Final_Sources_Sought_Package_24R0011_1.pdf

SOURCES SOUGHT

140R10-24-R-0011 – BIL Ecosystems Restoration (ER) 1A CPN-Lake

Cascade Fuel Reduction (Idaho)

This is a Sources Sought announcement only. THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS, QUOTATIONS OR BIDS, NOR A PROPOSED SYNOPSIS OF A PROPOSED CONTRACT

ACTION UNDER FAR SUBPART 5.2 and no contract shall be awarded from this notice. No reimbursement will be made for any costs associated with providing information in response to this Sources Sought or any follow up information requests. No solicitation is currently available.

The responses to this Sources Sought will help to shape the acquisition strategy in developing a competitive requirement.

The Columbia-Pacific Northwest (CPN) Regional Office of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation is conducting market research for a fuel reduction services contract. The project is in Valley County, Idaho located on Middle Snake Field Office (MSFO) Reclamation lands primarily located at the north/south end of Lake Cascade reservoir.

The DRAFT performance work statement, to include area maps (22 pages) is attached to support the sources sought notice. Please note this specification package is subject to change prior to formal Request for Proposal issuance (RFP).

Principle components of work for this Lake Cascade Fuel Reduction essentially includes:

1 Cutting, Limbing, Stacking, Chipping with removal off site 2 Lop & Scatter 3 Chipping/Mastication with Lop & Scatter material left on site

Sources are being sought for firms with a North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 115310 – Fuels Management Services, PSC code F014 and with a Small Business Size Standard of $34 million.

NAICS code 115310 is on the list of codes for Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) firms. The purpose of this sources sought announcement is to gain knowledge of potentially qualified Small Business, 8(a), Woman Owned Small Business, Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, HUBZone and Indian Small Business Economic Enterprise (ISBEE) contractor sources. Small businesses are highly encouraged to respond to this sources sought notice. After review of the responses to this announcement and if the Government still plans to proceed with this project; a separate RFP solicitation announcement will be published on www.Sam.Gov. Responses to this announcement are not an adequate response to any future solicitation announcement.

Responses are requested to review the attached DRAFT specifications and submit responses to the following. Information shall not exceed a total of 10 (ten) pages:

SOURCES SOUGHT

140R10-24-R-0011 – BIL Ecosystems Restoration (ER) 1A CPN-Lake

Cascade Fuel Reduction (Idaho)

1. Contact information: Offerors’ name, address, Unique Entity ID (formerly DUNS), CAGE Code, points of contact with telephone numbers and e-mail addresses.

2. Capabilities Statement: A description of capabilities in providing:

a) Minimum required capabilities described in the attached DRAFT specifications.

b) Experience. Previous procurement(s)/past performance information, including contract numbers, and customers is highly recommend/encouraged.

If submitting past performance/experience on a project in the role of a subcontractor, include the Prime Contractor’s name and a quantifiable amount (percentage) of the project your company contributed to the overall scope of work.

Prime Contractor experience is preferred but not required.

3. Business Status (based on NAICS 115310): Please indicate the business size and status of your company to include any/all additional designations as EDWOSB, Small Business, HUBZone, Woman Owned, Indian Small Business Economic Enterprise (ISBEE), Service- Disabled Veteran Owned, or Small Disadvantaged Business, etc. shall be indicated on first page of submission.

* Note: Large Business concerns need not respond.

4. General questions(s): If any, relating to the attached DRAFT PWS that needs to be clarified prior to release of a Request for Proposal (RFP). Vendor feedback on suggested PWS changes are welcomed and will be considered.

Please provide the request above information no later than 3:00 PM Mountain Time on January 04, 2024. Responses will not be returned. No responses will be accepted by facsimile.

In addition, telephonic responses will not be honored. Please respond by email only. Send responses to Contract Specialist, Lori Shifflet, at lshifflet@usbr.gov

Bureau of Reclamation

BIL Ecosystems Restoration (ER) 1A CPN-Lake Cascade Fuel Reduction

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS)

I. SCOPE

Protecting public safety is the main scope of the project, by removing dead, dying, or diseased trees near public use areas, while promoting forest health, creating defensible space adjacent to Wildland Urban Interface (WUI), and establishing fuel-breaks to aid in fire suppression activities of wildfires that may threaten Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) lands and resources and the adjacent neighboring residential communities.

1.1 OBJECTIVE

The objective of this contract is to acquire contractor services to reduce hazard trees and fuel loads in previously designated Fire Management Plan Units (Units), by:

Manual Actions:

a. Cutting, limbing, lop and scattering

b. Stacking usable wood products (firewood)

Mechanical Actions:

a. Chipping-which collects 2-3” material for transportation off-site.

b. Mastication-which shreds, grinds, chunks 6-8” material scattered on-site

1.2 BACKGROUND

Reclamation's Snake River Area Office, Middle Snake Field Office (MSFO) propose activities under the BIL Ecosystem Restoration Program for a Lake Cascade Fuel Reduction/Wildfire Risk Reduction Project that will address pre-wildfire impacts to infrastructure, habitat, health, and safety and will include long- term monitoring and maintenance; planning and compliance; and public outreach and communication.

Specifically, the project and associated funds will be used to reduce wildfire risks to Wildland Urban Interface (WUI), improve forest health from diseases including the spread of the bark beetle, provide fuel breaks along boundary fences, and contribute to surrounding reservoir habitat improvement for numerous Migratory Bird species, and eagles and ospreys. This project will contribute to the stability, diversity, and production of the watershed, potentially improving water quality and forest health for wildlife and fish habitat.

1.3 LOCATION AND ACCESS

The project is in Valley County, Idaho located on MSFO Reclamation lands primarily located at the north end of Lake Cascade reservoir (See Attached Map1.), in addition these lands are currently under a new five-year contract for fire services provided by the Boise National Forest, they are also covered under a Lake Cascade Fire Management Plan (2006) and Lake Cascade Resource Management Plan (2002).

The Fire Management Plan Fuels Reduction Area Units (Units) are both north of the City of Cascade and are located on two separate parcels, one located on the North Fork of the Payette River (NF-5) to the west of Donnelly, Idaho and the other along Boulder Creek (BC-6), to the south of Donnelly respectively. (See attached Map 2).

Locations and access for the Fire Management Plan Fuels Reduction Area Units are described below:

1. Project North Fork 5 Unit-(NF-5) access from Boise, Idaho, take ID SH-55 north for approximately 90 miles to Donnelly, ID turn left on West Roseberry RD for 1.75 miles, jog right onto Schultz Lane until it dead ends. The project NF-5 will start on south side of the road, at the end of cul-de-sac. Much of the Unit is adjacent to private lots along Crane Shores Dr. and Hawks Bay Rd. Public access is very limited, Reclamation will provide pre-approved access points. This Unit is also a Wildlife Management Area, so although public access is limited during this time or closed all together, this work will be able to be completed through the generally closed duration. Legal location is MDM, T. 37 R. 68 Section(s) 30, 31, 32 T. 36 R. 68 Section(s) 5, 6, 7 8, 17, 18, 19, 20. (See attached Map 3.)

2. Project Boulder Creek 6 Unit- (BC- 6) access from Boise, ID, take SH-55 north for approximately 78 miles to the City of Cascade, go another 14 miles North and turn left on the Road (Loomis Lane) labeled SISCRA Campground. Continue straight for

1.5 miles, continue straight onto Heath Place, right on Upland Rd. and left on Grassy Pl., this access is likely your easiest access to the entire unit, but is adjacent to private lots and will require access permission. Access directly onto this Reclamation Unit may be reached off Hereford Rd. on the west side of the Unit, however, this is a dead end with very narrow access (*note within the Unit off Hereford Rd. vegetation is also very dense, so it is suggested to access via the adjacent subdivision lot if possible. (All access shall be pre-requested by Reclamation prior to project implementation). Legal location is MDM, T. 16N, R3E, Section (s) 21SE ¼ SE ¼, 22

N ½ SW ¼, 28 NE ¼ NE ¼

1. The nearest community to the project is Donnelley, ID but is limited in goods and services. McCall, ID is the largest community in the local area, 14.5 miles north on SH-55 and has your basic goods and services. Average travel time from McCall to the project site is 35 minutes. Cascade, ID has some goods and services and is located about 16 miles and 20 minutes south on SH-55.

The project sites may be reached by two-wheel drive vehicles when the roads are dry, however access within the project areas can be limited during the fall

- winter months depending on weather. A high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicle may be necessary to access portions within these projects depending on weather. The Government does not assume obligation to plow snow or conduct special maintenance to keep roads open and maintained. Any ruts or other damage to the original state of the roads shall be rehabilitated (See Environmental Considerations 3.6.c.).

1.4 DESCRIPTIONS AND PRESCRIPTIONS OF/FOR UNITS

Description:

Elevation within the Units averages around 4800 feet and slope ranges between 0 and 30 percent.

Average annual precipitation is 10-14 inches. Vegetation in the project area is typical of the central Idaho Mountains and consists of a diverse mix of grasses, forbes, and other ground level vegetation, a variety of mid story shrubs, and overstory of primarily Lodgepole pine, mixed with Douglas fir, Ponderosa pine and Quaking aspen trees.

The vegetation within these areas consists of primarily Lodgepole pine (FRCC consideration of Lethal), however the areas are also densely mixed forest of the previously mentioned vegetation, which has been inundated by insects and disease, leaving about 60% or more of these stands’ dead and/or dying. There are numerous standing snags along with several areas of dead and down fuels, which could facilitate an intense fire and threaten the adjacent private properties if a fire was to occur.

Both Units border water sources, NF-5 is adjacent to a large open arm of the reservoir that is fed by the North Fork of the Payette. As stated earlier it is part of a Wildlife Management Area, so although it is closed for a portion of the year, this project will have permission to resume through the usually closed (waterfowl nesting season). However, care shall be taken to avoid undo stress to the adjacent waterway, waterfowl and other wildlife, which may be temporarily displaced while the activities take place. BC-6 is adjacent to Willow Creek and although it is not a WMA, it has wetlands areas, and it should be noted to stay away from the banks with heavy equipment as they are highly erodible and unstable in places.

Prescriptions:

Two types of treatment areas within each Unit shall be designated by Reclamation:

1. Fuel Break Areas- (maps designate as-Yellow) adjacent to and within

Reclamation boundary fences up to ~100feet inside of the boundary fence shall be cleared of all dead, dying standing, mid-story, and ground material. All burnable firewood shall be salvaged and stacked near walk-up or easily accessible by foot areas along boundary fence or access gates. All other material at all levels (overstory, mid-story and ground) shall be chipped and removed.

Fuel Break Treatments are suggested to be completed in two Phases:

First Phase- manual removal of all dead and dying standing timber along Fuel Break Areas, including stacking of firewood, limbing of standing trees with dead fuels up 10-15’ high, removal of all dead ground material.

Second Phase- mechanical chipping and complete removal of chipped material (except where lop and scatter is designated in Green). Fuel break areas should appear 95% clean of all dead and dying material at all levels ground, mid-story and overstory.

2. Non-Fuel Break Areas- (maps designate as -Purple) within the units are not adjacent to the boundary fences, or an established access road and shall be cleared of dead and dying standing overstory, dense sections of mid-story (including saplings), and ground material. The material shall be lopped and scattered or chipped and/or masticated and scattered with the proper mastication machine that can handle the terrain and is small enough to enter the Units with minimal damage. (See 3.3 for more info on Mechanical Treatment Requirements).

Non-Fuel Break Treatments are suggested to be completed in two Phases:

First Phase- manual removal of all dead and dying standing timber within Non-Fuel Break Areas, including stacking of firewood (if adjacent to access road), limbing of standing trees with dead fuels up 10-15’ high, lop and scatter.

Second Phase- Mechanical chipping and/or mastication. Non-Fuel break areas should appear 95% clean of all dead and dying material at primarily the mid-story and overstory levels with some smaller ground material scattered evenly over the ground level. (See 3.3 for more info on Mechanical Treatment Requirements).

* Note some sections are too close to water or inaccessible for either chipping or mastication these areas are identified in Green on the map as Lop and Scatter areas.

Table 1. NF-5 Treatment Type by Acres

NF-5 Treatment Type Acres Fuel Break Area (Yellow on map)

(Green on Map)

Cutting, Limbing, Stacking, Chipping with Removal off site.

Lop & Scatter 3

Non-Fuel Break Area (Purple on map)

Chipping/Mastication with Lop & Scatter material left on site

Total 33

Table 2. BC-6 Treatment Type by Acres

BC-6 Treatment Type Acres Fuel Break Area (Yellow on map)

(Green on Map)

Cutting, Limbing, Stacking, Chipping with Removal off site

Lop & Scatter 2

Non-Fuel Break Area (Purple on map)

Chipping/Mastication with Lop & Scatter material left on site

(Red on map) No Treatment 5 Total 46 Note all acres are approximate, but all activities shall be completed within the proper boundaries even if some acres may require more work than others, as provided by Reclamation.

2.0 REFERENCES

No specific reference area (guideline)

Fire Management Plan

August

Bureau of Reclamation

3.0.3 29 CFR

1926.602(a)(1);

1926.602(a)(6);

1926.1000- 1926.1003.

2004 Occupational Safety and Health Administration https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.602 and 1926.1000)

3.0.3. g. Spark Arrester Guide

February

U.S. Department of Agriculture https://www.fs.usda.gov/t-d/programs/fire/documents/FS5100-1D.pdf

3.0 TASKS

3.0.1. General Work Tasks

a. Prior to the commencement of treatments, the Contractor shall contact (through personal meetings, telephone calls or letters) the Donnelly rural Fire Chief (or Assistant Fire Chief) and all adjacent property owners to notify them of the project. Within one week of completion of these contacts, the contractor shall provide a list to the identified federal agency representatives. This list will include the names of the adjacent property owners and the dates when these meetings or telephone calls occurred or when the letters were sent out. In addition, the contractor shall be responsible for any notifications, signs, or warnings during the project implementation within and surrounding the project area.

b. The contractor shall be responsible for providing all labor (Operators skilled in the operation of the furnished equipment), equipment (See: Mechanical Equipment Requirements), supervision, transportation, supplies and materials (fuel, oil, and lubricants for operation) to complete the work described for the duration of the project.

c. The Contractor shall do all in his/her power to prevent unauthorized motorized vehicle use in the project area. This will include immediately notifying the Valley County Sheriff’s Office if anyone refuses to leave the area, at the Non-Emergency number (208) 382-5160. For any life-threatening Emergencies, 911 should be utilized.

3.0.2. Specific Work Tasks

Government personnel shall identify all trees designated for removal with paint markings, pattern, and color for the contractor prior to the start of treatment.

If paint color or pattern needs to be changed, the contractor shall notify the Government representative within 48 hours, so the representative can make the desired changes.

a. The Contractor shall cut, limb, stack (firewood only), and lop and scatter and/or chip/masticate and /or remove 95 % of trees previously paint marked by Government representative, standing, dead trees less than 8” DBH, and downed trees any DBH within specified units and per designated treatment areas, as shown on the map.

i. Any undesignated standing tree cut down by the contractor will result in the reduction of the Contractor bid price by a minimum of $500.00 or up to the appraised value of the tree for each incident.

b. Leaning, snagged, or otherwise hazardous trees shall also be marked with paint and will be treated the same as standing trees.

c. All downed material that is not a rotting log shall be cut and removed or scattered depending on designated treatment area. Rotting Logs: When approximately 20% of the woody material falls apart in the Contractor’s hands.

d. Any part of the tree large enough to be utilized for firewood will be cut into sections no longer than 24” and stacked/piled in piles no larger than 24 cubic feet (2’H x 2’W x 6’L) in size. Any stacks/piles found in concentrations larger than 24 cubic feet or stacked higher than 2 feet from the ground, will be restacked by the contractor.

i. All stacks need to be within walking access from boundary fence, gate or access road, all other material that is too far to carry to these locations will need to be lopped into smaller portions and loped and scattered or chipped and removed depending on the unit treatment area.

ii. The remaining parts of the trees not large enough to be utilized for firewood will be chipped and removed or lopped and scattered depending on the designated treatment area within the unit.

g. Boles (trunks) shall be cut horizontal to the ground, with stump (part of boles left in ground) at a height not to exceed 6 inches.

h. If obstacles are encountered, such as rocks, stump height may be no more than 4” above the obstacle (dirt and debris in or on the tree is not considered an obstacle).

i. Limbs (slash, or parts not being utilized for firewood)

i. Dead limbs on standing trees should be cut 10-15feet up the trunk. Limbs on all trees marked for removal or on the ground shall be cut to manageable carrying lengths and sizes to prevent dragging to either be chipped or masticated or lopped and scattered depending on treatment area within the Unit. No skidding of limbs behind any vehicle or equipment is allowed.

There will be no intentional long-term piling of limbs in the project area.

ii. Limbs shall be cut into pieces less than 4 feet in length and scattered, so that no tree slash is piled or protruding higher than 24 inches from the ground in designated treatment areas (Fuel break areas all shall be chipped and removed)

j. During any treatments, it is anticipated that there may be damage to saplings and live trees. If a sapling is damaged to the point where it will not survive, the Contractor will remove the sapling and treat it as slash.

Live trees over 16” DBH damaged during hazard removal to the point where it will not survive must be communicated to the Government representative within five (5) days.

3.0.3. Mechanical Treatment Requirements:

Only portions of treatment areas shall be responsibly chipped or masticated, and contractors should have no expectations of utilizing mastication equipment across the entire treatment area.

All mastication equipment would be subject to equipment requirements, inspections, and approval by the designated Government representative. Areas chipped and removed will be Fuel Break Areas and areas masticated will be Non-Fuel Break Areas within the Units.

a. Machine(s) will:

i. Be smaller pieces of equipment with low ground pressure rubber tired or rubber tracked vehicles

ii. No metal tracked equipment will be authorized

iii. Be equipped with a boom mounted with either vertical or horizontal shaft grinding head capable of performing the work described in the treatment specification.

iv. Have rollover protection structures on equipment regardless of age, as defined in Occupational Safety and Health Administration https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.602 and 1926.1000) 29 CFR 1926.602(a)(1); 1926.602(a)(6); 1926.1000-1926.1003.

b. Minimal movement of equipment during (mechanical operations) shall be required to reduce soil compaction and soil disturbance.

i. The back-and-forth movement of equipment to perform mechanical operations cannot be allowed on the highly erodible soil types of the project.

c. Implementation will desist in the event wet conditions arise.

i. The ground is saturated where equipment is causing excessive rutting (>3 inches) and disturbance.

ii. Work can resume when the ground is sufficiently dry.

d. Operators of equipment will make every attempt to take different paths within the unit areas to limit the amount of disturbance upon a single path.

i. All stumps shall be ground so they are no greater than 6 inches in height on the uphill side above mineral soil.

ii. Chips and mulch, being the byproduct of mechanical operations, will not be greater than:

1. Six inches deep.

2. Two feet in length.

3. Four inches in diameter.

e. Government representative in coordination with state shall identify all fueling and routine maintenance areas prior to uses.

f. All Contract equipment will be inspected by the identified Government representative prior to equipment being mobilized to project site.

i. The inspection location needs to be pre-arranged with the Contracting Officers Representative to best serve both contractor and Government representatives.

ii. The Contractor shall not load or unload equipment on public highways unless authorized by the Government representatives.

g. Vehicle (s) and equipment will:

i. Be free of fluid leaks.

ii. Be clean and free of soil, seeds, and vegetative matter or other debris that could contain or hold seeds upon arrival at project site.

iii. Contractor shall ensure all equipment diesel and/or gas engines are equipped with an approved spark arrester. Spark arresters shall meet the requirements of the FS5100-1D.pdf (usda.gov) dated February 2013.

iv. All vehicle(s) need to be equipped with at least one, 10 lb., Class ABC rated fire extinguisher (minimum) or equivalent and a shovel.

v. Shovel and fire extinguisher must be accessible to the operator.

3.0.4 Work Schedule

a. The contractor shall provide a work schedule that falls within the (9/1/2024- 8/31/2027 time frame, the work schedule shall be submitted at the pre-work conference and negotiated with the identified Government representatives.

b. Work schedule must adhere to all state, county, and local noise ordinances. No work is authorized during quiet hours.

d. The identified Government representatives shall be notified immediately by the Contractor of any changes in the original work schedule.

e. Work within the treatment area can occur between September 1, 2024 through

August 31, 2027 but is dependent on weather and ground conditions.

3.0.5 Fire Management Units/Mapping:

Reclamation:

a. Shall provide an electronic georeferenced map with the Unit and treatment areas within the Unit boundaries necessary for the work executed under the Contract.

The unit boundaries will not be marked on the ground.

b. A shapefile (for upload on Global Positioning System (GPS) unit) of the project area boundaries may also be provided to the Contractor upon their request.

c. A map with any applicable avoidance areas (archaeological sites; springs;

structural range improvements; survey markers such as sections corners, quarter corners, bearing trees, trees with old growth characteristics etc.) shall be provided to the contractor.

Contractor:

a. Contractor shall be responsible for navigating within Unit boundaries using a GPS unit capable of uploading electronic shapefiles and zooming in to 100 feet of the project boundaries, or a geo-referencing map application approved by the designated Government representative.

b. The contractor may flag the boundaries of the Unit at their discretion however, the contractor shall not remove any markings, survey markers or boundary identification that is already established. Contractor shall be responsible for the removal of all flagging they have used before final payment is made.

c. The Contractor shall not remove damage or destroy any fencing, gates, or other physical structures to gain access into the areas without the identified Government representatives’ permission. Damaged or removed during operations shall be repaired or replaced at the Contractor’s expense.

d. Active mining claim markers or stakes shall be avoided to the extent practical.

i. Active mining claim markers that are destroyed by operations would be the Contractors responsibility to re-stake using a legal mining claim marker.

ii. The re-staking of mining claim markers would occur in coordination with the existing mining claimants to ensure accurate, legal staking procedures that would minimize damage to claims.

3.0.6. Environmental Considerations:

a. Staging Area, Equipment and Fuel:

i. Contractor shall maintain all areas including staging areas within or outside of the Unit in a sanitary, orderly manner, and upon vacating the area, remove refuse and any other signs of use and dispose of it off-site in an accepted manner.

ii. Any equipment maintenance areas, special precaution shall be taken to contain spilled fuel, lubricants, and wash water.

iii. Contractor shall be required to maintain a hazmat barrier for any fuel tanks or trailers staged on federal land.

iv. Contractor shall provide all the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and spill containment tools to workers to contain spilled fuel, lubricants, and wash water.

v. All spills and major leaks of fuel, lubricants, and wash water need to be contained and reported to the appropriate Government representative.

vi. Final payment will be reserved subject to inspection of these sites by the identified Government representative and approval of site cleanup.

vii. Contractor shall be responsible for all costs associated with any hazardous material clean up.

b. Off-Road Restrictions:

i. Vehicle travel off roads is not authorized.

ii. Authorized travel within the units are limited to existing roads only.

iii. If off-road travel from within the unit is needed to service equipment, or other emergencies the contractor shall obtain permission from the identified Government representative prior to any travel off-road.

c. Soil Stability/Water Quality Protection:

i. Contractor shall cease operation when soil moisture levels result in significant soil compaction and/or rutting (>3 inches).

ii. Any significant rutting of the soil will be returned to the natural contour by the Contractor as part of the work process.

d. Weed Control:

i. Contractor shall ensure all vehicles and tools are cleaned of any non-native invasive weeds or plant parts prior to entering and exiting the project site.

Vehicles will remain on existing roads within the site. Vehicles and equipment will not be staged in existing weed infestations.

ii. Contractor shall include identifying the location of the equipment’s most recent operations.

iii Contractor shall use a combination of pressurized air and high-pressure wash if needed to clean equipment and vehicles. Compressed air is better suited to remove loose material such as dry plant matter and debris while a high-pressure wash is the preferred method to remove wet or caked on materials such as mud.

iii. Contractor shall notify the identified Government representative prior to moving each piece of equipment onto public land.

e. Cultural and Natural Resource Protection:

i. Locations of known historic or prehistoric sites, buildings, objects, and properties related to American history, architecture, archaeology, and culture, such as settler or Indian artifacts that need to be avoided by the Contractor shall be identified as avoidance areas by the Government. No known cultural resources exist within the current project area.

ii. Discovery of such areas (including know or previously unidentified) by either party during Contractor’s operations will be promptly reported to the Reclamation’s Archeologists with the location preferably relayed as a GPS point or noted on a map and operations will be suspended at that location until the significance or potential significance of the resource is determined.

iii. Trees containing raptor nests discovered during project implementation will be avoided and reported via GPS or identification on a map and provided to the Government representative.

f. Fire Prevention/Suppression:

i. Vegetation occurring in the project area is highly flammable. Under dry and windy weather conditions the potential for a fire start is high. The Contractor shall take special care when working on or around the dry grasses.

1. Check under vehicles when parking off road.

2. Plan any activity that could cause a spark (grinding or welding etc.)

in the morning when the relative humidity is up, and the temperatures are cooler.

3. When treating an area, work from the outside edge to the center of the day’s treatment area.

ii. The Contractor shall:

1. Equip all diesel and/or gasoline operated engines with spark arresters that meet requirements of the U.S. D.A. Service Spark Arrester Guide, the FS5100-1D.pdf (usda.gov) (spark arresters are not required on equipment powered by exhaust driven turbo charged engines).

2. Equip all machines powered by an internal combustion engine with at least one 10 lb. ABC rated fire extinguisher (minimum) or equivalent and one shovel, and five gallons of water readily available.

3. Remove all concentrations of wood dust and debris from the equipment daily.

iii. The Contractor shall, independently and in cooperation with the Government, take all reasonable action to prevent and suppress fires on the project. Independent initial action will be prompt and will include the use of all personnel and equipment available in the project area.

g. Emergency Reporting Requirements:

i. All Emergencies: Dial 911(initial call for all emergencies)

ii. Secondary Wildfire Reporting:

Boise Dispatch Fire Information Center: 208-384-3266.

iii. Report all Emergency incidences to the identified federal agency representative as soon as the contractor can safely do so.

iv. Cellular phone service may be limited in the treatment area depending on carrier; typically, service is provided within and near the project area, some cell service providers may not be available in the treatment area.

Contractors need to have a working cell phone provider for on-site emergencies, and it is their responsibility to insure they have one.

v. Information needed in reporting a wildland fire should include location (geographical reference and if possible, Latitude/longitude coordinates) and description of fire activity (size, rate of spread, color of smoke, etc.).

3.0.7. Meetings and Reports

a. Pre-Work Conference

1. A pre-work conference will be held prior to the start of work, within 7 days of Contract award or as negotiated by the identified Government representatives.

2. The Contractor and the appropriate Government representative will schedule a time for the meeting on site at the Cascade Field Office on 970 Dam Road, Cascade on a pre-determined date at 10am or an otherwise agreed upon time.

3. The purpose of the meeting will be to review the required work, project locations, project specifications, work schedule, payroll, progress payments, and administrative provisions of the Contract.

4. The Contractor and their operators and the Government representatives shall be present at the meeting.

5. The Contractor shall be prepared to summarize and explain procedures planned for the project and ask appropriate questions if needed.

b. Progress Reports and Meetings

1. Progress Reports from the Contractor shall be submitted to the Government representative, quarterly within the period of performance (November, February, May and August) for each year worked. If no work is completed during a quarter a simple notification via email or phone call to the Government representative is sufficient. The contractor shall submit a final completion report at least 2 days prior to the completion date. The reports should be brief and contain date submitted, personnel prepared by, and information on areas covered, how treated and what is left to complete, overall general summary of progress.

2. Meetings may be called by either the identified Government representative(s) or the Contractor.

3. Meetings shall be held at the project site, or as determined by the identified

Government representatives.

c. Final Inspection

1. Final Inspection shall be held at the project site, or as determined by the identified Government representatives.

2. The Contractor shall notify the identified Government representatives at least two (2) working days before the completion date, so the Government representatives can schedule a final inspection.

3. The Contractor shall require his or her superintendent (if designated) to be present during the inspections.

4. The Contractor shall correct any deficiencies noted and the project will be re-inspected by the identified Government representatives.

5. Final payment of the contract will be held pending the completion of a satisfactory final inspection of the project.

Task No. Task Description Performance Indicator

Performance Standard

Minimal Acceptable Quality Level

3.0.1. a. Contractor shall provide a contact list of persons notified of the project, within one week of completion of these contacts. names of the adjacent property owners and the dates when these meetings or telephone calls occurred or when the letters were sent out.

Receipt of the contact list.

100% Receipt of the contact list and access property owners, within the time frame given

Failure to provide could result in contract price reduction.

3.0.1. b. The contractor shall be responsible for providing all labor (Operators skilled in the operation of the furnished equipment), equipment (See:

Mechanical Equipment Requirements), supervision, transportation, supplies and materials (fuel, oil, and lubricants for operation) to complete the work described for the duration of the project.

Labor, equipment, transportation, supplies and materials to complete the work. Should personnel issues or equipment failure occur it will be the Contractors responsibility to replace the personnel and equipment in a timely manner (no more than 2‐3 weeks) to complete the work.

All 3.0.1.b.

performance indicators need to be provided 95% throughout the duration of the project. 5% leeway is allowed for down time if personnel/equipment or weather are uncooperative.

Failure to provide all the 3.0.1.b.

performance indicators through the duration of the project will result in contract price reduction or other action.

3.0.1. c. The Contractor shall do all in his/her power to prevent unauthorized motorized vehicle or other such unauthorized uses in the project area. This will include immediately notifying the Valley County Sheriff’s Office if anyone refuses to leave the area, at the non‐Emergency number (208) 382‐ 5160. For any life‐

Effort in meeting the task description for legal and safety reasons.

3.0.1.c task should be 100% ongoing throughout the project when needed for legal and safety reasons

Failure to perform or provide notice of any unauthorized uses through the duration of the project will result in contract price reduction or other action.

threatening Emergencies, 911 should be utilized.

3.0.2 All tasks listed under

the Specific Work Tasks shall be performed as described in the PWS, with the understanding that there are two Units, each with two treatment areas Fuel Break and Non‐Fuel Break) each to be treated accordingly.

The Contractor shall cut, limb, stack (firewood only), chip and remove in Fuel Break and cut, limb, stack (firewood only) and lop and scatter and/or chip or masticate and leave on‐site for Non‐Fuel Break.

3.0.2 All task listed

under the overall specific task need to be followed, a 95 % effort to remove trees previously paint marked by Government representative and in accordance with the designated treatment areas should be achieved throughout the project duration.

Failure to perform any one or several of the specific task through the duration of the project will result in contract price reduction or other action.

3.0.3 All mechanical

treatment requirement tasks including specific machines to perform the task, operator requirements, environmental requirements including staging areas and fueling and basic fleet maintenance

Effort in meeting the task described in the PWS to achieve the overall scope of the project as well as for safety and environmental reasons.

All 3.0.3 task to be completed 100% as required for completion of the scope of the project and for safety and environmental reasons.

Failure to perform any one or several of the specific task through the duration of the project will result in contract price reduction or other action.

3.0.4 The contractor shall

provide a work schedule submitted at the pre‐work conference and negotiated with the identified Government representatives.

Receipt of the work schedule

All 3.0.4 task are to be completed 95% as some conditions may arise, which may change the work schedule.

Failure to perform any one or several of the specific task through the duration of the project will result in contract price reduction or other action.

3.0.5 Contractor shall be

responsible for navigating within Unit boundaries using a GPS unit capable of uploading electronic shapefiles and zooming

Effort in understanding the use of a GPS Unit, the boundaries of the Unit and the treatment areas within the Unit to use for own use

All 3.0.5 task are to be conducted 95% throughout the duration of the project.

Failure to perform any one or several of the specific task through the duration of the project will result in contract price in to 100 feet of the project boundaries, or a geo‐referencing map application approved by the designated

Government representative as well as for reporting.

reduction or other action.

3.0.6 Environmental

concerns include being aware of and following the tasks in 3.0.6 for safety, environmental and general aesthetic concerns, as well as being aware of how to address any events that may interfere with completing the scope of work in a timely manner (proper storage and upkeep of the area, equipment and supplies, unauthorized use activities, soil stability conditions, weed control, cultural and natural resources, fire protection/suppression and how to report any conditions through emergency reporting.

Effort in understanding of all the environmental concerns and how to correct or address them should they occur.

All 3.0.6 task are to be conducted 95% throughout the duration of the project.

Failure to perform any one or several of the specific task through the duration of the project will result in contract price reduction or other action.

3.0.7 Meetings, Reports and

Final Inspection should all be coordinated between the contractor and

Government representative.

Other than the initial meeting all other meetings shall be coordinated as needed. Reports, shall be due quarterly and should contain the required information and the Final Inspection shall be scheduled two

All 3.0.7 task are to be conducted 95 % throughout the duration of the project.

Failure to perform any one or several of the specific task through the duration of the project will result in contract price days prior to completion of the work.

4.0. Contractor shall be

compensated by the completion of the total acres but based on compliance with the required specific task and other PWS measures.

Effort in completion of required tasks and reports

All 4.0 task are to be conducted 95 % throughout the duration of the project and will be monitored by Reclamation representative.

Failure to perform any one or several of the specific task through the duration of the project will result in contract price

4.0 PAYMENT

4.0.1. Payment

1. Work will be measured and paid for by the number of acres completed to all the specifications in this PWS.

The Contractor is responsible for ensure treatment is meeting government specifications.

2. The identified Government representative shall make periodic inspections as a basis for partial payments and recommendations for adjustments in work quality.

The Contractor is encouraged to observe inspections at the time they are being made.

3. Mobilization includes all preparatory work and operations, including those necessary to the movement of personnel, equipment, supplies, and incidentals to the project site; and for other work and operations which must be performed, or cost incurred prior to beginning work and after completion on the various items on the project site.

a. All costs associated with mobilization need to be incorporated into the total cost per acre for the manual and mechanical actions.

5.0. PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

1. Period of performance for this work shall begin September 1, 2024. The end of the performance period will be August 30, 2027.

2. The Contractor shall be required to start and complete the treatments within the performance time identified above.

6.0. MAPS

1. See maps (4) on the following pages:

a. Map 1. General Location Map

b. Map 2. Fire Management Unit Maps

c. Map 3. Fire Management Unit NF-5 Treatment Areas

d. Map 4. Fire Management Unit BC-6 Treatment Areas

Map data ©2023 Google Explore Boise, Idaho to Donnelly, Idaho 83615 Drive 94.3 miles, 1 hr 57 min

Map 1. General Location Map

Map 2. Fire Management Plan -Fuel Reduction Areas/Units

Map 3. Fire Management Unit NF-5 Treatment Areas

Map 4. Fire Management Unit BC-6 Treatment Areas