Pricing_Schedule_and_Description.doc

MEDFORD FUELS MANAGEMENT, OR

SOLICITATION NO. 140L3722R0017

BLM, MEDFORD DISTRICT, OREGON

SECTION B – SUPPLIES OR SERVICES AND PRICES/COSTS

This is for one (1), Multiple Year, Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Firm Fixed Price Services Contract for Fuels Management Services. Coverage area primarily in Southern Oregon within a radius of 3 hours from the city limits of Medford and Grants Pass, Oregon, within the Medford District. The IDIQ contract contains a one-year Base plus four (4) additional one-year options.

The maximum value of this contract is $ 35,000,000.00, including options.

The minimum guarantee quantity is $ 50,000.00 that will satisfy the minimum guaranteed quantity to be ordered on this contract, including options. The minimum guarantee may be satisfied by one task order or the cumulative value of multiple task orders and/or modifications.

The quantities listed are the representative proportion of each difficulty level anticipated throughout the contract, for evaluation purposes only. Offerors shall enter a unit price for each subitem then multiply the unit price by the estimated quantity to obtain the total amount. These prices will be used to determine the price for each task order. Section C, Description/Specification/Work Statement.

In accordance with Department of the Interior and Related Agencies Appropriation Act, 2001, Public Law 106-291, Contracting Officers from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, and USDA, Forest Service are hereby authorized to issue task orders against this contract. Section G addresses ordering authority and procedures for issuance and administration of task orders.

The contractor is responsible for being in compliance with all State of Oregon laws and regulations throughout the duration of this contract.

* Estimated Quantity

AC = Acre

DR = Daily Rate HR = Hour TH =Team Hour Qty = Quantity

Est=Estimated

LF=Linear Foot

PRE-PROPOSAL SELF GUIDED TOUR: A sample task order including maps, treatment prescriptions, and estimated level of difficulty is included with this solicitation(See Attachment 5). A travel map for the sample work sites is available at the Medford Interagency Office (MIO) or can be emailed as a PDF if requested. Please contact Al Mason at the Medford District at 541-618-2391 or email: a1mason@blm.gov for map requests.

1.0

INFORMATION PROVIDED TO CONTRACTOR:

1.1.

Unit Prescribed Fire Plans template. The Government will provide a Prescribed Fire Plan form for each burn unit and may vary in format based on agency. Sample fire plans are included in Attachment 4.

1.1.2.

General weather forecast and other weather information will be available for use by the Contractor at the BLM Medford District Office and through the National Weather

Service internet sites.

2.0

SPECIFIC TASKS

2.1 Subitem A - Slashing 2.1.1 The levels of difficulty for slashing will be identified in the task order. The levels are based on the relative amount of material to be slashed, according to size of material to be slashed, as described in 5.1.2 and 5.1.3.

Subitem A1 - Level I - Unit density is estimated to average less than 60 percent cover to be cut. See 5.1.2.

Subitem A2 - Level II - Unit density is estimated to average greater than 60 percent cover to be cut. See 5.1.3.

2.1.2 Subitem A1: All live and dead standing vegetation greater than 12 inches in height or length, but not over 8” DBH shall be completely severed with the stump height not to exceed 6 inches. This will be the standard size for treatment for Subitem A1 unless otherwise designated. The task order may designate a different size within this range for individual units (example: slash 12 inches to 4 feet in height only, instead of the 12 inches to 3” DBH), but not outside the 12 inch height to 8” DBH range. Individual species may also be specified as reserved from cutting on individual units. When vegetative conditions consist of multiple stem resprouted vegetation, the task order may reserve one or more stems from cutting for individual species of multi-stem plants. The reserved stems shall be the largest stems.

2.1.3 Subitem A2: All live and dead standing vegetation greater than 12 inches in height or length, but not over 8” DBH shall be completely severed with the stump height not to exceed 6 inches. This will be the standard size for treatment for Subitem A2 unless otherwise designated. The task order may designate a different size within this range for individual units (example: slash 12 inches to 4 feet in height only, instead of the 12 inches to 3” DBH), but not outside the 12 inch height to 8 inch DBH range. Individual species may also be specified as reserved from cutting on individual units. When vegetative conditions consist of multiple stem resprouted vegetation, the task order may reserve one or more stems from cutting for individual species of multi-stem plants. The reserved stems shall be the largest stems.

2.1.4 Each task order will specify the level of difficulty, access, size limits for treatment, whether hardwoods and/or conifers are included, and if any individual, clump, or group of species or if individual stems of multi-stem species are reserved from treatment.

2.1.5 Slashing shall be accomplished throughout the entire unit, excluding areas identified by the task order as reserved from treatment. Firelines shall remain free of debris. Contractor shall restore firelines to original clear condition following slashing.

2.1.6 Lop and buck the resulting slash to a maximum 8-foot length and a depth not to exceed 24 inches.

2.2 Subitem B - Lop and Scatter, B1 – Level I 2.2.1 The amount of slash to be lopped and scattered averages less than 20 tons per acre. Slash shall be reduced to the extent that it is within 12 inches of the ground at all points.

2.2.2 The material to be treated consists of down woody material created from vegetation treatments (such as harvest, thinning, or slashing, etc.) or created through natural process.

2.2.3 Lop and scatter all existing slash so that all top and side branches are free of the central stem so that the slash is reduced to within the limit of the ground at all points, as stated for the level of difficulty. Central stem length shall not exceed eight feet.

2.3 Subitem C – Pruning

2.3.1 The levels of difficulty for pruning will be identified in the task order. The levels are based on the expected number of trees per acre (TPA) requiring treatment.

Subitem C1 - Level I - Less than 100 TPA.

Subitem C2 - Level II – Greater than 100 TPA.

2.3.2 Each task order will specify the level of difficulty, access, species to be treated and species to be reserved from treatment, and upper height above ground level to treat.

2.3.3 Designated vegetation shall be pruned of live and dead limbs and branches to a designated height measured above ground level. The designated height shall not exceed 12 feet above ground level, and will typically be designated to a height above ground level of up to 8 feet. The COR will designate the height for each individual unit. The pruning height may vary + or - one foot from the designated height. Limbs shall be cut cleanly and to within ½ inch of the bole of the tree.

2.3.4 Tree limbs that attach to the bole above the designated pruning height, but have limbs extending into the pruning height area, shall be pruned so that they do not extend below the designated height.

2.3.5 Material pruned shall be pulled back 4 feet away from tree bole.

2.3.6 Individual species of hardwoods, shrubs, and conifers may be specified as reserved from pruning on individual units.

2.4 Subitem D - Create Density Management Restoration Areas - Conifer Stands 2.4.1 Density Management Restoration Areas (DMRAs) shall be created to meet management objectives such as: restore conifer stands to sustainable density levels, increase resistance and resiliency to disturbance, limit wildland fire rate of spread, and/or to establish holding areas for use during prescribed burning and fire suppression activities. Treatments required in this Subitem include cutting trees, slashing surplus vegetation, pruning residual trees, and snag felling. Standing dead conifers, hardwoods and shrubs shall be included as surplus when not reserved.

2.4.2 The levels of difficulty for DMRAs are based on percent cover of material to be treated. Level is identified in the task order.

Subitem D1 - Level I - The percent cover of material to be cut is less than 60 percent.

Subitem D2 - Level II - The percent cover of material to be cut is greater than 60 percent.

2.4.3 Each task order will include level of difficulty, access, written instructions designating spacing width; diameter limit, pruning height; any no-treatment areas; additional reserve vegetation, tree and shrub species order of preference.

2.4.4 Spacing widths shall be designated for each project area in written instructions with each task order. Multiple spacing widths for conifers, hardwoods, and shrubs may be designated within the range of 15 to 45 feet. The average spacing may vary + or - 20% of the designated spacing in order to select the best leave vegetation.

2.4.5 Criteria for Selecting Leave Vegetation

a.

The best available trees and shrubs shall be selected as leave vegetation and treated in accordance with spacing requirements. Specific instructions on amounts of hardwoods and shrubs that shall be selected as leave vegetation may be included in the task order.

b.

Leave Trees > 12" DBH - All conifers and hardwoods 12 inches DBH and larger are reserved from cutting. These trees shall be included in spacing requirements.

c.

Leave Trees < 12" DBH - The largest, healthiest, best formed trees shall be selected as leave trees.

d.

The Government may identify additional individual species of leave vegetation or leave vegetation areas within each unit.

2.4.6 Treatment of Surplus Vegetation

a.

All live and dead conifers, hardwood trees, and shrubs not selected as leave vegetation or designated as reserved vegetation becomes surplus vegetation. Surplus vegetation to be cut will typically (but not limited to) be less than 8” DBH. Surplus vegetation within the specified spacing of acceptable leave tree shall be severed six inches or less above the ground. No live limbs shall be left on the stump of any cut stem.

b.

Hardwoods and conifers greater than 12” DBH are reserved vegetation and shall not be cut or girdled.

c.

Leave and reserved vegetation shall not be damaged while cutting surplus vegetation, or buried with slash.

2.4.7 Unless further treatment of slash is prescribed, such as hand piling and burning, swamper burning or underburning, lop and scatter the resulting slash to a maximum 8-foot length and a depth not to exceed 24 inches.

2.4.8 No slash cut by the Contractor shall be left on the ground within 25 feet of any road or outside the project area. All slash shall be removed at least 25 feet from the road shoulder on the upper (uphill) side, and 50 feet on the lower (downhill) side.

2.4.9 Slashed, cut and felled material shall be bucked into the standard length of no more than 8 feet unless longer lengths are designated by the task order to meet utilization objectives.

2.4.10 Leave and reserved trees shall be pruned to a height of up to 8 feet above ground level as designated by the task order. Live and dead limbs and branches shall be cut cleanly and as close to the bole of the tree as possible. Tree limbs and branches that are attached to the bole above the designated pruning height, but have limbs or branches extending into the pruning height area, shall be pruned so they do not extend below the designated height.

2.4.11 The COR may select individual leave snags and not require felling when snags are deemed necessary for other resource objectives.

2.5 Subitem E - Create Density Management Restoration Areas - Woodland/Shrubland 2.5.1 Density Management Restoration Areas (DMRAs) shall be created to meet management objectives such as: restore woodland/shrubland stands to sustainable density levels, restore habitat, increase resistance and resiliency to disturbance, limit wildland fire rate of spread, and/or to establish holding areas for use during prescribed burning and fire suppression activities. Treatments required in this Subitem include cutting of shrubs, trees, slashing of surplus vegetation, pruning of residual trees, and snag felling. Standing dead conifers, hardwoods and shrubs shall be included as surplus when not reserved.

2.5.2 The levels of difficulty for DMRAs are based on percent cover of material to be treated. The level of difficulty will be identified in the task order.

Subitem E1 - Level I - The percent cover of material to be cut is less than 60 percent.

Subitem E2 - Level II - The percent cover of material to be cut is greater than 60 percent.

2.5.3 Each task order will include level of difficulty, access, written instructions designating spacing width; pruning height; any no treatment areas; reserve areas and vegetation, leave vegetation species order of preference.

2.5.4 Reserve Areas and Individual Species of Trees and Shrubs a.

Areas of trees and shrubs may be reserved from treatment in designated units. The Government will determine if reserve areas are included in a project area treatment. Prior to the Contractor commencing work in a unit, the Government may designate reserve area(s) within each unit, or, the Government may authorize the Contractor to designate the reserve area(s) within each unit based on written instructions for selection of reserve area(s). Instructions on reserve area(s) selection may include size, number, and vegetation condition. Reserve areas shall be considered in the spacing of adjacent leave vegetation and are excluded from the acreage for payment purposes.

b.

Individual reserve trees and shrubs may be designated by the Government. These will be identified with marking (paint, flagging, or sign), or by written instructions. Reserve trees and shrubs shall not be damaged or cut.

2.5.5 Criteria for Selecting Leave Vegetation - Individual Leave Trees and Shrubs, and Groups and Clumps.

a.

The Contractor shall select leave vegetation including groups and clumps based on written instructions from the Government. These instructions may be in the form of a table, or narrative.

b.

Spacing for leave trees and shrubs, and for leave groups and clumps will be designated for each unit by the task order. Multiple spacing widths for conifers, hardwoods, and shrubs may be designated within the range of 15 to 45 feet. The spacing designated shall be no less than 15 feet and no greater than 45 feet between leave vegetation. The designated spacing may be varied plus or minus 20% in order to choose the best leave vegetation. For spacing purposes, groups and clumps shall be considered as one stem.

2.5.6 Treatment of Surplus Vegetation

a.

All live and dead vegetation not selected as leave or reserved over one foot tall and up to 20” (single stem) at one foot above ground level within the specified spacing of each acceptable leave tree or shrub stem and leave group or clump shall be severed six inches or less above the ground. No live limbs shall be left on the stump of any cut stem.

b.

Leave trees, shrubs, groups and clumps shall not be damaged while cutting vegetation, or buried with slash.

2.5.7 All conifer, hardwood and shrub stumps shall be cut within six inches of the ground.

2.5.8 Slashed, cut and felled material shall be bucked into the standard length of no more than eight feet unless longer lengths are designated by the task order to meet utilization objectives.

2.5.9 The COR may reserve individual snags from felling requirements when snags are deemed necessary for other resource goals.

2.6 Subitem F - Hand Pile and Cover 2.6.1 The levels of difficulty for hand piling and covering will be identified in the task order. The levels are based on the number of piles per acre expected, based on the amount of slash on the unit meeting specifications from 5.6.2. The Government will designate which specification for size of material to be piled with each task order. The following are hand pile and cover levels:

Subitem F1 - Level I - An average of fewer than 20 piles per acre.

Subitem F2 - Level II - An average of 21 to 40 piles per acre.

Subitem F3 - Level III - An average of 41 to 60 piles per acre.

Subitem F4 - Level IV - An average of 61 to 80 piles per acre.

Subitem F5 - Level V - An average of 81 to 100 piles per acre.

Subitem F6 - Level VI - An average of 101 to 120 piles per acre.

Subitem F7 - Level VII - An average of 121 to 140 piles per acre.

Subitem F8 - Level VIII - An average of 141 or greater piles per acre.

2.6.2 All slash less than 8 inches in diameter and greater than 2 feet in length shall be piled. Slash less than 2 feet in length shall be left on the ground. Slash left on the ground shall not exceed 6 inches in depth. The task order or the COR in writing may designate a different size within this range for individual units (example: slash 1-4 or 2-6 inches only, instead of the less than 8 inches), but not greater than 8 inch diameter.

2.6.3 All piles shall be constructed by laying limbs, stems, cut boles, and other slash in the pile so as to be parallel with each other. Slash that causes large air spaces in piles shall be cut to eliminate air spaces. Each pile shall include an area of small sized slash (small branches less than ¼ to ½ inch in diameter and/or small branches with needles or leaves attached) to provide “kindling” for prompt ignition and to aid in combustion of larger slash. These fuels shall be placed in the center of the pile.

2.6.4 Pile size shall be a maximum of 8 feet in diameter by 8 feet in height, and minimum pile size shall be 6 feet in diameter by 5 feet in height at the time of final inspection by the Government. The Government may designate smaller maximum, minimum, or both when it determines this is required to meet resource or prescribed fire objectives.

2.6.5 All piles shall be covered with 4-mil polyethylene plastic or alternate material approved by the COR to cover at least 90% of the surface of each pile, maximum plastic size of 10’ x 10’. All four corners and the middle of the plastic sheets shall be anchored with slash or other debris. Covering shall be done at the time of piling.

2.6.6 Piles shall not be closer than 10 feet to leave or reserved vegetation or 25 feet to a unit boundary, unless approved by the COR. Slash shall not be piled or placed on logs or stumps, in roadways or drainage ditches, or within channel bottoms or streams unless designated otherwise by the COR. Slash shall not be piled or placed in buffer zones. Information on locations, widths, and any other information concerning reserve areas will be provided by the Government.

2.6.7 The Contractor shall keep records shall include an accurate description of plot location (bearing and distance between plots) marked on a map. Plot center location shall be flagged with a color as designated by the TO and indicated with a plot number.

2.7 Subitem G - Fireline Construction and Maintenance 2.7.1 The levels of difficulty for fireline construction will be identified in the task order. The levels are based on the following:

Subitem G1 - Level I - Hand fireline renovation, where firelines have previously been constructed. May include up to 200 feet of new construction when existing fireline location is deemed inadequate for holding by the Contractor.

Subitem G2 - Level II – When new hand firelines are constructed on unit boundaries or through continuous downed slash. Throw back or pull back of slash is necessary.

2.7.2 All fireline construction shall be performed and maintained in accordance with the following specifications.

a.

Location - Unless otherwise designated, firelines shall be located adjacent to the unit boundary, within 50 feet outside of actual unit boundary, in locations affording the optimal holding capability, and remain on agency property. The Government may choose to clearly mark the pre-burn and post-burn fireline location with colored plastic ribbon. The fireline shall be constructed to follow the flagged line as closely as possible. Variations will be permitted if unforeseen obstacles are found. Pacific Yew shall not be cut or damaged. Fireline location shall avoid the necessity of cutting or limbing Pacific Yew. The COR shall be notified if cutting or limbing of Pacific Yew is unavoidable prior to cutting any Pacific Yew.

b.

Clearing Limits - Hand fireline shall be cleared to a width of 8 feet and a height of 8 feet. The width shall be measured parallel with the ground (slope distance). The height shall be measured from the side of the line away from the unit. A strip at least 1.5 foot wide to a maximum of 3 feet wide, and centered within the cleared area shall be cleared to mineral soil. A strip less than 1.5 foot wide may be designated by the COR on some units.

c.

Material to be Cleared - Within the 8-foot line, the following material shall be cut and removed:

1) Ferns, shrubs and other vegetation. Cut to within 18 inches of ground level or as close as possible without damaging tools.

2) Cut live and dead trees at ground level or as close as possible without damaging tools. No trees larger than 8 inches DBH shall be cut. The fireline shall be located to avoid larger green trees.

3) Limbs extending within the fireline shall be cut close to the tree if the point of cutting can be reached from the ground (about 8 feet from the ground). Limbs shall be cut when they enter the fireline clearing limits if they cannot be cut at the tree. Limbs cut close to the tree need not be cut flush but "spike" limbs will not be allowed.

4) Slash and litter shall be removed from the 8-foot (both height and width) fireline clearing strip. Natural ground duff need not be removed except from within the 3-foot strip on the fireline work area.

5) A 3-foot section shall be removed from logs located across the fireline.

d.

Disposal of Cleared Material - Material cut from within the fireline shall be placed on the unit side (inside) of the fireline and scattered. Soil berms and piles will not be permitted on top of flammable material. Log sections may be rolled downhill and away from the unit provided that they are left outside the fireline.

e.

Snags and High Stumps - Snags or high stumps may be left next to the fireline when designated or approved by the Government.

f.

Side Slopes - On side slopes that are steeper than 30 percent, the 3-foot wide strip shall be cup trenched sufficiently to catch rolling material 6 inches or less in diameter.

g.

Water Bars - Water bars shall be constructed in all firelines at the time of initial construction. The water bar shall consist of a diagonal ditch across the three-foot wide mineral soil portion of the fireline, but not in excess of the following guidelines. The water bar shall be approximately 6 inches to 10 inches deep and approximately 5 feet long. Unless otherwise directed, drainage shall allow rolling material and drainage into burn unit.

Percent of Slopes:

00% - 09% - None Required

10% - 29% - 1 Water Bar Every 300'

30% - 59% - 1 Water Bar Every 150'

60% + - 1 Water Bar Every 100'

2.8 Subitem H - Prescribed Fire Plan Preparation 2.8.1 The levels of difficulty for Prescribed Fire Plan preparation are identified in the task order. The levels are based on the complexity level of the prescribed fire project based on the Prescribed Fire Complexity Rating System Guide.

Subitem H3 - Level III - Low complexity prescribed fire projects. This will typically include hand pile prescribed fire plan development and preparation. Swamper burn, broadcast and understory burn projects may be included if they are of a low complexity. This level may include a single Prescribed Fire Plan for multiple hand pile units.

Subitem H2 - Level II - Moderate complexity prescribed fire projects. This will typically include understory and broadcast burn, prescribed fire plan development and preparation. Swamper and hand pile burns projects may be included.

Subitem H1 - Level I - High complexity prescribed fire projects. This will typically include understory and broadcast burn, prescribed fire plan development and preparation.

2.8.2 Complete and submit for approval a Prescribed Fire Plan for each broadcast burn, understory burn, and swamper burn unit; and for individual or grouped hand pile unit(s). Complete portions covering ignition scheduling, ignition and holding plan, workforce and equipment needs, briefing checklist, Go/No-Go checklist, communications plan, and mop-up plan. Sample Prescribed Fire Plan showing the full plan and indicating the portions of the plan the Contractor is to complete is shown in Attachment 4.

2.8.3 Ignition Scheduling - Shown in the Sample Prescribed Fire Plan. This portion is completed by both the Government and the Contractor. The Contractor shall identify any additional Constraints/Special Considerations to ignition scheduling not already indicated by the Government.

2.8.4 Ignition Plan & Holding Plan - Shown in the Sample Prescribed Fire Plan. This portion is completed by the Contractor.

a.

A narrative discussing firing plan and technique; identify potential holding problems and location of holding forces, strategies and objectives; location of water sources; counter measures for slopovers; and any other ignition and holding considerations. Indicate what shall be done, when it shall be done, how it shall be done, who shall do it, and shall include work force, equipment and supplies needed.

b.

Map at a scale fitting the entire unit (as large as possible) on a 8½ by 11-inch sheet of paper, showing ignition technique and pattern, placement of holding crew and equipment, area(s) of concern, and location where weather shall be monitored and documented. A map legend shall be included.

c.

Any changes in the ignition and holding elements of the Prescribed Fire Plan shall be submitted to the COR for approval the day of ignition or before.

2.8.5 Organazation & Equipment Needed - Shown in the Sample Prescribed Fire Plan. This portion is completed by the Contractor. The Contractor shall complete the workforce and equipment needs, portion of the Plan for the Low, Desired, and High acceptable prescription range of the fuel and weather parameters. The workforce and equipment listed by the Contractor will represent the minimum acceptable amounts needed at that level to successfully carry out the burn and to contain any escaped fires. The Contractor will determine the minimum equipment and personnel needs at the time of an escaped fire in “outside fuels” with given prescription parameters. The contractor will determine line building capability of resources on site. Line building capability will be compared to the predicted rate of spread in BEHAVE to determine if resources are adequate to contain an escaped fire.

2.8.6 Contingency Plan and Wildfire Declaration - Shown in the Sample Prescribed Fire Plan. This portion is completed by the Contractor. Contractor will describe in detail the strategies and opportunities for containing an escaped fire from any flank of the unit by including direct and indirect attack methods.

2.8.7 Briefing Checklist - Shown in the Sample Prescribed Fire Plan. This is completed by the Contractor. It is to be used on day of ignition for the briefing prior to starting ignition. It is signed and dated at that time.

2.8.8 Go-No Go Checklist - Shown in the Sample Prescribed Fire Plan. This is used by the Contractor and the Government. It is used on day of ignition prior to starting ignition. It is signed and dated by Contractor and the Government representative.

2.8.9 Medical Plan - Shown in the Sample Prescribed Fire Plan. This is used by the Government for Government employees, and for Contractor employees when a burn is declared a wildland fire. The Contractor shall have its own medical plan in place.

2.8.10 Communications Plan - Shown in the Sample Prescribed Fire Plan. This is completed by Contractor and the Government.

2.8.11 Post Burn Activities & Daily Mop-Up Shift Plan - Shown in the Sample Prescribed Fire Plan. This is completed by the Contractor and reviewed and approved by the Government. The mop-up plan shall be based on 5.15 Standard Patrol and Mop-Up. It shall address the mop-up objectives of (1) the prevention of fire escape outside the unit boundaries, (2) prevention of reburn within unit boundaries, and (3) prevention of residual smoke problems in residential and rural interface areas. It shall consist of an initial plan and follow up daily plans beginning on ignition day. The daily plan shall be submitted to the COR prior to the next day's work and is subject to approval. All daily mop-up submissions shall contain the following:

a.

Map at a scale showing the entire unit and burned areas outside of fireline (as large as possible) on a 8½ by 11-inch sheet of paper, pattern of mop-up; placement of crew and equipment; areas of potential problems (reburn, burning "wildlife trees", landings) and map legend.

b.

A narrative discussion of shift objective with mop-up priority, daily result objectives, schedule of mop-up, patrol and contingency plans should an escape occur. Any special considerations or hazards shall be included in plan.

c.

At the option of the COR the initial mop-up plan may be acceptable in lieu of the follow up daily plan.

2.8.12 The Prescribed Fire Plan shall be very specific and based upon the Contractor's on-site inspection of the unit and environmental conditions. A joint on-site inspection involving both the Contractor and the Government may be requested by either party to clarify objectives and resolve deficiencies in the plan. This plan shall be submitted to the COR for approval at least 30 calendar days prior to the estimated ignition date. See Sample Prescribed Fire Plan shown in Attachment 4.

2.8.13 Aerial Ignition Requirement - The Government may determine that individual burn units may require aerial ignition (helitorch or sphere dispenser) methods due to safety considerations for the ignition personnel, unit size, and/or are the needed to achieve prescribed fire and resource objectives. If so, the Prescribed Fire Plan shall identify aerial ignition as the method for internal unit ignition or portions of unit ignition.

2.9 Subitem I - Fuels Pullback 2.9.1 The levels of difficulty for fuels pullback are identified in the task order. The levels are based on the number of trees per acre to be treated, as follows:

Subitem I1 - Level I - Fuels pullback on less than 20 trees or snags per acre.

Subitem I2 - Level II - Fuels pullback on greater than 21 trees or snags per acre.

2.9.2 Each task order will include level of difficulty, and written instructions which (1) designate and describe identification or selection of treatment trees and snags; and (2) any reductions in amounts or type of fuels for pullback, width of pullback, reduction in clearing height; and any no-treatment areas. Fuels for pullback shall include both natural and activity generated fuels.

2.9.3 All fuels pullback shall be performed in accordance with the following specifications.

a.

Trees/snags to be treated - Perform fuels pullback on leave trees and snags as designated by the task order.

b.

Clearing - Each tree/snag designated for pullback shall be cleared around the tree/snag to the following: All surface fuels from the bole of the tree out to the dripline plus 1-foot wide area; aerial fuels from a 2-foot wide area, 8 feet in height. Material greater than 3" diameter within the clearing zone shall be rolled at least 4 feet from the bole. Duff and litter may be removed such that the depth is 6 inches or less. Care shall be taken to maintain the lower duff layer as damage to sub-surface roots could occur. Clearing shall include removing ladder fuels 8 feet up the bole of the tree/snag. This may require some pruning or cutting.

c.

Removed fuels - Scatter all removed fuels and avoid concentrating the fuel. On sloping ground, fuel shall be scattered uphill or sidehill from the tree/snag. No removed fuel shall be below the tree/snag on a slope. On flat ground, any direction is acceptable.

2.10 Subitem J - Prescribed Burn and Mop-Up - Swamper Burn 2.10.1 Swamper burning combines hand piling and burning into a concurrent operation. A small pile of slash is created and ignited. More slash is added to the pile while the pile is burning. This type of burning is typically classified as Low Complexity.

2.10.2 The levels of difficulty for swamper burning are identified in the task order and are based on the estimated amount of slash, in tons per acre, requiring burning in accordance with 5.10.6:

Subitem J1 - Level 1 – Units with an average of 20 tons/acre or less.

Subitem J2 - Level II – Units with an average of 21 to 40 tons/acre.

Subitem J3 - Level III – Units with an average of 41 or more tons/acre.

2.10.3 The swamper burning season in interior southwest Oregon normally can occur between late October and early June. Major control problems can occur during a period of frontal passage and strong east wind conditions. Close attention to weather forecasts and securing and patrolling of previously burned units is common practice to eliminate any escaped fires.

2.10.4 All prescribed fire operations shall be initiated only when a Prescribed Fire Plan has been approved and signed by the prescribed fire plan preparer, fire management officer, technical reviewer, and agency adminstrator, . All elements of the plan shall be followed unless a deviation has been approved in advance by the COR. The Contractor shall conduct a preburn crew briefing, as prepared in the Plan.

2.10.5 Clearance to Burn - The Contractor shall monitor fuel and weather conditions to determine time periods when units are in the prescription parameters identified in the Prescribed Fire Plan. The Contractor may consult the Government regarding short, mid, and long term weather forecast to determine the potential impacts to fuel moisture conditions and the ability to meet Prescribed Fire Plan objectives. The Contractor shall notify the Government no later than 1300 hours on the day prior to ignition when specific units are within burn prescription parameters and of their request to burn. The Government will notify the Contractor via telephone or direct communications at or before 0900 hours on the day of the proposed ignition of smoke management conditions and any updated weather forecasts that would cancel the burning. The Government will grant final approval to conduct burning. Approval is based on the Government verifying: 1) unit fuel and weather conditions are within Prescribed Fire Plan parameters and prescribed fire and resource objectives are attainable; 2) Prescribed Fire Plan parameters and objectives for smoke management are attainable based on smoke management instructions and forecast, and weather forecasts for proposed burn date and time; and 3) successful completion of the Go/No Go Checklist and the test fire.

2.10.6 All slash more than 2 feet long and between 1 inch and 8 inches in diameter at the large end shall be piled and burned. Larger material which has a portion meeting this specification must be bucked at the 6-inch diameter and that portion piled and burned. In all cases, the debris after treatment shall be less than 6 inches deep. Stoke each pile until at least 90 percent of the pile is consumed.

2.10.7 Unless otherwise designated, piles shall not be located closer than 25 feet from unit boundary and reserved areas. Piles shall not be located closer than 10 feet from standing snags, wildlife trees, and live trees in order that no damage occurs to these from burning operation. Slash shall not be piled or burned on logs or stumps, in roadways or drainage ditches, or within reserved areas such as riparian zones, channel bottoms or streams.

2.10.8 During ignition operations, the Contractor's crew supervisor shall maintain contact with the Government representative through mutually-agreed-upon communications system at all times.

2.10.9 Conduct holding operations in accordance with the prescribed fire plan. Relocation of personnel and equipment may be required as ignition and burnout progresses. The Contractor's crew supervisor shall recognize the need for and make such relocations, dependent upon on-site weather and fire conditions.

2.10.10 Extinguish any fire outside the fireline of the unit, or unit boundary and promptly report this to the COR at the site. A fireline shall be constructed completely around each slopover, spot fire or fire outside the primary unit boundary. The minimum shall be a fireline scraped to mineral soil 18 inches in width with all overhanging combustible material cleared for 3 feet on each side of the fireline and 6 feet overhead.

2.10.11 Do not fell any wildlife trees or snags which may have fire in them without approval of the COR or PI.

2.10.12 Mop-up shall be performed in accordance with 5.15, Standard Mop-up and Patrol.

2.11 Subitem K- Prescribed Burn and Mop-Up: Broadcast and Understory Burn 2.11.1 The Levels of Difficulty for broadcast burns and understory burns are based on the following criteria and descriptions. Levels of Difficulty will be identified in the task order. Criteria used in determining a Level of Difficulty consists of the Complexity Rating based on the Prescribed Fire Complexity Rating System Guide; and on unit size. The Government will rate the prescribed fire complexity for each unit and will assign a rating of Low, Moderate, or High. The size of a unit is a factor for the level of difficulty. Unit size is divided into four groups: 25 acres or less, 26 to 75 acres, 76 to 150 acres, and 151 acres or greater.

Subitem K1 - Level I - Low Complexity Rating, Unit size 25 acres or less.

Subitem K2 - Level II - Low Complexity Rating, Unit size 26 to 75 acres.

Subitem K3 - Level III - Low Complexity Rating, Unit size 76 to 150 acres.

Subitem K4 - Level IV - Low Complexity Rating, Unit size 151 acres or greater.

Subitem K5 - Level V - Moderate Complexity Rating, Unit size 25 acres or less.

Subitem K6 - Level VI - Moderate Complexity Rating, Unit size 26 to 75 acres.

Subitem K7 - Level VII - Moderate Complexity Rating, Unit size 76 to 150 acres.

Subitem K8 - Level VIII - Moderate Complexity Rating, Unit size 151 acres or greater.

Subitem K9 - Level IX - High Complexity Rating, Unit size 25 acres or less.

Subitem K10 - Level X - High Complexity Rating, Unit size 26 to 75 acres.

Subitem K11 - Level XI - High Complexity Rating, Unit size 76 to 150 acres.

Subitem K12 - Level XII- High Complexity Rating, Unit size 151 acres or greater.

2.11.2 The prescribed burning season for the interior southwest Oregon for understory and broadcast burning normally is between October and June. Major control problems can occur during a period of frontal passage and strong east wind conditions. Close attention to weather forecasts and securing and patrolling of previously burned units is common practice to eliminate any escaped fires.

2.11.3 All prescribed fire operations shall be initiated only when a Prescribed Fire Plan has been approved and signed by the prescribed fire plan preparer, fire management officer, technical reviewer, and agency administrator.. All elements of the plan shall be followed unless a deviation has been approved in advance by the COR. The Contractor shall conduct a preburn crew briefing, as prepared in the Plan.

2.11.4 Clearance to Burn - The Contractor shall be responsible for monitoring fuel and weather conditions to determine time periods when units are in the prescription parameters identified in the Prescribed Fire Plan. The Contractor may consult the Government regarding short, mid, and long term weather forecast to determine the potential impacts to fuel moisture conditions and the ability to meet Prescribed Fire Plan objectives. The Contractor shall notify the Government no later than 1300 hours on the day prior to ignition when specific units are within burn prescription parameters and of their request to burn. The Government will notify the Contractor via telephone or direct communications at or before 0900 hours on the day of the proposed ignition of smoke management conditions and any updated weather forecasts that would cancel the burning. The Government will grant final approval to conduct burning. Approval is based on the Government verifying: 1) unit fuel and weather conditions are within Prescribed Fire Plan parameters and prescribed fire and resource objectives are attainable; 2) Prescribed Fire Plan parameters and objectives for smoke management are attainable based on smoke management instructions and forecast, and weather forecasts for proposed burn date and time; and 3) successful completion of the Go/No-Go Checklist and the test fire.

2.11.5 During ignition operations, the Contractor's crew supervisor shall maintain contact with the Government representative through mutually agreed upon communications system at all times.

2.11.6 Conduct holding operations in accordance with the prescribed fire plan. Relocation of personnel and equipment may be required as ignition and burnout progresses. The Contractor's crew supervisor shall recognize the need for and make such relocations, dependent upon on-site weather and fire conditions.

2.11.7 Extinguish any fire outside the fireline of the unit, or unit boundary, and promptly report this to the COR at the site. A fireline shall be constructed completely around any fire, slopover, or spot fire outside the primary unit boundaries. The minimum shall be a fireline scraped to mineral soil 18 inches in width with all overhanging combustible material cleared for three feet on either side and six feet overhead.

2.11.8 Do not fell any reserved trees or snags which may have fire in them without approval of the COR.

2.11.9 Mop-up shall be performed in accordance with 5.15, Standard Mop-Up and Patrol.

2.11.10 Restoration - After ignition and mop-up, all water bars shall be restored to a properly functioning condition.

2.12 Subitem L - Prescribed Burn: Broadcast and Understory Burn 2.12.1 The Levels of Difficulty for broadcast burns and understory burns are based on the following criteria and descriptions. Levels of Difficulty will be identified in the task order. Criteria used in determining a Level of Difficulty consists of the Complexity Rating based on the Prescribed Fire Complexity Rating System Guide; and on unit size. The Government will rate the prescribed fire complexity for each unit and will assign a rating of Low, Moderate, or High. The size of a unit is a factor for the level of difficulty. Unit size is divided into four groups: 25 acres or less, 26 to 75 acres, 76 to 150 acres, and 151 acres or greater.

Subitem L1 - Level I - Low Complexity Rating, Unit size 25 acres or less.

Subitem L2 - Level II - Low Complexity Rating, Unit size 26 to 75 acres.

Subitem L3 - Level III - Low Complexity Rating, Unit size 76 to 150 acres.

Subitem L4 - Level IV - Low Complexity Rating, Unit size 151 acres or greater.

Subitem L5 - Level V - Moderate Complexity Rating, Unit size 25 acres or less.

Subitem L6 - Level VI - Moderate Complexity Rating, Unit size 26 to 75 acres.

Subitem L7 - Level VII - Moderate Complexity Rating, Unit size 76 to 150 acres.

Subitem L8 - Level VIII - Moderate Complexity Rating, Unit size 151 acres or greater.

Subitem L9 - Level IX - High Complexity Rating, Unit size 25 acres or less.

Subitem L10 - Level X - High Complexity Rating, Unit size 26 to 75 acres.

Subitem L11 - Level XI - High Complexity Rating, Unit size 76 to 150 acres.

Subitem L12 - Level XII- High Complexity Rating, Unit size 151 acres or greater.

2.12.2 Subitem L consists of prescribed burning without the mop-up requirement in Section 5.11.9. Subitem L shall be conducted in accordance with Section 5.11.2 thru 5.11.8, inclusive. The Contractor’s obligation will end upon release by the COR on the day of ignition. The responsible agency will assume obligations for patrol and mop-up at that time.

2.13 Subitem M - Prescribed Burn and Mop-Up: Hand Pile Burn 2.13.1 The levels of difficulty for Hand Pile Burns will be determined as follows:

Subitem M1 - Level I - An average of fewer than 20 piles per acre.

Subitem M2 - Level II - An average of 21 to 40 piles per acre.

Subitem M3 - Level III - An average of 41 to 60 piles per acre.

Subitem M4 - Level IV - An average of 61 to 80 piles per acre.

Subitem M5 - Level V - An average of 81 to 100 piles per acre.

Subitem M6 - Level VI - An average of 101 to 120 piles per acre.

Subitem M7 - Level VII - An average of 121 to 140 piles per acre.

Subitem M8 - Level VIII - An average of 141 and greater piles per acre.

2.13.2 The burning season for hand piles for the interior southwest Oregon normally is during November and December. However, conditions permitting burning may occur at anytime from the middle of October through June. Major control problems can occur during a period of frontal passage and strong east wind conditions. Close attention to weather forecasts and securing and patrolling of previously burned units is common practice to eliminate any fire spread from burned piles or escaped fires outside unit boundaries.

2.13.3 All prescribed fire operations shall be initiated only when a Prescribed Fire Plan has been approved and signed by the prescribed fire plan preparer, fire management officer, technical reviewer, and agency administrator.. All elements of the plan shall be followed unless a deviation has been approved in advance by the COR.

2.13.4 Clearance to Burn - The Contractor shall be responsible for monitoring fuel and weather conditions to determine time periods when units are in the prescription parameters identified in the Prescribed Fire Plan. The Contractor may consult the Government regarding short, mid, and long term weather forecast to determine the potential impacts to fuel moisture conditions and the ability to meet Prescribed Fire Plan objectives. The Contractor shall notify the Government no later than 1300 hours on the day prior to ignition when specific units are within burn prescription parameters and of their request to burn. The Government will notify the Contractor via telephone or direct communications at or before 0900 hours on the day of the proposed ignition of smoke management conditions and any updated weather forecasts that would cancel the burning. The Government will grant final approval to conduct burning.