C04a_Performance Work Statement_1284LM26Q0079.pdf

Performance Work Statement

C.1 General Information:

C.1.1 Purpose and Scope of Contract:

The purpose of this award is to secure commercial services for the harvest of scion, mature pollen, and mature seed cones in a manner and locations outlined in the contract. The Forest Service (USFS) needs these vegetation materials to restore and reforest National Forest Land and for our Tree Improvement (TI) program.

The USFS is requiring a performance based, Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite Quantity Contract which shall include, but is not limited to, services for tree climbing, caging, and collecting cones, pollen and scion collected from individual species.

The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, personal protective equipment (PPE), supervision, transportation, supplies and incidentals to perform the work (except those items designated as Government- furnished property).

C.1.2 Location and Description:

Orders/calls may be issued for any species and on any National Forest or Tree Improvement Area (TIA) listed in the Schedule of Items.

Specific locations, boundary identification, maps, and data for individual collection areas will be provided in orders/calls, including geo-rectified electronic files.

Collection Seasons:

Cone caging and collection season runs generally from mid-summer to early fall. Scion collections occur in dormant seasons (late fall, mid-late winter). Pollen collections occur late spring and early summer.

C.1.3 Site Visit:

Site visits will be determined based on each individual order/call.

C.1.4 Whitebark Pine (PIAL) – Endangered Species Act Listing:

Whitebark pine is listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act as of Dec 15, 2022. As such, protections and prohibitions are evoked for the conservation needs of the species. As directed by the Final 4(d) Rule, Section 7(a)(2) consultation is required for activities that may impact the species. This consultation is ongoing and is expected to be complete upon exercise of this contract. When consultation is complete and a Decision is issued, specific conservation measures for whitebark pine will be identified and must be followed. Conservation measures will be included as a modification to this contract.

C.2 Definitions

Acceptable Quality Level (AQL). The allowable leeway or variance from a standard before the government will reject the specific service. An AQL does not imply that the contractor may knowingly offer defective service.

Acceptable Work A job performed to the standard and within the AQL. The contractor must do the specific job, and meet the standard, and meet the acceptable quality level before one can say that performance has been acceptable and that he/she should be paid.

Branch hook. Long-handled device used to pull limbs into the bole of the tree, so that the climber can safely pick cones without damaging the tree.

Bushel. This is a dry measurement; equipment used to measure fluids are not applicable. Eight (8) US dry gallons is equal to 9.3092 US fluid gallons or 2,150 cubic inches.

Catkins. A slim, cylindrical flower cluster, with inconspicuous or no petals, usually wind pollinated.

Collection Area. A defined area or location where vegetation material collections are completed.

Cone. A dry fruit of a conifer, typically tapering to a rounded end and formed of a tight array of overlapping scales on a central axis which separate to release seeds.

Cone Cage. A wire cage typically made from hardware cloth that is sized to be placed around branches with cones to promote mature cone development, collection, and prevent predation.

Conelet. Immature female cone of gymnosperms, sometimes described as a flower.

Cone lot. Cones collected from, usually 20 trees, from the same elevation band and within the same collection area.

Cone Collection Record. Contractor-provided daily record detailing specific information about the collection including all pertinent information outlined in 4.2.5 Cone Collection Record

Cone Collections.

a. Tree Improvement- Collection from an individual tree for genetic research and program development. These are usually small collections, sometimes only a few cones.

b. Operational- Collection from a group of trees of the specified species, usually 20 individuals, selected by the Government. These cones are collected for large-scale reforestation projects with the intent of amassing quantities of seed for the future.

Cone Cutter. A blade attached by a bolt to a grooved wooden depression for sampling coniferous seeds made of wood and metal.

Contract Time. See Period of Performance

Contracting Officer (CO). Individual with authority to bind the government with their signature on the contract.

Contracting Officer Representative (COR). Individual(s) designated to act on the behalf of the CO within the delegation given them in writing.

Cut Face. The exposed face of one side of a cone that has been cleanly sliced lengthwise along the cone axis exposing the inside of the cone and the seeds.

Diameter at Breast Height (DBH). Diameter of tree (outside bark) measured at 4.5 feet above the ground level on the uphill side of a tree.

Embryo. The part of a seed or bud that contains the earliest forms of a plants root, stem and one or more leaves that develops into a plant.

Filled Seed per Cut Face. A method used to determine seed yield which includes the count of seed on the cut face exhibiting the highest exposed filled seed count. Only seeds that have been sliced open sufficiently so that the inside of the seeds are readily visible are counted as exposed. Only seed containing storage tissue (endosperm) and identified sound seed are counted as filled seed. Seed that are not sliced open (i.e., the seed coat remain intact), are ignored.

Five Needle Pine. Trees that have five needles in fascicle. Species included: whitebark pine (PIAL), bristlecone pine (PIAR), limber pine (PILF2), white pine (PIMO3), sugar pine (PILA), and great basin bristlecone pine (PILO).

Genetic Diversity. Total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup, a measure of heterogeneity.

Government Technical Monitor (GTM). Individual(s) designated by the CO to assist the COR in monitoring a contractor’s performance.

Mature seed. The actual seed condition will vary by species but in general seed is considered mature when the embryo fills 90% or more of the embryo cavity (most important criteria) and is a cream or pale-yellow color. The surrounding storage tissue (endosperm) is a firm consistency and not a viscous milky condition. The seed coat and seed wing have darkened in color and is easily lifted from the cone scale.

Multiple Trees. Trees which fork below DBH or have more than one stem arising at or near ground level and appear as a clump of trees.

Pay or Sub Item. A unit or group of units listed under one bid item on the Schedule of Items.

Period of Performance (POP) . All calendar days allowed for completion of contract work.

Pollen. A fine powdery substance, typically yellow, consisting of microscopic grains discharged from the male part of the flower or from a male cone.

Quality Assurance (QA). Those actions taken by the Government to check goods or services to determine that they meet the requirements of the Performance Work Statement (PWS).

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). An organized written document used for quality assurance surveillance. The document contains information about how the government will assess performance, checklists, and may contain decision tables.

Quality Control/Quality Control Plan (QCP). Those actions taken by a contractor to control the production of goods or services so that they meet the requirements of the PWS. The QCP is the Contractor’s plan for self-monitoring work prior to Government inspection. The QCP is required to be submitted and approved by the Government before the commencement of work.

Random Sampling. A method of looking at a few individual items in a lot to determine the quality of that lot against a standard.

Roads. Primary access route will provide the closest access possible to collection areas.

Scion. A young twig of a plant, cut for grafting onto rootstock. For the purposes of this contract, scion will be cut from wood that grew the previous summer, from the top 1/3 of the crown of the tree.

Seed Lot. A quantity of cones or seeds having uniformity of species, source, quality, location and collection year.

Seed Production Area.(SPA) Stand of better-than-average phenotypes further upgraded by periodic removal of less desirable trees and cultured to increase seed production.

Seed Source. Geographic location where a seed lot or the seed itself was collected.

Single Tree. A single or multi stemmed tree which forks 4.5’ above diameter at breast height (DBH) will be counted as a tree.

Sound seed. Seed is considered sound when the endosperm and embryo are developing normally and there is no evidence of insect, disease, climatic or other types of damage.

Standard. An acknowledged measure of comparison.

Strobili. Cones of conifers. Note that pines are monoecious, with male cones usually borne in the lower crown and female cones in the upper crown of the same tree.

Tree Crown. The portion of the total height of the tree that has live branches.

Tree Group. Trees that fork below DBH and are growing in a clump.

Tree Improvement Area. (TIA) Refers to the application of forest genetics principles within a given silvicultural system for the purpose of improving genetic quality of the forest. Its goal is to improve the genetic value of the population while maintaining genetic diversity. TIA’s are intensively managed as tree plantations by species that are evenly spaced and consist primarily of seed orchards and clone banks that are generally located on flat or gently rolling slopes.

a. Seed Orchard. A plantation consisting of clones or seedlings from phenotypically superior parents established and managed for early and abundant seed production. They are protected against insect and disease and may be treated with chemicals such as fertilizers and gibberellins to increase seed production.

b. Clone Bank A plantation consisting of a group of genetically identical plants produced by vegetatively propagating a single plant over one or more or more vegetative generations;

accomplished in woody plants by root cuttings, budding, grafting, or air layering.

Unit A unit is a descrete area where collections will occur for a cone lot and will be designated within each order/call.

Walk-in Units. Work areas or units that are not accessible by vehicles from open roads.

C.3 Government Furnished Property (GFP)

Government furnished property will be issued at the prework meeting if GFP is required to complete order/call. Any GFP unreturned or returned damaged to the government will be considered as damages (see damages I.1.3).

Item Description Where Delivered Project Area Maps Project area maps of operational cone collection areas and tree improvement locations with access roads identified to facilitate crew mobilization

Provided with each order/call

Operational & Tree Improvement Cone Collection Tags

Operational Cone ID Tags & Tree Improvement Cone Tags

Provided on first day of work and upon contractor request

Wire Cone Cages Cone Collections Wire cages to promote mature cone development and collection

Provided on first day of work and upon contractor request

Bagging Materials (Burlap, Mesh, Zip-Locks, Paper Bags & Twine)

Pre-labeled zip-lock bags for scion collection; Pre-labeled paper bags for pollen collection; Burlap/Mesh bags and twine for operational and Tree Improvement cone collections

Provided on first day of work and upon contractor request

TIA Orchard Ladders Standard 3-point tripod orchard ladders used in orchard operations, ranging from 10’-16’ and made of aluminum (Guides and safety protocols will be provided on procedures for using ladders)

Provided as needed for Specialized Hourly Services performed at the Tree Improvement Areas listed in the Performance Work Statement:

Performance Requirements Specialized Hourly Services

Swedish Sectional Tree Climbing Ladders

10’ aluminum sectional ladders stacked and secured to bole of tree until height of live crown is reached. (Guide will be provided on procedures for using ladders, section 5.2.4; USDA National Tree Climbing Guide)

Provided to facilitate climbing needs at each Forest upon arrival and contractor request

Access to Work Areas A National Forest map Motorized Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) will be provided to the Contractor.

Forest Visitor Maps are available at Forest Service Offices or can be accessed on the internet.

MVUM maps will be provided at the prework meeting or prior to collections.

Forest Visitor maps and MVUM maps are also available on Regional internet sites. Links provided: R1, R2 & R4 -or https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/r4/maps-pubs just replace the Region # in the address https://www.fs.usda.gov/treeclimbing/media/NationalTreeClimbingGuide2015April.pdf https://www.fs.usda.gov/treeclimbing/media/NationalTreeClimbingGuide2015April.pdf https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/r1/maps-pubs https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/r2/maps-pubs https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/r4/maps-pubs https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/r4/maps-pubs https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/r4/maps-pubs https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/r4/maps-pubs

Item Description Where Delivered

FS Gate Keys Forest Service gate keys may be provided by each Forest for access to collection or work areas

Provided at the prework meeting or prior to collections

Locks

Locks will be placed on gates to allow Government and Contractors access to planting units.

Locks will be provided at the prework meeting or prior to collections

Signs Signs provided to contractor to meet order/call requirements

Provided at the prework meeting or prior to collections

Radios In remote locations Forest Service functional Radios may be provided that are pre-programmed with the required channels to contact emergency personnel as needed and/or required by the Government (Local Dispatch).

May be provided at the prework meeting or prior to collections

C.4 Contractor Requirements/Tasks

C.4.1 Access

Road/Trail Access:

Vegetation material collection areas are generally accessible by motorized routes (full sized vehicle or ATV’s or 50” inches or less.) as shown on the appropriate motorized use map. Agency roads and trails should be generally asccessible uring the cone collection periods. However, a high clearance or four-wheel drive vehicle may be necessary, particularly under wet conditions. Some orders/calls may specify walk-in units or access behind locked gates. Additionally, over-the-snow vehicles may be needed for scion or pollen collections, if needed this will be highlighted in the order/call.

The Contractor is not allowed to drive wheeled vehicles off open motorized routes indicated on forest travel maps unless approved in advanced by the Contracting Officer or as specified in the order/call.

Travel on closed and administrative use roads and trails is prohibited except when authorized on the order/call.

Lift/bucket trucks or ATVs may not be used off-road when conditions are such that significant rutting and resource damage would occur. Lift/bucket trucks will only be used when ground conditions are dry or frozen or where a maximum of 3 inches rutting occurs.

The Contractor shall be responsible for transportation of all equipment and supplies to the cone collection and delivery sites as outlined in the order/call.

If access roads or trails become blocked or otherwise unusable due to closure orders, the Government may under the Changes Clause: (1) provide an alternate route; (2) delete the inaccessible area(s) or tree(s); or (3) substitute similar area(s) or tree(s).

Walk-in Collections:

Walk-in collections will be highlighted in the individual orders/calls. Collections are considered walk-in when the centroid of the collection area is greater than ½ mile from a motorized route (one round trip mile). Walk-in-pay will be included when the centroid of the collection area is greater than one half (1/2) mile. General collections will typically be within 1 mile of a motorized route; however, walk-in collections may exceed 1 mile. Bid price per climber/ round trip mile after the first mile.

For example, if the centroid for PIAL cone lot collection area was 1.5 miles from a motorized route, the contractor would be paid for two round trip miles. The first ½ mile is covered under the collection price each ½ mile after that would be paid as one round trip mile.

Locked Gates:

In instances where collection sites are behind locked gates, the Contractor shall close and lock gates after passing through. The Contractor shall be subject to all restrictions of administrative use, as described in the order/call or in the administrative use permit. If the gate has a double lock, ensure that when relocking gates, the non-Contractor accessible lock can be opened properly to allow others to pass through. The Contractor shall drive from the locked gate to access points with only the minimum number of vehicles necessary for efficient transport of the crew and materials. No firearms are permitted behind locked gates. Where applicable, Contractor shall post administrative work area signs provided as GFP as specified in each order/call and date when working behind locked gates.

C.4.2 Cone Collection Standards

Orders/calls will identify whether a collection is being made for tree improvement or operational collections. Orders/calls will identify the approximate quantity of bushels to be collected.

Cones must be dry, free of mold and not showing damage by animals, insects, disease, or physical damage. Cones cut by squirrels cannot be collected.

If between the time of issuance of the NTP and the time of cone collection, the COR/GTM have determined that there are not enough cones or that the cut face count is too low in an area to warrant collection then the Contractor will be notified not to pick that tree. The aforementioned tree will be deleted from the Order/call. The Contractor should notify the COR/GTM there is cone damage that has been observed in an area designated for cone collection.

The contractor shall take all precautions necessary to prevent excessive damage to trees. Living branches shall not be deliberately broken, barked, or cut, nor shall tree trunks be skinned or peeled where excessive damage to the cambium is caused. If the COR determines excessive damage is occurring, the Contractor’s right to proceed will be suspended until the proper corrections have been made. The standard for excessive damage is more stringent when collecting from PIAL because of its protected status.

All cones shall be picked and placed into bags in the tree and lowered to the ground and placed onto a protective tarp to avoid mechanical damage to seed and avoid contamination of cones by soil bearing fungi. Bagged cones shall not be thrown or dropped out of trees. Cones shall be protected from moisture and heat. Cones shall not be damaged during any phase of picking and transporting. No payment will be made for climbing and collection of cones that have been damaged. The COR may suspend work until proper procedures are being followed.

Seed Cone Source

The contractor is expected to collect from all trees designated for picking. Any designated tree the Contractor declares unsafe to climb/pick shall be reported to the COR, specifying the reason the tree is not safe to climb, including the nature and location of the hazard. The COR or GTM will designate, verbally and in writing as operations are ongoing, an acceptable substitute tree or delete the tree from the Order/call.

For operational collections the Contractor shall harvest cones only from the top ½ of trees except for PIAL, PIFL2, and PILO, where cones may be collected from the entire crown unless described otherwise in the order/call. In tree improvement areas, cones will be collected from the entire crown. The Contractor shall collect mature, sound seed in quantities specified in Order/call or as directed in writing by the CO/COR.

All cones harvested shall be closed and from the current calendar year crop except for operational PICO collections. For operational PICO collections, both current and previous year and closed (never opened) cones from previous year’s crops will be accepted if they have less than ½ of the surface area grey in color (a weathered appearance).

Cone quality shall be determined using the cone cut face test. For operational collections, a cut face tests on a minimum of one cone per tree within a cone lot is required to demonstrate that seeds are mature, and that the average number of mature filled seeds meets minimum requirements per species.

If contractor conducts tests, sampled cones shall be provided to the Government in a separate bag and delivered with the cone lot bags they were taken from and documented in daily diaries.

Seed will be considered sound when endosperm and embryo are developing normally and there is no evidence of insect, disease, climatic, or other types of damage.

If cone quality is so low that minimum cone quality standards are not met, cone collection efforts may be stopped. The COR will notify the CO if it is necessary to terminate all or any portion of the collections. The Contractor may be directed by the CO to collect in other collection areas.

The Contractor shall notify the COR when cones are not sufficiently mature or if they do not meet the required quality standards for collection and will be documented in daily diary. If the contractor does not collect cones from sampled trees, they will be compensated at sampling rates for operational collections listed in the SOI for tree climbing.

For tree improvement collections, cones will be collected as described in the order/call.

Tree Improvement & Tree Improvement Area Collections

The Government will select trees for tree improvement and tree improvement area collections. The order/call will specify the method of collection (climbing, ladders or lifts).

No trees will be felled for tree improvement collections or sampling.

Branches shall be pulled to the picker using a limb or branch hook with a handle allowing a minimum reach of eight feet height, unless another type of equipment has been authorized by the CO or their representative.

When mechanical equipment is used, the Contractor shall operate it to avoid soil damage and erosion.

When soil damage is occurring, the operations shall be suspended. Approved alternate collection methods may be substituted.

Vehicles operating in tree improvement areas should be driven up and down the rows and must avoid damaging irrigation equipment.

Operational Cone Collections

Orders/calls will identify whether Contractor or the Government will select trees within each cone lot collection areas. Where Contractors select trees, the Government reserves the right to accept, or decline identified trees (see G.1.2 Government Quality Assurance section). The Government selected trees will be identified per the order/call.

In either case, the Contractor may need to climb (or fell trees if included in the order/call) for seed sampling purposes. If the contractor does not collect cones from sample trees, they will be compensated at sampling rates identified in the SOI.

When collecting PIAL, PIFL2, PIAR, and PILO, spur climbing or other methods that damage the tree are not allowed to access the tree crown. The Contractor may use a ladder, ascenders, or other methods that do not cause damage to the tree to access the tree crown. No spurs or equipment that causes damage to the bole and/or main stem(s) of the tree is permitted. Ladders or other methods are required to climb PIAL, PIFL2, PIAR, and PILO to prevent damage to the bole of the tree(s). The contractor shall provide a collapsible pole or branch hook for pulling the branches toward them to reach the cones. The contractor shall provide all equipment (e.g. - ladder, tagline, etc.) to climb each tree and collect cones without damaging the bole of the tree.

For trees where cone collections are made, the Contractor will be paid only for collection.

Cleaning, Bagging and Tagging

For tree improvement collections, cones from individual trees shall be bagged separately. For tree improvement areas, seed orchard and clone bank collections shall be combined and tagged accordingly as individual seed lots having a unique color of flagging identified in the order/call shall be tied or otherwise attached to each bag.

Operational collections may be combined and tagged accordingly as individual seed lots having a unique color of flagging identified in the order/call shall be tied or otherwise attached to each bag.

Bags shall be free of debris (such as twigs, needles, cone stems, cones from other tree sources). The bags shall be tied securely shut approximately three inches from the top of the bag. Bags shall be approximately ½ full; a maximum of 1 bushel of cones shall be put in a two-bushel bag to allow for freedom of movement when shifting cones for adequate air flow.

For each collection, the Contractor shall prepare two cone tags. Tags will be provided by the Government along with sample tags that have been properly filled out. Tag types may vary by collection type or location and will be identified in orders/calls. Tags must be correctly filled in using the information from the actual collection site and information provided in the Information Chart in the Order/call. Information must be: legible for both tags, written in English, and permanent ink. One tag shall be placed inside the top of the bag and the other tag securely fastened on the outside of the closed bag.

Each order/call may require additional tagging requirements such as, but not limited to, individual cone lots having a unique color of flagging tied or otherwise attached to each bag.

For tree improvement collections, the Tree Improvement (TI) number specified in the order/call shall be clearly marked on a separate tag or flagging attached to the bag and shall be consistent with the number on the cone tag, the tag on the tree, and on the Order/call.

Bags will be delivered to the Government Representative at the end of each collection day at the preapproved location as specified in each order/call.

Cone Collection Record

The Contractor shall provide daily cone collection records to the COR based on the agreed upon schedule. The cone collection record shall provide the following information (at a minimum) for each cone lot:

• Location of selected trees, identification method and tree numbers: After trees are selected, the contractor shall clearly mark the tree with a tree number. The contractor shall flag the highest portion of the tree where cones were picked. Flagging should be visible from the ground.

• Number of cages installed per PIAL tree/tree group

• Number of trees or tree groups species.

• Location of cone bag(s)

• Collector’s name

• Date and time of collection

• Species

• Number of bushels collected and the number of trees climbed or felled

• Average elevation of cone lot.

• Physically identify which bag the sample cut faces are in (see Seed Cone Standards section)

• The number of sound seeds per cut face

• Contractor inspection notes

C.4.3 Cone Cage Installation, Removal, and Cone Collection

Caging will normally be required from June to July, or as specified in Orders/calls. All tree improvement collection trees and tree improvement area trees will be selected by the Government. Orders/calls will identify whether the Contractor or the Government shall select trees for operational collections (see applicable specifications under C4.4 Contractor Tree Selection.

a. The Contractor shall be responsible for transporting Government furnished cone cages from a mutually agreed upon location to the trees to be caged. A specialized hourly service task will be included when the centroid of the cage area is more than ½ mile from a motorized route.

b. The Contractor shall cage all cones that can be safely caged, or the number specified in the order/call. If not caging all cones, work from the top of the crown then down the bole of the tree.

c. Cages shall be installed on branches bearing second year conelets. Wire cages should be placed to protect the conelets from bird and other seed predation. Adjust wire cage dimensions to fit branch size. Be sure to allow enough room for cones to grow and ripen and be out of reach by birds and other seed predators. If necessary, secure the wire cage to the branch with fasteners to ensure that it doesn’t slip off or blow off in the wind.

d. The Contractor shall take all precautions necessary to prevent excessive damage to trees. Living branches shall not be deliberately broken, barked, or cut nor shall tree trunks be skinned or peeled to cause excessive damage to the cambium. If the COR determines that excessive damage is occurring, the CO may suspend operations until the proper corrections have been made.

e. When climbing, spurring is not allowed on any five-needle pine. The Contractor may need ladders or use rope ascension techniques and use taglines or collapsible poles or branch hooks for pulling the branches toward them to reach the cones.

f. After cone maturation, all cages must be removed and cones/cone clusters that are free of insect, disease, mold, and animal damage collected.

g. Branch tips shall not be cut off to remove cages and collect cones. Ripe cones typically fall off into the cages when they are pulled off the branch so care should be taken not to lose any seeds. Tarping may be required to capture seed if cones are falling apart during collections.

h. Cone cages shall not be thrown from the tree due to safety and damage concerns. Method for removing cages s

C.4.4 Contractor Tree Selection

When designated for Contractor Tree Selection in the Order/call, the Contractor will survey and select trees for each cone lot specified for collection. The physical characteristics of selected trees are indicative of the genetic makeup of the seed; thus the selected trees shall be equal or better than the average of the same species in the area and be healthy and vigorous. Tree selections shall meet the following criteria:

• The designated species and specified elevation bands listed in orders/calls.

• A minimum of 20 trees shall be selected that are a minimum of 200 feet apart from another selected tree. The order/call may specify fewer trees under specific circumstances (e.g., when crops are limited, for certain species such as PIAL, PIFL2, PILO, etc.). Orders/calls may also require more than 20 trees may be selected to assure there are sufficient cones for the estimated collection. If trees are closer than 200 feet, only one can be used in the collection unless otherwise approved by the COR.

• Cones shall be equally disturbed between selected trees because cones from a single tree shall not constitute more than 20% of the cone lot.

• History of past cone crops is desirable, as evidenced by old cones on the tree or on the ground in the vicinity of the tree.

• Of a size and age to have a high probability of producing viable seed. Trees that are too young or old my not produce quality seed even when there are numerous cones. The COR for the order/call can provide local size/age recommendations.

• Trees and cones shall be free from visible insect and disease damage.

• Avoid trees that are isolated from others of the same species by more than 100 feet (may be inadequately pollinated by other trees).

• Physical characteristics of trees for all species except PIAL, PIFL2, PIAR, and PILO:

o Dominant or codominant trees.

o Straight stem free from crook, sweep, spiral grain, and forking.

o Branch bases small in relation to the stem and branches should project horizontally or angle slightly upward. Do not collect from “wolfy” trees.

o At least 30% live crown ratio.

o Tree crown is conical and compact for the species but has large area of foliage.

• Physical characteristics of trees PIAL, PIFL2, and PILO:

o These species will often be wolfy, may have multiple stems and rounded or flat crowns.

o Local selection criteria will be included in the order/call.

The COR shall inspect a sample of the trees in each cone lot selected for collection to assure that the physical characteristics of the selected trees are suitable prior to the Contractor expending the time to collect from trees that could be substandard.

C.4.5 Contractor Tree Felling

This task consists of felling trees identified for collection. This work requires use of Contractor-provided chainsaws and other appropriate tree felling equipment. Orders/calls will identify the general location and number of trees to be felled. Prior to felling, trees shall be sampled to ensure sound and viable seed is present. The number of trees to be felled is contingent on cone sampling. The Forest Service reserves the right to reduce the number of trees listed in the order/call if sampling determines that the quantity or quality of cones doesn’t warrant the felling of the tree.

Generally, trees shall be directionally felled to mitigate resource damage. Final stump height shall be 12 inches or less. Felled trees shall be limbed at bole and branches lopped and scattered to lie within 2 ft.

of ground surface unless otherwise described in the order/call or approved by the COR. Contractor shall work in a safe an orderly fashion. If trees are felled where they could reach a road or trail, spotters and other appropriate safety precautions shall be taken. If trees are felled across open motorized routes, designated trails or near improvements, the contractor shall clear tree bole and limbs as directed by the COR prior to leaving the site. Any issues or damage identified by the COR will be corrected to standard outlined by the COR. Damage/issue examples include but are not limited to: trees blocking drainages, roads, trail, or culverts; damage to improvements; slash not scattered to specifications etc.

C.4.6 Scion Collection

Scion will be collected during late dormancy and will usually occur in late February, but may occur in late fall/early winter, depending on the species and location. Collection seasons will be specified in orders/calls and will ensure the Government can deliver the scion to the appropriate Forest Service Nursery by times specified in orders/calls.

Number of pieces to be collected will be specified in orders/calls, but generally ranges from three (3) to thirty (30) pieces. Scion is to be collected from the upper third of the tree crown only, collecting from wood that grew the previous summer. Scion should measure six to eight inches in length and be roughly the size of a No. 2 pencil in diameter. Do not trim needles on the scion.

The cut end of the scion will be wrapped in paper towels or Sontara wrap. Scion from the same donor tree may be wrapped together, so long as the cut ends of all pieces are protected. Collected scion will be placed in the pre-labeled zip lock bags provided by the Government; these bags will also contain a label inside, which the Contractor will need to ensure stays with the bag during operations.

Bags of scion will be placed in an ice cooler with frozen-ice packs (Do Not Use Dry Ice) until delivered to the Government. Avoid direct contact with the scion and the ice packs (e.g., place cardboard between scion and pack). Delivery will be made within 48 hours of collection. Provide adequate cooler space to store all scion without compaction; scion should not be stored more than four bags deep in coolers.

C.4.7 Pollen Collection

Pollen will be collected approximately between March 15th and July 31st, which will require good communication and rapid response from the Contractor. Pollen from different species ripens at different times throughout the spring. The Government will issue a Order/call for pollen collection generally between March 15th and July 31st and will monitor trees for signs of ripening. The Government will give the Contractor additional oral notice of ripeness; the Contractor will be required to collect pollen within 24 hours of the oral notice.

Place collected catkins/clusters in paper bags (provided by the Government). Fill the bags 1/3 to 1/2 full of catkins/clusters; no needles or other debris should be in bags. Double fold the top of the bag shut and secure it with at least three staples evenly spaced. Do not fold the bag so far down that the catkins/clusters are packed together with no circulation room. Seal the stapled fold with strapping tape or Scotch-type tape to avoid contamination between pollen collections. Pre-printed labels will be provided by the Government and Contractor shall apply these labels to the bag as part of collection operations. Care shall be taken to ensure the label applied concurs with the tree pollen was collected from.

Sterilize all collection tools (e.g., clippers) and hands with rubbing alcohol between each tree collected from to minimize pollen contamination. As an alternative, surgical gloves may be worn and replaced between each tree in lieu of repeated skin contact with alcohol.

Keep bags cool and dry, out of direct sunlight until delivered to Government. Bags will be delivered to the Government Representative at the end of each collection day.

C.4.8 Specialized Hourly Services

A flat rate per hour may be paid for each worker ordered by the Government. Each individual order/call will define and specify the quantity of hours to be ordered by the Government and delivered by the Contractor. Work will often call for two-five workers but may require up to 12 workers. No foreman will be required, but the crew must include at least one English speaking representative. Unless another location is identified in orders/calls or is mutually agreed upon by the Contractor and the Government, points of hire will be at the work site or at an established seed orchard, clone bank or Tree Improvement Area (TIA). Contractor will be paid for actual hours worked, recorded to the nearest quarter hour. This excludes worker’s down time and lunch breaks. All transportation, meals, and lodging shall be provided by the Contractor.

The Contractor is responsible for inspecting equipment to validate functionality before using equipment such as ladders at other such equipment. If equipment is not found to be in working order, then the contractor should return the equipment to the COR.

Orders/calls will identify all services to be performed. Work items that may be included on orders/calls (but are not limited to) are:

• Cone collection within TIAs utilizing methods identified in the SOI with either Contractor or Government-Furnished Property. Cone collection areas will be designated by the Government from regularly spaced trees for the species identified in the SOI.

• Pollen collection within TIAs from individual trees or clones as designated by the Government.

• Mobilization of materials and supplies (e.g., PIAL cages)

• Weeding genetic tests in remote, forested settings that are generally three to twelve acres in size. Non-desirable vegetation removal is performed in these regularly spaced plantations. TIA Crown Management. See 15C.4.9 TIA Crown Management section for work description.

• Vegetative collections from non-coniferous species. Tasks may include surveying populations for seed production and ripeness, collecting seeds, collecting cuttings, etc.

C.4.9 TIA Crown Management

This task consists of tree topping or pruning trees within TIAs to maintain a desired height and crown for species identified in the SOI, utilizing methods identified in the SOI. Treatment would be applied to approximately 1/3 of the total trees in an orchard in any given year or as needed after a significant damaging weather event (e.g., wind, snow, or ice). This work requires use of Contractor-provided chainsaws, loppers, hand shears, or other appropriate hand or mechanized equipment. Orders/calls will identify topping and pruning standards. Trees to be topped or pruned shall be designated by the Government in the order/call.

Section D Performance Requirements Summary:

The following table describes the performance standards for major work activities in the contract with incentives and deductions for the work described.

Performance standards for additional work items not included will be addressed in Orders/calls specifications/requirements for that work.

Performance Objective/Required Task

Performance Standard Method of Surveillance Performance Evaluation

Cone Collection Standards

Seed Cone Source

Tree Improvement & Tree Improvement Areas Collections

Operational Cone Collections

Cleaning, Bagging and Tagging

Cone Collection Record

Meets or exceeds standards outlined in Performance of Work Statement C.4.2 Cone Collection Standards section and C.4.2.1 Seed Cone Source, C.4.2.2 Tree Improvement & Tree Improvement Area Collections, C.4.2.3 Operational Cone Collections, C.4.2.4 Cleaning, Bagging and Tagging, and C.4.2.5 Cone Collection Record

COR or GTM’s conduct periodic monitoring of operations and random visual inspections consistent with performance requirements for all associated items.

DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS

AND OTHER

ATTACHMENTS.

Contractor performance will be reflected in CPARS and only inspected and approved work will be compensated.

If Contractor achieves acceptable or greater quality AND Contractor meets all requirements outlined for Cone Collection Standards, including sub items: Seed Cone Source, Tree Improvement & Tree Improvement Areas Collections, Operational Cone Collection, Cleaning, Bagging, and Tagging and Cone Collection Record then the Contractor will receive full payment for the item.

Work that does not meet the contract requirements will be brought to the Contractor’s attention. Repetitive or continuous failure to meet contract requirements may result in holding back a maximum of 10% pay for corrective actions. If work standards cannot be met the contractors right to proceed may be terminated and payment withheld. .

Performance Standard Method of Surveillance Performance Evaluation

Cone Cage Installation, Removal and Cone Collection

Meets or exceeds standards outlined in section C

4.3 of the Performance of Work Statement:

COR or GTM’s conduct periodic monitoring of operations and random visual inspections consistent with performance requirements for all associated items.

DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS

inspected and approved work will be compensated.

If Contractor achieves acceptable or greater quality AND Contractor meets all requirements outlined for Tree Improvement Cone Caging and associated Operational Cone Caging; if Contractor meets time requirements and properly places wire cages to protect all cones that can be safely caged, then the Contractor will receive full payment for the item.

If the Lift Truck sub-item is used the Contractor will provide all necessary equipment.

Contractor Tree Selection Meets or exceeds standards outlined in Performance of Work Statement:

COR or GTM’s conduct periodic monitoring of operations and random visual inspections consistent with performance requirements for all associated items.

DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS

inspected and approved work will be compensated.

If Contractor achieves acceptable or greater quality AND Contractor meets all requirements outlined for contractor tree selection.

Performance Standard Method of Surveillance Performance Evaluation

Contractor Tree Felling Meets or exceeds standards outlined in Performance of Work Statement:

COR or GTM’s conduct periodic monitoring of operations and random visual inspections consistent with performance requirements for all associated items.

DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS

inspected and approved work will be compensated.

If Contractor achieves acceptable or greater quality AND Contractor meets all requirements outlined for Contractor Tree Felling..

Performance Standard Method of Surveillance Performance Evaluation

Scion Collection Meets or exceeds standards outlined in Performance of Work Statement: Performance Requirements, Scion Collection

COR or GTM’s conduct periodic monitoring of operations and random visual inspections consistent with performance requirements for scion collection and all other

DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS

inspected and approved work will be compensated.

If Contractor achieves acceptable or greater quality AND Contractor adequately responds to govt.

request to collect scion; all specifications in regards to collection, handling and storage as outlined in the contract and related appendices are adhered to; then the Contractor will receive full payment for the item.

Work that does not meet the contract requirements will be brought to the Contractor’s attention. Repetitive or continuous failure to meet contract requirements may result in a quality adjustment to payment or the Contractor’s right to proceed may be terminated.

Performance Standard Method of Surveillance Performance Evaluation

Pollen Collection Meets or exceeds standards outlined in Performance of Work Statement: Performance Requirements, Pollen Collection

COR or GTM’s conduct periodic monitoring of operations and random visual inspections consistent with performance requirements for pollen collection and all other

DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS

If Contractor achieves acceptable or greater quality AND Contractor adequately responds to govt.

request to collect pollen; all specifications in regards to collection, handling and storage as outlined in the contract and related appendices are adhered to; then the Contractor will receive full payment for the item.

brought to the Contractor’s attention. Repetitive or continuous failure to meet contract requirements may result in a quality adjustment to

Performance Standard Method of Surveillance Performance Evaluation

Specialized Hourly Services Meets or exceeds standards outlined in Performance of Work Statement: Performance Requirements, Specialized Hourly Services

COR or GTM’s conduct periodic monitoring of operations and random visual inspections consistent with performance requirements for all tasks eligible to be clocked at an hourly rate, as outlined in the PWS and ordered under a given order/call.

DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS

inspected and approved work will be compensated.

If Contractor achieves acceptable or greater quality AND Contractor adequately responds to govt.

request to provide Specialized Hourly Services; if Contractor’s crew performs all tasks identified in the Order/call, then the Contractor will receive full payment for the item.

brought to the Contractor’s attention. Repetitive or continuous failure to meet contract requirements may result in a quality adjustment to

Performance Standard Method of Surveillance Performance Evaluation

Crew Safety Meets or exceeds standards outlined in Performance of Work Statement: Performance Requirements, Crew Safety

Adheres to all regulations in regards to public safety and wildlife when camping on federal or state lands

COR and/or GTM’s will monitor operations when at work site for compliance to all safety requirements outlined in the contract and Contractor’s Safety Plan.

All safety-related incidents occurring when government reps are not present shall be promptly reported to the

COR.

Contractor performance will be reflected in CPARS and only

Contractor assumes all risk of loss or damage to his/her equipment and injury to self or employees and will hold and save the Government and its employees harmless from liability of any nature or kind resulting from performance of this contract, except for negligent acts of Government employees acting within their authority.

The CO may suspend work until proper procedures are being followed.

Quality Control Contractor maintains good quality control on all aspects of operation. Actions not consistent with contract specifications are corrected per the Quality Control Plan.

COR or GTM’s randomly sample and observe operations.

Contractor performance will be reflected in CPARS and only

If the Contractor fails to meet standards, work may be suspended or put into Default for failure to take corrective action immediately. Result in adverse performance assessment.

Performance Standard Method of Surveillance Performance Evaluation

Work Plan & Schedule Work meets schedule per the accepted work plan and individual orders/calls.

COR or GTM’s conduct periodic monitoring.

E. Government Quality Assurance

The Government will assure the work meets the contract requirements. , To ensure collections are meeting work specifications, visual observations of all tree selections will be used. If the Government cannot remain on site during operations to make visual observations on all aspects of operations, the Government will pick up collections daily at an agreed upon location. The Government will have a premeasured bushel measure (marked to the nearest ¼ bushel) and will measure 25% of all the bushels collected for general collections to the nearest one quarter bushel and to ensure cones are mature, cleaned, bagged, and tagged correctly on a daily basis. The Government will check 100% of the bags collected from TI trees/tree groups to ensure that cones are mature, cleaned, and bagged and tagged correctly and that no more than a bushel of cones is contained in each two-bushel bag (or equivalent) daily. All bags containing sample cut face (from both general and TI collections) will be inspected. s.

Specifically, the government will:

• Inspect a minimum of 25% of contractor selected trees to verify compliance with Contractor Tree Selection standards.

• Track the number of cages issues and returned on a daily basis and comparing that total with the number of cages installed per tree/tree group, as indicated on the Contractor’s Cone Collection Record.

• Verifying hours of specialized services and equipment.

• Monitor tree selections, cut face tests, and bushel measurements.

• Verify that cones are mature, cleaned, bagged, flagged, and tagged correctly and that the correct volume is included in each bag.

• For pollen and scion collection, visual observations of scion size and scion/pollen packaging and labelling will be made.

• Monitor collection trees for excessive tree damage.

• Monitor that the safety of labors and public is being provided for by the contractor per there safety plan.

• Monitor…