Request for Quote 127EAV21Q0049 Tree Planting Services Santa Fe National Forest.pdf

SOLICITATION (VENDOR KEEPS THIS DOCUMENT FOR THEIR REFERENCE):

• Introduction. This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial services prepared in accordance with the format prescribed in FAR Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; quotes are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued. Solicitation 127EAV21Q0002 is issued as a request for quote (RFQ). This procurement is being issued as a 100% SMALL BUSINESS SET-ASIDE. Location of project:The Jemez Ranger District on the Santa Fe National Forest has a requirement for tree planting services. The Forest expects to plant 50,000 seedlings on approximately 504 acres. The applicable NAICS is 115310, Reforestation, for which the small business size standard is $8.0 Million (PSC: F005). This solicitation document incorporates provisions and clauses of those in effect through Federal Acquisition Regulation Circular 2019-02. The result of this requirement will be a firm fixed priced (FFP) contract. The right to make multiple or no award is reserved in the event it is advantageous to the Government to do so. The contractor shall provide pricing in accordance with the line item table and item specifications and sign the Schedule of Items on Page 5.

• Questions, and Answers. All questions regarding this solicitation must be submitted in writing and received by August 25, 2021 1400 Mountain Standard Time.

• Questions may be asked during the period August 18 through August 25, 2021.

Questions will only be accepted via email. Emails should be addressed to the attention of the Contracting Officer, Maria de la Luz Pino, and sent to mariadelaluz.pino@usda.gov .

• Period of Performance: PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE September 15 through September 30, 2021. See more information on page 19 under Contract Time.

• Evaluation Criteria:

• Technical Capability and Past Performance shall be addressed in a separate document, use the solicitation number in the title of the document (i.e.; 127EAV21Q0049 Technical “name of firm”).

• For the Technical evaluation factors, respond to each factor as thoroughly as possible to satisfy a review team of your firm’s ability to perform this work. State the average number of trees/day/planter planted.

• Past Performance – provide the number of awarded contracts for planting services (with federal government) also a list of past experience (if any) in retrieval of tree shelters. Provide a minimum of 3 references of awarded contracts for tree planting services.

6. Basis for Award: Basis for award will be Best Value - Tradeoffs. Offers shall be evaluated using the following factors (not necessarily lowest price):

Technical Capability Past Performance Price

The Government reserves the right to make price and or technical trade-offs that are in the best interest and to the advantage of the Government. Tradeoffs awards can be for other than lowest price. The Government may reject any or all offers if such action is determined by the Contracting Officer to be in the best interest of the Government. When Technical Capability and Past Performance are combined, are approximately equal to cost or price.

mailto:mariadelaluz.pino@usda.gov

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14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

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SMALL BUSINESS

1700 ET575-758-6297MARIADELALUZ PINO

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INFORMATION CALL:

FOR SOLICITATION 8. OFFER DUE DATE/LOCAL TIMEb. TELEPHONE NUMBERa. NAME

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

127EAV21Q0049

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

SOLICITATION/CONTRACT/ORDER FOR COMMERCIAL ITEMS 1. REQUISITION NUMBER PAGE OF

1 2 1036585OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

JEMEZ SPRINGS NM 87025

JEMEZ RANGER DISTRICT

SANTA FE NATIONAL FOREST

USDA FOREST SERVICE DIST RANGER

15. DELIVER TO

ALBUQUERQUE NM 87102

333 BROADWAY SE

9. ISSUED BY

7.

2. CONTRACT NO.

EFFECTIVE DATE

$8.00

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SEE SCHEDULEX

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THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13a.

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

8(A)

SOUTHWESTERN REGION

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

Venado Tree Planting Project on the Santa Fe National Forest-Jemez Ranger District.

Attachments:

SOW

SOI

MAPS

Wage Determination

Please fill in the attached Schedule of Items Delivery: 09/30/2021

(Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

DATED . YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5),

INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER

ARE

ARE

31c. DATE SIGNED

27b. CONTRACT/PURCHASE ORDER INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-5 IS ATTACHED. ADDENDA

31a. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (SIGNATURE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER)

30c. DATE SIGNED 31b. NAME OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

ALL ITEMS SET FORTH OR OTHERWISE IDENTIFIED ABOVE AND ON ANY ADDITIONAL

SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED.

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3 AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Govt. Use Only)

OFFER

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

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PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

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30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT:

REF.

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32c. DATE 32b. SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

ACCEPTED, AND CONFORMS TO THE CONTRACT, EXCEPT AS NOTED:

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RECEIVED INSPECTED

40. PAID BY39. S/R VOUCHER NUMBER38. S/R ACCOUNT NUMBER

37. CHECK NUMBER

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STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012) BACK

24.

AMOUNT

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UNIT PRICE

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UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

0002 Venado Tree Planting Project

Product/Service Code: F005

Product/Service Description: NATURAL

RESOURCES/CONSERVATION- FOREST TREE PLANTING

32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

2 2 of

SECTION C – DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK

Santa Fe National Forest/Jemez Ranger District

Venado Fire Reforestation Tree Planting Services

Request for Quote-Solicitation # 127EAV21Q0049

C.1 - INTRODUCTION

C.1.1 Background

The Jemez Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest in northern New Mexico needs tree planting services to restore and reforest lands burned after wildfire. Tree survival and growth is dependent on the initial health of the tree seedlings, the manner in which trees are handled and planted, environmental conditions such as soil moisture and weather, and animal damage to the seedlings. The services secured with this contract will focus on the need to provide appropriate tree handling and planting techniques during a period of time when environmental conditions are most favorable to insure tree survival. In addition, retrieval and re-use of Vexar mesh and solid protective tubes will be required.

C.1.2 Scope of Contract

The solicitation is for tree shelter recovery, tree handling and tree planting services on the Jemez Ranger District of the Santa Fe National Forest. The Forest expects to plant 50,000 seedlings on approximately 504 acres. These quantities may vary by +/- 20% depending on the number of seedlings delivered and plantability of the project area. Trees will be planted in groups of 30, 100, and 250, at a spacing of approximately 10’ X 10’ (400 TPA within groups) resulting in the approximate radius of the groups being 30, 60 and 90 feet respectively. Center points of the groups will be marked with 4” x 5” pin flags marked with the number and species (ponderosa pine or 50% ponderosa pine/Douglas-fir) to be planted around that locus. The Forest Service will pre-label the pin flags, and the Contractor will mark the center of the planting groups at an approximate spacing of 150 X 150 feet, varying by +/- 50 feet to select the best planting sites. Further deviation from this spacing will be done in consultation with onsite Forest Service inspectors as needed.

The approximate distribution of groups over the seven units are:

Groups of 30 trees 420 Groups of 100 trees 244 Groups of 250 trees 52

Total # of groups 716

Evaluation Criteria: Best Value-Contractor’s proposals submitted must include the number of government planting contracts performed, state the average number of trees/day/planter planted, and a list of past experience (if any) in retrieval of tree shelters. Provide a minimum of 3 references of awarded contracts for tree planting services (preferably federal government).

Period of Performance: September 15, 2021 to September 30, 2021

SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

ITEM

NUMBER DESCRIPTION PAY

UNIT

EST

QTY

UNIT

COST TOTAL

1.1 Tree Planting - Venado Unit 1 Acre 165

1.2 Tree Planting - Venado Unit 2 Acre 83

1.3 Tree Planting - Venado Unit 3 Acre 148

1.4 Tree Planting - Venado Unit 4 Acre 23

1.5 Tree Planting - Venado Unit 5 Acre 21

1.6 Tree Planting - Venado Unit 6 Acre 36

1.7 Tree Planting - Venado Unit 7 Acre 28

2.1 Vexar Tube Retrieval - Cochiti Mesa Acre 134

2.2 Vexar Tube Retrieval - Dome Road Acre 177

2.3 Vexar Tube Retrieval - Mesa del Rito Acre 195

TOTAL: - - -

Forest Service Contacts:

Contracting Officer Representative: Karl Buermeyer; (575)829-3535;

karl.buermeyer@usda.gov

Contracting Officer: Maria de la Luz Pino; (575)758-6200; mariadelaluz.pino@usda.gov

CONTRACTOR

NAME______________________________DUNS#___________________________

CONTRACTOR AUTHORIZED

SIGNATURE____________________________________________________

DEADLINE FOR RESPONSE TO THIS FAIR OPPORTUNITY OFFER: COB August 31, 2021

COMPLETED OFFERS (this form) WILL BE PROVIDED TO THE CONTRACTING

OFFICER BY EMAIL NO LATER THAN DEADLINE DATE ABOVE:

mariadelaluz.pino@usda.gov mailto:karl.buermeyer@usda.gov mailto:mariadelaluz.pino@usda.gov

Trees and Groups Per Unit (400 TPA = 10' Spacing Within Groups)

Unit Acres Group Radius (ft) Acres/Group Trees/Group #

Groups

PIPO

PSME

Total Trees Trees/Unit

1 165 30 0.0693 30 138 4,140 4,140 60 0.2302 100 80 8,000 8,000 90 0.5712 250 16 4,000 4,000 16,140

2 83 30 0.0693 30 72 2,160 2,160 60 0.2302 100 40 4,000 4,000 90 0.5712 250 8 2,000 2,000 8,160

3 148 30 0.0693 30 126 3,780 3,780 60 0.2302 100 78 7,800 7,800 90 0.5712 250 14 3,500 3,500 15,080

4 23 30 0.0693 30 18 270 270 540 60 0.2302 100 11 550 550 1,100 90 0.5712 250 4 500 500 1,000 2,640

5 21 30 0.0693 30 12 180 180 360 60 0.2302 100 6 300 300 600 90 0.5712 250 2 250 250 500 1,460

6 36 30 0.0693 30 30 450 450 900 60 0.2302 100 16 800 800 1,600 90 0.5712 250 4 500 500 1,000 3,500

7 28 30 0.0693 30 24 360 360 720 60 0.2302 100 13 650 650 1,300 90 0.5712 250 4 500 500 1,000 3,020

Planting groups will cover approximately 25% of the area, resulting in an average density over the contract area of 100 trees per acre.

Scalps of 18” x 18” will be required where herbaceous vegetation occurs.

The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, quality control inspections, supervision, transportation, seedling transport, supplies (except those designated as Government furnished), and incidentals to perform all work necessary on the areas specified in the contract. The contract includes tree handling and planting, scalping, and installation of Vexar tubes to prevent animal damage to the seedlings. All aspects of the work program shall be performed in an organized, systematic manner to assure services shall be performed over the entire unit.

Tree shelters installed in previously planted units will be collected and delivered to a collection point identified on the vicinity map, Exhibit 2d. Recovered shelters will be sorted into “reusable” and “discard” stacks. Shelters determined to be reusable will be transported by the contractor and used in the above planting project. Discard shelters are those which have tears greater than 1 inch long, and will be transported by the contractor to a roll-off dumpster at a central location shown on the Vicinity Map (Exhibit 1d). Based upon survival surveys conducted in September 2019 and site visits in early 2021, it is estimated that an average of 140- 160 shelters per acre would need to be recovered, and that 70- 80% of the shelters will be reusable. Many shelters have a 6” high solid plastic ring around the base which will need to be collected and placed in discard piles.

Vexar Tube Retrieval

Safety Alert: Contractor needs to be aware that there are standing dead trees at all planting sites that have the risk of falling at any time. These snags and burned trees are present in all planting units and have the risk of blowdown or falling debris, especially during windy conditions. The Tube Retrieval units have large amounts of down trees to negotiate.

C.1.2.1 This contract is a performance based, firm-fixed price contract.

C.1.2.2 The performance period will begin approximately July 15, 2021. This date is weather and site dependent.

If monsoonal moisture is determined to be inadequate for good tree survival at that time, the planting portion of the contract could be moved to late September. Should planting be delayed, the successful bidder will have the option to conduct Vexar tube retrieval at either time.

C.1.3 Description, Location and Access.

Items 1.1 through 1.7 were burned in wildfires. There are snags and burned trees present in these planting units and the potential exists for blowdown or falling debris, especially in windy conditions. Not all of the acreage is plantable. The soils are varied and may be of a sandstone, limestone, or volcanic origin. Rock cobble and outcrops are present throughout the project area. Placement of groups will avoid unplantable areas. Units may have 15-50 percent brush and grass/forb cover.

Unit Acres Est. Total shelters

Cochiti Mesa 134 21,440

Dome Road 177 25,488

Mesa del Rio 195 31,200

TOTALS 506 78,128

Topography ranges from flat to approximately 50 percent slope. Elevation ranges from 7,400 feet to 8,600 feet above sea level. Contractor and planting workers shall use proper safety precautions regarding safety hazards attributed to dead standing trees and other site hazards throughout the planting area. See Exhibit 1 for additional information on bid items.

Slopes on the Vexar tube removal units range from 0 to 25%. Portions of these units have large amounts of down trees to navigate.

C.1.3.1 Access Routes

Access to the Cochiti Mesa Vexar tube retrieval will be via Forest Road 286 and FR 286F, about 7 miles off of State Highway 4. Trucks can access the unit directly.

Access to the Mesa del Rio Vexar tube retrieval will be via Forest Road 287, about 7 miles off of State Highway 4.

Trucks can access the unit directly.

Access to the Dome Road Vexar tube retrieval is also by truck, via FR 289, about 9 miles off of State Highway 4.

Access to the Venado burn area is via State Highway 485, and Forest Roads 376 and 488, about 12 miles off of State Highway 4. FRs 488 and 488F are drivable by 4WD pickup and access the periphery of the planting units (See map in Exhibit 2a). Numerous roads are present within the planting units but are generally overgrown and not usable by pickup or UTV.

Seedlings will be stored in a refrigerated truck to be parked at the Forest Service “boneyard” in Caňon (see Vicinity Map, Exhibit 2d).

The contractor must have appropriate vehicles, trailers and equipment that will be able to transport seedlings and recovered Vexar tubes. Boxes are 32” by 10” by 15” high in size.

C.1.3.2 Access: Refer to Government-furnished services in Section C.3 and Contractor Requirements in Section C4.1.1 for additional information.

The planting periods will vary from Mid-July to the end of September 2021 depending on the presence or absence of sufficient monsoonal precipitation.

SECTION C2 – DEFINITIONS

Acceptable established tree: An existing conifer of seedling and/or sapling size that is of good form, color, free of damage, has 50% or greater crown ratio, and is the species and size specified in the Detailed Information Chart, Exhibit 1.

Acceptable Service: A job performed to the standard and within the acceptable quality level. The Contractor must do the specific job, and meet the standard, and meet the acceptable quality level before one can say that performance is acceptable for payment.

Acceptable Quality Level (AQL): The maximum allowable deviation from perfect performance that may occur before the Government will invoke payment deduction. An AQL does not allow a contractor knowingly to offer defective service, but limits reduced payment to circumstances in which defective performance results in a measurable reduction in the value of services rendered.

Access Point: The point identified for access to planting areas.

Animal Damage Control: Methods for protecting the seedlings from animal damage, particularly big game. May include tree protection shelters.

Best Value: One criterion used for selecting a service contractor for award, based on comparison of the service price offered, with the quality of service offered.

Calendar Days: Every day shown on the calendar, Sundays and holidays included.

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.

Contracting Officer (CO): A Government employee with the authority to enter into, administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings. The term includes certain authorized representatives of the Contracting Officer acting within the limits of their authority as delegated by the Contracting Officer.

Contract Time: See Period of Performance.

Container plug: 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). A Government person appointed by the contracting officer (CO) to help the CO with the contract administration and surveillance. The duties and responsibilities of a COR are defined in the letter of designation by the CO.

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

Defective Service. A unit of service that contains one or more defects, or nonconformance with specified requirements.

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

Foreign material (in the 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 rot collar.

Group planting: Create patchy tree arrangements with tight tree groups between unplanted areas, to provide seed source and more closely mimic natural regeneration patterns in certain forest types. The unplanted acres are expected to randomly fill in with natural tree regeneration over time, and/or be planted some years later, for an uneven-aged forest structure with a grouped arrangement across the unit.

Inbox temperature: The temperature near the center of the box of trees measured with a probe thermometer or similar instrument. This is the temperature of the seedlings while in the shipping box.

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

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. Priority for microsite selection, from highest to lowest, is fallen log, stump, and standing dead (as the latter may uproot and lift the seedling out of the ground). Seedlings shall be planted on the north and east sides of the shade structure.

Period of Performance (also Performance Period or Contract Time): The number of calendar days allowed in the contract for completion of the 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.

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: Those 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 specific methods the Government will use to perform surveillance of the contractor.

Quality Control. Those actions taken by a contractor to control the performance of services so that they meet the requirements of the PWS. The methods for inspecting for quality control are described in the Contractor’s Quality Control Plan (QCP).

Planting Inspection: The standard planting inspection procedure as described in Forest Service Handbook, R3 Supplement 2409.17 (effective 5/31/2002), 2.82 part 2 (refer to Section C.5.1 for internet access) and provided in Exhibit 3.

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

Root Length: The length of root measured from the original ground line to the end of the main vertical 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 Chart, Exhibit 1.

Shade: Natural and artificial materials that protect the trees from the sun’s heat and wind. See Microsite.

Stationary Material: Natural material used to shade or protect the tree that is not movable by the planter. Natural stationary material includes items such as stumps, logs, dead brush, rocks, or terrain features used to provide the required protection to the tree. Stationary material generally offers the most shade and protection for seedlings from the sun and animal trampling.

Seedling Protection Tube: A mesh or solid plastic or plastic-like material formed into a tube that is placed over a seedling to provide protection from animal browse or desiccation. It may be secured with a stick to the ground, or have staking legs attached to the base. Assembly may be required.

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 have 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 standard R-3 Planting Inspection for unplantable spots within the plot.

• In hoe 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 (see C4.4.1). Refer to definitions for planting violations described by R-3 Planting Inspection. Refer to planting violations as described in FSH 2409.17, 2.82 provided in Exhibit 5, Reference E.2.2.

Wasted Material: Material provided to the Contractor to conduct a task such as installing tree shelters that are lost, dropped, or damaged by the Contractor, or which are installed on trees not in accordance with the requirements of the contract.

Wasted Tree: A tree which 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 R-3 Planting Inspection plot procedure are also considered wasted trees.

C.3 – GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY and SERVICES

The Government will provide the following items of Government property and services to the Contractor for use in in the performance of this contract. This property shall be used and maintained by the Contractor in accordance with the provisions of the “Government Property” FAR clause contained elsewhere in the contract.

The property and services that will be provided by the Government are as follows:

Item Description Where, When, How

3.1 Detailed Information Chart Chart with unit specifics Provided in Solicitation, also provided in Exhibit 1.

3.2 Project Maps Maps (4) of planting and tube

retrieval units with access roads, access point(s) identified, and vicinity map

Provided in solicitation, also provided in Exhibit 2A-2B

3.3 Access Roads The Government will provide

access to the access point(s). The Government will initially clear down trees from the access roads.

Access roads are accessible by two-wheel drive vehicle equipped for mountain driving.

At least one Forest Service Road to access each unit.

3.4 Trees- planting stock Container Grown Trees: Length of

container plug will range from 5 to 8 inches. Top heights range from 4 to 6 inches. At least 90% of the trees will meet these specifications.

Provided on written order with sufficient advanced notice.

Delivered to delivery point

Species will include Ponderosa Pine (44,700) and Douglas-fir (5,300).

3.5 Pre-marked pin flags The appropriate number of pin

flags for each size group and tree species mix, by planting unit.

Daily, by planting unit.

3.6Electronic files of all unit boundaries

Files for use in tablets and phones Will send .pdf files for use in with Avenza

3.7 Planting Inspection Sheet Form R3-2470-9. Quantity

necessary to inspect the contract.

[OR one copy provided, to be duplicated by contractor]

Provided at Pre-work meeting.

Sample provided in Exhibit 3.

3.8. Campsite, if requested. See Section C.4.3.1.1 and Section H Permit issued by District within 5 working days of advanced request.

3.9. USFS Silvicultural Practices

Handbook, FSH 2409.17

Southwest Regional Issuances of Reforestation Handbook – Regional Supplement Sections cited in this contract.

Available at the following weblink:

http://www.fs.fed.us/cgi-bin/directives/get_dirs/fsh?2409.17

3.10 Tree Shelters The Government will provide new

tree shelters in addition to those retrieved by the contractor.

Shelters will be delivered to each planting unit.

C.4 – CONTRACTOR WORK REQUIREMENTS and STANDARDS

C4.1. General.

C4.1.1 Road Access. The Contractor may use system roads and service roads that run through the project areas for access with motorized vehicles such as cars, trucks, or other mechanized equipment to perform work during normal operating seasons. The COR will approve the use, and conditions of use, of any road not shown on the project or unit map.

C4.1.2 Cultural and Historic Sites. All cultural and historic sites will be protected, no tree planting will occur within protected sites. Sites will be protected by complete avoidance by planting group location. Designated site boundaries will be identified and flagged (white flagging) by the Forest Service prior to operations.

C4.1.3 Tree Transport within Unit. The Contractor may transport trees from the access point to portions of the unit at the Contractor’s discretion consistent with any restrictions on motorized or other vehicle type specified in the contract/task order and with COR approval.

C4.1.3.1 Locked Gate. Forest Road 287 (access to Mesa del Rio Tube Retrieval) is accessed through a locked gate.

The contractor will be lent a key and must keep the gate locked at all times after passing through.

C4.1.4 Walk-in Units. The unit cannot be accessed from open forest roads. The Contractor shall transport trees to the unit using the method of his/her choice consistent with any restrictions on motorized or other vehicle type specified in the contract/task order and with COR approval.

C4.1.5 Tree Orders and Delivery. The Contractor shall order in advance of desired delivery according to agreement with COR.

C4.1.5.1 Returned Trees. The Contractor shall plant all trees ordered and delivered to the planting unit within 24 hours of delivery unless otherwise approved by the COR. Trees shall not be returned to the Government for cooler storage unless approved by the COR. When the COR determines that conditions are unsuitable for planting, the http://www.fs.fed.us/cgi-bin/directives/get_dirs/fsh?2409.17 http://www.fs.fed.us/cgi-bin/directives/get_dirs/fsh?2409.17

Contractor shall return all unplanted trees to the delivery point with no penalty for delay in planting the delivered trees.

C4.1.6 Return Government Equipment. The Contractor shall return unused Government supplies, unplanted trees, all packaging materials, and wrapping materials to the delivery point daily.

C4.2 Tree Handling and Care

C.4.2.1 The Contractor shall be responsible for the care of trees from the delivery point and throughout the time that the trees are in possession of the Contractor to assure they are properly cared for and not damaged or exposed to damaging conditions consistent with FSH2409.17, 2.53 parts 6 and 7, provided in Exhibit 5 Reference.

C.4.2.2 Trees not properly cared for may be considered wasted trees.

C.4.2.3 To prevent crushing and damage, at all times while the trees are in the possession of the Contractor, tree boxes shall not be stacked greater than 4 boxes high, especially during transport.

C.4.2.4 Contractor shall not alter the trees (includes no root or top pruning).

C.4.2.5 Contractor shall take precautions to keep roots moist during the planting operation.

C.4.2.6 The Contractor shall be aware of environmental hazards which affect tree survival; he/she shall alter crew work schedules and tree handling practices to allow planting whenever possible. Environmental hazards are described in FSH 2409.17, 2.53 part 8 and 2.82 part 1c. (2) and provided in Exhibit 4.

C.4.2.7 The Contractor shall maintain the internal box temperature of tree boxes that are in possession of the Contractor at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

C.4.3 Tree Planting

C.4.3.1 Satisfactorily Planted Tree. Trees shall be planted satisfactorily both above and below ground as defined in FSH 2409.17, 2.67. Trees shall be planted in moist soil, free of foreign debris, and in a hole deep enough to accommodate the fully extended tree roots and shall meet all requirements of the contract. The open-hole method shall be used as described in FSH 2409.17, 2.63, and provided in Exhibit 4.

C.4.3.2 Clearing and Scalping. Each planting spot shall be free of surface debris and competing vegetation consistent with FSH 2409.17, 2.62, parts 1 and 2. The minimum clearing and scalping distances and the maximum clearing and scalping depths are stated in the Detained Information Chart, Exhibit 1. After the tree has been planted, surface material must be pushed back over the cleared surface to serve as mulch. The distance may differ from those stated in FSH 2409.17, 2.62.

C.4.3.3 Shade. Trees shall be planted in the best microsite available to mitigate problems associated with hot, dry aspects, consistent with FSH 2409.17, 2.61, parts 2 and 3a, and unit specific shade requirements as identified in Detailed Information Chart, Exhibit 1 and Shade Requirements, Exhibit 1A. Each tree shall be as close to the shade material as possible or within a distance that is less than ½ the height of the shade.

C.4.3.3.1 When shade is required, each tree shall be shaded at the ground level from the afternoon sun (approximately 2-4 pm).

C.4.3.3.2 When transportable (shade) material is required, it must be at least 3 inches in diameter, and be within 100% of the spacing distance to the planted tree. Do place shade on the uphill side of a planted tree where it can roll on to the tree.

C.4.3.4 When seedling protection shelters are required, shelters should be installed vertically (+/- 15 degrees) with the base of the shelter flush with the ground. Shelters shall be installed so as not to damage the tree, including skinning the bark, breaking the leader, damaging roots, or needle stripping. The terminal bud of the seedling must be unattached to the shelter. The shelters shall be installed during the same day the trees are planted.

C.4.3.4.1 Shelters shall be installed concurrently with the planting to protect trees from the afternoon sun and wind. Installation shall be consistent with directions in Section J, Exhibit 6.

C.4.3.4.2 The shelter will be manufactured of plastic mesh and secured with a single bamboo stake woven on one side. The tube shall be placed around the planted seedling with the bamboo stake on the west (windward) side of the seedling, C.4.3.5 Spacing. Trees shall be planted to achieve the average spacing specified in the Detailed Information Chart, Exhibit 1, typically 10x10’ spacing on fully plantable sections. It is expected that irregular distribution and will result as planters avoid acceptable established trees, rock or shallow soils, and seek planting spots in the best microsites and soil conditions. For individual trees, the spacing may be varied as much as 50 percent in any direction to attain the best plantable spot. The amount of trees planted shall not be materially changed by the method of selecting planting spots. Plant seedlings at 10x10 foot spacing on plantable sections and use Variable- Group Spacing to create patchier tree arrangements across planting groups when rocky, shallow soils (unplantable) are prevalent. Wide interspaces left between closely spaced tree groups planted intentionally mimic natural regeneration patterns. In placing group identification pin flags, strive to avoid rocky sections.

C4.3.6 Acceptable Established Trees. A tree shall not be planted in direct competition with an acceptable established tree. Refer to the Detailed Information Chart, Exhibit 1 for species and size of acceptable trees. Do not plant a tree closer than 50% of the established spacing to an acceptable established tree.

C4.3.7 Residual Trees. Trees shall not be planted within the immediate influence of established larger trees in the unit. Do not plant within the dripline of a live residual tree that is a conifer with at least 25% live crown.

C4.3.8 Trees Not Meeting Specifications. The Contractor is not obligated to plant trees that do not meet the specifications in C.3.4, and they shall be returned to the Government. If trees not meeting specifications are planted, they shall be planted satisfactorily.

C.4.3.9 Quality Control. Those actions taken by a contractor to control the performance of services so that they meet the requirements of the PWS. The Contractor shall prepare a Quality Control Plan as described in Section E.

The Contractor shall inspect the work in accordance with the accepted Quality Control Plan.

C.4.3.10 The Contractor shall prepare a work plan and schedule that demonstrates that work will be completed within the performance period described in Section F. The Contractor shall provide a general plan with the technical proposal. A supplementary plan and schedule shall be provided after contract award, but at least 5 days before start work.

The Contractor shall update the work plan as work is in progress to account for changes; and the updated work plan may be accepted by the Contracting Officer.

C.4.3.11 Camping and Worksite Conditions. The Contractor shall prepare a Camping and/or Worksite Plan and operate in a manner that will protect the environmental resources and the public facilities. The conditions will be consistent with the requirements of Section H, Section I.

C.4.3.12 Communications. The Contractor shall keep the Contracting Officer advised as to where the Contractor can be reached prior to start of Contract Time. Further, the Contractor shall maintain contact with the Contracting Officer during periods of work suspension to reduce any delay in resuming planting and to determine the best suitable time and conditions to resume planting.

C.4.3.13 On-site Representative. The Contractor’s on-site representative shall be fully conversant and literate in the English language and shall be in the work area whenever work is in progress. Refer to F.3 Superintendence by the Contractor. The Contractor’s Inspector shall also be conversant and literate in the English language.

C.4.3.14 Crew Safety. The Contractor shall consider and address crew safety and provide a Safety Plan consistent with FAR 52.236.13 Accident Prevention Alt. I, recognizing that all subitems may be in areas of snags and fire burned trees.

C.4.3.15 Special Restrictions. Along boundaries adjacent to cliffs: shouting, creating loud noises, loitering or taking rest breaks is prohibited. Do not move large rocks or logs. Do not plant trees on roads, hiking trails, or animal trails.

C.4.5 Shelter Recovery

C.4.5.1. Tree shelters installed in previously planted units will be collected and delivered to a nearby collection point, shown on Exhibit 2d – Vicinity Map.

C.4.5.2. Recovered shelters will be sorted into “reusable” and “discard” stacks”. Shelters determined to be reusable will be organized and transported by the contractor to units to be planted. Discard shelters are those which have greater than a one-inch tear. The government will dispose of the discard shelters after delivery.

C.5 STANDARDS

C.5.1. Mandatory Standard. The following sections from the Forest Service Handbook, R3-Supplement 2409.17- 2002-1 (effective 4/29/2002), Chapter 2 – Reforestation, are mandatory for execution of this contract.

Sections: 2.53 parts 6-8, 2.61, 2.62 parts 1 and 2, 2.63, 2.66, 2.67, and 2.82 parts 1.c and 2.

Sections mandatory for contract execution are provided as guidelines; the complete handbook is available at:

http://www.fs.fed.us/im/directives/field/r3/fsh/2409.17/2409.17_2.01_2.5.doc http://www.fs.fed.us/im/directives/field/r3/fsh/2409.17/2409.17_2.6_2.9.doc

C.5.2. Non-Mandatory Standard. The following references do not supersede direction given in C.5.1 or requirements set forth in this contract, but provide background and supporting information that may be useful to a prospective offeror.

C.5.2.1. The Forest Service Handbook, R3-Supplement 2409.17-2002-1 (effective 5/31/2002), Chapter 2 – Reforestation exclusive of the sections listed in C.5.1. The handbook is available at the website specified in C.5.1.

C.5.2.2. Tree handling and planting procedures that are acceptable are like those generally accepted for planting seedlings in forested conditions. There are a number of references describing the care and planting procedures.

One reference is Reforestation Practices in Southwestern Oregon and Northern California (eds. Stephen D. Hobbs, Steven D. Tesch, Peyton W. Owston, Ronald E. Steward, John C. Tappeiner II, Gail E. Wells), Oregon State University Corvallis, Oregon. Specifically refer to Chapter 14, Seedling Handling and Planting by Robin Rose, pp. 330, 334-343.

http://www.fs.fed.us/im/directives/field/r3/fsh/2409.17/2409.17_2.01_2.5.doc http://www.fs.fed.us/im/directives/field/r3/fsh/2409.17/2409.17_2.6_2.9.doc

C.6 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY (PRS)

The following describes the major items in the contract with the consequences for meeting or not meeting the performance standard for the work described. Items below are included here as described.

Work Statement

Performance Standard Government Method of Assessment

Consequences for Meeting or not Meeting Performance Standard

C.4.2 Tree Handling and Care

-Contractor shall be responsible for care of the trees throughout the time that trees are in the Contractor’s possession to assure they are not damaged or exposed to damaging conditions consistent with FSH 2409.17, 2.54 parts 4 through 7.

-Trees not properly cared for may be considered wasted trees.

-Contractor shall not alter tree seedlings (includes no root or top pruning) -Contractor shall take precautions to keep roots moist during the planting operation.

-Contractor shall be aware of environmental hazards which affect tree survival.

-Contractor shall alter crew work schedules and tree handling practices to allow planting whenever possible

COR and Inspector will monitor operations and conduct random samples.

-The Contractor’s care and handling of trees will affect the performance assessment as either a positive or negative incentive.

-If contractor does not meet the standard and/or take corrective action, the Government may collect damages (Section G.4), and provide adverse performance assessment.

C.4.3 Tree Planting

-Planting quality meets or exceeds performance standard of 90% quality -Trees shall be planted in the best microsite available to mitigate problems associated with hot, dry aspects, consistent with FSH 2409.17, 2.61.

-A tree shall not be planted in a manner that directly competes with an acceptable established tree (see definition C.2) or another planted tree.

-No trees shall be planted twenty feet away from the drip line of healthy live ponderosa pine trees with 30% live full crown or greater and trees 5 inches DBH or greater).

COR or inspector will conduct periodic inspections consisting of plots consistent with R-3 Planting Inspection (FSH 2409.17, 2.82, part 2).

-The Contractor’s care and handling of trees will affect the performance assessment as either a positive or negative incentive.

-If Contractor achieves 90% planting quality or greater, full unit price is paid G.3.2.1.

If Contractor does not achieve at least 90% quality, is as per Section G.3. May result in adverse performance assessment.

C.4.4 Shelter installation

- Shelters should be installed vertically (+/- 15 degrees) with the base of the shelter flush with the ground. Shelters shall be installed so as not to damage the tree, including skinning the bark, breaking the leader, damaging roots, or needle stripping. The terminal bud of the seedling must be unattached to the shelter. The shelters shall be installed during the same day the trees are planted.

COR or inspector shall perform visual inspection.

Must pass government inspection of shelter installation with 95% or greater for full payment.

If Contractor does not meet 95% quality or greater, reduced payment shall be made in accordance with Section G.

May result in adverse performance assessment.

C.4.5 All shelters will be collected from dead trees in units and delivered in uniform stacks to a specified nearby drop-off point.

COR or inspector randomly sample and observe operations.

1/10th acre plots will determine completeness of collection in the field, with no more than 2 shelters missed per plot.

Must pass government inspection of shelter recovery with 90% or greater for full payment.

If Contractor does not meet 90% quality or greater, reduced payment shall be made in accordance with Section G.

May result in adverse performance assessment.

C.4.3.9 Quality Control

-Contractor maintains good quality control on all aspects of operation including tree handling, preparation and planting. Actions not consistent with contract specifications are corrected as per the Quality Control Plan.

COR or inspector randomly sample and observe operations

-The quality of Quality Control provided by the Contractor will be reflected in the performance assessment as either a positive or negative incentive.

-If the Contractor fails to meet standards, work may be suspended or the Contractor put in Default for failure to take corrective action immediately and result in adverse performance assessment.

-Contractor’s plot inspections are +/- 5% of Government’s quality.

Inspection completed to meet timeframes. Inspection records are complete and accurate.

COR or inspector randomly sample and observe Contractor inspections. Reviews Contractor inspection sheets daily

-The ability of the Contractor to meet the standard will be reflected in the performance assessment as either a positive or negative incentive.

-When Contractor’s plot inspections meet standards, no deduction.

-If quality does not meet standard, deduction (Section G.3 & G.4) and/or damages will be assessed.

Work Plan and Schedule

Work meets schedule as per the accepted Work Plan.

COR and Inspector conduct periodic monitoring.

-The Contractor’s ability to maintain the work schedule and complete work on schedule will be reflected in the performance assessment as either a positive or negative incentive.

Work not completed on schedule is subject to Default and may result in assessment of actual costs.

E.1. CONTRACTOR QUALITY CONTROL

E.1.1. Quality Control Plan. The Contractor shall provide a Quality Control Plan (QCP) with the technical proposal.

The Contractor shall supplement the QCP within 5 days of contract award based on items awarded to the Contractor and Government comments.

The general Quality Control plan must demonstrate how the Contractor will assure quality meets the requirements and specifications of the contract. It shall specify how quality will be monitored to assure the performance standards are met; the supervision of crew and work; and the personnel that will be performing the quality control. Quality control includes the monitoring of quality while work is in progress and an unbiased sample of planting, artificial shade, and protection shelters for determining actual quality percentage. The Contractor shall have at least one experienced, fluent in English, inspector whose duties do not include supervision or planting duties

E.2 INSPECTION / QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN

This plan provides a basis for the Contracting Officers Representative to evaluate the quality of the Contractor’s performance. The oversight provided for in the contract and in this plan will help ensure that quality levels reach the required levels of performance.

E.2.2. Plot Inspections- Tree Planting. The Contractor shall maintain a plot system that provides an unbiased sample of planting quality, and which represents the entire area planted. The plot system shall be consistent with the Planting Inspection Methods, specified in FSH 2409.17, 2.82, part 2, provided. The Contractor shall sample at least 1-percent of the planted area, with a minimum of 5 plots per unit.

The Government may observe or re-examine the Contractor’s plots at any time. Tree Shelter installation shall be included in the inspection of planting.

E.2.2.1. The Contractor shall mark and identify each inspection plot on the ground.

E.2.2.2. The Contractor shall provide written inspection data by unit using the Planting Inspection Sheet (R3-2470- 9), Exhibit 3, and shall provide a sketch map of the unit with plot locations. The Contractor may also provide a GPS waypoint file of the plot location. Planting inspection sheets and maps shall be provided to the Government by 8 a.m. the day after inspection or end of workday and shall be signed and dated by the person who conducted the inspection, certifying that the inspection records are complete and accurate.

E.2.2.3. The planting quality percent shall be based on the following calculation (reference columns of Planting Inspection Sheet):

No. of Satisfactory 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 (Col. 5)

No. of Trees Dug (Column 10)

All computations will be carried out to at least thousandths (.000) and the final percentage of planting quality as calculated above will be rounded to the nearest whole percent.

E.2.2.4. Plot inspection shall include a tally of trees that are in excess to the maximum allowable to be planted and noted in Column 8 of Inspection Sheet. These trees are considered wasted trees. To ensure that trees are distributed throughout the unit fairly consistently, wasted trees shall be tallied by plot. The Government will use the sum of all wasted trees on plots to determine the damages assessment, Section G.4.

E.2.3. Acceptance. The Contractor’s Quality Control inspections for planting shall be within five percent of the Government quality assurance to be considered acceptable.

E.2.3.1 The Contractor’s quality control will be deemed unacceptable when the Contractor fails to provide planting quality within 5 percent of the Government’s quality assurance results at the completion of a unit.