Performance Work Statement CNNF-ONF TSI.pdf

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Performance Work Statement

Contents Project Title General Information

1.0 Background and Purpose

2.0 Definitions

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

4.0 Deliverable / Schedule

5.0 Government Furnished

6.0 Travel

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel

8.0 Security Requirements

9.0 Data Rights

10.0 Section 508 - Electronic and Information Technology Standards

11.0 Performance Requirement Measures

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Project Title Chequamegon-Nicolet and Ottawa National Forest Timber Stand Improvement (TSI)

General Information

1.0 Background and Purpose

The Contractor shall furnish all personnel, materials, equipment, tools, supplies, transportation, supervision and incidentals to perform timber stand improvement work such as individual tree release, area release, precommercial thinning, site preparation for aspen natural regeneration, pathological pruning, pole timber pruning, cleaning of northern hardwood canopy gaps, or wildlife openings on the Chequamegon-Nicolet and Ottawa National Forests.

2.0 Definitions

1) Branch Collar – the bulge formed at the base of a branch by the annual production of overlapping layers of branch and stem tissues.

2) Canopy Gaps – a space in the tree canopy created by the removal of one or more trees from the main stand of trees.

Canopy gaps are measured from the edge of the tree crown along the edge of the opening to the edge of the tree crown across the opening. Canopy gaps provide diversity and allow for regeneration of desirable tree species.

3) Cleaning – Release treatment to free favored seedlings/saplings from less desirable trees that overtop them, or are likely to do so.

4) Crop Trees – desirable trees that are left in the stand.

5) DBH (Diameter Breast Height) – Diameter of the trunk of the tree measured at 4-1/2 feet above the ground level on the uphill side of the tree.

6) Lop and Scatter – to cut limbs from the trunks of cut trees, and move and rearrange slash concentrations to achieve a slash depth required in the contract.

7) Pathological Pruning – Pruning the lower limbs of young white pine trees to reduce the risk of blister rust infections.

8) Pruning – The severing of all limbs, live or dead, from the bole of selected trees.

9) Precommercial Thinning – thinning in young stands to improve growth, health, and vigor of the crop trees.

10) Release – the act of freeing a young stand of desirable trees from competition of undesirable vegetation that suppresses or threatens to suppress them.

11) Release (Individual Tree) – Release thinning around individual crop trees for a specified distance around the crop trees.

12) Release (Area) – Release thinning which removes all competing vegetation in the stand except for crop and reserve trees.

13) Reserve Tree – A tree designated to be left.

14) Row Thinning – the cutting of trees in lines or narrow strips at fixed intervals throughout the stand.

15) Site Preparation for Aspen Natural Regeneration – removing competing vegetation to allow for successful aspen suckering.

16) Slash – Limbs and trunks of downed trees.

17) Snags – standing dead trees.

18) TPA (Trees Per Acre) – a measure of tree densities across a stand commonly expressed in number per acre and a spacing (778 TPA – 7 x 8 foot spacing).

19) Terminal Leader – the top of the main stem, the tallest portion of a seedling.

20) Tree Crown – the living branches of a tree.

21) Wildlife Openings – permanent openings established and maintained to provide important habitat for many wildlife species.

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

Technical Specifications – the following technical specifications shall apply unless there are specific project supplemental specifications.

1) Individual Tree Release

a) All woody vegetation (trees and shrubs) that are within a 5 foot radius from the base of a crop tree, and are at least 1/3 the height of the crop tree but less than 5 inches DBH shall be cut.

b) Annuals such as grasses, sedges, ferns, etc. are not required to be cut.

c) Crop trees and reserve trees will be defined in the project supplemental specifications.

d) The cut tree shall not be on top of, or otherwise positioned, to impede the growth or form of the crop trees being released.

2) Area Tree Release

a) All woody vegetation (trees and shrubs) that are not crop trees or reserve trees and are at least 1/3 the height of the average size crop tree in the unit but less than 5 inches DBH shall be cut.

b) Annuals such as grasses, sedges, ferns, etc. are not required to be cut.

c) Crop trees and reserve trees will be defined in the project supplemental specifications.

d) The cut tree shall not be on top of, or otherwise positioned, to impede the growth or form of the crop trees being released.

3) Precommercial Thinning

a) The average spacing between crop trees will be stated in the supplemental specifications.

b) Spacing may be varied up to 50% of the optimum spacing between individual trees in order to select the best leave trees.

c) The Contractor shall select the crop trees to leave in the following order:

1. Free from insect, disease, or mechanical damage

2. Healthiest crown

3. Tallest tree

4. Straightest stem

5. Most desirable species (to be identified in the supplemental specifications)

d) All deciduous and coniferous trees in the size classes as specified in the supplemental specifications shall be cut (shrubs do not need to be cut).

e) In row thinning the width of the cut strip will be stated in the supplemental specifications.

4) Site Preparation for Aspen Natural Regeneration

a) All tree species over 4 feet tall and up to 6 inches DBH (except aspen up to 2 inches DBH) shall be cut, other than reserve trees.

b) Shrubs are not required to be cut unless specified in the supplemental specifications.

c) Annuals such as grasses, sedges, ferns, etc. are not required to be cut.

5) Pathological Pruning

a) White pine trees to prune will range in size from 3 to 12 feet tall.

b) Average spacing will be specified in the supplemental specifications.

c) Pruning cuts shall be made immediately outside the branch collar (as shown in Illustration No.

1 in Section J).

d) Branches on the lower 1/3 of the selected white pine crop trees shall be removed (as shown in Illustration No. 2 in Section J).

e) Trees to be pruned will generally be those of the tallest height, largest crown, and straightest stems.

f) White pine with blister rust cankers on the main stem or within 4 inches of the main stem should not be pruned. Branches with cankers beyond 4 inches shall be removed, no matter where they occur in the tree crown.

g) In white pine with weevil damage, forked tops, or dead tops, the tree shall be pruned so as to make a single stemmed tree with a dominate leader. The dead terminal leader and all lateral branches except one shall be removed (as shown in Illustration No. 3 in Section J).

h) All pruning shall be done with hand pruners, lopping shears, or pruning saws. Powersaws will not be permitted.

i) Pathological pruning shall be limited to the dormant season or as specified in the supplemental specifications.

6) Pole Timber Pruning

a) Trees to be pruned will be generally greater than 20 feet in height and 4 inches in diameter.

b) Average spacing will be specified in the supplemental specifications.

c) Pruning cuts will be made immediately outside the branch collar (as shown in Illustration No.

1 in Section J).

d) Larger branches will be pruned with multiple cuts (as shown in Illustration No. 1–picture C).

e) Branches on the lower 1/3 of the selected crop trees shall be removed (as shown in Illustration

No. 4 in Section J).

f) All pruning shall be done with pruning saws. Chainsaws will not be permitted.

7) Cleaning Northern Hardwood Canopy Gaps

a) The Contractor shall identify the location of the canopy gaps unless stated otherwise in the supplemental specifications.

b) Identify canopy gaps created by logging that are 30-80 feet in diameter in size.

c) Clean canopy gaps by cutting all trees between ½ inch DBH and 5 inches DBH.

d) Shrubs are not required to be cut unless specified in the supplemental specifications.

e) Annuals such as grasses, sedges, ferns, etc. are not required to be cut.

f) Canopy gaps are generally created at a frequency of 2 to 6 gaps per acre.

g) When the gap locations are identified, or if the trees to be cut are marked, the supplemental specifications will specify the color paint or flagging.

8) Wildlife Openings

a) All deciduous and coniferous woody stems of any size that are not considered desirable wildlife trees shall be cut as close to ground level as possible.

b) The definition of a “desirable wildlife tree” will be included in the supplemental specifications.

9) Seedling protection – spraying repellent

a) Contractor shall apply deer repellent (Plantskydd ) on seedlings, ensuring the terminal leader is covered with spray.

b) Application of spray must be on dry trees.

c) No rain within 24 hours of application to allow the spray to dry properly.

d) Backpack or hand sprayers shall be used for application of the spray.

e) Terminal leaders must be sprayed on all pine trees less than 5 feet tall.

f) Application of spray on natural (non-planted) seedlings is required when tree densities are less than 544 tpa, 8 X 10 foot spacing.

g) Plantskydd – will be a government furnished item in the contract.

h) Mixing rates for the spray will be determined on site by COR/Inspectors.

i) Recommended mix rate of 2.2lbs or less per 5 gallons of water.

Felling Specifications - the following felling specifications shall apply to all projects involving tree felling unless there are specific project supplemental specifications.

1) All trees required to be cut shall be cut below the lowest live limb except when prevented by natural obstacles.

2) Trees required to be cut shall be completely severed from the stump and lie flat on the ground. No tops shall be left hanging in standing trees.

3) The stump height of cut trees shall not exceed 6 inches above the ground level on the high side of the stump, or 4 inches above natural obstacles.

4) The cut angle of such stumps shall not exceed 20 degrees measured from a horizontal plane extending from the stump at ground level.

5) No boundary trees marked with paint or flagging shall be cut.

6) All snags shall be left.

7) All reserve trees as defined in the supplemental specifications shall be left.

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

A. The Contractor shall provide cutting tools and equipment that are suitable for the job.

B. All power tools shall be equipped with Forest Service approved spark arrestors and shall be in good operating condition.

ROAD USE AND MAINTENANCE

A. All roads leading into each project area to be worked are to be kept open and free of any debris that may occur as a result of the work.

B. All existing roads used by the Contractor shall be left in the same condition, or better, as when the operation started.

C. Prior to the start of work, the Contractor will review and document existing road conditions to provide a basis for maintenance needs.

SLASH TREATMENT

A. All existing slash and slash resulting from the Contractor's operations shall be pulled back at least 10 feet from perennial and intermittent stream courses, lakes, ponds, vernal ponds, trails, culverts, and boundaries adjacent to private land.

B. Within a strip 50 feet wide, measured from the cleared edge of any numbered Forest Service road, all existing slash and slash resulting from Contractor’s operation shall be lopped and scattered to lie within 24 inches of the ground. Slash within 10 feet of the cleared edge of any numbered Forest Service road must be pulled back.

WORKING AREA BOUNDARIES

A. The boundaries will be shown on the project maps and discussed on the ground before the Contractor commences work.

RESOURCE PROTECTION

A. Protection of Streams, Lakes and Reservoirs

1) The Contractor shall take every precaution to prevent pollution from fuels, oils, chemicals, silt or other harmful materials of any stream, lake or reservoir located in or near the contract areas.

2) All streams shall be kept free of Contractor-generated debris.

B. Protection of Archaeological/Historical Resources

1) The Contractor, upon discovery of suspected archaeological or historical materials, shall cease work in the vicinity of such material and immediately notify the COR.

C. Protection of Improvements

1) The Contractor shall take every precaution to prevent damage to any improvement in contract areas such as roads, trails, ditches, fences, etc.

2) All existing roads used by the Contractor shall be left in the same condition, or better, as when the operation started.

D. Protection Of Land Survey Monuments

1) The Contractor shall protect all known survey monuments, witness corners, reference monuments and bearing trees against avoidable destruction, obliterating or damage during Contractor's operations. These will be shown to the Contractor on the ground by the Contracting Officer's Representative or the Inspector.

E. Debris Disposal

1) All gas and oil cans or other litter generated by the Contractor during this contract shall be removed as work progresses.

CREW ORGANIZATION

A. The Contractor or designated representative shall be on site whenever the crew is working and shall be able to speak and understand English, as well as fully understand and communicate with the crew members.

SITE VISIT

A. Potential contractors for specific projects are urged and expected to inspect the site where services are to be performed and to satisfy themselves regarding all general and local conditions that may affect the costs of contract performance, to the extent that the information is reasonably obtainable. In no event shall failure to inspect the site constitute grounds for a claim after contract award.

4.0 Deliverable / Schedule

Key Deliverables

Item No. Deliverable Objective Due 1 Proposed Project

Plan Defining key personal, materials, plan and timeline

No later than five (5) business days after contract award

2 Start Work Notice Start time and work schedule At least three (3) days prior to starting

3 Pre-work Meeting Outline project areas, specific specifications and meet key personal

Prior to starting contract work

4 Weekly Status Check If COR has not met with the Contractor in person during the week the Contractor will check in with COR at least once per week once work has started via phone or email

Weekly prior to 2:00 PM CDST Thursdays once work has started until contract is completed

5 Contract Completion Notice

Contractor will notify the COR upon completion of all contract requirements

No later than one (1) business day after completion

5.0 Government Furnished

Government will provide the required Plantskydd in powder form (2.2lb bags) for all Seedling Protection- spray repellent work items. Proper accounting of material will be required, tracking number of bags provided be the government, number of bags used, and number of bags returned is a requirement of the contract. Any lost, missing or unaccounted for bags will be charged at a rate of $35/bag.

6.0 Travel

1) Project areas may be located on the Bergland, Bessemer, Iron River, Kenton, Ontonagon, and Watersmeet Ranger

Districts of the Ottawa National Forest in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and the Eagle River-Florence, Lakewood- Laona, Medford-Park Falls, Great Divide and Washburn Districts on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest.

2) The project location, access to the area, and other information pertinent to each area will be provided with site-specific project maps and supplemental specifications.

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel

The Contractor or designated representative shall be on site whenever the crew is working and shall be able to speak and understand English, as well as fully understand and communicate with the crew members. The contractor or designated representative shall have experience performing these tasks.

8.0 Security Requirements

N/A

9.0 Data Rights

N/A

10.0 Section 508 - Electronic and Information Technology Standards N/A

11.0 Performance Requirement Measures

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

A. All equipment furnished by the Contractor will be inspected prior to start of work to ensure compliance with the specifications.

B. Upon completion of the work, the Contractor shall notify the COR that work on the area is completed. If the completed work is accepted, the Contractor shall proceed with work on the next area. If the work is not accepted, the Contractor shall complete any remedial work required for acceptance prior to commencing work on the next area. Multiple areas may be worked only under agreement with the COR.

C. The COR or inspector will make visual inspections to check for compliance with contract specifications.

Inspection plots may be taken if the visual inspections indicate that the work quality may not be acceptable.

D. The following actions will be considered as being in non-compliance.

1) Individual Tree Release Specifications

a) Specified trees and shrubs not cut that are within the specified distance of a crop tree.

b) Slash removal not complete.

c) Stumps too high.

d) Cut trees that are interfering with crop trees.

e) Cutting of reserve or crop trees.

2) Area Release Specifications

a) Specified trees and shrubs not cut.

b) Slash removal not complete.

c) Stumps too high.

d) Cut trees that are interfering with crop trees

e) Cutting of reserve or crop trees

3) Precommercial Thinning Specifications

a) Improper spacing of crop trees

b) Improper selection of crop trees

c) Slash removal not complete.

d) Stumps too high.

e) Cutting of reserve or crop trees

4) Site Preparation for Aspen Natural Regeneration

a) Specified stems not cut.

b) Slash removal not complete.

d) Cutting of reserve trees

5) Pathological and Pole Timber Pruning

a) Pruning above or below 1/3 of total height

b) Improper pruning techniques

c) Improper spacing of pruned trees

d) Corrective pruning not done, or not done correctly on forked and dead top trees

6) Cleaning Canopy Gaps

a) Canopy gaps not identified and cleaned

b) Specified stems not cut.

c) Slash removal not complete.

d) Stumps too high.

e) Cutting of reserve trees

7) Wildlife Openings

a) Specified trees not cut.

b) Slash removal not complete.

d) Cutting of wildlife trees

8) Seedling protection – spraying repellent

a) Spray not adequately applied to the terminal leader of the tree.

b) Spray solution not properly mixed to specification.

c)less than 90% of inspected seedlings are not adequately sprayed.

E. Inspection Plots for Individual Tree Release, Area Tree Release, Precommercial Thinning, Site Preparation for Aspen Natural Regeneration, Cleaning Northern Hardwood Canopy Gaps, and Wildlife Openings.

a) Each plot will be examined to record findings on the items listed below:

1. Number of stems that should have been cut but were not, or were improperly cut (missed stems)

2. Number of crop trees or reserve trees that were cut, but should not have been cut (leave trees cut)

3. Number of stems that should have been cut

b) The following formula will be used to calculate the quality of the work for all tree felling projects:

Quality % = (1 - (no. of missed stems + no of leave trees cut * 2)) * 100

no. of stems that should have been cut

F. Inspection Plots for Pathological and Pole Timber Pruning.

a) Each plot will be examined to record findings on the items listed below:

1. Number of trees that should have been pruned but were not (missed trees)

2. Number of improperly pruned trees

3. Number of trees that should have been pruned

b) The following formula will be used to calculate the quality of the work for pathological pruning:

Quality % = (1 - (no. of missed trees + no. of improperly pruned trees)) * 100

no. of trees that should have been pruned

G. Inspection Plots for Seedling Protection.

a) Each plot will be examined to record the finding on the items below:

1. Number of trees that should have been sprayed but were not (missed trees)

2. Number of trees improperly sprayed

3. Number of trees that should have been sprayed

b) The following formula will be used to calculate the quality of work for the Seedling protection:

Quality % = (1 - (no. of missed trees + no. of improperly sprayed trees)) * 100

no. of trees that should have been sprayed

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE