PWS.pdf

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PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

FOR

LONGLEAF RESTORATION SERVICES

AT

EGLIN AFB, FLORIDA

19 Aug 2024

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LONGLEAF RESTORATION SERVICES

Table of Contents

1.0 SECTION I: DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

1.1 General Scope

1.2 Background

1.3 Inherently Governmental Function

1.4 Period of Performance

1.5 Place of Performance

1.6 Specific Tasks

1.7 Historical Data

1.8 Minimum Qualifications

1.9 Deliverables

1.10 Contractor Travel

1.11 Contractor Phase-In and Phase-Out Transition

1.12 Small Business Subcontracting Program

2.0 SECTION II: SERVICE SUMMARY

2.1 General

2.2 Performance Evaluation

2.3 Government Quality Assurance

2.4 Performance Assessment

2.5 Quarterly Progress Meetings

2.6 Contracting Officer’s Representative

2.7 Quality Control

2.8 Contractor’s Performance

3.0 SECTION III: GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY and SERVICES

3.1 Government Furnished Services

3.2 Government Furnished Facilities

3.3 Government Furnished Property to include Equipment and Material

3.4 Contractor Furnished Property and Services

4.0 SECTION IV: GENERAL INFORMATION

4.1 Hours of Operation

4.2 Contractor Personnel

4.3 Continuation of Essential DoD Contractor Services During Crisis

4.4 Conservation of Utilities

4.5 Environmental Protection

4.6 Miscellaneous Paragraph

4.7 Security

4.8 Safety

5.0 SECTION V APPENDICES & EXHIBITS

APPENDIX 1 Definitions, Abbreviations, and Acronyms

APPENDIX 2 Workload Estimates

APPENDIX 3 Government Furnished Facilities

APPENDIX 4 Applicable Publications and Forms

SECTION I

1.0 DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES

1.1 General. This is a non-personnel services contract to provide longleaf pine restoration services. The government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein. Such contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the contractor who, in turn is responsible to the government.

1.1.1 Description of Services/Objectives. The contractor shall provide all management, personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform longleaf pine restoration services as defined in this Performance Work Statement (PWS) except for those items specified as Government Furnished Property and services. The contractor shall perform to the standards in this contract. This includes the planning, coordination, and surveillance of the activities necessary to ensure disciplined work performance and timely resources application to accomplish all tasking under the contract. The contractor shall be responsible for maintaining communication with the contracting officer (CO) and the contracting officer’s representative (COR), and to immediately notify both the CO and the

COR of any problems that would prevent timely performance of this contract. The contractor is responsible for and required to implement, and maintain management control systems necessary to plan, organize, direct, and control all activities under this contract.

1.2 Background. Eglin AFB covers more than 464,000 acres and is located within Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and

Walton counties in Northwest Florida. Within this area is an approximately 288,000 acre Core Conservation Area where the primary natural resource focus is longleaf pine ecosystem restoration. Federal regulations that drive the need for these restoration efforts include the Endangered Species Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq) and the Sikes Act

(16 U.S.C. 670 et seq.).

1.3 Inherently Governmental Function. The contractor shall not perform inherently governmental functions as defined in FAR Subpart 7.5 in relationship to this PWS.

1.4 Period of Performance. This is a 5 year contract with 1 basic year and 4 option years.

1.5 Place of Performance. The contractor shall perform the services in the PWS at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

1.6. Unit Boundaries and Access. The Government, using GPS, will determine accurate acreage. Boundaries of areas to be treated are designated by flagging tape, firelines, natural boundaries, roads, or as directed by the COR.

The Government will provide map(s) showing areas for timber stand improvement or planting to the Contractor.

Areas or portions of areas may be dropped, added, or exchanged by the government due to mission, environmental, funding, or other requirements.

The terrain to receive treatment is flat to gently rolling with sandy soils. Access roads are available. Most planting areas are located in the sandhills and therefore are not expected to be adversely affected by wet weather. In some

TSI areas, most vegetation has been removed with a timber sale and slash from harvested timber remains on site.

Other TSI areas have a high overstory, understory/midstory, and groundcover density. Existing longleaf pines are to be protected. Four-wheel drive vehicles may be required to access some areas of performance.

Open Access – For this contract, open access areas are defined as areas shown on the FY 25 Eglin AFB Outdoor

Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Recreation Map as open to public access. No special clearance is required.

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Closed Access – For this contract, closed access areas are defined as areas where access is restricted to authorized individuals. These areas are shown on the FY25 Eglin AFB Outdoor Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Recreation

Map as closed to public access. Prior to entering any closed areas, prior to crossing any range, and prior to proceeding through any closed range gate (normally a red gate), the contractor shall call the Joint Test and

Training Operation Control Center (JTTOCC) at (850)882-4548 to obtain a “Z” clearance and required departure time. The contractor shall vacate the subject area and contact the JTTOCC again to “call out” of the area by the time specified.

1.7 Unit Priority. The sequence of work will be determined by the COR at the pre-work conference and may be subject to change. Closed access areas are designated as higher priority units than open access units. Potential changes to planting area locations or respective priority will be directed by the COR. If any of the listed planting units are not available for planting, the CO or COR may substitute other planting units.

1.8. Specific Tasks.

Contractor shall perform Longleaf Restoration Services as described in this Performance Work Statement (PWS).

1.8.1 Hand-Planting Longleaf Pine Seedlings.

1.8.1.1 Care and Protection of Seedlings - While in possession of the Contractor seedlings shall be protected in accordance with industry standards.

Seedlings shall be handled, stored, and transported in a manner to protect them from heat, wind, drying, and to maintain the air temperature of boxes between 32º and 70ºF.

Contractor shall transport unused and partially filled seedling boxes back to the refrigerated trailer at

Jackson Guard at the end of each planting day.

Seedling boxes shall be kept closed to prevent exposure of the seedlings to air and elements.

The Contractor shall not allow seedlings boxes/bags to be thrown, dropped, crushed, stood on, or sat on, at any time. Nothing shall be allowed on top of the boxes other than the heat shield tarp.

No warming fires shall be within 100 feet of seedlings.

The seedling roots shall be kept moist at all times prior to and during planting. Seedlings shall be watered by the Contractor in one of two ways: (1) Contractor shall keep sufficient water on hand in the field to dip the seedlings after removal from boxes prior to placing in planting bags; or (2) the

Contractor shall water each box of seedlings upon removal from the refrigerated trailer at Jackson

Guard prior to transporting to the field. Seedlings shall be watered to the satisfaction of the

Contracting Officer Representative (COR).

Seedlings shall be protected from contamination by materials such as gasoline, diesel fuel, oils, or chemicals that may damage the seedlings.

The Contractor shall place seedling boxes under a heat shield tarp while being transported from the refrigerated trailer to the field and while staged in field prior to planting.

1.8.1.2 Planting Operations - The following instructions must be followed for all trees planted by each tree planter. These standards are based on industry standards. Failure to follow this sequence of planting steps will be grounds for contract termination.

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Most planting areas are located in the sandhills and therefore are not expected to be adversely affected by wet weather.

If inclement weather conditions, which could damage seedlings or interfere with proper planting, occur during the planting operation, the COR may suspend planting until conditions improve. Inclement weather conditions include freezing or high temperatures, drying winds, and low humidity. When planting is suspended, any unused seedlings shall be returned to the refrigerated trailer. Examples of inclement weather conditions include, but are not limited to:

1) The soil being frozen

2) Air temperature above 70 degrees Fahrenheit

3) Humidity below 30 percent

4) Wind speeds greater than 15 mph

Type 1 planting units are forested areas from which merchantable sand pine or slash pine has been removed. Residual longleaf pine trees and scrub oak trees are present in varying amounts throughout the planting areas. Some Type 1 planting units have received site preparation in the form of herbicide, roller-drum chopping, and/or site prep burn.

These units shall be planted at a density of 450 to 700 containerized longleaf pine seedlings per acre. Specific planting density shall be directed by the COR. Planted seedlings shall be spaced between 3 feet and 14 feet apart. Planting density for these sites will be inspected outside of the dripline of any residual trees.

Type 2 planting units are all rehabilitated borrow pits. All the sites have native grasses within them, along with scattered stands of trees. The grasses are of moderate to heavy density with small openings interspersed. These small openings are where the seedlings shall be planted. All borrow pits have berms built into them to prevent erosion. These berms are NOT to be planted.

The areas between the berms are the designated planting areas. Additionally, there shall be no planting within 10 feet of a pipe, riser, or barricade.

These units shall be planted at a density of approximately 100 per acre with the planted seedlings between 16 feet and 25 feet apart. The density or spacing may be altered with approval of the COR.

Seedling boxes shall be kept intact prior to planting.

All cull seedlings shall be discarded; the Contractor shall notify the COR of any cull seedlings.

Planter shall insert the entire hole-punching portion of the planting tool straight down

(vertically) into the soil at the center of the cleared spot. The depth of the planting hole shall be the same as the length of the root plug.

Plant one tree seedling in a trash-free hole (a hole free of duff, leaves, litter, and grasses). The seedlings shall be planted in a manner to avoid obstructions. The seedlings shall not be planted in areas that hold water.

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Seedlings shall be planted vertically, straight down into the earth.

Plant each tree seedling at the same depth at which it grew in the nursery. Seedlings planted on areas that have been site-prepared by roller-drum chopping shall not be planted any deeper than the top of the plug. Surrounding mineral soils shall be firmly tamped around the seedling’s root plug, to provide a barrier that will help keep seedlings from drying out due to the wicking action of the root plug. Contractor shall ensure a thin layer of soil covers the top of the root plug.

Seedlings shall be planted within two hours of removal from the box.

The Contractor shall consult with the COR on planting distances from roads or utility line right-of-ways.

Contractor shall not plant seedlings under the "drip line" of existing longleaf pine or scrub oak left on plots.

The Contractor shall avoid planting seedlings in distinct row patterns to ensure that seedling spacing has a naturally occurring appearance--there should be no apparent rows of seedlings.

The Contractor shall perform his/her own quality control (QC) during planting operations, to ensure the requirements are met on each planting unit. The Contractor’s QC shall include establishing five 1/10-acre circular plots per 50 acres of planting area; the circular plots shall be randomly placed. A red top 1” X 2” survey stake shall be driven into the ground with sample data written legibly on the stake. The Contractor shall tie colored flagging on the stake in a manner so the COR can locate the stake. The sample data shall consist of the total number of seedlings planted, as well as the number of seedlings improperly planted, within the plots. The

Contractor shall test at least five seedlings per day per planter for inspection purposes. The subject test shall consist of holding two needles between the thumb(s) and forefinger and gently pull straight up. Properly tamped seedlings should not pull out of the ground.

The Contractor shall notify the COR when each planting unit, including QC, is completed and ready to be inspected.

1.8.1.3 Pace of work - The Contractor shall furnish sufficient personnel, supervision, quality assurance, and equipment to plant an average of 200,000 seedlings per week from the commencement of operations until the end of the contract period. The government will make reasonable effort to have seedlings available when needed by the Contractor, but availability at all times cannot be guaranteed.

1.8.1.4 Planting Report – The Contractor shall submit a planting report spreadsheet to the inspector on each unit planted and invoiced for payment at the end of the planting season.

1.8.2 Timber Stand Improvement/Sand Pine Removal

1.8.2.1 Timber Stand Improvement Operations - The contractor shall treat designated areas by felling or girdling all live sand pine trees in the treatment areas, in accordance with (IAW) the specifications below. Felling or girdling shall be accomplished with chainsaws, brush saws, or hand tools.

Live sand pine trees six inches (6”) and taller shall be felled by cutting the stem/trunk completely through. This includes all seedlings, saplings, and trees of a wide range of sizes. The Contractor shall ensure that all felled trees lie on the ground. All felled trees and cut/felled tree branches shall be cut (lopped) to lay no higher than 3 feet above ground level. Stumps shall be cut below the lowest branch and shall be left no higher than 4 inches above ground level.

The contractor may girdle sand pine trees that are 8” dbh or greater, provided that: the subject trees are not within falling distance of roads, buildings, improvements, or other areas where the future snags created by girdled trees may endanger person or property.

Trees shall be girdled twice at the base of the tree; the two girdle cuts shall be located between

4 and 6 inches apart; and the girdle cuts shall completely encircle the tree, completely severing the cambium.

Trees near roads shall be felled away from the road; all roads shall remain clear and free to travel. The Contractor shall not damage or suppress any longleaf pine trees, saplings, or seedlings.

1.8.2.2 Pace of work- The Contractor shall furnish sufficient personnel, supervision, and working equipment to treat an average of 150 acres per week.

1.9 Historical Data. The tasks described above have been performed in the past. Historic Workloads can be found in Appendix 2.

1.10 Deliverables.

1.10.1 Below is a list of deliverables under this contract.

Support Area Title Delivery Date/Description

Management Manpower Reporting See 1.10.2 below.

Management/ Technical Personnel Roster As coordinated with the customer

Technical Planting Report As negotiated

Technical Report Planning Documents As required

1.10.2 Contractor Manpower Reporting Application (eCMRA).

The contractor shall report ALL contractor labor hours (including subcontractor labor hours) required for performance of services provided under this contract via the secure data collection site (i.e. eCMRA). The contractor shall register in eCMRA within 30 days of contract award. The contractor is required to completely fill in all required data fields using the following web address http://www.ecmra.mil. Reporting inputs will be for the labor executed during the period of performance during each government fiscal year (FY), which runs 1 October through 30 September. While inputs may be reported any time during the FY, all data shall be reported no later than 31 October of each calendar year. Contractors may direct questions to the above eCMRA help desk.

Information from the secure web site is considered to be proprietary in nature when the contract number and contractor identity are associated with the direct labor hours and direct labor dollars. At no time will any data be released to the public with the contractor name and contract number associated with the data. Data for Air Force service requirements must be input at the Air Force eCMRA link. However, user manuals for government personnel and contractors are available at the eCMRA link at http://www.ecmra.mil.

1.10.3 Data. The government has unlimited rights to all deliverables of this contract.

Page - 7 - of 23 http://www.ecmra.mil/ http://www.ecmra.mil/

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1.10.4 Inspection. Deliverables will be inspected by the government within 14 workdays of receipt. Progress meetings may be held as required.

1.11 Small Business Subcontracting Program The contractor must submit a subcontracting plan for small business, small disadvantaged businesses, Historically Under-utilized Business Zones (HUBZones), women-owned small businesses, service disabled veteran owned small businesses, veteran-owned small businesses, historically black colleges and universities and minority institutions, and Alaska Native corporations and Indian

Tribes. The plan shall contain goals for each of the categories, as well as 10 other elements identified (11 total) in

FAR 19.704 and FAR Clause 52.219-9. This rating element assesses the contractor's performance in meeting the requirements of the plan and achievements against the negotiated goals.

The contractor may use one of three types of plans: subcontracting plan, commercial plan (for commercial items), and the DoD comprehensive (test) plan. (See FAR 19.704, 52.219-9 for additional guidance.) An Individual

Subcontracting Report (ISR) shall be submitted semi-annually during contract performance for the periods ending

March 31 and September 30. Reports are due 30 days after the close of each reporting period, unless otherwise directed by the CO. A report is also required for each contract within 30 days of contract completion. Summary

Subcontract Reports (SSR), including those submitted for comprehensive subcontracting plans under the DoD

Small Business Subcontracting Plan (Test Program), shall be submitted semi-annually for the 6 months ending

March 31 and the 12 months ending September 30. Reports are due 30 days after the close of each reporting period. For commercial plans, a SSR is due 30 days after the end of the government's fiscal year. For the CPARS rating, the government will use the most recent ISR and/or SSR that the contractor submitted and will not delay the evaluation if the rating period is different than the subcontracting reporting period.

SECTION II

2.0 Service Summary (SS)

2.1 General

The contractor service requirements are summarized into performance objectives that relate directly to mission essential items. The performance threshold briefly describes the minimum acceptable levels of service required for each requirement. These thresholds are critical to mission success but do not represent all contract performance requirements. All contract performance requirements in this PWS will be monitored.

2.2 Performance Evaluation

Performance of a service shall be evaluated to determine whether or not it meets the performance requirements of this contract. Re-performance of unacceptable services at no additional cost is the preferred course of action when appropriate. In the case of issued Corrective Action Reports (CARs), the Contracting Officer shall take appropriate measures according to inspection of services clause in the contract, i.e., FAR 52.246-4, 52.246-5, or

52.212-4(a).

2.3 Government Quality Assurance. The government shall inspect and evaluate the contractors’ performance to ensure services are received in accordance with requirements set forth in this contract. The COR will use the contractor’s work schedule, or modified version thereof, to record validation results. Results of the validation then becomes the official Air Force record of the contractor’s performance. Government surveillance of tasks not listed in the PWS or by methods other than those listed in the PWS (such as provided for by the Inspection of Services clause) may occur during the performance period of this contract. Such surveillance will be done according to standard inspection procedures or other contract provisions. Any action taken by the CO as a result of surveillance will be according to the terms of this contract.

2.3.1 The government will periodically evaluate the contractor’s performance in accordance with the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP). The government may inspect each task as completed and increase the number of quality assurance inspections if deemed appropriate because of repeated failures discovered during surveillance inspections or because of repeated customer complaints. Likewise, the government may decrease the number of quality assurance inspections if performance dictates.

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SS

Performance Objective PWS

Paragraph

Performance Threshold Rating Criteria

Quality

1 Care and Protection of

Seedlings

1.8.1.1

No more than three (3) violations per planting season

Periodic/Random sampling Surveillance by visual inspection

2 Planting Operations

1.8.1.2

95 % compliance

Periodic/Random sampling Surveillance by visual inspection

Planting Areas/Density

Requirements

1.8.1.2 ±10%

Periodic/Random sampling Surveillance by visual inspection

4 Planting Report 1.8.1.3 100% compliance Visual Inspection

Felling and Girdling of all Sand Pines 1.8.2.1

95% of all live sand pines felled or girdled within GPS marked boundary area

Periodic/Random sampling Surveillance by visual inspection

Protection of Resources and Improvements 4.9

100% of all natural / cultural resources and improvements shall be protected

Visual Inspection

Protection of Resources and Improvements 4.9

All trash/debris shall be disposed of properly and immediately

Visual Inspection

Protection of Species and

Habitats 4.10

100% of protected animals, plants, and habitats shall be protected

Visual Inspection

9 Pace of Operations 1.8.1.3

1.8.2.2

Plant 200,000 seedlings per week / TSI a minimum of

150 acres per week

Periodic/Random sampling Surveillance by

Visual Inspection. If necessary, GPS used for completed work to measure true acreage.

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2.3.2 When an observation indicates defective performance, the COR will require the contract manager or representative at the site to initial the observation. The initialing of the observation does not necessarily constitute concurrence with the observation, only acknowledgment that he or she has been made aware of the defective performance. When a performance threshold has not been met or contractor performance has not been accomplished, the COR will initiate and provide the CO a CAR for issuance to the contactor. The contractor shall respond to the CAR IAW instructions provided and return it to the CO within 10 calendar days of receipt.

2.4 Performance Assessment.

2.4.1 Periodic Surveillance. This method requires the COR to employ a “spot check” style of evaluation based on the contractor’s services. Periodic surveillance will be conducted on a scheduled basis (daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annually) and may be adjusted, based on quality trends.

2.4.2 Customer Complaints. The COR will receive and investigate all complaints. The COR shall be responsible for validating customer complaints. The CO shall make final determination of the validity of customer complaint(s) in cases of disagreement with the COR and the contractor. Validated customer complaints shall be corrected within 2 hours of notification. CO will validate corrective action.

2.4.3 Review of Audits. COR reviews results of the contractor’s accepted quality management system audits and related quality metrics.

2.6 Contracting Officer Representative (COR). CORs are representatives of the CO and will participate in the administration of this contract. After award of the contract, the contractor will be provided a letter identifying the COR and setting forth their duties and authorities. The COR is not authorized to change any of the terms and conditions of the contract/task order.

2.6.1 Multifunction Team (MFT). The contractor’s manager with the CO, Contract Administrator (CA), COR, and other government personnel shall meet on a regular basis. The MFT will establish how often meetings are needed based on contract complexity. The contractor may request a meeting with the CO when the contractor believes such a meeting is necessary. If the CO or CA deems necessary, written minutes of any such meetings shall be recorded by the CA in the contract file and signed by the PM and the CO or CA. If the contractor does not concur with any portion of the minutes, such nonoccurrence shall be provided in writing to the CO within 10 calendar days following receipt of the minutes.

2.7 Quality Control. In compliance with the applicable contract clauses FAR 52.246-4 thru FAR 52.246-5, entitled, “Inspection of Services (Fixed Price and Cost-Reimbursement),” or FAR 52.212-4(a) Commercial Terms and Conditions Inspection/Acceptance, develop and maintain an effective quality control program to ensure services are performed IAW this PWS, applicable laws and regulations and IAW best commercial practices.

2.7.1 Quality Control Plan (QCP). The contractor shall be required to submit a QCP within 30 days after contract award. The CO will notify the contractor of acceptance or required modifications to the plan. The contractor shall make appropriate modifications and obtain acceptance of the plan by the CO within 30 days. The contractor’s QCP shall contain, at a minimum, the following descriptive items:

a. The inspection system to cover all services. Description shall include specifics as to the areas to be inspected on a scheduled and unscheduled basis, frequency of inspections, and the title and organizational placement of the inspector(s).

b. The methods to be used for identifying and preventing defects in the quality of services performed.

c. How the records will be kept. Records must document all inspections and corrective or preventive actions taken.

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2.8 Contractor’s Performance. The government assesses a contractor’s performance on an on-going basis, both positive and negative, and provides a record on a given contract during a specified period of time.

2.8.1 Past Performance Information (PPI). PPI can be provided to other government agencies, as requested.

2.8.2 Contractor Performance Assessment Report (CPARS). Depending on the estimated value of the contract, formal assessment and reporting of contractor performance is documented using the CPARS system. The contractor will be provided a copy of their assessment 365 days from contract award. The contractor shall have

60 days to review and submit comments for the evaluation activity’s consideration before the assessment is made final. Past Performance assessment reports will be protected by all parties and treated by government personnel as “For Official Use Only/Source Selection Information in accordance with FAR 2.101 and 3.104”.

SECTION III

3.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY AND SERVICES

3.1 Government Furnished Property (to include equipment and material). The government will provide containerized longleaf pine seedlings in boxes or bags.

3.1.1 Government Furnished Property (GFP). The contractor shall conduct an inventory of all GFP listed above during the phase-in transition period. The contractor shall sign receipt for all equipment provided by the government. The contractor shall determine and certify the working order and condition of all equipment. Items of equipment missing or not in working order shall be recorded. If the contractor does not elect to participate in the inventory within the timeframe listed above, the contractor must accept as accurate, the listing and stated condition of equipment provided by the government. If the contractor participates in the inventory but does not agree with the government representative's determination as to the working order of the equipment, the equipment will be turned in as excess or the matter will be turned over to the CO for resolution. The contractor shall designate a property custodian throughout the life of the contract to receipt and account for all GFP. By completion or extension of each yearly option of the contract, an inventory of GFP shall be conducted by the contractor and an audit performed by the government Property Administrator (PA). All equipment in need of repairs/maintenance shall be repaired/maintained by the government, depending on contract type and clauses elected for use in contract (i.e. 52.245-2(a) “as-is, where-is” condition) or unless the damage was caused by willful negligence of contractor.

3.2 Contractor Furnished Property and Services. Except for those items or services specifically stated to be government-furnished in Section III and any appendixes, the contractor shall furnish everything required to perform this contract in accordance with all of its terms. The following mentioned requirements are not all inclusive of the contractor furnished items and services required in the performance of this contract.

The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, planting tools, planting bags, heat shield tarp, materials and other items and services necessary to perform the hand-planting of containerized longleaf seedling services and sand pine removal TSI by a manual crew, using chainsaws and brush saws in order to help restore native ecosystems on Eglin AFB.

Planting Tools: Hand-planting shall be accomplished by container-seedling dibble that creates a hole perpendicular to the ground that measures 4.5” deep, 1.5” diameter at the upper end and 1.25” at the lower end.

Hoedads, sticker bars, and other blade or bar type dibbles shall not be used.

Tree Planting Bags: Tree planting bags shall be in good condition; without holes or tears; and shall prevent any drying, spillage, or contamination of seedlings during planting.

Seedling Heat Shield Tarps: Seedling Heat Shield Tarps shall be in good condition; without holes or tears; and be used to prevent drying and heating of seedlings during transportation and staging. Heat shield tarps shall be made from heavy, durable white vinyl fabric; coated with a Mylar-type finish on one side; have grommets for tie downs over truck or trailer beds; and be of sufficient size to cover all tree boxes. The heat shield tarps shall be equal to those produced by the Ben Meadows Company, Atlanta, Georgia, or Forestry Suppliers, Jackson, Mississippi.

Vehicles and Trailers: Trailers, trucks, and other transportation equipment shall not allow contamination of seedlings with petroleum, oils, lubricants, herbicides, or other matter. Vehicles must be of adequate size to protect the seedlings from damage while being transported to the job site. Vehicles and trailers shall be cleaned and free of vegetation and soil prior to entry onto forested areas, to ensure compliance with invasive/noxious species regulations regarding movement of invasive/noxious species. (Reference Florida Law FAC 5B-57)

SECTION IV

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4.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

4.1. Hours of Operation. The contractor shall perform the services required under this contract during the following hours: from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday thru Sunday except Federal holidays or when the government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closings, or similar government directed facility closings. The pine seedlings shall be picked up by the Contractor at Jackson Guard, 107

Highway 85 North, Niceville, Florida. The Contractor shall pick up the seedlings from Jackson Guard at the beginning of each workday, during regular duty hours from 6:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. Central Time, excluding

Government holidays. On regular duty days, the Contractor shall pick up no more than a one-day supply of seedlings, to be planted on the day of pick-up. If the Contractor will work on a weekend day, a two-day supply may be picked up on the preceding day. The Contractor shall notify the COR when a new supply of seedlings will be needed to be ordered, and the COR shall schedule delivery from the nurseries.

4.1.1 Recognized Holidays.

New Year’s Day Labor Day

Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday Columbus Day

President’s Day Veteran’s Day

Memorial Day Juneteenth

Thanksgiving Day Independence Day

Christmas Day

*If the holiday falls on a Saturday, it will be observed on the preceding Friday. If the holiday falls on Sunday, it will be observed on the following Monday.

4.1.1.2 Work Schedules, Leave, and Absences. The Contractor shall submit a planting schedule to the COR at least five (5) weekdays prior to planting. The number of seedlings available for pickup may vary due to the

Contractor’s planting speed and nursery limitations.

4.2. Contract Personnel

4.2.1. Contract Manager (CM). Contact Manager: The Contractor shall appoint a non-planting Contract Manager, who is knowledgeable and experienced in containerized seedling planting and supervision, to provide daily supervision and quality control. The CM shall represent the Contractor and be responsible for the performance of the work throughout the term of the contract. The name of this person, and an alternate(s) who shall act for the

Contractor when the manager is absent, shall be designated in writing to the CO and the COR. The Contract

Manager (CM) shall be able to speak, read, write and understand English. The CM shall be able to effectively communicate with Contractor employees.

4.2.1.1. Personnel Roster. The contractor may be required to provide a personnel roster consisting of names and other pertinent personnel data to the requiring activity for the purposes of 100% accountability real-world and exercise situations. The personnel roster shall be updated as individuals are removed and added.

4.2.2. Contractor Employees: The Government reserves the right to restrict the employment, under this contract, of any Contractor employee, or prospective Contractor employee who is identified as a potential threat to health, safety, security, general wellbeing, or the operational mission of the installation and its population. The

Contractor shall perform background checks, at the Contractor’s expense, to ensure that said employee has not been convicted of any sexual crime or any crime against children.

The Contractor is fully responsible for the proper planting of the seedlings by the crew.

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The planting crew shall know the requirements of the contract, including but not limited to, planting area location, seedling care, and proper planting.

Crews must be kept together at all times working as a crew under control of a supervisor rather than as individuals in separate areas. Prior notice must be given to the COR if there is to be significant change in crew personnel or working schedule.

4.2.3. Use of Government Employees.

The contractor shall not employ any person who is an employee of the U.S. Government if employing that person would create a conflict of interest. In addition, the contractor shall not employ any person who is an employee of the Department of the Defense if such employment would be contrary to the policies contained in AFI 64-106, Chapter 1, Industrial Labor Relations Activities.

4.2.3.1 Employment of Spouses/Dependents. The contractor shall not employ any person who is a spouse or dependent child of a Department of Defense employee (either military or civilian) when such employee would be placed in a conflict of interest or appearance of a conflict of interest by virtue of such employment.

4.2.3.2. Off-duty Military Personnel. The contractor is cautioned that off-duty active military personnel hired under this contract may be subject to permanent change of station, change in duty hours, or deployment. Military

Reservists and National Guard members may be subject to reorder to active duty. The abrupt absence of these personnel could adversely affect the contractor's ability to perform. However, their absence at any time shall not constitute an excuse for nonperformance under this contract.

4.2.3.3. Identification of Contractor Employees. All contract personnel attending meetings, answering government telephones, and working in other situations where their contractor status is not obvious to third parties are required to identify themselves as such to avoid creating an impression in the minds of members of the public that they are government officials. They must also ensure that all documents or reports produced by contractors are suitably marked as contractor products or that contractor participation is appropriately disclosed.

4.2.3.4 Organizational Conflict of Interest (OCI). Contractor and subcontractor personnel performing work under this contract may receive, have access to or participate in the development of proprietary or source selection information (e.g., cost or pricing information, budget information or analyses, specifications or work statements, etc.) or perform evaluation services which may create a current or subsequent OCI as defined in FAR Part 9.5.

Any potential instance of OCI must be reported to the CO immediately.

4.2.3.5 Privately Owned Vehicles. Each contractor employee driving a privately owned vehicle on the installation must carry minimum liability insurance as required by the state. Contractor employees shall adhere to all posted speed limits and shall not use hand-held cellular telephones while driving on the installation for phone calls or texting. Use of seatbelts is mandatory. Any contractor employee cited for driving under the influence will have their driving privileges immediately revoked for a period to be determined.

4.3. Continuation of Essential DoD Contractor Services During Crisis.

In Accordance With DoDI 1100.22, (12 Apr 2010) Continuation of Essential DoD Contractor Services During

Crises, DFARS 237.76, and the Air Force implementation thereof, unless otherwise directed by the CO or COR, it is determined that the services as identified in this PWS ARE NOT essential for performance during a crisis.

4.4. Conservation of Utilities. The contractor shall instruct employees in utilities conservation practices. The contractor shall be responsible for operating under conditions that preclude the waste of utilities.

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4.5 Environmental Protection. The contractor shall comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and standards that are or may become applicable to contractor’s activities in performance of this PWS.

4.5.1 Permits. The contractor shall be solely responsible for obtaining at its cost and expense any environmental permits required for its operations under the contract, independent of any existing permits held by the government.

The contractor acknowledges that the government will not consent to being named a secondary discharger or co-permittee for any operations or activities of the contractor under the contract. In the event the government is named as a secondary discharger or co-permittee for any activity or operation of the contract, the government shall have the right to take reasonable actions necessary to prevent, suspend, or terminate such activity or operations, including terminating this contract, without liability or penalty.

4.5.2 Right to Inspect. The government’s rights under this contract specifically include the right for government officials to inspect upon reasonable notice the work site for compliance with environmental, safety and occupational health laws and regulations, whether or not governmental is responsible for enforcing them. Such inspections are without prejudice to the right of duly constituted enforcement officials to make sure inspections. The government normally will give the contractor 24 hours prior notice of its intention to inspect, unless it determines the entry is required for safety, environmental, operations or security purposes.

4.5.3 Non-compliance. If the contractor is found to not be in compliance with any of these regulations, there may be cause for the facility to shut down until the contractor, when within the contractor’s control or the government, has remedied the problem. Any sanitary deficiencies shall require immediate correction.

4.5.4 Spill Response. The contractor is responsible to report and promptly clean up all spills in a manner consistent with current environmental regulations. In the event that it is necessary to utilize government material, equipment, or personnel to clean up a contractor caused spill, the contractor shall be required to reimburse the government for all associated costs. All spills immediately shall be reported to the Technical Specialist and the

Eglin AFB Spill Response Program Manager. An Eglin AFB Spill Discharge Report shall be completed and hand-carried or faxed (882-7675) to 96 CEG/CEVCE, Bldg.

592 within 4 duty hours of the spill occurrence. Eglin AFB Spill Response Program Managers shall make any required off-base spill reporting notifications.

Eglin AFB Spill Response Emergency Contacts

Jonathan Kramer

CELL: (850) 240-1628

Office: (850) 882-7659

Mike Vannoy

CELL: (850) 699-9053

Office: (850) 882-1856

Home: (850) 499-0393

Tim Langley

CELL: (850) 699-9149

Office: (850) 882-7658

ADDITIONALLY, ANY SPILL THAT THREATENS LIFE, IS A SAFETY HAZARD, OR IS A

FIRE HAZARD SHALL BE REPORTED TO THE EGLIN AFB FIRE DEPARTMENT

IMMEDIATELY BY CALLING 911

4.5.5 Audit. This contract may be subject to audit by any and all cognizant government agencies. The contractor shall make available all records, which it maintains with respect to these contract, to such agencies.

4.5.8 Failure to Insist On Compliance. The failure of government to insist, in any one or more instances, upon performance of any of the terms, covenants or conditions of this contract shall not be construed as a waiver or relinquishment of government’s right to the future performance of any such terms, covenants or conditions and the contractor’s obligations in respect to such future performance shall continue in full force and effect.

4.5.9 Green Procurement Program (GPP). The GPP is mandatory federal acquisition program that focuses on the purchase and use of environmentally preferable products and services. Many different items are covered by the

GPP. Recycled-content products are designated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “Bio-based” products made from renewable plant materials are designated by the United States Department of Agriculture

(USDA). Energy and water efficient products are designated by the Department of Energy (DOE). GPP also requires the government to avoid purchasing Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) and EPA-designated priority chemicals. Environmentally preferable purchasing (EPP) is a voluntary program, and it encourage the purchase of goods and services that have decreased effects on human health and the environment (compared to the competing goods and services that serve the same purpose), but are not already required by one of the mandatory GPP elements.

(1) Green Procurement is mandated except when the contractor can show that the product with recycled content does not meet intended specifications, has excessive costs, or cannot be delivered in time to support the schedule of the contract. If the contractor is unable to locate a specified product meeting the GPP requirement, identify the issue to the CO or GPM for guidance. GPP is based on legal requirements and the Department of

Defense facilities are subject to enforcement action if these requirements are ignored.

(2) The contractor shall make maximum use of products containing recovered materials that are EPA-designated items IAW FAR Clause 52.223-17, Affirmative Procurement of EPA-Designated Items in Service and

Construction Contracts. The list of EPA-designated items is available at https://www.epa.gov/smm.comprehensive-procurement-guidelines-cpg-program.

4.6. MISCELLANEOUS PARAGRAPHS:

4.6.1 Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). All official government records affected by this contract are subject to the provisions of the FOIA (5 U.S.C. 552/DoD 5400.7-R/AF Supplement). Any request received by the contractor for access/release of information from these records to the public (including government/contractor employees acting as private citizens), whether oral or in writing, shall be immediately brought to the attention of the CO for forwarding to the Base FOIA Manager to ensure proper processing and compliance with the Act.

4.6.2 For Official Use Only (FOUO). The contractor shall comply with DoD 5400-7-R, Chapter 4, DoD

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Program requirements. This regulation sets policy and procedures for the disclosure of records to the public and for marking, handling, transmitting, and safeguarding FOUO material.

4.6.3 Notification of Debarment/Suspension Status. The contractor shall provide immediate notice to the CO in the event of being suspended, debarred or declared ineligible by any other federal department or agency, or upon receipt of a notice of proposed debarment from another DoD Agency, during the performance of this contract.

4.6.4 Correspondence. The government singularly identifies each project with a contract number at time of award. The contract number is a unique identifier to purposely and permanently represent an awarded project.

The government issued contract number is to be referenced on all official communication starting upon notice of award.

4.6.5 Post Award Conference. The contractor agrees to attend any post award conference convened by the CO

IAW FAR Part 42.5. These meetings shall be at no additional cost to the government.

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4.6.6 Privacy Act. Work on this contract may require that personnel have access to information protected by the

Privacy Act. Contractor personnel shall adhere to the Privacy Act, Title 5 of the U.S. Code, Section 552a and applicable agency rules and regulations when handling such information.

4.6.7 Records. All records created and received by the contractor in the performance of this contract shall be maintained and readily accessible. Records shall remain the property of the government.

4.6.8 Insurance. The contractor shall obtain the necessary insurance as required by FAR part 28.3. The minimum amounts of insurance will be maintained IAW FAR 28.307-2.

4.6.9 Subcontracting. The contractor shall ensure that any subcontractor providing services on behalf of the contractor has been approved by the CO prior to any such performance. The subcontractor shall not have a negative performance history or be suspended or otherwise prohibited from doing business with the government.

4.6.10 Data Rights. The government has unlimited rights to all documents/material produced under this contract. All documents and materials, to include the source codes of any software, produced under this contract shall be government owned and are the property of the government with all rights and privileges of ownership/copyright belonging exclusively to the government. These documents and materials may not be used or sold by the contractor without written permission from the CO. All materials supplied to the government shall be the sole property of the government and may not be used for any other purpose. This right does not abrogate any other government rights.

4.6.11 Fire Prevention. The contractor shall take all necessary precautions to prevent fires in the units and contractor-furnished and government-furnished facilities while performing any work under this contract. In the event fires do occur, the contractor shall immediately notify the Base Fire Department at 911. The contractor shall then notify the requiring activity and the CO. The contractor shall brief and document its employees monthly in fire safety issues and procedures in reporting fires.

4.6.14 Inclement Weather. If the base closes due to inclement weather, the contractor will be released, by the installation commander, with the general population of the base at no decrement to contract price. The contractor will follow the local procedures for reporting in inclement weather as advertised on local television and radio stations.

4.6.15 Section 508 Compliance. The contractor shall support the government in its compliance with Section

508 throughout the development and implementation of the work to be performed. Section 508 of the

Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (29 U.S.C. 794d) requires that when federal agencies develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic information technology, federal employees with disabilities have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to the access and use by Federal employees who do not have disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency. Section 508 also requires that individuals with disabilities, who are members of the public seeking information or services from a Federal agency, have access to and use of information and data that is comparable to that provided to the public who are not individuals with disabilities, unless an undue burden would be imposed on the agency.

4.7 Security

4.7.1 General:

4.7.1.1 The contractor shall comply with…