Attachment 2 - Reforestation Statement of Work.pdf

Attachment 2 - Reforestation Statement of Work

1. Scope of Contract The scope of this contract is to secure services for reforestation services in support of timber stand improvement related to forest health on Forest Service land. The major activity anticipated is tree planting, however other related activities such as conifer release and grubbing, vexar installation (or removal), or pest control (not related to herbicide use) may be ordered.

Tasks may be located on the following forests in northern California: Klamath, Lassen, Klamath, Mendocino, Modoc, Shasta Trinity, and Six Rivers National Forests.

The Contractor shall provide all equipment, supplies, transportation, labor, and supervision necessary to complete the project, except for that which the contract or task order clearly states will be furnished by the Government.

The Contractor shall, develop a plan of operations to organize, accomplish, and direct all operations for the necessary work when provided the resource objectives for the project.

2. Location and Description Vicinity map identifying forest locations is included as an attachment and is hereby made a part of this contract.

Information about specific locations will be included in each task order. The maps are intended to show only the general size, shape, and location of the areas. If the maps conflict with the field marking (flagging or marking paint), the field markings shall govern. Positions of features are approximate.

Accessibility. Accessibility may be an issue in some tasks however access routes will be identified on each task order. Generally work areas may be reached by Forest roads that are accessible by standard two-wheel drive pickup equipped with snow tires and chains, if needed, during normal operational seasons unless otherwise indicated in the tasks. Vehicles shall not operate off system roads without prior written approval of the Contracting Officer (see restriction on motorized equipment below).

Boundaries. Unit boundaries such as tree dripline, roads, and fire lines are usually obvious on the ground.

Boundaries that are not obvious will be marked with plastic ribbon and/or boundary tags. If plastic ribbon and/or boundary tags are used, individual task orders will indicate their presence and description/color of boundary markers.

3. Unique Factors Motorized Equipment.

Use of motorized equipment other than hand-held equipment such as power saws and brush cutters will not be permitted off designated roads in the project area without approval of the Contracting Officer or as provided elsewhere herein.

Safety Contractors shall have, and maintain, a written Safety Plan for the duration of the contract. The Safety Plan is due to the Contracting Officer within 10 days of award. The Safety Plan must be available on-site and must be updated for project specific information by task. The Contracting Officer Representative will obtain a copy of the site specific Safety Plan from the Contractor on the first day of work.

Reforestation activities are known to have inherently hazardous conditions associated with working in the woods, e.g.: sharing the road with log trucks, private and government vehicles; ticks, snakes, and bees; working below someone else on steep and rocky terrain, and planting units burned by wildfire contain standing dead trees that are susceptible to wind throw that could lead to serious injury or loss of life.

Some Task Orders may contain a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) in order to convey to the contractor known hazards. The site specific safety plan shall comply with the JHA and the contractor shall provide the Project Safety person who shall be responsible for enforcing the Safety plan.

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

(a) Prevention of the Landscape Defacement. The Contractor shall not remove, deface, injure, or destroy trees, shrubs, lawns, or other natural features or any other improvements in the work area unless specifically authorized by the Contracting Officer. Unless otherwise provided herein, the Contractor shall confine contract operations to within the areas designated in contract documents.

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

Endangered Species The Government may direct the Contractor to discontinue task order operations in the event that listed or proposed threatened or endangered plants or animals protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, are discovered to be present in or adjacent to the project area. Actions taken under this paragraph shall be subject to the Stop-Work Order clause FAR 52.242-15.

Preservation of Historical and Archeological Resources If, in connection with operations under this contract, the Contractor, subcontractors, or the employees of any of them, discovers, encounters or becomes aware of any objects or sites of cultural value on the project area, such as historical or prehistorical ruins, graves or grave markers, fossils, or artifacts, the Contractor shall immediately suspend all operations in the vicinity of the cultural value and shall notify the COR in writing of the findings. No objects of cultural resource value may be removed. · Operations may resume at the discovery site upon receipt of written instructions. Actions taken under this paragraph shall be subject to the Stop-Work Order clause FAR 52.24215.

Special Situations Some project areas may have limited periods where work can occur, zones where no soil disturbing activity can occur, or special access rules due to noxious weeds or other types of diseases (such as Port-Orford Cedar or Sudden Oak Death areas). Any such limitations will be identified on the applicable task order.

4. Task Order Contract Time and Work Progress Performance Requirements Rate of Progress Each Task Order will identify the contract time applicable to the task. The following conditions are applicable for all tasks

(a) Work shall commence no later than 3 days after the effective date of the notice to proceed unless the Task Order specifies otherwise. Units shall be treated in accordance with the order of preference established in the Detailed Unit Information Sheet or by the Contracting Officer. The Contractor shall maintain progress at a rate which will assure completion within the contract time indicated on the individual task order. The minimum acceptable rate of progress will be calculated by dividing the total units of work for each item by contract time specified or as established by an approved progress schedule.

(b) If the Contractor's progress falls behind the work progress schedule for more than 2 days at the specified rate of progress or if the percentage of quality falls below 80 percent for more than 20 percent of the item acreage, the Contractor's right to proceed may be terminated if satisfactory quality or progress is not attained within the time specified.

Restrictions on Work:

Work will generally be performed at any time during the period of the task except as determined by the COR or as stated below:

1. In accordance with the Task Order Fire Plan.

2. When the Contracting Officer (or designated representative) determines that adverse weather has made access too dangerous or that continued vehicular travel would cause unacceptable road damage.

3. Work is suspended by notice of a Work Order for non-compliance with requirements of this contract.

4. When environmental conditions are detrimental to the growth and survival of tree seedlings (see below).

Environmental Interruption of Work Tree survival and growth are dependent upon proper soil and weather conditions at the time of planting and these conditions will only prevail for a limited length of time. It is imperative that work be started promptly after conditions for planting become suitable. During inclement weather the Government may issue a stop work order until weather or access conditions become acceptable. It is normally expected that a Contractor will resume work within 3 calendar days after an effective work resumption date. An exception to the three days exists when the Contracting Officer issues a Work Order for periods of time less than 24 hours; the work order will then state the resume work date. During periods of work stoppage it is the Contractor's responsibility to keep the Contracting Officer Representative advised as to where the Contractor, or the Contractors Representative, may be reached by telephone. If the Contractor cannot be reached at the phone number provided, or if the Contractor fails to leave a number, a written resume work order will be emailed and contract time will resume on the date specified on the resume work order.

Work Progress Schedule Prior to starting work, the Contractor shall present a written plan of work providing for the orderly and timely completion of the task order requirements. This plan is subject to the approval of the Contracting Officer. The schedule may be modified in writing during the course of the task if conditions warrant.

If the work progress falls behind schedule, the Contractor shall take such action as necessary to ensure that the timely completion of the contract is not jeopardized. In addition, the Contracting Officer may require the Contractor to submit a revised plan of work showing by what means they intend to complete the project on time and in compliance with all contract requirements.

5. Definitions Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) - The maximum allowable deviation from the Quality Standard established by the Government for work performed in this contract before the Government may invoke payment deductions. The AQL does not allow a Contractor to knowingly offer or perform defective services below the Quality Standard, but limits reduced payments to circumstances in which defective performance results in a measurable reduction in the value of services received by the Government.

Brush - A scrub tree with broad leaves rather than needles. Examples: Manzanita, Deer brush and Gooseberry.

Conifer - A live tree with needle shaped or scale covered leaves.

Cotyledon Scar - Lowest point on stem from which branches will grow. These points will be marked by a distinct ring in the bark on most species of tree seedlings.

Crop Tree - A well growing, healthy, vigorous, planted or comparably sized natural tree that contributes to average spacing requirements and overall count of trees per acre, is superior or equal to the immediately adjacent tree(s) in terms of height, live crown ratio and overall vigor, is free from damage to the bole or terminal leader and the foliage is healthy green and not faded. Crop trees are trees intended to become a component of the future forest stand. A crop tree is determined by both spacing and vigor. Crop trees shall generally be those trees that are of the tallest height, largest crown, straightest stem and fastest growth that are free of damage. If no healthy, undamaged tree exists at the desired spacing, then a tree with minor damage may be selected as a crop tree. Planted trees shall be considered first for selection as crop trees, then natural trees.

Damage - Any injury to the main stem or branches of treated trees from release efforts. Injuries include severing, scraping, stripping, or breaking of any portion of the tree.

Dominant Tree - A tree that is noticeably taller, more vigorous, having a fuller crown, and bearing fewer signs of physical damage or disease than adjacent trees.

Drip Line - The line where moisture dripping from the extremities of the tree crown strikes the ground.

Dropped Trees - Trees that are unintentionally lost from the planting bag. These trees will be considered as wasted trees but may be charged a reduced rate.

Grub Circle- A circle with a specified radius that is centered on planted conifers. All vegetation shall be removed from this circle except the selected leave tree(s).

Grubbing - The cutting of specified vegetation below its first lateral root or a minimum of six inches below the surface within a specified distance from a selected leave tree. .

Hardwood - Deciduous plant species that is typically in tree form at maturity. Common species found in Northern California are black oak, aspen, and cottonwood.

Herbaceous Vegetation- Any plant that does not develop persistent wood tissue above ground, i.e. grasses, forbs, ferns, mountain rose, and snowberry. This type of vegetation may be brown from dormancy at the time of conifer planting and is characterized by live roots.

Interplants - These are stands being planted, but containing various amounts of residual or previously planted seedlings/saplings.

Lateral Root - A root that extends horizontally from the primary root and serves to anchor the plant securely into the soil

Leave Tree - Tree(s) to be left standing and undamaged that comprise the stand following planting operations. May include conifers or hardwoods.

Micro-site - Use of naturally occurring and pre-existing structures that produce shade and hold moisture to aid in young seedling survival. Examples of favorable micro-site features that provide protection from sun, wind, animals, and other damaging agents are spots located no further than 15 inches on the North to Northeast of the following:

Stumps, logs, rocks, dead trees, branches, and dead brush 6 inches in height or greater. When scalping and using a micro-site, the object used for the micro-site will not count towards the size of the scalp.

Mineral Soil - A soil consisting mostly of, and having its properties determined predominantly by, mineral matter, usually containing less than 20 percent organic matter but sometimes containing an organic surface layer up to 12 inches deep.

Natural Conifer - A live residual tree left after harvest and site preparation. Conifers in the seedling size class are characterized by straight stems, are at least 6 inches tall, survived for at least two growing seasons and undamaged from previous activities.

Plantable Spot - An area from which vegetation, ash, duff, snow, and debris has been or can be removed, and a tree seedling can be planted.

Project Area - The area defined by the task order.

Quality Standard - The established standard against which all of the Contractor's performance shall be measured.

Release - The removal of competing vegetation and excess trees from a tree selected to become a leave tree. A treatment that aims to increase the growth rate of existing trees. A treatment designed to free young trees from undesirable, usually overtopping, competing vegetation.

Replanting - Any planting work done in a unit, either voluntarily by the Contractor or directed by the Contracting Officer, after the Contractor has given the planting inspection sheets to the Government.

Rocky Ground - Where soil content is greater than 70% coarse rock fragments greater than 1 inch in size.

Root Collar - The point on the stem of the tree seedling where the ground line was when the tree was grown in the nursery. This is usually distinguished on the stem of the seedling by a change in color from green to yellow or brown. In grasses and shrubby vegetation this is usually noted by the presence of roots growing at a point below ground level.

Root Crown. - The transition zone between stem and root usually located at or below the ground surface.

Root Length - Length which is measured from the root tips to the cotyledon scar.

Satisfactorily Planted Seedling - A seedling planted in full accordance with the inspection criteria.

Scalp - Scraping/digging at the ground to remove all snow, bark, rotten wood, ash, dry or loose soil, duff, loose debris and all live vegetation to a point below the root crown or first lateral root prior to planting the conifer.

Slash - Competing vegetation cut during performance of this contract and any other woody debris in the work area.

Spacing - The horizontal distance between two adjacent crop trees.

Stand - The measured area to be planted.

Stem Diameter - Thickness of the stem on brush measured one inch above ground level.

Stump Sprout - Growth originating from a hardwood stump.

Suitable Tree - A tree of good form and vigor which shows no physical damage and which conforms to the size, characteristics, and species specified on the Planting Data Sheets.

Tree Height - Height which is measured from the ground to the tip of the seedling.

Tree Wall - An existing tree stand along the perimeter of a plantable unit.

Unit - Unit for inspection and payment purposes is an area specified on the planting data sheet by Unit Name and Number.

Unplantable Spot - An area within the specified spacing limits in which it is not possible to plant a seedling according to specifications. Berms and mounds of soil, standing water, tracks left by crawler tractors or rubber tired skidders, game or livestock trails, are unplantable spots. Also any area within the specified spacing limits of a suitable existing tree or underneath the widest part of the crown of a suitable tree are unplantable spots.

Unsatisfactorily Planted Seedling - A planted seedling that fails to meet one or more of the inspection criteria for a satisfactorily planted seedling.

Wasted Seedlings - Seedlings that are lost, damaged, destroyed, or handled contrary to the inspection criteria and standards of performance, and seedlings in excess of the maximum number of seedlings.

Wasted Trees - Trees that are lost, damaged, destroyed, or handled contrary to the specifications for care and handling of trees, as well as excess trees as determined in inspection plots.

Woody Vegetation.-Vegetation over one inch in height that has stems and branches that are composed mostly of a hard fibrous substance over one inch in height. Deciduous vegetation may not have sprouted leaves yet from dormancy but is characterized by live cambium and leaf buds. Blackberry and raspberry vines are considered as woody vegetation for the purposes of this contract.

6. Government-Furnished Property For tree planting tasks the Government will provide tree seedlings either in containers or bareroot. The Task Order will specify the species and type. Delivery will be made at the point specified in the Task Order.

Government-furnished tree seedlings shall be receipted for by the Contractor when delivered.

For netting and vexar tube installation the Government will provide the appropriate material that will be described in the task order. The delivery point will be identified in the Task Order.

Contractor shall be responsible for the loss, damage or destruction of Government property unless the Contractor can show the damage resulted from causes beyond the Contractor's control and without the Contractor's fault or negligence.

7. Method of Measurement All linear and area measurements under this contract will be measured on the horizontal plane. The work area may be designated on the ground by existing roads, flagging and/or paint marks. Maps will be attached to the task order and are intended to show only the general size and location of the area. The Contractor may, in writing at any time after award, request measurement of the unit under this contract if they feel that the acreage identified on the task order is incorrect. No variation of the stand perimeter(s), as laid-out on the ground for this contract, will be allowed.

If the Government measurements are found to be accurate, within five (5) percent, the Contractor is liable for the actual cost of the re-measurement. The re-measurement costs will be calculated using the salary of the Inspector, vehicle travel, plus twelve (12) percent overhead costs. If the Government's measurement proves inaccurate, the Government will bear the cost of the re-measurement and payment will based upon the acreage as re-measured.

8. Contractor Personnel and Equipment Contractor On-Site Representative For each task order the Contractor shall designate in writing, a representative to act for the contractor during his absence. The Contractor's representative shall read and speak fluent English. The Contractor shall list the extent of authority the designated representative will have on the job. The Contractor or acting authorized Representative shall receive orders from the COR/Inspector as required to keep the job in progress and adherence to technical specifications, as needed, to finish the job.

The Government may, at its option, stop work with full count of contract time continuing, if the Contractor fails to provide a Contractor's Representative conversant in the English language and able to read and understand the contract.

Non-planting Foreman The Contractor's foreman shall be fluent in the English language. The Contractor shall at all times have a nonplanting foreman and a planting inspector with each crew whose intended purpose is quality control of the Contractor's work and Contractor self-inspection. Crews with more than 7 planters may require a second nonplanting foreman.

Non-Supervising Quality Inspector It is expected that there will be at least one non-supervising quality inspector per crew designated by the Contractor to perform quality control.

Contractor Employees The Contracting Officer, in writing, may require the Contractor to remove from work any employee found to be working in an unsafe manner, endangering government resources or criminal behavior.

Subcontractors The Contractor shall promptly notify the Contracting Officer about any subcontract arrangement related to this contract. Any subcontractor not identified in the contractor's task order response is subject to the approval of the Contracting Officer. Any subcontractor shall have the relevant experience and appropriate equipment for such work. The written notification shall include as a minimum:

(a) The name, address and telephone number of the subcontractor.

(b) The date upon which the subcontract was entered into and its duration

(c) A detailed description of the work being subcontracted including a listing of contract items, units, etc., as appropriate.

(d) Documentation of the subcontractor's representative authority.

Subcontracting any portion of the contract shall not relieve the Prime Contractor of any responsibility under this contract. Any subcontract agreement shall contain appropriate flow down terms and conditions of the prime contract.

Project Equipment Requirements

Planting equipment shall be capable of making a planting hole the width and depth needed to satisfactorily plant the seedlings furnished by the Government. Tree seedling species and average root length will be provided for each individual task order.

Augers - Where auger planting is required, the augers used shall be capable of drilling a 4-inch diameter hole to a depth of 2 inches deeper than the specified root length. The flighting and cutting bit on the auger shaft shall both have a diameter of 4 inches.

Hoedads - Where hoedad planting is specified, hoedads shall have a minimum blade length of 11 inches as measured from the tip of the blade to the nearest edge of the handle where it attaches to the blade, and a minimum blade width of four inches or as specified by individual task order.

Planting Bags - Bags shall be a light color, not retain water, have a minimum depth of 15 inches and be free of defects and contaminants.

Spot Preparation/Scalping Tool - For all spot preparations, the Contractor shall use tools capable of cutting and removing all vegetation below the root collar. The Scalp shall be no less than two foot by two foot (2x2) cleared to the mineral soil and free of debris with the seedling planted in the center of the scalp. The planter shall make every effort to take advantage to use any available shade for the seedling and make at least three legitimate attempts to plant the seedling within two feet of the original planting spot.

Manual Release Equipment - Release tools used by the Contractor shall be such that the blade will allow for the creation of a 5 inch diameter circle around planted conifers that will result in no damage to conifers.

9. Planting Tasks and Subtasks General standard procedures for planting are identified in this contract. Additional details or any deviations or additions to these standards will be identified in each task order.

Care of Tree Seedlings Trees shall be protected at all times from drying, heating, smothering, freezing, crushing, drowning, abrasion, rapid temperature fluctuations or contact with injurious substances.

Trees stored in boxes or bags shall not be exposed to direct sunlight. Punctured or torn bags or boxes must be promptly resealed. Containers of trees shall be opened only in full shade. Each box or bag of trees shall be wrapped in a thermal protective blanket or stored in tree coolers while in the Contractor's possession.

Trees shall not be removed from shipping containers until immediately prior to planting.

Trees shall be planted without further root or top pruning or culling. If pruning or culling appear necessary, or if mold, dry roots, evidence of injury or drying is seen, the condition shall immediately be reported to the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) in charge.

Trees that are frozen shall not be handled until completely thawed. Trees shall be thawed in full shade.

Trees removed from storage shall be field stored in a manner in which the roots are not in contact with water or snow.

Field Handling

Trees in possession of planters shall be handled in accordance with the following:

(a) Trees in planting bags shall have only their tops exposed.

(b) Trees shall not be removed from planting bag until immediately before planting in a prepared hole.

(c) Trees shall be gently removed, one at a time, to prevent root-stripping or other injury, and quickly and gently inserted into the planting hole.

(d) Trees carried in planting bags shall not exceed the amount that can be carried and removed without injury, or which can be planted before critical heating or drying occurs. Trees placed in planting bags shall be planted within one hour, unless conditions warrant a shorter time. A longer time period may be agreed to by the COR.

Trees placed in bags shall be planted out and not returned to storage. Planting bags shall be kept emptied of accumulated debris and water. All trees handed out shall be planted out before any planters may tree up with additional trees. Planters shall work in unison while planting a work unit and be supervised at all times. Trees left over at the completion of a work unit shall be counted and the tree count shall be given to the Forest Officer in charge.

(e) Planters leaving the boundary of the planting unit shall leave all trees inside the unit.

Spacing and Spot Selection Spacing - The Contractor shall plant the listed species at the spacing listed in the Detailed Unit Information sheet provided in the task order, unless directed to do otherwise by the Contracting Officer. Where an un-plantable spot is encountered, the planter shall disregard spacing limits and plant in the closest suitable spot. Planters shall space off the bole of suitable existing trees (see definitions for suitable existing tree description). Spacing may be varied up to 25 percent to take advantage of shade providing material and the most favorable planting spots, however the average number of trees planted per acre shall not be increased or decreased from that of the specified spacing in the Detailed Unit Information sheet. Utilize shaded microsites for Douglas Fir species. When possible.

Additional spacing information may be included in the task order or on the Detailed Unit Information sheet.

Spot Selection - Brush patches containing planting spots shall be planted. Landings, road cuts and fill banks shall be planted where planting spots exist.

Whenever possible planting spots shall be prepared where stumps, logs, and terrain provide partial protection from sun, wind, animals, loose debris, and other agents detrimental to seedling survival and growth. When planting next to shade baring objects, plant seedling no closer than 2 inches and no farther than 6 inches.

Planting spots shall not be located in the tracks left by crawler tractors or rubber tired skidders, skid trail berms, or mounds of soil. Note: Seedlings sampled on inspection plots which are not placed in favorable planting spots shall be counted as unsatisfactory.

Planting Spot Preparation Before preparing the planting hole, the Contractor shall make a scalp, using a hoedad, McCloud or other suitable tool, to remove from the planting spot all snow, bark, rotten wood, ash, dry or loose soil, duff, loose debris and grass or other vegetation.

For hoedad planting, the Contractor shall make a scalp to bare moist mineral soil at all planting spots whether or not there is any debris or vegetation on the planting spot. The scalp is typically 2 foot by 2 foot, the task order may define a different size if necessary.

For auger planting the scalp shall be as large as necessary to prevent the backfilling of dry soil into the planting hole. Trees are planned to be planted near the center of the scalp. If the scalp is made adjacent to a stump, rock or other shade providing object, the contractor shall plant as close to the object as possible. All live vegetation within (as determined by the order) inches of the planted tree seedling will be scalped or hoed out. Vegetation shall be cut below the root crown. If scalping tools other than hoedads are required to satisfactorily remove the vegetation, they shall be used. In work units which have been sub-soiled, the trees shall be planted in the furrows of the ripper shanks if spacing allows. Planters shall prepare the planting spot so that it is not possible for loose dirt or other debris to fall on the planted tree seedling.

Planting Hole Preparation Auger - Auger holes shall be drilled at least two inches deeper than the root length. Holes shall be orientated at an angle between perpendicular to the slope and true vertical. Neither the scalpers or the augers shall proceed so far ahead of the planter that the scalp, drilled hole or excavated soil will dry prior to planting. Auxiliary holes shall be drilled no closer than nine inches from the planting hole. All auger holes within 3 feet of a planted seedling shall be filled in with soil after the tree has been planted. Should the initial attempt to drill a planting hole fail because of subsurface rocks, roots or other obstacles, a second effort shall be made in a slightly different part of the same planting spot. If this attempt also fails for similar reasons, a third attempt shall be made in another part of the planting spot. If a third attempt to auger a hole fails, the Contractor shall abandon the spot for auger planting and plant the spot using a hoedad.

Hoedad - Planting holes shall be oriented at an angle between perpendicular to the slope and true vertical. An open hole, large enough to fully accommodate the roots of the trees to be planted is required. The Contractor is expected to open planting holes in hard as well as easy plantable ground. Slit planting will not be permitted. If the planting spot is determined to be un-plantable (after making at least three attempts in different locations on the planting spot to open a planting hole) the planter shall disregard spacing guidelines and plant in the closest plantable spot.

Tree Placement Trees shall be suspended with roots in a near natural arrangement at a depth that will, after filling, packing and leveling the soil, come to a point even with the root color of the seedling. No portion of the roots shall be exposed nor any needles or branches covered with soil. The roots shall not be doubled up, twisted, spiraled, bunched or cut.

The root system shall be aligned with the axis of the planting hole with all roots extending downward in their natural position for their entire length.

Filling and Firming Moist mineral soil shall be filled in and firmed around tree roots. Dry soil, and other material other than moist mineral shall be kept out of holes. Soil shall be filled in and firmed progressively, starting at the bottom of the hole, so no loose soil or air pockets remain and the tree is as firmly planted as soil conditions will allow. The Contractor shall not wedge the sides of the holes, and firming the soil around the tree shall be done in a manner that assures the tree and root system are not damaged. After the soil is firmed around the tree, it shall be smoothed out to the level of the surrounding mineral soil surface. After planting, the tree stem shall be erect and be vertical or perpendicular to the ground level of the planting spot. The tree shall not be weighed down with mud or debris. Filling and firming of the soil will be inspected by digging up a sample portion of the planted seedlings checking for loose dirt and airpockets, and by firmly pulling upward on the stem of the seedling. The soil shall be firmed enough so that there are no air pockets around the root system and the soil does not easily fall away from the root system when dug

up. The trees shall be firm enough that there is no movement to the trees when firmly pulled by the stem.

10. Grubbing/Release Tasks

The Contractor shall grub all specified vegetation within (specified in each order, typically a 5 foot radius) around live conifers (planted or natural). Prior to the start and/or during the period of the task, the Government may specify a priority of work to be performed on individual treatment units within a project area. The work shall be performed in a manner that does not damage the leave trees or any other vegetation not specified to be treated.

Vegetation shall be cut below the first lateral root. Conifer seedlings shall not be damaged in the process of cutting undesirable vegetation. Damage includes any injury to the living crown, candle, bole or roots of the seedlings. Soil shall not be scraped or pulled away from the seedlings during cutting of vegetation. Do not scalp the soil outside of the identified radius circle, treat the vegetation only.

Typically cut vegetation will be removed from the radius circle and away from the seedling. In cases where seedlings are planted closer than the area to be grubbed, the material shall be pulled to a pile splitting the distance between the seedlings. All woody vegetation, herbaceous vegetation, and stump sprouts within the grub circles shall be completely severed from their roots below the first lateral root or a minimum of six inches below the surface.

For plants that have rhizomes, only the above ground portions shall be removed to a depth of six inches. For hardwood stump sprouts the Contractor shall either cut them below the first lateral root, or remove all the burl tissue containing dormant buds down to a depth of six inches below the surface of the ground. Grass clumps shall be turned over to expose roots to the air when cut and left inside the grubbed area. If pull-able vegetation cannot be cut due to slash or rocks, the vegetation shall be hand pulled.

11. Acceptable Quality Level for Tasks and Critical Subtasks The following are the acceptable quality levels (AQL) applicable to the contract; individual task orders may deviate from these standards however any revised standards will be clearly stated in the task order.

(a) For the following subtasks the standard is 100% compliance: Care of Tree Seedlings and Field Handling.

(b) The acceptable quality level of these planting tasks are 95%: Spacing and Spot Selection, Planting Spot

Preparation, Planting Hole Preparation, Tree Placement, and Filling and Firming.

(c) The acceptable quality level for grubbing or other reforestation tasks is 90%.

(d) These percentages are as verified by government quality assurance methods.

(e) For quality below the acceptable level the government may choose to accept the work at a reduced rate; however work quality less than 80% is not acceptable and no payment will be made.

12. Means and Methods of Quality Measurement Contractor Quality Control A Quality Control Plan will be required for each task order and must be acceptable to the government prior to commencement of work. The Contractor shall provide documentation of Quality Control Inspections in full accordance with the plan.

General Inspection: In addition to the requirements in FAR 52.212-4 the Contractor shall maintain an inspection system acceptable to the Government. The intended purpose of the Contractor performing self-inspection is to monitor quality while work is being performed, there-by allowing the Contractor to identify and correct any quality deficiencies in their work while the work is in progress. The Contractor shall inspect their work on an ongoing basis and make available to the Government the results of the inspections. The Contractor shall mark any inspection plots on the ground with flagging for government verification. Inspections shall be conducted and maintained by the individual work unit. Inspection quality results shall be calculated on a daily basis and an inspection summary shall be provided to the COR at least weekly. For tree planting the Contractor shall provide the tree planting quality percentage for the unit as the average of plots taken, and provide documentation in support of claimed percentage quality of work within 24 hours of completion of each planting unit. Prior to requesting an acceptance inspection or payment request, the Contractor shall make available to the Government all inspection records of the work performed.

Inspection Records: Contractor Quality Control shall include documentation of inspection results in an acceptable format as identified in their quality control plan. The documentation provided must be legible and reflective of all work performed. Contractor inspection methods or procedures indicating quality exceeding 100% are not acceptable.

Failure of the Contractor to maintain inspection results for verification with Government check inspections may be considered grounds for termination of Contractor's right to proceed with contract work for cause.

Government Quality Assurance Verification

(a) The Government may review Contractor generated inspection records and/or conduct government verification inspections to determine compliance with performance standards. Each Unit will be verified separately and inspection results on one Unit will not be averaged with those of other Units. Determination of the acceptability of the work performed will be based on these verification inspections and will be considered conclusive.

Verification inspection of a Unit may or may not be performed immediately following the work. The Contractor or a designated representative is encouraged, but not required to observe inspections while they are underway.

(b) Government verification inspection for tree planting will consist of observation of tree handling, planting spot preparation, described in the planting procedures, inspection procedures, scalping, and examination of individual trees on sample plots as attachments and exhibits. Observations for tree handling will occur throughout ongoing operations. Tree seedlings that are handled in a manner inconsistent with care of tree seedlings or field handling specifications may be declared "wasted trees".

(c) Planting Inspection special requirements: Inspection plots will be randomly located throughout the planting areas so as to obtain a representative sample of the work. Each individual unit will be inspected separately and inspection results on one unit will not be averaged with inspection results on other units, unless notified otherwise on the task order.

Examination of planting quality will typically be performed using 1/50th acre circular plots at a density of one plot per 2 acres (deviation from this procedure will be identified by the task order). In the event of an odd number of acres, the number of plots will be based on the acres to the next even interval.

Planting Inspection plots will be identified with flagging and include:

1. Above ground inspection

a. Distance from natural conifers and drip line

b. Planting spot preparation

c. Tree location in planting spot

d. Planting depth and exposed roots

e. Stem position or damage

f. Firmness

g. Seedling spacing

h. Use of microsite for appropriate species

i. Planting spot selection

j. Scalping

k. Excess or lack of tree numbers

l. Number of unplantable spots

2. Planting Below Ground Inspection will occur on a portion of the satisfactory above ground seedlings and include:

a. Planting hole orientation

b. Root configuration and orientation

c. Altered root length and damage

d. Dry soil and other debris in the planting hole

e. Loose soil or air pockets

3. Planting Plot Procedure: Sample plots will be taken as follows:

a. The inspector will mark on the ground a series of 1/50th acre plots, sufficient in number to yield at least one percent sample of the contract acreage. There will be at least 10 1/50th acre plots or sufficient plots to equal a one percent or more sample. Plots will be distributed uniformly over the entire acreage. Inspections within each plot will be performed as follows:

i. Locate and mark the plot center on the ground

ii. Determine the average number of planting spots for the plot based on the specified average spacing shown on Table 1 below. From this number subtract the number of acceptable existing trees and the number of unplantable spots. Record the difference as the number of plantable spots on which trees should be planted.

Table 1 Average Spacing Average Planting Spots on 1/50th acre

8 x 8 14

9 x10 10 10 x 10 9

10 x 12 7 12 x 12 6

14 x 14 4

iii. Determine and record the maximum number of allowable trees from the number of plantable spots.

iv. Record the number of trees planted on the plot

Table 2 Plantable Spots Maximum Trees Plantable Spots Maximum Trees

1 1 13 16 2 2 14 17

3 4 15 18 4 5 16 19

5 6 17 20 6 7 18 22

7 8 19 23

8 10 20 24 9 11 21 25

10 12 22 26 11 13 23 28

12 14 24 29

v. Determine and record the number of wasted trees on the plot. This number will be the number of trees, determined by subtracting the maximum allowable trees (as determined from Table 2) from the number of planted trees allowed from Table 1, but no less than 0. vi. Inspect and record the number of planted trees meeting the above ground contract technical specifications. The maximum number of satisfactory trees to be credited shall not exceed that shown in Table 2. vii. Below ground inspection of trees shall be determined by the number of satisfactory above ground trees, as determined on the plot, i.e. if 10 trees are planted and 4 trees are to be dug, but only 9 trees are satisfactory, then the number of trees to be dug for underground inspection will be 3 (number of trees to be dug for 9 satisfactory above ground trees). See Table 3

Table 3 # of satisfactory (above ground) planted trees on plot Minimum # of trees to be dug

1 1

2-6 2 7-9 3

10-12 4

13- plus 5

viii. The tree will be dug starting with those closest to the plot center and progressing outwards.

ix. Record the number of trees meeting below ground contract specifications. x. Compute the planting quality by the following formula:

Above Ground Planting Quality = (# of satisfactory trees above ground / by # of plantable spots) x (# of satisfactory trees dug / by # of trees dug) x 100. (Round to nearest whole percent)

The average planting spots and maximum number of satisfactory trees shown in Table 1 and Table 2 are rounded to the nearest whole number, these figures will be used in determining planting quality.

(d) Determination of the acceptability of the work performed will be based on these inspections, which will be considered conclusive, except as otherwise provided in the contract. If the Government's verification inspection results differ by more than 5% from the Contractor's inspection results, the Government's inspection results will be used to establish the quality of the work determine the basis for payment. When Government verification inspection confirms the Contractor's inspection results (within 5%), payment will be based on the Contractor's inspection percentage.

Rework of a Planting Unit Planting rework. Rework of a unit can only occur if the planting quality percentage is below the AQL and is entirely a result of insufficient number of planted trees. A written request for rework must be received by the Contracting Officer with a proposed date within 5 days after completion of the initial work. Re-inspection of corrected work will be done in the same manner as the first inspection using a different plot line and different plots.

The Contractor shall pay for all costs of inspection necessitated by the rework. Any deductions resulting from wasted trees during the rework will be combined with deductions from the initial work for a total deduction for the planting unit.

Grubbing/Release rework. In the event that the Government's inspection identifies contract work not meeting contract specifications, the Contractor will be given the opportunity to rework the entire unit. The Government will re-inspect the unit upon completion of the rework. Different random plots will be chosen by the Government.

Failure to pass after two inspections at the AQL the contractor may be paid for work meeting 80 percent or above at the reduced rate. Work below 80% will not be paid.

Government Re-inspection upon Contractors Request If the Contractor disagrees with the Government's initial inspection results, a re-inspection may be requested.

Requests for re-inspection must be made in writing within 5 days after receipt of initial inspection results. The Government will use the same inspection procedures however new plots will be selected.

If the results of the re-inspection, rounded to the nearest whole percentage, are within 5 percentage points of the initial inspection, the initial inspection results will be used to determine payment and acceptability. The Contractor shall bear the actual costs of the Government re-inspection.

If re-inspection indicates an increase of more than 5 percentage points from the initial inspection, the results of the second inspection, rounded to the nearest whole percentage, will be used to determine payment and acceptability. The Government will bear the costs of the re-inspection.

Acceptance Work on individual units may be accepted following the final inspection by the COR. Work with a quality of equal to or greater than the AQL will be accepted at full payment, less deductions for other items as identified in the contract or task (example: wasted trees).

See Payment Basis for information about reductions and deductions for less than Acceptable Quality Levels.

Quality less than 80% than is not acceptable. If quality is not corrected within two consecutive business days, after receiving written notice of the deficiency, the Contractor may be considered in breach of contract and may be terminated for cause.

13. Penalties and Incentives

Penalties for Un-acceptable Work by the Contractor - (1) Where possible, the Contractor shall re-work at no cost to the Government all work performed which does not meet the minimum acceptable quality level. (2) Contractor shall bear the cost of extra inspections by the Government if the Government has to perform extra monitoring of the Contractors work. (Re-inspections of areas re-worked). (3) Government may accept the Contractors work, but at a reduced payment rate. (4) Deductions may be made for wasted trees. (5) The Government may exercise its right to terminate for cause. (6) The contractor may receive a poor performance rating.

14. Payment Basis

All tasks: Payment will be made for completed units of work at the contract unit price where quality meets or exceeds the AQL less any authorized deductions.

Planting Tasks potential reductions:

(a) Planting units with an inspection quality between 80 percent and 94 percent may be accepted and paid however the price will be calculated by multiplying the actual inspection quality percentage times the unit price.

The Contractor may consider rework and inspection if full payment is desired.

(b) Planting units with an inspection quality less than 80 percent are not acceptable. The Contractor will be required to rework any stand where the quality level is below 80% (with the exception that replanting will not be permitted where the average below-ground quality for the unit is less than 80%). No payment will be made unless the Contracting Officer makes a final determination that some payment is warranted.

(c) Trees intentionally ditched or wasted by tree planters will be charged to the Contractor at a rate of $20.00 per tree.)

(d) Payment may be withheld pending return of unused Government Furnished Property in satisfactory condition and clean-up of trash and waste material on the planting sites.

Grubbing/Release Tasks potential reductions:

(a) All live planted conifer seedlings within each inspection plot will be examined for irreparable damage such as terminal buds removed by contract activities, girdled stems, excessive damage to lateral limbs, bark scraped to the cambium, or severed stems. Damaged conifer seedlings will be counted and a deduction for damage may be computed with the following formula:

Number of Plots Taken x .50 x Number of Damaged Seedlings x $20.00

(b) In some cases a hidden plot located by GPS will be placed within a unit prior to release operations. The government will identify and record the number of planted live seedlings in each plot. The plots will be located and measured after work is completed to determine if any seedlings are missing. A penalty of $500 will be assessed for each missing planted seedling. The assessment computation will be calculated follows:

Numbe…