FY21 HUD Rim FIre Herbicide Release Solicitation.pdf

Combined Solicitation and synopsis FY21 HUD Rim Fire Herbicide Release

127EAS 20Q0021

The Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service, Southwest Zone, CAS2 office and the Stanislaus National Forest requires services for Herbicide Release on the Groveland Ranger District. This is a combined/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in part 12.6, as supplemented in with additional information included int his notice.

This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. It is the contractor’s responsibility to be familiar with the applicable clauses and provisions. The clauses may be accessed in full text at these address:

https://www.acquisition.gov/far

This is solicitation no. 127EAS21Q0021 a Request for Quotes (RFQ) and is 100% Total Small Business Set Aside. The NAICS code is 115310 Support Activities for Forestry. The size requirement for this NAICS Cod is 8 Million. The government intends to award a single Firm Fixed price award. The government reserves the right to award to other than lowest priced.

Closing March 31, 2021, 4:00 PM PS.

Projected Award date is April 6, 2021

1. Responses for quantities less than those listed in the numbered items may be rejected.

2. Responses without prices for each item and sub-item may be rejected.

3.***Contractor will provide the estimated minimum herbicide gallon amount for each unit. Any amount over the minimum estimate up to the maximum estimate is at the discretion of the CO and shall be based on vegetation type, vegetation amounts, vegetation heights, and the unit needs. See Attached table 1 with item breakdown.

Must have active SAM account upon submission of quote.

Contractor information:

Signature:____________________________ Phone:_______________________________ Vendor:______________________________ Email: _______________________________ Address: _____________________________ POC:_________________________________

DUNS:_________________________

AS PER THE GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS IN ATTACHMENTS AND THE FOLLOWING

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Contractor Responsibility: Except as otherwise specified under 1.2 and 1.4, the contractor shall furnish the necessary personnel, supplies and transportation to perform the services and insure that the designated areas present a clean, healthy, orderly and well-kept appearance.

Estimated Start Date & Contract Time:

Date/Time Start April 10, 2020

Contract Time 30 days

Licenses & Insurance The contractor shall obtain the insurance and licenses listed here; (see also Section L, Notices to Offerors and Respondents).

Other: Worker’s Compensation Insurance: The Contactor shall provide evidence of Worker’s Compensation Insurance or a written explanation as to why the Contractor is exempt from the requirement. NOTE: The Contractor working alone is not required to carry the insurance

COMMENCEMENT PROSECUTION, AND COMPLETION OF WORK (FAR 52.211-10) (APR 1984)

The Contractor shall be required to (a) commence work under this contract within 10 calendar days after the date the Contractor receives the notice to proceed, (b) prosecute the work diligently, and (c) complete the entire work ready for use not later than May 30, 2020.

C. DESCRIPTION/ SPECIFICATIONS/ STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1 Scope of Work

Description of Work: The intent of this contract is to secure services for ground, broadcast spray application of herbicides according to the attached specifications. The goal of this contract is to control woody shrubs, grasses and forbs, to provide a suitable environment for the survival and growth of planted conifers.

Contractor Responsibility: The Contractor shall provide everything-including, but not limited to, all equipment, supplies, transportation, labor, and supervision-necessary to complete the project, except for that which the contract clearly states is to be furnished by the Government.

Before work may begin the Contractor shall designate, in writing, at least one person on site with authority to act in case of the Contractor’s absence from the work site. The Contractor shall list the extent of authority this representative will have on the job. The Contractor or authorized representative shall be on the project area whenever work is in progress and shall act as a non-working supervisor. In the absence of the Contractor, this authorized representative shall receive orders and instructions from the Contracting Officer and shall take such action as is required to keep the job in progress under the terms of the contract. The Contractor and authorized representative(s) shall have an oral command of both the English language and the language common to the crew(s).

C.2 Project Location & Description

Location: The project is located on the Stanislaus National Forest, Groveland Ranger District.

Description: The area for herbicide release treatment is within the 2013 Rim Fire. Ground to be treated is comprised of grass, forbs and small brush. Snags are scattered throughout unit.

Exclusions (Non-Work Areas): Known exclusion areas are flagged within the work areas and are labeled CA on unit maps. See Section J Unit Maps for CA location.

Accessibility: All work areas are accessible by standard pickup. Four-wheel drive vehicles may be beneficial in improving the access points of any given treatment unit. It is the Contractor's responsibility to reach the work site when it is ready for treatment. The Contracting Officer will determine the access routes which may be used.

Any prospective contractor desiring an explanation or interpretation of the solicitation, drawings, specifications, etc., must request it in writing from the Contracting Officer soon enough to allow a reply to reach all prospective contractors before the solicitation closing date. Oral explanations or instructions given before the award of a contract will not be binding.

C.3 Maps

Maps included in Section J are general in nature and are not to be considered as definitively identifying locations.

C.4 Estimated Start Date & Contract Time

Estimated Start Date: April 10, 2021

Number of Calendar Days Required: 30 Days

See also Section F

C.5 Restrictions on Work

Work may be performed at any time during the period of the contract, except as outlined here. Nothing in this part shall be construed to take away any of the Government's rights under the Suspension of Work Clause (52.242-14).

Restrictions are as follows:

1. In accordance with the fire plan, if included in Section J.

2. When the Contracting Officer (or designated representative) determines that adverse weather has made access too dangerous or that continued vehicular travel would cause unacceptable road damage.

3. The Contracting Officer will determine whether target vegetation is in an appropriate stage of growth for the herbicide application to be effective.

4. Work shall be performed only when the Contracting Officer or their Representative is present on the work site.

5. The Contracting Officer will determine the sequence in which each stand will be treated.

6. Each stand shall be completed prior to starting work on the next stand.

C.6 Licenses and Insurance

The contractor shall obtain the insurance and licenses listed here.

MSPA Card (Form WH510): This contract does require the contractor to be registered with the US Department of Labor as a Farm Labor Contractor If contractor is using H2B/MSPA employees. The Contractor shall provide a current MSPA Certificate/Form or legible copy.

Licensing and Safety Requirements: The Contractor shall have a current State of California Agriculture Pest Control Operator License including Category "E" (Forest), and Pest Control Business License, prior to the award of contract. The Contractor shall register this State License with the appropriate County Agriculture Commissioner(s) prior to beginning work.

The Contractor shall be required to provide the following:

1. Required permits.

2. Complete and file all reports, with a copy to the Contracting Officer.

3. Complete any other incidental requirements.

The Contractor's authorized representative(s) on site must, at a minimum, be a State of California Applicator Certificate (QAC).

The Contractor shall comply with the State of California Safety Orders found under the California Administrative Code and with the requirements of the Federal Worker Protection Standards (40 CFR, part 170). For further information regarding licensing requirements contact the California Department of Pesticide Regulation at (916) 445-4038, or online at www.cdpr.ca.gov.

C.7 Camping and Housing

Camping is not permitted in US Forest Service campgrounds. Contract [ ] will [X] will not be permitted to camp elsewhere on US Forest Service land. Camping on Forest Service land is not a right; permission may be revoked for failure to comply with the terms of the permit. Any non-compliance will result in suspension of work until compliance is achieved.

C.8 Technical Requirements

C.8-1 Definitions

Adjuvant: Anything added to the herbicide with the exception of water. This includes drift control agents, surfactants, dyes, antifoam agents, acidifiers, etc.

Batch tank: A mixing tank with a constant agitator that can be moved and operated separately from the clean water tank. For example, a tank mounted on a separate vehicle from the clean water tank or mounted on a trailer.

Broadcast spray: The entire area of the unit, excluding protected areas, rock outcroppings, and non-target species, is to be sprayed with the herbicide mix at the specified rate.

Clean water tank: A tank that contains water for mixing and wash down. It must be free of all pesticide residues.

Crop tree: Any tree or seedling present with the exception of knob-cone pine, bull (foothill gray) pine, and California nutmeg.

Damaged tree: The following constitutes unacceptable types of damage:

1. Any herbicide mixture on the terminal leader, or on more than 5% of the green crown.

2. Any physical damage to the terminal bud or leader, or more than 25% physical damage to the live crown.

3. Any damage on the bole or stem of the tree.

Herbicide: The concentrate before mixing occurs.

Herbicide mixture: The herbicide, water, surfactant, and dye.

Non-target species: Include, but are not limited to: Alder, Dogwood, Elderberry, Hazelnut, and Willow.

Oaks: Buffer 5 per acre Oak over 0.5 inch DBH and 8 feet tall and identified on the ground if there are over 5 per acre. If under 5 per acre buffer all.

Target vegetation: All green plants not identified as commercial conifers, oaks or other non-target species.

Wash down: Spray a contaminated seedling or other non-target vegetation with wash down solution to runoff.

Wash down solution: Composed of 5 gallons of water and one 3 oz. bar of soap per backpack of water.

C.8-2 Specifications

Licensing and Safety Requirements: The Contractor shall have a current State of California Agriculture Pest Control Operator License including Category "E" (Forest), and Pest Control Business License, prior to the award of contract. The Contractor shall register this State License with the appropriate County Agriculture Commissioner(s) prior to beginning work.

The Contractor shall be required to provide the following:

1. Required permits.

2. Complete and file all reports, with a copy to the Contracting Officer.

3. Complete any other incidental requirements.

The Contractor’s authorized representative(s) on site must, at a minimum, have a State of California Applicator Certificate (QAC).

The Contractor shall comply with the State of California Safety Orders found under the California Administrative Code and with the requirements of the Federal Worker Protection Standards (40 CFR, part 170). For further information regarding licensing requirements contact the California Department of Pesticide Regulation at (916) 445-4038, or online at www.cdpr.ca.gov.

Forest Service personnel will be asking the following questions. The forest service is required to not allow Contractors showing symptoms to continue to work.

• Have you, someone living in your household, someone with you, someone you have been in close or frequent contact with, or someone you are caring for been diagnosed with COVID-19(Coronavirus) or had any contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19?

• In the last 14 days, have you, someone living in your household, or someone with you have been in close or frequent contact with, or someone you are caring for returned from another country?

• Do you currently have, or have you had within the last 24 hours, any cold or flu symptoms, including a fever greater than 100.4, shortness of breath, body aches and coughing?

Work Methods: The Contractor shall be responsible for training his employees in the proper techniques to be used during application of herbicides and safety procedures to be followed when handling herbicides.

The Contractor shall keep his crew organized so that units are covered systematically without skipped areas. The Contractor shall not scatter his crew over different parts of the unit.

The Contractor shall apply the herbicide mixture to all target vegetation in each stand.

The Contractor shall spray to coverage but not to runoff, the leaves and outer stems over the entire plant for all the vegetation to be treated. Interior surfaces of large, dense target species vegetation shall be sprayed.

The application rate and coverage shall be uniform throughout each unit although the amount of mix applied per acre will vary with plant density and size.

Application rate shall not exceed 40 gallons per acre.

Crop trees in all units shall be protected from herbicide mixture in the following manner: Seedlings up 2 feet in height shall be shielded to protect the entire plant from herbicide spray (i.e., cones, shields, etc.).

Protective equipment shall not damage seedlings. Seedlings taller than 2 feet will be protected by directed spray application. Where there are multiple trees planted per spot, all trees on that spot shall be protected while the adjacent area is being sprayed.

There shall be at least one clean (i.e. triple rinsed) back-pack sprayer available per crew that is full of wash down solution. Crop trees and non-target plants shall be washed down within 8 minutes of contamination. Individual spray bottles are allowed. Eyewash bottles will not be a substitute for individual spray bottles.

No application of herbicide will be allowed within 10 feet of any meadows, perennial, intermittent, ephemeral stream courses or special aquatic features such as springs, seeps and fens. These areas will be designated by the government prior to entry into the units, and will be considered protected areas. Areas containing standing water not designated by the government prior to entry will be given a 10 foot buffer and treated as non-work areas. The 10 foot buffer does not apply if any intermittent or ephemeral stream is dry at the time of application.

Do not apply herbicide within 20 feet of the bole of leave oaks unless noxious weeds are present. These oaks are identified on the ground and will not exceed 5 per acre.

Non-target species shall not be sprayed in any units.

The Contractor shall keep equipment in good operating condition maintaining flow rate and nozzle pressure. Application of herbicide mixture will be made with a nozzle pressure of 15 psi. The spray tip will be kept from 12 to 24 inches from the target vegetation during application.

To avoid damaging nozzles the Contractor shall use a soft material such as natural or nylon bristle to clean the nozzles. Wire or other hard material that can enlarge the nozzle orifice, or otherwise damage the nozzle shall not be used.

The Contractor shall be responsible for washing and cleaning out all equipment at the end of each work day. The exact location for cleanup will be selected by the Contracting Officer.

Under no circumstances shall sprayers, containers, clothing, personnel or other contaminated materials be washed within 50 feet of any running or dry stream course, lake, reservoir, wet meadow, or other wet area.

The Contracting Officer will use the following criteria to determine when application operations will cease:

1. Sustained winds in excess of 5 mph.

2. Precipitation, or a 70% or greater chance, predicted within 24 hours.

3. Foggy weather.

4. Excessive dew on target plants.

5. Temperature inversions that could lead to off-site movement of the herbicide mixture.

Batching of Herbicide Mix: Contractor shall do all batching of herbicide mix and conform to label instructions and safety requirements.

A graduated container of at least one-half gallon in size shall be used to measure chemicals and surfactants during the batching operation.

All batching of herbicide mix will be done in the presence of the Contracting Officer or their representative at the work site. The Contractor shall use only water sources approved by the Contracting Officer.

Glyphosate herbicide Mix for 100 gallons of 2% herbicide mix

1. 2 gallons of Glyphosate.

2. ¼ gallon non-ionic silicone based surfactant (for Example only: SLY-Tac Surfactant.)

3. ¼ gallon of Blue Vegetation Management Spray Indicator is compatible with water-soluble herbicides in spot spraying or broadcast applications.

4. Sufficient water to equal 100 gallons of mix.

5. No-foam agent as needed

Batching sequence is as follows:

1. One half of the water for the mix shall be put in the batch tank.

2. The herbicide and colorants shall be put in the batch tank next.

3. Begin agitation.

4. Add the remaining water in the batch tank while continuing agitation.

5. The last ingredient to be added to the tank will be the surfactant.

The herbicide mix shall be under constant agitation in the batch tank to prevent separation. All mix shall be sprayed out. The mix shall not sit overnight in the batch tank or other equipment.

Storing and Transporting Herbicides: All unattended herbicide concentrate shall be stored under lock and key in its original container.

The Contractor shall work with the Contracting Officer to insure a minimal amount of herbicide mix is moved between units.

Disposal of Containers: The Contractor shall dispose of the containers in the following Federal, State, and County regulations in the disposal of the empty herbicide containers.

Herbicide Spills: If a spill occurs, the contractor shall:

1. Take action immediately to contain the spill.

2. Notify the Contracting Officers' Representative on site.

3. Be under the control of the Contracting Officer during the spill clean up.

4. Be liable for all costs of damages, clean-up, and decontamination.

C.8-3 Contractor-Furnished Equipment

The contractor shall provide the following herbicides, adjuvants, and dye.

1. A 53.8% active ingredient glyphosate herbicide formulation without an integrated surfactant.

2. non-ionic silicone based surfactant (for example only: SYL-TAC (CA Reg. No 2935-50167).

3. Blue dye.

4. No-foam agent

5. Tree shields

All herbicides and adjuvants shall be provided in factory sealed containers no larger than 2.5 gallons each.

Equivalent herbicides, adjuvants, and dye may be substituted only as approved by the Contracting Officer. Contractor shall provide clean water for the wash down packs.

All required chemicals shall be provided in sufficient quantities to complete the job.

Backpack sprayers: Shall have an adjustable pressure regulator or a pressure gauge mounted on the spray wand from 15/1 bar -60/4bar PSI. Spray tip that sprays flat, with a 50 mesh screen. Spray tips shall reduce drift at lower pressures, better coverage at higher pressures and have 80° and 110° spray angles.

Plastic, brass, or aluminum spray tip nozzles shall not be used.

Batch tank: Shall be a mixing tank equipped with a constant agitator, a sight level in good condition to measure tank volume, and a leveling gauge which will be adequate for leveling the tank in all directions.

The filler hose from the batch tank shall be equipped with a self-closing nozzle. The batch tank shall be in good condition, meeting all state requirements. The batch tank shall be mounted such that it can be moved and operated separately from the clean water tank; for example, mounted on a separate vehicle from the clean water tank, or mounted on a trailer.

All valves capable of emptying herbicide from the batch tank, must be lockable.

Clean water tank: Shall be a tank exclusively for water, having a back flow prevention device or proper air gap filling apparatus. The water tank and all drafting equipment must be free of pesticide and dye residue. Pesticides and dyes shall not be stored or transported in the same vehicle used to transport the clean water tank.

Tree Shield: A shield or cone to protect seedlings from herbicide spray. Each applicator shall carry a shield when there are seedlings in a unit under 2 feet in height.

Storage area: Locked area for herbicide and containers. This can’t be inside of the passenger area of a vehicle.

Spill kit: Containing a minimum of 25 pounds of absorbent material such as kitty litter, two 30 gallon, 4 mil polyethylene garbage bags with ties, and 2 shovels.

Trailer hitches: Hitches used to tow equipment and trailers shall be securely mounted directly to the vehicle frame. Bumper hitches shall not be used unless specifically designed and rated for towing heavy loads.

Other: Contractor shall provide all other supplies and incidentals necessary to accomplish the required contract work while complying with herbicide label directions, pesticide application license requirements, and worker safety protection standards.

Personal protection equipment for workers: All safety equipment as listed on the herbicide label and as required by State and Federal regulations shall be used. Note that the State of California requires gloves and eye protection whenever working with pesticides.

Additionally, the following Forest Service requirements shall be met:

1. Hardhats without leather or other porous headband.

2. Disposable or washable long-sleeve coveralls. Clean coveralls, without tears, shall be worn each day.

3. Tee shirts and long pants shall be worn under coveralls.

4. Leather boots with socks.

5. Individual eye wash bottle (16 ounces of water), to be carried by applicator.

Workers shall change their personal protective equipment (PPE) and under clothes and wash thoroughly, wet areas of the skin if the workers PPE becomes sufficiently wet that spray material soaks through the PPE and under clothes.

Calibration and Equipment Check: Prior to and during work the Contracting Officer reserves the right to inspect, test, and approve equipment. For example, the Contracting Officer will check for cracked hoses, worn seals, and leaks.

Prior to and during work the Contracting Officer reserves the right to test and inspect the herbicide concentrate and mixture.

Prior to and during work the Contractor shall be required to calibrate his equipment in the presence of the Contracting Officer.

C.8-4 Government-Furnished Equipment

The Government will provide the following item(s) of Government property to the Contractor for use in the performance of this contract. This property shall be used and maintained by the Contractor in accordance with the provisions of the “Government Property” FAR clause contained elsewhere in the contract.

1) None

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

C.8-4 Government-Furnished Equipment

FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address (es): www.aquisition.gov/far/

FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION (48 CFR CHAPTER 1) CLAUSES

The Contractor is responsible for performing or having performed all inspections and tests necessary to substantiate that the supplies or services furnished under this contract conform to contract requirements, including any applicable technical requirements for specified manufacturers' parts. This clause takes precedence over any Government inspection and testing required in the contract's specifications, except for specialized inspections or tests specified to be performed solely by the Government.

52.246-4 Inspection of Services--Fixed-Price (AUG 1996)

1. Definitions. "Services," as used in this clause, includes services performed, workmanship, and material furnished or utilized in the performance of services.

2. The Contractor shall provide and maintain an inspection system acceptable to the Government covering the services under this contract. Complete records of all inspection work performed by the Contractor shall be maintained and made available to the Government during contract performance and for as long afterwards as the contract requires.

3. The Government has the right to inspect and test all services called for by the contract, to the extent practicable, at all times and places during the term of the contract. The Government shall perform inspections and tests in a manner that will not unduly delay the work.

4. If the Government performs inspections or tests on the premises of the Contractor or a subcontractor, the Contractor shall furnish, and shall require subcontractors to furnish, without additional charge, all reasonable facilities and assistance for the safe and convenient performance of these duties.

5. If any of the services do not conform with contract requirements, the Government may require the Contractor to perform the services again in conformity with contract requirements, at no increase in contract amount. When the defects in services cannot be corrected by reperformance, the Government may (1) require the Contractor to take necessary action to ensure that future performance conforms to contract requirements and (2) reduce the contract price to reflect the reduced value of the services performed.

6. If the Contractor fails to promptly perform the services again or to take the necessary action to ensure future performance in conformity with contract requirements, the Government may (1) by contract or otherwise, perform the services and charge to the Contractor any cost incurred by the Government that is directly related to the performance of such service or (2) terminate the contract for default.

Contractor Inspection Requirements (FAR 52.246-01)(APR 1984)

E.2 Compliance With Specifications

If, during the performance of the contract, the Contracting Officer determines that work performance fails to comply with a specification or specifications, the Contracting Officer may issue a work order to the Contractor. The Contractor shall immediately correct performance to comply with the work order and the referenced specifications and shall rework as necessary all area worked that does not comply with the referenced specifications. Failure to correct unsatisfactory conditions may be considered non-compliance with the terms of the contract and may be grounds for contract termination.

E.3 Quality Control Plan.

E.3-1 The Contractor shall provide a general Quality Control Plan (QCP) with the technical proposal to include COID-19 Mitigation Measures.. The Contractor shall conduct quality control inspections on all aspects of work. The field inspections shall be performed on each sub-item listed in each task order.

Contractor Quality Control Inspection System

The Contractor shall identify the quality control inspection system it will use to ensure that contract specifications will be achieved. At no time shall the Contractor rely upon Government inspections to provide notification of unsatisfactory performance. The Contractor shall produce written inspection records in a format and at times and places satisfactory to the Contracting Officer. Inspection records shall be made available upon request of the Contracting Officer and be maintained until the date of contract closure. The Contracting Officer may observe the Contractor's inspection at any time and shall otherwise have unlimited access to the inspection data.

E.4 Government Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

Quality assurance with be based on meeting performance specification n section C.

E.4.1 Qaulity Assurance Informal Inspections a.The Contracting Officer and/or his/her appointed representative may visit the work units to observe the Contractor's work and progress. Infomaal visual inspection will beconducted daily and randomly thorughout the work day.

b.. Unit Acceptance

The Contractor shall submit a unit to the Contracting Officer for acceptance only when the Contractor's inspections for quality control assure the work specifications have been met.

The Government may perform formal inspections to determine acceptance of the work units. Formal inspections will inspect at least two percent of the work unit on a random plot basis and will address the work specifications.

E.5 Sampling

Plots. At least one percent of each treatment area will be sampled by a random series of plots distributed over the entire area. Plot size will be: 1/50 acre

Plots. At least one percent of each treatment area will be sampled by a random series of plots distributed over the entire area. Plot size will be: 1/50 acre

E.6 Specific Inspection Procedures

The Contracting Officer will make visual inspections while work is in progress for compliance with the terms of the contract.

Additionally, the Contracting Officer may make a systematic inspection using 1/50th acre (16.7 foot radius circle on a horizontal plane) plots to calculate an inspection quality based on application coverage and crop tree damage. Plots will be selected randomly and will not overlap. Sufficient plots will be taken to achieve a 1% sample of the treatment area (i.e. 1 plot for every 2 acres). Results will be recorded on inspection forms.

The quality of application coverage will be determined by observing the indicator dye or colorant on the target vegetation surfaces. To determine this, the inspection plots will be divided into four (4) quadrants on cardinal directions (North, South, East and West). Each quadrant will be examined for coverage. If more than 90% of the target vegetation surfaces within the quadrant have been treated to specifications, it will be considered acceptable.

To determine the percent satisfactory coverage, the number of acceptable quadrants will be divided by the total number of quadrants examined, then multiplied by 100 to give a percentage. For example, out of a total of 30 plots examined (120 quadrants), 112 quadrants received acceptable coverage:

FORMULA: 112 / 120 x 100 = 93 %

Tree damage will be determined by inspecting each crop tree on the inspection plot. Crop trees will have unacceptable levels of damage if the following occurs:

Herbicide mixture or damage on more than 25% of the green crown.

1. Evidence of any amount of herbicide or damage on the terminal leader.

2. Any mechanical damage to the bole, limbs, or terminal leader of the tree.

Tree damage will be determined by dividing the number of damaged trees by the total number of trees in all inspection plots. Percent of damaged trees in excess of 5% will be deducted from the inspection quality.

To calculate inspection quality, inspection plots will be grouped by stand, and then stands will be grouped in order of treatment until the total number of plots equals or exceeds 30. An inspection quality percentage will then be calculated for each such group. Results will be rounded to the nearest whole percent.

EXAMPLE INSPECTION QUALITY CALCULATION: Inspection of two stands yields 25 and 15 plots respectively, which are then grouped to exceed 30 plots. In the total of 40 plots, 152 of 160 quadrants are acceptable, and 12 of 200 crop trees are damaged. The overall inspection quality would be calculated as follows:

Application coverage = 152 / 160 X 100 = 95%

Crop tree damage = 12 / 200 X 100 = 6% - 5% = 1% deduction

Inspection quality = 95% - 1% = 94%

Inspection results will be available to the contractor upon request.

E.7 Acceptance

Work on this contract will be deemed acceptable when the government’s visual inspections show acceptable performance and sample plot data indicate a work quality of 90% or higher.

The following clauses which affect acceptance are incorporated by reference in Section I:

Responsibility for Supplies, Clause 52.246-16

Use and possession, Clause 52.236-11

E.8 Government Inspections

Government inspections are for the purpose of satisfying the Government that the services are acceptable and do not relieve the Contractor of the responsibility for maintaining quality control.

The Contracting Officer's Representative or designated inspector will conduct all inspections. The Contractor (or designated representative) is encouraged to be present to observe inspections. Summary results will be made available on request.

Compliance Inspections: Visual compliance inspections will be made on a periodic basis. Such inspections are not final and do not constitute acceptance by the Government.

Final Inspections. Final (formal) inspections for payment will be made on completed sub-items only.

Contractor shall request final inspections in writing and give the Forest Service at least two working days advanced notice. Inspections will be completed within four working days after the notice is received if the work is not ready for inspection at the time specified by the Contractor, the cost associated with the inspection attempt may be charged to the Contractor.

Disputed Inspection The Contractor may request reinspection without rework if the results are unacceptable. Reinspection must be requested in writing within 48 hours after receiving written notice of the inspection results. Reinspection will be accomplished within five working days after receipt of the contractor's written request.

The same sampling and inspection procedures will be used, but new samples will be taken. The inspection pattern will be shifted so that new samples will not overlap previously inspected samples. Results will be rounded to the nearest whole percent.

If reinspection results are within five percentage points of the first inspection, the original inspection result will be used in determining acceptability and payment. If reinspection results are greater than five percentage points above or below the first inspection, the reinspection results will be used.

If the reinspection results are within five percentage points of the first inspection, the Contractor shall pay the actual costs of the reinspection.

Reinspection after Rework Where rework after a failed inspection may improve the inspection results, the Contractor may rework the area and request (in writing) a second inspection. The Government will charge to the Contractor the cost of this additional inspection. Reinspection will be accomplished within five working days after the notice is received. The results of the second inspection will be final, and no further rework will be permitted. Areas not ready for reinspection at the time specified by the Contractor will not be reinspected, and the results of the first inspection will be final.

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (FEB 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): www.acquisition.gov/far/

52.242-14 Suspension of Work (APR 1984)

Work Timing

The Contractor shall begin work within ___10_______ calendar days after the effective date of the Notice to Proceed and shall prosecute the work at a rate that will result in completion of all work within the following time frame:

Item No.1: Estimated Start Work Date/Contract Time (Calendar Days)

5 April 2021 30 Calendar days

Failure to begin work on schedule will make the contract subject to immediate termination for default.

Delays due to normal adverse weather, weekends, and holidays have been included in the calculation of contract time. The Government reserves the right to set the priority of items or subitems. Contractor shall complete all work on one subitem before proceeding to another.

If this solicitation has more than one numbered item, award of more than one item to one contractor will not change the start work dates or the amount of contract time; times will run concurrently.

Winter Shutdown

When winter weather sets in and the continuation of work is impractical, the Contracting Officer may authorize a total suspension until such time as work can proceed. During the period of total suspension, the calendar days elapsed will not be charged against the contract time.

-CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

Pre-work

Pre-work conference. Before work begins on service contracts, a pre-work conference is normally held to discuss the contract--especially the specifications, labor provisions, plan of work, and selected standard clauses. The pre-work meeting should be attended by an officer of the firm or someone designated in writing to act on behalf of the firm. The pre-work meeting may be waived at the discretion of the Contracting Officer.

Notice to Proceed.

A. No work may begin on this contract until the Contracting Officer has issued a Notice to Proceed.

Measurement

Methods of Measurement.

Acreage was measured on a horizontal plane using a Global Positioning System.

Remeasurement. Unless otherwise indicated by this contract, the contractor may request remeasurement of any quantities in Part B, when the units are acres or any linear measurement. The request must be made in writing and must be made within 10 calendar days of completing work on the unit in question. If remeasurement indicates a variance of five percent or less from the stated quantity, the Contractor shall pay for the actual cost of remeasurement and no adjustment will be made in the quantity as stated in Part B. If remeasurement indicates a variance more than five percent from the stated quantity, payment will be based on the remeasured quantity, and the Contractor will not be liable for the costs of remeasurement.

All remeasurements will be done by the Government. Remeasurement of acreage will be done with two people using a hand compass and ground measurement or by means of a Global Positioning System. This clause is not applicable to quantities listed as estimated quantities.

Payment

Payments and Deductions. Payment will be made for fully acceptable work at the prices bid in the schedule of items. In the event of extended non-work periods because of adverse weather, the Contracting Officer may authorize progress payments for partially completed sub-items on a case-by-case basis. In accordance with the inspection clause, payment may be made for less than fully acceptable work at a reduced price. Other exceptions are noted below:

Payment will be made in full if inspection results are 90 percent or higher. No payment will be made if inspection results are less than 90 percent.

Contract Release. The following supplements the Payments clause in Section I:

Before final payment will be made the Contractor shall sign a release of all claims against the Government arising by virtue of this contract, other than claims, in stated amounts, that the Contractor has specifically excepted from the operation of the release. A release may also be required of the assignee if the Contractor's claim to amounts payable under this contract has been assigned under the Assignment of Claims Act of 1940 (31 U.S.C. 3727 and 41 U.S.C. 15).

Invoices.

Payment will be made from Contractor's invoice. Contract is required to load invoice into Invoice Processing Platform IPP with itemized invoice at IPP.gov

RETAINAGE (applicable to service contracts where work accomplishments are measured in units other than time)

The following supplements Clause 52.232-1, Payments:

The Contracting Officer may retain up to 10 percent of the invoiced amount if the contractor is behind schedule at the time the invoice is presented. “Behind schedule” means that the percentage of work completed is less than the percentage of time used.

GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY

The Government will provide the following item(s) of Government property to the Contractor for use in the performance of this contract. This property shall be used and maintained by the Contractor in accordance with the provisions of the "Government Property" FAR clause contained elsewhere in the contract.

Maps, Electronic shapefiles or track logs for uploading in GPS or mobile electronic device (smart phone, tablets).

SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

STATE OF CALIFORNIA HUD ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

This project is funded through the State of California Department of Housing and Community Develop.

All Contractor’s shall fully comply with the additional requirements included in the State of California Department of Housing And Community Development Provisions which are included in the addendum attached.

Please note that most provisional requirements are already covered in similar FAR clauses issued in the parent IDIQ. See attached addendum for further information.

Emergencies

Fire Plan See Section J, Fire Plan

Superintendence by Contractor The name and the specific authorities of the foreman or superintendent must be designated in writing to the Contracting Officer. The Contractor may use his/her own prepared letterhead stationery or a "Designation of Contractor's Representative" form available from the Contracting Officer. If the Contractor or the designee is not present when work is being performed on the contract, a Suspend Work Order may be issued with contract time continuing to run. The Contractor shall have a person on-site that is fully conversant in the English language.

Archaeological and Historic Sites

Location of known historic or prehistoric sites, buildings, objects, and properties related to American history, architecture archaeology, and culture, such as settler or Indian artifacts, protected by American Antiquities Act of 1906 (16 U.S.C. 432,433) National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 470) and implementing regulations (36 CFR 800), the American Indian Religious Freedom Act, and the Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 (PL 96-95 and 36 CFR 261.9(e) shall be identified on the ground by the Forest Service with blue and black stripped flagging.

Forest Service may unilaterally modify or cancel this contract to protect an area, object of antiquity, artifact, or similar object which is or may be entitled to protection under these Acts regardless of when the area, object or artifact is discovered or identified. Discovery of such areas or objects by either party shall be promptly reported to the other party.

Contractor shall protect Controlled Areas flagged on the ground in blue and black flagging, and all known and identified or discovered historic or prehistoric sites, buildings, objects, and properties related to American history, architecture, archaeology and culture against destruction, obliteration, removal or damage during Contractor's operations. Contractor shall immediately notify Forest Service if damage occurs to any Cultural Resources and immediately halt operations in the vicinity of the Resource where damage occurred until Forest Service authorizes Contractor to proceed. If such damage is negligently or willfully caused by Contractor's operations, Contractor shall bear costs of investigation and restoration in accordance with 36 CFR 296.14(c), provided that such payment shall not relieve Contractor from civil or criminal remedies otherwise provided by law.

452.228-71 Insurance Coverage.

INSURANCE COVERAGE (NOV 1996)

Pursuant to FAR clause 52.228-5, Insurance-Work on a Government Installation, the Contractor will be required to present evidence to show, as a minimum, the amounts of insurance coverage indicated below:

(a) Workers Compensation and Employer's Liability. The Contractor is required to comply with applicable Federal and State workers' compensation and occupational disease statutes. If occupational diseases are not compensable under those statutes, they shall be covered under the employer's liability section of the insurance policy, except when contract operations are so commingled with a Contractor's commercial operations that it would not be practical to require this coverage. Employer's liability coverage of at least $100,000 shall be required, except in States with exclusive or monopolistic funds that do not permit worker's compensation to be written by private carriers.

(b) General Liability. The Contractor shall have bodily injury liability insurance coverage written on a comprehensive form of policy of at least $500,000 per occurrence.

(c) Automobile Liability. The Contractor shall have automobile liability insurance written on a comprehensive form of policy. The policy shall provide for bodily injury and property damage liability covering the operation of all automobiles used in connection with performing the contract. Policies covering automobiles operated in the United States shall provide coverage of at least $200,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and $20,000 per occurrence for property damage or loss.

(d) Aircraft Public and Passenger Liability. When aircraft are used in connection with performing the contract, the Contractor shall have aircraft public and passenger liability insurance. Coverage shall be at least $200,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, other than passenger injury.

Coverage for passenger injury shall be at least $200,000 multiplied by the number of seats or passengers, whichever is greater.

Safety

When Contractor's operations are in progress adjacent to or on Forest Service controlled roads and trails open to public travel, Contractor shall furnish, install and maintain all temporary traffic controls, which provide the user with adequate warning of, hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions associated with Contractor’s operations. This may require the use of flag persons in addition to signing or other methods of warning. Devices shall be appropriate to current conditions and shall be covered or removed when not needed. Flagmen and devices shall be as specified in the "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways" (MUTCD).

Spill Plan

If the total oil or oil products storage exceeds 1,320 gallons or if any single container exceeds a capacity of 660 gallons, the Contractor shall prepare and implement a Spill Prevention and Countermeasures (SPCC) Plan. Such plan shall meet applicable EPA requirements (40 CFR 112), including certification by a registered professional engineer. The Contractor under the direction of the Contracting Officer, or in the absence of said officer, acting independently, shall immediately take action to contain and clean up, without expense to the Government, all petroleum products spills on or in the vicinity of the project which are caused by the Contractor's employees directly or indirectly as a result of contract operations. The Contractor may be held liable for all damages and costs of additional labor, subsistence, equipment, supplies, and transportation deemed necessary by the Government for the containment and cleanup of petroleum products spills caused by Contractor's employees or resulting from contract operations. The Contractor shall immediately report all petroleum products spills to the Contracting Officer.

Equipment Cleaning

All off-road equipment used on this project shall be washed before moving into the project area so that the equipment is free of soil, seeds, vegetative material, or other debris that could contain or hold seeds of noxious weeds. “Off-road equipment” includes equipment such as ATVs or chippers; it does not include service vehicles, pickup trucks, and similar vehicles not intended for off-road use.

Equipment will be considered clean when visual inspection does not reveal soil, seeds, plant material, or other such debris. Disassembly of equipment components or specialized inspection equipment is not required. Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer at least five days in advance of moving equipment in so that arrangements can be made for inspection.

If the project area is known to contain noxious weeds, the equipment shall be cleaned before moving to other Forest Service system lands which do not contain noxious weeds.

USE OF PREMISES

Before any camp, quarry, borrow pit, storage, detour, or bypass site, other than shown on the drawings, is opened or operated on USDA land or lands administered by the USDA, the Contractor shall obtain written permission from the Contracting Officer. A camp is interpreted to include a camp site or trailer parking area of any employee working on the project for the Contractor.

Unless accepted elsewhere in the contract, the Contractor shall (i) provide and maintain sanitation facilities for the work force at the site and (ii) dispose of solid waste in accordance with applicable Federal, State, and local regulations.

Control of Erosion, Sedimentation, And Pollution

Operations shall be scheduled and conducted to minimize erosion of soils and to prevent silting and muddying of streams, rivers, irrigation systems, and impoundments (lakes, reservoirs, etc.).

Pollutants such as fuels, lubricants, bitumens, raw sewage, and other harmful materials shall not be discharged on the ground; into or nearby rivers, streams, or impoundments; or into natural or man-made channels. Wash water or waste from concrete or aggregate operations shall not be allowed to enter live streams prior to treatment by filtration, settling, or other means sufficient to reduce the sediment content to not more than that of the stream into which it is discharged.

Mechanized equipment shall not be operated in flowing streams without written approval by the Contracting Officer.

Landscape Preservation The Contractor shall give attention to the effect of contract operation upon the landscape, shall take care to maintain natural surroundings undamaged, and shall conduct the work at all times in…