Sol_L15PS00165.pdf

SEE ADDENDUMIS CHECKED

CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

FACILITYCODE

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

OFFEROR

LDA

BOISE ID 83709

1387 S. VINNELL WAY

BLM ID STATE OFC HR&ADMN (ID953)

0004276368 CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BYCODE

X

X

X

115310

SIZE STANDARD:

100.00 % FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED ORLDA

RFPIFB

10. THIS ACQUISITION ISCODE

RFQ

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

13b. RATING

NAICS:

SMALL BUSINESS

03/23/2015 1200 MD

03/13/2015

(208) 373-3910Patricia A Fort (No collect calls)

INFORMATION CALL:

FOR SOLICITATION 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIMEb. TELEPHONE NUMBER a. NAME

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

L15PS00165

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS 1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE OF

1 2 0040196596OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

TWIN FALLS ID 83301-7975

2536 KIMBERLY RD

BLM-ID JARBIDGE FIELD OFFICE

15. DELIVER TO

BOISE ID 83709

1387 S. VINNELL WAY

9. ISSUED BY

7.

2. CONTRACT NO.

EFFECTIVE DATE

$19.0

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW

ISSUE DATE

DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

11.

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13a.

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

8(A)

BLM ID-STATE OFC HR&ADM SVC (ID953)

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

Delivery: 11/24/2015 Period of Performance: 04/01/2015 to 11/24/2015

00010 Wyoming Big Sagebrush seedlings 10 c.i. 128000 EA

00020 Low Sagebrush seedlings 10 c.i. 17000 EA Continued ...

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

XX

DATED

Patricia A Fort

. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5),

INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER

ARE

ARE

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ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL

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27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

OFFER

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

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30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

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25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

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REF.

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

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ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED:

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED

40. PAID BY39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER

37. CHECK NUMBER

FINALPARTIAL

36. PAYMENT

FINALPARTIAL

35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

34. VOUCHER NUMBER33. SHIP NUMBER

COMPLETE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS42c. DATE REC'D (YY/MM/DD)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

41c. DATE41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012) BACK

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

00030 Hand Planting 145000 EA

32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

2 2 of

Solicitation Document No.

L15PS00165

Document Title 2015 Diamond A Fuels Brush Planting

SECTION 1

INFORMATION TO PROSPECTIVE QUOTERS

This is a combined Synopsis/Solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation;

proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. Firm, fixed-price quotes are requested under Request for Quotation (RFQ) Solicitation number L15PS00165. This document incorporates provisions and clauses which are in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (FAC) 2005-80. This solicitation is set-aside for small business under North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 115310. The Small Business Annual Receipts for the firm and its Affiliates, for the preceding three (3) fiscal years does not exceed $19.0 Million.

SITE VISIT

(a) The clauses at 52.236-2, Differing Site Conditions, and 52.236-3, Site Investigations and Conditions Affecting the Work, will be included in any contract awarded as a result of this solicitation. Accordingly, offerors or quoters are urged and expected to inspect the site where the work will be performed.

(b) No Site Visit will be conducted by the Bureau of Land Management.

Document Title 2015 Diamond A Fuels Brush Planting

BID SCHEDULE

2015 Diamond A Fuels Brush Planting

Item Number Description Estimated Quantity

Unit Unit Price Total Amount

0001 Wyoming Big Sagebrush Artemisia tridentata spp.

wyomingensis Seedling - 10 cubic inch

128,000 Each $ $

0002 Low Sagebrush Artemisia arbuscula

Seedling - 10 cubic inch

17,000 Each $ $

0003 Hand Planting 145,000 Each $ $

2015 Diamond A Fuels Brush Planting Total All or None $

Document Title 2015 Diamond A Fuels Brush Planting

SPECIFICATIONS

SEEDLING GROWING AND PLANTING

DESCRIPTIONS/SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

PART 1: GENERAL

1.1 SUMMARY

This contract is to furnish labor, equipment, material, and supplies to grow and hand plant 128,000 Wyoming Big Sagebrush seedlings and 17,000 Low sagebrush in the Diamond A area of Twin Falls District - Jarbidge Field Offices

BLM.

1.2 PERFORMANCE PERIOD

Seedling delivery is based on plant health and vigor outlined in PART 2: GROWING OPERATIONS. The planting performance period for this contract is October 14, 2015 through November 24, 2015, however, the contractor will be allowed 14 calendar days once planting is initiated to complete all planting operations. Performance time under this contract shall be 14 calendar days, within the 40 day period. Additional days can be added in the event of adverse weather or planting conditions.

1.3 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

A. 2-5 lbs. of cleaned, high PLS (>75%) Wyoming Sagebrush seed and 0.5-1 lb. of Low Sagebrush seed.

B. References made to tree seedlings apply also to shrub seedlings under this contract.

1.4 LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

Specific unit information and corresponding vicinity maps are located in the Project Data Sheets. Project area and road access can be found on maps available from the Jarbidge Field Office of the BLM, 2536 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls, ID 83301 or the Idaho State Office of the BLM, 1387 South Vinnell Way, Boise, ID 83709-1657. The cost is $ 4.00 per map for BLM.

1.5 BOUNDARIES

Boundaries of the planting sites are identified by the work location maps.

PART 2: GROWING OPERATIONS

2.1 STANDARDS

A. Standards: Supply a quantity of plant 128,000 Wyoming Big Sagebrush seedlings and 17,000 Low Sagebrush seedlings all in containers, from Government furnished seed:

5-10 inch above ground height with more than 50% of crown in full leaf vigor.

1 ½ x 8 ½ inch root system (Tapered) Contained in 10 cubic inch container

B. In the event the contractor overproduces the given supply variation (20%), the Government is not obligated to buy the additional quantities. The Government, however, may choose to purchase seedlings at the unit price bid.

Document Title 2015 Diamond A Fuels Brush Planting

C. The contractor shall provide monthly greenhouse updates on seedling progress with pictures representative of individual seedling and overall progress. The contractor shall do a seedling inventory by August 15, 2015 to determine estimate number of seedlings to be provided. Contractor shall send this estimate to the Government by August 21, 2015. The government may do random greenhouse visits to verify growing progress.

D. All plants shall be hardened off in climatic conditions similar to the planting sites, located in South Central Idaho.

E. Plants shall be culled and graded to specifications above to insure that they meet specifications. Only plants that meet specification shall be purchased.

F. Plants shall be well shaped, vigorous and healthy with a healthy, well branched root system and also free from disease, harmful insect and insect eggs, sun-scald injury disfigurement or abrasion.

G. Plants shall be free of shock or damage to branches, trunk or root systems, which may occur from shipment.

H. Plants shall be grown in 10 cubic inch containers (Ray Leach “Cone-tainers™”) or equivalent containers equivalent or greater in depth and volume.

I. All plants shall have fibrous roots and be well enough established in containers to be easily removed from containers while maintaining their shape and intact root mass.

J. Plants shall not have broken roots or broken containers.

K. All woody plant shall be inoculated with appropriate mycorrhizal fungi. Growers are responsible for verification of colonization.

L. Plants shall be transported in a covered truck and labeled with both botanical and common names and the quantity of plants in each box.

M. Plants shall be transported in a refrigerated trailer if temperatures are expected to be greater than 50 degrees during the time of transport or planting or if the plants will be in a trailer longer than 3 days.

N. Unacceptable plants (those not meeting the specifications listed above) shall be rejected and replaced at no expense to the Government. Unacceptable material shall be removed from the job site and returned to their source at no cost to the Government.

2.2 PACKAGING AND HANDLING

A. Plants can be packaged into cellophane or plastic bundles.

B. If plants are packaged prior to planting do not package with overly dry or damp soil. Soil and roots should slightly damp and firm.

C. Do not package any plant that has broken root mass or main stem.

D. Keep packages in bundles of 10-25 plants.

E. Handling: Protect products from damage while loading and in transit to Shoshone.

Document Title 2015 Diamond A Fuels Brush Planting

PART 3: PLANTING OPERATIONS

3.1 SEEDLING PREPARATION

A. The Contractor shall be responsible for removal of seedlings from the container prior to planting.

B. The Contractor shall be responsible for empty seedling containers and site clean up after planting is complete.

C. Contractor will be required to consolidate and organize used cones for quick removal after planting, as well as boxes and other materials used to transport seedlings

3.2 SITE PREPARATION

A. Clearing of Planting Spot (Hand Scalping) - The planting spot may be exposed mineral soil or covered with vegetation, gravel or slash, which will require a clearing effort before planting. Clearing shall include the removal of all debris, gravel, humus, ash, dead vegetation material and living vegetation (including surface roots) a minimum of two inches deep. Cleared areas shall be no smaller than 12 inches in diameter. There shall be a minimum of six inches of cleared space surrounding planted seedling, i.e. the seedling shall be planted near the center of the 12-inch cleared area. Wherever possible or practical, locate spots on the north and east sides of stumps, logs, and rocks.

B. Preparing the Planting Hole - Planting holes shall be located near the center of the prepared area and shall be oriented at an angle between perpendicular to the slope and true vertical (see Attachment). Planting spots may be cleared (scalped) a maximum of 24 hours prior to plant hole preparation. Planting hole must be two inches deeper than the maximum root length of the seedlings. Plant hole shall be prepared (dug) a maximum of one hour prior to planting the seedling

3.3 PLANTING METHODS

A. Micro site/Standard Shade Specification Planting -The following requirements will apply to all planting units, unless identified otherwise.

B. Seedlings will be planted in accordance with the Microsite/ Standard Shade Specification planting method whenever possible. Proper selection of planting site is important to provide protection from animal damage, sun, wind, loose debris, and other agents detrimental to seedling survival and growth. Planting spots shall be selected where the Standard Shade Specification planting method (stationary shade) protection sources are located. The largest material or feature available is preferred as the protection source. The seedling shall be planted as close as possible, but not more than six inches away from the protection source. Seedlings shall be planted on the northerly (northwest to northeast) sides of stationary material. When transportable or stationary material is not available for protection the seedling shall be planted with the Standard Planting method. Planters will be required to plant all areas, unless they meet one or more of the conditions defined below as unplantable.

C. Plant Spacing will be 5-15 feet and plants will be planted in large groups of 500-1500 plants, or depending on micro-site suitability, but no less than 500 plants per site.

D. Plants will be placed no closer than 3’ feet away from existing live brush plants, but could be placed closer to standing dead shrubs.

E. The prescribed spacing shall be varied up to 50% to take advantage of a suitable planting spot with existing stationary shade. Shrubs not properly placed to take advantage of existing stationary shade will receive a planting spot selection deduction for the above ground inspection. However, if suitable stationary shade is not available within the 50% variance of the prescribed spacing, planting spot selection shall be based entirely on the prescribed spacing requirements.

Document Title 2015 Diamond A Fuels Brush Planting

F. Standard Planting - Proper selection of planting site is important, and clearing efforts will be required to prepare the site for planting and maintaining required spacing. Examples of plantable and unplantable areas in this method will be indicated by the Project Inspector on the project site.

G. Unplantable - an unplantable area (spot) will be characterized by one or more of the following conditions:

Examples of unplantable and plantable areas will be indicated by the Project Inspector prior to planting on the project site.

The Project Inspector will make the determination whether a site is plantable or unplantable. Where an unplantable spot is encountered - The planter shall move over the unplantable spot and plant in the closest plantable spot available, and then resume required spacing. Example of unplantables are:

1. Rock outcrops, talus slopes, and areas of stone, cobbles or gravel over 12" deep.

2. Sites with obvious rodent activity.

3. Sites with obvious run-off, i.e. very bottoms of drainages.

4. Animal & human travel paths - planting sites shall be a minimum of five feet, each side, from travel paths.

5. Within .25 miles of livestock troughs or supplement sites, and

6. Within 50 feet of two-track roads or fence lines.

7. Within 300 feet of main travel roads.

H. Planting will not occur on slick spots where they exist, or near other sensitive areas.

3.4 SEEDLING PLACEMENT

A. Consolidated Containerized Seedling Planting - The seedling shall be suspended near the center of the hole with roots extending down in a near natural arrangement at a depth that, after filling, packing, and leveling, the root collar is even with or slightly below the firmed soil level. No portion of the roots shall be exposed. If an auger is used, seedlings shall be planted in the center of the augered hole. Planting on the side of the hole will not be permitted.

B. Filling and Firming - Moist mineral soil shall be filled in and firmed around seedling roots. Dry soil, ash, organic matter, rocks, and other foreign matter shall be kept out of holes. Soil shall be filled in and firmed progressively (layered) so no loose soil or air pockets remain and the seedling is as firmly planted as soil conditions will allow.

Filling planting holes and firming is done in three phases; filling the hole 1/3 to 2 full and compacting; filling the hole 2/3 full and compacting; and completion of filling and compacting. Compacting shall be done by hand.

Using sticks, hand tools or a boot heel will not be allowed for compacting soil. The Contractor shall not wedge the seedling in the side of the hole. Firming the soil around the seedling shall be done in a manner that assures the seedling and root systems are not damaged. Filled planting holes shall not be stomped with the foot. After the soil is firmed around the seedling it shall be smoothed out to the level horizontal to surrounding soil surface. See Illustration 6. After planting the seedling the stem shall stand erect. The seedling shall not be wedged down with mud or debris. Soil or other debris shall not be left covering the leaves or stems of the planted seedling.

C. Auxiliary Hole - An auxiliary hole is a hole dug on the edge of the 12-inch diameter cleared areas to obtain additional soil to assist in the refilling and firming of soil around the seedling or an attempted hole that did not meet the minimum depth required for seedling planting. These may be dug but shall be refilled with soil or debris.

Document Title 2015 Diamond A Fuels Brush Planting

D. Correct and incorrect planting methods of seedlings are shown in Attachments, Illustrations 2, 3, 4, 5, & 6.

Despite a reference to trees, the same methods apply to shrub seedlings.

3.5 SEEDLING CARE - SEED CASHES (TEMPORARY STORAGE)

A. A Government Official shall approve all seedling caches or temporary storage sites.

B. Temporary seedling caches shall be covered with seedling protection tarps (heat shields) approved by a Government Official and furnished by the contractor.

C. Seedlings stored in boxes, bags or bundles shall not be exposed to direct sunlight. Punctured or torn bags or boxes must be promptly resealed. Containers of seedlings shall be opened only in full shade.

D. Seedlings shall not be removed from shipping containers until needed for preparation for planting.

E. Seedlings in temporary seed cashes shall also comply with all the requirements under Seedling Care (Field Handling)

3.6 SEEDLING CARE - (FIELD HANDLING)

The Contractor shall adhere to the following specifications for care and protection of seedlings:

A. Seedlings shall not be handled in any manner that may cause injury to the seedlings.

B. Frozen seedlings shall not be handled until completely thawed, and shall be thawed in full shade.

C. Seedlings removed from cold storage facilities shall not stand or lay in water or snow, or be covered directly with snow.

D. Each planting crew will have a designated "Tree Runner" responsible to deliver trees from the roadside delivery point to resupply the planters with seedlings on the planting unit, unless otherwise authorized by a Government Official.

E. Seedlings in planting bags shall have only their tops exposed, and shall have wrapping loosened slightly to allow individual seedling removal. Containerized Seedlings shall remain in their plastic cones until they are removed at the time of planting. Seedlings shall be protected at all times from drying, heating, smothering, freezing, crushing, drowning, abrasion, rapid temperature fluctuations, and contact with injurious substances such as petroleum products or petroleum product residues.

F. Individual seedlings shall not be removed from planting bags until immediately before they are to be planted in prepared holes.

G. Seedlings shall be gently removed, one at a time, to prevent stripping or other injury, and quickly and gently inserted into planting holes. Removal by terminal buds is not permitted.

H. Seedlings carried in planting bags shall not exceed the amount that can be removed without injury, or which can be planted before critical heating or drying occurs. This will be determined by a Government Official. Seedlings issued to planters shall be planted out prior to lunch breaks and not returned to storage.

I. Seedlings shall be planted the calendar date of issuance (unless precluded by weather or other unsuitable planting conditions). If seedlings are not planted within this timeframe, they will be considered wasted, unless the Contractor (for excusable reasons) can show that the seedlings could not have been planted. Contractor will be responsible for returning unplanted seedlings to the delivery point or other Government Official’s designated site for storage.

Document Title 2015 Diamond A Fuels Brush Planting

J. Seedlings may not be transported around the site in bundle wrapping only. A planting bag or other approved storage device shall be used.

K. The Contractor shall not do root pruning, top pruning, or culling except with the written approval of the COR. If seedlings are being pruned or culled without written approval from the COR, they will be considered wasted seedlings and will be charged to the contractor.

L. If the Contractor notices dryness of roots, mold or other evidence of damage to seedlings, he/she will immediately notify the Project Inspector.

M. If inclement weather conditions occur during the planting operation which will damage seedlings (such as freezing or high temperature, drying winds, low humidity, or snow which prohibits the planting operation from continuing) any unused seedlings shall be returned to a storage site or Staging Area as directed by the Project Inspector. The following environmental conditions must exist on the site before the Contractor will be allowed to plant. Final decision whether site conditions are unfavorable will be made by a Government Official.

Temperature: Between 32˚ to 65˚ F.

Humidity: Greater than 20% Wind: Velocity less than 10 mph.

Soil: Not frozen more than 1 inch deep; upper 10 inches of soil is moist.

Snow: Less than four inches.

PART 4: DISTRIBUTION AND CARE OF SEEDLINGS

4.1 DELIVERY/TRANSPORTING

A. The contractor will stage seedlings at a pre-approved point on or near the project site, unless other arrangements are approved by a Government Official. Seedlings must be protected against damage to tops and roots, including damage from freezing, heating, and drying as indicated in the following requirements.

B. Transporting of seedlings to the drop off point (Staging Area) locations shall be done by the Contractor.

Transporting of seedlings around the project site with ATV's (or other similar vehicles) must be pre-approved by the Project Inspector. See section on seedling care.

C. Upon arrival at the planting site, seedlings shall be stored in a manner that protects them from direct sunlight, frost, and wind and provides for proper air circulation around bundles or boxes. The Contractor shall provide a space blanket covering for proper protection. Seedlings shall not be allowed to stand or lay in water or directly on snow. Seedlings that are frozen shall not be handled until completely thawed. They shall be thawed in full shade.

There will be no overnight storage of seedlings at the project site.

D. Unless otherwise specified, planting bags shall be a light color and porous material, shall not retain water or heat, shall have a minimum depth of 15 inches, and shall be free of defects. Bags may have a shield of waterproof material attached to one exterior side to protect the planters from water seepage. During the planting operation, seedlings shall be transported around the project site in these planting bags. (See Part 7, Tools and Equipment) Planters shall be restricted to the removal of one seedling at a time from the rolled bundle and only after the planting hole has been prepared.

E. Upon termination prior to completion, any unused seedlings will be returned to the staging area as directed by the Project Inspector. Upon completion of the project all seedlings should be planted out on the project site.

Document Title 2015 Diamond A Fuels Brush Planting

4.2 TIMING OF PLANTING

Seedling survival and growth is dependent on proper soil and moisture conditions at the time of planting. These conditions may only prevail for a short period of time. It may be necessary to plant a portion of a unit and return after snowmelt or when ground conditions are suitable to plant the remaining area. Due to varied situations, this shall be at the discretion of a Government Official.

PART 5: DEFINITIONS

Plantable Spot: An area from which vegetation, ash, duff, and debris have been, or can be, removed and seedling can be planted according to all specifications contained herein.

Unplantable Spot: An area within the specified spacing limits in which it is not possible to plant a seedling according to specifications. Unplantable spots will be recognized as follows: one unplantable will be allowed for each single unplantable area within the plot of square foot size equal to the square of the average specified spacing.

Example: if a single unplantable area of 100 square feet exists on 10 x 10 foot spacing plot, one unplantable spot will be recognized.

Satisfactory Planted Seedling: A seedling planted in full compliance with all planting specifications.

Unsatisfactory Planted Seedling: A planted seedling that fails to meet one or more of the specifications for a satisfactorily planted seedling.

Wasted Seedlings: Seedlings that are lost, damaged, destroyed, or handled contrary to the specifications for the Care of Seedlings, and seedlings in excess of the maximum number creditable as defined in the Tables.

Cotyledon Scar: The location where the seedcoat had been attached to the seedling. This marks the point where the hypocotyl, which grows upward and turns into the stem and the radicle, which becomes the root system differentiate.

Bare Root Seedling: A seedling grown from one to three years in a natural environment.

Containerized Seedling: A seedling grown from one year in a container.

Culling: To remove by any method, any portion of the seedling roots or branches.

Pruning: The cutting of seedling top, roots, or branches with pruning clippers.

Space Blanket: Provides seedling protection from direct sunlight, frost, wind, and provides proper air circulation around bundles or boxes of seedlings.

PART 6: PLANTING STOCK

6-12 month old containerized Wyoming Big Sagebrush seedlings and Low Sagebrush are to be planted under this contract. Planting stock will be provided by the contractor, per contract specifications. In the event circumstances require substitution of age class or species, a modification of the contract will be negotiated with the Contractor to provide for any adjustment in cost due to the substitutions.

PART 7: CREW REQUIREMENTS

A. The Contractor must maintain an adequate work force at all times to insure timely completion of the work. At the prework conference, the Contractor shall provide a work schedule including the planned work force, which must be acceptable to the Government.

Document Title 2015 Diamond A Fuels Brush Planting

B. A non-planting, English-speaking supervisor shall be provided for each crew and is required to stay with the crew while planting is in progress. No more than twelve planters are to be supervised by one non-planting supervisor.

Crew members shall not be scattered within or between units except as necessitated by on-the-ground conditions and only when authorized by the Project Inspector. Planters must stay within 200 feet of the non-planting supervisor. The supervisor must work closely enough with the crew to inspect and accept or pass the work done by the crew to insure contract compliance. The supervisor must correct any errors found in the planting process at this time and continually insure that the planting is done according to contract specifications.

The Project Inspectors will run inspection sample plots to insure contract compliance and to provide the basis for computing the rate of payment and will not supervise the planting crew.

C. The Contractor is responsible for the crew(s) knowing the requirements of the contract including, but not limited to, seedling care, proper planting, spacing requirements, unit location and scalping techniques. The Contractor or the supervisors shall also assure that debris from crew's lunches and other breaks is thoroughly cleaned up. (The Project Inspector will not act as a supervisor to the crew.)

D. The Contractor is responsible for maintaining a crew manifest or roster for both growing (greenhouse) operations and planting operations. All rosters will need to include full legal names of employees and the hours worked each day they are on the job site, including subcontractors and their employees. The manifest will be provided to the government when requested by the COR or CO. The contractor will have 24 hours to provide a manifest if requested during growing operations and manifest will be provided daily during planting operations.

PART 8: TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

A. Unless otherwise specified, planting tools, materials, and containers for carrying seedlings (see 3.02, paragraph C.) during planting operations will be of design normally used in seedling or tree planting work. Only tools capable of opening a hole perpendicular to the ground surface, broken on three sides, and at least eighteen (18) inches deep and four (4) inches wide will be approved for use, unless otherwise authorized by the COR.

B. Tools used in scalping may be McCleods, fire rakes, hazel hoes or hodads. Planting bars, and hodads may be used for planting in rocky areas. Augers may be used in areas with good soil. If an auger encounters a rocky area, the area shall not be passed over. An alternative planting method shall be tried. All containers, planting tools and other tools proposed for use by the Contractor must be approved by the COR and the Project Inspector at the pre-work conference.

Document Title 2015 Diamond A Fuels Brush Planting

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

PART 1: INSPECTION

A. The Government will inspect planting to determine compliance with specifications and to provide the basis for computing the rate of payment. Inspections will consist of observations of seedling storage and handling, site preparation, planting procedures, and examination of individual seedlings on sample plots.

B. The sample plots will be taken throughout the payment item to obtain a representative sample, a minimum of 1 percent sample of the work. A minimum of 3 plots will be taken on all units.

C. Determination of the acceptability of the work performed will be based on these inspections, which will be considered conclusive, except as otherwise provided in the contract. The Contractor or designated representative is encouraged to observe inspections while they are underway.

D. Seedlings that are handled in a manner inconsistent with these specifications will be declared "wasted" seedlings, and may result in assessment of actual damages against the Contractor.

PART 2: PLANTING QUALITY

Planting procedures will be observed and planted seedlings on representative sample plots will be examined to assure and measure compliance with specifications.

PART 3: PLOT PROCEDURE

Install a series of 1/50 acre inspection plots sufficient in number to yield at least a 1 percent sample of the contract acreage. Inspection within each planting area will be done as follows

1. Plot sampling shall be done on an unbiased and random bias throughout the planting area to obtain a representative sample of the work.

2. Select and identify the location of a Reference Point (RP) and identify location of inspection plots and plot number on a unit work map.

3. Identify inspection plot centers on the ground with flagged markers. Mark flagging in permanent marker with unit name and number, plot number, date of inspection and inspectors initials. An additional piece of flagging shall be hung at least 4 feet above ground adjacent to marked plot center.

4. Declare seedlings handled in a manner inconsistent with contract specifications as wasted seedlings.

5. Inspect planting procedures on representative sample plots. Starting north on each plot and progressing in a clockwise direction around plot center examine the planted seedlings to ensure and measure compliance with the specifications.

Record results on the planting inspection sheets using the following above and below ground inspection codes:

CODE ABOVE-GROUND INSPECTION

√ Satisfactory tree S Spacing P Planting spot selection X Site preparation T Tree location on spot

Document Title 2015 Diamond A Fuels Brush Planting

D Planting depth and exposed roots A Stem position or damage F Firmness H Auxiliary/attempted planting holes left open U Unplantable Z Missed planting hole E Existing Tree W Incorrect Species Location

CODE BELOW-GROUND INSPECTION

√ Satisfactory tree O Planting hole orientation R Root configuration and orientation L Altered root length and damage M "Foreign" material in planting hole F Loose soil or air pockets

Planting Units

1. For planting units, determine from Table I the average number of planting spots for the plot based on the average spacing. Enter this number in Column 3.

TABLE I

AVERAGE

SPACING

(FEET)

AVERAGE NO. OF

PLANTING SPOTS

ON 1/50 ACRE PLOTS

8 X 8 14 9 X 9 11 10 X 10 9 11 X 11 7 12 X 12 6 13 X 13 5 14 X 14 4

2. Determine the number of unplantable spots within the plot, and enter this number in column 4.

Unplantable spots are defined in 2.03 E.

3. Subtract Column 4 from Column 3, and enter the difference in Column 5.

4. Using the number entered in Column 5, determine, from Table II the maximum allowable trees. Enter this number in Column 6.

TABLE II

PLANTABLE

SPOTS

MAXIMUM NUMBER

OF SEEDLINGS

0 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5

Document Title 2015 Diamond A Fuels Brush Planting

5 6 6 7 7 8 8 10 9 11 10 12 11 13 12 14

5. Record the number of trees planted within the plot in Column 7.

6. Subtract Column 6 from Column 7. If this number is greater than zero, record the number in column 8 as wasted trees. Do not record any number less than zero.

7. Inspect and record the above-ground conditions of planted trees in spaces under Column 2.

8. Count the number of “Satisfactory” entries in Column 2. Enter this number in Column 9 if it does not exceed the number entered in column 6. If it does exceed the number entered in Column 6, enter the Column 6 number in Column 9. In other words, Column 9 can be no greater than Column 6.

9. Determine the minimum number of trees to be dug from Table III for ST units. This determination is made based on the number of trees that were found to be satisfactory above ground.

TABLE III

NUMBER OF SATISFACTORILY

PLANTED SEEDLINGS

ON PLOT -

ABOVE GROUND

NUMBER OF

SEEDLINGS

TO BE DUG

1 1 2 - 6 2 7 - 8 3

10. Dig trees, starting with those closest to the plot center and progressing outward. Replant the dug trees according to contract specifications after they have been examined.

11. Record findings in Column 2, immediately below entries made for above-ground inspections.

12. Record the number of trees dug in Column 10.

13. Record the number of satisfactory below-ground trees in Column 11.

14. Upon completion of the entire unit, enter the totals of Column 5, 8, 9, 10, and 11 of each sheet on the last line at the bottom of the form.

15. Compute the planting quality by the following formula:

Planting Quality % =

No. of Sat. Trees Above Ground (Col. 9) No. of Sat. Trees Dug (Col. 11) ______________________________ X _________________________ X 100

No of Plantable Spots (Col. 5) No. of Dug Trees (Col. 10)

Document Title 2015 Diamond A Fuels Brush Planting

16. Average planting spots and maximum number of satisfactory seedlings shown in Table I and Table II have been rounded to the nearest whole number and it is mutually understood and agreed that these figures will be used for determining planting quality even though they are not precisely correct from a mathematical standpoint.

PART 4: PAYMENT

It is understood and agreed that the loss to the Government by lowered planting quality exceeds the amount by which planting quality is lower than 90 percent, and that replanting at a later date will likely be necessary if planting quality is below 80 percent.

(1) If the Contractor fails to plant a unit at an acceptable level of quality (90 percent), the Contractor shall, in the place of actual damages, pay to the Government as fixed and agreed liquidated damages as follows for each unit of planted at less than 90 percent quality:

Quality between 80 and 90 percent ..........Actual quality % below 100 Less than 80 percent quality ...............Contractor's bid price for planting for that unit

(2) Alternatively, if quality of planting falls below 80 percent and is not corrected, the Government may terminate this contract in whole or in part under the Termination for Default clause in this contract and, in that event, the Contractor will be liable for fixed and agreed liquidated damages on all units planted where the planting quality is less than acceptable. In addition to liquidated damages charged for unit planted where the quality is less than acceptable, the Contractor may be assessed actual damages for the remaining units that have not been planted under this contract but that have been terminated.

(3) The Contractor shall not be charged with liquidated damages when the unsatisfactory quality of planting arises out of causes beyond the control and without the fault or negligence of the Contractor as defined in this contract.

PART 5: REINSPECTION UPON CONTRACTOR'S REQUEST

A. If the original inspection results are unacceptable to the Contractor, a reinspection may be requested. Requests for reinspection must be made in writing within five days after receipt of notice of initial inspection results. The same inspection procedure will be used but new plots will be selected. The inspection pattern will be shifted so new inspection plots will not overlap previously inspected plots.

B. Inspection Results Used to Determine Payment. The inspection results of the first examination will be used in determining payment and acceptability if reinspection results are within 5% of the first inspection. If reinspection indicates a variance of more than 5% from the first inspection, the results of the second inspection rounded up to the nearest whole percent will be used.

C. Payment for Reinspection by Contractor. If the results of the reinspection rounded to the nearest whole percent are within 5 percentage points of the first inspection, the Contractor shall pay the actual costs of the reinspection based on wages and vehicle mileages of the reinspection crew.

Document Title 2015 Diamond A Fuels Brush Planting

DELIVERIES AND PERFORMANCE

PART 1: DELIVERY

A. The Contractor shall be required to (a) commence work under this contract within three calendar days after the date the Contractor receives the notice to proceed, (b) prosecute the work diligently, and complete the entire work ready, no later than the time specified in the contract, after receipt of notice to proceed. The time stated for completion shall include final cleanup of the premises.

B. At the prework conference, the Contractor shall provide to the COR a written "work progress plan" that details his work force and schedule to provide for orderly completion of the work within the contract performance time.

This work schedule must be acceptable by the Government. As a minimum, the schedule should reflect a progress rate of work to be completed equal to the expired amount of contract performance time. The unit sequence work schedule will be determined by the COR at the prework conference and may be subject to some change because of normal variations in weather conditions at no change in contract time or price.

C. Work shall progress in accordance with the established schedule. An average production rate of (X) seedlings planted per calendar day as follows will be required. The average production rate (X) shall equal the number of seedlings divided by the total performance time for that item. The production rate will be based on a three or four day average.

D. If the Contractor's progress falls behind 20 percent of the established work schedule, the Contractor's right to proceed may be terminated for default if satisfactory progress is not attained within five (5) working days after receipt by the Contractor of a written notice of deficient performance. The Government will have a Project Inspector on the planting site to monitor the Contractor's progress and skill.

PART 2: PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE

A. The Government will issue a Notice to Proceed within one week of contract being awarded for commencement of growing operations. Planting operations will begin on or after October 14th, 2015 and as soon as weather and ground conditions are favorable for survival of planting stock. The count of contract time will start on the date specified on the Notice to Proceed if hand delivered, or on the third day after the post office has issued a notice of certified mail to the Contractor, or when planting commences, whichever is sooner. Failure of the Contractor to pick up certified mail will not be considered an excusable delay.

B. Whenever the Contracting Officer determines that the temperature, humidity, soil moisture, winds, or a combination of these and other physical conditions have become unsuitable for tree survival on any area, the Contractor shall move the work force to another area as prescribed by the Contracting Officer. When no other area is available, the Contracting Officer will issue a Suspend Work Order for the item(s) and the count of contract time will stop for that item(s). When conditions are again favorable, the Contracting Officer will issue a verbal Resume Work Order and confirm the verbal in writing. The count of contract time will resume on the day indicated by the Contracting Officer. It is the Contractor's responsibility to keep the Contracting Officer currently advised as to where the Contractor or the Contractor's representative may be reached by phone during periods of work suspension. If the Contractor cannot be reached by the telephone number provided, or if the Contractor fails to leave a number, written Resume Work Order will be mailed and the count of contract time will resume on the date specified on the Resume Work Order.

Document Title 2015 Diamond A Fuels Brush Planting

C. Prior to issuance of the Notice to Proceed and starting work, the Contracting Officer or COR will contact the Contractor and mutually agree on a prework conference date and location to discuss contract terms and work performance requirements.

D. The Government may, by written notice to the Contractor, terminate the Contractor's right to proceed and declare the Contractor in default for improper disposal of Government furnished shrub seedlings. Improper disposal includes, but is not limited to, the wrongful ditching of or burying of seedlings.

Document Title 2015 Diamond A Fuels Brush Planting

SECTION 2

CONTRACT CLAUSES

1. 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): http://acquisition.gov/far/index.html

52.203-17 Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights and Requirement to Inform Employees of Whistleblower Rights (Apr 2014)

52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance (Jul 2013) 52.204-18 Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance (Nov 2014) 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items (Dec 2014) 52.223-2 Affirmative Procurement of Biobased Products under Service and

Construction Contracts (Sept 2013) 52.223-3 Hazardous Material Identification and Material Safety Data (Alt I) (Jul 1995) 52.223-6 Drug-Free Workplace (May 2001) 52.225-25 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities Engaging in Certain Activities or Transactions

Relating to Iran-Representation and Certifications (Dec 2012) 52.232-23 Assignment of Claims (May 2014) 52.232-39 Unenforceability of Unauthorized Obligations (Jun 2013) 52.233-4 Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (Oct 2004) 52.236-2 Differing Site Conditions (Apr 1984) 52.242-15 Stop-Work Order (Aug 1989)

2. 52.212-5 CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS REQUIRED TO

IMPLEMENT STATUTES OR EXECUTIVE ORDERS—

COMMERCIAL ITEMS

MAR 2015

(a) The Contractor shall comply with the following Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses, which are incorporated in this contract by reference, to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:

(1) 52.209-10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (DEC 2014)

(2) 52.233-3, Protest After Award (AUG 1996) (31 U.S.C. 3553).

(3) 52.233-4, Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (OCT 2004) (Public Laws 108-77and 108-78 (19 U.S.C. 3805 note)).

(b) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (b) that the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items:

[Contracting Officer check as appropriate.] __ (1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (SEPT 2006), with Alternate I (OCT 1995) (41 U.S.C. 4704 and 10 U.S.C. 2402).

__ (2) 52.203-13, Contractor Code of Business Ethics and Conduct (APR 2010) (41 U.S.C. 3509)).

__ (3) 52.203-15, Whistleblower Protections under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (JUNE 2010) (Section 1553 of Pub. L. 111-5). (Applies to contracts funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.)

XX (4) 52.204-10, Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards (JUL 2013) (Pub. L. 109-

282) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

__ (5) [Reserved] http://acquisition.gov/far/index.html

Document Title 2015 Diamond A Fuels Brush Planting

__ (6) 52.204-14, Service Contract Reporting Requirements (JAN 2014) (PUB. L. 111-117, section 743 OF DIV. C).

__ (7) 52.204-15, Service Contract Reporting Requirements for Indefinite-Delivery Contracts (JAN 2014) (PUB. L. 111-117, section 743 OF DIV. C).

__ (8) 52.209-6, Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment. (AUG 2013) (31 U.S.C. 6101 note).

__ (9) 52.209-9, Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (JUL 2013) (41 U.S.C.

2313).

__ (10) 52.209-10, Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (MAY 2012) (section 738 of Division C of Pub. L. 112-74, section 740 of Division C of Pub. L. 111-117, section 743 of Division D of Pub. L. 111-8, and section 745 of Division D of Pub. L. 110-161).

__ (11)(i) 52.219-3, Notice of HUBZone Set-Aside or Sole- Source Award (NOV 2011) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

__ (ii) Alternate I (NOV 2011) of 52.219-3.

__ (12)(i) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business Concerns (OCT 2014) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its offer) (15 U.S.C. 657a).

__ (ii) Alternate I (JAN 2011) of 52.219-4.

__ (13) [Reserved] XX (14)(i) 52.219-6, Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2011) (15 U.S.C. 644).

__ (ii) Alternate I (NOV 2011).

__ (iii) Alternate II (NOV 2011).

__ (15)(i) 52.219-7, Notice of Partial Small Business Set-Aside (JUNE 2003) (15 U.S.C. 644).

__ (ii) Alternate I (OCT 1995) of 52.219-7.

__ (iii) Alternate II (MAR 2004) of 52.219-7.

__ (16) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (OCT 2014) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(2) and (3)).

__ (17)(i) 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (OCT 2014) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)).

__ (ii) Alternate I (OCT 2001) of 52.219-9.

__ (iii) Alternate II (OCT 2001) of 52.219-9.

__ (iv) Alternate III (OCT 2014) of 52.219-9.

__ (18) 52.219-13, Notice of Set-Aside of Orders (NOV 2011)(15 U.S.C. 644(r)).

__ (19) 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (NOV 2011) (15 U.S.C. 637(a)(14)).

__ (20) 52.219-16, Liquidated Damages—Subcontracting Plan (JAN 1999) (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)(F)(i)).

__ (21) 52.219-27, Notice of Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2011) (15 U.S.C. 657 f).

XX (22) 52.219-28, Post Award Small Business Program Rerepresentation (JUL 2013) (15 U.S.C. 632(a)(2)).

__ (23) 52.219-29, Notice of Set-Aside for Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) Concerns (JUL 2013) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

__ (24) 52.219-30, Notice of Set-Aside for Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Concerns Eligible Under the WOSB Program (JUL 2013) (15 U.S.C. 637(m)).

XX (25) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (JUNE 2003) (E.O. 11755).

__ (26) 52.222-19, Child Labor—Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (JAN 2014) (E.O. 13126).

XX (27) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (FEB 1999).

XX (28) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (MAR 2007) (E.O. 11246).

XX (29) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Veterans (JUL 2014)(38 U.S.C. 4212).

XX (30) 52.222-36, Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (JUL 2014) (29 U.S.C. 793).

XX (31) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Veterans (JUL 2014) (38 U.S.C. 4212).

__ (32) 52.222-40, Notification of Employee Rights Under the National Labor Relations Act (DEC 2010) (E.O. 13496).

__ (33)(i) 52.222-50, Combating Trafficking in Persons (MAR 2015) (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

__ (ii) Alternate I (MAR 2015) of 52.222-50 (22 U.S.C. chapter 78 and E.O. 13627).

__ (34) 52.222-54, Employment Eligibility Verification (AUG 2013). (Executive Order 12989). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items or certain other types of commercial items as prescribed in 22.1803.)

__ (35)(i) 52.223-9, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for EPA–Designated Items (MAY 2008) (42 U.S.C. 6962(c)(3)(A)(ii)). (Not applicable to the acquisition of commercially available off-the-shelf items.)

__ (ii) Alternate I (MAY 2008) of 52.223-9 (42 U.S.C. 6962(i)(2)(C)).