Attachment B SOW All Units.docx

Ottawa National Forest

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS REGARDING THE DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATION/WORK STATEMENT (SECTION C)

Contractor Expectations: The Contractor shall furnish all labor, materials, equipment, tools, instruments, supplies, transportation, professional services, personnel, and supervision EXCEPT that which is designated in the Government Furnished Property clause to perform the Statement of Work/Specifications referenced in this contract. Additionally, the contractor shall abide by the Ottawa National Forest's Timber Theft Prevention plan (TTPP) – including, but not limited to, reconciling ALL paint (both empty & full paint cans) at the appropriate Forest Service office within 10 business days of issuance. The Contractor shall GPS the location of ALL sample trees and provide a digital copy of these GPS locations on a payment unit-by-payment unit basis in a format that is useable by Forest Service personnel. GPS locations are required to be submitted to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) when the cruise cards are submitted for the completed unit.

Operational Considerations: Keep in mind how the tree will be felled, which will require access for equipment and drop zones for larger trees to avoid damage to residual trees during logging. Trees selected for harvest must be capable of being economically felled and removed without damage to the residual stand. Marking objectives include establishing skid trails prior to thinning to the desired residual basal area and spacing guidelines between trails, which may result in the target basal area being achieved. There may be scattered inclusions of small, poorly drained pockets, seeps, steep slopes, perched water tables, or shallow bedrock areas; do not designate any trees for removal in these areas unless specifically identified in the prescriptions.

Skid Trails: In any Payment Unit that requires the establishment of skid trails/forwarding corridors, especially within Pine and Spruce Thinning Payment Units, the Contractor will provide a map with any trail locations and directions.

100% Count Paint Expectations: In Clearcut/Removal cut Payment Units that are too variable for Area Estimate Cruising methods, trees designated for removal will be marked with an intentional and discernible paint spot at eye level – no smaller than 1 square inch – to verify the tree was counted. Minimize over-spray on non-designated species to avoid confusion. Paint spots will face in generally the same direction. If any designated leave species (per marking instructions) are marked with a CTM designation, contractor will indicate this on the unit’s tally card.

Paint Mark Summary: The following established paint mark systems may be encountered while working on this contract: The Forest Service will mark boundaries with ORANGE paint (or another designated color of paint) prior to the Contractor entering the Payment Units to commence marking and cruising work. Boundary trees will be marked with a “slash” that is “wrapped” in such a way as to be visible from 3 faces of the boundary tree. The only exception permitted would be where the Payment Unit is intended to follow a dominant feature on the land and will be shown on the sale area map – such as a system road or power line.

1. Exterior Payment Unit boundaries will be designated with a 3-slash ORANGE line facing INTO the Sale Area or Payment Unit.

2. Interior Payment Unit boundaries will be designated with a 2-slash ORANGE line, on opposite sides of the tree, facing INTO the respective Payment Units.

3. Protected Area boundaries will be designated with a 3-slash ORANGE line facing away from the Protected Area. In addition, the Protected Area boundary trees will have “PA” painted on EVERY tree to avoid confusion with Payment Unit boundaries. Trees are NOT to be marked within Protected Areas.

4. Reserve Trees (designated for a specific reason, i.e. wildlife tree, superior tree) shall be marked with a single two-inch wide band of ORANGE paint encircling the tree and “RT” at eye level, along with TWO stump marks placed on opposite sides of the tree.

5. Leave Trees in Leave Tree Marking Payment Units will use a single ORANGE paint band encircling the tree at eye level and will include ONE stump mark.

MARKING TREES FOR HARVEST (SECTION C)

The following must be regarded when marking trees for harvest:

1. Trees designated for harvest must meet minimum tree specifications and include one minimum piece. Refer to Section J – Minimum Tree and Piece Specifications.

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

3. In Cut Tree Marking (CTM) Units, paint is to be used only for marking trees for cutting, tallying trees, and strip lines. Strip lines are to be confined to ribbon lines or sub- merchantable trees (less than 3-inch DBH), as approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative.

4. Proper Paint Application:

a. Prior to paint application, Contractor shall vigorously shake each can of paint to assure tracer element and pigment are incorporated.

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

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

5. For Cut Tree Mark (CTM) Units:

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

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

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

d. All cut trees will be marked on two sides at eye level, unless specified otherwise.

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

6. In 100% Count Clearcut/Removal Cut Units:

a. Trees designated for removal will be marked with an intentional and discernable paint spot at eye level – no smaller than 1 square inch – to verify the tree was counted.

b. Minimize over-spray on non-designated species to avoid confusion.

c. Paint spots will face in generally the same direction.

d. If any designated leave species (per marking instructions) are marked with a CTM designation, contractor will indicate this on the unit’s tally card.

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

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

VOLUME ESTIMATION USING CUT TREE MARKING/SAMPLE TREE CRUISING METHOD (SECTION C)

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

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

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

Sample Tree Measurements: Sample tree measurements will be made according to methods outlined in (see Section J):

1. Qualified Cruiser Reference Guide – Eastern Region, (revised 10/25/2006)

2. Guide to Hardwood Log Grading, USDA Forest Service, General Technical Report NE- 1, 1973.

3. Defects in Hardwood Timber, USDA Forest Service, Agriculture Handbook No. 678, dated 1989

4. Guide for Hardwood Tree Grading Based on Butt Log, Forest Service – Eastern Region, Timber Management Field Book, pages 1.31a – 1.31b

5. Volume Distribution Guide (for determining % defect)

6. Sawlog Scale Deduction for Sweep

7. Minimum Tree and Piece Utilization Standards (for the Ottawa National Forest, dated 11/08/2012)

Required Measurements: The following measurements are required for sample trees:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

a. Guide to Hardwood Log Grading, USDA Forest Service, General Technical Report NE-1, dated 1973.

b. Defects in Hardwood Timber, USDA Forest Service, Agriculture Handbook No. 678, dated 1989.

c. Guide for Hardwood Tree Grading Based on Butt Log, Forest Service – Eastern Region, Timber Management Field Book, pages 1.31a – 1.31b.

Identifying Sample Trees: A unique tree number that matches the tree number on the Payment Unit tally card (R9 Timber Sale Cruise Tally Card) will be painted on the sample tree, in addition to the assigned Cruiser identification letter. The Contractor shall GPS the location of ALL sample trees and provide a digital copy of these GPS locations in a format that is useable by Forest Service personnel. Each sample tree will require flagging ribbon at DBH with two-foot tails. Flagging ribbon color will be agreed upon, in writing, at the pre-work conference. The following information will be written on the flagging ribbon with permanent marker:

1. Unique tree number assigned to that Sample Tree (matches the tree number on the P.U. tally card)

2. Sample Group (listed in the Cruise Design)

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

4. DBH (written to the nearest tenth of an inch)

5. Sawlog height in feet, if applicable

6. Percent of saw defect (rounded to the nearest 5%), if applicable

7. Percent of Recoverable Volume (rounded to the nearest 5%), if applicable

8. Non-sawlog height in feet (to a 4-inch top DIB for hardwood species and total height for conifer species

9. Perfect of non-saw defect (rounded to the nearest 5%)

10. Marker’s cruising identification, as agreed to with the Forest Service COR [Note: Calculate defect and recoverable volume to the nearest %, then round to the nearest 5%.]

VOLUME ESTIMATION USING AREA ESTIMATE SAMPLING METHOD (SECTION C)

Variable Plot Sampling: Where specified in the contract, the Contractor will use variable plot sampling to determine volumes after acreage is computed. The plots shall be sampled with a 5, 10, or 20 BAF prism, Relaskop, or other equivalent approved optical instrument. The BAF will be specified in the Marking Guides. Grid size will be specified for each project.

General Requirements: Contractor will perform volume estimation accurately to ensure that net volume estimables are within +/- 5% of net volume for all species and products combined of plots checked on area estimate cruises.

Sample Plot Location: Location of sample points/plots should result in a representative sample of the population and be free of bias. Number of samples to be taken will be determined by the Forest Service. The Forest Service shall plan location of points/plots and gride on the Contract Map, prior to cruising on the ground.

Marking Variable Plots: Plots shall be clearly marked with the plot number identified at the top of the plot marker. The plot marker shall consist of a stake, engineering flag, or other straight object which will show where the plot center is located. The actual plot center will be where the stake goes into the ground. Plot number will be written as Payment Unit Number/Plot (or point) Number (i.e. 01/01). Plot “Marker” type will be agreed to in writing by the Contractor and Forest Service at the pre-work conference. The first tree measured (which is the first tree clockwise from direction of travel that falls within the basal area factor) shall be flagged as well. All paint marks must face the plot/point center.

MARKING RECORDS (SECTION C)

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

1. Measurements from each sample tree shall be recorded on the R9 Timber Sale Cruise Tally Card correctly.

2. Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) shall be measured and recorded to the nearest LOWER 0.1 inch (i.e. 12.96 = 12.9). A tolerance of +/- 2 tenths of an inch will be granted before an error is assessed.

3. Sawtimber or multi-product tree heights will have a tolerance of +/- 4 feet of height measurement.

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

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

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

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

PRE-WORK CONFERENCE (SECTION C)

A conference will be held prior to the start of work. The Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) will meet with Contractor to discuss contract items, work performance requirements, anticipated rate of production, scheduling of work, Government furnished materials and work conditions pertaining to the contract.

INSTRUMENT ACCEPTANCE AND CALIBRATION (SECTION E)

If requested by COR, the Contractor shall provide for inspection and acceptance by the Government of all instruments used for tree measurement. Instruments shall be checked for calibration periodically. Measurements shall be made against known and established measures, to insure accurate measurements.

QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN (SECTION E)

Surveillance by the Government of the Contractor's quality assurance will be based on three types of inspections:

A. Adherence to marking prescription B. Adherence to Payment Unit requirements C. Accuracy of volume estimation

1. Inspection for Adherence to Marking Prescription

a. The Government will locate points within each harvest unit to check for adherence to marking prescriptions. Location of points will be at the discretion of the Government to ensure compliance and identify areas of a Payment Unit that need correction to meet specifications. Check plots will be recorded on Ottawa Timber Marking Silviculture Inspection Form (Section J.) by the COR/Inspector. The following factors will be considered in determining whether or not a stand has been marked to the prescription:

i. Residual Basal Area (BA) - The Contractor and the Forest Service shall use a 10 BAF wedge prism, Relaskop or other equivalent optical instrument to check residual stand basal area during the marking of harvest units. The residual BA must be +/-10 square feet of target BA residual for that unit. If target BA is shown as a range, then Contractor must maintain the residual BA within this range (Example: 70 – 90 BA is considered a “Range” versus 80 BA which allows +/-10 square feet of variation). Residual BA and/or specified spacing guidelines are factors used to determine if the stand has been marked properly, regardless of the amount of BA specified to be removed. The adherence to +/- 10% variation (or defined Range in BA) is not an average across the Payment Unit but is within each check plot in order to determine consistency across the Payment Unit. This can be varied at the discretion of the COR, based on criteria below in item (2) and will be documented in writing. Contractor is required to maintain records of self-inspection of BA and/or spacing and record them on the Ottawa Timber Marking Silviculture Inspection Form (Section J.). COR/Inspector may request copies of this form from the Contractor at any time. These forms then become the Property of the Government.

b. When differences do occur, one of the following explanations should apply (and be documented in writing):

i. It will be obvious to the inspector why a change was made to the prescription. This could be due to the need to leave more or less BA than stated in the prescription because of variation in species, DBH, or spacing.

ii. When not obvious to the inspector, the Contractor or representative can explain why the deviations were made and the reason is acceptable to the inspector.

c. If neither of the above conditions is met, the Contractor may be required to remark the stand to the satisfaction of the Government.

2. Inspection for Adherence to Payment Unit Requirements.

a. Adherence to unit prescription specifications and silvicultural objectives must be met. This will include spacing of residual trees, quality, health, and form of trees left compared to those marked for removal, and application of project design criteria incorporated into marking guides.

b. The marking of individual sample trees will be noted to make sure information on cruise trees are legible and other markings conform to the direction given in this contract. Physical quality of paint application will also be assessed. If not acceptable, the contractor will be required to remark the Payment Unit.

c. The Contractor will be provided with regular critiques based on these observations. If changes in marker's practices are indicated, that adjustment will be expected within 24 hours.

d. The Government will perform periodic tracer paint security inspections. This may include inspection of off-site temporary storage facilities. By signing this Contract, Contractor is agreeing to allow the COR and Law Enforcement to inspect any of the Contractor’s storage facilities. Contractor does not have to be present to conduct this inspection (but it is recommended in order to allow access). Final payment is contingent on reconciling the paint issues and return of empties/full cans.

3. Inspection for Accuracy of Volume Estimation.

a. Each Payment Unit will be inspected for accurate volume estimation. Inspectors will notify Contractor of any discrepancies found. Contractor may be required to re-evaluate Sample Tree data based on the Inspector’s input if cruising methodology is deficient (will be documented on the Ottawa Timber Marking Contract Volume Estimation Inspection Form – Section J.). Acceptance of individual Payment Unit volume estimates will be at the discretion of the Inspector but will be based on accurate Tree Measurements as defined in the Field Measurement Evaluation Form (Section J.).

b. The percent variance of net volume will be calculated using the methodology shown on the Field Measurement Evaluation Form (Section J).

c. If the Contractor's Volume of Measured Trees and Tree Measurements is outside of tolerance levels and the Contractor requests it, the Government will check an additional number of trees. If, however, the Contractor fails the second sample inspection, the Contractor shall re-measure all the cruise trees in the Sale and pay the cost of the re-inspection. The cruise trees in the Sale will then be inspected again as if it was the first time. This process could be repeated. Final payment is contingent upon an acceptable Check Cruise on the Sale as a whole. A Check Cruise will require that a minimum of 25 trees be inspected by the Check Cruiser.

d. Marked trees will be evaluated for proper product differentiation, as defined in Section C – Marking Trees for Harvest. Trees must meet the minimum specifications for the marked product as defined in Section J. Product determination will be monitored and accepted by Payment Unit. A re-cruise of products, remarking and re-sampling as necessary will occur if outside of the tolerance level.

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE (SECTION F)

Rain/Wet Days: The Contractor shall plan on rainy/wet days when trees cannot be marked. The tree marking paint provided for this contract is either water-soluble or rain-resistant formulation and needs drying time prior to exposure to heavy rainfall or wash-off problems can occur.

a. Marking of damp trees and smooth-barked species (such as aspen) prior to periods of high temperature (80+F) with high relative humidity preceding forecast heavy rain (thunderstorms) should also be avoided. Potential for wash off problem is most critical in closed canopy hardwoods where dry time is extended by higher relative humidity, less air movement, and less exposure of bark to direct sunlight than in open stands or most conifer types.

b. The Contractor shall exercise prudent judgment as to when to start marking during rainy periods and when to stop once precipitation has begun. Resumption of marking following rainfall is at the Contractor's option. The Government reserves the right to stop the Contractor's marking if it is determined that weather is unsuitable and normal paint retention quality cannot be assured. Contractor will notify Government 2 business days PRIOR to resumption of work if shut down for more than 10 consecutive days.

Measurements: Acreages (or other units of measure) shown in the contract may be estimated. If acreages are estimated, final determination of acreages included within the unit boundaries will be made by the Government.

Payment: Payment will be by the item, as shown in the Schedule of Items. Payment will be upon completion by the Contractor and acceptance by the Contractor Officer of the entire item, unless otherwise agreed to by the Contracting Officer.

GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY (SECTION G)

1. The Government shall deliver to the Contractor the following listed materials, supplies, property, or services (hereinafter referred to as ("Government-furnished property") at the place and times specified below. The Contractor shall be liable for all loss or damage of such delivered Government-furnished property until completion and final acceptance of work. If the Government fails to make timely (within three business days of request by Contractor, or unless otherwise agreed to) delivery of such Government-furnished property suitable for its intended use, and upon written request from the Contractor, the Contracting Officer shall make an equitable adjustment of contract delivery or performance dates or contract price, or both, pursuant to the "changes" clause of the general provisions of this contract.

a. Government-furnished property shall consist of:

i. tree marking paint

ii. R9 Timber Sale Cruise Tally Card & Instructions Sheet (some copies on Rain Resistant paper)

iii. Marking guides that include: cruise plan, marking prescriptions, designation method, and resource maps.

2. Tree-marking paint shall be furnished by the Forest Service by signing out (using the Marking Paint Sign In/Sign Out Sheet) to the Contractor the expected amount needed for the work week for each Bid Item. The Forest Service will issue paint to and receive paint and empty cans from the Contractor each week at the District Office agreed to at the pre- work conference. Unless agreed otherwise, contractors must reconcile paint within 10 business days. In addition, the Contractor will adhere to all other guidance regarding timber marking paint found in the Ottawa National Forest's Timber Theft Prevention Plan.

a. All empty paint cans, partially used or unused cans, will be returned to the agreed upon location and secured there as outlined during the pre-work conference. The contractor cannot go more than 10 days without reconciling paint unless permission is obtained. Permission will be obtained in writing from the Contracting Officer with the Contracting Officer Representative approval. The empty cans will be drained, then sanded (or other acceptable material agreed to) or rinsed with the lids left off. Rain resistant paint cans cannot be rinsed. The objective is that any residual paint in the cans are dry or otherwise treated so that paint is no longer “usable”. There will be strict accountability for all paint cans regardless of amount of content or lack thereof. Paint must be secured in a manner that is acceptable to the Government – either in locked vehicles or other storage devices.

b. Paint cans taken to the field for use that day should be reconciled at the end of each day. If a paint can is lost, a good faith effort should be made to find any missing cans. Contractor will notify the Government within 1 business day of the loss. For each unreturned paint can, the contractor will be required to submit a written report describing in detail the circumstances which caused the misplacement of the paint can(s), along with security measures implemented to prevent further losses. The contractor shall bear the costs of any investigation (est. cost $200.00 to $400.00) that results from losses of government-furnished paint and/or paint cans due to negligent storage and/or handling. In addition, the contractor will adhere to all other guidance regarding timber marking paint found in the Ottawa National Forest's Timber Theft Prevention Plan.

3. R9 Timber Sale Cruise Tally Card. The Contractor shall, upon the completion of each unit, deliver the completed R9 Timber Sale Cruise Tally Card sheet(s) and other unit- specific records for each unit to the Government within 5 business days following completion of the Payment Unit or before moving to the next area, whichever comes first, unless agreed otherwise. Upon the receipt and acceptance thereof, the cruise data for each area shall become the sole property of the Government. Unused timber sale cruise program tally sheets shall be returned to the Contracting Officer's Representative upon completion of the job.

CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE DESIGNATION (SECTION G)

A Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) will be designated for each contract. The COR will have full contract authority with the exceptions shown on the COR designation form in Section J. The COR will designate inspectors as needed to assist in administering elements of the contract. The COR or inspectors will be skilled in Lake States silviculture for Northern Hardwoods, spruce, and pine and shall be a Certified Forest Service cruiser.

SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS (SECTION H)

1. Key Personnel - General Requirements. All Contractors will be required to be certified by the Government in Volume Estimation. Apparent awardees are required to be certified by the Forest within 30 days of notification, prior to contract award. Contractors who fail to become certified within this timeframe will receive no further consideration and will not be awarded the contract.

a. The certification process will include the following:

i. A classroom session covering Government merchantability specifications, cruise methods, defect, and grading rules

ii. Passing a written test covering topics covered in the classroom session

iii. Passing a field test which will consist of measuring a minimum of 25 trees

b. For certification, the cruiser must be within +/- 5% of the total net cubic foot volume estimate determined by the Government. Sawtimber volume estimate must be within +/- 10% of the net cubic foot volume estimate determined by the Government. The cruiser must also meet the tolerance requirements for individual tree measurements. The 25 tree field requirement may be met by an individual Contractor who has successfully passed a timber sale Check Cruise of at least 25 trees within the last 12 months.

c. Contractors currently certified to mark National Forest timber in the Lake States will have their certification accepted on the Ottawa National Forest as well.

d. Contractor certification is indefinite. Inactive Cruisers (less than 25 Sample Trees checked in a year) can be rated as “Active” after a cruising specification review conducted during the pre-work conference, followed by satisfactory performance of a volume estimation check of the first Payment Unit that is marked and cruised.

e. Trainee Marker: In the event a Contractor needs to acquire additional help in the completion of a contract, they may utilize Cruise Assistants who may not be currently certified by the Government for volume estimation. All volume estimation must be personally supervised on-site by a Government-certified cruiser when collecting data. All measure trees evaluated by a Cruise Assistant must be initialed with both of the assigned initials for the Cruise Assistant AND the approving Certified Cruiser.

2. Confidential Nature of Information: The Contractor shall not divulge and shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that no member of its organization divulges any information concerning this timber sale data to any person other than those duly authorized representatives of the Contracting Officer.

a. In addition, neither the Contractor nor any of the Contractor’s employees may be involved in bidding on any timber sale(s) resulting from this contract.

b. Any archeological sites encountered are protected by law and shall not be disturbed. The Contractor is encouraged to be alert for potential archeological sites and report their location to the Contracting Officer. Disclosure of any archeological information to any persons, other than those duly authorized as representatives of the Contracting Officer, may be subject to legal penalties.

c. Any threatened, endangered, or Sensitive species (plant, animal, or bird) encountered are protected by law and shall not be disturbed. The Contractor is encouraged to be alert for potential indicators (such as nests) or actual sightings and report their location to the Contracting Officer. Disclosure of any information associated with these species to any persons, other than those duly authorized as representatives of the Contracting Officer, may be subject to legal penalties.

3. Camping Requirements: The Forest Service (FS) has various camping opportunities. Check with local FS unit for camping requirements, as camping permits may be required. Verify local fire restriction policies. If camps will be used to house workers subject to MSPA, they are also subject to the temporary labor camp standards at 29 CFR 1910.142. The Forest Service reserves the right to terminate a camping permit at any time. These requirements are in addition to those contained in or provided for under the clause titled “452.236-72 Use of Premises” in this contract. Any violation of these conditions constitutes a breach of contract and may result in revocation of camping approval.

a. Every structure used as shelter must provide protection from the elements. Where adequate heat is not provided, make other arrangements to protect workers from the cold. Cut firewood only after a District Firewood Permit is obtained.

b. The campsite must not encroach beyond the boundaries designated by the Forest Service. The campsite location must minimize impacts on streams, lakes, and other bodies of water. Camping is not permitted within developed recreational sites or along primary recreational roads.

c. The campsite must 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. Structures or improvements the contractor fails to remove within the 10 calendar day period becomes the property of the United States. However, the contractor remains liable for the cost of the removal and restoration of the site.

d. Unless otherwise designated by the CO, the use of the area is not exclusive and may be granted to other permittees, contractors, or recreating public. Disorderly conduct is not permitted.

e. Damaging or removing any natural feature or other property of the Forest Service is prohibited.

f. Servicing of equipment in the campsite is not permissible unless the campsite is within the project area.

g. Provide sanitary facilities for storing food. Provide ice chests or coolers, with ice supply made from potable water, and replenish as necessary. Provide sufficient storage for perishable food items.

h. Provide an adequate and convenient potable water supply in each camp for drinking and cooking purposes.

i. Provide adequate toilet facilities and toilet paper for the capacity of the camp. Service and maintain facilities in a sanitary condition.

j. Collect, store, and dispose of garbage in a manner to discourage rodent access, minimize attraction of flies, and prevent scattering by wind.

k. Maintain basic first aid supplies available, which must be under the charge of a person trained to administer first aid.

i. The basic supplies must include:

1. Gauze pads (at least 4x4 inches)

2. Two large gauze pads (at least 8x10 inches)

3. Box adhesive bandages (band-aids)

4. One package of gauze roller bandage (at least 2-inches in width)

5. Two triangular bandages

6. Scissors

7. At least one blanket

8. Tweezers

9. Adhesive tape

10. Latex gloves, and

11. Resuscitation device such as resuscitation bag, airway, or pocket mask.

l. Wash laundry in such a way that washing and rinsing will not pollute lakes, streams, or other flowing water.

m. Dispose waste water away from living and eating areas and in such a way that minimizes pollution to lakes, streams, and other flowing water.

n. The contractor shall take all reasonable precautions to prevent and suppress forest fires. Do not dispose of material by burning in open fires during the closed season established by law or regulation without the written permission from the Forest Service.

o. If authorized to have an open fire, the Contractor shall comply with the following fire regulations:

i. A shovel, axe or Pulaski, a 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.

ii. All fire rings or outside fireplaces must be approved by the Forest Service representative. The area must be cleared down to mineral soil for a distance of one foot outside of the ring or fireplace, and it must not have any overhanging material. Fire rings must be dismantled and material disposed prior to leaving the site.

iii. All generators and other internal combustion engines must be equipped with 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 in described in the previous paragraph.

iv. 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.