FY23 Meadow Handwork SOW.pdf

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

SECTION 1 - GENERAL

1.1 Scope of Contract

The purpose of this solicitation is to secure services for Meadow Maintenance - handwork on

55.4 on the Hebo Ranger District and Central Coast Ranger District of the Siuslaw National Forest. The primary focus of treatments is controlling unwanted vegetation in or adjacent to meadows. Unwanted vegetation includes but is not limited to non-native grasses, noxious weeds, invasive species, fern, blackberry, shrubs, and small trees. SEE DETAILED UNIT INFORMATION SHEET (DUIS) FOR SITE SPECIFIC TREATMENT NEEDS. The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, supplies and incidentals (except those designated as Government-furnished) to perform the work as specified in the solicitation.

1.2 Location and Description

The area covered by this solicitation is shown on the attached unit and vicinity maps. A District map is available for purchase at the Hebo Ranger Station and Central Coast Ranger Station.

For Hebo Ranger District inquiries, contact Contracting Officer Representative Sarah Kaufman.

For Central Coast Ranger District inquiries, contact Contracting Officer Representative Kate Cronin.

1.3 Accessibility

Many Forest Service spur roads may be overgrown with vegetation making them narrow and brushy. In addition, many Forest Service key and spur roads have been “storm proofed” or had water bars installed; therefore, a high clearance vehicle is highly recommended. Contractors are advised to visit the sites to assess road access and unit complexities.

Most work areas may be reached by a standard two-wheel drive pickup during normal operating seasons. Some units; however, may require a four-wheel drive vehicle. Please contact the COR immediately if mowing meadows are inaccessible.

No vehicles shall be permitted to operate off system roads without approval of the Contracting Officer.

Inaccessibility due to snow, fallen trees, road conditions, slides or washouts on roads may or may not be corrected at the option of the Government. If a road is not accessible, the Government may, under the Changes Clause (1) provide an alternate access route; (2) delete the inaccessible unit(s) or; (3) substitute similar unit(s) or (4) negotiate a cost adjustment for change in access.

Where roads are very wet or saturated due to runoff or unseasonable weather conditions, road conditions may dictate the need to delay use of some road segments in order to ensure no damage to the road, drainage structures, or the adjacent environment. The Contractor may request entry on road closures through the appropriate Ranger District office. Approval for use of closed roads in the project(s) area will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the District Ranger. No vehicle access is permissible on closed roads prior to receiving written permission.

Roads shown on unit maps indicate access to units and are not to suggest the roads are open to vehicle travel.

1.4 Boundaries

The boundaries of the work areas are distinguishable on the ground with the use of government provided maps. Detailed unit maps are provided in the contract package.

1.5 Invasive Species Control

To prevent the potential spread of noxious weeds onto National Forest lands, all contractor equipment used at the job site needs to be clean and free of noxious weeds and their seeds prior to entrance onto the National Forest. The restriction shall include equipment and vehicles intended for off-road use as well as on road use, whether they are owned, leased, or borrowed by the contractor or subcontractor.

Cleaning shall consist of the removal of all dirt, grease, debris, and materials that may harbor noxious weeds and their seeds. This may require the use of a pressure hose. Cleaning shall occur off Federal lands.

Equipment, materials, and vehicles shall be visually inspected by a designated Forest Service Representative. Inspections will take place at a location designated by the Contracting Officer Representative in advance of equipment and material arrival. Equipment and vehicles shall proceed directly to the job site following the inspection. Materials to be used on the project shall be delivered to the project after inspection and approval.

Certification shall remain valid for each identified piece of equipment or vehicle only for the duration of the specified project and if the vehicle or equipment remains at the job site. Equipment and vehicles (except passenger vehicles) that leave the job site shall be re-certified as weed free before they can return to the job site or re-enter the National Forest.

1.6 Definitions

A. Noxious Weeds – Any exotic plant species established or that may be introduced in the

State which may render the land unfit for agriculture, forestry, livestock, wildlife, or other beneficial uses and which is designated by the Oregon Department of Agriculture or the appropriate County Weed Board or by other appropriate agencies having jurisdiction.

B. Invasive Species – a species that is nonnative (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health (Executive Order 13112).

C. Riparian Zone – The zone that extends from the normal stream bank to the toe or break of the slope. The zone can be further identified by the presence of vegetation that requires free or unbound water to conditions that are more moist than normal in many stream valleys.

D. Stream – Shall include year-long and intermittent streams that ordinarily go dry at one or more times during the year. Intermittent streams have a distinct channel or evidence of annual scour, such as deposition of sediment.

SECTION 2 - GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, MATERIALS, SERVICES

There is no Government furnished property for this project.

SECTION 3 - PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT, TASKS AND CRITICAL

SUBTASKS

3.1. Hand Work Task Specifications

A. Hand mowing or cutting of targeted species will generally be used where mowing machinery cannot access work areas.

B. Meadows shall be treated to the edge of the existing meadow boundary as indicated on project maps.

C. Vegetation within 30 feet of the bank full width (BFW) of stream channels will not be cut.

D. Vegetation cut will generally be grasses, noxious weeds, invasive species, forbs, blackberries, salal, and bracken ferns within designated meadow boundaries. Vegetation treated by handwork will generally be less than 2.5” diameter at the base.

E. Height of material after handwork will be 4”.

F. Equipment should be clean and fully functional upon arrival each day.

G. Spark arrestors/screens shall be used at all times.

H. Targeted species to treat include: shrubs and brush species- Holly, Salmonberry, and

Blackberry; Forbs- Bracken Fern, Scotch Broom, Trailing Blackberry, Tansy Ragwort, Thistle, Stinging Nettle, Wild Cucumber, Dock, and Hellebore; or others as directed by the COR. Grasses- All.

I. Equipment used could be weed whackers, hand mowers, chainsaws, axes, or similar equipment.

J. In specific areas, hand pulling of noxious weeds may be required.

K. Use of motorized equipment other than hand-held equipment such as power saws and brush cutters will not be permitted off designated roads in the project area without approval of the Contracting Officer or as provided elsewhere herein.

3.2. Period of Performance

A. Operating periods and timing restrictions are described in the DUIS. Period of Performance is June 5th to September 15th 2023.

B. Once handwork begins, contractors must have staff available to complete all work specified on the DUIS and cannot halt work to take another assignment. Extensions will not be granted if the contractor delays work on this contract to take other jobs/assignments before all scheduled items listed on the DUIS are complete. Non-compliance may result in termination of the contract.

SECTION 4 - QUALITY/PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY

Acceptable Quality Levels (AQLS)

A. Contractor Quality Control

a. The successful Contractor shall provide a Quality Control Plan satisfactory to the Government describing how the Contractor will monitor and document work quality.

i. The Contractor shall provide copies of inspection documents and written certification that:

1. Each unit was satisfactorily completed.

2. Mowing was completed in accordance with the contract standards.

3. Inspection results accurately reflect the work accomplished.

B. Government Quality Assurance Plan

a. The Government will inspect the Contractor’s work to determine compliance with performance standards. Inspections may include observations of operations, quality control procedures, and visual inspections for acceptance based on contract specifications. Units will be inspected separately and inspection results on one unit will not be averaged with those of the other units. The Contractor is encouraged to observe verification inspections and will receive inspection summaries upon request.

b. Unsatisfactory Work

i. Contract may be terminated if vegetation is cut within 30 feet of the bank full width (BFW) of stream channels unless these changes are previously approved by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for specific locations.

ii. Rework may be required for cutting that exceeds height specifications or for treatment areas missed (not treated).

c. If Government inspections determine that a unit has a quality percentage below 95 percent, then rework will be required. Re-inspections after rework will be made in the same manner as the first inspection. The Contractor shall pay for all Government re-inspection costs.

d. The CO will immediately notify the Contractor in writing and order improvement in the quality of work if the percentage of satisfactory quality of work falls below 95 percent.

C. Government Inspection Procedures

a. Method of Measurement

a. Acreage as shown in the Detailed Unit Information Sheet(s) (DUIS).

Acreage was determined using GIS (Geographic Information System) and/or a GPS (Global Positioning System). Note: Acreage listed in the DUIS are net treatment acres; in some instances treatment acres exclude non-work areas left within the units.

b.All area measurements are on the horizontal plane.

b. Remeasurement:

a. Remeasurement of the acreage under this contract will be made upon the written request of the Contractor. Request for remeasurement must be made in writing within 5 days after work has been completed on the subitem.

b.If remeasurement indicates a difference of less than 5 percent from the original measurement, the Contractor shall bear the actual costs of the remeasurement. Payments will be based on the second measurement. If the remeasurement indictes a difference of more than 5 percent from the original measurement, the Government shall bear the actual cost of the remeasurment and payment will be made on the second measurment. No adjustment will be made for a difference of less than one acre.

SECTION 5 - PAYMENT

Payment for Mowing

a. Acceptance will be based on 100% visual inspection of units. If visual inspection finds that occasional work elements do not completely conform to performance standards, but non-conforming elements are not representative of the overall work quality, the work may be accepted. If non-conforming work is indicative of an overall quality of work problem, units shall be reworked at no additional cost to the Government.

b. Before final acceptance, all areas occupied by the Contractor in connection with the work shall be cleaned of all contractor’s rubbish, excess materials, temporary structures, and equipment, and all parts of the work area shall be left in a neat and presentable condition.

Note: Maps are contained within the contract package and will be given to the contractor during the prework meeting.

FIRE PROTECTIONS AND SUPPRESSION FORMS, R6-FS-6300-52, R6-FS-6300-54

USDA FOREST SERVICE

PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION

FIRE PROTECTION AND SUPPRESSION

1. Fire Period and Closed Season

Specific fire prevention measures are listed below and shall be effective for the period April 1 to October 31 of each year. The Forest Service may change the dates of said period by advance written notice if justified by unusual weather or other conditions. Required tools and equipment shall be kept currently in serviceable condition and immediately available for initial attack on fires.

2. Fire Plan

Before starting any operations on the project, the Contractor, Permittee, Licensee, or Purchaser, hereinafter referred to as the "Contractor," shall prepare a fire plan in cooperation with the Contracting Officer providing for the prevention and control of fires in the project area.

The Contractor shall certify compliance with fire protection and suppression requirements before beginning operations during the fire period and closed season, and shall update such certification when operations change.

3. Substitute Measures

The Contracting Officer may by written notice authorize substitute measures or equipment or may waive specific requirements during periods of low fire danger.

4. Emergency Measures

The Forest Service may require emergency measures, including the necessary shutting down of equipment or portions of operations in the project area during periods of fire emergency created by hazardous climatic conditions.

5. Fire Control

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

For the purpose of fighting forest fires on or in the vicinity of the project which are not caused by the Contractor's operations, the Contractor shall place employees and equipment temporarily at the disposal of the Forest Service. Any individual hired by the Forest Service will be employed in accordance with the Interagency Pay Plan for Emergency Firefighters.

The Forest Service will compensate the Contractor for equipment rented at fire fighting equipment rates common in the area, or at prior agreed to rates.

6. Compliance with State Forest Laws

Listing of specific fire precautionary measures herein is not intended to relieve the Contractor in any way from compliance with the State Fire Laws covering fire prevention and suppression equipment, applicable to operations under this contract, permit or license.

7. Fire Precautions

Specific fire precautionary measures are as follows:

a. Smoking and Open Fires

Smoking and fires shall be permitted only at the option of the Contractor. The Contractor shall not allow open fires on the project area without advance permission in writing from Forest Service.

Unless restricted by State Law or Federal Regulation, smoking shall be permitted only in such portions of the project area that are free of flammable material. Smokers shall sit down to smoke in such a position that any burning material will fall within a cleared area, and shall extinguish and press out in mineral soil all burning material before leaving the cleared area.

b. Fire Extinguishers and Equipment on Trucks, Tractors, etc.

All power-driven equipment operated by the Contractor on National Forest land, except portable fire pumps, shall be equipped with one fire extinguisher having a UL rating of at least 5 BC, and one "D" handled or long handled round point shovel, size "0" or larger. In addition, each motor patrol, truck and passenger-carrying vehicle shall be equipped with a double-bit axe or Pulaski, 3-1/2 pounds or larger.

Equipment shall be kept in a serviceable condition and shall be readily available.

c. Power Saws

Each gasoline power saw operator shall be equipped with a pressurized chemical fire extinguisher of not less than 8-ounce capacity by weight, and one long-handled round point shovel, size "0" or larger. The extinguisher shall be kept in possession of the saw operator at all times. The shovel shall be accessible to the operator within 1 minute.

d. Extinguishers

One refill for each type or one extra extinguisher sufficient to replace each size extinguisher required on equipment shall be safely stored in the fire tool box or other agreed upon place on the project area that is protected and readily available.

e. Spark Arresters and Mufflers

Each internal combustion engine shall be equipped with a spark arrester meeting either (1) USDA Forest Service Standard 5100-1a, or (2) appropriate Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recommended practice J335(b) and J350(a) as now or hereafter amended unless it is:

(1) Equipped with a turbine-driven exhaust supercharger such as the turbocharger.

There shall be no exhaust bypass.

(2) A passenger-carrying vehicle or light truck, or medium truck up to 40,000

GVW, used on roads and equipped with a factory-designed muffler complete with baffles and an exhaust system in good working condition.

(3) A heavy duty truck, such as a dump or log truck, or other vehicle used for commercial hauling, used only on roads and equipped with a factory designed muffler and with a vertical stack exhaust system extending above the cab.

Exhaust equipment described in this subsection, including spark arresters and mufflers, shall be properly installed and constantly maintained in serviceable condition.

f. Emergency Fire Precautions

The Contractor shall restrict operations in accordance with the Industrial Fire Precaution Levels listed below. The Forest Service may change the Industrial Fire Precaution Levels to other values upon revision of the National Fire Danger Rating System and may change the specific Industrial Fire Precaution Levels when such changes are necessary for the protection of the National Forest. When sent to the Contractor, the revised Industrial Fire Precaution Levels will supersede the attached levels.

INDUSTRIAL FIRE PRECAUTIONS SCHEDULE

LEVEL INDUSTRIAL FIRE PRECAUTION (IFPL)

I. Closed season - Fire precaution requirements are in effect. A fire watch/security is required at this and all higher levels unless otherwise waived.

II. Partial hootowl - The following may operate only between the hours of 8 p.m. and 1 p.m., local time:

a. power saws, except at loading sites;

b. cable yarding;

c. blasting;

d. welding or cutting of metal.

III. Partial shutdown - The following shall be prohibited except as indicated:

Cable yarding - except that gravity operated logging systems employing non-motorized carriages may be operated between the hours of 8 p.m. and 1 p.m., local time, when all block and moving lines, except the line between the carriage and the chokers, are suspended 10 feet above the ground;

Power saws - except power saws may be used at loading sites and on tractor/skidder operations between the hours of 8 p.m. and 1 p.m., local time.

In addition, the following are permitted between the hours of 8 p.m. and 1 p.m., local time:

a. tractor/skidder operations;

b. mechanized loading and hauling of any product or material;

c. blasting;

d. welding or cutting of metal;

e. any other spark-emitting operation not specifically mentioned.

IV. General shutdown - All operations are prohibited.

The following definitions shall apply to these Industrial Fire Precaution Levels:

Cable yarding systems: A yarding system employing cables and winches in a fixed position.

Closed season (Fire Precautionary Period): That season of the year when a fire hazard exists as declared by the responsible agency official.

Contracting Officer: The person executing the contract, permit or license on behalf of the Government and includes that person's designated representative, acting within the limits of their authority or the duly appointed successor to the individuals.

Loading sites/woods site/project area: A place where any product or material (including but not limited to logs, firewood, slash, soil, rock, poles, posts, etc.) is placed in or upon a truck or other vehicle.

Low hazard area: Means any area where the responsible agency representative (WDNR, ORF, BIA, BLM) determines the combination of elements reduces the probability of fire starting and/or spreading.

Tractor/skidder operations: include a harvesting operation, or portion of a harvesting operation, where tractors, skidders, or other harvesting equipment capable of constructing fireline, are actively yarding forest products and can quickly reach and effectively attack a fire start.

Waivers, written in advance, may be used for any and all activities. Activities for which waivers may be issued include, but are not limited to:

a. mechanized loading and hauling;

b. road maintenance such as sprinkling, graveling, grading and paving;

c. cable yarding using gravity systems or suspended lines and blocks, or other yarding systems where extra prevention measures will significantly reduce the risk of fire;

d. powers saws at loading sites or in felling and bucking where extra prevention measures will significantly reduce the risk of fire;

e. maintenance of equipment (other than metal cutting and welding) or improvements such as structures, fences and powerlines.

Such waiver, or substitute precautions will prescribe measures to be taken by the Contractor to reduce the risk of ignition, and/or the spread of fire. The Contracting Officer shall consider site specific weather factors, fuel conditions, and specific operations that result in less risk of fire ignition and/or spread than contemplated when precaution level was predicted. Consideration shall also be given to measures that reduce the precaution levels above. The Contractor shall assure that all conditions of such waivers or substitute precautions are met.

The Contractor shall obtain the predicted Industrial Fire Precaution Level daily, prior to the start of work, from the appropriate Ranger District headquarters. If predictions made after 6:00 p.m., local time, are significantly different than the original prediction, the Forest Service will inform the Contractor when changes in restrictions or industrial precautions are made.

NOTE: The IFPL system does not apply on lands protected by ODF east of the summit of the Cascades.

Where hauling involves transit through more than one shutdown/regulated use area, the precaution level at the woods loading site shall govern the level of haul restriction, unless otherwise prohibited by other than industrial precaution level system.

8. Fire Tools

The Contractor shall furnish serviceable firefighting tools in a readily accessible fire tool box or compartment of sound construction with a hinged lid and hasp so arranged that the box can be secured or sealed. The box shall be red and marked "Fire Tools" in letters one inch high. It shall contain a minimum of:

a.2 axes or Pulaskis with a 32-inch handle;

b.3 adze eye hoes. One Pulaski may be substituted for 1 adze eye hoe;

c.3 long-handled, round point shovels, size "0" or larger.

9. Fire Security

When the Industrial Fire Precautions Level is "I" or higher, unless a waiver is granted, the Contractor shall designate a person who shall perform fire security services listed below on the project area and vicinity. The designated person shall be capable of operating the Contractor's communications and fire fighting equipment specified in the contract, excluding helicopters, and of directing the activities of the Contractor's personnel on forest fires. In lieu of having the designated person perform the required supervisory duties, the Contractor may provide another person meeting the qualifications stated above to direct the activities of Contractor's personnel and equipment during all fire fighting activities.

Services described shall be for at least 1 hour from the time the Contractor's operations are shut down. For the purposes of this provision, personnel servicing equipment, and their vehicles, who are not engaged in cutting or welding metal are excluded.

Fire security services shall consist of moving throughout the operation area or areas constantly looking, reporting, and taking suppression action on any fires detected. Where possible, the designated person shall observe inaccessible portions of helicopter operating areas from vantage points within or adjacent to project area.

10. Blasting

Whenever the Industrial Fire Precaution Level is "II" or greater, a fire security person equipped with a long-handled, round point, No. "0" or larger, shovel, and a five-gallon backpack pump can filled with water will stay at location of blast for 1 hour after blasting is done. Blasting may be suspended by Forest Service in writing, in an area of high rate of spread and resistance to control.

Fuses shall not be used for blasting. Explosive cords shall not be used without written permission of Forest Service, which may specify conditions under which such explosives may be used and precautions to be taken.

R6-FS-6300-52

(5/97)

USDA Forest Service – Pacific Northwest Region

Fire Protection and Suppression

Additional Fire Precautionary Measure 2 –Communications

12. The Contractor shall provide adequate two-way communication facilities to report a fire to Forest Service within 15 minutes of detection. FCC Regulations prohibit commercial use of Citizen Band (CB) radios. (CB’s are not considered adequate two-way communication).

Such communication shall be operable during periods of operation of power-driven equipment, including the time fire security is required.

R6-FS-6300-54

(5/89)

1.6 Definitions