BPA_Statement_of_Work_2021_final.docx

BPA Statement of Work (SOW) for Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Data Collection Work

A. General Information

A-1. Introduction

This Statement of Work (SOW) outlines requirements for contracting the annual statewide forest, nonforest, and urban inventory data collection effort across 24 states in the NRS FIA Region. Contractor(s) will provide inventory data to the USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station’s Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Unit using prequalified and FIA certified crew leaders. This data will be collected from predetermined inventory plots randomly located across any state or states in the NRS FIA Region or any subpopulation within a state or groups of states. It may also cover urban areas that straddle into Virginia and Kentucky as part of the urban areas of DC and Cincinnati respectively. It may also cover work performed by other national FIA units in areas beyond NRS’s 24 states.

A-2. Background

The primary purpose of this contract is to advance scientific and technical knowledge and apply that knowledge to the extent necessary to achieve agency and national goals. The USDA Forest Service, Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) Program is a national program responsible for collecting, analyzing, reporting, and distributing information and data about the extent, content, and condition of the Nation’s rural and urban forests as well as how much forest and land exists and who owns it. FIA’s research emphasis is on achieving specified objectives and knowledge rather than on achieving predetermined end results prescribed in a statement of specific performance characteristics. Crew leaders who complete this work will be working independently without any Forest Service employees present except for the possibility of certification Hot Checks. The Forest Service will not direct the daily work assignments completed by crew leaders.

There are four FIA Units nationally (NRS, SRS, RMRS, PNW) with the Northern Research Station’s FIA unit having the responsibility for the comprehensive forest and urban inventory for 24 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. National, state, and local policymakers, universities, businesses, Tribal governments, National Forest managers, other natural resource agencies, and various interest groups depend on FIA for timely, scientifically credible information about our forests and urban landscape.

FIA inventory plots are randomly located throughout the NRS FIA Region with the vast majority of plots occurring on private ownership. Determining ownership of plot locations and gaining permission from landowners to complete the inventory is critical to the success of the project. In some cases, more than one owner may need to be contacted to access a plot, this is especially true in urban settings. Communication skills and the ability to work independently are essential requirements of the work.

Use of satellite imagery, maps, and previous FIA plot records will be necessary to accurately locate FIA plot locations and collect inventory data. This work requires regular and recurring physical exertion in the form of travel on foot over rough, uneven, and steep terrain. This work requires several hours of driving, several days each week with work locations changing frequently, often on a daily basis. Work areas may range from an urban environment to a remote wilderness area and everything else in between. The urban environment involves working in commercial, residential, and institutional areas; often with high population densities and heavy traffic.

FIA plots are located across the entire contract area and overnight travel to access and complete many of the inventory plots in this contract will be necessary. Access to some plots may require the use of watercraft as well as coordination with other public and private agencies.

Additional NRS FIA program information can be found at:

· http://fia.fs.fed.us/

· http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/fia/.

· http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/fia/data-collection/ (Links to Field Guides can be found here)

Additional NRS Urban FIA program information can be found at:

· http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/fia/urban/. (Links to Urban Field Guide can be found here)

· http://www.fs.fed.us/research/urban/fia.

A-3. Applicable Documents

· Demonstration of Knowledge Test (also called Contractor Test or DKT)

· Experience Questionnaire Attachment C: Form to provide required company and qualified crew member information.

Above forms are available here:

· http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/fia/data-collection/

· Under Contractor Information Dropdown list.

See specific Call for other current applicable documents.

A-4. Definition of Terms

Throughout this document the following terms are defined as follows:

· Contracting Officer (CO): Administers all aspects of the contract. All contract related questions are handled by the CO and the CO is the only person that can make a constructive change to this contract.

· Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): Conducts certification sessions, conducts Hot Checks, inspects Crew Leader’s work, and provides technical assistance to the Contractor, Crew Leader(s), Inspector, and Contracting Officer.

· Call: An individual work order that is specific to a BPA contract that funds and specifies deliverables including research plot types and numbers, the period of performance, and the specific Field Guide(s) that defines the deliverables.

· Inspection: A review of a contractor’s plot data by a qualified FIA Inspector.

· Certification: A predefined data collection standard that a crew leader must demonstrate by passing field data collection testing and written tests based on the Field Guide versions defined in each call. Certification can also be achieved with predefined FIA plot experience and passing QA inspections for experienced FIA data collectors.

· Inspector: Assists with certification sessions, performs Hot Checks, and inspects Crew Leader’s work. May also be referred to as QA Staff. (Quality Assurance Staff)

· Contractor: The owner or proprietor of the company bidding on the contract. In some cases, the contractor may also serve as the Project Leader, Crew Leader, and or an Assistant. In this document all references to the Contractor also apply to all the Contractor’s agents as well.

· Project Leader: Serves as the Contractor’s primary contact for interactions with the Forest Service. There should only be one Project Leader assigned to this contract. If the Project Leader will also serve as a Crew Leader, they must meet all the requirements of a Crew Leader and should be designated as such on the Experience Questionnaire form, Attachment C.

· Crew Leader: Serves as a primary data collector for the contract. At least one Crew Leader must be present on each plot. The number of Crew Leaders the Forest Service will certify and allow will be defined in each individual Call solicitation. A Crew Leader must successfully pass the certification process as well as meet the contract’s experience / education requirements.

· Qualified Crew Leader – meets the minimum standards for being able to submit solicitations for FIA Call solicitations. Qualified crew leaders must pass written tests and meet minimum education or experience qualifications.

· Certified Crew Leader –A qualified crew leader who meets certification standards defined in each specific Call solicitation.

· Assistants: Serves as an assistant to a Crew Leader on a plot. Assistants do not have any experience or education requirements and do not need to be certified in data collection procedures. They are considered the secondary data collector on the plot.

· Hot Check: FIA plot where an NRS quality control inspector or COR will be on plot with the contractor to inspect work as it is completed with a purpose of answering questions from the contractor on any aspects of FIA plot data collection work. Hot checks may be used as an alternative way to certify crew leaders at the Forest Service’s discretion.

· Core Urban plots: a co-located P2 plot with an Urban plot. May also be referred to as Dual plots. The primary combinations are but not limited to:

· P2/Urban

· P2+/Urban

· P2+ Soils/Urban

· Invoice Block: Plots the Contractor submits to the COR in a single invoice.

· Inspection Block: Plots within an invoice block that are inspected for data quality and invoice payment.

· QA/QC: Quality Assurance / Quality Control

· Plot Sheet – Plot sheet will be provided as digital or paper plot sheet.

A-5. Phases and Plot Types

Phase 1, Phase 2, and Phase 2+: The FIA sample design consists of a three-phase systematic sample of sites located across all lands in the United States.

Phase 1 (P1): Approximately 108,514 points are evaluated by aerial photography and other imagery to determine the location of rural and urban forested / vegetated and non-vegetated lands. In order to meet national precision standards, these data are then stratified into Plot and Condition status classifications using satellite imagery and other remotely sensed data. Office classifications of imagery are not part of this contract.

Phase 2 (P2): Phase 2 is the on the ground plot data collection effort for plot locations identified in Phase 1 as having the possibility of accessible forestland. Crew Leader(s) must visit plot locations identified as potentially having accessible forest land in Phase 1 and collect data on land ownership, forest type, tree species, tree size, tree condition, and site attributes (e.g., slope, aspect, disturbance, land use, etc.). A complete list of data items collected and the protocols for collection can be found in the respective field guides. Plot intensity for P2 measurements are approximately 1 plot for every 6,000 acres of forested land (Approximately 125,000 plots nationally) however some areas may be intensified to higher levels.

Phase P2+: a subsample of Phase 2 that have additional variables that are collected during specific times of the year. Currently this is limited to leaf on conditions but could be subject to other constraints such as frost free, snow free, flood waters free conditions.

FIA Plot Types

1. PIQA verification plots:

These plot types are a 4% QA sample (Not to exceed 25 plots per year per state) of the classifications using imagery verifying whether there is any accessible forest land on a sub sample of Prefield plots that were evaluated in the office. PIQA verification plots will require a significantly reduced data collection effort than P2, P2+ or P2+ Soils plots, and are essentially a verification of the plot status assigned during the Prefield image interpretation (PI).

2. PIQA Special verification plots:

As part of the QA effort in Prefield classifications done in the office, a subset of office classifications are redone in the office as QA of the office classifications. PIQA Special verification plots are a subsample of the two independent office classifications sent to the field for ground examination to help assess the accuracy of two office classifications on the same image points.

PIQA Special verification plots have identical field data collection procedures to PIQA verification plots and normally range in numbers between 0 - 3 per year, per state.

3. Phase 2 (P2):

The most common type of FIA field plot that is sent to the field, represents a base of approximately 6000 acres of forestland per P2 plot, however some predesignated areas have intensified samples.

4. Phase 2+ plots (P2+):

The P2+ subsample is approximately 1 of every 16 P2 plots or 6.25% subsample of the P2 population of plots*. P2+ plots have the following additional protocols:

Additional tree crown measurements of each tally tree on plot Estimates of down woody material on the forest floor Assessment of vegetation structure by growth habitat Assessment of invasive species on plot Tree Seedling Regeneration

5. Phase 2+ Soils plots (P2+ Soils):

The P2+ Soils subsample is approximately 1 of every 16 P2 plots or 6.25% subsample of the P2 population of plots*. P2+ Soils plots have the following additional protocols:

1. Soil measurements and sampling

· The combined P2+ and P2+ Soils subsample is approximately 1 of every 8 P2 plots or 12.5% of the P2 plot population.

6. Urban plots Urban plots are identified in Prefield that fall within Census defined Urban Areas. These plots contain all the traditional P2 variables, in addition to both invasive species protocols and urban focused data items as described in the field guides. Urban plots are installed regardless of the presence of trees or other vegetation and have a different plot design than FIA P2, P2+, and P2+ Soils plots. Many Urban FIA plots have few if any trees present on them while some have the potential to be fully forested. They are sampled at a rate of 1 plot for every 6,000 acres of defined Urban Areas. Additionally, the portion of this sample that is contained within the political boundary of the target city or cities will be further intensified to provide a minimum sample of approximately 200 plots per city. Thus, the size of the target city will dictate the actual sampling intensity and the proximity of Urban plots to each other. Smaller cities in area have a greater sampling intensity and the plots are closer to one another than larger cities. Urban plots are generally completed during leaf on conditions, but some plots may be collected without leaves on vegetation. Plots qualifying for collection without leaf on conditions will be determined by the Forest Service.

7. Core Urban Plots:

These plots are a combination of an Urban FIA plot and a P2, P2+, or P2+ Soils plot. At these locations, crews will measure both the Urban plot and the P2, P2+, or P2+ Soils plot design that is coincident with it at this location. Core Urban plots are currently completed with the same constraints of Urban only plots.

Core Urban plot types:

Urban/P2 Urban/P2+ Urban/P2+ Soils Urban/PIQA verification: Prefield verification plot will mirror what’s done in the field on a P2 PIQA verification plot.

Urban/PIQA Special: PI QA special will mirror what’s done in the field on a P2 PIQA verification plot.

A-6 BPA Overview

The Government anticipates awarding multiple Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) to meet our on-going and evolving needs, each BPA will be 5 years long, however technical qualifications for staff may be required each year.

The award of a BPA will not constitute an order for work. Performance required against the BPA shall be issued as Calls against the Agreement. Offerors are required to be registered in the System for Awards Management (SAM) to receive an award.

https://sam.gov/SAM/

BPAs may be awarded to interested offerors who can successfully meet the technical requirements of this notice.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS to QUALIFY for BPA award:

1) Offeror must provide evidence of recent and relevant experience with similar efforts.

2) Offeror must provide examples of successful experience working with USDA Forest Service, or equivalent agency or offeror must meet A-7 Qualifications listed below.

NOTE: For the sake of administrative ease, the Government may use internal knowledge of a contractor’s past performance or technical skill in evaluating a contractor’s Technical Requirements and entry to the BPA suite. If this internal knowledge negatively affects the technical evaluation, the offeror will be notified in writing and will be invited to respond before being excluded from the award.

Contractors that are award BPAs for this FIA requirement will constitute the BPA Suite that future work, or BPA Calls, will be awarded against.

A-7. Qualifications and Limitations to Key Personnel:

How to become a contractor with qualified crew leader(s):

Prior to submitting bids for FIA Calls, contractors will need to submit names and qualifications of prospective crew leaders. Only contractors with qualified crew leaders will be able to compete for FIA Calls. The Qualified Crew Lead listed on the solicitation should be the one who will be completing the work for all Calls. Changes in Crew Leader listed after a Call has been awarded must be approved by the CO; however, the Forest Service reserves the right to cancel Call award and re-award to a different Call bidder or run a new Call. This process will be posted at:

http://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/fia/data-collection/ (Look at “Contractor Information” Drop Down “Become a Forest Inventory Contractor”) To be able to bid on FIA Calls, contractors will need to specify their Qualified Crew Leader(s). To be a Qualified Crew Leader he or she will need to:

1. Pass all written Demonstration of Knowledge Tests (DKT) to demonstrate basic knowledge the Field Guides for all FIA plot types.

AND

2. Meet education and or experience requirement of:

a. Four degree in Forestry or related environmental or natural resources degree

OR

b) A two-year degree in Forestry or related environmental/natural resources or certification as a certified arborist AND 6 months’ work experience in the forestry and environmental natural resources field.

OR

c) Two years of experience completing natural resource inventories – forest inventory and or urban inventories.

Documentation will be completed by submitting:

1. Written DKT tests to the CO for scoring pass/fail determination AND

2. Attachment C for prospective qualified crew leader’s which highlights the education and experience requirements listed above. This form is the ONLY format in which this data will be accepted, other formats will be considered as unresponsive."

How to become a certified crew leader:

1. Must meet the standards of a Qualified Crew Leader

AND

2. Must meet the current certification standard defined in each Call.

B. Work Requirements

B-1 Technical Requirements

For technical requirements for all plot types refer to the Field Guides and Quality Assurance Score Programs listed in each Call. Location of Field Guides and QA Score Program can be found here:

https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/fia/data-collection/

Ownership, Permission and Access

NRS FIA may provide the contractor with previous ownership data on remeasurement plots as well as ownership data from other data sources like Core Logic Parcel Point that can provide parcel lines and parcel numbers that aid in determining ownership data. Any data provided by the Forest Service must be verified by the contractor as accurate and up to date because often it is not. The contractor is ultimately responsible for the accuracy of all the current ownership data.

The Forest Service Inspectors use both free, such as FastPeopleSearch, and paid telephone look up services, such as “BeenVerfied” and others to aid in finding landowner cell and land line phone numbers, in addition to other internet resources.

Refer to Ownership Data Collection Procedures in the current Field Guide for more detail and additional requirements.

PRIVATE LANDS: It is the responsibility of the Contractor to obtain current ownership information on FIA plots that are located on private land. Under no circumstances will a Contractor enter private lands without verbal or written permission from the landowner or the landowner’s agents. Any plot completed without landowner permission, will be evaluated as a failed plot and can be grounds for exclusion for future FIA work. Additionally, it is strictly forbidden for any contractor to solicit work of any kind from landowner contacts made during FIA data collection work. Failure to comply with these requirements will result in revocation of the contract. Refer to section C-1 Security below. The following information will be required on each privately owned plot to document that permission was provided by the private landowner:

· If the contractor received verbal permission either on site or by phone conversation, the following must be Noted on the current Plot Sheet:

1. Name of individual,

2. Phone number used in the contact.

· If on site, make every attempt to collect the person’s phone number.

3. Date

4. Time permission was granted,

5. Mailing Address of land owner.

· If the contractor was given permission in writing through mail correspondence, a copy of the letter or response form used should be included and scanned with the current plot sheets.

STATE AND FEDERAL LANDS: The public agency managing these lands may require permission to access these lands or sections of these lands restricted by regulation or policy. Additionally, contractors should inform land managers of these agencies that they are conducting the inventory as a professional courtesy.

DENIED ACCESS OR HAZARDOUS PLOTS: Any denied access plots will be required to have the landowner’s complete mailing address and telephone number included on the plot sheet. DENIED ACCESS will be noted in large block letters in the notes section of the plot sheet. Denied access plots will be identified by writing “denied access” next to plot number on invoice along with a note stating the name and phone number of the individual who denied access. If you send out letters/post cards with a YES/NO request for permission, this document will be included and scanned with the plot sheets. All letters/postcards templates used for requesting permission must first be approved by the Contractor Officer Representative (COR). The Forest Service may make a follow-up contact on all denied access plots and denied access conditions. If the Forest Service obtains permission for entire plots or additional conditions on plots, it may result in a failed plot or be returned to the contractor to be completed. If returned to the contractor for additional data collection on accessible plots or conditions, plots will be paid on based on plot type minus any payment already paid to the contractor for plot.

Similarly, for any plot where the entire plot area is inaccessible due to permanent hazardous conditions, “HAZARDOUS PLOT” will be noted in large block letters in the notes section of the plot sheet as well as descriptive details explaining why the plot is classified as “HAZARDOUS”. Hazardous plots will be identified by writing “Hazardous” next to plot number on invoice along with a note stating why it was hazardous during the entire contract period. Conditions that are temporarily hazardous due to high water, wildlife, poor road conditions, etc. must be re-visited at a later date when the temporary hazard is no longer a factor. It is critical to anticipate such challenges for each geographic area at the start of the contract; and plan accordingly to complete the contract on schedule. The electronic plot file should be completed as described in the Field Guide. For plots where only a portion(s) of a plot is classified as a hazardous condition, complete the plot file as described in the Field Guide.

Landowner letters to gain access to FIA plots:

Letters that are sent to landowners to gain access to their property must be approved by the COR. We currently use a template that assures we are giving consistent and accurate information to landowners on the purpose of our inventory and the mission of FIA. Landowner letters have predetermined and locked text with open text boxes where contractors should give plot specific information relative to their request to access private property. The open text boxes should be completed electronically prior to printing and contractors should not handwrite text in these open text boxes. Letters and envelopes should be neat and professional. Any changes to the letter will need to be approved by the COR. Failure to follow all these requirements shall result in a $50/plot reduction in invoice payments.

Ownership and permission work cannot begin on a contract until we’ve certified that a contractor has a certified crew leader or crew leaders to complete the Call. Plot sheets will only be distributed, and ownership and permission work can only begin after crew leader certification. Exceptions to this certification restriction prior to obtaining ownership data can be made by the CO and the COR. Written email notification of an exception from the CO or the COR is required.

Inspection and Acceptance

Plots or portions of plots that were accessed and completed without permission (trespassing) will receive the following penalty to payment for plots:

· A deduction based on the percentage of the plot area that was accessed without permission as follows:

Four subplot design:

· If one of the subplots or portions of a single subplot was accessed and completed without permission, 25% of the plot payment will be withheld.

· If two of the subplots or portions of a two of the subplots were accessed and completed without permission, 50% of the plot payment will be withheld.

· If three of the subplots or portions of three of the subplots were accessed and completed without permission, 75% of the plot payment will be withheld.

· If four of the subplots or portions of four of the subplots were accessed and completed without permission, 100% of the plot payment will be withheld.

One 1/6-acre Urban design:

· The percentage of the plot area that was accessed and completed without permission will have payment withheld to the closest 25% as follows:

· 1% to 25% of the plot area will result in a 25% withheld payment

· 26% to 50% of the plot area will result in a 50% withheld payment

· 51% to 75% of the plot area will result in a 75% withheld payment

· 76% to 100% of the plot area will result in a 100% withheld payment

Plot QA Inspections

Contract compliance to quality data objectives will be determined by the plot scoring program. FIA contract inspectors will use the Microsoft Excel QA scoring programs described in each Call to inspect and score plots. Currently, acceptable plots will be defined by plot scores greater or equal to 90.0. There is some thought to changing the evaluation summary away from a numerical score to one that summarizes as meeting minimum standards, exceeds minimum standards, or fails to meet minimum standards. The QA scoring program is subject to change throughout the period of this BPA and change will be defined in individual Call. The Scoring program and evaluations mirrors the Field Guide layout section to section and each section and variable is assigned a weighted point assessment. This program is designed to give a comprehensive check of data items on each plot visited for inspection. Inspections will be conducted proportionally as contractor delivers plot data files described under deliverables. Additionally, the Forest Service reserves the right to inspect any completed plot at their discretion. Plots inspected to verify payment and any additional inspections require access to the plot sheets as well as the plot data; therefore, contractors must upload plot sheets into the FIA database as outlined in J-2 Deliverables.

It is required to run a PDR edit check of the plot to address all PDR Warnings and correct any PDR Errors before leaving the plot location.

If a contractor contests the results of a failed QA inspection, NRS FIA may send a second NRS FIA QA inspector, different from the first inspector, to the plot to verify or controvert the initial QA determination. If the second QA inspection confirms the original QA failure, the contractor will pay for the cost to the government for the second inspection. This will include salary, and all travel costs associated with the second inspection and can vary depending upon the QA inspection plot. The COR will provide an itemized summary of the government cost to do a second QA inspection in the event that the second inspection verifies the original result. If the original QA result of failed inspection is overturned by the second inspector, the contractor will be paid in full for the plot and is not responsible for cost of second QA visit.

Required Contractor Security Training:

The Forest Service CIO (Central Information Officer) may require all FIA contractors to take and acknowledge the completion of security training pertaining to accessing MIDAS and other Forest Service information systems. Contractors must take, pass, and acknowledge completion of these security trainings whenever the CIO determines it’s necessary. Failure to meet CIO security requirements may result in rescinding a contractor’s access to Forest Service Information and Technology (IT) systems (including MIDAS) and contract default and cancelling the ability to continue as a FIA contractor.

Electronic plot sheets:

NRS FIA has implemented a MIDAS interface tool to display images and electronically produce draw maps and plot sheets. Contractors will be expected to make the transition from using paper plot sheets and scanning to entering this data through the MIDAS Interface Tool.

Link to the “MIDAS Plotsheet Program User Guide” for the plot sheet interface tool:

https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/fia/data-collection/manuals-trng/Midas%20Plotsheet%20Program%20User%20Guide_April_2021.pdf (NRS FIA Data Collection Website under “Additional Information” box on right hand side.)

Link to the “MIDAS Plotsheet and Protocols Quick Guide” of the plot sheet interface tool:

(Shorter version of MIDAS Plotsheet Program User Guide” above) https://www.nrs.fs.fed.us/fia/data-collection/manuals-trng/Midas%20Plotsheet%20and%20Protocols%20Quick%20Guide.pdf (NRS FIA Data Collection Website under “Additional Information” box on right hand side.)

Special considerations to tree and plot center markings in urban and residential areas:

Use discretion when monumenting trees and plot locations in urban areas, even if the area is wooded. To minimize plot disturbance, use marking that does not draw attention to the plot location. Obtain owner permission before marking any trees in urban areas. In some cases, owners may allow the base of a tree to be marked if the mark is out of view. If feasible, use small, discrete marks of paint or permanent marker on paved surface to indicate subplot center or Offset Points occupied to aid the Inspector if plot is selected for a quality check. There may be instances where no marking may be permissible. In those instances, include additional notes if needed to relocate the plot and/or trees. See current Field Guide for complete information on monumentation.

C. Supporting Information

C-1 Security

The contractor and their employees must abide by the confidentially clause of this contract as well as the restrictions outlined in the FY2000 Consolidated Appropriations Bill (PL 106-113), Congress included language which modified the Food Security Act of 1985 (7 U.S.C. 2276(d)) to add FIA data collection to a list of items requiring confidential treatment. Among other things, the law prevents FIA from disclosing sample locations in such a way that individual ownership can be determined, and it provides for criminal penalties for violations.

Specifically, awarded contractor and their employees agree to:

1. Sign the USDA Forest Service NRS FIA confidentiality agreement form and/or a Material Transfer Agreement and Data Security Plan.

2. Not disclose the plot locations or any of the plot data to any other party, not bound to the Forest Service by the terms of this contract;

3. Not use the plot locations or collected plot data for purposes other than those indicated in this contract;

4. Not visit the actual sites of the plot locations, other than for collecting data for this contract;

5. Not contact, bother, or otherwise infringe upon the landowners of the plot locations including any solicitation for any puposes including but not limited to procurement of forest resources, forest management, or any other consulting advise. Any inquiries to forest or natural resource management must be refered to State Forestry Agencies.

6. Not conduct destructive or intrusive sampling within the bounds of the Forest Service plot;

7. Not alter what would be normal business operations/forest management activities on the sites of the plot locations;

8. Not disclose the forest inventory data for an individual private or corporate landowner;

9. Store confidential data, including sample site locations, detailed ownerships, and any derived layers from which confidential data could be recovered, on a computer with security restrictions on file access which include password protection and the absence of a connection to wide area networks;

10. Not use the forest inventory data for regulatory actions against the landowner;

11. Delete, purge, or otherwise destroy all hardcopy and electronic files containing the plot locations, and to return all plot navigational aids (plot sheets, photos, etc) to the Forest Service at the termination/completion of work as outlined in Deliverables of Call.

C-2 Place of Performance

Locations are throughout the 24 state Region of NRS FIA on publicly and privately owned properties. There is a possibility of Urban FIA plots in the states of Virginia from the Urban inventory of DC and Kentucky from the Urban inventory of Cincinnati. Locations are random and are likely to have accessible forestland on at least a portion of the inventory plot; however, some plot locations may be entirely non forest, especially in urban areas. It is possible for other FIA research stations to use this BPA to solicit Calls in their respective areas.

C-3 Period of Performance

The BPA will have a 5-year lifespan from time contractor is admitted in BPA. Actual data collection work will occur after Certification in the plot types included in the BPA (Urban, Core Urban, PIQA, P2, or P2+, P2+ Soils protocols). See each Call for specifics on period of performance and Call deliverables.

C-4 Government Furnished Property:

The following materials will be furnished by the Forest Service, FIA.

NOTE: Any government provided piece of equipment that is lost or damaged by the contractor will be replaced at the contractor’s expense while meeting government replacement specifications.

If there are additions or removals from this list, they will appear on individual Calls:

Urban, Core Urban, P2, P2 +, P2+ Soils, PIQA, PIQA Special Plots:

· Aerial photo, digital orthophoto-quad, or respective imagery of each plot location. Images may be provided digitally or in hardcopy

· Photo scale – To match provided imagery scale(s)

· Plot sheets – Will either be hardcopy or digital.

· Field Guides for field reference.

· GPS receiver which when provided must be the devise used to collect GPS coordinates

· Soil equipment – see “Additional equipment for P2+/P2+ Soils plots”

· Personal Data Recorder (PDR)

· Data collection software

· Computer communication cables

· Communication software

· FIA Database communication software

Additional equipment for P2+/P2+ Soils plots

1. Frame for sampling known area of surface litter material. A small bicycle tire (16 x 2.125 in tire size with an internal diameter of 12 in), or similar object/tool/device, has been chosen as the standard size.

1. Impact-driven soil core (2-in diameter x 8-in depth) sampler with two 2-in diameters by 4-in long stainless-steel core liners for obtaining mineral soil samples.

1. Additional bulk density sampling equipment: crescent wrench and universal slip wrench for disassembling bulk density sampler if stuck and brush for cleaning soil core sampler and liners.

1. Tile probe (42 in) for measuring depth to a restrictive layer.

1. Soil sample labels.

1. Backpack to hold the equipment

If there are problems with the government provided GPS or data recorder’s hardware, data collection software or communications software that transfers data from PDR (personal data recorder) to either the database, hard drive of a PC, flash drive etc. Contractor will notify COR (or his substitute in case of absence) and cease work until a replacement arrives or the problem is resolved within 10 days of this notification.

Contractors are required to back up the data they collected on the government provided PDR to the MIDAS database or a personal computer/laptop on a daily basis to guard against lost data files. All files must be loaded into Midas within a week of completion. The Forest Service is not responsible for lost data.

Never do a factory reset on the PDR. Contact the COR if PDR does not appear to be working correctly.

All Government furnished equipment and materials must be returned together with any unused data sheets within 15 days of contract completion each year. Failure to return or reimburse will result in holding final payout until all items returned and may remove contractor from future contract opportunities with NRS FIA.

C-5. Contractor Furnished Property:

The Contractor agrees to furnish the following:

· Each contractor is responsible to provide a computer that can run and communicate with the MIDAS program which may require a contractor to purchase a new computer, computer cables, hardware, software, etc.

· Email capability to communicate with the COR and receive data collection and contract information.

· Internet access and a compatible operating system to interact with the FIA database, currently MIDAS, to download historical data, receive PDR updates, and transfer completed data to the database

· A scanner capable of scanning documents for electronic transfer of plot materials with the electronic plot files. Scanned material must be legible to COR in digital format.

· Computer software for Microsoft 365 products – PowerPoint/Word/Excel/Microsoft Teams meetings

· Current and updated Antivirus software on any computer used to house FIA data.

· A safety plan and adequate safety equipment required by OSHA and in accordance with industry standards.

· The Forest Service receives safety plans to ensure safe operation is being considered and is a priority for contractors. The Forest Service does not endorse the safety plan, as contractors are required to meet all Federal, State, and Local Safety requirements

· Hard hat and Safety Glasses for each data collector. Required at in person certification sessions.

· The Contractor must, without additional expense to the Government, be responsible for obtaining any necessary licenses and permits, and for complying with any Federal, State, and municipal laws, codes, and regulations applicable to the performance of the work.

· Reference books for tree and invasive species identification specific to area in the Call.

· Maps or gazetteers for accessing plot locations specific to area in the Call.

· One increment borer with a minimum borer length of 12 inches

· One clinometer - % and topographic scales

· One sighting compass – Azimuth (0° - 360°) Suggested With Back Azimuth (such as Suunto)

· One diameter tape (must be graduated in tenths of an inch)

· One 75' Loggers Tape (must be graduated in tenths of a foot) (such as Spencer logger’s tape)

· Laser for measuring distances and heights (optional)

· SEND (Satellite Emergency Notification Device (optional)

· Chaining pin

· Batteries miscellaneous equipment

· Tree paint - 563 Speedry Paint Markers (blue); or White Nelson Nel-Script Paint to mark trees according to field guide procedures. Type and amount will vary by Call

· Postage and shipping costs to deliver FIA plot data, return government provide equipment; obtain landowner permissions, and other correspondence with the Forest Service and the general public.

· A large diameter, 10X hand lens for close examination of plant leaves.

· A forester-grade PLANT PRESS with cardboard inserts to store leaf vouchers collected in the field.

· Envelopes ready for mailing leaf vouchers and other items.

· Stiff paper or cardboard for protecting the leaf vouchers in the mailing envelopes.

· Blue Flagging: for temporary marking of sites or sample plants and wrapping monumentation pins and nails.

· Aluminum nails and markers for marking plots in Wilderness areas or reserved areas

· Subplot and microplot center stakes, spikes, and or pins. Type will vary by Call.

· Specifications for 12" landscape spikes:

· One Source: https://www.menards.com/main/tools-hardware/fasteners-fastener-accessories/nails/common-nails/grip-fast-12-common-spike-nail-50-lb-box/p-1444441530800.htm

· •Actual length of 12"

· •Gauge 3/8"

· •Head diameter of 3/4"

· •Approximately 2 per pound

· Specifications for Wire pins:

· 0.148" dia. Galvanized Steel Wire Cut to 11.00"

· One source is Alabama Wire. NGV-FP-148x01100-300 Forestry Pin GV 9ga x11; Wire type: Galvanized Steel; Alloy: C1008; Temper: medium; Finish: Regular Zinc; Packaging 300 pcs per box

· Specifications for wooden stakes:

· Rot resistant species of Cedar, Locust, Oak, Ash, Hickory

· 1in x 1in x 1ft stakes w/pointed end in 10in x 10in banded bundles.

Additional equipment for P2+ Soils plots

1. Ruler graduated in tenths of an inch for measuring soil layer depths.

1. Garden trowel or hand shovel for sampling forest floor and excavating soil sample hole where soil core sampler cannot be used.

1. Small knife with sharp blade for sampling the forest floor layers.

1. Pruning shears (very useful in cutting through roots and litter).

1. Soil sample bags (9 x 12 in or quart size) for mineral soil samples.

1. Soil sample bags (10 x 18 in or gallon size) for forest floor samples.

1. Small Indelible ink markers (black thin-line) for marking sample bags.

1. Plastic tarp (1 yd. x 1 yd.) to use as a working surface.

1. Cleaning cloths.

1. Plastic water bottle for use in hand-texturing soil.

Any additional equipment requirements from a contractor not listed above will be described in individual Calls

C-6. BPA CALL OVERVIEW AND PROCESS

Future requirements for the services listed will be competed between BPA holders. As requirements become known, BPA holders will be contacted via email for price and availability on the current, known requirement. BPA holders will respond with their pricing for the specific requirement. Payment for the Calls issued against these BPAs will be made through the Government's online Invoicing Processing Program (IPP).

The Government anticipates issuing multiple Calls each year for the work required. The terms of each Call may be for a period of months to multiple years.

The Government is not obligated to issue a Call against the BPA if the Government believes that the Contractor may have a professional conflict of interest, and the Contractor may decline to accept any order based on a professional conflict of interest. Should any questions be raised as to whether or not a situation is considered a conflict, the Contracting Officer will make the final determination.

When a FIA Call is solicited, contractors must identify the Qualified Crew Leader(s) who’ll be collecting FIA plot data.

Please note that certification session attendance will not be awarded/invoiced against a Call on the BPA. Pricing should include all costs associated with getting qualified crew leaders (qualified contractors is not equal to certified contractor) certified in the per plot bids for each Call item. Contractors must submit offers for all plot types requested; however, the Forest Service can opt to only award portions of the anticipated Call if it’s in the best interest of the Government.

For example:

FIA Call #1:

1. 120 P2 plots with an option to add or reduce by 20%

2. 45 Urban plots with an option to add or reduce by 20%

3. 4 P2+ with an option to add or reduce by 50%

4. 4 P2+ Soils with an option to add or reduce by 50%

Contractor submits bid price for lines 1 thru 4 that includes all costs associated with completing each line including becoming certified in the standards specified in the specific Call under Certification Requirements.

Reason for partial award:

Forest Service decides it’s in their best interests to partially award for a Call for P2 and Urban plot types only. The government cost of running a certification session for P2+ and P2+ Soils to get qualified crew leaders certified for these plot types is too high for the number of plots getting done in the Call.

Call Process:

· Step one –The Government will contact Suite holders via email to advertise known requirements.

· Step two – Contractor submit names and qualifications of prospective Qualified Crew Leaders as directed in the Government’s email.

· Step three – Contracting Officer (CO) and Contracting Officer Representative (COR) will determine whether prospective crew leaders meet the minimum technical requirements to be Qualified Crew Leaders.

· Step five – Call solicitations specifying qualified crew leaders will be received and evaluated for best value award. Best value incorporates the technical capability in conjunction with Call bid pricing.

· Step six – CO awards Call(s) with the caveat that qualified crew leaders must pass current certification standards and requirements.

· Step seven – If necessary, qualified crew leaders attend and pass certification session to meet the current certification standards and requirements.

· Step eight – Certified crew leaders can begin work on Calls

C-7 Call Award Evaluation Criteria

CLAUSES INCORPORATED BY FULL TEXT

FAR 52.212-2: EVALUATION -- COMMERCIAL ITEMS (JAN 1999)

The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

Key Personnel is defined as the crew leader(s) performing the plot work. If the Contractor and or the Project Leader will also be serving as a crew leader, they will also be considered Key Personnel – crew leaders

Factor 1 – Experience and Qualifications of Crew Leader(s) Factor 2 – Past Performance of contractor and crew leaders Factor 3 – Capability to Perform of contractor and crew leaders Factor 4 – Cost/price

Factors 1 and 2 are of equal weighting; Factors 1, 2, and 3 are significantly more important than price; however, price will contribute substantially to the selection decision. Award of the contract will be made as a whole to the offeror whose proposal conforms to all requirements of the specifications and is the “greatest value” to the Government, cost and other factors considered.

A summarization of the first three factors, excluding factor 4 - price, will put contractors in 4 evaluation pools:

1. Dark Green – highest technical evaluation

2. Green – above average technical evaluation

3. Yellow – Acceptable or average technical evaluation

4. Red – nonresponsive or poor evaluation – not eligible for award

A written notice of award or acceptance of an offer mailed or otherwise furnished to the successful offeror within the time for acceptance specified in the offer, shall result in a binding contract without further action by either party. Before the offer’s specified expiration time, the Government may accept an offer (or part of an offer), whether or not there are negotiations after its receipt, unless a written notice of withdrawal is received before award.

(End of Provision)

52.217-5: EVALUATION OF OPTIONS (Jul 1990) Except when it is determined in accordance with FAR 17.206(b) not to be in the Government’s best interests, the Government will evaluate offers for award purposes by adding the total price for the Call requirement.

(End of Provision)

Evaluation Factors & Selection Criteria Overview Proposals will be evaluated using the below evaluation factors including cost. The evaluation factors are in order of importance with the exception of equal weighting to 1) Experience and Qualifications of contractor and key personnel, and 2) Past Performance is significantly more important than price, unless the technical evaluation of competing offers are approximately the same, at which time price factors will become more important.

The Government expects contractors to provide supplemental information in order to address each of the evaluation factors. The government is requesting concise but brief information. The Contractor may include any supplemental information, but voluminous materials are not expected or anticipated.

· All such information must be recorded on Attachment C. For an electronic copy of Attachment C contact the CO.

· It is critical to read Attachment C carefully and address all items that are required, as this is the form that the Technical Evaluation Team will use to rate the technical aspects of each bid.

· Failure to address the evaluation criteria for each Crew Leader associated with the contract in Attachment C will be treated as a non-responsive response to specific evaluation criteria.

· Specify which plot types each crew leader will be collecting (ie P2/P2+/Urban).

Technical Factors:

1. Experience and Qualifications of Contractor and Key Personnel

a. In addition to the minimum qualifications outlined in the Statement of Work Section: A-7 Qualifications and Limitations of Key Personnel

b. Experience will be prioritized in the following order for average experience of all potential Crew Leader(s) that the contractor assigns to the contract:

i. Previous Forest Service NRS FIA data collection experience with current NRS FIA Data Collection Certification as a Crew Leader, or former Forest Service FIA data collection employee

ii. Previous Forest Service NRS FIA data collection experience with past NRS FIA Data Collection Certification as a Crew Leader, or former Forest Service FIA data collection employee

iii. Previous Forest Service FIA data collection experience with current National FIA Data Collection Certification as a Crew Leader,

iv. Previous Forest Service FIA data collection experience with past National FIA Data Collection Certification as a Crew Leader,

v. Results of Quality Assurance Check scores while performing data collection for the Forest Service NRS FIA Unit as a Crew Leader

vi. Previous forest inventory data collection experience outside of a Forest Service FIA Unit. This would include urban inventories, CFI (Continuous Forest Inventories) and other forest stand inventories or vegetation inventories conducted on federal, state, local or privately-owned lands.

vii. Previous vegetative or urban inventories, canopy and or ground cover inventories

viii. Education level above the minimum described in SOW

2. Past Performance

a. Provide a list of forest inventory data…