Attachment 2 - PWS.pdf

Attachment 2 – Performance Work Statement

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT

MARK TWAIN NATIONAL FOREST

A. General Information SCOPE OF WORK: The contractor shall provide any and all labor, equipment, supplies, services, permits, and licenses necessary to perform stand improvement, site preparation by felling, restoration, herbicide treatments, and survey activities on the Ava/Cassville/Willow Springs, Doniphan/Eleven Point, Poplar Bluff, and Potosi/Fredericktown Ranger Districts of the Mark Twain National Forest. The contractor must be registered with the Department of Labor under the Migrant and Seasonal Workers Protection Act. The Contractor shall follow all State and Federal regulations, including OSHA guidelines.

The felling specifications are similar in many items listed and described below. The general reason for the separate items is to define the differentiation of the site conditions of the items.

Acreages listed will have been determined by Global Positioning Systems (GPS) in conjunction with Geographic Information Systems (GIS).

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 award.

BOUNDARIES: Most boundaries have previously been marked by two orange paint slashes on sides of trees or by hanging flagging around each area. Others may have fences, roads, Right-of Ways, (e.g. powerline) or natural features (open lands) which were used as boundaries.

SALVAGE RIGHTS: No salvage rights exist under this contract.

RE-MEASUREMENT: The Contractor may at any time after issuance of award request re-measurement of an area. The request must be in writing. 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. Method of re-measurement to be used will be determined by the Government.

NON-PERFORMANCE: Cutting non-designated trees or not cutting designated trees will be considered non-performance. If non-performance cannot be remedied (i.e. reworked), payment for the pertinent acres will be forfeited and damages may be assessed. See the Performance Requirements/Quality Assurance Plan for specific information.

PAYMENT: Payment for performed work will be based on actual acres completed by the Contractor and accepted by the Government. Payment will be processed for completed areas only, and for a minimum amount of $3,000.00, no more frequently than once a month.

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, and understand English, and effectively communicate with their crew members.

PROTECTION OF IMPROVEMENTS: Any improvements damaged by the contractor’s work shall be repaired/restored to the condition equal or better than existed prior to the start of work. This shall be accomplished at the contractor’s expense and be subject to Government approval.

CONTRACT TIME and Seasonal Restrictions*:

Arriving crews will give a minimum of 3 days’ notice to COR.

Departing work crews will notify COR within the proceeding 24 hours before leaving, preferably sooner.

No contract work will be allowed during the Missouri Firearms Deer Season (November).

Awards with seasonal restrictions* (i.e. “leaf off only”) will be identified on the Schedule. It may likely be for only specific areas within the contract.

After receiving an award, coordination with the COR on a work schedule is critical, as work will commence no later than 10 days after receiving a Notice to Proceed, unless other arrangements are made in advance.

Contract time is generally based on a 3 acre/day production rate (per person), but large order(s) time requirements will be determined on the award based on contractor capabilities (crew size), AND work completion date requirements. Additional days are included for mobilization between different districts (&/or zones).

Herbicide application – All contract work shall be done during the current appropriate application season for the targeted vegetation.

*On orders with seasonal restrictions, due diligence to complete the order in first available unrestricted season is expected as long as the order is presented with the allocated days available in unrestricted season.

B. VEGETATION MANAGEMENT TREATMENT STANDARDS

RESOURCE PROTECTION, USE AND MAINTENANCE OF IMPROVEMENTS: The Contractor shall use every precaution necessary to prevent damage to public and private property.

1. Protection of Land Survey Monuments: The Contractor shall protect all known survey monuments, witness corners, reference monuments, bearing trees, and boundary line trees against avoidable destruction, obliteration, or damage during the operation.

2. Refuse Disposal: Papers, cans, bottles, or other refuse resulting from the Contractor's operations shall be removed from National Forest lands.

3. Erosion Control: The Contractor shall (1) avoid operating equipment when soil conditions are such that excessive damage will result; (2) construct erosion control structures as needed to control erosion problems caused by the operation; and (3) repair promptly any existing erosion control structures damaged by the operation.

4. Protection of Cultural Resources: Discovery of historic or prehistoric sites, buildings, objects, and properties by either the Government or the Contractor shall promptly be reported to the other party.

5. Protection of Improvements: When the Contractor's operations are adjacent to private property, railway property, utility company property, or other property, work shall not begin until all necessary arrangements to prevent damage have been taken by the Contractor. In the event of damage to private fencing improvements, the improvement must be restored immediately to the same or better condition that existed prior to the start of the work. In the event of interruption to utility services because of accidental breakage or as a result of lines being exposed or unsupported, the Contractor shall promptly notify the proper authority and shall cooperate with that authority in the restoration of service.

6. Protection of Reserve Trees and Excluded Trees: Reserve trees and excluded trees shall be protected from damage or destruction in the Contractor's operations. Damage includes any injury to the living crown, bole or roots of reserve trees.

7. Prevention of Oil Spills: The Contractor shall take appropriate action to clean up the spill and immediately notify the COR.

8. Landings, Roads, and Skid Trails: Any temporary roads opened by the Contractor must be closed upon completion of work. Any access via closed temporary roads should be coordinated with the COR.

9. Fire Prevention and Control: Warming fires will not be permitted except when leaves are wet or a place cleared of flammable material is used. If conditions warrant, the Government may prohibit fires. All fires must be completely extinguished before leaving.

C. GENERAL TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – applies to all Bid Items

• Trees specified for cutting shall be completely cut below the lowest live limb and within 6 inches of the ground.

• Trees to be felled that will damage desirable trees should be double girdled.

• Felling shall be done in such a manner as to (1) avoid damage to residual crop trees, (2) avoid concentrated accumulation/build-up of felled material next to or against residual trees, and (3) lay felled material as flat as possible on the ground.

• No felled trees will be left hanging or leaning on residual trees.

• The Contractor must release or cut all "spring trees" present or that he creates. A "spring tree" is a tree of any species or size that is bent over or prohibited from growing a straight pole from the original leader.

Reserve Trees and Exceptions: Do not cut the following:

• Any trees along area boundaries that have blaze marks that may indicate a property line.

• Any tree indicating area boundaries.

• Designated wildlife trees.

• Reserve Trees and trees in Reserve areas.

• Any other tree, species, or size limits designated by the COR as leave trees or excluded trees.

• All dead standing trees (unless hazardous).

Slash Disposal: Slash and other debris resulting from the Contractor's operations shall be removed from the following:

• Stream courses identified on the project maps.

• Lakes.

• Private land.

• The cleared area of telephone lines, power lines, and pipelines.

• Roads identified on the project maps and associated drainage ditches.

D. ITEMIZED TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS (for Schedule of Items. This section contains technical specifications. Not all sections, sections 1. - 5.5 listed below, are included in the Schedule of Items, but listed below to reflect item numbering sequence)

1. STAND IMPROVEMENT

1.1 Release – Manual (Pine)

Excluding exceptions, all pine shall be released from competing or overtopping hardwoods. Excluding exceptions, all stems within a six (6) foot radius of the pine to be released and greater than one-half (1/2) the height of the pine shall be treated as follows.

• All stems shall be completely cut below the lowest live limb and within six (6) inches of the ground.

• The six (6) foot clearing radius will be measured from the stem of the pine being released to the vertical face (drip edge) of the hardwood crowns.

• Where no pine exists within 20ft., select a hardwood crop tree to release

1.2 Precommercial Thinning - PCT (crop tree release)

Select Crop Trees* on a 20’x20’ spacing.

*Crop Trees are selected based on species preference, relative dominance (height compared to the canopy), crown size, straightest stem, and absence of disease or other defects.

The order of species preference may vary depending on the desired species in a particular stand, however, in most cases the following order of preference will apply:

1. Shortleaf pine

2. White oak

3. Red oak

4. Black oak

5. Scarlet oak

6. Walnut

7. Hickory

8. Post oak

Cut all stems that have crowns within 2 ft. of the crown of the crop tree or overtopping the crop tree.

Multiple–stemmed hardwoods selected as crop trees shall be reduced to the best stem.

Grapevines attached to crop trees will be cut.

Cut all cedar greater than 2 feet in height throughout the unit.

Generally, trees larger than 9” DBH would not be cut, however award and/or COR may specify a wider diameter range.

Any crop tree nicked to the cambium layer is unacceptable.

2. SITE PREPARATION BY FELLING*

2.1 Even-aged Regeneration

Excluding Reserve trees and Exceptions, cut all stems ≥4’ in height and < 9” DBH, below the lowest live limb and within 6 inches of the ground. Generally, trees larger than 9” DBH would not be cut, however award and/or COR may specify a wider diameter range.

2.2 Storm Damage Salvage Area Regeneration**

Same as above.

**These areas of storm damage mimic even-age harvesting operations where most, if not all the over-story trees were damaged and subsequently harvested. Jackpot piles of tops exist throughout the area from the wind event, and accessibility is hindered.

2.3 Uneven-aged Regeneration

1. Within Group Openings and/or smaller gaps, cut all stems ≥4’ in height and < 9” DBH, below the lowest live limb and within 6 inches of the ground. Generally, trees larger than 9” DBH would not be cut, however award and/or COR may specify a wider diameter range.

2. Within the Areas described above, and through-out the remaining matrix, cut trees damaged from logging in the same diameter range as described above. This includes all spring trees, trees with broken crowns or boles, or trees with bark damage through the cambium layer on more than 33% of the circumference of the bole.

Cut all cedar greater than 2 feet in height throughout the unit.

*Trees not to be treated in all items: Do not cut Redbud, Dogwood, or Serviceberry within a 100 foot wide strip along State Highways, County roads, or Forest Service System Roads. Additional reserve trees may be specified by the COR or listed in the award.

3. RESTORATION TREATMENTS* (Low - Medium, & High Density TPA; Trees- Per-Acre)

3.1 Glade restoration** (Low – Medium Density; < 400 TPA)

Excluding exceptions, cut all cedar greater than 2 feet in height and all hardwoods stems ≥4’ in height and < 9” DBH shall be completely cut below the lowest live limb and within 6 inches of the ground. If hardwood treatment is to be excluded it will be listed by diameter range and/or species on the award.

Pine trees < 5” DBH may be fell and will be specified in the award if this work needs to be performed.

3.2 Glade restoration** (High Density; > 400 TPA)

Same as above.

3.3 Midstory Control (Low – Medium Density; < 400 TPA)

Excluding exceptions, all stems ≥4’ in height and < 9” DBH, shall be completely cut below the lowest live limb and within 6 inches of the ground.

Cut all cedar greater than 2 feet in height throughout the unit.

*Trees not to be treated in all items: Do not cut Redbud, Dogwood, or Serviceberry within a 100 foot wide strip along State Highways, County roads, or Forest Service System Roads. Additional reserve trees may be specified by the COR or listed in the award.

3.4 Midstory Control (High Density; > 400 TPA)

Same as above.

4. Herbicide Applications* Standards for ALL Herbicide Application Task Items

• Contractor is responsible for obtaining all herbicides, basal oils, water, surfactants, colorants, as well as labor, equipment, supplies, storage, permits, licenses and certifications required for completion of Herbicide

Applications under this contract as set forth by Missouri Department of Agriculture.

http://agriculture.mo.gov/plants/pesticides/commnonpub.php

• Contractor shall follow all manufacturer’s label directions and industry standards for application of herbicides.

• Applications of herbicide will be directed so damage will not be done to non-target vegetation.

• Weather is to be monitored and the project could be suspended if temperature is greater than 95 degrees, humidity is less than 30%, wind is at/or above 10 MPH or significant precipitation is forecast in the next 24 hours.

• Herbicide will not be used within Streamside Management Zones unless otherwise approved by COR.

Streamside Management Zones will be identified on the map given with each award.

• Trees along property boundaries that are marked with red paint, signs, tags, blazes, or other survey information will not be treated.

• Other trees not be treated may include redbud, dogwood, or serviceberry within a 100 foot wide strip along State Highways, County roads, or Forest Service System Roads. Additional reserve trees may be specified by the COR or listed in the Award.

Herbicide Mixture – The following information will be determined by the COR and listed on each Schedule of Items:

-Herbicide brand name(s) the contractor may use -If basal oil or water is required in the mixture -If surfactant is required in the mixture -Colorant to be used in the mix -The amount of each ingredient to use in the mixture (will be within ranges set by the product labels)

Water- Clean water with no sediments will be used when called for to be mixed with herbicides.

Basal Oils- Only commercially available basal oils can be used for this contract (the labels may list Diesel fuel, No. 1 or No. 2 fuel oil, and kerosene as options, but they will not be used under this contract). The contractor may use any commercially available basal oil that is labeled for the appropriate site/application/mix. Some examples of basal oils that meet these requirements are Elite Premier, Improved JLB Oil, and JLB Oil Plus.

Surfactants- All foliar spray task items will require an agriculturally labeled non-ionic surfactant to be used in the herbicide mixture unless the label of the herbicide to be used specifically states it does not require additional surfactant (Accord XRT II). The contractor may use any agriculturally labeled non-ionic surfactant that is labeled for the appropriate site/application/mix and serves as an activator, penetrant, and a wetting agent. Some examples of non-ionic surfactants that meet these requirements are Alligare Trace, Cide Kick, and Cide Kick II.

Colorants- A colorant (also called dyes or spray pattern indicators) will be required to be used in the mixture for all herbicide task items unless approved otherwise by COR. This helps to facilitate appropriate application and inspection. Certain colorants are labeled for oil mixtures while others are labeled for water based mixtures.

The contractor may use any commercially available colorant that is labeled for the appropriate site/application/mix, however, a specific color of colorant may be required by the COR. Some basal oils have dye already added and would not need an additional colorant (such as Elite Premier Blue).

Mixing- The COR will list on the award the active ingredient, basal oil or water, colorant, and surfactant (if needed) that needs to be in the mixture for each task item. The amount required will be within the ranges set by the herbicide and other product labels. The Contractor will mix herbicides in accordance with the label. The Contractor is responsible for the cleanup of any spills and will notify the COR immediately of any spills. The http://agriculture.mo.gov/plants/pesticides/commnonpub.php

Contractor must have herbicide labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS or the new SDS) of chemicals on site.

Before the mixing process, all herbicides, basal oils, colorants, and surfactants need to come to the jobsite unopened with the label on the container and inspected by the COR. The COR will be present during the original mixing process. Mixing and cleaning areas will not be permitted within 300 feet of private lands, open water, wells, or other sensitive areas.

Warning Signs - The Contractor will post caution/warning signs at any entry point (road or trail) around the sprayed areas that lists the herbicide and active ingredient being used.

Herbicide Use Log - The Contractor will be required to use the Herbicide Use Log (Attachment 6) on a daily basis to maintain accurate records of work activities and chemicals applied in treatment areas. The Herbicide Use Log will be required to be given to the COR at the completion of each stand/unit or on a schedule determined by the COR. Below is an example of a completed Herbicide Use Log for a unit.

Compt/Stand or Unit # Unit Acres Date(s) Applied Temp (°F):

Min & Max

% Relative Humidity

Wind:

Direction &

Speed Cloud Cover

Gallons of Herbicide Mix Used

Application Method & Rx

Herbicide Mix (% Herbicide, Basal Oil, Water, Surfactant, Dye)

STAND LEVEL INFO DAILY ENTRIES

Compt 245 Stand 1 97 11/1/2016

11/2/2016

11/6/2016

S @ 3 mph

SW @ 5 mph

SW @ 5 mph

Applicator Name(s):

Certified Applicators (put CA) Non-Certified (put Non)

TOTAL GAL: 120 Gal

42 - 58

45 - 60

48 - 59Cut Stump- Midstory Removal

20% Garlon 4 Ultra 80% Elite Premium-Blue Basal Oil

Paul Coolhand (CA) Tom Colormoney (Non)

48 Gallons

37 Gallons

35 Gallons

Overcast

Clear

Partly Cloudy

4.1 FOLIAR SPRAY- Pine Release

Same as1.1 except treatment is foliar spray method, rather than chainsaw. The competing hardwoods (that are less than or equal to 6 feet in height) shall be foliar sprayed with herbicide as directed by the herbicide label.

Care should be taken to direct spray away from contact with pine foliage. Herbicide Mixture will consist of:

Active Ingredient

Acceptable Herbicide(s) Basal Oil Required

Water Required

Surfactant Required

Colorant

Triclopyr Ester Garlon 4 (20%) Garlon 4 Ultra (20%) Element 4 (20% Triclopyr 4E (20%)

Yes (80%) No No Blue (% as directed by label)

4.2. FOLIAR SPRAY- General Forest Vegetation

This task item may be used in timber stands of all ages/conditions. Target vegetation will be listed on the award and by the COR at the work location. Stems to be treated will be 6 feet in height or less and treated with herbicide using the foliar spray method as directed by the herbicide label. The award will specify the active ingredient to be used.

4.3. HACK & SQUIRT- Pre-Commercial Thinning

Same as 1.2 except treatment is with herbicide using the hack & squirt method. The application of the hack & squirt method shall be as directed by the herbicide label. Hack and Squirt task items will not be permitted during heavy sap flow (generally from March-May) as determined by the COR. The award will specify the active ingredient to be used.

4.4. HACK & SQUIRT- Site Prep

Excluding exceptions, all stems greater or equal to 6 feet tall shall be treated with herbicide using the hack & squirt method. The application of the hack & squirt method shall be as directed by the herbicide label. Hack and Squirt work will not be permitted during heavy sap flow (generally from March-May) as determined by the COR. The award will specify the active ingredient to be used.

4.5. HACK & SQUIRT- Midstory Control

Same as 3.3 except treatment is with herbicide using the hack & squirt method. The application of the hack & squirt method shall be as directed by the herbicide label. Hack and Squirt task items will not be permitted during heavy sap flow (generally from March-May) as determined by the COR. The award will specify the active ingredient to be used.

4.6. CUT STUMP- Pre-Commercial Thinning

Same as 1.2 with added herbicide treatment. The stump shall be treated immediately after cutting (within 20 minutes) with herbicide using the cut stump method as directed by the herbicide label. All cedar trees in the unit will also be cut. Cut Stump task items will not be permitted during heavy sap flow (generally from March- May) as determined by the COR. The award will specify the active ingredient to be used.

4.7. CUT STUMP- Site Prep

Same as 2.1or 2.3 with added herbicide treatment. The stump shall be treated with herbicide immediately after cutting (within 20 minutes) using the cut stump method as directed by the herbicide label. Cut stump task items will not be permitted during heavy sap flow (generally from March-May) as determined by the COR. The award will specify the active ingredient to be used.

4.8. CUT STUMP- Midstory Control

Same as 3.3 with added herbicide treatment. The stump shall be treated immediately after cutting (within 20 minutes) with herbicide using the cut stump method as directed by the herbicide label. Cut stump task items will not be permitted during heavy sap flow (generally from March-May) as determined by the COR. The award will specify the active ingredient to be used.

4.9. BASAL BARK TREATMENT- Pre-Commercial Thinning

Same as 4.1.2 except treatment is with herbicide. All stems less than 6” DBH that have crowns within 1 ft. of the crown of the crop tree or overtopping the crop tree shall be treated with herbicide using the basal bark treatment as directed by the herbicide label. Basal bark treatments will not be permitted if the bark is saturated with water, or when snow or ice cover prevents application all the way to the ground. The only active ingredient that will be required for this task item is Triclopyr Ester.

4.10. BASAL BARK TREATMENT- General Forest Vegetation

This task item may be used in timber stands of all ages/conditions. This treatment will be used on stems less than 6” DBH. Target vegetation will be listed on the award and by the COR at the work location. Target vegetation will be treated with herbicide using the basal bark treatment as directed by the herbicide label. Basal bark treatments will not be permitted if the bark is saturated with water, or when snow or ice cover prevents application all the way to the ground. The only active ingredient that will be required for this task item is Triclopyr Ester.

4.11. ADD-ON OF FOLIAR SPRAY TO HACK & SQUIRT AND/OR CUT STUMP TASK

ITEMS

This task is an add-on item that would be used over the same acres as Hack & Squirt and Cut Stump Task Items. This would not be used as a stand-alone task item.

Excluding exceptions, all stems 6 feet in height and less shall be treated with herbicide using the foliar spray method as directed by the herbicide label. The award will specify the active ingredient to be used.

4.12. ADD-ON OF HACK AND SQUIRT TO BASAL BARK TREATMENT OF STEMS

GREATER THAN 6 INCHES IN DIAMETER

This task is an add-on item that would be used over the same acres as Basal Bark Task Items. This would not be used as a stand-alone task item.

Excluding exceptions, all stems greater than 6” DBH will be treated with herbicide using the Hack and Squirt method. The award will specify the active ingredient to be used.

5. SLASH DISPOSAL

5.1 Slash Disposal (30 inches)*

In designated Slash Disposal Zones all slash resulting from the Contractor's operations shall be lopped and scattered so as to lie within 30 inches of the ground within a specified distance from a visually sensitive feature, usually a road, trail, or vista.

5.2 Slash Disposal (18 inches)*

Same as above, with the lower height of 18”.

5.3 Slash Disposal (Hand Piling)*

In designated Slash Disposal Zones all slash resulting from the Contractor's operations shall be moved to designated pile locations away from residual trees.

5.4 Slash Disposal (Dispersal)*

In designated Slash Disposal Zones all slash resulting from the Contractor's operations and/or previous operations shall be dispersed a minimum of 5 feet away from existing trees, keeping piling minimized.

5.5 Slash Disposal (Removal Contractor’s Slash)*

In designated Slash Disposal Zones all slash smaller than 6 inches in diameter resulting from the Contractor’s operations shall be moved into the treatment area 100 feet from the designated boundary/fireline and dispersed so as not to create a slash pile. Slash shall not be placed within 5 feet of a hardwood tree that is over 8 inches

DBH.

*Bid rate is additional charge for treating limited amount of area already felled under a falling treatment.

E. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, MATERIALS, SERVICES

The Government will furnish the following:

Topographic maps (1:24,000) scale for each area.

Vicinity maps that show the general location of the areas on each unit.

F. CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS/SERVICES

The contractor shall furnish all the equipment, supplies and labor required to perform this Performance Work Statement. The contractor shall also provide proof that the work meets the standards. Contractor shall provide all herbicides and supplies necessary for herbicide application and proof of State license for herbicide handling and application.

G. PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT TASKS AND CRITICAL SUBTASKS

The following tasks are to be performed in accordance with the technical specifications.

Submittals. The contractor shall provide the following submittals:

Quality Control Plan. The contractor shall establish and maintain a complete Quality Control Plan acceptable to the Government to ensure the requirements of the contract are provided as specified.

Work Plan. The work plan shall describe how the contractor plans to perform the project including methods, personnel, and equipment.

Progress Schedule. The contractor shall prepare and submit a practical schedule showing the order in which the contractor will perform the work and the dates on which the contractor contemplates starting and completing each task.

Contractor Inspection Records. (Exhibit 1)

Safety Plan

Fire Suppression Plan

H. ACCEPTANCE

Acceptance will be determined by inspection of work performed and will be based on adherence to the specifications within the contract.

I. INVOICING

The "Submit Invoice-to" address for USDA orders is the Department of Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). All invoices are to be submitted online via the electronic Invoice Processing Platform. This is a mandatory requirement initiated by the U.S. Department of Treasury and you can find more information at this website https://www.ipp.gov/index.htm. Your company must register at https://www.ipp.gov/vendors/enrollment-vendors.htm to establish an account in order to submit an invoice on this project.

END OF CONTRACT SPECIFICATIONS

https://www.ipp.gov/index.htm https://www.ipp.gov/vendors/enrollment-vendors.htm

QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLANS (QASP)

This Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) has been developed pursuant to the requirements of the Performance Work Statement (PWS) in attached Contract. This plan sets forth procedures and guidelines that will be used in evaluating the technical performance of the contractor.

A. PURPOSE OF THE QASP

The QASP is intended to accomplish the following:

• Define the roles and responsibilities of participating government officials and the contractor.

• Identify the types of work to be performed and the inspections to be performed to validate adequacy.

• Describe the evaluation methods that will be employed by the government in assessing the contractor’s inspection program and performance to the quality/performance standards required for each task.

• Provide copies of the contractor’s inspection records and Government quality assurance monitoring forms that will be used by the government in documenting and evaluating the contractor’s performance.

• Describe the process of performance documentation.

B. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

The following government officials will participate in assessing the quality of the contractor’s performance.

Their roles and responsibilities are described as follows:

• The Contracting Officer’s Representatives’ (COR’s) and/or Inspector responsibilities will be listed on their designations and may include the following: monitoring, assessing, recording, and completing quality assurance monitoring forms which will be used to document the inspection and evaluation of the contractor’s work performance.

• The Contracting Officer (CO) will have overall responsibility for overseeing the contractor’s performance and for the monitoring of the contractor’s performance in the areas of contract compliance, contract administration, cost control, and property control; reviewing the COR’s assessment of the contractor’s performance; and resolving all differences between the COR’s version and the contractor’s version.

C. METHODS OF SURVEILLANCE

The government, through its COR/inspector, will monitor the contractor’s performance on a continuous basis.

The method the government will use is identified in B above. The COR/Inspector will first verify the results of the contractor’s inspection, completeness and adequacy of the documentation of the contractor’s inspection results. The government COR will perform periodic independent inspections after the contractor has performed their inspection if questions develop regarding the results of the contractor’s inspections. Results of the independent inspections that differ from the results noted by the contractor on their inspections the costs thereof for the re-inspection costs will be assessed against the contractor. The contractor shall be required to rework/repair or replace the effort until the quality/ performance standard is achieved. Inspections will be performed to the schedule submitted by the contractor and approved by the government. Variances from the schedule must be pre-approved by the CO. Method of Measurement.

Re-Measurement. The Contractor may at any time after issuance of the award request re-measurement of the quantity of work. The request must be in writing. Area measurement shall be made to the nearest acre using a Resource Grade GPS. Measurement shall be made along the perimeter of the marked or designated boundary of any disputed work site area. Payment will be based on the re-measurement, except no adjustment shall be made for acreage changes less than 10%. The Contractor shall pay for the cost of re-measurement if the re-measurement results in an increase of less than 10% of the acreage, not the value.

D. QUALITY ASSURANCE (QA) FORMS AND REPORT

The COR will use a quality assurance monitoring form to document and evaluate the contractor’s performance under the contract. This can consist of a Form, a Memo for record or an entry in a daily/weekly diary. The form when completed will document the COR’s understanding of what the contractor was supposed to do, what was actually done, and the impact or consequences of what was done. The documentation will also identify the additional steps required of the contractor if there is a nonconformance.

The COR will judge each event in accordance with the performance standards and performance requirements stated in the Quality/Performance Requirements stated in the contract either in the QASP.

The COR must substantiate all tasks which he judges to be indicative of “unacceptable” performance.

Performance at the “acceptable” level is expected and need not be substantiated.

In accordance with Section C above, the contractor shall furnish (weekly, at a minimum) to the COR copies of all inspection forms generated by the contractor witnessing inspections performed. The COR will forward copies of all completed QA monitoring forms to the CO and contractor inspection records prior to processing payments. The contractor is required to respond in writing to any negative QA monitoring form(s) within 5 working days after receipt of the form(s).

ANALYSIS OF SURVEILLANCE RESULTS

The CO will review each QA monitoring form prepared by the COR. When appropriate, the CO may investigate the event further to determine if all the facts and circumstances surrounding the event were considered in the COR’s opinion outlined on the forms. The CO will immediately discuss every event receiving a substandard rating on the forms with the contractor to assure that corrective action is promptly initiated.

At the end of each month, the COR will prepare a written report for the CO summarizing the overall result of his surveillance of the contractor’s performance during the previous month. This report will become part of the formal QA documentation.

Upon completion of each task, the COR will perform a performance evaluation of the contractor using the results documented as above and provide to the CO for further action.

SECTION VII - QUALITY/ REQUIREMENTS (and Exhibit 2)

Task/ subtask

Title When To Be Inspected

What To be Inspected

Documentation Inspection Type (100%/Periodic/ Random)

1.

through 5.

Stand Improvement, Site Preparation by Felling, Planting, Herbicide/Foliar Spray, and Restoration Treatments, As work is being performed and at completion of task

Compliance with technical specifications

Contractor Records/ Data/Reports

COR/Inspector Daily Diary

Periodic

Random

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 award.