STATEMENT_OF_WORK.pdf

STATEMENT OF WORK

Title: Thinning and Chipping of Ponderosa and Pine Trees

1. GENERAL:

Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, Washington has a requirement for thinning and chipping approximately 136 acres in the West Tritt Thinning Unit.

2. SCOPE:

The project area is due for forestry restoration work that requires the removal of ponderosa pine trees. Sensitive soil conditions, rocky terrain and distances between areas targeted for treatment will necessitate the need for specialized equipment. No other species will be cut as part of this scope of work. The Vendor will utilize sawyers and a rubber tracked, remote controlled, self-propelled chipper*, w/operator, to thin and chip approximately 136 acres within the West Tritt thinning units.

3. REQUIREMENTS:

The vendor will thin only ponderosa pine trees with stems greater than ¾” around to stems that are no greater than a 6” diameter at breast height (DBH). Chips will be dispersed from chipper in a manner that limits ground accumulation and concentration to less than 1” in depth.

Thinning and chipping, instead of piling will negate the need to later dispose of piles by burning them.

During fire season (July thru October) the contractor may be required to turn off chain saws and other machinery for a limited time or completely for the day. This requirement is dependent upon the fire danger level for that day. When the fire danger level reaches “High” and relative humidity falls below 25% all saws with be shut down at 1:00 pm. After the shutdown the contractor is required to perform a one hour fire watch.

When the fire danger level reaches “Very High” or “Extreme”, power saw operations and smoking will not be allowed in the unit.

All chain saws will have industry approved and factory installed spark arrestors.

No vehicles other than the chipper will be allowed off established roads. All vehicles, prior to entering Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, the exteriors and under carriages will be spray washed thoroughly to remove any possible transfer of invasive plant or seed remains from prior projects off Turnbull.

Any damage to fences, gates, or power lines due to thinning and piling operations will be the responsibility of the contractor to repair or replace. The contractor may be held financially responsible for any fires that occur inside the unit. All saw operators are required to carry a fire extinguisher, no larger than 1lb. The fire extinguisher will be within reach or >1 minute from the cutting area.

STATEMENT OF WORK

Title: Thinning and Chipping of Ponderosa and Pine Trees

4. PLACE/DELIVERY AND PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE:

Place of Performance

• Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, Washington, West Tritt Thinning Unit

Period of Performance

• July 15, 2016 – February 19, 2016

5. INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE: Expectation of 80% - 100% of pine trees in the unit(s), within the outlined size range will be cut and chipped. Project will be inspected daily to assure standards of contract are being met.

6. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED EQUIPMENT OR MATERIALS/INFORMATION: N/A

7. AVAILABILITY:

USFWS normal duty hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, In the event of emergencies the vendor shall provide contract information.

Non-duty hours include week nights, weekends, and government holidays (including Fourth of July and Labor Day)

8. TECHNICAL COORDINATOR:

Point of Contact for technical assistance is Ken Meinhart, Phone 509-235-4723.