PWS_SZ_SHO_Tree_Planting_2025.pdf

US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Performance Work Statement

Contents Project Title: 2025 Shoshone Spring Planting

General Information

1.0 Background and Purpose

2.0 Definitions

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements/Tasks

4.0 Deliverable/Schedule

5.0 Government Furnished

6.0 Travel

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel

8.0 Security Requirements

9.0 Data Rights

10.0 Section 508 - Electronic and Information Technology Standards

11.0 Performance Requirement Measures

Attachments

See attachment “SZ_SHO_Tree_Planting_Criteria.docx.”

See attachment “Exhibit 1: 2025 Planting Units Map.”

See attachment “Exhibit 2: 2025 Planting Vicinity Map.”

Exhibit 3: Planting Inspection Method

Exhibit 4: Planting Inspection Sheet

Exhibit 5: Reference from FSH 2409.17

Project Title: 2025 Shoshone Spring Planting

General Information

1.0 Background and Purpose

The Contractor shall furnish all necessary materials, equipment, labor, supplies, and incidentals needed to perform the 2025 Shoshone Spring Planting contract. The project area is in the Wind River District on the Shoshone National Forest in Fremont County, Wyoming. See attached project maps. Kmz and shapefiles are also available if requested.

Unit of measure: Per Each Tree Number of Trees: 55,985 All pricing should include taxes if applicable.

This requirement is for the 2025 Shoshone Spring Planting. Plant approximately 194 acres with container stock. Planting densities vary by unit. This project will pay on a per tree basis. See detailed information table for specific acreage and number of trees to be planted in each unit. The planting will be accomplished by utilizing a micrositing planting technique where seedlings are planted in the best available microsites and not according to a specified spacing. All trees will be planted in shaded microsites using logs and standing dead trees for shade. In total, it will be approximately 194 acres planted and approximately 55,985 seedlings. Approximately 42% of the seedlings planted will be Engelmann spruce and 58% will be lodgepole pine. The stock type will be 160 and 112 container stock, respectively.

This contact does not include items for tree transport from delivery points to planting units. It is the responsibility of the Contractor to transport trees from delivery points to planting units. Any costs associated with tree transport from delivery points to planting units should be included in items for per tree planting.

The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, supervision, workman’s compensation, unemployment insurance, transportation, supplies (except those designated as Government-furnished), and incidentals, to perform all work necessary to plant seedlings in the areas specified. The contract includes tree handling, scalping, micrositing, and planting.

All trees will be planted in the shade of a log, stump, or shrub. All aspects of the work program shall be performed in an organized, systematic manner to assure services shall be performed over entire units.

UNIT INFORMATION:

Location and Description The 2025 Shoshone Spring Planting will take place on the Wind River Ranger District, Shoshone National Forest. All the planting units are located within the Lava Mountain burn scar, located in western Wyoming on the Shoshone National Forest. Project area locations are depicted on the vicinity and item maps.

The project area is located at T42N R109W, Sections 3-5 and 8-10, 6th PM.

All units can be accessed from Dubois, WY using US HWY 26 and NFSR 532.

Contract Time The Contractor shall start work promptly after receipt of Notice to Proceed (NTP). The Contractor shall maintain progress at a rate that will assure completion within the stated contract time. The contract time will generally not exceed a required rate of progress exceeding that determined from the accepted operation plan.

Estimated Beginning Date Acres Estimated Contract Time (includes 1 weather day) Complete by

May 19th, 2025 194 acres 7 days May 30th, 2025

Shapefiles of the planting units have been created. PDF maps of the planting units are provided. If unable to open or use the PDF maps, shapefiles can be provided by Celina Montes, who can be reached at email address celina.montes@usda.gov or at phone number (307) 414-6732.

2.0 Definitions

Acceptable established tree: An existing conifer of seedling, sapling, or mature size that is of good form, color, free of damage, and has 50% or greater crown ratio. All visible natural regeneration 6” and greater will be considered an acceptable established tree.

Acceptable Quality Level (AQL): The allowable leeway or variance from a standard before the Government will reject the specific service. As long as the percent of defective performance does not exceed AQL, the service will not be rejected by the Government. The Contractor, however, must re-perform the defective service when possible.

Clearing: Removal of surface debris around the planting hole to avoid debris from falling into the hole. Debris includes duff, litter, rotten or charred wood, moss, loose rock, ashes, snow, and surface frost.

Contract Time: See Period of Performance.

Container Stock: Seedling grown in a receptacle containing soil and nutrients. When the container seedlings are extracted from the receptacle, the soil stays intact around the roots. The soil and roots together are referred to as the container plug;

the soil is the container media.

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): The COR is the on-sire contract administrator for the Contracting Officer (CO). The duties and responsibilities of a COR are defined in the letter of a designation issued by the Contracting Officer.

“Danger Tree”: OSHA reference 1910.266 (C): standing tree that presents a hazard to employees due to conditions such as, but not limited to, deterioration or physical damage to the root system, trunk, stem, or limbs and the direction and lean of the tree.

Delivery point: The point identified for delivery of trees and other supplies. If there are multiple points for delivery of various items, it will be so noted.

Drip line: The line extending vertically from the exterior edge of a tree’s live crown to the ground.

Foreign material (in planting hole): Large rocks, sticks, litter, or similar material not part of the surrounding soil substrate that is in the planting hole after the tree is planted.

Ground line of tree before planting: The original ground line of the tree before planting is the soil surface level in the nursery beds or in the container receptacle. It is between the cotyledon scar and the root collar.

Lateral Roots: The horizontal roots extending from the main vertical (tap) root.

Legacy Plant: Technique where by planting spot selection is based upon favorable microsites. Selection will be based upon existing dead, standing, taller stumps, and less mobile downed trees. Utilization of downed material will be used based upon directionality and the ability to provide shade. Logs that lay east/west or northwest/southeast provide the most protection from solar insolation. The downed log must also have a minimum of a 4” diameter at the point where the seedling has been planted. Only one seedling will be placed along an unbroken section of downed material. If a tree has been broken off, the stump height must be at least 3 feet of height above ground level on the uphill side of the tree.

Standing dead trees will be a minimum of 6 inches DBH.

Microsite: A plantable spot favorable to seedling survival and growth. Examples of favorable microsites are stumps, down logs, large slash, snags, and standing cull trees that provide protection from sun, wind, animals, and other damaging agents.

Moist Soil (in the planting hole): The soil in the planting hole is considered “moist” if it is similar in moisture to the undisturbed soil next to the planting hole at similar depth.

Movable material: Natural material which is movable by the planter. This includes items such as pieces of wood that can be used to provide shade or animal browse protection for a tree.

Normal Planting Window: Normal planting window is the estimated number of workdays each season that work can be performed.

Period of Performance (also Performance Period or Contract Time): All calendar days allowed for completion of contract work. Includes all days of the week including weekends and holidays.

Plantable Spot: An area where a tree can be planted in accordance with all specifications in the contract. In the Planting Inspection method, a plantable spot is also any area where the Contractor has planted a tree.

Planting Inspection: The standard planting inspection procedure as described in Forest Service Handbook, R1 Supplement 2409.17 (effective 4/29/2002), 2.82 Part 2 (refer to Section C.5.1 for internet access and provided in Section J). It includes the description of planting violations that result in unsatisfactorily planted trees, plot sizes, calculations for determining planting quality based on trees planted, and similar information.

Protection: Natural and artificial materials that act as an obstacle protecting the tree from animal or other injurious agents.

The protection material and effort required by the planter to protect the tree varies depending on the site conditions of each unit.

Quality Assurance: The actions taken by the Government to assess the Contractor’s results to determine that they meet contract requirements. The methods for quality assurance are described in the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan

(QASP).

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP): An organized written document used for quality assurance surveillance.

The document contains information about how the Government will assess performance, checklists, and may contain decision tables.

Quality Control: Those actions taken by a Contractor to control the production of outputs to ensure that they conform to the contract requirements. The methods for inspecting for quality control are described in the Contractor’s Quality Control Plan (QCP).

Quality Control Plan (QCP): Contractor’s plan for self-monitoring work prior to the Government inspection and acceptance.

Range of Work Season: The range of the work season is the estimated month and day of the earliest beginning and latest ending when contract work could be performed.

Residual tree: Live trees remaining in the unit after the harvest or fire activity.

Root length: The root length measured from the original ground line to the end of the main vertical or tap root.

Satisfactorily planted tree: A tree that is planted in accordance with C.4.4.1.

Scalping: The removal of live vegetation including roots to reduce competition from existing vegetation and to expose mineral soil. The diameter of the scalp and the maximum depth of the scalp are specified in the Detailed Information Table.

Shade: Natural and artificial materials that protect the tree from the sun’s heat and wind. The type of shade material and effort required by the planter to shade the tree varies depending on the site conditions of each unit.

Soil Surface: Where surface debris is present, the soil surface is that point where leaves, needles, twigs, wood, and other surface litter have decomposed to the point that the original litter material cannot be recognized with the naked eye.

Stationary material: Natural material used to shade or protect the tree that is not moveable by the planter. Natural material includes items such as dead standing trees, down logs, dead brush, or terrain features used to provide the required protection for a tree. Stumps and rocks may be used only when there is NO other shade available. Stationary material generally offers the most shade and protection for seedlings from sun and animal trampling.

Top height: The length from the original ground line to the top of the terminal leader; does not include needles extending above the leader.

Transportable shade: Natural material such as wood debris that can be moved to the planting spot to shade the tree from the sun.

Trees in possession of the Contractor: The time after trees has been issued to the Contractor. During this time, the Contractor is responsible for all aspects of tree care and accountable for tree quantities.

Unplantable spot: An area where a tree cannot be planted satisfactorily, and no tree has been planted. An allowance is given in the Planting Inspection for unplantable spots within the plot.

In hodad planting, a spot is considered unplantable if a suitable spot for planting a tree cannot be found after three attempts of throwing the hoe and if the hole cannot be opened at the spot with five swings or less.

Unsatisfactory planted tree: A planted tree which fails to meet one or more of the specifications of a satisfactorily planted tree. Refer to definitions for planting violations described by Planting Inspection in FSH 2409.17, 2.82 provided in Section J.

Wasted material: Material provided to the Contractor to conduct a task such as installing artificial shade or animal damage control that is lost, dropped, or damaged by the Contractor or which is installed on trees not in accordance with the requirements of the contract. This may include, but is not limited to, installing shade on the wrong species or netting on the wrong tree(s).

Wasted tree: A tree that is lost, damaged, destroyed, or handled contrary to the standards for care of trees. Planted trees that exceed the maximum number of trees in the Planting Inspection plot procedure are also considered wasted trees (see Table 2).

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements/Tasks

General:

This requirement is for the 2025 Shoshone Spring Planting. Plant approximately 194 acres with container stock. Planting densities vary by unit. This project will pay on a per tree basis. See detailed information table for specific acreage and number of trees to be planted in each unit. The planting will be accomplished by utilizing a micrositing planting technique where seedlings are planted in the best available microsites and not according to a specified spacing. All trees will be planted in shaded microsites using logs and standing dead for shade. In total, it will be approximately 194 acres planted and approximately 55,985 seedlings. Approximately 42% of the seedlings planted will be Engelmann spruce and 58% will be lodgepole pine. The stock type will be 160 and 112 container stock, respectively.

Tree Transportation:

The trees will be delivered alongside National Forest Service Road 532. The Government will coordinate with the foreman on the specific location for each delivery. There are no walk-in items for this contact. Costs to transport trees from delivery points to planting units should be included in per tree bid items for planting. It will be the contractor’s responsibility to transport the trees into the unit (approximately 0.2–1.0 miles depending on the unit).

Excess Seedlings:

Units 1, 2, 3, and 4 shall be planted prior to unit 5. Any leftover seedlings (from units 1, 2, 3, and 4) shall be planted in unit 5.

Site Selection:

The planting will be accomplished by utilizing a micrositing planting technique where seedlings are planted in the best available microsites and not according to a specified spacing. Seedlings shall not be planted in areas where suitable microsites do not exist.

Trees shall be planted in the best microsite available to mitigate problems associated with hot dry aspects, consistent with FSH 2409.17, 2.61, part 2 and 3a. Each tree shall be as close to the shade material as possible.

Shade:

Each tree shall be shaded on the south or southwest side and at ground level so that it is shaded during the hottest part of the day (between 1-4 pm).

Transportable (shade) material is required and must be at least 4 inches in diameter. The Contractor shall move suitable material (pieces of wood) that can be carried or rolled to the planting spot provided it is within 12 feet of the planting spot and is not providing protection to another planted tree. Shading material shall be placed at a distance closer than 2 inches and on the south or southwest side of the planted tree seedling. All shade material shall be of such size and/or arrangement to be reasonably sturdy and not easily topple or be displaced by animals, wind and/or snow. The shade material shall be arranged with consideration of planting spot topography to prevent it from rolling or falling on top of planted tree seedlings or from rolling or falling out of shading distance from the seedling. If larger diameter shade is available within a 12 feet radius of the seedling, the larger material must be used for the shade.

Scalping:

When necessary, the contractor shall utilize scalping in a 16”x16” spacing. No price adjustment per tree.

See Exhibit 5 for proper tree planting and handling standards

3.1 – Contractor Furnished Property

Contractor shall provide drinking water, food, transportation and housing for workers.

3.1.1- Planting Tools

A.) Hoedads. The Contractor shall provide hoedads that have a blade with a minimum 4-inch width and a minimum length of 14 inches for containerized and 1-1 plug seedlings. The head or scalping blade of a hoedad is not to be included in the minimum length measurement.

B.) The use of dibbles, planting bars, shovels and augers will not be permitted.

3.1.2 - Planting Bags

Contractor shall provide planting bags. Planting bags shall be a light color, shall not retain water or heat, shall have a minimum depth of 38 cm (15 inches), and shall be free of defects.

All planting bags shall have polyurethane foam liners that line the interior sides and bottom of bags, or other insulated liners acceptable to the Contracting Officer. Burlap is not acceptable.

Planting bags and liners shall be clean and free from dirt and residue from prior planting operations when initial planting on this contract begins, or after any stoppage of work where the Contractor plants elsewhere.

3.2 Safety

Contractor’s operations shall facilitate the Government’s safe and practical inspection of Contractor’s operations and conduct of other official duties on Contract Area. The Contractor has all responsibility for compliance with safety requirements for the Contractor's employees. In the event a conflict develops between the requirements of this contract or agreed upon methods of proceeding hereunder and State or Federal safety requirements, the contract shall be modified, and the Contractor may request an equitable adjustment.

a. Contractor shall provide a copy of their Safety Plan at the Pre-Work Meeting and electronically, via email, to the CO. The Safety Plan shall be kept in the contract folder for OSHA’s review.

b. The Safety Plan shall be available to all employees and subcontractors working on the contract.

c. The Safety Plan shall contain contingency plans for emergencies such as medical, fire, hazardous material spills, and any other assessed hazard; as well as prevention and abatement requirements that apply to this contract.

Shoshone Food Storage Order

The food storage order for the Shoshone National Forest can be found online at the following link:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1112030.pdf

3.3 Protection of Land Survey Monuments

Contractor shall protect all known survey monuments, witness corners, reference monuments, and bearing trees against avoidable destruction, obliteration, or damage during Contractor’s Operations. If any known monuments, corners, or accessories are destroyed, obliterated, or damaged by Contractor’s Operations, Contractor shall hire the appropriate county surveyor or a registered land surveyor to reestablish or restore at the same location the monuments, corners, or accessories at no additional cost to the Government. Such surveyors shall use procedures in accordance with the Bureau of Land Management “Manual of Instructions for the Survey of the Public Lands of the United States” for General Land Office surveys and in accordance with State law for others. Contractor shall record such survey in appropriate county records.

3.4 Protection of Residual Trees

Contractor's Operations shall not unnecessarily damage young growth or other trees to be reserved.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1112030.pdf

3.5 Protection of Improvements

So far as practicable, the Contractor shall protect specified roads and other improvements (such as roads, trails, telephone lines, ditches, and fences):

a) Existing in the operating area,

b) Determined to have a continuing need or use, and

c) Designated on the Map.

The Contractor shall keep roads and trails needed for fire protection or other purposes and designated on the Map reasonably free of equipment and products, slash, and debris resulting from the Contractor’s operations. The Contractor shall make timely restoration of any such improvements damaged by the Contractor’s operations and, when necessary, because of such operations, shall move such improvements.

3.6 Camping Requirements

The Forest Service (FS) has various camping opportunities. Check with local FS unit for camping requirements, camping permits may be required. Verify local fire restriction policies.

If camps will be used to house workers subject to MSPA, they are also subject to the temporary labor camp standards at 29 CFR 1910.142. The Forest Service reserves the right to terminate a camping permit at any time.

These requirements are in addition to those contained in or provided for under the clause titled “452.236-72 Use of Premises” in this contract. Any violation of these conditions constitutes a breach of contract and may result in revocation of camping approval.

i. Every structure used as shelter must provide protection from the elements. Where adequate heat is not provided, make other arrangements to protect workers from the cold. Cut firewood only after a District Firewood Permit is obtained.

ii. The campsite must not encroach beyond the boundaries designated by the Forest Service. The campsite location must minimize impacts on streams, lakes, and other bodies of water. Camping is not permitted within developed recreational sites or along primary recreational roads.

iii. The campsite must have a clean appearance at all times. Upon abandonment of any campsite, or termination, revocation, or cancellation of camping privileges, the contractor shall remove, within 10 calendar days, all structures and improvements except those owned by the United States, and shall restore the site, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing or in the camping permit. Structures or improvements the contractor fails to remove within the 10-calendar day period becomes the property of the United States, however, the contractor remains liable for the cost of the removal and restoration of the site.

iv. Unless otherwise designated by the CO, the use of the area is not exclusive and may be granted to other permittees, contractors, or recreating public. Disorderly conduct is not permitted.

v. Damaging or removing any natural feature or other property of the Forest Service is prohibited.

vi. Servicing of equipment in the campsite is not permissible unless the campsite is within the project area.

vii. Provide sanitary facilities for storing food. Provide ice chests or coolers, with ice supply made from potable water, and replenish as necessary. Provide sufficient storage for perishable food items.

viii. Provide an adequate and convenient potable water supply in each camp for drinking and cooking purposes.

ix. Provide adequate toilet facilities and toilet paper for the capacity of the camp. Service and maintain facilities in a sanitary condition.

x. Collect, store, and dispose of garbage in a manner to discourage rodent access, minimize attraction of flies, and prevent scattering by wind.

xi. Maintain basic first aid supplies available, which must be under the charge of a person trained to administer first aid. The basic supplies must include:

a. Gauze pads (at least 4x4 inches)

b. Two large gauze pads (at least 8x10 inches)

c. Box adhesive bandages (band-aids)

d. One package of gauze roller bandage (at least 2-inches in width)

e. Two triangular bandages

f. Scissors

g. At least one blanket

h. Tweezers

i. Adhesive tape

j. Latex gloves, and

k. Resuscitation device such as resuscitation bag, airway, or pocket mask.

xii. Wash laundry in such a way that washing and rinsing will not pollute lakes, streams, or other flowing water.

xiii. Dispose wastewater away from living and eating areas and in such a way that minimizes pollution to lakes, streams, and other flowing water.

xiv. The contractor shall take all reasonable precautions to prevent and suppress forest fires. Do not dispose of material by burning in open fires during the closed season established by law or regulation without the written permission from the Forest Service.

xv. If authorized to have an open fire, the Contractor shall comply with the following fire regulations:

a. A shovel, axe or Pulaski, a 10-quart pail, which is full of water for immediate use, and a fire extinguisher with an Underwriters Laboratory (UL) rating of at least 1:A 10:BC is required.

b. All fire rings or outside fireplaces must be approved by the Forest Service representative. The area must be cleared down to mineral soil for a distance of one foot outside of the ring or fireplace, and it must not have any overhanging material. Fire rings must be dismantled and material disposed prior to leaving the site.

c. All generators and other internal combustion engines must be equipped with Forest Service approved spark arrestors and/or factory designed muffler and exhaust system in good working order. They will be located in a cleared area with the same requirements as in described in the previous paragraph.

d. All fuel must be stored in UL approved flammable storage containers and be located at least 50 feet from any open flame or other source of ignition.

4.0 Deliverable/Schedule

ITEM DESCRIPTION

SUMBITAL DUE

COPIES REQUIRED

A post-award conference Within 30 days after the date of contract award.

Proposed Operation Plan (Overall Schedule): The Contractor shall prepare and submit a practicable schedule showing the order in which the Contractor proposes to perform the work, including the starting and

With Proposal

ITEM DESCRIPTION

SUMBITAL DUE

COPIES REQUIRED

completion dates of various phases of the work. The schedule shall comply with the contract time requirements in the contract. The schedule, if hardcopy, shall be provided in either 8.5’x11’ or 11’x17’ format.

Subcontractors: List of proposed sub-contractors and their intended work.

Sub-contractors must have Contracting Officer’s written approval prior to starting work on the project.

Past Performance: Provide a list of similar projects completed by your firm. Include a brief description of the project, dollar amount, year completed, and project owner contact information (name, phone, and email).

Safety Plan. The Contractor shall comply with the requirements of OSHA as well as State and local codes.

Pre-work Meeting

Quality Control Plan. Submit original with proposal. Any updates need to be provided for approval to the CO.

With Proposal 1

Designation of Key Contractor Personnel. Identify Key Personnel (Contractor Representative, Foreman and Plot inspector) and describe responsibilities and authorities

With Proposal 1

5.0 Government Furnished

Item Description Where, When, How 0001 Project Maps

Maps of planting units with access roads. Section D: Attachments

0002 Access Roads

The Government will initially clear down trees from the access roads. Access roads are accessible by 4-wheel drive vehicles equipped for mountain driving.

Before and during period unit is being planted.

0003 Trees-planting stock

Container Grown Trees: Length of container plug will range from 6 to 9 inches. Top heights range from 3 to 12 inches. At least 90% of the trees will meet these specifications.

Provided on written or oral order 12 hours in advance of delivery.

0004 Planting Inspection Method

Document describing the planting inspection method.

Provided at Prework meeting or on site. Sample provided in Section J.

Exhibit 3

0005 Planting Inspection Sheet

Form R1-2470-9. Quantity necessary to inspect the contract.

Provided at Prework meeting or on site. Sample provided in Section J.

Exhibit 4

(a) This Government Property listed in paragraph (e) of this clause is furnished to the Contractor in an “as-is, where is” condition. The Government makes no warranty regarding the suitability for use of the Government property specified in this contract. The Contractor shall be afforded the opportunity to inspect the Government property as specified in the solicitation.

(b) The Government bears no responsibility for repair or replacement of any lost Government property. If any or all of the Government property is lost or becomes no longer usable, the Contractor shall be responsible for replacement of the property at Contractor expense. The Contractor shall have title to all replacement property and shall continue to be responsible for contract performance.

(c) Unless the Contracting Officer determines otherwise, the Government abandons all rights and title to unserviceable and scrap property resulting from contract performance. Upon notification to the Contracting Officer, the Contractor shall remove such property from the Government premises and dispose of it at Contractor expense.

(d) Except as provided in this clause, Government property furnished under this contract shall be governed by the Government Property clause of this contract.

(e) Government property provided under this clause:

LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

Attachment Number

Attachment Title Number of Pages

001 Exhibit 1. 2025 Planting Units Map 1

002 Exhibit 2. 2025 Planting Vicinity Map 1 003 Exhibit 3. Planting Inspection Method 5 004 Exhibit 4. Planting Inspection Sheet 2 005 Exhibit 5. Reference from FSH 2409.17 8 006 Exhibit 6. Detailed Information Table 1

6.0 Travel

Contractor is responsible for transporting planting crew to the planting units.

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel

The Contractor shall assign to this contract the following key personnel:

1. Contractor’s Representative

2. Foreman

i. Contractor’s Foreman—The Contractor shall designate (in writing) an on-site Foreman and an alternate in their absence. Each designated representative shall be fluent in both spoken and written English. The Foreman shall be readily available to the area of operations when operations are in progress, shall have a copy of the contract on site during operations, and shall be authorized to receive notices regarding performance under this contract and take related action. The responsibilities of the Foreman shall include the safeguarding of National Forest resources and performance within the terms of the contract.

3. Plot Inspector

ii. The Contractor shall designate (in writing) an on-site Plot Inspector. The Plot Inspector shall have a copy of the contract, plot inspection sheets, and planting criteria in Exhibit 5 on site during operations. The responsibilities of the Plot Inspector shall include implementing the QCP, inventorying plots to assure planting is performed adequately and in accordance with the contract and advising the Foreman on the status of planting as work progresses.

8.0 Security Requirements

N/A

9.0 Data Rights

Restriction on disclosure and use of data: Offerors that include in their proposal, data that they do not want disclosed to the public for any purpose, or used by the Government except for evaluation purposes shall mark the title page with the following legend: “This proposal includes data that shall not be disclosed outside the Government and shall not be duplicated, used, or disclosed – in whole or in part – for any purpose other than to evaluate this proposal. If, however, a contract is awarded to this Offeror as a result of – or in connection with – the submission of this data, the Government shall have the right to duplicate, use, or disclose the data to the extent provided in the resulting contract. This restriction does not limit the Government’s right to use information contained in this data if it is obtained from another source without restriction.

10.0 Section 508 - Electronic and Information Technology Standards

N/A

11.0 Performance Requirement Measures

Contractor Quality Control Plan

To provide quality control to assure that work complies with requirements of contract specifications, the Contractor shall maintain a plot system that provides an unbiased sample of planting quality representing the entire area planted.

The Government may observe or re-inspect the Contractor’s plots at any time. Plots shall be marked and identifiable on the ground. Contractor shall provide written inspection data by unit that meets contract requirements. The Contractor shall use the forms included in Exhibit 4 - Planting Inspection Sheet for inspections. The Contractor shall sample at least 1-percent of the planted area, with a minimum of 5 plots per unit. A 1/50th acre (16.7 feet diameter) plot size shall be used during inspection. Contractor performance and success will be evaluated based on the QASP.

Attachments

See attachment “SZ_SHO_Tree_Planting_Criteria.docx.”

See attachment “Exhibit 1: 2025 Planting Units Map.”

See attachment “Exhibit 2: 2025 Planting Vicinity Map.”

Exhibit 3: Planting Inspection Method

PLANTING INSPECTION METHOD

Planting contracts require intensive inspection. The quality control plan shall be consistent with the following procedures. There are two phases of contract inspection: (1) Inspection while work is in progress observing tree care, wasting of trees, and planting technique while planting is in progress, and

(2) plot inspection where the inspector checks quality of planting using systematically placed plots.

Inspecting for Planting Quality. The primary factor in determining the Contractor's payment is the plot inspection score. Use the following process and standard inspection form (R-1-FS-2470-9). Variations to this may be done only with the approval of the Contracting Officer. The inspector shall sign the inspection form and initial any changes. All inspectors should fully understand the inspection forms and procedures for completing the inspection.

A.Equipment Suggested.

(1) Clipboard and pencils

(2) Inspection sheets

(3) Full contract (with exhibits) or knowledge of unit requirements

(4) 50-foot logger's tape

(5) Plot pole or shovel with swivel on handle to attach the tape

(6) Flagging or pin flags and permanent markers to number plots

(7) Screwdriver, ice-pick, or garden trowels that aid in below ground inspection

(8) Tile spade, hog nose spade, planting hoe for hoe planting

(9) Slope correction table

(10) Clinometer or Abney

B. Plot Design.

(1) Plot Size. Use a 1/20th, 1/50th-, or 1/100th acre plots for planting up to 10- by 10-foot spacing.

At wider spacings, use the 1/20th or 1/50th-acre plot sizes to ensure there are adequate trees per plot for statistical reliability.

Plot radius will vary depending on slope. After determining slope percent and adjusting for slope using the slope correction table, determine the plot radii to provide the necessary plot size. Use this radii for the full plot. Do not compensate by changing radius or raising and lowering the tape when going around the plot. Such adjustments have already been compensated for by using slope correction tables.

(2) Plot Placement. Establish plot location in a systematic manner, distributed uniformly over entire acreage where measurement is on a per acre basis of measurement. A grid system is recommended.

Where measurement is on per thousand trees, plots should be placed uniformly in areas where trees are planted, with a grid system recommended in these areas but not required.

(3) Quantity of Plots. The minimum sampling intensity is specified in the contract.

C. Inspection within the Plot. Mark the plot so that it can be relocated.. Inspect each plot in accordance with contract. Utilize the following inspection procedure in the described order for accurate inspection results.

(1) Locate and mark plot center on the ground. A pin flag with plot number or similar locator is recommended for the center point.

Above Ground Inspection

(2) Inspect and record the aboveground condition of each tree planted. Working in a clockwise direction from true north, locate, examine, and record the condition of planted trees in spaces under column 2 of the inspection form. Use codes listed below. A poorly planted tree may have more than one violation, however, only one code may be listed. Identify the most severe.

√ - Satisfactory tree above ground.

S - Spacing violation. A tree that has been planted closer than one-half of the spacing allowance to another acceptable tree is a violation unless otherwise stated in the contract.

For example, if the spacing is 10 feet by 10 feet and there is a 50% variance to select the best planting spot, and a planted tree is closer than 5 feet to another planted tree, one tree is in violation for spacing. If one of the trees is improperly planted due to another reason, charge the spacing violation to the improperly planted tree and check the remaining good tree as properly planted.

P - Planting spot violation. Tree planted in debris, loose soil, duff, ashes, or similar material.

X - Shade protection violation. Shade and seedling protection is not consistent with the contract clause specified for the unit. When measurement is on per thousand trees, if appropriate microsites are available and no shade protection violations are noted on a plot, more trees than the maximum trees per plot can be planted on each plot and will not be considered wasted trees. If shade protection violations are noted on any plot, these will be considered wasted trees.

D - Planting depth violation. Trees are planted too deep or shallow.

A - Stem position violation (erect tree). The stem should be oriented between vertical and 90 degrees with the slope plane. Improper angle may result from improper hole opening with hoes. If the tree looks erect above ground but slanted below ground, then a belowground violation instead should be cited.

F - Firmness violation. Trees should be tamped as firmly as soil conditions allow. Trees should not pull easily from soil. The inspector may gently tug on the stem. If tree comes up to expose roots (below the root collar) , then the tree was not firmed up and is in violation.

This test must be used with caution in very light or sandy soils.

C - Scalp or clearing violation. Scalp or cleared area is too small or too shallow.

W - Wrong (incorrect) species. Species planted in area of unit where it is not supposed to be T - Cull trees. Cull tree is planted. Use when the contract specifies that the contractor shall not plant trees that do not meet specific size ranges or tree qualiyt.

H – Auxilary hole violation. Additional hole or auxiliary hole is not filled in or collapsed.

(3) Determine average number of planting spots from Table 1 and record results in column 3 of the inspection form.

TABLE 1

Average Number of Planting Spots based on Plot Size

Average Spacing 1/50th Acre 1/100th Acre 1/20th Acre

7x7 18 9 N/A

8x8 14 7 N/A

9x9 11 5 N/A

10x10 9 4 22

11x11 7 N/A 18

12x12 6 N/A 15

13x13 5 N/A 13

14x14 4 N/A 11

15x15 4 N/A 10

16x16 N/A N/A 9

17x17 N/A N/A 8

18x18 N/A N/A 7

19x19 N/A N/A 6

20x20 N/A N/A 5

(4) Determine number unplantable spots by identifying spots void of planted trees that are unplantable due to ground conditions or acceptable estabished natural regeneration. Recognizing average number of planting spots on the plot, scan plot for areas void of natural and planted trees.

Look for voids the planters missed. Then check to see if it is a non-plantable spot. Record in column 4.

(a) When a tree has been planted, the contractor, by default, has determined it to be a plantable spot. In terms of the inspection, the spot with a planted tree is a plantable spot no matter what the inspector finds after the fact.

(b) An unplantable spot as defined by the contract is an area within the specified spacing limits in which it is not possible to plant a tree according to specifications, and no tree has been planted. For hoe planting, a plot is considered unplantable if the inspector cannot find a suitable spot in three attempts within spacing requirements and if the hole cannot be opened at the spot with five swings or less. Auger planting requires three attempts to find the spot that will be scalped or cleared, and then three attempts to open the hole in the spot with the auger, first attempt being made in the middle of the scalp.

One unplantable spot is allowed for each single unplantable area equal in size to the average specified spacing. For example, if a single unsatisfactory area of 64 square feet exists on an 8- by 8-feet spacing, one unplantable spot will be recognized. If half of a 1/50th- plot is unplantable, then 435.6 square feet (half of 871.2) is unplantable. For 9- by 9-feet spacing, five spots would be credited as unplantable.

(5) Determine number of planting spots by subtracting column 4 from average number of planting spots (column 3). Record in column 5 of inspection form.

(6) Determine maximum number of allowable trees from Table 2, and record in column 6 of inspection form.

TABLE 2

Maximum Allowable Trees based on

Number of Plantable Spot (determined in Table 1)

Plantable Spots

Maximum Trees

Plantable Spots

Maximum Trees

Plantable Spots

Maximum Trees

1 2 9 11 16 19

2 3 10 12 17 20

3 4 11 13 18 22

4 5 12 14 19 23

5 6 13 16 20 24

6 7 14 17 21 25

7 8 15 18 22 26

8 10

(7) Record the number of trees planted on the plot (also listed in column 2) in column 7 of inspection form.

(8) Determine wasted trees by subtracting maximum number of allowable trees in column 6 from those planted (column 7). If more than 0, record in column 8.

(9) Record number of planted trees meeting aboveground specifications from column 2 only up to maximum listed in column 6 of the inspection form.

Below Ground Inspection

(10) Determine minimum number of trees to be inspected below ground, utilizing Table 3 based on number of trees that are satisfactory above ground. Record in column 10 of the inspection form. To avoid bias, dig trees nearest plot center first and progress outward. Do not dig any trees that were unsatisfactory in the above ground inspection. Correctly replant sampled trees immediately. Use moist mineral soil to pack roots.

TABLE 3

Minimum number of trees to be dug based on number of tree satisfactory above ground

Number of above ground satisfactorily planted trees on plot

Minimum number* of trees to dig

1 1

2-6 2

7-9 3

10-12 4

13-16 5

17 plus 6

*Note this is a minimum. The inspectore may dig all satisfactory trees on plot.

(11) Inspect and record the below-ground condition of each planted tree in spaces under column 2 of inspection form using appropriate codes listed below. Record the number of trees meeting belowground specification in column 11.

√ - Satisfactory Tree Below Ground.

R - Root Configuration Violation. Root systems must not be twisted, jammed in one plane, or curved in the shape of the letters U, J, or L. Individual lateral roots may be slightly bent like the letters J or U but the primary vertical root system cannot be distorted. Container plug must not be jammed from the top (accordion effect) or the side (flattened).

To inspect for this violation, dig a rectangular shaped hole on one side of the tree. Start the hole far enough away from the tree stem (at least 10 inches) so that roots are not disturbed in the process of inserting the spade. This is best done with a tool like a tile spade. Once the primary hole is dug, probe toward the root system with a pointed instrument such as a screwdriver, ice pick, or similar tool to explore the seedling roots for orientation.

M - Foreign Material Violation. Holes must not contain large rocks, sticks, litter, cones, or other foreign debris. Inspect the same as that for root configuration. In hoe planting, if rocks, roots, and pieces of wood are present in soil prior to opening the hole, they are not considered foreign material to the hole.

F - Firmness Violation. Firmness, as determined from below ground, is done while probing the root system as described under root configuration. Soil should be nearly as firm as the undisturbed surrounding soil. There should be no air pockets where the soil is not firm.

Firmness may be a problem in the bottom of auger holes if planters have not firmed soil progressively upward.

L - Altered Root Length Violation. If the dug tree has an obviously shortened root system, consider it as an improperly planted tree below ground. The contract shall state a minimum root length; trees with substandard roots should not be planted and considered a violation if they are planted.

Fresh root cuts can often be distinguished from roots cut at the nursery or during tree preparation. Living inner tissue of roots cut in advance of planting should be brown at the cut. The brown color may extend up the root under the bark for a short distance. Freshly cut roots will be white under the bark unless roots are dead when cut. Root shortening violations can also be detected during inspection while work is in progress.

O - Planting Hole Orientation Violation. This violation is seldom observed in absence of aboveground stem angle or root configuration violations. Occasionally, trees with small root systems can be propped up following slit planting. Roots may not be distorted and angle looks okay from above ground, but hole is not properly opened. Examples would be a V-shaped hole or a hole not vertical with slope plane.

(12) After all plots have been taken and recorded for the pay item, calculate the planting quality by the following formula:

Planting Quality Percent

No. of satisfactory planted trees above ground (column 9)

X

No. of satisfactory trees below ground

(column 11) X 100= Quality %

Actual No. of plantable spots on which trees should have been planted (column 5)

No. of trees dug (column 10)

Exhibit 4: Planting Inspection Sheet

PLANTING INSPECTION SHEET

USDA Forest Service R1-FS-2470-9 (6/2001)

PLANTING INSPECTION SHEET – CONTRACT AND FORCE ACCOUNT

(FSH 2409.17)

FOREST

DISTRICT

INSPECTOR

CONTRACT NUMBER

COR

PLOT

SIZE

STAND

NUMBER

CONTRACTOR

SUB ITEM

NUMBER

ACRES

AVERAGE

SPACING

MAX TREES/

PLOT SHEET

NUMBER OF

D A

TE

Pl ot

N o.

(2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11)

Remarks Examine & Tally Planted Trees

D es ire d

N o.

o f

Pl an ta bl e Sp ot s

N o.

U n-pl an ta bl e Sp ot s

A ct ua l N o.

Pl an ta bl e Sp ot s

M ax im um

N

A llo w ab le

T re es

P la nt ed

Tr ee s

N o.

W as te d

Tr ee s

N o.

T re es S ta tis

A bo ve

G ro un d

N o.

T re es D ug

Tr ee s S ta tis

Be lo w G ro un d

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11)

*First line for above ground.

Second line for below ground. TOTALS FINAL %

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Locate and mark the plot center on the ground.

2. Locate and examine planted trees for above ground criteria. Record results in column 2 of inspection form.

Above Ground √ Satisfactory Planting spot selection

S Spacing violation

P Planting spot selection

X Shade violation or protection (microsite) violation

D Planting depth

A Stem position – improper angle

F Firmness, tree improperly tamped, loose

C Scalping or clearing or planting spot preparation violation

W Wrong species T Cull Tree

3. Determine from table 1 the average number of desired plantable spots for the plot based on the specified average spacing.

Record results in column 3.

4. Determine and record in column 4 the number of spots void of planted trees that are un-plantable due to acceptable existing natural regeneration or on-the-ground conditions. (Refer to definitions in supplement to the General Provisions.)

5. Subtract column 4 from the average number of planting spots and record the difference as the actual number of plantable spots on which trees should be planted on the plot in column 5.

6. Determine the maximum number of allowable trees from table 2 and record in column 6.

7. Record the number of trees planted on the plot from column 2 in column 7.

8. Determine wasted trees by subtracting the maximum number of allowable trees in column 6 from those planted (column 7) and if more than zero, record in column 8.

9. Record the number of planted trees meeting the above-ground contract specifications from column 2 in column 9. The maximum number of satisfactory trees to be credited shall not exceed the maximum number recorded in column 6.

10. Determine and dig at least the minimum number of trees from those determined satisfactory above ground in accordance with table 3 and record in column 10. The trees will be dug starting with those closest to the plot center and progressing outwards.

11. Tabulate below ground results in column 2 and record the number of trees meeting below-ground contact specifications in column 11.

Below Ground √ Satisfactory F Firmness – air pockets, tree improperly tamped, loose

R Roots configuration violation L Altered root length violation

M Foreign material in planting hole O Planting hole orientation violation

12. Planting Quality Percent = Column 9 x Column 11 x 100 Column 5 Column 10

Exhibit 5: Reference from FSH 2409.17

The following excerpts are from the Forest Service Handbook, R1-Supplement 2409.17-2002-1 (effective 4/29/200), Chapter 2 – Reforestation, as they relate to the C clauses of this contract. The Handbook is also referred to as FSH

2409.17 in this contract. The mandatory standards from the handbook are provided for ease in implementing this contract.

In some cases, the handbook identifies examples or suggestions that may differ from specific requirements stated in Section C of the contract. When this occurs, Section C requirements take precedence.

Reference: C.4.2. Tree Handling and Care

FSH 2409.17, 2.53 - Tree Care from Storage to Planting

6. Transport of Trees.

a. Wrapped trees. Protect tree bundles from drying wind during transport. Do not transport them exposed in open trucks. It is best to transport bundles inside tree shipping cartons with tops exposed to air in insulated tree transport units, covered vans, canopied pickups, or trailers.

If it is necessary to stack boxes for transport, wrapped trees may be laid horizontally in original nursery bags and then placed in boxes for short periods.