CSE Statement of Work Chequamegon-Nicolet.pdf

USDA FOREST SERVICE

CHEQUAMEGON-NICOLET NATIONAL FOREST

COMMON STAND EXAM

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

BACKGROUND

The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest proposes to contract for technical forestry services to conduct stand examinations using the Common Stand Exam (CSE) protocol. Its purpose is to obtain the site, setting, and tree characteristics required to identify stand conditions and capabilities in providing the Government information with which management determinations for natural resources will be made.

SCOPE OF WORK

This work requires examining aerial photographs/imagery, accurately delineating the stand boundaries, collecting vegetative data and related work described within this Statement of Work (SOW) and any related supplemental specifications.

Work shall consist of locating, establishing, measuring and recording vegetative data on sample plots. The work performed and the data collected shall be in compliance with the Region 9 Common Stand Exam Field Guide hereafter known as “CSE Field Guide”. If the specifications within this SOW or any related supplemental specifications differ from the CSE Field Guide, the SOW and related supplemental specifications shall take precedence.

The Contractor shall furnish all personnel, materials, services, and facilities necessary for the project and performance of this work. This includes the contractor furnishing all supervision, labor, equipment (including field data recorders, if used), tools, and other incidentals, except as otherwise provided by the Government.

The Government shall provide a template .cse file for the project.

LOCATIONS AND DESCRIPTIONS

Maps for project work areas, including compartment maps with stand boundaries, and a list of compartments and/or stands to be examined, are separate from this document. Aerial photos or digital imagery may be provided on request as the work progresses.

DEFINITIONS

The following are definitions that refer to data elements and attributes for collecting Common Stand Exam data.

Calendar Days. Every day shown on the calendar, Sundays and holidays included.

Chain. One chain is equal to 66 feet.

Contract Days. Monday through Friday of each week, excluding National Holidays and the Wisconsin deer rifle seasons.

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The COR is the on-site contract administrator for the Contracting Officer. The duties and responsibilities of the COR are defined in the letter of designation issued by the Contracting Officer.

CSE (.cse) File. File format containing field data that has been created using Exams PDR or Exams PC software. The file extension is .cse.

Inspection. The actions taken by the Government to determine if contractor’s methods and data meet contract requirements. The methods for inspection and follow-up are described in the Sections Acceptance and Re-work.

Inspection Block. The minimum area accepted for inspection (i.e. ERFL 1-1).

Quality Assurance. The actions taken by the Government to assess the results to determine that they meet contract requirements. The methods for quality assurance are described in the Sections Acceptance and Inspection and Rework.

Navigation. Navigation is the process of traveling from one place to another and knowing where you are in relation to your desired course.

Plot/Tree Data Form. The Plot/Tree Data form is used to collect data at the plot level and is independent of the information collected at the setting level. This data is collected individually for all sample plots in the stand.

Sample Design Form. The Sample Design form contains information about how the data should be collected, and how the measurements will be converted to pre-acre values.

Setting Data Form. The Setting Data form in used to collect data that uniquely identifies each stand.

Stand. A stand is a community, particularly of trees, possessing sufficient uniformity as regards composition, age, spatial arrangement, or condition, to be distinguishable from adjacent communities, so forming a silvicultural or management entity.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

CONTRACTOR WORK REQUIREMENTS and STANDARDS

RATE OF PROGRESS

The Contractor shall maintain the rate of progress specified in the Contractor’s Plan of Operation. A minimum of 50% of work should be completed by the mid-point of the period of performance unless the plan of operation agreed to states otherwise.

ACCESS

The general project area may be accessed by some combination of 2 or 4-wheel drive vehicles and foot travel. The Forest Service assumes no obligation to plow snow or do special maintenance to keep roads open. All vehicular use in conjunction with contract work is subject to the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest Off-Road Vehicle Policy. ATV use will be assessed on a case by case basis. Permission will be granted only in writing from the Government.

The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining all necessary permission, through privately owned land, to gain access to stand locations.

In cases where stands are behind locked gates, authorization for limited motorized use may be granted. All requests for motorized travel of closed roads must be submitted in writing to the COR for specific roads and specific periods of time.

CONTRACTOR FURNISHED UNIQUE SERVICES, ITEMS, PROPERTY

TASKS AND CRITICAL SUBTASKS

• Contractor shall submit a plan of operation for completing data collection on each project line item.

• Contractor shall collect data in accordance with the approved plan of operation.

• Contractor may collect/record the setting data and plot/tree data with a portable data recorder using Exams PDR software or may collect the data on paper forms and record the data in a PC using Exams PC software.

• Contractor shall provide appropriate completed setting data forms, plot/tree data forms and other required forms (identified in the solicitation and at the pre-work conference) in Exams PC (.cse) file format.

• Contractor shall provide accurate plot locations on photos, maps, or shapefiles as agreed upon with the COR. GPS coordinates of plot centers shall be required (or GPS coordinates in a shapefile readable in most recently released version of ArcMap).

• Contractor shall adjust stand boundaries on a map or shapefile as agreed upon with the

COR.

• Some projects may require a unique set of data to be collected or to a different standard.

If required, more detailed information will be outlined in supplemental specifications.

PLOT LOCATION AND ESTABLISHMENT

LOCATING STANDS TO BE EXAMINED

The Government will furnish to the contractor a list of compartment and stand numbers to be examined. Compartment maps showing the present boundaries of the stands to be examined will be provided. These compartment maps will be used as a reference. The old stand boundaries do not necessarily meet current stand typing requirements. Before beginning the field work in each compartment/area, the contractor will examine the aerial photographs or imagery of that compartment/area. Some stand boundaries may be delineated on aerial photos or shapefiles prior to contracted work. It is the contractor’s responsibility to confirm or correct boundaries of the stands to be examined on the maps, photos, or shapefiles.

Preliminary stand delineation from the aerial photographs/imagery is generally based on soil type, forest types, size/density, roads, streams, trails, previous stand data, and other factors affecting management. Individual stands shall be contiguous. New forested stands must be at least 10 acres and non-forested stands must be at least ½ acre in size. Stands smaller than this standard should be considered inclusions.

During field examination, stand boundaries will be refined as needed based on differences in forest type, size, and density of forest vegetation, stand age, and other factors encountered which would affect management decisions.

PLOT LOCATION AND NUMBER

The number of plots for each stand will be determined by the Government. Stands will be sampled by measurements in individual plots dispersed throughout the stand. The number of sample plots is based on the acreage of the stand. If additional stands are broken out of the originally delineated stand, the number of plots will be based on the acreage for each stand.

New stands should be delineated on a map, aerial photo, or shapefile. The following guide will be used to determine the number of sample locations needed in each stand:

Stand acres Number of sample (plot) locations

1-10 3

11-20 4

21-30 5

31-40 6

41-60 7

61-80 8

81-100 9

101+ 10 + 1 additional plot for each increment of 25 acres over 125, not to exceed 20 plots per stand. For example, a 156-acre stand will have 12 plots.

Sample plot locations will be distributed evenly throughout each assigned stand. Plot locations must be approved by the COR prior to collecting data. The Contractor will establish plot locations on a map or shapefile for each stand examined. Plots will be numbered consecutively within stands. The distance between sample locations should not be less than three chains where possible. No plot center shall be located closer than 1 chain from the stand boundary. Plot center locations shall be adjusted if necessary to avoid special protection areas such as streamside zones, seeps, sinkhole ponds, etc.

PLOT CENTER ESTABLISHMENT

The Contractor will travel to and establish plot centers using a GPS unit. Enter the pre-determined coordinates or select the waypoint for each plot and travel to that location.

Sample plot centers will be identified on the ground using a stake or wire flag as agreed upon with the COR. Tie flagging on the stake to make it more visible. Tie another 18-24 inch length of flagging to a tree or branch at eye level near plot center. Write the compartment number, stand number, and plot number on this flagging using permanent ink. The Contractor shall provide colored flagging (color will be determined at the pre-work conference) which will last through all environmental conditions until inspections are completed.

COMMON STAND EXAM

DATA COLLECTION

The Contractor shall locate, establish, measure and record data using variable plot data (10 basal area factor) that shall be taken at each designated sample point. CSE data shall be collected and recorded in accordance with the CSE Field Guide unless specifically modified by this SOW. The Contractor shall collect according to the Sample Design Form to complete the Setting Data Form and the Plot/Tree Data form, as specified below.

If required, record all tree saplings (number, species, height to the nearest foot, and DBH to nearest tenth of an inch) within the plot. For this agreement, tree saplings are defined as at least 4.5 feet in height, but less than 1-inch DBH. Do not double count trees. It should either be in the variable radius plot.

DATA CODES

The Contractor shall use appropriate codes in accordance with the CSE Field Guide.

DATA COLLECTION FORMS

The following tables demonstrate the required fields for each form that is to be collected and recorded. All data shall be taken in accordance with the CSE Field Guide. An “X” in the Exam Level column indicates the required fields for this solicitation.

SETTING DATA FORM

The Setting Data Form shall be used to record stand measurements, stand comments, as well as design parameters and references.

1/ Stand Remarks are required. Remarks should be accurate and provide meaningful information on the following (if applicable):

- Coverage of established tree regeneration in the understory

- Presence and location of non-native invasive plants

- Location of raptor stick nests

- Appropriate prescription for site conditions and alternative prescriptions

- Identification of within stand inclusions (ponds, wetlands, rock outcrop, steep slopes, unique species, etc.)

- Possible heritage/archeology sites

- Presence of insect/disease issues, notes on forest health

2/ Stand Damage information in the setting data form is optional. Additional bonus points may be awarded for data which provide accurate and meaningful information regarding the health of a stand.

Field Name

Exam Level Quick Plot

Comments

Accuracy Standard

Data Source

Proclaimed Region X 09 No Error Government Proclaimed National Forest X 02-Cheq; 06-Nic No Error Government District X See table pg. 7 No Error Government Location X Compartment number (5 digits) No Error Government

Stand Number X (4 digits) No Error Government Project Name X District Specific No Error Government Ownership X USFS No Error Government State X WI No Error Government County X No Error Contractor Administrative Forest X 13 No Error Government Date X MM/DD/YYYY No Error Contractor Examination Level X varies No Error Government Exam Purpose X SE No Error Government Existing Vegetation Cover Type X CSE User Guide Appendix

E No Error Contractor

Structure X CSE User Guide 4-19,20 No Error Contractor Acres X No Error Government Precision Protocol X CSE_Q No Error Government Examiner X Last name No Error Contractor

Stand Remarks 1/

X

Brief & important comments on stand conditions.

N/A

Contractor

Stand Damage Category 2/

See Appendix 1

Best estimate Contractor

Stand Damage Agent 2/ If needed “000” N/A Contractor

Stand Damage Severity 2/

See Appendix 1

Best estimate Contractor

DISTRICT CODES

Code District 01 Medford-Park Falls 02 Great Divide 03 Eagle River-Florence 04 Lakewood-Laona 05 Washburn

SAMPLE DESIGN FORM

The Sample Design Form shall be used to record design parameters as provided by the Government.

Required

Form Type

Method

Expansion Factor

Az

Condition

Subpop Filter

Variable

Minimum Value

Maximum Value

TREE BAF 10 ALL DBH 1.0 999.99

PLOT/TREE DATA FORM (available upon request during pre-work).

The Plot/Tree Data Form shall be used to record tree measurement information. The Contractor shall use the following criteria for selecting trees:

The Contractor shall use a 10 Basal Area Factor (BAF) prism to tally all live and dead conifer and deciduous trees ≥ 1.0” DBH for each stand. Trees will be recorded individually and in order (clockwise) starting with the tree to the right of 0˚ azimuth.

Level

Standard

Data Source

Header Information X No Error Contractor Plot Number X No Error Contractor Latitude/Longitude X PDR/GPS necessary 10 meters Contractor Tag ID X No Error Contractor Tree Status X Live (L) or dead (D) only No Error Contractor

Site/Growth Trees 1/ X Minimum of 1 per stand

No Error Contractor

Tree Species X No Error Contractor Tree Count X No Error Contractor DBH X Trees ≥ 4.5 feet tall. ±10% 2/ Contractor

1/ Number of required Site/Growth Trees will be identified in solicitation and pre-work meeting 2/ Trees must be within one of the appropriate size classes (see Dbh section).

3/ Site trees to nearest foot 4/ Snags only need ocular estimate to nearest foot but there is no accuracy standard.

LATITUDE/LONGITUDE

Degrees – maximum of three digits. A leading zero may be entered (i.e. 090).

Minutes – two digits.

Seconds – four digits. Seconds shall be rounded to the nearest hundredth (i.e. 17.36).

Maximum allowed error for plot center location is 10 meters.

TAG ID

Record a number, unique within each plot. On each plot, start with “1” and increment one number for each tree record. Trees ≥1.00” to 4.99” DBH may be grouped by DBH class and species. Trees ≥ 5.0” DBH shall be tallied individually. The Tag ID, in conjunction with the plot number, uniquely identifies each line of tree data in the setting.

TREE STATUS

The following tree class codes shall be used.

Code Description

L Live D Dead

Level

Standard

Data Source

Height X Site trees 3/ Snags 4/ ±5% Contractor Tree Age X Site trees only ±10% Contractor Snag Decay X 1 class Contractor

SITE TREES

A minimum of one site tree shall be recorded per stand. To facilitate inspection, all site trees shall be marked with flagging tied to the tree and labeled with the tree number, plot number, and “S” for site tree. A distance and azimuth from the nearest plot center (or GPS waypoint) shall be provided for off-plot site trees.

Code Description

S Site tree on plot F Site tree off plot

Site tree selection criteria More information on site index trees can be found in the CSE User Guide (4-80 and 4-81).

Site tree species must be representative of the stand (for example: do not select a red maple in a quaking aspen dominated stand). The following are other site selection criteria:

1. Freedom from height growth suppression

a. Choose dominants or co-dominants depending on the specific site index curves used

b. No evidence of top damage, past or present

c. No damage that could influence height growth

d. No pronounced period of radial growth suppression

2. Select trees from a locally defined species list; species preference is based on the quality of the associated site index-yield study

3. Similar age class, preferably middle-aged, avoiding old growth and young age classes; Typically, > 50 years and < 120

4. Select at least one site tree from the sample trees tallied for each sample plot when the sample trees meet site tree criteria

TREE SPECIES

Tree species used will be in the .cse file provided by District staff.

TREE COUNT

Trees ≥1.00” to 4.99” DBH may be grouped by DBH class and species. Trees ≥ 5.0” DBH shall be tallied individually. Tree count is based on the 10 factor basal area tally for each plot. If necessary, the distance measurement should be taken from the face of the tree to plot center and compared to Table J-1 in Appendix J of the CSE Users Guide or in In/Out Tool in Exams PDR. A tree within the limiting distance is “in” and beyond the limiting distance is “out”.

DBH

The following size classes (in inches) shall be used.

DBH Classes Code

1.00 to 2.99 2.0

3.00 to 4.99 4.0

5.00 to 6.99 6.0

7.00 to 8.99 8.0

9.00 to 10.99 10.0

11.00 to 12.99 12.0

13.00 to 14.99 14.0

Etc. Etc.

The DBH accuracy standard is all trees must be within a DBH class that is within 10% of the actual tree measurement. For example, if a tree actually measures 14.1 inches DBH (10%+/- provides a range of 12.69 to 15.51 inches), then this tree could be correctly coded as a 12, 14- or 16-inch tree. However, the contractor should be diligent about tree measurement and for this reason if any more than three trees on any one plot are outside their actual DBH class (14.0 inch in this example) then every tree beyond the three will be considered an error.

If any tree is recorded more than one class off its acceptable range (12, 14 or 16 in the example) the error will be doubled. For example, if a tree measures 14.1 inches in DBH but is recorded as 20 inches, the error would be doubled.

SNAG DECAY

Follow the guidelines below (CSE Users Guide (Chapter 4, 4-114,115)) to give a rating from 1-5.

Snag decay codes and descriptions

Code Bark Heartwood decay Sapwood decay Limbs Top Breakage Bole Form Time

Since Death

1 Tight, intact

Minor None to incipient

Mostly present May be present Intact <5 years

2 50% loose or missing

None to advanced

None to incipient

Small limbs missing

May be present Intact >5 years

3 75% missing

Incipient to advance

None to 25% Few remain Approx. 1/3 Mostly intact >5 years

4 75% missing

Incipient to advanced

25%+ Few remain Approx. 1/3 to 1/2

Losing form, soft

>5 years

5 75%+ missing

Advanced to crumbly

50%+ Absent Approx. 1/2+ Form mostly lost

>5 years

Snag decay classes

STAND SUMMARY SHEET (if requested during pre-work).

Data will be collected only when requested in the schedule of items or supplemental specifications.

WORK PLAN AND SCHEDULE

The Contractor shall prepare a work plan and schedule that demonstrates work will be completed within the performance period described. The Contractor shall provide a general plan with the technical proposal. The contractor will provide any changes to the work plan and schedule after issuance of an award, but before start of work.

The Contractor shall advise the Contracting Officer or COR of any periods that the Contractor will not be working that is not specified in the accepted Work Plan. The Contractor may update the work plan when work is in progress and the Contracting Officer may accept the updated work plan.

CAMPING AND WORKSITE CONDITIONS

If the Contractor recommends camping, the Contractor shall prepare a Camping and/or Worksite Plan and operate in a manner that will protect the environmental resources and the public facilities. The Contractor shall be aware of and abide by the rules of the Chequamegon- Nicolet National Forest applicable to forest visitors. The contractor is responsible for personal conduct and campsite clean-up while camping on National Forest land. Requests for camping behind locked gates will require a two-week notice and be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the COR. Contractor shall submit camping requests in writing, specifying exact time and dates of desired use behind locked gates. If approved, approval will be granted by the Government in writing.

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY

The following describes the major items in this SOW with the performance requirements for the work described.

Performance Requirements

Performance Standard

Government Method of Assessment

Acceptable Quality Level

Common Stand Exam

Data Collection

Quality meets or exceeds performance standard of <10% error.

COR or inspector conduct random plot sampling consistent with the standards found on the

Contract Inspection Forms and the CSE Field Guide.

If all forms score <20% and total score <10%, work is acceptable.

If any form scores >20%, or if total score >10%, inspection block is unacceptable and will be returned for rework.

Common

Stand Exam Data Delivery

Quality meets or exceeds performance standard.

COR or inspector conduct monitoring of delivered data.

Inspection blocks deficient in specifications shall be returned to the

Contractor for rework.

Work Plan and Schedule

Work meets schedule as per the accepted work plan.

COR and inspector conduct periodic monitoring.

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

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

QUALITY CONTROL PLAN

The Contractor shall provide a Quality Control Plan (QCP) with the technical proposal. The Contractor shall supplement the QCP within 10 days of contract award based on items awarded to the Contractor and Government comments.

The general QCP must demonstrate how the Contractor will assure quality meets the requirements and specifications of the contract. It shall specify how quality will be monitored to assure the performance standards are met; the supervision of crew and work;

and the personnel that will be performing the quality control. Quality control includes the monitoring of quality while work is in progress.

ACCEPTANCE

The Contractor’s data shall be within Acceptable Quality Level as outlined in the Performance Requirements Summary of this document. The Setting Data inspection form, the Plot/Tree Data inspection form, and the Final Scoring form. Scores shall be calculated based on the equations specified on the Inspection Forms. Acceptance and payment will not be made until the deficiency has been corrected.

INSPECTION

Inspection of the plot data will occur on a minimum of 5% of the plots within the block.

Inspections of 5% will be the norm unless problems are discovered. Additional plot inspections (no more than 10% of total plots) will be checked to determine if work is acceptable or not.

COMPLIANCE

Acceptance will be determined based on compliance with the contract specifications.

Noncompliance will result in non-acceptance of the work. If the Contractor’s work is determined to be unacceptable, the Government may initiate any remedies described in FAR 52.246-4 Inspection of Services.

PAYMENT

Payment will be made only on completed work item unless otherwise agreed upon by the Contracting Officer.

STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES

The Government shall initiate a pass-fail check of specified standards and procedures for each inspection block. Inspection blocks deficient in the following specifications are unacceptable on a "pass-fail" basis and the entire inspection block shall be returned to the Contractor for rework. The determination of noncompliance with these items may be made during the office edit or during field inspection.

a. All electronic data must be submitted to the Forest Service in a timely manner.

b. Electronic data must not contain error and must be readable by Government computers.

c. All stands must have the prescribed number of sample plots examined.

d. All plots must be evenly distributed throughout the stand.

e. All plot centers must be at least one chain from the stand boundary and must fall within the stand boundary.

f. All plot centers must have proper labeling, reference point information and be compliant with specifications so adequate inspections can be conducted.

g. Compartment stand delineation must be complete and accurate.

h. All specially requested data must be complete and to the accuracy standard set in the solicitation.

REWORK

Notification of failure Upon notification to the Contractor of a failed inspection block (total score of >10% or individual form >20%), the Contractor shall be required to rework all forms on every plot within the inspection block before beginning work on another inspection block. This will be at no cost to the Government. At the Governments option, during a rework the Contractor may be required to use a different colored ribbon at each plot center. The COR shall specify the color of the ribbon.

Quality Assurance Assessment The Government is not required to provide more than 2 quality assurance assessments inspections on any single inspection block. Results of last quality assurance assessment will supercede any prior results for determining acceptability and payment. Failure to pass 2 quality assurance assessments on a single inspection block may result in contract default.

Cost of Quality Assurance Assessment The Government will assess the Contractor the actual costs of conducting any additional quality assurance assessments. Items that may be included in the actual damages include but is not limited to: wages of the COR and Government inspector(s), costs of vehicles, meals and lodging.

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCE

Contract Performance Time and Required Rate of Progress The Contractor shall maintain progress at a rate that will assure completion within the performance period. The minimum acceptable rate of progress shall occur when 50% of work is completed by the mid-point of the contract unless the plan of operation has been agreed to otherwise.

Unfavorable Conditions

Adverse weather and/or road conditions may prevent access to the work sites during the contract period. Upon written request, the Contracting Officer may authorize additional contract time if adverse conditions prevent access to the work sites and are documented with the COR.

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY AND SERVICES

The Government shall provide the Contractor the following listed materials, supplies, property or services, for use in the performance of this contract, hereinafter referred to as Government-Furnished Property.

Item Description Where, When, How Project Area Map Map depicting all compartment locations for the project area.

Provided with award.

Stand Summary Chart

Chart showing individual stand information.

Provided with award.

Compartment Maps

Individual maps with current stand boundaries.

Provided with award.

National Forest Map

General location information.

Provided with award.

Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM)

Depicts roads legal for public motorized use.

Provided with award.

Digital Imagery 2010 color IR, leaf-off, 18” resolution 2010 natural color, leaf on, 18” resolution

Can be downloaded from website:

https://www.sco.wisc.edu/data/aerial-imagery/

Data Collection and Inspection

Forms

Data collection and inspection forms provide information on data to be collected and quality of installed plots.

Provided at pre-work meeting.

Field Instructions - Common Stand

Examination Field Guide

Field instructions handbook for performing Common Stand Exam.

Available from the following website:

NRM Field Sampled Vegetation (FSVeg) (usda.gov)

Exams PC Software and instructions Exams PDR

Software

Data entry software.

Handheld personal data recorder software.

This software is downloadable from the following website: NRM Field Sampled Vegetation (FSVeg) (usda.gov)

Common Stand Exam Project .CSE

File Template

Used in Exams PC and Exams PDR for data collection

Provided prior or at pre-work meeting.

https://www.sco.wisc.edu/data/aerial-imagery/ https://www.fs.usda.gov/nrm/fsveg/index.shtml https://www.fs.usda.gov/nrm/fsveg/index.shtml https://www.fs.usda.gov/nrm/fsveg/index.shtml

SERVICES

(a) At the Contractors request, the Government shall provide one review on the inspection procedures regarding quality assurance. This quality assurance assessment review shall be performed on one plot.

(b) At the Contractors request, the Government shall accompany the Contractor on one plot to review data collection procedures.

(c) At the Contractors request, the Government shall review the ExamsPC data entry software.

CONTRACTING OFFICER’S REPRESENTATIVE DESIGNATION

A Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) will be designated. The COR will have full contract authority with the exceptions shown on the COR designation form. An inspector maybe designated to conduct quality assurance assessments but do not have full contract authority.

SUBMISSION OF DATA AND INVOICES

Submission of completed items The Contractor shall submit completed payment items within seven (7) days after completion of work or as documented in the pre-work conference.

Inspection block and unit of measure The unit of measure shall be plots. Each inspection block shall be a minimum of one area (i.e.

ERFL 1-1) unless otherwise stated in the solicitation or agreed to at the pre-work conference.

Deliverables The Contractor shall submit with each inspection block the following deliverables:

• Contractor shall provide the appropriate completed electronic setting data forms, tree/plot data and other required forms in Exams PC/Exams PDR (.cse) read-only file format.

• Contractor shall mark accurate plot locations on maps or shapefiles.

• Contractor shall show updated stand delineations on maps or shapefiles as agreed upon with the COR.

• Stand list containing stand numbers with corresponding number of plots, examiner names(s) and dates(s).

• A back-up copy must be held by the contractor until work has been accepted and payment made.

METHOD OF MEASUREMENT

The Government’s quality assurance will not be initiated until the Contractor submits all data and inspection forms for the inspection block. All linear and area measurements under this contract are measured on a horizontal plane within the established boundaries.

If during the office inspection, the COR determines a discrepancy trend is occurring, the COR shall notify the Contractor of the finding.

If during the field inspection, the COR notices a discrepancy trend developing, the Government may visit plots not selected in the sample, to review the field(s) in question.

These plots will be used to determine if a discrepancy trend does exist. The COR shall notify the Contractor of the findings.

If any discrepancy trend continues in any quality assurance assessment(s), the inspection block(s) will be returned for rework.

Re-measurement If the COR’s original quality assurance assessment results are unacceptable to the Contractor;

the Contractor has the option to request, in writing, a re-measurement. Upon the requested re-measurement the Government will conduct a minimum 2% sample. Requests for re-measurement shall be made within five (5) calendar days after receipt of non-compliance and shall contain documentation to support the probability that an error exists. The contractor may accompany the Contracting Officer’s Representative during the re-measurement.

Variance of < 5% If re-measurement supports a variance of < 5%, there will be no adjustment and the Government’s final results will supersede the original assessment and be used for the basis of acceptance. The Contractor shall pay for the actual cost of re-measurement.

Variance of > 5% If re-measurement results supports a variance of > 5%, acceptance shall be based on the re-measurement results and the Government shall pay for the re-measurement.

METHOD OF PAYMENT

Calculation of Acceptable Scores

A point deduction is given for each deficient entry or procedure within an inspection block.

Acceptable tolerance levels for individual measurements are shown on the Inspection Forms.

Any item or measurement indicated by inspection to be outside these tolerance levels shall be assigned a point deduction. Point deductions shall be calculated for each form within the inspection block and then averaged for a Final Score. Final Score will be rounded to the nearest one tenth of a percent. An inspection block may fail based on a Form Score or the Final Score.

Method of Scoring Setting Data Inspection Form scores have a “no error” accuracy standard. This means that “existing vegetation”, “acres”, “examiner”, “precision protocol”, and “remarks” need to be entered and need to be accurate in order to receive the full point total.

Plot/Tree Data Inspection Form scores are determined by the following method. The total point value is calculated by multiplying the point value of a field times the number of lines of data in that field. The number of errors found during the inspections of each inspection block will be recorded in Column C-Number of Errors. The Deduction is calculated by multiplying Column C-Number of Errors by Column A-Point Value. The Point Deductions will be totaled (any bonus points awarded will reduce total deductions-see section C.3.5.1) and divided by the total point value to determine the Plot Score.

Plot Score = (Deduct Points ÷ Total Points) X 100 = percent error.

Final Score Final Scoring Form is a weighted average of the following items:

• Plot locations/numbers submitted and accurate – 20%

• Stand edits submitted, thorough and logical – 20%

• Setting Data Score – 10%

• Plot/Tree Data Score – 50% The following are the levels of percent error in which an inspection block may be found acceptable or unacceptable:

• All Form Scores < 20% and Final Score < 10% = acceptable.

• Any Form Score ≥ 20% = unacceptable, all forms from entire inspection block, shall be returned for rework. No payment.

• Final Score > 10% = unacceptable, all work from entire inspection block shall be returned for rework. No payment.

Completed Inspection Block An inspection block is considered complete when all work has been assessed for quality assurance and accepted for payment.

SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

KEY PERSONNEL

Contractor’s Key Personnel

The Contractor shall assign to this contract the key personnel identified in their technical proposal and that list may include the following:

• Contractor Representative

• Work leader/crew boss

Contract Modification due the Key Personnel Changes

The contract will be modified to reflect any approved changes of key personnel.