Attachment A Final Performance Work Statement RMRS Nevada23_MS.pdf

US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Performance Work Statement

Rocky Mountain Research Station

Forest Inventory and Analysis – Nevada

Contents Project Title General Information

1.0 Background and Purpose

1.2 General Description

1.3 Project Location

2.0 Definitions

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

3.1 General Information

3.2 Contractor’s Obligations

3.3 Education and Experience Requirements

4.0 Deliverable / Schedule

4.1 Period of Performance

4.2 Prosecution of Work

4.3 Landscape Preservation

5.0 Government Furnished

6.0 Travel

6.1 Camping

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel (AGR 452.237.74 BEB 1988)

8.0 Security Requirements

9.0 Data Rights

10.0 Section 508 - Electronic and Information Technology Standards

11.0 Performance Requirement Measures

List of Attachments

Project Title Rocky Mountain Research Station, Forest Inventory and Analysis – Nevada

General Information

1.0 Background and Purpose

The Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Program of the U.S. Forest Service provides the information needed to assess America’s forests.

The long history of scientifically credible FIA data provides critical status and trend information to resource managers, policy makers, investors, and the public through a system of annual resource inventory that covers both public and private forest lands across the United States.

FIA reports on status and trends in forest area and location; species, size, and health of trees; total tree growth, mortality, and removals by harvest; wood production and utilization rates by various product; and forest land ownership (www.fs.usda.gov/research/inventory/FIA).

The initial focus was to estimate the extent, volume, and condition of live trees as a source of marketable timber available for harvest. Over the years, our mission has expanded to address information needed by our diverse customers. While timber is still important, we now also have the data to assess plant diversity, fuels, and potential fire hazard; condition of wildlife habitats; mortality and risk associated with fire, insects, or disease; biomass, carbon storage, forest health, and other general characteristics of forest ecosystems.

FIA is the only program that provides consistent and credible annual data for all forest lands (public and private) within the United States. FIA covers all forest lands of the United States including Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and U.S. Pacific Territories. (www.fs.usda.gov/rmrs/documents-and-media/brochure-interior-west-forest-inventory-analysis-iwfia)

The Rocky Mountain Research Station’s Base-Level FIA Inventory is a statistically based vegetation sampling program or inventory that supplements the Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) National core or Regional FIA program and requires collection of data on or adjacent to the FIA plot. In addition, several plots in each work area will be classified as “Soils” plots that require the Base-Level data and collection of the soils data (including collecting samples). Also, non-forest sampling (All Condition Inventory or ACI) in this element will supplement the existing FIA forestland inventory by collecting additional vegetation plots and conditions over all non-forest conditions (USFS Region 1 only). Collected data shall be recorded in electronic format using the Forest Service MIDAS software. This Base-Level FIA Inventory data will be done on all bid items.

1.2 General Description

Work can be performed with a one (1) person minimum crew size. In areas with the potential for high Grizzly bear, Mountain lion, and/or wolf activities, having a crew of two or more persons is recommended for safety. The contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, supervision, training, insurance, transportation, supplies (except those designated as government-furnished), and incidentals to perform all work necessary on the areas specified. All aspects of the work program shall be performed in an organized, systematic manner to assure services will be performed over the entire unit.

The work of this contract encompasses field-based vegetation sampling of forested and non-forested condition inventory plots across the Rocky Mountain Research Station. It includes, but is not limited to locating, monumenting, and photographing plots and conducting inventories of trees, shrubs, forbs, grass, collecting tree cores, and setting characteristics using a variety of protocols in the RMRS FIA P2 Field Procedures (see Attachment 1).

The work performed and the data collected shall be in compliance with the terms, specifications, conditions and provisions of this solicitation and the RMRS FIA P2 Field Procedures (see Attachment 1), or the most current version of this manual prior to data collection. The guide specifies the procedures and definitions for field implementation unless http://www.fs.usda.gov/research/inventory/FIA http://www.fs.usda.gov/rmrs/documents-and-media/brochure-interior-west-forest-inventory-analysis-iwfia http://www.fs.usda.gov/rmrs/documents-and-media/brochure-interior-west-forest-inventory-analysis-iwfia modified by this contract. Plot photos are required to be taken at each location and consist of 4 digital photographs taken in the cardinal directions (north, south, east, and west) from plot center.

Safe Working Conditions. Safety is always the first priority. The contractor will be working in remote areas and could be exposed to natural hazards including, but not limited to traveling over uneven and rocky terrain, encounters with bears and other wildlife, hostile people, and inclement weather. The contractor shall at their own expense ensure that all employees are trained and have proper safety equipment prior to commencing work in the project areas. Examples of options for dealing with safety concerns include suspension with contract time, moving to another area until the hazard (as in the case of wildfire) has ceased, etc.

Trainings that may be required are:

Bear/Wildlife Awareness Training – Typically given by a Forest Service District, BLM, or Park Service ATV/UTV/Motorbike Training – Ability to operate these vehicles on Public Lands and follow the laws Fire Safety and Suppression – Know how and when to build and utilize a small fire at camp and how to put it out cold.

Crews may be required to attend an Agency (Forest Service, Park Service, BLM, etc) safety sessions prior to camping/work.

Proof of safety trainings that may be mandatory by the local agencies where the plots are located shall be provided upon request from the CO or COR. It is the responsibility of the contractor to know what trainings will be needed.

It is the responsibility of the contractor to check the local public managing office for specific hazards, traveling, camping and weather conditions. The contractor is also responsible to notify the CO or COR of any changes to the proposed project plan (to include camping plan as mentioned below)from this information.

1.3 Project Location

Projects will be located on all land ownerships located within the states of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, REGION 1 plots located on the border with Idaho and Washington on the west and in the Dakota Grasslands in North Dakota and South Dakota on the east; and REGION 4 plots located on the border with Nevada and California. Plot Vicinity maps showing approximate project locations will be located as EXHIBIT E and spreadsheet with ownership and fuzzed latitude/longitude as EXHIBIT F.

Road access to each forest inventory location is not guaranteed. Access to the plots may require short or very long hike-ins, horse packing, boat, or helicopter access. The cost to access these plots shall be determined by the offeror and be reflected in the offeror’s pricing.

The contractor shall coordinate access information for plot access and/or locked gates owned and operated by the landowner. Permission to access privately owned land is the responsibility of the contractor and must be done prior to starting work in the area. The contractor will document access per instructions in (EXHIBIT D) and must provide the minimum of a name of the landowner contact or authorized representative of the landowner and email or phone number for that contact allowing access to their land. Contractor will send this information in an encrypted file will be sent to the CO and/or COR. Trespassing is not acceptable and may be grounds for termination of the contractor or the contract.

2.0 Definitions

ACI – All Condition Inventory Batch – 10 plot packets that are completed and ready for inspection CO – Contracting Officer COR – Contracting Officer’s Representative Crew Leader – Person primarily responsible for the plot data and submission of all information Crew Member - Person who is an assistant to the Crew Leader FIA – Forest Inventory and Analysis Landowners – Private individual or group or corporation that is privately owned

Packet (or Plot Packet) – Individual plot envelope that contains aerial photos, topographic map, past field location and tree data, and field forms RMRS – Rocky Mountain Research Station Technical Monitor – someone delegated by the CO to perform a task that requires expertise QC – Quality Control

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

3.1 General Information

1. The contractor shall collect plot data in accordance with the technical specifications described in RMRS FIA P2 Field Procedures (see Attachment 1) or the most current version of this manual and what is outlined in this proposal. Modifications to each technical specification by the Rocky Mountain Research Station will constitute revisions to these specifications.

2. Plot vicinity map will be issued/included to show approximate plot locations (EXHIBIT E). This map is only intended to show access to the area covered by the aerial photography.

3. Some plot locations may have local and/or seasonal access restrictions including, but not limited to, proximity to designated wildlife areas, hunting season and emergency fire restrictions, snow, unstable terrain, etc. These restrictions may include road closures. Exact timing of closures will vary depending on season, weather conditions, or other constraints. Prior to commencing work within these locations, the contractor will contact the appropriate landowner(s) to determine operational restrictions (e.g., access, waste disposal, camping, quarantine restrictions).

4. Plots associated with, Wilderness and/or Soils sites will be shown in the Plot List and noted as “Wilderness” or “Soils”.

5. Collection of Needles (Exhibit G) are on plots that have Whitebark Pine and/or Limber Pine as described in the instructions.

6. Plots associated with Tree Core collection (Exhibit H), will either be shown in the Plot List and noted as “Tree Core” or collection described for any plot with a particular tree specie(s).

7. All Contractors/subcontractors/employees shall sign a Nondisclosure Agreement (NDA) (EXHIBIT C) and wait for the NDA to be approved before starting work.

8. Prior to collecting field data, the contractor will be required to use Government-supplied software from which plot information must be loaded onto their Personal Data Recorder (PDR) and all field collected data entered using these respective files. The contractor shall also install MIDAS (Mobile Integrated Data Acquisition System) application updates for their PDR and computers as supplied by the Government, through access to the National MIDAS internet site. https://apps.fs.usda.gov/fia/midas-v2/main

9. All contractor’s employees will need to be assigned a crew number by the Government that will be recorded in the PDR for each plot those persons visit.

3.2 Contractor’s Obligations

The contractor shall furnish the following in performance of the contract:

1. The contractor shall furnish crews whose responsibility shall be to locate, measure and maintain plots in accordance with “RMRS FIA P2 Field Procedures”. Crew member names will be provided to the CO or COR.

2. Each crew shall have a Crew Leader present while performing all field work. The Crew Leader shall meet the appropriate minimum education and experience level stated in Section 3.3, Education and Experience Requirements. The Crew Leader is responsible for all data quality on the plot.

3. Number of Crews - A sufficient number of Crew Leaders and Crew Members to maintain the production schedule.

4. Mandatory Crew Preparation – All contractor Crew Leaders and Crew Members assigned to work on this contract shall be required to review all supplemental materials provided by the Government prior to beginning work. Proof of this training will be provided when requested ty the CO or COR. Trainings should include:

a. Knowledge of the field protocols in the RMRS FIA P2 Field Procedures

b. Knowledge of the camping provisions plan https://apps.fs.usda.gov/fia/midas-v2/main

c. How to use Midas and upload data and photos

5. Government Meetings - The contractor shall be available to meet with Government personnel as necessary for the execution of this contract. The Government will not be liable for costs incurred because of lost production due to the contractor attending these meetings.

6. Hardware, Software, and Data Handling Procedures - The contractor shall provide the hardware and software contained in (EXHIBIT A) – RMRS Hardware, Software AND Data Handling Procedures. The contractor shall also have high-speed internet connections available to their crews for periodic download of required Government-supplied software updates. The contractor shall also utilize high-speed internet connections to upload their completed, full edited plots to the national MIDAS website server once notified by the COR that the Inspection was acceptable. Dial-up internet connections are not acceptable.

7. GPS Units – GPS units must be capable of averaging for accuracy of each position collected.

8. Contractor must have the ability to investigate parcel ownership data which may require the purchase of an online account.

3.3 Education and Experience Requirements

Each Crew Leader shall meet or exceed the minimum education and experience requirements stated below. The contractor shall provide a summary of the education and work experience prior to certification.

The minimum education/experience requirements for Key Personnel are:

1. Completion of two years in a Forestry, Plant Ecology, or Botany degree program.

2. One season of fieldwork involving plot sampling, classification of understory vegetative characteristics, insect & disease management, vegetative species identification and measurements. Experience shall be in the Western United States* within the past five (5) field seasons.

3. Ability to demonstrate the competent use of stereo-paired aerial photos for ground location.

4. One field season experience as a crew member on a Current Vegetation Survey or Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) annual inventory. Shall be able to demonstrate the competent use of stereo-paired aerial photos for ground location.

*Western United States includes the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. A field season constitutes at least 3 months.

4.0 Deliverable / Schedule

4.1 Period of Performance

The anticipated annual period of performance is as follows for Nevada:

Nevada: Date of award est. 9/1/23 to 8/30/2024 with plots visited only during the months of May through

November.

The contractor shall be required to (a) commence work under the contract within ten (10) calendar days after the date the contractor is awarded the contract, (b) prosecute the work diligently, and (c) complete the entire work ready for use not later than the dates shown in the period of performance. The time stated for completion shall include final edits.

The contractor will need to coordinate with the COR for the final date of inspection and allow time for corrective actions prior to the end of the contract or performance period.

4.2 Prosecution of Work

Work shall begin on contract certification plots that may be pre-selected by the Government. As Crew Leaders become certified, they shall work on a ten (10) plot packet basis. Work on plot packets (non-certification plots) shall not proceed until certification plots have been completed and accepted by the Government.

Specific work areas will be established by agreement between the Government and contractor by using a project plan ).

At the post award conference, the contractor shall submit for the approval of the Government, a project planspecifying the resources (including people, equipment, and other factors) the contractor shall use as well as the rate of progress the contractor proposes to achieve. To be acceptable, the project plan shall include a breakdown of planned progress in terms of plots completed by individual crew for each month of work. The proposed project plan shall meet or exceed the rate of production needed to complete the project by the last date in the period of performance schedule for each item. Any modification of the project plan will be subject to approval by the Government. A revised project plan may be requested by the Government if actual progress falls behind the current approved project plan. The government may request monthly progress reports delivered via email to the COR.

The contractor shall advise the CO or COR of any periods that the contractor will not be working that is not specified in the accepted work plan.

When temporary hazards such as high water, bees, or bears hinder completing a plot, the contractor shall contact the COR and provide an update project plan which will allow the contractor to return to finish the plot later, prior to the end of the period of performance.

When the work performance of a contractor’s crew is deficient, the contractor shall correct the deficiencies in the work performance before the crew can proceed with any additional work.

4.2.1 Accessibility

The project area may be accessed by designated Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), State, and County roads during the normal operating season. The Forest Service assumes no obligation to do special maintenance to keep roads open. Road access to each plot is not guaranteed. Individual plots are accessible by some combination of two (2) or four-wheel drive vehicle(s), horse, or foot travel. Horse and foot travel, as well as camping, in some areas may have seasonal restrictions on access. Additionally, horse access may be restricted to approved outfitters. Some roads or trails may have been closed after the maps were published. Access to the plots may have short or very long walk-ins. It is the contractor’s responsibility to follow all Federal and State regulations when working and/or traveling these lands. The contractor shall contact the local managing office for specific access permissions/instructions and gathering any other information or hazards that may exist.

There may be situations where the contractor identifies access to a plot location through private land as the most efficient travel plan. Permission to access privately owned land is the responsibility of the contractor. The cost to access these plots is the total responsibility of the contractor. All efforts will be made to arrange for contractor access to private, Federal and State lands; however, the contractor will be responsible for following landowner/lease access instructions.

The Government will need vehicle descriptions and plate numbers for contractor’s vehicles for permit requirements or to share information with other agencies. The Government will provide permits for locations in National Parks. The contractor shall follow all the requirements in the permits which may include contacting the agency prior to entry.

4.3 Landscape Preservation

The contractor shall give attention to the effect of contract operation upon the landscape. Contractor shall take care to maintain natural surroundings undamaged, and shall always conduct the work 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 CO or COR. 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, bitumen, calcium chloride, silt, or other harmful materials. Mechanical equipment shall not be operated in live streams without written approval of the CO or COR.

5.0 Government Furnished

The Government will provide the following item(s) of Government property to the contractor for use in the performance of this contract.

1. RMRS FIA P2 Field Procedures Field Manual (Attachment 1) – One copy per certified contract crew member up to a maximum of 10 manuals per bid area.

2. Permits for accessing properties such as National Park Service, BLM, or other entities that require permits.

3. Plot packets containing past data (if past data exits), aerial photographs or other imagery, a map of the immediate plot area (generally a USGS Quad or portion of), and data forms.

4. Tree tags – these are aluminum silver tags and black reference (RP and X-tree) tags for use on reference trees or other objects as defined in the field manual.

5. Flagging – two kinds of flagging: orange flagging and blue/white striped flagging.

6. Aluminum and steel nails.

7. Steel plot stakes.

8. Plot forms.

9. Map – One set of plot location maps per field crew. This map will be GIS maps with exact locations for the bid area. These can be provided electronically or printed.

10. Habitat Type Association keys – one copy per certified crew. Some publications are available electronically.

11. MIDAS software for collecting field data for all plots.

12. Two sets of soil sampling equipment per contract.

All Government furnished manuals, keys, and plot indicator books and soil equipment shall be returned together with any unused nails, tags, stakes, etc., at the completion of the contract. Any items not used or returned will require reimbursement at the replacement value.

6.0 Travel

The contractor shall be responsible for any and all travel costs incurred by the contractor as a result of this contract. Contractor is reminded that travel costs shall be allowable and allocable in accordance with government policy.

6.1 Camping

The contractor will follow all laws and rules as defined by each Agency, State, or Private lands. The contractor will follow instructions on permits provided to access properties. The contractor is responsible to contact the appropriate authorities (Forest Service District Rangers, Park Service, Landowner, etc.) to identify legal camping locations and obtain camping permits without additional cost to the Government. Refer to Attachment 4.

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel (AGR 452.237.74 BEB 1988)

The contractor shall assign to this contract the following key personnel: Crew Leader(s).

The minimum education/experience requirements for Crew Leader(s) are:

1. Completion of two years in a Forestry, Plant Ecology, or Botany degree program.

2. One season of fieldwork involving plot sampling, classification of understory vegetative characteristics, insect & disease management, vegetative species identification and measurements. Experience shall be in the Western United States* within the past five (5) field seasons.

3. Ability to demonstrate the competent use of stereo-paired aerial photos for ground location.

4. One field season experience as a crew member on a Current Vegetation Survey or Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) annual inventory. Shall be able to demonstrate the competent use of stereo-paired aerial photos for ground location.

*Western United States includes the states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. A field season constitutes at least 3 months.

Should Key personnel change contractor will ensure that an NDA is signed and submitted to the COR/CO within 1 business day.

8.0 Security Requirements

All plot locations are confidential as dictated by the amended 1985 Food Security Act. All contractors selected for field sampling according to this protocol must sign and adhere to the RMRS Nondisclosure Agreement (Exhibit C), the FIA Inventory Policy for Public Lands, and all agreements and conditions established by the RMRS and the Intermountain Region. Additionally, all records (electronic and hard copy) containing plot location coordinates must be destroyed upon completion of the contract. Proof of destruction may be requested by the CO or COR that shall include the date of destruction and the description of what was destroyed.

9.0 Data Rights

At the conclusion of the contract, the contractor will destroy any information that contains the location of the plots, data, and names of the landowners. Proof of destruction may be requested by the CO or COR that shall include the date of destruction and the description of what was destroyed.

10.0 Section 508 - Electronic and Information Technology Standards

None

11.0 Performance Requirement Measures

TASKS QUALITY/

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

ACCEPTABLE

QUALITY LEVEL

MEANS OF

MEASUREMENT

PAYMENT FOR

WORK

Crew Leader Certification

Compliance with Attachment 1, “RMRS FIA P2 Field Procedures”, Certification of Crews (Attachment

2) and the Government Quality Assurance Plan, (Attachment 3).

Within tolerances shown in Attachment

1, of the “Field Procedures”

1 plot is to be completed by the Crew Leader. The

Government reserves the right to choose the plot that will become the cert plot.

The COR or

Technical Monitor will inspect and score the plot based on the RMRS Scoresheet

(EXHIBIT B)

>95% = Full pay and Certification.

85%-94.99 =

Percentage of pay and Certification.

<85% = 85% of pay and not Certified, rework required.

*Pay is determined by the original score.

Plot Photos Compliance with Attachment 1, “RMRS FIA P2 Field Procedures” and the Government Quality Assurance Plan (Attachment 3)

Within tolerances shown in Attachment

1, of the “Field Procedures”

Photos taken on the Location Center at Point 1 in the four cardinal directions.

Photos need to comply with descriptions in the RMRS FIA P2 Field

Procedures

All plot photos must be submitted prior to approval of Batch payment.

Photos that are unacceptable, the option is to either fix the unacceptable photo(s) or pay $25 per unacceptable photo.

Data Collection

Compliance with Attachment 1, “RMRS FIA P2 Field Procedures” and the Government Quality Assurance Plan (Attachment 3)

Within tolerances shown in Attachment

1, of the “Field Procedures”

1 plot in each group of 10 plots is to be chosen by the COR or Technical Monitor to be inspected and scored based on the RMRS Scoresheet

(EXHIBIT B). The score of inspection will be applied to all plots in the packet.

>95% = Full pay for all plots in the batch.

85%-94.9 = Percentage of pay for all plots in the batch.

<85% = 85% of pay for all plots in the batch, rework required.

*Pay is determined by the score of the first check Digital Data Delivery

Compliance with Attachment 1, "RMRS FIA P2 Field Procedures:

and the Government Quality Assurance Plan (Attachment 3)

100% Compliance with Attachment 1 &

Government Quality Assurance Plan (Attachment 3).

Passed MIDAS Mobile application edits and passing the EPF Inspection.

Passed the MIDAS Edit Review process

All plots must be submitted once notified by the COR for each batch of work.

Submission of Plots

Compliance with Government Quality Assurance Plan

(Attachment 3)

100% Compliance with Government Quality

Assurance Plan (Attachment 3).

All completed Plots will undergo inspection of the electronic data, and

MIDAS Edit Review

All plots must be submitted once notified by the COR for each batch of work.

Skipped Visit Plots

Compliance with Attachment 1, "RMRS FIA P2 Field Procedures:

and the Government Quality Assurance Plan (Attachment 3)

100% Compliance with Attachment 1 and

Government Quality Assurance Plan (Attachment 3

COR or Technical Monitor will examine data and Electronic

Plot Files for compliance.

The contractor will not be paid for any plot that could not be completed within the Period of Performance. These plots will be returned to the Government.

Example of Payment:

List of Attachments

Attachment 1: RMRS FIA P2 Field Procedures Field Manual Page 13 Attachment 2: Certification of Crews Page 14 Attachment 3: Government Quality Assurance Plan Pages 15-18 Attachment 4: Camping Provisions Pages 19-22

Included Exhibits:

Exhibit A – Hardware, Software, and Data Processing Procedures Exhibit B – RMRS Scoresheet Exhibit C – Non-Disclosure Agreement Exhibit D – Landowner Contact Form Exhibit E – Map Exhibit F – Spreadsheet Exhibit G – Needle Collection Protocol for Identification of Whitebark and Limber Pine Exhibit H – Tree Core Collection Procedures 2022

Attachment 1 RMRS FIA P2 Field Procedures Field Manual (and any updates to this document).

An electronic version of the Field Manual is at www.fs.usda.gov/rm/ogden/data-collection/field-manuals.shtml http://www.fs.usda.gov/rm/ogden/data-collection/field-manuals.shtml

Attachment 2: Certification of Crews

The process of certification is not intended to train crews, but only to evaluate their competency for use on this contract. The contractor will be paid for certification plots when those plots are also part of the contract.

1. Certification by the Forest Service - The Government will furnish a crew certification process as follows:

a. All Contractor's personnel shall demonstrate the ability to read, interpret, and apply information contained in the RMRS FIA P2 Field Procedures Field Manual (www.fs.usda.gov/rm/ogden/data-collection/field-manuals.shtml) by recording, estimating, and editing plot data during the measurement of one acceptable certification plot.

b. The Government will provide certification of contract crews. For certification purposes, the maximum number of 6 crews (crew leader and assistant(s) if applicable) per contract item will be provided by the government.

2. If the contractor desires more than the specified number of crews per contract item to be certified, the Government may approve the request. Requests for additional certifications shall be submitted to the Government in writing and must state the number of additional certifications requested and the dates.

If request(s) are approved, the Government will select the plots to be used for additional certification within five (5) Government working days from the date the certification request is received.

3. The contractor shall begin work on certification plots in accordance with Section 4.1, Period of Performance. Contractor crews listed as their Key Personnel (section 7.0) shall be certified within 30 calendar days of the effective start work date, or the Government may take action in accordance with the Default clause. The initial certification will consist of the first field plot satisfactorily completed.

In the event a crew fails one of these plots, a second certification plot shall be included as part of that crew's initial certification. For a certification plot to be acceptable, the inspected Plot quality shall be passing in percentage grading system, where 90% and above is passing. Failed quality in the inspection results will not be acceptable.

4. The COR or a designated technical expert (QC Inspector) shall complete certification as either: 1) the second or third person of an established crew, or 2) as an additional crew. The plots required to certify the COR shall be included as part of the initial certification.

5. During the initial certification of crews, sessions may be held each workday at times and locations designated by the Government. The Government may use these sessions to return plot inspection results, address specific contract questions, or accept certification plots for field inspection. Failure of two certification plots will be cause to notify the contractor and request that one or both crew members be replaced.

Attachment 3: Government Quality of Assurance Plan

The COR, or designated QC Inspector, will inspect completed plot packets to evaluate field measurements, field classifications, legibility, completeness, and correct coding of all submitted forms, electronic files and documentation. A completed batch consists of 10 plot packets.

Completed Work.

1. A batch is considered complete when all field, plot photos and electronic data has been inspected and accepted for payment.

Submission of Batches

1. Prior to submission to the COR or designated QC Inspector, batches shall meet the following criteria:

i. Data shall be submitted in accordance RMRS FIA P2 Field Procedures (www.fs.usda.gov/rm/ogden/data-collection/field-manuals.shtml), or the most current version of this manual.

ii. The installation information (crew name and assigned number, plot establishment date, field edit date) and all agency provided data (e.g., sample type, plot number, etc.) shall be completed on every form, where applicable, and for all plot packets.

iii. Route to Location Center and route to plot diagram, travel notes and information pertinent to stake position of location center shall be provided as described in RMRS FIA P2 Field Procedures, or the most current version of this manual.

iv. For RMRS protocol-based plot collection, a plot diagram shall be completed as described in RMRS FIA P2 Field Procedures, or the most current version of this manual.

v. All associated plot photos, vegetation samples, and soil samples are turned in.

Inspection of Plots

1. The COR or designated QC Inspector will determine work quality by inspection of each completed plot in a batch. An inspection will consist of:

a. Selected Plots

i. Inspection of selected plot(s) will be completed for compliance with the specifications and individual tolerance requirements specified in the RMRS FIA P2 Field Procedures, or the most current version of this manual.

ii. Minimum number of plots to be inspected is calculated as follows:

Number of Plots in Payment Batch Minimum Number of Plots to be Inspected

10 1

b. Plot Location

i. In the event a plot cannot be located using the instructions prescribed in the specific field guides, the entire batch will be charged a fatal error and returned to the contractor for rework. The COR or designated QC Inspector will record the global position of the plot in accordance with the RMRS FIA P2 Field Procedures during the field inspection. The Lat/Long coordinate will consist of recorded three-dimensional positions (degree, minutes, seconds). This coordinate will be used to evaluate the field inspected plot using the tolerance specified in the RMRS FIA P2 Field Procedures.

Field Inspection

1. The COR or designated QC Inspector will select at least the minimum number of plots (1) required from each batch to be field inspected.

2. Additional inspections may be made as the COR or designated QC Inspector deems appropriate.

3. Field inspections will be performed from the electronic data submitted by the contractor to the Inspector either by sending the data on a USB drive or by other secure means. Unencrypted email is not acceptable.

4. This field inspection will check the selected plot for accuracy, correctness, and completeness of submitted data.

5. Each measurement, observation or other work as specified by the appropriate field guides shall be verified and the correct value recorded.

6. Plot data will be evaluated by use of the tolerances specified in the RMRS FIA P2 Field Procedures.

Inspection Items

1. The following shall be checked on each inspection:

A. Verify documented measured distances and written directions from main road to locate plot B. Reference Point (RP) data C. X-tree and Y-tree data D. GPS data where the field crew collected it E. Plot Level and Condition Class Attributes F. Site Tree measurements and tree selection G. Habitat Type assigned to the plot H. Subplot 1 measured in its entirety

2. A minimum of 2 subplots are fully inspected (all measurements are taken).

3. A minimum of 20 trees are measured unless the plot has low tally or is non-forest.

a. If there are not enough trees available on the two fully inspected subplots, additional subplots are fully inspected to meet the 20-tree minimum.

4. On all four subplots, the following will be checked:

a. Plot layout; including both subplot and microplot center locations

b. Condition Class presence/absence

c. Subplot Attributes

d. Microplot seedling count

e. Boundary mapping

f. Missed/added Tree Tally (including saplings on the microplot)

g. Collect Soil Samples

h. Collect needle samples

i. Collect tree cores

Inspectors will record all measurements as they are at the time of inspection

1. The items listed below will present unique challenges when scoring the plot because the natural environment may have changed significantly over a short period of time due to seasonality, fast decadence rates or susceptibility to ground disturbance. Additional notes will be necessary for the QA Inspector to know when there were real errors or just on-the-ground changes:

a. Vegetation Profile – species, heights, and cover

b. Down Woody Material (DWM)- Transects are lined up with the production crew’s as best as possible to check all measurements. If the production crew did not leave flagging, the transect can be placed at the QA inspector’s azimuth (although effort is made to line up CWD pieces if possible).

c. Soil sampling data (when required).

Plot Photographs

1. During office edit each photograph will be checked to see that it is clear, sharp, not blurred, not taken into the sun and follows the procedures described in RMRS FIA P2 Field Procedures Manual.

2. Photos taken during heavy rain or snowstorms or after dark using a flash are not acceptable.

3. Missing or unacceptable photos shall incur a fee of $25/photo.

Discrepancy Trend in Plot Data

1. Plot Data and Electronic Data

a. If during inspection of selected plot(s) or review of submitted data, the COR or the designated QC

Inspector determines a similar discrepancy is occurring in the information being recorded by the contractor, the COR or QC Inspector shall notify the contractor of the findings.

b. If the same trend continues in future inspection and payment batches, the batch(es) will be returned for rework.

c. If the COR or QC Inspector notices a discrepancy trend developing while inspecting plots, they may visit plots not selected in the sample, to inspect the data in question.

d. These plots will be used to determine if a discrepancy trend does exist, not for payment purposes.

e. The COR or QC Inspector will notify the Contractor of the findings. If the same trend continues in future inspections and payment batches, the batch(es) will be returned for rework.

2. Unacceptable Data

a. If an individual or crew repeatedly installs plots/subplots in wrong locations or makes inaccurate measurements or observations (e.g., missed heights, diameters, vascular plant identification, etc.)

over two inspections, the COR or the designated QC Inspector may notify the contractor and require the contractor to replace the individual or crew or recommend termination for default to the CO.

3. Unacceptable Errors for Plots

a. If one of the following unacceptable errors occurs and the batch is determined to be unacceptable it will be returned to the Contractor for rework if any one of the following conditions occurs:

i. Any plot where the stake(s) for subplot/microplot centers, or end of sample planes, cannot be located because of improper installation, or for any other reason attributable to noncompliance with the field guide as identified in the task order.

ii. Any location stake or sample plane stake located outside of tolerance identified in the field guide.

iii. Any plot payment batch with an overall inspection failure.

iv. Any plot packet in which the earliest data collected is more than fifteen (15) days earlier than the latest plot data collected in that batch (allowances can be made by the COR or designated QC Inspector due to remote access issues).

v. Any group of plot packets that is submitted more than fifteen (15) days beyond the latest plot data collected in that batch.

4. Re-inspection Upon Contractor Request

a. If the COR or designated QC Inspectors’ original inspection results are unacceptable to the contractor, the contractor has the option to request, in writing, a re-inspection. Requests for re-inspection shall be made within five calendar days after receipt of initial inspection results. A complete re-inspection of the original inspected plot(s) will be made.

b. The contractor may accompany the COR or designated QC Inspector during the re-inspection.

c. If re-inspection does not result in an additional payment for the contractor, the contractor must pay for the re-inspection. Re-inspection for resubmitted units will be done in accordance with the original inspection procedures.

d. Results of this re-inspection will supersede the original inspection for determining acceptability and payment.

5. Rework and Re-Inspection after Rework

a. All plots in a batch will be returned to the Contractor when the batch is determined to be unacceptable. The contractor is required to rework all of the plots in the payment batch.

b. At the Government’s option, the packets reworked by the contractor, different colored flagging shall be tied at location center. The COR or designated QC Inspector shall specify the color of the ribbon. Each time the packet is reworked a different colored ribbon shall be used.

c. The Government is not required to provide more than 1 re-inspection on any single packet.

6. Right to Re-performance

a. In accordance with the Inspection of Services Clause in this section, the Government reserves the right to have any failed plot accomplished by another contractor or the Government itself and appropriately charge the cost to the original contractor’s invoice.

Attachment 4

FSAR 4G52.222-705 CAMPING PROVISIONS FOR LABOR INTENSIVE CONTRACTS (FEBRUARY 2007)

The following provisions apply to all camping on National Forest lands during performance of this contract:

These provisions are in addition to those contained in, or provided for, in the clause titled “Use of Premises”, in this contract.

Every structure used as shelter shall provide protection from the elements. Where heat adequate for weather conditions is not provided, other arrangements should be made to protect workers from the cold. Firewood may be cut only after obtaining a District Firewood Permit.

The campsite must not encroach beyond the boundaries designated by the Forest Service.

The campsite shall be located so as to minimize impacts on streams, lakes, and other bodies of water. No camping is permitted within developed recreation sites or along primary recreation roads.

The campsite shall have a clean appearance at all times. Upon abandonment of any campsite, or termination, revocation, or cancellation of camping privileges, the contractor shall remove, within 10 calendar days, all structures and improvements except those owned by the United States, and shall restore the site, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing or in the camping permit. If the contractor fails to remove all structures or improvements within the 10 calendar days, they shall become the property of the United States, but that will not relieve the contractor of liability for the cost of their removal and restoration of the site.

Unless otherwise designated by the Contracting Officer, the use of this area is not exclusive, and may be granted to other permittees, contractors, or recreating public. Disorderly conduct is not permitted. Damaging or removing any natural feature or other property of the Forest Service is prohibited. Servicing of equipment in the campsite is not permitted, unless the campsite is within the project area. Sanitary facilities shall be provided for storing food.

Ice chests or coolers, with ice supply made from potable water and replenished as necessary, shall be provided and sufficient for the storage of perishable food items. An adequate and convenient potable water supply shall be provided in each camp for drinking and cooking purposes. Toilet facilities adequate for the capacity of the camp shall be provided and supplied with adequate toilet paper. Such facilities shall be serviced and maintained in a sanitary condition. Garbage shall be collected, stored, and disposed of in such a manner as to prevent scattering by the wind, minimize attraction of flies, and discourage access by wildlife.

Basic first aid supplies shall be maintained, available, and under the charge of a person trained to administer first aid. Upon the request of the CO/COR the contractor shall produce copies of employees first aid/CPR certifications. The supplies shall include:

Gauze pads (at least 4x4 inches) Two large gauze pads (at least 8x10inches) Box adhesive bandages (band-aids) One package of gauze roller bandage at least 2- inches wide Two triangular bandages Scissors At least one blanket Tweezers Adhesive tape Latex gloves Resuscitation device such as resuscitation bag, airway, or pocket mask

Any washing of laundry shall be done in such a way as to provide for washing and rinsing without polluting lakes, streams, or other flowing water.

Wastewater must be disposed of away from living and eating areas and in a fashion that minimizes pollution to lakes, streams, and other flowing water.

The contractor shall take all reasonable precautions to prevent and suppress forest fires. No material shall be disposed of by burning in open fires during the closed season established by law or regulation without the written permission from the Forest Service.

The contractor shall comply with the following fire regulations during fire season:

During the fire season, a shovel, axe or Pulaski, 10- quart pail which is full of water for immediate use, and a fire extinguisher with an Underwriters Laboratory (UL) rating of at least 1:A 10:BC is required during the fire season.

All fire rings or outside fireplaces must be approved by the Forest Service representative.

The area will be cleared down to mineral soil for a distance of 1 foot outside of the ring or fireplace, and it will not have any overhanging material. Fire rings will be dismantled, and material disposed prior to leaving the site.

All generators and other internal combustion engines must be equipped with US Forest Service approved spark arrestors and/or factory designed muffler and exhaust system in good working order. They will be located in a cleared area with the same requirements as the paragraph above for fire rings or outside fireplaces.

All fuel must be stored in UL approved flammable storage containers and be located at least 50 feet from any open flame or other source of ignition.

Any violation of these conditions constitutes a breach of contract and may result in revocation of camping approval.

The Forest Service reserves the right to terminate a camping permit at any time.

Camping and Worksite Conditions The contractor shall submit a Camping Plan consistent with the camping permit, and supplementary requirements in Section J. The contractor shall provide a plan based on items awarded prior to start of work.

The contractor shall be aware of and abide by the rules of the Intermountain Region National Forests applicable to forest visitors.

Contractor Information: The contractor shall abide by the OSHA’s Field Sanitation Standard Fact Sheet No. OSHA 92-25, which applies to agricultural establishments hiring 11 or more workers for hand labor.

Fire Control

(a) Contractor's Responsibility for Contractor-Caused Fires. The contractor, whether or not directed by the Forest Service, shall immediately extinguish, without expense to the Government, all fires on or in the vicinity of the project which are caused by contractor's employees, whether set directly or indirectly as a result of contractor operations. The contractor may be held liable for all damages and costs of additional labor, subsistence, equipment, supplies, and transportation resulting from fires set or caused by the contractor's employees or resulting from contract operations.

(b) Other Fires. For the purpose of fighting forest fires on or in the vicinity of the project which are not caused by the contractor or his employees, the contractor when requested by the CO shall place his employees and equipment temporarily at the disposal of the Forest Service. Payment for such services will be made by the Government on a contract at not less than the current rate for fire-fighting services established by the Forest Service in the area concerned.

(c) Fire Protection Requirements - Fire Plan. At all times during closed fire season period, as specified by State law, the contractor shall comply with each of the following provisions to the extent applicable to his operation under the contract.

(1) Fire Extinguishers and Tools on Mobile or Stationary Equipment. Each unit of powered equipment used in connection with this contract, including automobiles, trucks, tractors, etc., shall be equipped with serviceable tools and fire extinguishers as follows:

One - fire extinguisher, dry chemical type of not less than 2-1/2 pound capacity with 4 BC or higher rating.

One - shovel, round point #0 lady or equal.

One - ax, 2 pounds or over, 26-inch minimum length, or one Pulaski.

One - water container (at least 1-gallon capacity), not required with stationary equipment.

(2) Spark Arresters. Each internal combustion engine shall be provided with a spark arrester or spark arresting device approved by the Forest Service. Exceptions where the Forest Service may approve mufflers, or other equipment in lieu of spark arresters qualified and rated under Forest Service Standard 5100-1a are: (a) small multi-position engines, such as chain saws, shall meet Society of Automotive Engineers J335b standards; (b) passenger-carrying vehicles…