Ottawa National Forest North Zone Marking and Cruising RFQ 12363N23Q4244.pdf

(i) This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in subpart 12.6 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, 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.

(ii) This solicitation is issued as an Request for Quotation (RFQ.

(iii) The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2023-04.

(iv) This procurement competition is full and open. The NAICS code is 115310 and the Small Business Size Standard is $11.5 Million. This will be a best value competition.

Contracting Office zip code: 49967-9462

Product Service Code: F099 – Natural Resources/conservation – Other

Contracting Office Address: 1400 Independence Ave., S.W.; MS-1138; Washington, DC 20250

Set Aside: None. Full and Open

**QUOTES ARE DUE BY: 07/31/2023 by 1100 CDT**

All interested businesses shall provide quotations for the following:

(v) Schedule of Items/Price Schedule

Schedule of Items

Item Description Cruise Method

Payment Units

Estimated Quantity

Unit of Issue

Unit Price Total Price

1 Stonefly T.S. - Contract Term Date: 01/05/2024 1a Clearcut (100% Count) STR2 6-8 77 acre $ $

Item 1 Total $

2 Pomegranate T.S. - Contract Term Date: 06/14/2024 2a Red Pine Thinning STR1 4 20 acre $ $ 2b Clearcut (100% Count) STR2 1,3,6,8-19 348 acre $ $ 2c Red Pine Thinning (1st entry) STR1 2,5,7 65 acre $ $

Item 2 Total $

Combined Synopsis/Solicitation Number 12363N23Q4244 Ottawa National Forest North Zone Cut Tree Marking and Volume Determination

6/30/2023

Ottawa National Forest North Zone Marking and Cruising RFQ Solicitation 1 of 49

3 Funky Fig T.S. - Contract Term Date: 05/31/2024 3a Red Pine Thinning (1st entry) STR1 2,4,5 67 acre $ $

3b Clearcut (100% Count) STR2 1,3,6-9 217 acre $ $ Item 3 Total $

4 Kumquat Contract #2 T.S. - Contract Term Date: 01/26/2024 4a Red Pine Thinning (1st entry) STR1 10 30 acre $ $

4b Clearcut (100% Count) STR2 8,9 69 acre $ $ Item 4 Total $

5 Bullhead Stewardship - Contract Term Date: 12/13/2023 5a Hardwood Selection STR1 2-9, 12 234 acre $ $ 5b Red Pine Thinning STR1 1 11 acre $ $ 5c Clearcut (100% Count) STR2 10,11 21 acre $ $

Item 5 Total $

6 Grand Torino T.S. - Contract Term Date: 06/14/2024 6a Hardwood Selection STR1 1,3-5 191 acre $ $ 6b White Spruce Thinning STR1 2 6 acre $ $

Item 6 Total $

7 Flashback Stewardship - Contract Term Date: 11/08/2023 7a Hardwood Selection STR1 1,2 11 acre $ $ 7b Red Pine Thinning STR1 4-13 296 acre $ $ 7c White Pine Thinning/

Shelterwood STR1 3 55 acre $ $

Item 7 Total $

8 Pumpkinseed Stewardship - Contract Term Date:

11/08/2023

8a Hardwood Selection STR1 1, 3-6 151 acre $ $ 8b Clearcut (100% Count) STR2 2 19 acre $ $

Item 8 Total $

9 Model T #2 T.S. - Contract Term Date:

10/27/2023

9a Hardwood Selection STR1 5-8 148 acre $ $ Item 9 Total $

STR1 = Sample Tree Cruise w/ Cut Tree Marking STR2 = Sample Tree Cruise w/ 100 % Count

Ottawa National Forest North Zone Marking and Cruising RFQ Solicitation 12363N23Q4244

Proposed date to begin performance:____________________________________

Minimum number of line items (1-9) the offeror is willing to accept:___________

Maximum number of line items (1-9) the offeror is willing to accept:___________

If the minimum number of line items is less than 9, please list the line items in order of preference.

Schedule notes:

a) Quoted prices must include all labor, materials, tools, etc… necessary to complete the work.

b) The Government intends to make multiple awards from this synopsis solicitation.

c) To be considered for award for and item or items, quoters must submit prices for all items. Award determination will be made on an impartial basis for past performance, technical response, and price. See FAR 52.212-2 Commercial Items (Addenda) for further details.

d) This will be a best value purchase.

Quoter Information Prices Submitted By

Signature: ___________________________ Phone:_____________________________

Vendor Name: _______________________ UEI :_______________________________

Address:_____________________________ Email:______________________________

Invoice Processing Platform (IPP)

The Forest Service is utilizing the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) for the electronic submission and tracking of contracts/purchase orders, invoices, and payment information. IPP is a secure Government-wide, Web-based invoice processing service. Visit http://www.ipp.gov to learn more.

Upon award of a contract, Contractors must enroll at https://www.ipp.gov/vendors/enrollment-vendors.htm. Contractors shall submit all invoices electronically via IPP. Paper copies of invoices will no longer be accepted.

Ottawa National Forest North Zone Marking and Cruising RFQ Solicitation 12363N23Q4244 http://www.ipp.gov/ https://www.ipp.gov/vendors/enrollment-vendors.htm https://www.ipp.gov/vendors/enrollment-vendors.htm

SUBMITTING QUOTE/STATEMENT OF WORK:

1. SCOPE & LOCATION

This multiple award timber mark and cruise opportunity for the Ottawa National Forest consists of nine (9) items. Each item scope of work and standards must conform to the base criteria within the base of this solicitation after award is made. Each items scope of work and design requirements may be found in attachments. Contractors are required to be Forest Service certified, or have in their employ a certified person, before bidding on a contract that includes volume determination. Certification from the Chequamegon-Nicolet or the Ottawa National Forests will be accepted. Proof of certification will be required. The Contractor shall furnish all labor, materials, equipment, tools, instruments, supplies, transportation, professional services and supervision, except that which is designated as Government-furnished property.

ITEM #1 – Bullhead Timber Sale (#41358) – Tepee Lake VMP

Scope of Contract

This contract is for Payment Units (1-12) in the Bullhead Stewardship Timber Sale. It involves timber marking and volume estimation of approximately 266 acres in Northern Hardwood forest types, broken down by the following descriptions:

NOTE: Layout has NOT been completed in these units. Unit boundaries will be marked with three orange slashes above DBH, facing into the unit, and stump marks made with orange paint;

except for the common (shared) unit boundaries which will be marked with two slash mark on both sides of the tree above DBH and stump marks. The Forest Service will traverse all units with GPS equipment and make modifications to estimated acreages will be made at that time.

NOTE: Please contact Doug Sirrine (906)852-3500 for clarification.

(1) HARDWOOD SELECTION, IMPROVEMENT, THINNING (Marking & Cruising)

Payment Units 2-9 & 12: approximately 234 acres

Uneven aged stands or even-aged stands with uneven-aged or even-aged objectives consisting of a mixture of Northern Hardwood types of various size classes. These stands contain both pulpwood and sawtimber Species/Product/Unit mixes. Marking objectives are to remove trees considered high risk, defective, poor form, or mature and to maintain or develop size class structure with optimum growing stock, per the specific marking instructions.

(2) PINE AND SPRUCE THINNING (even-age) (Marking & Cruising)

Payment Units 1: approximately 11 acres

These stands are second and third entries, and generally are heavier to sawtimber-sized trees.

The objectives are to remove high risk trees and thin the remainder of the stand to the desired residual basal area and spacing specifications. Skid trails are generally in place from previous harvest. When applicable and at the discretion of the COR, marking objectives include establishing skid trails prior to thinning to the desired residual basal area and spacing guidelines between trails.

(6) CLEARCUT/REMOVAL CUT (Marking & Cruising - where all trees are counted)

Payment Units 10 & 11: approximately 21 acres

Generally in a clearcut or removal cut, where all LIVE and/or DEAD trees that meet minimum specifications for size or species are designated for removal EXCEPT for trees marked as RESERVE TREES, LEAVE TREES or trees within PROTECTED

AREAS.

In Payment Units where designated Species are too variable for Area Estimate Cruising methods, trees designated for removal will be marked with a paint spot at eye level to verify the tree was counted – a stump mark is not generally required.

(8) SAMPLE TREE CRUISING METHOD

Payment Units 1-12: approximately 266 acres

The Sample Tree cruising method (STR) involves measuring a specified proportion (Sample Interval) of trees in the defined sub-population. The remaining trees included for removal are tallied as count trees. With this cruising method, every tree included for removal must be visited and marked.

NOTE: USFS has not marked the Road ROW unit (13) yet for this sale. This will be done by USFS at a later date. For units that have a road running through them, contractor should still mark/cruise trees up to the edge of the existing road clearing.

NOTE: Government furnished tree marking paint (TMP) will be issued, or returned, by appointment only at the TBD RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE. The primary point of contact for all TMP transactions will be the paint custodian. This person will be identified at the pre-work meeting. BLUE paint has been designated for this sale.

NOTE: USFS will mark ANY and ALL Leave Trees.

This sale can be accessed from the following direction:

From the intersections of M-28 and FH-16, head south on FH-16 for approximately 1.1 miles to Lake 13 Road. Turn left onto Lake 13 Road and travel 4.9 miles to FR 3500 and turn right.

Travel 8.4 miles on FR 3500. The sale will be on either side of the road.

ITEM #2 – Flashback Timber Sale (#51184) Baraga II VMP

Scope of Contract

This contract is for Payment Units (1-13) in the Flashback Stew Timber Sale. It involves timber marking and volume estimation of approximately 362 acres in Northern Hardwood forest types, broken down by the following descriptions:

(1) HARDWOOD SELECTION, IMPROVEMENT, THINNING (Marking & Cruising)

Payment Units 1 & 2: approximately 11 acres

Uneven aged stands or even-aged stands with uneven-aged or even-aged objectives consisting of a mixture of Northern Hardwood types of various size classes. These stands contain both pulpwood and sawtimber Species/Product/Unit mixes. Marking objectives are to remove trees considered high risk, defective, poor form, or mature and to maintain or develop size class structure with optimum growing stock, per the specific marking instructions.

(3) PINE AND SPRUCE THINNING (even-age, 1st Thinning) (Marking & Cruising)

Payment Units 4-13: approximately 296 acres

First thinning’s in pine and spruce stands. These stands consist of a higher basal area of pole-sized trees, and are predominately uniform plantations. Some stands may contain damage from disease or insects. Stands that have not been on “regular entry cycle for thinning” could also include a sawtimber-sized component. Marking objectives include establishing skid trails prior to thinning to the desired residual basal area and spacing guidelines between trails.

(4) WHITE PINE THINNING – (Marking & Cruising)

Payment Units 3: approximately 55 acres

These stands are mixtures of white pine, mixed conifer, aspen and hardwood species. Some stands may contain damage from disease or insects. The objectives are to remove high risk, disease or insect infected trees and undesirable tree species while maintaining a residual stand of healthy trees. Residual basal areas in these stands may vary along with the species composition.

(5) SHELTERWOOD/SEED CUT/OVERSTORY REMOVAL CUT (Marking & Cruising)

Payment Units 3: approximately 55 acres

Treatments may be applied to hardwood, aspen, pine and mixed conifer stands. Some of which may be high risk trees and contain undesirable species prescribed for removal. The objective is to remove or reduce the overstory competition and regenerate or release stocked stands with desirable species.

(8) SAMPLE TREE CRUISING METHOD

Payment Units 1-13: approximately acres

The Sample Tree cruising method (STR) involves measuring a specified proportion (Sample Interval) of trees in the defined sub-population. The remaining trees included for removal are tallied as count trees. With this cruising method, every tree included for removal must be visited and marked.

NOTE: USFS has not marked the Road ROW unit (14) yet for this sale. This will be done by USFS at a later date. For units that have a road running through them, contractor should still mark/cruise trees up to the edge of the existing road clearing.

NOTE: Government furnished tree marking paint (TMP) will be issued, or returned, by appointment only at the TBD RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE. The primary point of contact for all TMP transactions will be the paint custodian. This person will be identified at the pre-work meeting. GREEN paint has been designated for this sale.

NOTE: USFS will mark ANY and ALL Leave Trees.

This sale can be accessed from the following direction:

From the intersections of M-38 and FH-16, head east for approximately 17.5 miles. Turn right onto the Baraga Plains Road and travel 9.4 miles to FR 2249. Turn right onto FR 2249 and travel approximately 2 miles to the intersection with FR 2240 and FR 2248. Travel north on either of these two roads to access the sale.

ITEM #3 – Funky Fig Timber Sale (#41349) – Red Pine/Aspen VMP

Scope of Contract

This contract is for Payment Units (1-9) in the Funky Fig Timber Sale. It involves timber marking and volume estimation of approximately 284 acres in Red Pine and Aspen forest types, broken down by the following descriptions:

NOTE: Layout has NOT been completed in these units. Unit boundaries will be marked with three orange slashes above DBH, facing into the unit, and stump marks made with orange paint;

except for the common (shared) unit boundaries which will be marked with two slash mark on both sides of the tree above DBH and stump marks. The Forest Service will traverse all units with GPS equipment and make modifications to estimated acreages will be made at that time.

NOTE: Please contact Doug Sirrine (906)852-3500 for clarification.

(3) PINE AND SPRUCE THINNING (even-age, 1st Thinning) (Marking & Cruising)

Payment Units 2, 4, 5: approximately 67 acres

First thinning’s in pine and spruce stands. These stands consist of a higher basal area of pole-sized trees, and are predominately uniform plantations. Some stands may contain damage from disease or insects. Stands that have not been on “regular entry cycle for thinning” could also include a sawtimber-sized component. Marking objectives include establishing skid trails prior to thinning to the desired residual basal area and spacing guidelines between trails.

(6) CLEARCUT/REMOVAL CUT (Marking & Cruising - where all trees are counted)

Payment Units 1, 3 6-9: approximately 217 acres

Generally in a clearcut or removal cut, where all LIVE and/or DEAD trees that meet minimum specifications for size or species are designated for removal EXCEPT for trees marked as RESERVE TREES, LEAVE TREES or trees within PROTECTED

AREAS.

In Payment Units where designated Species are too variable for Area Estimate Cruising methods, trees designated for removal will be marked with a paint spot at eye level to verify the tree was counted – a stump mark is not generally required.

(8) SAMPLE TREE CRUISING METHOD

Payment Units 1-9: approximately 284 acres

The Sample Tree cruising method (STR) involves measuring a specified proportion (Sample Interval) of trees in the defined sub-population. The remaining trees included for removal are tallied as count trees. With this cruising method, every tree included for removal must be visited and marked.

NOTE: USFS has not marked the Road ROW unit (10) yet for this sale. This will be done by USFS at a later date. For units that have a road running through them, contractor should still mark/cruise trees up to the edge of the existing road clearing.

NOTE: Government furnished tree marking paint (TMP) will be issued, or returned, by appointment only at the TBD RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE. The primary point of contact for all TMP transactions will be the paint custodian. This person will be identified at the pre-work meeting. GREEN paint has been designated for this sale.

NOTE: Contractor will mark healthy birch and elm as Leave Trees to meet basal area in the marking guides.

NOTE: USFS will mark ANY and ALL Leave Trees.

This sale can be accessed from the following direction:

From intersection of FH-16 and M-28 in Kenton, head north on FH-16 for approximately 5 miles to intersection of FR 1300 and head east for 1.7 miles to FR 1320. The sale is on either side of FR 1320 and FR 1324.

ITEM #4 – Grand Torino Timber Sale (#51157) – Prickett VMP

Scope of Contract

This contract is for Payment Units (1-5) in the Grand Torino Timber Sale. It involves timber marking and volume estimation of approximately 197 acres in Northern Hardwood forest types, broken down by the following descriptions:

Ottawa National Forest North Zone Marking and Cruising RFQ Solicitation 12363N23Q4244 jdking Highlight jdking Highlight jdking Highlight jdking Highlight jdking Highlight

(1) HARDWOOD SELECTION, IMPROVEMENT, THINNING (Marking & Cruising)

Payment Units 1 & 3-5: approximately 191 acres

Uneven aged stands or even-aged stands with uneven-aged or even-aged objectives consisting of a mixture of Northern Hardwood types of various size classes. These stands contain both pulpwood and sawtimber Species/Product/Unit mixes. Marking objectives are to remove trees considered high risk, defective, poor form, or mature and to maintain or develop size class structure with optimum growing stock, per the specific marking instructions.

Payment Units 2: approximately 6 acres

First thinning’s in pine and spruce stands. These stands consist of a higher basal area of pole-sized trees, and are predominately uniform plantations. Some stands may contain damage from disease or insects. Stands that have not been on “regular entry cycle for thinning” could also include a sawtimber-sized component. Marking objectives include establishing skid trails prior to thinning to the desired residual basal area and spacing guidelines between trails.

(8) SAMPLE TREE CRUISING METHOD

Payment Units 1-5: approximately 197 acres

The Sample Tree cruising method (STR) involves measuring a specified proportion (Sample Interval) of trees in the defined sub-population. The remaining trees included for removal are tallied as count trees. With this cruising method, every tree included for removal must be visited and marked.

NOTE: USFS has not marked the Road ROW unit (6) yet for this sale. This will be done by USFS at a later date. For units that have a road running through them, contractor should still mark/cruise trees up to the edge of the existing road clearing.

NOTE: Government furnished tree marking paint (TMP) will be issued, or returned, by appointment only at the TBD RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE. The primary point of contact for all TMP transactions will be the paint custodian. This person will be identified at the pre-work meeting. BLUE paint has been designated for this sale.

NOTE: USFS will mark ANY and ALL Leave Trees.

This sale can be accessed from the following direction:

From M-38 and FH 16, travel 4.4 miles east to Newberry Road. Turn south and travel approximately 2.2 miles. Sale is along the west side of road off of FR 1756 and FR 1759.

ITEM #5 – Kumquat Contract 2 Timber Sale (#41348) – Red Pine/Aspen VMP

Scope of Contract

This contract is for Payment Units (8-10) in the Kumquat Contract 2 Timber Sale. It involves timber marking and volume estimation of approximately 99 acres in Red Pine and Aspen forest types, broken down by the following descriptions:

(3) PINE AND SPRUCE THINNING (even-age, 1st Thinning) (Marking & Cruising)

Payment Units 10: approximately 30 acres

First thinning’s in pine and spruce stands. These stands consist of a higher basal area of pole-sized trees, and are predominately uniform plantations. Some stands may contain damage from disease or insects. Stands that have not been on “regular entry cycle for thinning” could also include a sawtimber-sized component. Marking objectives include establishing skid trails prior to thinning to the desired residual basal area and spacing guidelines between trails.

(6) CLEARCUT/REMOVAL CUT (Marking & Cruising - where all trees are counted)

Payment Units 8 & 9: approximately 69 acres

Generally in a clearcut or removal cut, where all LIVE and/or DEAD trees that meet minimum specifications for size or species are designated for removal EXCEPT for trees marked as RESERVE TREES, LEAVE TREES or trees within PROTECTED

AREAS.

In Payment Units where designated Species are too variable for Area Estimate Cruising methods, trees designated for removal will be marked with a paint spot at eye level to verify the tree was counted – a stump mark is not generally required.

(8) SAMPLE TREE CRUISING METHOD

Payment Units 8-10: approximately 99 acres

The Sample Tree cruising method (STR) involves measuring a specified proportion (Sample Interval) of trees in the defined sub-population. The remaining trees included for removal are tallied as count trees. With this cruising method, every tree included for removal must be visited and marked.

NOTE: USFS has not marked the Road ROW unit (9) yet for this sale. This will be done by USFS at a later date. For units that have a road running through them, contractor should still mark/cruise trees up to the edge of the existing road clearing.

NOTE: Government furnished tree marking paint (TMP) will be issued, or returned, by appointment only at the TBD RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE. The primary point of contact for all TMP transactions will be the paint custodian. This person will be identified at the pre-work meeting. GREEN paint has been designated for this sale.

NOTE: Contractor will mark Leave Trees in PU 8 & 9 at the rate of 2-3 healthy trees per acre of either paper birch and/or northern red oak, depending on availability.

This sale can be accessed from the following direction:

From intersection of FH-16 and M-28 in Kenton, head north on FH-16 for approximately 6.5 miles to intersection of FR 1300 and head east for 1.3 miles. Sale is along FR 1300.

ITEM #6 – Model T Contract 2 Timber Sale (#51160) – Baraga II VMP

Scope of Contract

This contract is for Payment Units (5-8) in the Model T Contract #2 Timber Sale. It involves timber marking and volume estimation of approximately 148 acres in Northern Hardwood forest types, broken down by the following descriptions:

(1) HARDWOOD SELECTION, IMPROVEMENT, THINNING (Marking & Cruising)

Payment Units 5-8: approximately 148 acres

Uneven aged stands or even-aged stands with uneven-aged or even-aged objectives consisting of a mixture of Northern Hardwood types of various size classes. These stands contain both pulpwood and sawtimber Species/Product/Unit mixes. Marking objectives are to remove trees considered high risk, defective, poor form, or mature and to maintain or develop size class structure with optimum growing stock, per the specific marking instructions.

(8) SAMPLE TREE CRUISING METHOD

Payment Units 5-8: approximately 148 acres

The Sample Tree cruising method (STR) involves measuring a specified proportion (Sample Interval) of trees in the defined sub-population. The remaining trees included for removal are tallied as count trees. With this cruising method, every tree included for removal must be visited and marked.

NOTE: USFS has not marked the Road ROW unit (9) yet for this sale. This will be done by USFS at a later date. For units that have a road running through them, contractor should still mark/cruise trees up to the edge of the existing road clearing.

NOTE: Government furnished tree marking paint (TMP) will be issued, or returned, by appointment only at the TBD RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE. The primary point of contact for all TMP transactions will be the paint custodian. This person will be identified at the pre-work meeting. BLUE paint has been designated for this sale.

NOTE: USFS will mark ANY and ALL Leave Trees.

This sale can be accessed from the following direction:

From Kenton, MI, head east on M-28 approximately 9.3 mi to FR-2200/Sturgeon Gorge Rd.;

then north on FR-2200/Sturgeon Gorge Rd. approximately 16.1 mi to FR-2291.; then west on FR-2291 for approximately 1.5 miles. Sale is on south side of the road. From M-38, head south on Baraga Plains Rd. for approximately 3.1 miles to FR-2200/Clear Creek Rd.; then southwest on FR-2200/Clear Creek Rd. approximately 4.5 miles to FR-2291; then northwest on FR-2291 for approximately 1.5 miles. Sale is on south side of the road.

ITEM #7 – Pomegranate Timber Sale (#41357) Red Pine/Aspen/Baraga II VMP

Scope of Contract

This contract is for Payment Units (1-19) in the Pomegranate Timber Sale. It involves timber marking and volume estimation of approximately 433 acres in Aspen, Red Pine, Jack Pine forest types, broken down by the following descriptions:

(2) PINE AND SPRUCE THINNING (even-age) (Marking & Cruising)

Payment Units 4: approximately 20 acres

These stands are second and third entries, and generally are heavier to sawtimber-sized trees.

The objectives are to remove high risk trees and thin the remainder of the stand to the desired residual basal area and spacing specifications. Skid trails are generally in place from previous harvest. When applicable and at the discretion of the COR, marking objectives include establishing skid trails prior to thinning to the desired residual basal area and spacing guidelines between trails.

(3) PINE AND SPRUCE THINNING (even-age, 1st Thinning) (Marking & Cruising)

Payment Units 2, 5, 7: approximately 65 acres

First thinning’s in pine and spruce stands. These stands consist of a higher basal area of pole-sized trees, and are predominately uniform plantations. Some stands may contain damage from disease or insects. Stands that have not been on “regular entry cycle for thinning” could also include a sawtimber-sized component. Marking objectives include establishing skid trails prior to thinning to the desired residual basal area and spacing guidelines between trails.

(6) CLEARCUT/REMOVAL CUT (Marking & Cruising - where all trees are counted)

Payment Units 1, 3, 6, 8-19: approximately 348 acres

Generally in a clearcut or removal cut, where all LIVE and/or DEAD trees that meet minimum specifications for size or species are designated for removal EXCEPT for trees marked as RESERVE TREES, LEAVE TREES or trees within PROTECTED

AREAS.

In Payment Units where designated Species are too variable for Area Estimate Cruising methods, trees designated for removal will be marked with a paint spot at eye level to verify the tree was counted – a stump mark is not generally required.

(8) SAMPLE TREE CRUISING METHOD

Payment Units 1-19: approximately 433 acres

The Sample Tree cruising method (STR) involves measuring a specified proportion (Sample Interval) of trees in the defined sub-population. The remaining trees included for removal are tallied as count trees. With this cruising method, every tree included for removal must be visited and marked.

NOTE: USFS has not marked the Road ROW unit (20) yet for this sale. This will be done by USFS at a later date. For units that have a road running through them, contractor should still mark/cruise trees up to the edge of the existing road clearing.

NOTE: Government furnished tree marking paint (TMP) will be issued, or returned, by appointment only at the TBD RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE. The primary point of contact for all TMP transactions will be the paint custodian. This person will be identified at the pre-work meeting. GREEN paint has been designated for this sale.

NOTE: Contractor will mark healthy birch and elm as Leave Trees to meet basal area in the marking guides.

NOTE: USFS will mark ANY and ALL Leave Trees.

This sale can be accessed from the following direction:

From intersection of FH-16 and M-28 in Kenton, head north on FH-16 for approximately 5 miles to intersection of FR 1300 and head east for 2.5 miles to FR 1334. Sale is north on either side of

FR 1334.

ITEM #8 – Pumpkinseed Timber Sale (#30521) – Tepee Lake VMP

Scope of Contract

This contract is for Payment Units (1-6) in the Pumpkinseed Stewardship Timber Sale. It involves timber marking and volume estimation of approximately 170 acres in Northern Hardwood forest types, broken down by the following descriptions:

NOTE: Layout has NOT been completed in these units. Unit boundaries will be marked with three orange slashes above DBH, facing into the unit, and stump marks made with orange paint;

except for the common (shared) unit boundaries which will be marked with two slash mark on both sides of the tree above DBH and stump marks. The Forest Service will traverse all units

Ottawa National Forest North Zone Marking and Cruising RFQ Solicitation 12363N23Q4244 with GPS equipment and make modifications to estimated acreages will be made at that time.

NOTE: Please contact Doug Sirrine (906)852-3500 for clarification.

(1) HARDWOOD SELECTION, IMPROVEMENT, THINNING (Marking & Cruising)

Payment Units 1, 3-6: approximately 151 acres

Uneven aged stands or even-aged stands with uneven-aged or even-aged objectives consisting of a mixture of Northern Hardwood types of various size classes. These stands contain both pulpwood and sawtimber Species/Product/Unit mixes. Marking objectives are to remove trees considered high risk, defective, poor form, or mature and to maintain or develop size class structure with optimum growing stock, per the specific marking instructions.

(6) CLEARCUT/REMOVAL CUT (Marking & Cruising - where all trees are counted)

Payment Unit 2: approximately 19 acres

Generally in a clearcut or removal cut, where all LIVE and/or DEAD trees that meet minimum specifications for size or species are designated for removal EXCEPT for trees marked as RESERVE TREES, LEAVE TREES or trees within PROTECTED

AREAS.

In Payment Units where designated Species are too variable for Area Estimate Cruising methods, trees designated for removal will be marked with a paint spot at eye level to verify the tree was counted – a stump mark is not generally required.

(8) SAMPLE TREE CRUISING METHOD

Payment Units 1-6: approximately 170 acres

The Sample Tree cruising method (STR) involves measuring a specified proportion (Sample Interval) of trees in the defined sub-population. The remaining trees included for removal are tallied as count trees. With this cruising method, every tree included for removal must be visited and marked.

NOTE: USFS has not marked the Road ROW unit (7) yet for this sale. This will be done by USFS at a later date. For units that have a road running through them, contractor should still mark/cruise trees up to the edge of the existing road clearing.

NOTE: Government furnished tree marking paint (TMP) will be issued, or returned, by appointment only at the TBD RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE. The primary point of contact for all TMP transactions will be the paint custodian. This person will be identified at the pre-work meeting. BLUE paint has been designated for this sale.

NOTE: USFS will mark ANY and ALL Leave Trees.

This sale can be accessed from the following direction:

From intersection of M-28 and FH-16 south in Kenton, travel south on FH-16 approximately 9.1 miles to Robinson Lake Road. Head west on Robinson Lake Road and travel approximately 2.2 miles to FR 3612. Head south on FR 3612 for approximately 1 mile. The sale is along either side of the road.

ITEM #9 – Stonefly Timber Sale (#10125) – Aspen VMP

Scope of Contract

This contract is for Payment Units (6-8) in the Stone Fly Stewardship Timber Sale. It involves timber marking and volume estimation of approximately 77 acres in Aspen forest types, broken down by the following descriptions:

(6) CLEARCUT/REMOVAL CUT (Marking & Cruising - where all trees are counted)

Payment Units 6-8: approximately 77 acres

Generally in a clearcut or removal cut, where all LIVE and/or DEAD trees that meet minimum specifications for size or species are designated for removal EXCEPT for trees marked as RESERVE TREES, LEAVE TREES or trees within PROTECTED

AREAS.

In Payment Units where designated Species are too variable for Area Estimate Cruising methods, trees designated for removal will be marked with a paint spot at eye level to verify the tree was counted – a stump mark is not generally required.

(8) SAMPLE TREE CRUISING METHOD

Payment Units 6-8: approximately 77 acres

The Sample Tree cruising method (STR) involves measuring a specified proportion (Sample Interval) of trees in the defined sub-population. The remaining trees included for removal are tallied as count trees. With this cruising method, every tree included for removal must be visited and marked.

NOTE: Payment units 1-5, 9 & 10 (Road ROW unit) have already been marked.

NOTE: Government furnished tree marking paint (TMP) will be issued, or returned, by appointment only at the Ranger District Office to be determined at the pre-work meeting. The primary point of contact for all TMP transactions will be the paint custodian. This person will be identified at the pre-work meeting. GREEN paint has been designated for this sale.

NOTE: USFS will mark ANY and ALL Leave Trees.

This sale can be accessed from the following direction:

From M-28 in Matchwood, travel south on the Matchwood Tower Road approximately 6 miles to where it turns into FR 6930 at Matchwood Tower. Continue 5 miles along FR 6930. The sale is primarily on the east side of FR 6930.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATES

Bullhead: 12/13/2023 Flashback: 11/08/2023 Funky Fig: 5/31/2024 Grand Torino: 6/14/2024 Kumquat: 1/26/2024 ModelT2: 10/27/2023 Pomegranate: 6/14/2024 Pumpkinseed: 11/08/2023 Stonefly: 01/05/2024

Start dates for periods of performance will be negotiated at the time of award.

LOCATIONS AND DESCRIPTIONS

(a) Project areas Kenton Ranger District of the Ottawa National Forest. See project maps in Attachment A and detail “LOCATION” descriptions in the item scope of work for access.

(b) Any one or a combination of the following types of harvests may be included in future projects. Specific prescriptions providing further detail will be provided for those projects.

(1) Red Pine, White Pine, Red Oak or Northern Hardwood thinning: Up to 40 percent of the basal area will be harvested, usually by marking individual trees for cutting. Generally, trees chosen for removal are suppressed, diseased, or of poor form.

Rows of trees are often removed when thinning pine plantations to provide access. Some trees with wildlife or diversity characteristics are retained.

(2) Paper Birch, Northern Hardwood, Red Oak or Aspen shelterwood cuts:

About 40 to 60 percent of the trees will be removed. White pine and hardwoods would be favored for retaining before aspen and paper birch. Trees may be marked or designated for cutting or retaining.

(3) Northern Hardwood selection cuts with canopy gap: Work toward producing an uneven-aged stand by individually marking trees for harvest, plus up to 15 percent of the area will be harvested as canopy gaps, ranging in size from 30 to 60 feet in diameter. The trees removed will generally be the ones exhibiting slower growth rates or signs of insect or disease infestation. Trees with crooks, forks, or other less desirable characteristics for use in making wood products will also be selected for harvesting.

(4) Aspen, Jack Pine or Balsam Fir clearcuts: Clearcuts consist of designating the majority of the trees (aspen, Jack pine, paper birch, maples, balsam fir) for cutting. Individual trees or small areas will be reserved from harvesting. Balsam fir types are often patch clearcut with about 50 percent of 20- to 60-acre stands harvested in 1- to 8-acre patches.

(5) Any Timber Type Special Harvests: Specific prescriptions may be included which incorporate a variety of ecosystem, timber, recreation, aesthetics, or wildlife values. Some prescriptions may not follow standard silvicultural guides.

PRE-WORK CONFERENCE

A conference will be held prior to the start of work on any contract awarded. The Contracting Officer (CO) and/or Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) will meet with contractor to discuss contract items, work performance requirements, government furnished materials and work conditions pertaining to the contract. The contractor’s operating plan outlining the schedule of performance, inspection system, and any other submittals required will be due at this time. Location of conference will be determined by the Forest Service, in consultation with the contractor. The CO will contact the contractor to schedule the pre-work conference to take place within 15 days of award.

UNIT BOUNDARY MARKINGS

When included in the contract, Contractors shall mark unit boundaries on the ground according to the following specifications:

(a) The Contractor shall mark and traverse boundaries as specified in the contract. Aerial

Ottawa National Forest North Zone Marking and Cruising RFQ Solicitation 12363N23Q4244 photos will be issued for stand delineation. Compartment base maps will be issued to serve as a guide. The Contractor shall be required to mark reserved area boundaries (may include known cultural resource sites), if included in the contract. No marking shall occur within the reserved areas. The Contractor shall face paint away from roads and trails, if directed to do so by the Government. Unit boundaries shall be marked with paint (furnished by the Government) as specified for each project, unless changed by written agreement.

(b) Unit boundaries that are traversed shall have an accuracy of 1:50 for 20 acres or less or 1:100 for more than 20 acres. If the prescription is a non-clearcut unit, the maximum error of closure shall be 1:50 for any acreage. Tools to be used shall be either a global positioning system which meets the standards of accuracy described below or a compass used with either a hip chain or surveyor's tape. The Government will compute acreage and error of closure. The Contractor shall do verification traverses, if the error of closure ratio is not met.

(c) Global Positioning System (GPS) Standards are outlined in the Area Determination Attachment (FSH 2409.12-50)

(1) All crew members using the GPS equipment for timber sale preparation shall be trained in its use and have a basic understanding of how GPS works before collecting field data.

(2) All positional fixes e collected by the remote GPS receiver shall be collected under the following conditions:

(i) Position Dilution of Precision (PDOP) no greater than 6,

(ii) minimum signal level of 6 or the manufacturer's recommended level for good signal quality, and/or

(iii) meet all requirements under FSH 2409.12 Chapter 50 (Area Determination)

(3) The reference/base station for differential corrections shall be of a third order (or better), North American Datum (NAD) 83 datum position.

(4) Position fixes shall be collected while moving around the perimeter and shall be collected at a time interval that will accurately define the perimeter of the traverse. A 5-second interval is suggested for a walk file; however if moving more rapidly, a 1-second interval may be appropriate. Loss of position fixes (signal) for a short duration while moving in a straight line is acceptable; however, position fixes must be received while moving through all turning points in order to portray the true representation of the traverse.

(5) A computer display or plot of the file should show positional fixes lying one after another in a relative sequential pattern, defining the perimeter of the traverse. There should be only slight irregularities (jumping from side to side) of positional fixes. If some of these are outliers (do not represent the traverse), they shall be edited from the file. The person who collected the data shall review a computer display or large-scale plot of the data. It should be reviewed for the following:

(i) Consistency of data collection (look for a smooth string of fixes).

(ii) large spacing between points, which would indicate loss of signal and the possibility of missing positional fixes at critical turning points that would define the traverse; and

(iii) The polygon resembling the traverse walked in the field.

(iv) Area Error Estimation must be completed for data collected and adjustments or re- collection of data determined.

SELECTING TIMBER FOR HARVEST

The Contractor shall select and mark trees for harvest according to the general marking instructions and detailed prescriptions. For a tree to be designated for harvest, it must meet minimum tree specifications and include one minimum piece. Trees selected for harvest must be capable of being economically felled and removed without damage to the residual stand.

See the "Minimum Tree and Piece Specifications" table in Section J.

MARKING TREES FOR HARVEST

(a) Variable plot sampling: Where specified in the contract, the Contractor may use variable plot sampling to determine volumes after acreage is computed. The plots shall be sampled with a 10 BAF prism. Grid size will be specified for each project.

(b) Marking in Cut Tree Mark (CTM) Units or Leave Tree Mark (LTM) Units: Sawtimber and pulpwood trees shall be marked with paint at or above DBH and on the stump below normal stump height as close to the ground as possible. Paint shall be applied liberally to the stump spots. Stump marks shall be placed inside butt flanges where possible to protect from damage during felling and skidding. Paint shall be placed on areas free or scraped free of moss.

(c) Paint is for marking trees for cutting, tallying trees, and strip lines. Strip lines are to be confined to sub-merchantable trees (mostly less than 4-inch DBH). Stump marks shall be applied using proper technique. The stump marks shall be placed on clean bark or wood, not moss or dirty stumps. Moss or other debris may need to be removed, without damaging tree. Marks shall be located on the LOW SIDE of the stump in recessed portions of the stump. (Shears and headsaw harvesters are capable of cutting extremely low stumps.) A liberal amount of paint shall be used on stump marks, since these are very important marks and must be durable.

(d) All paint marks shall be concentrated in spots or slashes of paint with a minimum 7 square inches of paint per mark. The Contractor may be required to paint both sides of each tree with spots or slashes or may be required to paint two sides of the stump, as identified for each project.

(e) When the prescription requires the creation of canopy gaps, all undesirable non-merchantable trees shall be marked at DBH on two sides of the tree and one stump mark.

(f) Sub-merchantable trees within skid trails shall be marked at DBH on two sides of the tree and one stump mark.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

Any survey corner monument (bearing tree) or any tree that has been blazed as a line tree along an established land line or any tree which is designated as a superior tree shall not be designated for cutting. Superior trees are designated with a white ring around the tree bole, generally at breast height. There may be other trees marked with a white ring that are not superior trees. Do not cut any trees with white paint rings.

CROP TREES

A crop tree is a tree that contains or has the potential to produce two 8-foot logs of Grade 2 or better quality.

CRUISING DESIGNATED SPECIES

Merchantable trees of designated species to be cruised may or may not need a paint mark, as specified for each project. Some trees of a designated species may be required to be reserved with paint.

ADHERENCE TO RESIDUAL BASAL AREA OBJECTIVE

The Contractor shall use a 10 BAF (basal area factor) wedge prism, Relaskop, or other equivalent optical instrument to check residual stand basal area during the marking of harvest units.

VOLUME ESTIMATION

(a) The Contractor shall perform volume estimation accurately to insure that net volume estimates are within +/- 10 percent for sawtimber and +/- 5 percent for the combined total of the sample trees check cruised.

(b) Individual Tree Count Cruising

(1) Sample Tree Selection. The Contractor shall use a random selection of sample trees by the timber cruisers. Sampling intensity for each stratum will be included in the Cruise Design Specifications for each project. Details concerning sampling will be finalized at the post award conference for each contract.

(2) Sample Tree Measurements. Sample tree measurements shall be made according to methods outlined in Forest Service Handbook 2409.12, Timber Cruising Handbook, Chapter 10 (see Section J). Required measurements include:

(i) DBH (DBH taken at points other than 4.5 feet above ground on the high side of the tree because of swell or other bole deformities shall be identified with a horizontal paint mark on the tree bole at the point of measurement).

(ii) Merchantable height measured from the ground to the nearest foot.

(iii) Determination of internal and external defects including sweep, crook, rot, etc.

(c) Variable Plot Sample Cruising (Point Count Measure Tree)

(1) Sample Tree Selection

(i) Use a compass and proceed in a north, south, east, or west direction.

(ii) Use a straight stake or engineering flag for the plot center. Determine north from this plot center.

(iii) The first tree to the right of north that falls within the basal area factor shall be the first measured and counted tree and shall be flagged. Every sawtimber tree within each sample group shall be measured and recorded.

Every first pulpwood within each sample group shall be measured and recorded while the other pulpwood trees within each sample group shall be counted and recorded, but not measured. The Point Sampling Guide for basal area factor 10 in Section J shall be used to assess borderline trees.

(iv) As an example, the cruiser is in an aspen and balsam fir area with multiple diameters of aspen trees. The cruise design has two sample groups for aspen (5” to 13.9” dbh and 14”+ dbh) and one sample group for balsam fir. The first tree to the right of north is an 8” aspen. This tree is measured, flagged and recorded on the cruise card and then the cruiser counts and records all the remaining aspen between 5” dbh and 13.9” dbh on the plot.

The cruiser then faces north on the plot and proceeds to check for aspen greater than 14” dbh. The 16” aspen is measured and recorded while the remaining aspen on the plot over 14” dbh are counted and recorded. The first balsam fir tree to the right of north is then measured and recorded while the remaining balsam fir on the plot are simply counted and recorded.

(v) Trees to be left need not be tallied, unless specified for each project.

(3) Marking Variable Plots. Plots shall be clearly marked with the plot number identified at the top of the plot marker. The plot marker shall consist of a stake, engineering flag, or other straight object which will show where the plot center is located. The actual plot center will be where the stake goes into the ground. The first tree in the plot to the right of north shall be the first cruise tree.

(d) Marking Sample Sawtimber Trees. The sample tree or brush adjacent to the tree shall be clearly identified with flagging at breast height. The sample tree shall be marked with the sample number and standard marks. The following information shall be written in order on the ribbon of each sample tree in:

(1) DBH

(2) Number of feet for sawbolts

(3) Percent of defect in sawbolt (to the nearest percent)

(4) Percent Recoverable Product (to the nearest percent)

(5) Total number of feet to 4-inch top (for hardwood) and total feet to top of tree (for softwood).

(6) Percent of defect in the pulpwood only (to the nearest percent)

(7) Marker's cruising identification (number or initial, as agreed to by the Government)

(e) Marking Sample Pulpwood Trees. Marking shall be the same as that shown above for marking sample sawtimber trees, excluding number of sawbolts and percent of defect in sawbolts and percent recoverable product.

(f) Marking Records. The Contractor shall ensure accurate recording of all marking records.

(1) Measurement (see "Timber Sale Cruise Volume Tally Sheet" in Section J).

(2) DBH shall be measured to the nearest full 0.1 inch (i.e. 12.94 = 12.9) rounded down.

(3) Tree heights (both sawtimber and pulpwood trees) shall be determined using the "Quick Guide to new cruising practices" in COR will provide upon request.

(4) Internal and external defect shall be determined to the nearest percent using the "Volume Distribution Guide" in COR will provide upon request.

(5) Tally sheet data entries shall be complete and legible. The Contractor shall, upon the completion of each unit, deliver the completed tally sheets and other unit specific records for each unit to the Government before moving to the next area.

Upon the receipt and acceptance, the cruise data for each area shall become the sole property of the Government.

(6) Total tree counts by stratum shall be maintained and recorded each day through the use of tally wackers or a dot tally system for each unit.

(7) A "Payment Unit Summary" (COR will Provide upon request) shall be filled out by the Contractor for each unit, listing unusual circumstances such as nests, archeological sites, and permanent deer blinds, and so on.

(8) On one copy of the timber sale work map, daily marking progress shall be indicated.

This record shall be made available to the Government on a daily basis. At the completion of each unit, the Contractor shall furnish a second copy of the work map indicating locations of reserve areas, road access, unusual circumstances (as listed in Item 7 above) or reserve tree locations. This second copy shall not include daily marking progress.

Sustainable Acquisitions

The Contractor shall comply with FAR Part 23 Sustainable Acquisition Policy and all associated laws, rules, regulations, and executive orders referenced therein. Contracts that include the supply of products and for the acquisition of services (including construction) that include the supply of products, require that the products provided are—

(1) Energy-efficient…