Attachments.pdf

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 – Tree Core Collection Procedures Exhibit H – Needle Collection Protocol for Identification of Whitebark and Limber Pine Exhibit I – Submeter GNSS

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

An electronic version of the Field Manual is at

V930_RMRS_P2_Field_Manual_February7_2024.pdf (usda.gov) or Box\External RMRS FIA Field Reference Library\Data Collection Resources\Protocols (An account to Box is needed to access. Free accounts available at www.box.com) https://www.fs.usda.gov/rm/ogden/data-collection/pdf/V930_RMRS_P2_Field_Manual_February7_2024.pdf https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fusfs.app.box.com%2Ffile%2F1439652378572&data=05%7C02%7Cmaryfaith.snyder%40usda.gov%7C0645fa42f65c4685792a08dc28ffcfb1%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638430326399423229%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Zg1WzeU9Jr4G3QPdRgVrJIVw553S1kOXERlTMM23qkU%3D&reserved=0 https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fusfs.app.box.com%2Ffile%2F1439652378572&data=05%7C02%7Cmaryfaith.snyder%40usda.gov%7C0645fa42f65c4685792a08dc28ffcfb1%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C1%7C0%7C638430326399423229%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=Zg1WzeU9Jr4G3QPdRgVrJIVw553S1kOXERlTMM23qkU%3D&reserved=0

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 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. After failure of two certification plots, the contractor will be notified with a request that one or both crew members be replaced.

Attachment 3: Government Quality 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.

Completed Work. A completed batch consists of 10 plot packets.

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

2. Batches submitted that do not consist of 10 plot packets will not be accepted unless prior arrangements have been discussed and agreed to by the contractor, COR, and/or QC Inspector.

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 (

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 Plot Center and route to plot diagram, travel notes and information pertinent to stake position of plot center shall be provided as described in RMRS FIA P2 Field Procedures.

iv. For RMRS protocol-based plot collection, a plot diagram shall be completed as described in RMRS FIA P2 Field Procedures.

v. All associated plot photos, vegetation samples, core samples, needle samples (if applicable) 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.

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

Commented [DL1]: This is one of our biggest issues.

Sending in batches that are not 10! Maybe add language that suggests it must be 10?

Commented [DL2]: Are they doing needle and/or core samples? Might add that here if so.

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

10 1

b. Plot Location

i. In the event a plot completed by the contractor cannot be located using the instructions prescribed in the RMRS FIA P2 Field Procedures and using plot notes, the entire batch will be fail and returned to the contractor for rework.

ii. The COR or designated QC Inspector will record the global position coordinates of the inspected plot in accordance with the RMRS FIA P2 Field Procedures during the field inspection. The Latitude/Longitude coordinate will be recorded using degrees, minutes, and 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 the minimum number of one

(1) plot 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. Field inspections will also be performed utilizing the information in the plot packet which will be mailed or shipped as part of the batch to either the COR or QC Inspector.

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

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

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

Inspection Items

1. Refer to Exhibit B (RMRS Scoresheet) on the items to be inspected.

Commented [MS3]: This was put in to take care of situations where the crew never visited the location and faked the data.

Commented [DL4]: I think all this was trying to say is use degrees, minutes and seconds? A very hard sentence to read at best.

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.

b. )

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.

ii. Any location stake 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 plot 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.

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. The supplies shall include:

Gauze pads (at least 4x4 inches) Two large gauze pads (at least 8x10 inches) 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 and light trucks may have baffle-type mufflers with tail pipe;

(c) heavy-duty trucks may have a vertical stack exhaust system and muffler, provided the exhaust stack extends above the cab of the vehicle. An exhaust-driven turbo charger is considered to be a satisfactory spark arrester. Internal combustion engine exhaust systems, arresters, and other devices must be properly installed and maintained.

(3) Power saws. For each power saw used in connection with this contract, the following will be provided:

One - shovel, round point #0 lady or equal. Shovel must be immediately available for use.

One - Fire extinguisher, containing not less than 8 ounces of extinguisher fluid, or a dry chemical powder-type of not less than 1-pound capacity. The extinguisher must be immediately accessible to the saw operator at all times.

Any fueling or refueling of a power saw shall only be done in an area which has first been cleared or is free of all material capable of carrying fire; power saw shall be moved at least 10 feet from place of fueling before starting.

(4) Blasting. Fuse or prima cord shall not be used unless authorized in writing by the COR with special precautions stated.

(5) Smoking. Smoking shall not be permitted within the contract area except on surfaced or dirt roads, at landings, within closed vehicles, in camps, or at other posted places, and shall never be allowed while working or traveling on foot.

(6) Storage of Petroleum and Other Highly Flammable Products. Gasoline, oil, grease, or other highly flammable material will be stored either in a separate building used exclusively for such storage, or at a site where all combustible debris and vegetation is cleared away within a radius of 25 feet.

Fire extinguishers and/or sand barrels may be required at such locations specified by the Forest Service when unusually hazardous conditions exist.

(7) Debris Burning and Warming Fires. Burning permits will be required for all debris burning fires. Lunch and warming fires may be allowed in fireproofed areas during periods of low fire danger if and as specified in the fire plan. Such fires must not be left burning unattended.

(8) Precautions for Stoves. Stove pipes on all temporary buildings, trailers, and tents using wood burning stoves, will be equipped with roof jacks and serviceable spark arresters of mesh with openings no larger than 5/8 inch.

All stove pipes, inside and out, will not be closer than 2 feet from any wood or other flammable material or 1 foot if the combustible material is protected by a metal or asbestos shield.

(9) Welding. Welding or use of cutting torches will be permitted only in areas that have been cleared or are free of all material capable of carrying fire. Flammable debris and vegetation must be removed from within a minimum of 10 feet radius of all welding and cutting torch operations. A shovel and a 5-gallon standard backpack water container (filled) with hand pump attached, shall be immediately available for use in the event of a fire start.