FY27-LiftPackPerformWorkStmt(PWS)QualAssurPlan_Final.pdf

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT (PWS) and

QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP)

LIFTING AND PROCESSING OF TREE SEEDLINGS

J. HERBERT STONE NURSERY, ROGUE RIVER-SISKYOU NATIONAL FOREST

FY27

1.0 SCOPE OF CONTRACT

a) This is a non-personal services contract to provide tree seedling lifting and processing at the J. Herbert Stone Nursery. The Government shall neither supervise contractor employees nor control the method by which the contractor performs the required tasks. Under no circumstances shall the Government assign tasks to, or prepare work schedules for, individual contractor employees. It shall be the responsibility of the contractor to manage its employees and to guard against any actions that are of the nature of personal services, or give the perception of personal services.

b) Services include bareroot seedling lifting, field packing, distribution and pick-up of seedling containers, popping or hand pulling containerized plug seedlings, grading, sorting, counting, pruning, and packaging of acceptable bareroot and containerized seedlings, and associated activities. Also included is cleaning of the processing shed, break room, restrooms, and cull disposal tunnel.

c) "Lifting" includes hand lifting (pulling) of tree seedlings from undercut seedling beds, gently shaking excess soil off root systems and packing burlap wrapped bundles of seedlings into seedling tubs or bins. Lifting may also include seedlings placed on top of ground by lifting equipment for hand pick-up and not pulled out of the ground.

d) "Distribution and Pick-up of seedling containers" includes unloading of all empty containers and/or covering materials from the trailer, loading and stacking all filled containers onto trailers, loading bundles into bins, and moving empty containers which are on the ground in the vicinity of the lifters.

e) Popping of containerized seedlings includes placing styroblock plug containers into a popping machine, removing the popped containers, and placing them onto seedling benches. Hand pulling of non-standard containers will occur for container types that will not fit into the popping machines.

f) Seedling processing includes grading, sorting, counting, pruning, and packaging of acceptable bareroot and containerized seedlings, and associated activities. Also included is cleaning of the processing shed, breakroom, restrooms, and cull disposal tunnel. The contractor will provide all supervision, labor, supplies, tools, equipment, and incidentals necessary to perform the work, except those specified under the sections titled Government-Furnished Property, Supplies, and Services.

1.1 Project Location

a) The J. Herbert Stone Nursery is located approximately 5 miles northwest of Medford, Oregon, between Jacksonville and Central Point, Oregon.

1.2 Contract Type

a) This contract will result in a firm-fixed-price type contract. When work is needed, the Government will issue task orders identifying the period of performance and quantities of services required. The estimated quantity stated in the schedule reflects the approximate need the nursery anticipates during the life of the contract. The estimated quantity is not a representation that the estimated quantity will be required or ordered, or that conditions affecting requirements will be stable or normal.

1.3 Period of Performance (POP)

a) The contract’s POP is from November 19, 2026 to July 31, 2027.

b) There will be no work performed from December 25 to January 1, Martin Luther King’s Birthday, or the President’s Day Holiday.

c) The work is seasonal, and estimated performance for winter lift and pack is between November 01 and February 15 of each year

1.3.1 Commencement and Prosecution of Work

a) The Contractor shall not begin any work on a task order until a notice to proceed is received from the Contracting Officer Representative (COR). Once the notice to proceed is received, the Contractor shall be required to:

1) Commence work under the specified task order within three (2) calendar days after the date the Contractor receives the notice to proceed from the (COR); and

2) prosecute the work diligently.

1.4 Minimum and Maximum Contract Amounts

1.5 Designation of Contracting Officer's Representative (COR)

a) The Contracting Officer will designate an individual as Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) at time of award.

b) The COR is responsible for administering the performance of work under this contract. In no event, however, will any understanding, agreement, modification, change order, or other matter deviating from the terms of this contract be effective or binding upon the Government unless formalized by a proper contractual documents executed by the Contracting Officer prior to completion of the contract.

c) The Contracting Officer should be informed as soon as possible of any actions or inactions by the Contractor or the Government which will change the required delivery or completion times stated in the contract, and the contract will be modified accordingly.

d) On all matters that pertain to the contract terms the Contractor must communicate with the Contracting Officer. Whenever, in the opinion of the Contractor, the COR requests effort outside the scope of the contract, the Contractor should so advise the COR. If the COR persists and there still exists a disagreement as to proper contractual coverage, the Contracting Officer should be notified immediately, preferably in writing if time permits. Proceeding with work without proper contractual coverage could result in nonpayment or necessitate submittal of a contract claim.

e) The COR's major duties and responsibilities are contained in the Forest Service Handbook of Contract Administration. The COR is delegated authority under this contract as stated on their designation.

N/A

1.6 Contractor's Representative

a) The Government may, at its option, suspend work with full count of contract time continuing, if the Contractor fails to provide a

Contractor's Representative (1) conversant in the English language and (2) able to read and understand the contract.

1.7 Contract Supervision

a) One supervisor, conversant in the English language, shall be designated in writing by the contractor for each crew of workers. The written designation shall indicate the limits of the supervisor's authority, when two or more people are designated as supervisor, their written delegation shall indicate the priority of their designations so no more than one person shall be in charge of a crew at any one time.

1.8 Safety

a) A general safety plan shall be developed by the Contractor which complies with or exceeds OSHA standards. It shall describe safety procedures for crew safety involved with all contract operations. Emergency numbers and communications shall be described in the plan. This plan shall be presented and reviewed by all crew members and be available to all crews at all sites during work periods as well as available to the Government for inspection at any time. This general safety plan shall be provided to the COR before any work begins on a task order.

1.9 Contractor Quality Control Plan

a) The Contractor shall provide a Quality Control Plan (QCP) before the start of each task order. The Plan must demonstrate how the Contractor will assure that quality of performance meets the objectives and requirements of the contract. The QCP shall specify:

1. How quality will be monitored to assure performance standards are met.

2. How the work will be supervised.

3. How results of the monitoring will result in quality performance.

4. Identify the personnel responsible for performing quality control.

b) The Contractor shall assure themselves that performance meets contract specifications.

2.0 LIFTING OF TREE SEEDLINGS - SPECIFICATIONS

2.1 Government Furnished Property, Supplies, and Services

a) The Contractor shall manage Government furnished property in accordance with FAR clause 52.245-1.

b) The Government shall supply to the Contractor the following listed property, supplies, and services.

1) Marking of seedling lots in Nursery fields - Each seedling lot to be lifted will be marked with stakes showing seedling lot identification code.

2) Undercutting of seedling beds - The Government will provide undercutting of the seedling bed immediately prior to lifting the seedlings. Such undercutting will be done in a manner and with the equipment selected by the government to provide the best lifting conditions possible considering the seedling type, soil type and soil condition.

3) Empty containers and covering materials - The Government will supply trailer loads of empty containers and covering materials. Contractor shall haul trailer with contractor provided 4 X 4 tractor with operator to the vicinity of seedlings to be lifted.

i) Plastic tubs: Approx. overall dimensions 26 1/2" L x 18 1/2" W x 10 1/2" H. Covering material: Burlap strips approx. 42" L x 36" W.

ii) Tubs with one end cut out: Approx. 24" L X 14 1/2" W X 10 1/2" H Covering material: Burlap strips approx.

84" L x 38" W.

iii) Metal bins 71" L x 41" W x 36" H; Wooden bins 48" L x 48" W x 24" H. Covering material: Burlap strips approx. 84" L x 38" W.

4) Trailer covers - Insulated covers (burlap or tarps) may be provided for each trailer that will be hauling full containers of seedlings. These covers will be used when weather conditions require their use as ordered by the COR or inspector.

5) Transportation of filled containers - The Government will transport all containers from the field.

6) Parking area for Contractor's employees - The parking areas are shown on enclosed Project Map. The contractor's employees will use the Hanley Road entrance.

7) Chemical toilet facilities - The Government will provide chemical toilet facilities at locations along field roads adjacent to the work areas for use by contractor and government employees.

2.2 Contractor Furnished Property, Supplies, and Services

a) The contractor will provide all supervision, labor, supplies, tools, and equipment, except those specified under the section titled Government-Furnished Property, Supplies, and Services.

b) The contractor shall provide sufficient numbers of laborers to maintain a minimum daily production rate of 10,000 linear bed feet unless field, weather, or other conditions exist that limit production and are mutually agreed upon by the Government and the contractor.

c) The contractor shall furnish one (1) English speaking non-working supervisor for every 12 laborers or portion thereof within the lifting crew. Crew supervisors will be actively engaged in the supervision of their crew at all times the crew is lifting seedlings.

d) The Contractor shall furnish one (1) English speaking work leader and necessary personnel to move and pick up containers and covering materials, and one (1) English speaking person to distribute containers and covering materials for the lifting crew as described elsewhere in contract.

e) The Contractor shall provide drinking/washing water, and hand washing facilities for all contractor's employees.

f) For item number 1, LIFTING OF TREE SEEDLINGS, the contractor shall provide a 4-wheel drive tractor with operator to perform specifications identified in sections 2.3.1.1 and 2.3.1.2. The trailer used for hauling will be government-furnished.

g) The Contractor will pick up all loose garbage in field and parking area including outside of fence. This will be done currently or on a daily basis.

h) A garbage receptacle will be provided at the parking area for contractor waste materials such as lunch sacks and food containers. The contractor will be responsible for emptying garbage receptacles.

2.3 Lifting Operations

2.3.1 Distribution of Empty Seedling Containers and Materials

a) Container distribution personnel will report to work 1/2 hour before the scheduled lifting time.

2.3.1.1 Unloading Burlap Covering Material

a) Contractor personnel will unload the burlap strips from the trailer in wooden or metal bins in the vicinity of the individual seedling lots being lifted. The burlap will be distributed evenly throughout the seedling bed.

b) At the end of each lifting day, the unused burlap on the ground will be collected by the contractor and loaded on the hauling trailer into wooden or metal bins.

2.3.1.2 Unloading Empty Tubs

a) Each pallet will have 75 tubs placed on it in such a manner that the tubs are stacked 15 high with 5 stacks per pallet. Each trailer will have a maximum of 6 pallets and 450 empty tubs. The trailer loads may vary depending on ground conditions.

Tubs will be removed from the stacks 1-3 at a time and PLACED on the ground within the vicinity of the lifting crew.

Tubs will not be placed on unlifted seedlings. Tub stacks are secured with four (4) Stout clips per pallet. The clips will be removed and placed in the empty tub on back of trailer.

b) At the end of each lifting day, empty tubs will be collected by the contractor and loaded on the hauling trailers. The tub pickup may begin when authorized by the COR or inspector. Each trailer will haul a maximum of 450 tubs per load. Each load may vary according to ground conditions.

2.3.3 Packing Seedlings into Field Seedling Containers:

a) Two types of tubs will be used. The standard plastic tub will be used only when the tallest seedlings in a single lot are approximately twelve inches or less in height. The modified tub is a standard tub with one end cut off and reduced 4" in width. This tub will be used when the tallest seedlings in a single lot are greater than twelve inches in height and too long to fit into the standard tub. These seedlings will be bundled in burlap and packed in metal bins.

b) Packing into all field seedling containers:

1) Containers being filled must be kept in the lifted portion of the same seedbed to avoid mixing of seedling lots and to prevent interference with Government undercutting and contractor loading operations. When there is no lifted portion of seedling bed available, such as in starting a new lifting section, the container may be placed in one of the seedbed paths being careful not to be in the way of equipment or other seedling lifters. As soon as there is lifted seedbed space available, the container will be moved into the lifted seedling bed.

a) To assure that all equipment is out of the way and all government operations are complete, the contractor will not begin lifting seedlings from any undercut area until authorized to do so by the COR or inspector

b) The contractor's personnel will lift and handle tree seedlings in a manner which will prevent seedling injury or unnecessary exposure of seedlings to harmful elements. Lifting will proceed as described below:

1) Extreme care must be taken to avoid injuring or breaking stems or terminal buds, and root systems. Seedlings will be picked up/removed from the soil by grasping the stems at the soil line and pulling them off/from the soil.

2) Seedlings will be shaken as gently as possible to remove soil from the roots. All shaking will be carried out above the seedbed so that loosened soil will be returned to the area from which it was lifted.

3) To assure logical stop-start points and to avoid confusion with seedling lots, undercutting will normally be stopped at the end of a seedling lot or the end of a seedling bed.

4) Undercut seedling beds are to be completely lifted prior to stopping work.

5) All undercut seedling beds will be lifted before the end of each workday. Lunch breaks will need to be timed with logical stopping points at the end of a lot, or end of a bed. As a result, lunch break times may vary slightly from day to day. All laborers will take lunch breaks at the same time.

6) OPTIONAL- Non-traditional Seedlings (Line Item 1.6) Non-traditional seedlings are non-conifer, hardwood species of tree and shrub. These crops are not commonly ordered at JHSN, so they will only ever make up a very small portion of the lifting and processing each year. These seedlings tend to be much larger than traditional conifers. They often have multiple leaders, long lateral roots, and require more work to lift from the field.

They usually require extra care in the processing shed as well, less seedlings per box, much more root pruning, and more careful inspection for mechanical damage to due the awkward shape and size of these seedlings.

2.3.2 Lifting Seedlings

2) Extreme care must be taken not to mix seedlings from adjacent beds or different seedling lots. Seedling lot division stakes will remain in the same location in the undercut beds to keep packed tubs of different lots separate. The contractor will reimburse the government for any seedlings that are mixed with another lot where lot source cannot be determined.

c) Plastic tubs (tubs):

1) Empty tubs will be placed in the vicinity of the undercut seedling bed. Each tub will contain one burlap strip approximately

3.5 feet long for use in covering the seedlings in the tub. Tubs may be placed upside down over the burlap to prevent drying of the burlap strip when directed by the COR or inspector.

2) The burlap strip will be removed from the tub and any soil in the tub will be dumped onto ground. Tubs are to be filled with seedlings to just below the notches so that a tub stacked on top would not put pressure on the seedlings in the tub below. Seedlings will be placed into tubs with the stems parallel to the long axis of tub. All layers of seedlings in the tub will be placed in the same direction with no mixing of tops and roots.

3) After filling, the burlap strip will be placed over the tub and the excess edges of burlap will be gently tucked between the seedlings and to the bottom of the tub so that no burlap edges are sticking up in order to protect the seedlings from exposure to the sun and air. Full seedling tubs shall be completely covered with burlap strips and shall not have any trees or portions of tress exposed.

4) Filled containers will normally be placed in the center of the lifted seedbed and oriented so that the long axis of the tub is perpendicular to the direction of the seedling bed. In the event that the full tubs overlap each other, they will need to be stacked, when directed by the COR or inspector.

d) Plastic tubs with one end cut out: (Modified tubs)

1) When modified tubs are used, each lifter or pair of lifters will be issued one open ended tub. Strips of burlap will be placed in the vicinity of the undercut seedlings. The lifter will place a moistened strip of burlap into the bottom of the tub leaving the ends of the strip extending out over both sides of the tub.

2) Seedlings will be placed into the tubs in such a way as to prevent bending of the roots and tops. Seedlings will be placed into the tubs so roots are on the burlap with tops extending out of the open end of the tub. When tubs are level full, the strip of burlap will be rolled up tightly around the seedlings to cover all roots and as much of the tops as possible.

3) After orienting the tub onto the lifted seedbed, the tub will be pulled out from under the completed bundle of seedlings. The tub will then be lined with another moist burlap, and the process repeated

4) It is the contractor’s responsibility to assure that the bundles of seedlings weigh no more than 50 pounds and the bundle size is no larger than the filled containers.

2.3.3.1 Loading of Full Plastic Tubs

a) The Contractor will load tubs by individual seedling lots.

b) Full tubs will be loaded onto a trailer as soon as possible after filling.

c) Full tubs will be stacked onto pallets on the trailer. Each pallet will have 25 tubs placed on it in such a manner that the tubs are "stacked" 5 high (top tub resting on appropriate protrusion on lower tub). Tubs will be placed so that they will not fall off during transportation. No more than one seedling lot will be placed on one pallet unless instructed otherwise by the COR or inspector. All tubs will be stacked so that their weight will be supported by the lower tubs, not by the seedlings in the tubs. No seedling parts will be exposed. All tubs will be loaded at time of lifting. All tubs will be secured with four stout clips per pallet.

d) Each trailer will haul a maximum of six (6) pallets and 150 tubs per load. Individual loads may vary as required by lot size or ground conditions.

e) Under conditions such as warm temperatures, low humidity, wind, and high plant moisture stress, the COR or inspector will require contractor's loading crew to cover containers with a trailer cover which is attached to the front of the trailer.

f) Seedling lots will be loaded on trailers in lifting order.

2.3.3.2 Loading of Bundled Seedlings into Metal Bins

a) The Contractor will load burlap bundles by individual seedling lots.

b) Burlap bundles will be loaded into metal bins on a trailer as soon as possible after handling.

c) When loading burlap bundles into metal bins, the bundles will remain tightly rolled and maintain approximately the same diameter as before they were removed from the open ended seedling tub, assuring root systems are not exposed. Seedlings will be carefully placed in bins. No more than one seedling lot will be placed on one pallet unless instructed otherwise by the COR or inspector. Each bin will be loaded level full so no top of bundle is higher than the bin sides. Any seedling tops exposed in loaded bins will be covered with extra burlap. No more than one seedling lot will be placed in one bin. Burlap bundles will not be thrown or dropped into the bins.

d) When conditions such as low humidity, wind, and high plant moisture stress occur, the COR or inspector will require contractor's loading crew to cover the metal bins with the trailer cover that is attached to the front of the trailer.

e) Seedling lots will be loaded into bins in lifting order.

f) Bins will remain on the trailer.

2.3.4 Additional Lifting Operation Requirements

a) The Contractor and employees shall not drive their vehicles onto the nursery fields.

b) Contractor and all employees shall not walk on seedlings.

c) Some seedling lots may require special treatment, such as keeping seedling study plots separate from the remainder of the seedling lot when directed by COR or inspector.

d) Contractor shall not place containers on unlifted seedling beds.

2.4 Suspension of Operations

a) The Contracting Officer or Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) shall have full authority to suspend all operations on all or any part of the project area at any time when conditions are determined to be unfavorable for carrying on operations. This would include, but is not limited to weather conditions, ground conditions, or a shortage of proper containers. The contractor shall not resume operations on any suspended area until ordered to do so by the COR or inspector.

2.5 Not applicable for this contract.

2.6 Production and Coordination:

a) Lifting and processing operations can occur on the same or different days as determined by the government. When lifting and processing occur on the same day the lifting crew may work in the packing shed in the mornings and lift in the afternoon when mutually agreed upon by the government and the contractor. Lifting will proceed until container supplies are exhausted or the two pre-coolers are full of seedlings. Lifting operation days will be determined solely by the Government. The contractor will be given a minimum of 24 hours’ notice of any stoppage or resumption of lifting operations. The contractor and the Government will coordinate the seedling lifting operation with the requirements of the seedling processing operation.

b) Start work times will vary due to frozen soil or high plant moisture stress conditions can be expected. Some early afternoon work shutdowns due to warm and/or windy conditions can also be expected. Minimum daily production rates may be waived by the Government when weather or field conditions do not allow for full work days.

c) The contractor should expect that it may be necessary to change crew size, work irregular hours, on weekends etc. to take advantage of favorable weather and soil conditions and to ensure a sufficient supply of seedlings is available for processing operation.

d) Field starting time will be ordered by the COR the previous work day. In the event the COR determines lifting cannot take place at the ordered time, the contractor will be notified at least 1 hour before the ordered time.

2.7 Miscellaneous requirements

a) The Contractor's and employees' vehicles shall not be permitted anywhere on the Nursery site other than in the designated parking areas. However, the contractor may use two crew buses or similar vehicle per crew (lifting and tub loading) to transport employees and required supplies between the parking area and the crew work area.

b) The Contractor and employees shall use service roads only and will not drive or walk across fields.

c) The Contractor's field employees will use chemical toilets provided by the Forest Service.

d) The Contractor and his or her employees shall perform work in a safe manner.

e) No firearms or controlled substances are permitted on the site.

f) The Contractor and his or her employees shall maintain a clean work site. Lunch trash and other debris will be placed in Government furnished garbage receptacle.

g) Only the Contractor and his or her employees shall be permitted in designated work areas.

h) Smoking is allowed only in designated smoking areas.

i) With the exception of the person distributing containers, stacking full tubs on trailers, or loading bundles into bins, the Contractor's field employees shall not ride on Government trailers between fields or to the processing facility.

2.8 Method of Measurement - Lifting of Tree Seedlings

2.8.1 Lifting:

a) The lineal footage of seedling beds has been measured.

b) Remeasurement of the linear feet of any seedling bed to be lifted under this contract will be made upon the written request of the Contractor. Request for remeasurement must be made not later than the completion of lifting of the seedling bed to be remeasured. Remeasurement will be done with a tape.

3.0 PROCESSING OF TREE SEEDLINGS - SPECIFICATIONS

3.1 Government - Furnished Property, Supplies, and Services

a) The Contractor shall manage Government furnished property in accordance with FAR clause 52.245-1.

b) The Government shall provide to the Contractor the following seedling processing equipment, cleaning equipment, and supplies including:

1) Grading tables: The Government will provide up to four (4) grading tables including grading stations equipped with rulers, caliper gauges, and angle gauges.

2) Root pruning stations: The Government will provide root pruners (paper cutters) with stands to prune seedling roots.

3) The Government will provide lot projections, write specifications on a chalk board, and supply seedling lot tally sheets (Attachment 3).

4) Packing stations. The Government will provide all packing equipment and supplies, including pre-printed labels, except personal equipment such as gloves, aprons, plastic rulers, etc. The Government will provide sewing machines, staplers, strapping machines, boxes, and poly liners.

5) Cleaning equipment. The Government will furnish push brooms, mops, bowl brushes, sprayers, wiping towels, and cleaning supplies.

6) Government will provide on-the-job training to Contractor's clean-up crew on first day of operations.

7) Tape for damaged bags and boxes.

8) Plug popping machines to loosen containerized seedlings from grow containers.

9) Plug wrapping equipment and poly-film to wrap plug bundles.

c) The contractor will be responsible for inspecting Government-furnished equipment for compliance with OSHA standards. If equipment is found to be in non-compliance, the contractor will promptly report such non-compliance to the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), both orally and in writing. Contractor will be responsible for any penalties assessed by OSHA for any violations not reported to the COR.

d) Delivery and removal of seedling containers - The Government will deliver full containers (pallets of tubs. individual metal or wooden bins) of seedlings or styroblocks to the loading end of the grading tables. Pallets loaded with emptied tubs, spare empty pallets, and empty metal or wooden bins will be removed by the Government.

e) Delivery and removal of storage racks - The Government will deliver empty storage racks and legs for assembly to the packing end of the grading belts. The assembled and loaded racks will be removed by the Government.

f) Equipment maintenance - Except for contractor performed clean-up, the Government will maintain and repair all Government furnished equipment.

g) Lunch room and restroom facilities - The Government will provide lunchroom and restrooms for Contractor's employees. Smoking is prohibited in all buildings.

h) Office – Upon request, the Government will provide one desk workspace for Contractor use. The Government will not provide telephone or internet service for contractor's use.

3.2 Processing Methods

3.2.1 Delivery of Seedlings to Sorters:

a) Containerized seedlings will usually be loosened from the styroblock grow containers using a plug popping machine.

This operation usually requires 6 contractor staff. Seedling benches with styroblocks will be transported to the popping machines by the government. The contractor will insert styroblocks into the poppers, operate the popper, remove popped styroblocks and place them neatly onto metal racks for transport to the processing lines.

b) Bins filled with bundled seedlings, pallets of filled tubs, or racks filled with styroblocks will be delivered to the loading end of the sorting tables by government forklift operators. The Contractor will remove the "stout" clips which secure the filled containers and place the clips in the clip container.

c) Contractor will deliver bundles, filled tubs, or styroblocks to the sorting stations. For each seedling lot, the contractor will not begin delivery of seedlings to the sorting stations until authorized by the COR or table inspector. This is to prevent mixing of seedling lots and to provide time for the COR or table inspector to check the seedling lot identification and specifications.

d) The contractor may hand carry tubs, bundles of seedlings, or styroblocks to the sorting stations or transport them to the stations on the top (grading) belt.

e) Bundles that are in metal or wooden bins will be taken out of bins and delivered to the sorters with the burlap strip intact around the root system. Bundles may be placed into tubs for delivery to sorters provided that roots and tops are not bent down into the tub.

3.2.2 Return of Emptied Burlap Strips, Tubs, and Styroblocks:

a) Emptied burlap strips will be placed into tubs, and tubs will be returned to the loading end of the sorting belt. This may be accomplished by placing them onto the bottom belt of the sorting table. Care must be taken not to drop soil onto the packing shed floor.

b) Tubs will be stacked in the nesting position onto an empty pallet by contractor. There will be five (5) stacks per pallet.

Each stack will contain 15 tubs, and the stacks will be secured with "stout" clips. Styroblocks will be neatly stacked onto racks and shrink wrapped to secure. Block sizes will not be mixed on racks.

c) Burlap strips from bundled seedlings will be placed into a designated bin located near the loading end of the tables by contractor. One bin will normally serve two sorting tables. Different size burlap will be sorted into two separate receptacles by size.

3.2.3 Grading of Seedlings:

a) Seedlings will be graded based upon the Description of Acceptable Seedling Standards (Exhibit A). Specifications for height and caliper will be displayed on a specification board for each seedling lot. All grading and pruning specifications are subject to adjustment by the COR or table inspector at any time during seedling processing. The contractor will adjust work accordingly but will not be required to rework seedlings processed before the specification adjustment is ordered.

b) Each seedling will be completely separated from other seedlings in such a manner that branches and roots will not be stripped or otherwise damaged.

c) Each seedling will be graded to ensure that it meets acceptable standards. Any seedling not meeting standards will be discarded onto the floor.

d) Acceptable graded seedlings will be gathered into groups (multiples of five or ten) and placed onto the sorting table.

e) Groups of graded seedlings will be placed on the sorting table conveyor belt with the root mass properly oriented. All cotyledon scars will be aligned within bundles and with a line on the conveyer belt.

f) The graders must assure that all roots in the seedling group are extended so that excessively long roots may be pruned.

This must be accomplished by separating and shaking, rather than handling (stroking) the root systems. Handling damages the fine roots.

g) Seedlings will not be abused in any manner, such as by beating them against person or objects, ripping them apart, , handling root systems, or excessive exposure to drying.

h) All seedlings in each tub, bundle, or styroblock will be graded unless otherwise ordered by a Government table inspector.

i) The graders will cover unsorted seedlings with moist burlap strips when sorting ceases for any reason.

j) Contractor may be required to grade the same seedling lot into two or three size classes (2nd & 3rd) as ordered by the COR or table inspector.

k) Multiple sorts - Government will provide additional tubs where second and third sort seedlings will be placed. Contractor shall remove filled tubs from sorting stations to pallets at end of sorting table.

l) Contractor may be required to save and pack culls on some seedling lots when ordered by COR or table inspector.

(see PWS section 10.0 for payment of cull packing)

m) When ordered by the COR or table inspector, the graders will utilize overhead spray nozzles provided to spray the roots in each seedling tub with water to moisten the roots before sorting.

3.2.4 Catching Seedlings at Packing End of Table:

a) Groups of graded seedlings will be caught at the end of the sorting table in such a manner that the cotyledon scars are aligned for root pruning.

b) Each group of seedlings shall be removed from the sorting belt without dragging roots on the belt.

c) Groups of seedlings will normally be gathered into bunches of 50 seedlings unless otherwise directed by the COR or table inspector.

d) Bunches of seedlings will be placed on the sides of the catching trays to be picked up by the root pruner(s) or plug wrappers. Bunches shall be lifted rather than dragged or slid across the tray.

e) No seedlings will be left uncovered during breaks, down time or any other work stoppage. In such event, bunches may be completed and moved on to the packaging phase or may be covered with moist burlap or other suitable material.

3.2.5 Root/Top Pruning:

a) Bareroot seedlings will be pruned based upon PWS section 8.0 - Description of Acceptable Seedling Standards (Exhibit A). Item number and specifications for root prune target range will be displayed on a specification board for each seedling lot. These specifications may be adjusted by the COR or inspector at any time during seedling processing. The contractor will adjust work accordingly but will not be required to rework seedlings already processed before a specification adjustment.

b) Container plug bundles will be wrapped in poly-film using government provided wrapping equipment. Each bundle will be wrapped tight enough to remain intact when placed in boxes. Wicket bags may replace poly-film for special plug sizes when ordered by the COR or inspector.

c) Seedling roots shall not be abused in any manner. This includes striking them against person or an object, handling (stroking) root system with fingers, or excessive exposure to drying.

d) No seedlings will be left uncovered during breaks, down time or any other work stoppage. When a work stoppage occurs, bunches of seedlings may be completed and moved on to the packaging phase or may be covered with moist burlap or other suitable material.

e) Special root as well as top pruning specifications, may be requested by Nursery clients. When special root or top pruning specifications are ordered by the COR or Inspector, the contractor will initiate special measures to meet these specifications. (See PWS section 10.0 for payment of special root or top pruning specifications.)

3.2.6 Bundling:

a) Bunches of seedlings will usually not be banded into bundles unless ordered by the COR. Government supplied rubber bands and banding tubes will be used when banding.

3.2.7 Packaging of seedlings:

a) Seedlings will be packed into new or used boxes (including plastic liner), bags, or both as specified by the COR or inspector.

b) The government will specify the size of container to use in packaging of the seedlings.

c) Only complete bunches of seedlings shall be placed into the containers. *

d) Unless otherwise specified by the COR or inspector, containers shall be filled to capacity*, allowing for proper closure and assuring that:

1) The weight of the filled seedling container shall not exceed 50 pounds.

2) The containers are not overfilled causing excessive compaction of the seedlings.

* The last bunch or last packed container of each seedling lot may contain fewer trees than otherwise required if trees remaining to pack are insufficient to complete a full bunch or container.

e) Once the quantity per container is established for a seedling lot by the Government that quantity shall be adhered to for the entire seedling lot if at all possible.

f) Seedlings in any type of container shall be covered by temporarily closing the container or by covering by another suitable method during any breaks, down time or other work stoppage.

g) Seedlings shall be carefully packed in boxes or bags in such a manner that the root mass and seedling tops will not be damaged. The orientation of the roots and tops of seedlings in a container will be determined by the COR or Table Inspector at the beginning of processing each seedling lot.

1) Packaging in bags - All bags shall be sewn shut at the top with Government-furnished sewing machines except when specified otherwise by the COR or table inspector. Alternate closing methods that may be specified include rolling the top of the bag down and taping by hand with nylon reinforced strapping tape or strapping with plastic strap using a mechanical strapping machine.

2) Packaging in boxes - Contractor shall assemble and close boxes. Depending upon the design of the box, assembly may require both folding and stapling the bottoms, or folding and inserting tabs into precut slots. Contractor shall place plastic liner in box. The plastic liner shall be fully closed inside each box by overlapping the top a minimum of eight inches prior to closing each box. Closure shall require either stapling, taping, machine strapping, or inserting tabs into slots. The type of closure will be ordered by the COR or table inspector.

3) Bags and boxes that are damaged by the contractor during packaging, shall be repaired using clear tape before removal from the processing facility.

4) The contractor will label each bag or box with two preprinted labels. One label will be placed on each end of the seedling container. The label on each of the containers shall be applied horizontally on boxes and vertically on bags.

In addition, a third pre-printed label shall be placed inside the box.

h) The contractor shall maintain an accurate tally sheet of the number of boxes and bags that have been processed and packaged before the containers leave the processing facility.

i) Empty racks shall be stockpiled by the Government in the immediate vicinity of the tables. Unassembled racks are generally transported in groups of 6-8 with sufficient legs for assembly. The contractor shall move each rack into place and install four legs into the leg sockets of each rack.

j) Seedling containers shall be placed onto the storage racks so that one of the container labels face the forklift lane.

k) All containers shall be carefully placed on storage racks in a manner that will not tear or damage the container or the seedlings. Containers shall not be dropped or thrown. There shall never be more than one seedling lot placed on each rack.

l) All bags and placed on storage racks. Containers shall not overhang more than 6 inches, unless otherwise specified by the COR.

3.2.8 Processing Seedlings for Transplanting

a) Definition: A process where trees are separated individually from each other so that the root mass is untangled from other root masses and is oriented on a vertical axis. The trees are then grouped into bundles of 5 or 10 with their cotyledon scars evenly horizontally aligned. Bundles are then placed on the grading table.

b) Bundles will be collected at the end of the grading table and combined with other bundles into larger bundles (The bundle size can vary between 10 to 100, but generally, the size will be 50 trees. Bundle size will be determined by the COR). After bundle collection, seedling roots will be pruned within a target length plus or minus one inch. For pruning, all section 3.2.5 specifications apply. In this process, trees are not graded, measured or evaluated, and Nursery grading standards are not applicable.

3.3 Sweeping Culls:

a) The contractor will sweep all cull seedlings into cull seedling chutes to maintain a safe work area for all personnel.

b) Sweepings must be swept down chutes in small quantities in order not to overload the cull conveyor.

c) Trash such as paper, rubber bands, plastic, etc. shall not be swept into cull chutes.

d) Culls shall not be swept into cull chutes when yellow warning light, located on the east wall of the processing shed, is flashing.

3.4 Cleanup Specifications

a) Contractor is responsible, during performance of the contract, for maintenance cleaning of the processing shed and associated facilities on each day that seedling processing is performed. Cleaning requirements for various sections of the processing shed are listed below.

b) On first day of operations, the Government will provide on-the-job training to contractor's clean-up crew.

c) Lunchroom

1) Sweep floors after breaks and lunch periods and at the finish of work each day. Mop floors at finish of work each day.

2) Keep tables, counter, horizontal surfaces, window sills washed or wiped clean. Perform several times daily, as required.

3) Clean vinyl wall surfaces and doors, including inside and outside of door glass. Daily.

4) Clean and wash microwave, inside and outside; outside of refrigerator, and stove top. Daily as required.

5) Keep towel dispenser filled. Daily as required.

6) Janitor closet - sweep and mop floor, dust shelves and straighten up shelves. Daily.

7) Dust and clean baseboards and woodwork. Weekly.

8) Windows - clean the inside glass. Weekly.

d) Congregating areas - HALLWAYS, STAIRWAYS AND VENDING MACHINE AREA

1) Sweep and mop stairway and hallways several times daily, as required to keep these areas clean.

3.2.8.1 OPTIONAL Processing Seedlings for Transplanting (Line item 2.5)

Processing seedlings for transplant is not common, and it is only necessary when a client cancels their order after the seedlings have been lifted, but they would like to salvage them rather than destroy them. Rather than careful grading to client specifications for size, all live seedlings meeting a minimum of 3” tall and 3mm caliper are counted. The seedlings are root pruned to 8” so they can run through the mechanical transplanter the following spring.

2) Clean handrails. Daily.

3) Clean and disinfect drinking fountains. Daily.

e) Restrooms, upper and lower level.

1) Clean all wash basins, toilets and restroom fixtures several times daily, as needed to keep clean. Disinfect daily.

2) Check soap, toilet tissue and roll towel dispensers and fill if necessary. As required.

3) Clean all vinyl wall surfaces, stall dividers and doors. Daily.

4) Empty trash containers and replace liners. Minimum daily.

5) Clean windows sills. Daily.

6) Sweep and mop floor several times daily, as required to keep clean.

f) Processing building offices (including all hallways).

1) Clean and disinfect drinking fountain. Minimum daily.

2) Sweep and mop as needed to keep floors clean. Minimum daily.

3) Clean glass window in doors and in the walls dividing the offices from the processing room as needed. Minimum weekly.

g) Processing shed

1) Sweep floor area that forklifts utilize during processing operation, utilizing government furnished sweeping compound. Daily - during the contractor’s breaks and at end of each work day.

h) Night clean-up of processing room and equipment. Daily.

1) A minimum of two persons are required to perform night clean-up work for safety purposes.

2) Sweep all dirt, mud, and seedlings from processing shed floor into seedling chutes.

3) Cover all sewing machines with plastic bags prior to start of washing of processing shed.

4) Wash all grading tables including top and bottom belts as well as underneath belts and roller system to clean out trapped debris. Avoid spraying water on electrical equipment.

5) Wash all pruning stations, banding stations and working stations. Avoid spraying water on electrical equipment.

6) Wash the processing floor and vinyl wall surfaces will daily.

7) Take out all trash cans from processing shed and empty into dumpster.

j) Tunnel and all conveyor systems including that outside the tunnel will be cleaned up each day.

1) Pick up all seedlings that are laying on tunnel floor and place on the conveyor belt.

2) Wash conveyor system including rollers and wash all mud off tunnel floor, making sure that all mud goes into moat.

3) During processing and tunnel clean up, tunnel conveyor system will remain running. The contractor will be required to check every twenty minutes to make sure that the tunnel conveyor system is operating properly. For safety purposes, prior to entering tunnel while conveyor system is operating, employee will notify co-worker or supervisor that he/she will be working in tunnel.

4) During processing and tunnel clean-up, if contractor employee(s) discover equipment malfunction, he or she is required to promptly notify contractor. Contractor in turn shall promptly notify COR in order to determine if defective equipment will impact processing operation the following day.

k) The contractor's clean-up crew will be responsible for the following:

1) Make sure that all lights and equipment are turned off upon completion of clean-up.

2) All tools are placed in designated area.

3) Make sure that all doors and windows are locked.

4) Make sure that nursery gate on Hanley Road entrance is locked upon leaving.

5) Drain water pipes in outside conveyor area.

l) Contractor shall report any malfunction of equipment or problem with facility as well as any safety hazards to COR.

4.0 PRODUCTION AND COORDINATION

a) Lifting and processing operations can occur on the same or different days as determined by the government. When lifting and processing occur on the same day the lifting crew may work in the packing shed in the mornings and lift in the afternoon when mutually agreed upon by the government and the contractor. Lifting will proceed until container supplies are exhausted or the two pre-coolers are full of seedlings. Processing operation days will be determined solely by the Government. The contractor will be given a minimum of 24 hours’ notice of any stoppage or resumption of processing operations.

b) The processing shed will normally work an eight hour shift between the hours of 7:00 AM and 3:30PM, with 1/2 hour lunch break, Monday through Friday.

c) The contractor may need to adjust work hours and days of work or workforce, as needed to meet the requirements of shipping orders or the availability of seedlings for grading.

d) Work stoppage for administrative reasons: Work stoppages due to changes in seedling lots, sorting specifications, root pruning ranges, multiple sorts, or other administrative work changes will not be considered as compensable downtime.

6.0 CREW ORGANIZATION

a) Crew supervisors shall be actively engaged in the supervision of their crews at all times.

b) Prior to start of work, crew supervisors will be required to attend a pre-work training session. This session will be designed to brief the supervisor in all aspects of the contract.

c) Lifting schedule - Crews will be required to lift all or partial seedling lots. Field crews may be ordered to move at any time to different fields to meet Forest Service requirements without additional cost to the Government.

d) In addition to the lifting crew, the Contractor shall furnish personnel to load and unload all containers and covering materials as described in PWS sections 2.3.1.2 and 2.3.3.

e) The contractor or the contractor's designated representative shall remain on the Nursery work site(s) while lifting is in progress. Crew supervisors shall remain with their designated crews at all times.

7.0 MISCELLANEOUS REQUIREMENTS

a) The Contractor and his or her employees shall perform work in a safe manner.

b) No firearms or controlled substances are permitted on the site.

c) The Contractor and his or her employees shall maintain a clean work site. Lunch trash and other debris will be placed in garbage receptacles.

d) Only the Contractor and his or her employees shall be permitted in designated work areas.

e) Contractor's employees shall park their vehicles in designated parking area.

f) Smoking is allowed only outside the southeast corner of the lower level of Employee Center and under the covered area.

g) Contractor or his or her employees shall not use Government telephones.

h) Contractor will not be permitted to accept employment applications or interview prospective employees on the premises of the J. Herbert Stone Nursery, except as agreed upon by the Contracting Officer or COR.

8.0 EXHIBIT A - DESCRIPTION OF ACCEPTABLE SEEDLING STANDARDS

a) The J. Herbert Stone Nursery is committed to shipping seedlings that are ready-to-plant. This means that, within reasonable tolerances listed below, only seedlings which meet the…