In addition, lesser amounts of trees not captured by designation criteria, but identified for removal by CTM per the stand prescription and/or cruise plan, must be incorporated into the cruise population. This could leave the stand in a wide range of Basal Areas. Trees will not be marked for removal within:

a.) Watercourse Protection Zones (WPZ’s) b.) Other areas/trees identified in the Cruise Plan not to be marked.

5.3.2 Designation by Damage Class (DxDAM)/CTM/LTM; FIX)

All merchantable trees of a certain damage class (Ex. All Trees Leaning 45 degrees from Vertical and Trees Lying on the Ground) are included in the designation unless trees have been identified in the stand prescription and/or cruise plan to be left. Trees to be left shall be designated with orange or pink paint by LTM. Merchantable tree designated by DxDAM would represent the majority of trees identified for removal. In addition, lesser amounts of trees not captured by designation criteria, but identified for removal by CTM per the stand prescription and/or cruise plan, must be incorporated into the cruise population. This could leave the stand in a wide range of Basal Areas. Trees will not be marked for removal within:

a.) Watercourse Protection Zones (WPZ’s) b.) Other areas/trees identified in the Cruise Plan not to be marked.

5.4 Common Stand Exam

The success of common stand exam work is dependent on the Contractor and their employee’s expertise and professionalism. The Contractor agrees to use personnel who have the skills to use GPS, maps, prisms, computer software, measure trees, and accurately identify trees of Missouri.

Common Stand Exam Software and User Guide The work performed and the data collected shall be in compliance with the “Region 9 Common Stand Exam Field Guide” hereafter known as the “CSE Handbook”. Current version of the CSE Handbook can be found at http://www.fs.fed.us/nrm/fsveg/ If the contract specifications differ from the CSE Handbook, the contract shall take precedence.

ExamCE is software for PDRs (Personal Data Recorders) that is used for entry of common stand exam data in the field. ExamsPC is software for personal computers used for entry and editing of common stand exam data in the office. The contractor can download this software prior to starting a Task Order (the link to the website is listed under Government Furnished Property. This website also has a list of Personal Data Recorders that the software will work on if the Contractor chooses to use PDR’s for data collection). The Contractor will obtain a copy of the Mark Twain Exams master .cse file that contains protocols for stand exams from the Government before starting work.

Data be provided to the Government The Contractor can collect/record the setting data and plot/tree data with a portable data recorder using ExamsCE software or they can collect this data on a paper form and input it into a PC using the ExamsPC software. An example of a paper form is shown in Exhibit C; however, the Contractor can develop their own form as long as all the required data is collected. No matter how the data is collected in the field, the Contractor shall provide completed data to the Government in the .cse file format created by ExamsPC software.

5.4.1 Common Stand Exam-Quick Plot

The number of acres per Quick Plot will vary by Task Order. In the past it has averaged out to be close to a Quick Plot per 8 acres for a Task Order. However, there is no maximum or minimum amount of plots per acre that may be requested per Task Order.

Sample Design: each Quick Plot will include:

· A 10 Basal Area Factor prism plot for all live and dead trees >= 5.0 inches DBH

· A 6.8-foot Fixed Radius plot for:

· all live trees 0.5 feet tall up to 4.4 feet tall

· all live trees 0.1 inches DBH to 4.9 inches DBH

Plot Establishment Procedures: The Contractor will navigate to the plot using GPS, maps, and/or coordinates. Once the Contractor navigates to the Quick Plot:

· Plot center will be established/monumented with a pin flag driven into the ground with a minimum of 12 inches left above ground surface (something similar to a pin flag could be used if COR approved).

· Flagging will also be hung at eye level near plot center and have the setting and plot number written on it with permanent marker.

· Color of pin flags and flagging to be used will be determined by the COR in the Task Order.

Setting Data: A “Setting” for a Quick Plot is the Compartment and Stand that plot(s) are to be taken in, which will be identified on maps/spreadsheets provided to the Contractor. For each setting there is information that needs to be filled out by the Contractor. Most of the Setting information can be populated automatically from defaults set up in the Mark Twain Exams Master .cse file. All data shall be taken in accordance with the CSE Handbook.

· For Aspect, %Slope, and Slope Position an average value for the setting will be used.

· The Contractor shall record any obvious recent disturbances within the immediate Setting area in Setting Remarks. Recent disturbances include, but are not limited to, fire, windstorm, oak decline, grazing, timber harvest, etc.

The table below shows the Setting Data to be recorded and any Notes/Codes for recording that data.

Plot Data Plot level data to be taken for Quick Plots is shown in the table below along with any Notes/Codes for recording that data. All Plot Data will be taken from Plot Center.

Tree Data The table below shows the Tree Data to be collected for each Quick Plot, along with any Notes/Codes for recording that data.

· DBH- The DBH of trees will be estimated in two-inch diameter classes as shown in the below table. No DBH will be recorded for trees less than 4.5 feet in height.

· Tree Height- For the 10 BAF Prism Plot tree heights will be estimated to the nearest 5 feet.

For the 6.8 Foot Fixed Radius Plot tree heights will be estimated to the nearest 5 foot like in the 10 BAF Prism plot except for trees less than 4.5 feet tall which will be estimated to the nearest 2 foot.

· Site Index Trees- 1 site index tree per setting could be required. The number of settings and site index trees required will be listed on each Task Order. Place flagging around the site tree at DBH. If the site tree is not on the plot, note in the remarks the distance and azimuth from the nearest plot. Follow CSE Handbook on selection and measurement of Site Trees.

5.4.2 Common Stand Exam- Intensive Plot

The number of acres per Intensive Plot will vary by Task Order. In the past it has averaged out to be close to an Intensive Plot per 100 acres for a Task Order. However, there is no maximum or minimum amount of plots per acre that may be requested per Task Order.

Sample Design: each Intensive Plot will include:

· A 24-foot Fixed Radius Plot for all trees >= 5.0 inches DBH

· A 6.8-foot Fixed Radius plot for all trees < 5.0 inches DBH or less than 4.5 feet tall

· Optional Bid Item-Brown’s Fuel Transect is a 50-foot long transect starting at 0 or 360 degrees from plot center.

Plot Establishment Procedures: The Contractor will navigate to the plot using GPS, maps, and/or coordinates. Once the Contractor navigates to the Intensive Plot:

· Plot center will be established/monumented by driving ½” electrical conduit that is 12 to 24 inches long into the ground (with at least 6 inches remaining above ground) so that it will stay in place and flagging attached to it. In the event the ground is solid bedrock, first attempt to reposition the conduit (in a rock joint fracture or soil) so it can be driven into the ground (within a 10-foot radius). If no suitable point to reposition is available, then secure with large rocks.

· Flagging will also be hung at eye level and have the setting and plot number written on it with permanent marker.

Setting Data:

For Intensive Plots “Settings” are not stands or polygons like used for Quick Plots. Settings are generally set up and numbered on a grid pattern. There will only be 1 plot per Setting, so data recorded for the Setting data will be taken from the same plot center as the data recorded for the Plot Data.

Data to be taken for the Setting for Intensive plots is the same as it is for Quick Plot with two exceptions:

· The Code for Prec. Protocol for Intensive Plots will be CSE_E instead of CSE_Q.

· Existing Cover type, Aspect, Slope Percent and Slope Position are observed and recorded from plot center instead of averaged over the entire Setting like for Quick Plots.

Plot Data Plot level data to be taken for Intensive Plots is shown in the table below along with any Notes/Codes for recording that data.

Tree Data The table below shows the Tree Data to be collected for each Intensive Plot along with any Notes/Codes for recording that data.

The following bullets combine some of the Notes from the above table to help explain how the data is to be taken:

· For the 24-foot fixed radius plot, DBH’s are measured to the nearest 1/10th of an inch and Heights are estimated to the nearest 1 foot.

· For the 6.8-foot fixed radius plot, DBH’s are estimated in 1” diameter classes (No DBH is recorded for trees less than 4.5 feet tall) and Heights are estimated to the nearest 1 foot.

· Wildlife Use, Log/Snag Decay, and Tree Damage are for the 24-foot fixed radius plot only.

Vegetation Composition and Surface Cover- Form 1: Total Cover by Lifeform As part of an Intensive Plot, Form 1 Cover by Lifeform shall be used to record information about plant lifeform, % cover, and height classes. This data shall be collected within the 24-foot fixed radius plot. The Contractor shall identify lifeform classes to the nearest 1% canopy cover in accordance with the CSE Field Guide. The following is information that will be taken:

· Plot Number

· Life Form

· Species

· Canopy Cover

· Remarks

5.4.3 Common Stand Exams- Intensive Plots with Down Woody Material Data (Brown’s Transect) This will be the same as Common Stand Exams- Intensive Plot Task Item with the addition of a Brown’s Transect. Data will be collected according to the protocols in the Mark Twain NF Browns Field Guide (Exhibit D). For specifics on down woody material data collection in relation to this contract, please reference this field guide.

The Brown’s Transect will be permanently monumented using ½ inch electrical conduit, or similar. Pipe will be marked with the plot identification and the plot marked with flagging showing the plot identification.

Fuels…