C04f_2b MJ IRSC_Tree Planting and ADC_PWS.pdf

MITCHELL-JACKSON DxP Stewardship IRSC Kootenai National Forest Page 1 of 50 Libby Ranger District

Attachment 2b. Tree Planting and Animal Damage Control PWS

Contents

1. General Information

1.1. Scope

1.1.1. Operating Season

1.1.2. Access

1.1.2.1. Road Access

1.1.2.2. Walk-in Units

2. Definitions

3. Government Furnished Property

3.1. Table of Government Furnished Property

3.2. General Stock Type Descriptions

4. Technical Specifications

4.1. Equipment

4.1.1. Planting Tools

4.1.2. Planting Bags

4.2. Tree Handling and Care

4.2.1. Tree Transport Within Unit

4.3. Tree Preparation

4.4. Tree Planting

4.4.1. Tree Planting Types

4.4.1.1. Regular Spacing Planting

4.4.1.2. Microsite Only

4.4.1.3. Interplanting

4.4.2. Planting Spot Selection

4.4.3. Acceptable Established Trees

4.4.3.1. Acceptable Established Seedlings and Saplings

4.4.3.2. Acceptable Residual Trees

4.4.4. Clearing

4.4.5. Scalping

4.4.6. Tree Planting Procedure

4.4.7. Tree Species or Stock Type Mix

4.4.8. Shade Requirements

4.4.9. Trees Not Meeting Specifications

4.5. Shading and Animal Damage Control

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Attachment 2b. Tree Planting and Animal Damage Control PWS

4.5.1. Animal Damage Control (ADC) Installation, Maintenance, or Removal (Netting or Tubing)

5. Performance Requirements Summary

6. Deliverables/Schedule

7. Key Personnel, Crew Organization, and Communications

7.1. Key Personnel

7.2. Crew Organization

7.3. Communications

8. Inspection and Acceptance

8.1. Contractor Quality Control

8.1.1. Quality Control Plan

8.1.2. Inspections

8.1.2.1. Tree Planting: Regular Spacing Planting

8.1.2.2. Tree Planting: Microsite Only Planting

8.1.2.3. Aspect Planting

8.1.2.4. Interplanting

8.1.2.5. Shading/Animal Damage Control

8.1.3. Government Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)

8.1.3.1. Tree Quantity for Per Thousand Tree Unit of Measure (UOM)

9. Deliveries or Performance

9.1.1. Unsuitable Conditions

9.1.2. Personal Protective Equipment

10. Measurement, Remeasurement, and Payment

10.1. Measurement

10.1.1. Per Acre Unit of Measure

10.1.2. Per Thousand Tree Unit of Measure

10.1.3. Walk-Ins

10.1.4. Netting or Tubing

10.2. Remeasurement

10.3. Method of Payment

10.3.1. Work Quality

10.3.2. Tree Planting Payment Calculation

10.3.2.1. Quality Meets or Exceeds 93 Percent

10.3.2.2. Quality Less Than 93 Percent and At Least 80 Percent

10.3.2.3. Quality Less Than 80 Percent

10.3.3. Netting or Tubing Payment Calculation

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Attachment 2b. Tree Planting and Animal Damage Control PWS

10.3.3.1. Quality Meets or Exceeds 93 Percent

10.3.3.2. Quality Less Than 93 Percent and At Least 80 Percent

10.3.3.3. Quality Less Than 80 Percent

10.4. Unacceptable Work

10.5. Damages

10.5.1. Liquidated Damages

10.5.2. Actual Damages

10.5.3. Excess Trees

10.5.4. Mishandled Trees

10.5.5. Charge Rates

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Attachment 2b. Tree Planting and Animal Damage Control PWS

1. General Information

1.1. Scope

The Contractor shall furnish everything necessary, including all labor, equipment, supervision, transportation (i.e., for crews), all materials and supplies (except those designated as Government furnished), and incidentals to perform all work specified under this Performance Work Statement (PWS). This includes, but is not limited to, care, handling, preparation (if needed for bareroot stock), and planting of trees, natural shading treatments, animal damage control (ADC) treatments (i.e., protective netting), and specialized or related services.

1.1.1. Operating Season

Planting may generally occur during the spring following snow melt. Fall planting is not currently planned but may occur in limited circumstances.

• Normal Spring Planting Season: April 1 - July 31

Natural shading and ADC treatments will occur within 48 hours of the time of planting.

1.1.2. Access

1.1.2.1. Road Access

Planting units are accessible by four-wheel drive vehicles equipped for mountain driving, except where Detailed Information Charts specify walk-in units. The Government will provide the initial clearing to access points noted on Detailed Information Chart maps for units either accessible from roads or for walk-ins. After initial clearing of the access roads by the Government, the Contractor shall clear any subsequent obstacles that block passage to access points.

Motorized vehicles cannot be used off agency system roads unless otherwise approved by the COR. The contractor shall be provided with a copy of the planting unit maps prior to the start of the normal planting season.

1.1.2.2. Walk-in Units

Some units cannot be directly accessed from open forest roads and require the planting crew to walk to the unit. Vehicle access is to the access point identified on the project map. The Contractor shall transport trees, ADC material, or other materials and supplies (if required) from the access point to the unit using the method of his/her choice consistent with tree handling guidelines and restrictions on motorized vehicle use.

2. Definitions Acceptable Established Tree. An existing conifer around which a tree shall not be planted to avoid direct competition or detrimental effects to the planted tree. This includes Acceptable Established Seedlings or Saplings as well as Residual Trees. Variations to species and size will be specified in the Detailed Information Charts.

Acceptable Established Seedling or Sapling. An existing conifer of seedling or sapling size with a diameter at breast height (DBH) of 4.9” or less that is of good form and color, free of damage, and has 50% or greater crown ratio. Variations to species and size will be specified in the Detailed Information Charts.

Access Point. The point identified for vehicle access to planting areas. This is generally the closest point of access to the planting unit for calculation of walk-in distance or cost. This may be the same place as the Delivery Point.

Animal Damage Control (ADC). Methods for protecting the seedlings from animal damage, particularly big game. May include Vexar-type tubing or flexible netting.

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Attachment 2b. Tree Planting and Animal Damage Control PWS Bareroot Tree. A seedling grown in a field and then lifted from the soil when dormant, removing soil from the roots. This includes trees grown in a receptacle container and then transplanted to the bareroot beds (e.g., plug one-half and plug-one trees). Roots should be protected from drying out.

Clean Water and Buckets/Tubs. Water and buckets/tubs used for tree dipping that are free of contaminants that could injure the tree.

Clearing. The removal of surface debris in and around the planting spot, exposing mineral soil. Debris includes dead limbs and branches, duff, litter, rotten or charred wood, moss, loose rock, ashes, snow, and surface frost. Removing this material prevents debris from falling into the planting hole.

Maximum Clearing Depth: The maximum vertical height of debris required to be removed by a planter before a spot is considered unplantable.

Container-Grown Tree. A seedling grown in a receptacle containing soil and nutrients. When the container seedlings are extracted from the receptacle, the soil stays intact around the roots. The soil and roots together are referred to as the container plug; the soil is the container media.

Container Plug. See Container-Grown Tree.

Detailed Information Chart. A document that summarizes the specific planting requirements (i.e. species, distribution, desired spacing, microsites, shading requirements, etc.) within each planting unit. This document will be provided to the contractor prior to planting season or at a pre-work meeting.

Delivery Point. The point identified for delivery of trees and other supplies. If there are multiple points for delivery of various items, it will be so noted in the Detailed Information Chart. This may be at the planting unit, where a walk-in begins, at the district cooler, etc. Also see Access Point.

Drip Line. The line extending vertically from the exterior edge of a tree’s live crown to the ground.

Excess Trees. Trees that are tallied on the Inspection Plot Sheet that exceed the maximum allowable trees to be planted.

These trees are considered wasted trees.

Foreign Material (in planting hole). Large rocks, sticks, litter or similar material not part of the surrounding soil substrate that is in the planting hole after the tree is planted.

Ground Line of Tree Before Planting. The original ground line of the tree before planting is the soil surface level when the tree was in the nursery beds or in the container receptacle. The ground line is represented by the “root collar”. Above this point is stem tissue; below this point is root tissue.

Lateral Roots. The horizontal roots extending from the main vertical (tap) root.

MTR. Abbreviation for measurement of 1,000 trees. This abbreviation may also be used for measurement of ADC material, and indicates a quantity of 1,000.

Microsite. A plantable spot favorable to seedling survival and growth, such as stumps, down logs, large woody slash, snags, and standing cull trees that provide protection from sun, wind, animals, and other damaging agents.

Plantable Spot. An area where a tree can be planted in accordance with all specifications in the contract.

Planting Inspection. The standard planting inspection procedure provided in Exhibit 11. It includes the description of planting violations that result in unsatisfactorily planted trees, plot sizes, calculations for determining planting quality based on trees planted, and similar information.

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Attachment 2b. Tree Planting and Animal Damage Control PWS Root Collar. The root collar of the tree before planting is the soil surface level when the tree was in the nursery beds or in the container receptacle. The ground line is represented by the “root collar”. Above this point is stem tissue; below this point is root tissue.

Root Length. The root length measured from the original ground line (root collar) of the tree to the end of the main vertical or tap root.

Satisfactorily Planted Tree. A tree that is planted in accordance with all planting specifications.

Scalping. The removal of live vegetation, including roots, in and around the planting hole to reduce competition to the planted tree. Vegetation is removed down to and exposing mineral soil.

Shade. Natural and artificial materials that protect the tree from the sun’s heat and wind.

Stationary Shade Material. Natural material used to shade or protect the tree that is not movable by the planter. Natural material includes items such as stumps, logs, dead brush, or terrain features used to provide the required protection for a tree. Stationary material generally offers the most shade and protection for seedlings from sun and animal trampling.

Stock. Planting stock, to include tree seedlings, native plants, or shrubs. The terms “stock” and “trees” may be used interchangeably throughout this contract.

Terra-Sorb Hydrogel. Compound used to increase the water holding capacity and prevent drought stress to exposed root systems of tree seedlings that are being planted.

Top Height. The length from the original ground line (root collar) of the tree to the top of the terminal leader; does not include needles extending above the leader.

Transportable Shade Material. Natural material such as woody debris that can be moved to the planting spot to shade the tree from the sun. Although the planter is expected to put reasonable effort into moving shade material, it should be able to be done without putting down the planting tool.

Trees in Possession of the Contractor. The time after trees have been issued to the Contractor. During this time, the Contractor is responsible for all aspects of tree care and accountable for tree quantities.

Tree Runners/Carriers. Individual Contractor personnel sent to the dipping site or delivery point to get trees for the rest of the planting crew. This individual may also perform tree preparation (bareroot dipping and wrapping). The tree runner’s activities must be performed with approval and oversight from the COR or GTM.

Unplantable Spot. An area in which it is not possible to plant a seedling according to specifications due to site conditions such as acceptable established trees, rock, shallow or saturated soils, etc. One unplantable spot is allowed for each single unplantable area equal in size to the average specified spacing. For example: If a single unplantable area of 64 square feet exists on an 8-by 8 foot spacing, one unplantable spot is recognized.

Hoe planting: A spot is considered unplantable if a suitable spot for planting a tree cannot be found after three attempts of throwing the hoe.

Unsatisfactory Planted Tree. A planted tree which fails to meet one or more of the specifications of a satisfactorily planted tree.

Wasted Material. Government-furnished property that is lost or damaged by the Contractor, or which is installed on trees not in accordance with the requirements of the contract. This may include, but is not limited to, installing shade on the wrong species or netting on the wrong tree(s).

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Attachment 2b. Tree Planting and Animal Damage Control PWS Wasted Tree. A tree that is lost, damaged, destroyed or handled contrary to the standards for care of trees. Planted trees that exceed the maximum allowable number of trees in the Planting Inspection plot procedure are also considered wasted trees.

3. Government Furnished Property The Contractor shall place orders for trees and other Government furnished property as specified in Detailed Information Charts. Delivery points will be specified in the Detailed Information Charts or on included maps.

3.1. Table of Government Furnished Property

Item Description Where Delivered

Bareroot Trees (see Section 3.2)

Length of roots and top heights will be defined in Detailed Information Charts. At least 90% of the trees will meet Detailed Information Chart specifications.*

As specified in Detailed Information Chart

Container-Grown Trees (see Section 3.2)

Length of container plug and top heights will be defined in Detailed Information Charts. At least 90% of the trees will meet Detailed Information Chart specifications.*

As specified in Detailed Information Chart

Animal Damage Control Materials

Vexar Rigid netting, flexible netting, bamboo stakes, and zip ties.

As specified in Detailed Information Chart

Tree Dipping Materials

TerraSorb for dipping. If required, the government will add the appropriate amount of Terrasorb to the dipping water before trees are dipped.

Sontara, Kimtex, and burlap for wrapping to maintain root moisture after dipping.

As specified in Detailed Information Chart

*Stock that do not meet the minimum size standards shall be returned to the Government or disposed of as directed by the COR (see Section 4.4.9). Occasional lateral roots on individual trees may exceed lengths specified in the Detailed Information Charts; these shall be planted according to the technical specifications or may be returned to the Government as directed by the COR.

3.2. General Stock Type Descriptions

Species and stock types can vary by individual Detailed Information Chart and may include those not listed below.

Stock Type

Age/Size Species Description

Bareroot 2-0 All conifers

A standard bareroot product requiring two growing seasons in nursery field beds.

Container 112 All conifers

6.6 cubic inch, 1.4-inch diameter, 6-inch-long plug

Container 112L All conifers

10.0 cubic inch, 1.4-inch diameter, 8-inch-long plug

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Attachment 2b. Tree Planting and Animal Damage Control PWS

4. Technical Specifications

4.1. Equipment

The Contractor shall provide planting tools, bags, and all other necessary tools to perform planting, shading/ADC treatments, and quality control. Required planting tools will be specified in Detailed Information Charts.

4.1.1. Planting Tools

Hoedads shall have a minimum blade length of 15 inches and width of 4 inches. Shorter blade length for planting containerized trees may be allowed, subject to COR approval. Length is measured from tip of blade to bottom of handle bracket.

Other hand tools used for scalping and clearing shall be capable of chopping and cutting live or dead vegetation and adequate to create minimum or larger scalp sizes listed in Detailed Information Charts.

4.1.2. Planting Bags

Planting bags shall be a minimum of 15 inches deep, free of defects, and light in color. Planting bags must not be transported with or come into contact to petroleum-based products.

4.2. Tree Handling and Care

The Contractor shall be responsible for the care of trees from the delivery or access points and throughout the time that trees are in their possession to assure they are properly cared for and not damaged or exposed to damaging conditions.

Trees not properly cared for may be considered wasted trees. The Contractor shall be aware of environmental hazards which affect tree survival and shall alter crew work schedules and tree handling practices to allow planting under optimal conditions. Care shall be taken to adhere to the following requirements any time trees are in the Contractor’s possession.

Noncompliance with these requirements are grounds for damage payments or for termination of the contract. These requirements shall apply to all planting stock.

a) The Contractor shall take precautions to keep roots moist during the entire planting operation.

b) Trees shall be protected from drying, heating, smothering, freezing, crushing, bending, drowning, abrasion, rapid temperature fluctuations, and shall not come into contact with injurious substances such as petroleum products or petroleum product residues.

c) Shipping containers shall not be tossed or dropped. Punctured or torn shipping containers or liners shall be promptly resealed.

d) Seedlings removed from cold storage facilities or shipping containers shall not stand or lay in water or snow or be covered directly with snow.

e) Trees shall not be removed from shipping containers until needed for planting preparation. Shipping containers shall be opened only in full shade and shall not be exposed to direct sunlight.

f) Trees are to be prepared or planted without further root or top pruning or culling. If pruning or culling appears necessary, or if mold, dry roots, or evidence of injury or drying is seen, the condition shall immediately be reported to the COR.

g) Trees that are frozen shall not be handled until completely thawed. They shall be thawed in accordance with direction from the COR.

h) Containerized stock shall be kept in the baggies they were packed in when placed in planting bags.

i) Bareroot trees shall remain wrapped according to Section 4.3 while in the planting bags.

j) If trees exchange possession between planters, containerized stock shall remain in plastic bags and bareroot trees shall be rewrapped to maintain root moisture (see Section 4.3).

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Attachment 2b. Tree Planting and Animal Damage Control PWS

k) Trees in planting bags shall only have tops exposed.

l) Trees carried in planting bags shall not exceed the amount that can be carried and removed without injury, or which can be planted before critical heating or drying occurs.

m) Trees shall not be removed from planting bags until immediately before planting. They shall be handled carefully to avoid damage to roots and buds. They shall be gently removed one at a time to prevent injury and quickly inserted into the prepared planting hole.

n) All trees in a planter’s bag should be properly planted prior to taking breaks.

o) All trees placed in planting bags will be planted and not returned to storage, unless approved by the COR as described in Section 3.

4.2.1. Tree Transport Within Unit

The Contractor may transport trees from access or delivery points to any areas within the planting unit consistent with the requirements of Section 4.2 and any Forest-specific restrictions to off-road use, unless specifically accepted in Detailed Information Charts or by the COR.

4.3. Tree Preparation

All tree preparation shall be done under the direct supervision of the Government. All tree preparation shall be done in shaded areas and protected from the wind. Shipping containers shall be kept closed at all times except when removing trees to be prepared for planting.

Dipping and wrapping is for bareroot stock only. Container-grown trees will not be dipped or wrapped.

The tree inventory on each nursery box shall serve as the official tree count for dipping operations. No additional counting of trees will be allowed to minimize seedling exposure time outside of boxes or planting bags.

Specifications for Tree Preparation:

a) Water for Tree Dipping. The Contractor will haul water necessary for dipping operations. Water can be brought with or acquired from a location agreed to by the COR.

i. Where required by Detailed Information Charts, Terra-Sorb Hydrogel used in dip water will be provided by the Government.

b) Dipping Tubs. Dipping tubs shall be provided by the Contractor. The Contractor shall utilize at least one dipping tub per 4 planters. Dipping tubs shall be a minimum of 14 inches deep.

c) Water Dip. The Contractor shall dip the roots of bareroot trees in clean water at the planting site, prior to wrapping and placing trees in the planter’s bag. Dipping in water is intended to increase root moisture.

i. Bareroot stock shall be removed from the shipping boxes and immediately dipped in water. Tree roots shall not be exposed to air for more than 20 seconds.

ii. Trees shall be dipped in water long enough to moisten the tree roots. Roots shall be fully wet, but soil particles shall not be washed off the roots during the dipping process.

iii. Trees shall not be forcibly packed into water tubs during dipping.

d) Wrapping. Immediately after dipping, trees shall be wrapped in a wet Sontara or Kimtex material to maintain root moisture.

i. The Contractor shall wrap trees in bundles of 20 to 50 trees.

ii. Trees shall be wrapped so that the roots are in contact with the wet Sontara or Kimtex material.

iii. Wrapping operations shall occur at the time of each individual bag-up, unless the COR specifies otherwise.

e) Trees shall not be forcibly packed into planting bags, and shall not exceed the amount that can be carried and removed without injury.

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Attachment 2b. Tree Planting and Animal Damage Control PWS

f) Trees will be planted immediately after dipping and wrapping.

g) The planting crew will be required to dip and wrap as an entire group during the course of the day. Tree planters will not be allowed to return to the dipping site in a random fashion to dip and wrap trees on an individual basis.

With approval and oversight from the COR or GTM, the Contractor may send individuals to the dip site to get trees for the rest of the planting crew (tree runners).

4.4. Tree Planting

4.4.1. Tree Planting Types

4.4.1.1. Regular Spacing Planting

Trees shall be planted to achieve the average spacing specified on Detailed Information Charts. It is expected that an irregular distribution will result as planters avoid acceptable established trees, rock or shallow soils, and seek planting spots in the best microsites and soil conditions. For individual trees, the spacing may be varied as much as 50 percent in any direction to attain the best plantable spot, unless otherwise specified in Detailed Information Charts. The total number of trees planted shall not be materially changed by the method of selecting planting spots.

4.4.1.2. Microsite Only

This type of planting will consist of planting trees as specified in Detailed Information Charts to take advantage of the best available microsites within units. Planting spot selection takes precedence over spacing requirements.

4.4.1.3. Interplanting

This type of planting consists of planting only portions of units that have not fully reforested naturally after a disturbance or after prior planting attempts. Detailed Information Charts will specify the species and densities to be planted intermixed among acceptable established trees.

4.4.2. Planting Spot Selection

Trees shall be planted in the best available microsites and soil conditions. It is expected that an irregular distribution will result as planters avoid acceptable established trees, rock, or shallow or saturated soils. For individual trees, the spacing may be varied as much as 50% in any direction to attain the best plantable spot, unless otherwise specified in Detailed Information Charts. The total number of trees planted shall not be materially changed by the method of selecting planting spots. For Specialized Tree Planting, the Detailed Information Chart will specify how planting spots will be identified.

Trees shall be planted up to the edge of all unit boundaries, at the proper spacing requirement. Temporary roads, skid trails, cut/fill slopes, and fire lines shall be planted where compaction, soil availability and general plantability permits, unless otherwise directed by the COR.

The Contractor shall find plantable spots in difficult as well as easily plantable ground. Should the initial attempt to open a planting hole fail because of subsurface rocks, roots, saturated soil, standing water, or other obstacles, a second effort shall be made in a slightly different part of the planting spot. If this effort fails for similar reasons, a third attempt shall be made in another part of the planting spot. If the third effort fails, the spot shall be abandoned as unplantable.

4.4.3. Acceptable Established Trees

4.4.3.1. Acceptable Established Seedlings and Saplings

A tree shall not be planted in direct competition with acceptable established seedlings or saplings. Detailed Information Charts will define acceptable established seedling and sapling requirements. Trees not meeting requirements shall be disregarded and a seedling planted according to Detailed Information Chart specifications.

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Attachment 2b. Tree Planting and Animal Damage Control PWS

4.4.3.2. Acceptable Residual Trees

A tree shall not be planted at a spacing that is less than that prescribed from a bole or within the drip line of a residual tree, unless otherwise specified or excepted by the COR.

4.4.4. Clearing

Each planting spot shall be free of surface debris to prevent foreign material from falling into the hole. All debris down to the mineral soil surface shall be removed by the Contractor according to the size and depth specified on Detailed Information Charts. Debris to be removed includes dead limbs and branches, duff, litter, dry soil, rotten or charred wood, moss, loose rock, ashes, snow and surface frost. Small down woody material such as branches and limbs shall not be included in the measurement for maximum clearing depth. If the clearing of branches and limbs can be done with a reasonable effort, without setting aside the scalping tool, the spot shall be considered plantable.

4.4.5. Scalping

Each planting spot shall be free of live vegetation, including roots, to reduce competition from existing vegetation.

Mineral soil shall be exposed over the scalped area. The minimum diameter and the maximum depth required to expose mineral soil are specified for scalping in the Detailed Information Chart. The Contractor shall not destroy or remove any existing tree seedling that meets the criteria of an acceptable established seedling (see Section 4.4.3.1).

4.4.6. Tree Planting Procedure

Trees shall be planted satisfactorily both above and below ground as defined and shown in Exhibit 05. To give the best chance for tree survival and growth, trees shall be planted according to the following standards:

a) Planting holes shall be located near the center of the cleared and scalped area, except as required to meet stationary shade, artificial shade or ADC installation specifications.

b) Trees shall be planted in an open hole, deep and wide enough to fully accommodate the roots of the tree being planted. The tree roots shall be in their natural configuration and not wedged, jammed, spiraled, twisted, or doubled up into the hole. Slit planting (the opening of a hole without breaking it out) will not be permitted.

c) The hole shall be filled and firmed with moist soil, so the tree is firmly in the soil and there are no air pockets.

Firming the soil around the tree shall be done in a manner to ensure no damage is done to the tree or root system. There shall be no material in the hole which is foreign to the hole such as dry soil, debris, ash, organic matter, or rock.

d) Bareroot trees shall be planted deep enough so that after filling and firming, the soil surface is at or up to one inch above the root collar of the tree with no roots exposed and no branches buried. The location of the root collar will vary considerably between seed lots and tree species.

e) Container trees shall be planted so that after filling and firming, there is ½ inch to 1 inch of soil on top of the container plug. The Contractor shall take care to keep the container growing media intact, but where the media falls away from the roots, the tree shall be planted ½ inch to 1 inch deeper than the original ground line.

f) After planting:

i. The tree stem shall be erect and oriented between vertical and perpendicular to the slope.

ii. Trees or tree branches shall not be weighted down with mud or debris.

iii. There shall be no excessive depressions on the ground surface that may collapse on the tree hole and the tree shall not be in contact with the dirt bank.

iv. The tree shall be free from damage.

g) Once a tree has been planted, the tree shall not be uprooted and replanted.

h) All additional or auxiliary holes created during the planting operation that are within 18 inches of the planted tree shall be filled-in or collapsed.

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Attachment 2b. Tree Planting and Animal Damage Control PWS

4.4.7. Tree Species or Stock Type Mix

The species and stock types to be planted will be indicated on the Detailed Information Charts. Where a mixture of species and/or stock types is required, the Contractor shall distribute the variety of species and/or stock type evenly over the entire unit, except when otherwise noted in individual Detailed Information Charts or by the COR. When there is a geographic preference for certain species (e.g., western red cedar in draws), the Contractor shall discuss the requirements for species placement with the COR before the unit is planted.

4.4.8. Shade Requirements

Planting in favorable microsites protects seedlings from potentially harmful conditions and improves the probability of survival. Trees shall be planted consistent with the shade requirement for each planting unit as specified in Detailed Information Charts. The type of shade available and the effort required by the planter to shade seedlings varies depending on the site conditions of each unit.

When shade is required, each tree shall be shaded at the ground level from the afternoon sun. Trees shall be planted on the north, northeast, or east side of the shade material (refer to Exhibit 06). Each tree shall be as close to the shade material as possible (without touching), and within ½ the distance equal to the height of the shade material (for stumps, downed logs and similar) or ½ the distance equal to the width of the shade material in the case of standing snags.

Exceptions will be noted on Detailed Information Charts.

Stationary shade material as defined in Section 2 includes downed logs, stumps, and standing snags meeting minimum specifications. A stationary shade source may be used as part of the scalp.

When transportable shade material is required, it must be at least 3 inches in diameter, and be available within ½ of the distance to the next plantable spot, unless otherwise specified in Detailed Information Charts. Shade material should not be placed on the uphill side of the planted tree or where it can roll onto a plant tree.

Detailed Information Charts will specify one of the following shade clauses:

1) Microsite Only: Trees shall be planted (regardless of spacing) next to stationary shade sources, listed in order of preference with the most favored first, on Detailed Information Charts. Planting spot selection takes precedence over spacing requirements. When a preferred stationary shade source is not available, no tree is planted. Refer to Exhibit 07.

2) Stationary Material Only: Trees shall be planted next to stationary material only. When stationary material is not available, no tree is planted. Refer to Exhibits 06 and 07.

3) Stationary Material First, Then Plant in Open: A tree shall be planted next to stationary material when it is available. When stationary material is not available, the tree may be planted in the open.

4) Stationary Material First, Then Transportable Shade: A tree shall be planted next to stationary material when it is available. When stationary material does not exist within the spacing allowance, shade shall be transported to the seedlings. When neither stationary nor transportable material exists, no tree shall be planted.

5) Stationary Material First, Transportable Shade Second, Plant in Open Last: Trees shall be planted next to stationary material when it is available. If stationary material does not exist within the spacing allowance, shade shall be transported to the tree. When neither stationary nor transportable material exists, the tree may be planted in the open.

6) No Shade: There is no requirement to select the planting spot based on shade or protection. Trees may be planted in the open.

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4.4.9. Trees Not Meeting Specifications

The Contractor is not obligated to plant trees that do not meet minimum specifications in Section 3, and they shall be returned to the Government or disposed of as directed by the COR. Except as noted below, if trees not meeting specifications are planted, they shall be planted satisfactorily.

a) In no case shall bareroot trees with root systems less than eight inches long and fewer than three roots (vertical or lateral) be planted.

b) Container trees shall have a minimum top height of three inches with the exception of high elevation five-needle pines. Roots shall have a defined main root and still maintain some soil media.

c) In the case of Per Planter/Hourly Rate for Specialized Tree Planting, this specification may not apply.

4.5. Shading and Animal Damage Control

4.5.1. Animal Damage Control (ADC) Installation, Maintenance, or Removal (Netting or Tubing)

Flexible or rigid netting shall be installed around trees to protect young seedlings from being browsed by big game.

Netting shall be applied in a timeframe before big game use in the area. Installation of netting may be performed in conjunction with tree planting operations or may be performed as a separate operation, but shall be accomplished within 24 hours of planting. In either case, it will be inspected and paid for as a separate subitem. Netting shall be installed so as not to damage the tree, which includes, but is not limited to, skinning the bark, breaking the leader, damaging the root, or excessive bud stripping. The tree leader must be free to grow, and branches shall be upward and generally in a natural configuration.

Flexible netting shall be at least one inch and no more than two inches above the terminal leader. Flexible netting that is too long shall be folded up at the bottom to achieve desired position. During maintenance, the height of the flexible netting shall be adjusted and maintained one inch and no more than two inches above the terminal leader to prevent animals from browsing the seedling. Refer to Exhibit 08 for an example diagram of properly installed flexible netting.

Rigid netting shall be installed using one or two bamboo stakes attached with zip tie strips or woven three times through the tube (see example in Exhibit 08). Stakes will be forced into the ground to a depth of at least six inches or flush with the top of the tube on the uphill side of the tree, to keep it secure during winter snows. The number of bamboo stakes to be used will be specified in the Detailed Information Charts. During maintenance, the height of the rigid netting shall be adjusted and maintained at least 2 inches above the terminal leader, or as specified.

Removal of flexible or rigid netting will include the removal of netting material as well as bamboo stakes and zip ties, consolidation of the materials, and transportation of the materials to a location specified in the Detailed Information Charts or by the COR. After completion, no materials shall remain at the site.

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Attachment 2b. Tree Planting and Animal Damage Control PWS

5. Performance Requirements Summary

Performance Objective

Required Task/ Performance

Standard Acceptable Quality

Level Method of

Surveillance Positive/Negative Incentive % for

NOT meeting the Task Tree Handling, Care, and Transportation

See Section 4.2 – Tree Handling and Care

Trees are properly handled and cared for.

Box temperatures are below 45 degrees F while in the Contractor’s possession. When violations occur, Contractor takes corrective action immediately.

COR and GTM(s) will monitor operations and conduct visual inspections.

• The Contractor’s care and handling of trees will affect the performance assessment as either a positive or a negative incentive.

• If Contractor meets the standard, no deduction.

• If Contractor does not meet the standard and/or take corrective action, the Government may assess liquidated or actual damages (see Sections 10.3, 10.4, and 10.5) and provide adverse performance evaluation.

Tree Planting See Section 4.4 – Tree Planting

Planting quality meets or exceeds performance standard of 93% quality.

COR or GTM(s) conduct periodic inspection consisting of plots consistent with Planting Inspection Method (Exhibits 09 – 14).

• The Contractor’s planting quality will be reflected in the performance assessment as either a positive or a negative incentive.

• If Contractor achieves 93% planting quality or greater, full unit price as incentive.

• If Contractor does not achieve at least 93% quality, deductions will be made as per Section 10.3 and may result in adverse performance evaluation.

Shade or ADC Treatment

See Section 4.5 – Shading and Animal Damage Control

Shade or ADC quality meets or exceeds performance standard of 93% quality.

COR or GTM(s) conduct periodic inspection consisting of plots consistent with Shading/ADC Inspection.

• The Contractor’s Shade or ADC quality will be reflected in the performance assessment as either a positive or a negative incentive.

• If Contractor achieves 93% quality or greater, full unit price as incentive.

• If Contractor does not achieve at least 93% quality, deductions will be made as per Section 10.3 and may result in adverse performance evaluation.

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Attachment 2b. Tree Planting and Animal Damage Control PWS

Performance Objective

Required Task/ Performance

Standard Acceptable Quality

Level Method of

Surveillance Positive/Negative Incentive % for

NOT meeting the Task

Quality Control

See Section 8.0 – Inspection and Acceptance

Contractor maintains good quality control on all aspects of operation including tree handling, preparation and planting, artificial shade and animal damage control (ADC) treatments. Actions not consistent with contract specifications are corrected as per the Quality Control Plan.

COR and GTM(s) will monitor operations and conduct visual inspections.

• The quality of Quality Control provided by the Contractor will be reflected in the performance assessment as either a positive or a negative incentive.

• If the Contractor fails to meet standards, work may be suspended, or the Contractor put in Default for failure to take corrective action immediately and result in adverse performance evaluation.

See Section 8.0 – Inspection and Acceptance and Section 10.0 – Measurement, Remeasurement, and Payment

Contractor’s plot inspections are within +/-5% of Government’s quality. Inspection completed to meet timeframes. Inspection records are complete and accurate.

COR or GTM(s) randomly sample and observe Contractor inspection. Reviews Contractor inspection sheets daily.

• The ability of the Contractor to meet the standard will be reflected in the performance assessment as either a positive or a negative incentive.

• When Contractor’s plot inspections meet standards, no deductions.

Work Plan and Schedule

See Section 6.0 – Deliverables/ Schedule, Section

7.0 - Key Personnel, Crew Organization, and Communications and Section 9.2.4 – Work Plan and Schedule

Work meets schedule as per the accepted work plan.

COR and GTM(s) conduct periodic monitoring.

• The Contractor’s ability to maintain the work schedule and complete work on schedule will be reflected in the performance assessment as either positive or negative incentive.

• Work not completed on schedule is subject to Default and may result in assessment of actual costs.

6. Deliverables/Schedule Deliverable Objective/Contract Section Reference Due

Quality Control Plan (QCP) Describes how Contractor’s quality will be monitored to assure appropriate tree handling and care, that performance standards are met, the supervision of crew and work, and personnel that will be performing the quality control. Reference Section 8.0.

With technical proposal

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Attachment 2b. Tree Planting and Animal Damage Control PWS Deliverable Objective/Contract Section Reference Due

Work Plan and Schedule, including designation of Key Personnel.

The Contractor shall prepare a work plan and schedule that demonstrates how the work will be completed within the period of performance identified. Provide a list of key personnel responsible for overseeing the parent contract and each Detailed Information Chart.

Reference Sections 7 and 9.2.4 and Exhibit 02.

With technical proposal and updated one week prior to commencing work on any Detailed Information Chart.

Contractor Quality Control Inspections

Completed and legible quality control inspection forms for tree planting and artificial shade/ADC treatments.

Reference Section 8.0.

By 8:00 a.m. the day after completion of items/subitems.

7. Key Personnel, Crew Organization, and Communications

7.1. Key Personnel

The Contractor shall comply with the following requirements, unless otherwise approved by the CO, or mutually agreed to in writing by the CO and the Contractor. At all times during performance of this work item and until work is completed and accepted, the Contractor shall directly superintend the work or assign and have on the worksite a competent Contractor Representative who is satisfactory to the CO and has authority to act for the Contractor. The Contractor shall designate at least one supervisor/foreman as specified in Detailed Information Charts.

The Contractor shall assign key personnel identified below in the technical proposal (reference sample Designation of Key Personnel Template in Exhibit 02):

Role Responsibilities

Contractor Representative(s) Has the authority to act on behalf of the Contractor. Shall not be engaged in inspections or work covered under this contract (e.g., planting, dipping, etc.)

Supervisor/Foreman

Oversees the implementing crew and quality control inspectors and directs work.

Coordinates with CORs. Shall not be engaged in inspections or work covered under this contract (e.g., planting, dipping, etc.). Can be the same as the Contractor’s Representative.

Quality Control Inspectors Individuals responsible for monitoring crew work based on Contractor’s quality control plan. Shall not be engaged in work covered under this contract (e.g., planting, dipping, etc.).

Any proposed changes in key personnel from the original Contract solicitation must be submitted along with the Work Plan and Schedule. Any substitutions of key personnel after award shall be submitted in writing to the Contracting Officer within one week prior to the start of work. The Contractor shall submit justification (including proposed substitutions) in sufficient detail to permit evaluation of the impact on this work item. Proposed changes in key personnel should have comparable qualifications to those of the persons being replaced. The Contractor shall provide an updated Designation Form for the new key personnel.

All key personnel and tree runners/carriers shall be able to fully comprehend and interpret English Language instructions fully and completely to the native tongue of their crew.

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Attachment 2b. Tree Planting and Animal Damage Control PWS All key personnel shall have access to the parent contract, Detailed Information Charts, and any attachments (especially maps), on the work site.

7.2. Crew Organization

Planting shall be performed in an organized, systematic manner. Crew members shall not be scattered within or between units except as necessitated by on-the-ground conditions and only when authorized by the COR.

The Contractor shall comply with the following requirements unless otherwise approved by the Contracting Officer or specified in Detailed Information Charts. The crew configuration information identified here does not dictate required production rates. Individual Detailed Information Charts may specify different crew size requirements than those listed below. There shall be one inspector for each Supervisor/Foreman.

National Forest/Agency Maximum Number of

Crews per Detailed Information Chart

Minimum Crew Size Per National Forest/Agency*

Maximum Crew Size Per Supervisor/Foreman*

Kootenai 3 12 15 *Does not include key personnel

7.3. Communications

The Contractor shall keep the CO or the COR advised of where the Contractor or Contractor's Representative may be reached by phone during periods of work, suspension, and periods of time without work. Further, the Contractor shall maintain contact with the CO during periods of work, suspension, or periods of time without work.

8. Inspection and Acceptance

8.1. Contractor Quality Control

The Contractor shall provide quality control for all planting, tree preparation, animal damage control, and shade operations, ensuring that seedlings are handled in accordance with Section 4.2. The Contractor is also responsible for the quality of planting on site and is expected to conduct their own prompt inspections to ensure proper planting procedures are being followed. Government inspections, as described below, are for payment determination only, and are not intended to be used as a quality control by the Contractor. Any delay in Government inspections will not cause the Government to be responsible for the Contractor’s planting quality.

8.1.1. Quality Control Plan

The Contractor shall provide a general Quality Control Plan (QCP) with the contract technical proposal. The Contracting Officer will review the QCP with the Contractor at the scheduled Post Award Conference. Any necessary revisions to the QCP must be made and included in a finalized contract QCP, which shall be submitted to the Contracting Officer prior to the start of work date designated on the Detailed Information Charts. The Quality Control Plan must demonstrate how the Contractor will ensure quality meets the requirements and specifications of the contract. The Plan shall describe: 1) how quality will be monitored to assure the requirements and specifications provided herein are met (including performance, safety, and reliability standards that apply to this requirement); 2) the method to be used for crew and work supervision; 3) the personnel that will be performing the quality control; and 4) the corrective actions that will be taken when necessary. Quality control shall include monitoring tree handling and care and other associated tasks, quality while planting and shade/ADC treatments are in progress, and an unbiased sample of planting, shading and/or ADC treatments for determining actual quality percentage.

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Attachment 2b. Tree Planting and Animal Damage Control PWS

8.1.2. Inspections

Inspection shall be maintained concurrent with work. Contractor inspection results shall be available to the COR by 8:00 am the day after completion of items/subitems. The Contractor shall submit legible inspection sheets and work maps.

Inspection sheets shall be fully completed, signed, and dated by the person who conducted the inspection and shall certify that the inspection records are complete and accurate. Illegible and incomplete inspection sheets will be returned to the Contractor for correction and resubmission. Completed Planting Inspection Sheets (see Exhibit 09), Artificial Shade/ADC Inspection Sheets (see Exhibit 15), and sketch maps remain a part of the contract file.

The Contractor shall maintain a plot system that provides a sample of planting quality which represents the entire area planted. The plot system shall be consistent with the planting inspection method described in Exhibit 11 – Planting Inspection Method using the Planting Inspection Sheet (Exhibit 09). Plots shall be marked and identifiable on the ground with flagged markers. Flagging shall be marked in permanent marker with unit name and number, plot number, date of inspection and inspectors’ initials.

The Government may observe or re-examine the Contractor’s plots at any time. Each subitem will be assessed separately and results will not be averaged with those of other subitems. The Contractor shall inspect artificial shade/ADC installation (except for flexible netting), where required, concurrently when inspecting tree planting.

8.1.2.1. Tree Planting: Regular Spacing Planting

The Contractor’s plot system shall provide an unbiased sample of planting quality, and which represents the entire area planted. The Contractor shall sample at least 1-percent of the planted area, with a minimum of 5 plots per subitem. A 1/20th, 1/50th, or 1/100th acre plot size shall be used during inspection, depending on density of tree planting and slope of sub-units. The Government and Contractor must be consistent in plot size used in each unit.

Calculation of planting…