Sol_140L0625R0001.pdf

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CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

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FACILITYCODE

17b. CHECK IF REMITTANCE IS DIFFERENT AND PUT SUCH ADDRESS IN OFFER

OFFEROR

LNB

Denver CO 80225-0047

POB 25047

DENVER FEDERAL CENTER, BLDG 85

BLM DBS SUPPLIES AND SERVICES - NOC

CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BYCODE

X

X

115310

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% FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED ORLNB

REQUEST FOR

PROPOSAL

(RFP)

INVITATION

FOR BID (IFB)

10. THIS ACQUISITION ISCODE

REQUEST FOR

QUOTE (RFQ)

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

13b. RATING

NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRY

CLASSIFICATION STANDARD

(NAICS):

SMALL BUSINESS

11/10/2025 1600 ES

09/26/2025

7742783998Yvette Daltorio (No collect calls)

INFORMATION CALL:

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

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

140L0625R0001

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

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

1 85 OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

15. DELIVER TO

Denver CO 80225-0047

POB 25047

DENVER FEDERAL CENTER, BLDG 85

9. ISSUED BY

7.

2. CONTRACT NO.

EFFECTIVE DATE

$34

18b. SUBMIT INVOICES TO ADDRESS SHOWN IN BLOCK 18a UNLESS BLOCK BELOW

ISSUE DATE

DELIVERY FOR FREE ON BOARD

(FOB) DESTINATION UNLESS

BLOCK IS MARKED

11.

SEE SCHEDULEX

12. DISCOUNT TERMS THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED

ORDER UNDER THE DEFENSE

PRIORITIES AND ALLOCATIONS

SYSTEM - DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13a.

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

(SDVOSB)

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

8(A)

BLM DBS SUPPLIES AND SERVICES - NOC

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (WOSB)

ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (EDWOSB)

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

Period of Performance: 04/01/2026 to 03/31/2031

00010 Alaska Wildland Fire Hand Crew Services in accordance with attached Statement of Work.

The period of performance start date identified above is an estimate only. Actual period of performance start date will be established upon contract award.

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

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

DATED

Ian Steinheimer

. 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 (FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION) FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3

AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Government Use Only)

OFFER

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

30b. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REFERENCE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

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

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

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED

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

37. CHECK NUMBER

FINALPARTIAL

36. PAYMENT

FINALPARTIAL

35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

34. VOUCHER NUMBER33. SHIP NUMBER

COMPLETE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

42d. TOTAL CONTAINERS42c. DATE REC'D (YY/MM/DD)

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

41c. DATE41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER

41a. I CERTIFY THIS ACCOUNT IS CORRECT AND PROPER FOR PAYMENT

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021) BACK

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

Product/Service Code: F003

Product/Service Description: NATURAL

RESOURCES/CONSERVATION- FOREST-RANGE FIRE

SUPPRESSION/PRESUPPRESSION

32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

85 2 of

B - Services/Prices C - Description/Specifications D - Packaging and Marking E - Inspection and Acceptance F - Deliveries or Performance G - Contract Administration Data H - Special Contract Requirements I - Contract Clauses J - List of Documents, Exhibits, and Other Attachments K - Representation,Certifications, and Other Statements of Offerors L - Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors M - Evaluation Factors for Award

B - Services/Prices

B.1 Schedule of Services Please refer to block 20 of Standard Form 1449 and attachment 8 Price Sheet. Negotiated rates will be incorporated into awards resulting from this solicitation.

C - Description/Specifications

STATEMENT OF WORK

C.1 GENERAL INFORMATION

This is a non-personal services contract to provide wildland fire Type 2 hand crew and Alaskan Fire Suppression Module services. The Government will not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein. Such contract service providers will be accountable solely to the Contractor, who in turn, is responsible to the Government.

C.1.1 Introduction/Background This statement of work (SOW) is in support of the Alaska Fire Service (AFS), a component of the United States Department of the Interior (DOI), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), with responsibilities for fire suppression and fire management in Alaska. Throughout this Statement of Work (SOW), the terms "BLM", "AFS" and "Government" will be used interchangeably.

The BLM AFS is responsible for fire suppression, management and protection of DOI administered lands and lands that require protection under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) as amended (43 U.S.C.1620(e)); hereinafter referred to as "native lands".

Prior to 2020 the BLM AFS managed and directed an Administratively Determined (AD) wildland fire emergency firefighter (EFF) crew program that consisted of trained and experienced wildland firefighters (responders) from up to 24 remote Native Alaskan villages (communities) throughout northern interior Alaska. This EFF Crew Program produced as many as 25 to 30, Type 2 EFF crews from these villages utilizing upwards of 650 individuals.

Most of these remote Alaska firefighters lived in communities or "Assembly Points" (AP) that do not connect to the main Alaska road system because they are so far away from it. Flying is often the most reasonable and only means of getting responders/firefighter in and out of these villages. Because of the remote locality of this workforce, most crew members lived and worked in and around remote villages and camps throughout interior Alaska for most of their lives. This had lent itself well when it was necessary to assemble and mobilize a trained and qualified fire suppression workforce within these same areas. Having fully trained, qualified and outfitted National Standard Type 2 wildland fire hand crews ready for immediate mobilization from these remote village assembly points directly to the remote Alaska incidents (via helicopter or fixed wing aircraft) has proven to be an important tool in the overall mission of BLM

AFS.

Due to a decline in the overall numbers of available EFFs, the BLM AFS now utilizes both EFF/AD and commercially contracted type 2 wildland fire hand crews on an as needed basis when regular agency crews are not available to support fire suppression/management and protection on fire suppression and mop-up activities; All-Hazard incidents and severity/preparedness assignments for wildland fire emergencies.

C.1.2 Objective The intent of this requirement is to establish multiple Indefinite-Delivery Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contracts for commercial services of national standard wildland fire Type 2 hand crews (T2 or "crews") and Alaskan Fire Suppression Modules (AK-FSM or "modules") (to be referred to collectively as Alaska Wildland Fire Hand Crew Services (AKCCs)) to the BLM AFS, as needed, on a nationwide basis. Task orders under these IDIQ contracts may be required during wildland fire suppression activities/incidents or All-Hazard incidents (i.e., hurricane cleanup and relief, and severity/preparedness assignments) hereby referred to as "incidents" or "assignments". AKCCs will be required primarily in Alaska and primarily during the Alaska wildland fire season. AKCCs may also be required on a nationwide basis, but only if AFS has determined there is no current need for these services in Alaska.

C.1.3 General Description The typical work of a wildland fire suppression hand crew consists of initial attack (IA) operations, constructing hand lines, using ignition devices for firing out and mop-up operations. Hand crews are vehicle mobile firefighters that specialize in the use of hand tools, chainsaws, portable pumps, drip torches and fusees. Hand tools are used to construct fireline through ground fuels in the path of the fire. Chainsaws are utilized to clear brush and fall trees that would otherwise provide a canopy of fuel over the fireline. The resultant fireline is free from vegetation and provides a barrier to halt fire spread. Burnout operations to secure the fireline utilize drip torches and fusees to remove unburned fuel between the fireline and fire front. Hand crews are often called upon to help construct hose lays and operate portable pumps that bring water to the fire area. Once the fire has been contained, crews perform mop-up operations which require the application of mineral soil and/or water to residual embers and hotspots. Scraping embers from heavy fuels with hand tools as well as falling and bucking large diameter fuels with chainsaws are typical activities associated with mop-up.

The work environment varies from forest to rangeland, often in steep terrain where surfaces may be extremely uneven, rocky, and covered with dense vegetation. Working conditions are often extreme as the influence of hot and dry, or hot and humid weather combines with the radiant heat of the fire environment.

Extreme variations between day and night temperatures are common in mountainous and lower lying topographies. Sustained winds or inversion layers can make smoke and dust conditions severe. The hazardous nature of the work requires that protective clothing be worn at all times during work hours.

Crews are required to eat, rest, and sleep at incident base camps, remote spike camps, or at agency or Cooperator campgrounds, any of which will typically be located near the fire area. Crew members must be fully prepared and outfitted not only to work in remote wildland fire conditions but also to live and sleep and endure for up to 28 days with limited support.

C.1.4 Designated Crew Assembly Points The Government has identified multiple Assembly Points (AP) located within the BLM areas of fire protection which are the airfields that serve the local village(s) or community(s). The APs are the locations where crew members are assembled for pick up either by Government arranged transportation or Contractor arranged transportation at the time of mobilization. The APs are where the "Crew", consisting of all rostered crew members and all required gear, supplies, and equipment (i.e., Personal Protective Equipment, hand tools, chainsaws, food, water, etc.) necessary for the duration identified in the task order will be physically located during the Mandatory Availability Period (MAP). The Contractor has two hours after receiving the authorization to proceed (ATP) to assemble a T2 crew or an AK-FSM and provide dispatch with a PMS 245 manifest. Thereafter, the T2 crew or AK-FSM must be staged for readiness at the APs within three hours of receipt of the Resource Order (RO) in order to facilitate timely mobilizations to incidents.

Upon completion of assignment, demobilization will commence, and crew members shall be returned back to the same assembly point location using the same mode (Government or Contractor provided) used at departure.

Contractors are allowed to use any of the 37 assembly points within the Table of Assembly Points (Table 1). Contractors will be allowed to assemble crew members at and mobilize from up to five of these assembly points at the time of the initial assignment order. The Government agrees to reimburse the Contractor for mobilization costs of crew members from up to five assembly points at the time of initial assignment order.

Table 1

C.1.5 Crew Lodging & Camping The Government will either provide lodging for all crew members or request the Contractor to provide their own lodging as necessary for all crew members as stated in each task order. Contractors must be prepared to cover all expenses associated with lodging up front. When the Government cannot provide a campsite, Communities / Villages Assembly Points

Grayling KGX Holy Cross HCA

Anvik ANV Shagluk SHX

Ruby RBY Galena GAL Nulato NUL

Koyukuk KYU Kaltag KAL Hughes HUS Huslia HLA

Allakaket 6A8 Minto 51Z Tanana TAL

Rampart RMP Arctic Village ARC

Venetie VEE Fort Yukon FYU Pilot Station 0AK St. Mary's KSM Marshall MDM

Mountain Village MOU Russian Mission RSH

Koyuk KKA Stebbins WBB/SMK

Saint Michael SMK Unalakleet UNK Shaktoolik 2C7

Noorvik D76 Selawik WLK

Kotzebue OTZ Buckland BVK

Kiana IAN Ambler AFM

Shungnak SHG Kobuk OBU

Fairbanks FAI and if authorized by the Receiving or Host Unit and properly receipted and invoiced, actual lodging expenses (double occupancy) incurred by the AKCC in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) are reimbursable.

In most cases the Contractor crew will be camping out in designated sites identified by the Government Incident Management Team at no cost to the Contractor. Contractor employees must keep every crew camp clean, well-organized, free from any hazards and ready for inspection at any time by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) or designated Project Inspector (PI). The Contractor shall provide sleeping equipment to suit the conditions such as tents, shelters, ground cloths, and sleeping bags.

If the order includes the requirement for the Contractor to furnish its personnel with lodging for one or more nights, the Contractor must comply with the following:

· Provide Contractor personnel with a copy of the applicable Tax-Exempt certificate. Ensure Contractor personnel provide a copy of the Tax-Exempt certificate to the hotel/place of lodging and request for taxes to be removed from the lodging bill prior to checkout.

· Lodging rooms shall be utilized with double occupancy. However male and female crew members are not required to lodge together. In these cases, or if an odd number of crew members are mobilized for an assignment, the Contractor is authorized an additional room to accommodate the entire crew. The maximum allowable lodging rates per room, excluding taxes shall not exceed the current standard Continental United States (CONUS) lodging rates referenced in the FTR. Double occupancy rates may be higher but must not exceed double the standard CONUS lodging rate. Any associated lodging taxes are reimbursable as documented on the lodging invoice. For any lodging expenses invoiced at single occupancy, the reimbursement payment shall be reduced by 50% for each room singly occupied.

· When a task order requires the Contractor to furnish lodging, reimbursement of costs incurred shall not exceed the authorized federal per diem rates associated with that lodging location at the time the cost is incurred. Any costs incurred in an amount exceeding this maximum, in general, are not allowable for reimbursement. If an exception is granted, it must be pre-approved in writing by the CO or provided by modification to the task order.

· While in travel status to or from incidents actual lodging expenses are reimbursable.

Notwithstanding the user unit authorization above, the Commercial Lodging is authorized while in travel status when the Contractor cannot reach an assigned destination due to the Incident Operation Driving Guidelines driving limitations.

· If commercial lodging is authorized for a company field representative (CFR) position, it will be included in the task order terms and conditions.

C.1.6 Crew Availability Contractors are required to call into the COR and the Yukon Fire Dispatch Center prior to June 1 to indicate their crew availability as well as every time the crew status changes. This includes during mobilization or demobilization, while in stagging, while on R&R or any time the crew gets released and/or reassigned to a different incident. The COR and the Yukon Fire Dispatch Center need to know the status of the crew every time it changes therefore, the Contractor must notify the COR and dispatch.

Crews and modules must be available for work from June 1 through August 31 of each year. This is called the Mandatory Availability Period. Crews can be available and ordered outside of the MAP so long as they otherwise meet all requirements.

The AFS management will determine if and when any AKCCs may be made available for Lower 48 assignments. The AKCC crews' primary purpose is to supplement the workforce necessary to cover the workload during the Alaska fire season.

The Yukon Fire Dispatch Center will maintain the status of each AKCC through the use of local and national dispatching procedures and systems.

C.1.7 Crew Member Replacements and Associated Costs Replacement or replacing crew members should be rare and should never impact crew operations during an assignment. Crew member replacements should take place only during R&R. The Contractor is not authorized to charge the Government for any costs associated with releasing and sending any crew member home early nor for any costs associated with replacing any crew member who went home early. The Contractor is not authorized to invoice for position rates for time in travel status or for Meals & Incidental Expenses (M&IE) for any position being replaced or any position being sent home early.

C.1.8 Crew Briefings at the Incidents Contractor Crew Boss (CRWB) positions as well as Squad Boss (FFT1) positions (including any trainees for these positions) are allowed to attend all incident operational shift briefings as necessary. During that time, the remainder of the Contractor crew is expected to be preparing the mobilized equipment (hand tools/chainsaws), line gear, daily supplies, food, water and vehicles for work to start. The actual time spent during this preparation is an allowable reimbursement that the Contractor may invoice.

This contract does not allow for the Contractor to invoice or charge hourly rates for positions that are NOT actively working under this contract, unless otherwise provided in this SOW. Examples of circumstances for which the Contractor must not invoice for time, include but are not limited to the following circumstances:

· Illnesses and injuries: All ill and/or injured employees must report these situations to the appropriate incident overhead, usually the Medical Unit.

· Eating breakfast or diner.

· Sleeping both in camp and on the line.

· Any position that chooses to terminate their own employment or becomes terminated by the Contractor.

· Transporting other positions to and from jet ports to the crew locations during replacement operations.

C.2 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT AND SERVICES

C.2.1 Government Furnished Property (GFP), Equipment (GFE) and Information (GFI) If it is in the best interest of the Government to provide hand tools, chainsaws, radios or any other Government furnished property, equipment or information while on assignment under a task order, the Contractor must return all GFP, GFE and GFI to the incident prior to being released. The Contractor will be charged for any items not returned.

C.2.2 Consumable Goods At the Government's discretion incidental consumable goods, such as the following, may be provided as Government Furnished Material (GFM) to the Contractor while working under a task order. This list is not all inclusive:

· One-quart plastic canteens

· Plastic sheeting

· Replacement batteries for radios and/or headlamps

· Fiber tape

· Insect repellant

· P-cord (parachute cord) nylon shroud

· Trash bags

· Saw fuel and bar oil, drip torch fuel, vehicle fuel

C.2.3 Durable and Accountable Goods At the Government's discretion Durable Goods and/or Accountable Goods, such as the below bulleted items, may be provided as Government Furnished Property to the Contractor when under a task order. If applicable, all items must be returned prior to demobilization from the incident.

· Chainsaws and chainsaw kits

· Hand tools

· Oil and fuel containers

· Drip torches

· Radios

· Any power tool, hand tool or piece of equipment necessary to complete tasks assigned.

The Contractor will be charged for unreturned items. The cost per item can be found in the catalogs at the following websites:

Alaska Task Orders: https://fire.ak.blm.gov/content/aicc/Equipment-Supply/2024%20- %202025%20AFS%20Interagency%20Cache%20Catalog.pdf. This catalog will be updated annually. It is the contractor's responsibility to comply with the latest version of all cited resources included in this SOW.

Lower-48 Task Orders: https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/pms449-1. This catalog will be updated annually.

The Contractor shall document the circumstances concerning the lost, damaged or destruction of GFP.

Documentation must be submitted to the CO and COR within ten days after release from incident.

C.3 CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Contractor must provide fully qualified personnel to fill crew requirements under this contract.

Contractor personnel must meet the minimum qualification requirements as stated herein. The Contractor is responsible for managing its personnel qualifications to ensure training and certifications are and remain current during the life of the contract. As detailed below, the Contractor must furnish supplies and equipment needed to complete the work required under this contract, including hand tools, chainsaws, personal protective equipment (PPE), and supplies. It is the Contractor's responsibility to download and comply with the latest versions of all resource material cited in this SOW.

C.3.1 Crew Configuration Requirements The Contractor must provide one Type 2 crew or two 5-10 person Alaskan Fire Suppression Modules in accordance with the crew configurations below. Upon receipt of the Contracting Officers ATP or task order award, Contractor crews must be "prepositioned" at the BLM approved assembly points in Alaska and ready for immediate "deployment" to wildland fire incidents.

C.3.1.1 Type 2 Crews Each crew must be supervised by one Crew Boss and three Squad Bosses to cover all supervisory responsibilities. All crew bosses and squad bosses shall be good quality leaders with positive and effective leadership skills and capable of effective communication.

The Type 2 crew configuration is as follows:

· A total minimum of 18 and maximum of 20 qualified individuals (TBD at the time of order)

· 1 Crew Boss (CRWB)

· 3 Squad Bosses (FFT1)

· 2 to 4 Fallers (Sawyers): Type 2 (FAL2) -or- Type 3 (FAL3) (TBD at the time of order)

· 12 to 14 Basic Firefighters (FFT2) (TBD at the time of order)

C.3.1.2 Alaskan Fire Suppression Module Each crew must be supervised by one Crew Boss and two Squad Bosses to cover all supervisory responsibilities. All crew bosses and squad bosses shall be good quality leaders with positive and effective leadership skills and capable of effective communication.

The Alaskan Fire Suppression Module (AK-FSM) configuration is as follows:

· A total minimum of 5 and maximum of 10 individuals (TBD at the time of order).

· 1 Crew Boss (CRWB) https://fire.ak.blm.gov/content/aicc/Equipment-Supply/2024%20-%202025%20AFS%20Interagency%20Cache%20Catalog.pdf https://fire.ak.blm.gov/content/aicc/Equipment-Supply/2024%20-%202025%20AFS%20Interagency%20Cache%20Catalog.pdf https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/pms449-1

·1 to 2 Squad Bosses (FFT1) -1 FFT1 for crew size of 5 or less

- 2 FFT1 for crew size of 6 or more

· 0 to 7 Fallers (FAL2-or-FAL3) (TBD at the time of order)

· 0 to 7 Basic Firefighters (FFT2) (TBD at the time of order)

The AK-FSM is not a national standard configuration. This configuration is specific only to Alaska. The Government will specify the actual configuration of AK-FSM requirements separately in subsequent task order notices.

C.3.2 Communication Skill Requirements All personnel in leadership positions such as Crew Bosses, Squad Bosses, as well as radio operators must be able to fluently and clearly communicate English at a conversational level. Specifically, all radio communication on tactical, command, and air-to-ground frequencies shall be in the English language. All supervisors of personnel engaged in fire suppression and prescribed fire operations must be able to read, write, and speak English sufficiently to understand and communicate in English. All designated Contractor supervisors must also be able to effectively communicate in the language of the crew personnel they are assigned to supervise.

C.3.3 Crew Member Training and Position Qualification Requirements The Government is not responsible for certifying or maintaining qualification records for Contractors or Contractor's employee(s). If it is determined at any time that a Contractor's employee does not meet the minimum qualifications for or is not current in the position they have been hired and/or rostered for, the Government will deem services to be deficient and require the Contractor to remove the individual from that position (or off of the crew). The Contractor will then be required to return to the Government all payments received for that individual's hours performing on the task order. Government payment is entirely contingent upon Contractor providing and certifying that all employees are trained, tested, and equipped as required.

The Government reserves the right to:

· Monitor and inspect all training and testing provided to Contractor employees.

· To inspect all Contractor employee digital or hardcopy training records, experience and qualification records, task books, performance evaluations (individual and crew), training certificates, red cards and any other required records.

· To inspect all Contractor processes and procedures for managing employee training, experience and qualifications records and red card management and production.

· To conduct any Pre-Season crew inspections or any field crew inspections it so chooses. This includes inspections during mobilization, demobilization, preposition, stagging, R&R and regular workdays.

C.3.3.1 Certification and Maintenance of Qualification Records The Contractor is required to maintain all Work Capacity Test (WCT) and training course/session documentation including attendee rosters, lists of instructors and facilitators, instructor and facilitator qualifications, dates, times, locations, and certificates of completion. Training and experience records for employees who have separated from the company must be maintained for a minimum of three years after the date of separation.

Contractors must ensure that each employee meets or exceeds the minimum training, experience, physical fitness level, and currency standards for wildland fire position qualifications in accordance with the following:

C.3.3.1.1 The most recent issue of the National Incident Management System: Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide (PMS 310-1):

https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/310-1. PMS 310-1 outlines the order and sequence of training and experience for each crew position/qualification required under the terms of this contract.

https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/310-1

C.3.3.1.2 The most recent issue of the Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations (NFES 2724): https://www.nifc.gov/policies/pol_ref_redbook.html.

C.3.3.1.3 The most recent issue of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) Standards for Course Delivery (PMS 901-1):

https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/pms901-1.

C.3.3.1.4 The most recent issue of the Work Capacity Test Administrator's Guide (PMS 307, NFES 1109): https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/pms307.

C.3.3.2 Qualifications and Training Records The Contractor must maintain current hardcopy records of each employee's qualifications to verify the individual meets the minimum qualifications of this contract. The Government reserves the right to request review of Contractor training and qualification records during the life of this contract. When doing so, the COR will coordinate with the CO who, in turn, will send the request to the Contractor.

C.3.3.3 Incident Qualification Cards (Red Cards) Contractors must issue a signed Incident Position Qualification Card (Red Card) to each Contractor employee hired to fill a rostered crew position. Information on the card must be typewritten or neatly printed, and must include all of the following:

· Name of the Contractor company

· Firefighter's full legal name (first, middle and last name, including suffix; for example:

John Edward Doe Sr).

· A unique employee number (not their social security number)

· A list of position(s) for which the firefighter is qualified and date when each position/qualification will expire.

· The most recent date the firefighter completed Annual Fireline Safety Refresher Training.

· The most recent date when the firefighter passed the Arduous Work Capacity Test.

· An indication of firefighter's experience/qualifications as follows:

o YELLOW for firefighters with less than one season experience.

o RED for firefighters with one season or more experience o BLUE for supervisors including FFT1 (Squad Boss) and CRWB (Crew Boss).

The Contractor must sign the firefighter's Incident Position Qualification Card certifying that the individual has met all the training and qualification requirements of this contract. Upon award, the Contractor individual authorized to sign the Incident Position Qualification Cards must be identified to the Government. The Contractor may elect to designate one person at the IDIQ contract level or individually at the task order level.

C.3.3.4 Additional Training & Qualification Requirements The Contractor must manage task book administration according to the National Incident Management System Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide (PMS 310-1) https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/310-1.

The Contractor must initiate the firefighter's Task Book(s) and certify by signature that the individual has met all requirements for training, experience, and qualification as applicable by position.

C.3.3.4.1 Training Record Components. At a minimum each record shall include:

(1) training course certificates of completion, (2) Position Task Books showing proof of initiation, (3) evaluation records, (4) final evaluation and certification,

(5) documentation of Annual Fireline Safety Refresher Training and Work Capacity Tests, (6) any performance evaluations received for work done while on assignment https://www.nifc.gov/policies/pol_ref_redbook.html https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/pms901-1 https://www.nwcg.gov/publications/pms307 under this contract, and the employee's annual Incident/Position Qualification Card ("Red Card").

C.3.3.4.2 Travel not authorized for Training Unless specifically stated in this contract, the Government will not reimburse travel costs associated with transportation, lodging or M&IE to attend training or otherwise required for Contractor personnel to meet the minimum qualifications of this contract.

C.3.3.5 Trainee Position Limitations The Contractor must clearly identify all trainee positions on the Crew Manifest and not exceed the following number of trainee positions per crew per incident/assignment.

· No more than one CRWB

· No more than two FFT1

· No more than three total trainee positions per task order

C.3.3.6 Trainee Coach / Evaluator Each trainee requires a coach/evaluator, who must be fully certified in the position(s) being coached or evaluated. Each Coach/Evaluator is limited to only one trainee position at a time.

C.3.3.7 Chainsaw Operator Qualifications. All chainsaw operators shall be minimally qualified as a FAL2 or FAL3 and only perform within the operators qualification standards. Contractors must follow established faller qualifications as stated in the National Incident Management System: Wildland Fire Qualification System Guide (PMS 310-1).

C.3.4 Public Training Providers To ensure sufficient wildland fire training opportunities are available which meet or exceed NWCG standards for private sector Contractors to participate in firefighter crew contracts, the Alaska Wildland Fire Coordinating Group (AWFCG) has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with certain public training providers. Contractors may request a list of these training providers by submitting an email request to the COR.

C.3.5 Safety Standards and Risk Management Guidelines All Contractor employees must understand, implement, and adhere to all Safety and Risk Management guidelines as written in Chapter 7 of the Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations (NFES 2724) (https://www.nifc.gov/sites/default/files/redbook-files/RedBookAll.pdf.) The Contractor is responsible for certifying that its crew employees understand the safety guidelines and actions required in each guideline. The Contractor must implement measures as needed to ensure all Contractor personnel adhere to the safety guidelines.

C.3.5.1 Nonconformance of Safety Guidelines If, at any time during an assignment, including (but not limited to) mobilization, demobilization, stagging, work, rest or management directed days off, it is determined that a crew member is performing or conducting themselves in an unsafe manner or may pose a safety risk to themselves or others; BLM leadership (i.e., strike team leader, task force leader, division supervisor or incident commander) may send a request to the COR for action. The COR will coordinate a resolution with the Contractor's designated CRWB or FFT1. This may include requesting removal and replacement of the appropriate Contractor employee(s) from the current crew roster and removal of authorization to Incident Command Post (ICP), camp, transportation, meals, lodging and all labor rates from that moment on.

If any Contractor employee is removed under this contract, the Contractor's CRWB is responsible for ensuring that the employee leaves the crew location immediately and has no further connection with the crew for the remainder of the assignment. When necessary for nonconformance, the CO reserves the right to direct the entire crew to be removed from the assignment, released, and returned home.

C.3.5.2 Heat Stress All Contractor employees must be familiar with the risk factors that can contribute to heat illness, common heat illness signs and symptoms, and what action(s) to take if a Heat Disorder or Heat Stress is suspected. Contractors shall train employees on the topic of heat stress in accordance with the guidelines found at the following hyperlink:

https://www.nwcg.gov/6mfs/firefighter-health-first-aid/heat-stress

C.3.5.3 Physical Demands Arduous duties involve field work requiring physical performance calling for above average endurance and superior conditioning. These duties may include an occasional demand for extraordinarily strenuous activities in emergencies under adverse environmental conditions and over extended periods. Requirements include running, walking, climbing, jumping, twisting, bending, and lifting more than 50 pounds; the pace of work typically is set by the emergency condition.

C.3.5.4 First Aid Kits The Contractor must ensure that each AKCC crew arrives with the equivalent of two "Class B" ten Person First Aid Kits appropriately stocked and fully functional. Kits should be "belt" type or otherwise capable of being attached to individual line gear and intended for portable use. Kits should be able to withstand damage due to outdoor environmental factors and rough handling.

C.3.6 Crew Days Off and Length of Assignment:

Due to health and safety concerns of individual firefighters on each crew the overall lengths of each assignment, the Contractor must ensure that the number of days off between assignments and the work/rest ratio of each assignment maintain compliance with Chapter 7 of the Interagency Standards for Fire & Fire Aviation Operations.

C.3.7 Contractor Provided Equipment

C.3.7.1 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) All Contractor employee crews must maintain full compliance with the Interagency Standards for Fire and Fire Aviation Operations (ISFFAO) "Red Book" Chapter 7 Safety and Risk Management Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) section at all times of performance of this contract.

The Contractor must ensure its personnel arrive at the incident fully outfitted with all of the proper required PPE and fully prepared to perform the work required under this contract. The Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring all PPE is operable and maintained in good repair throughout the duration of an assignment. At a minimum contractor personnel's protective gear/clothing must be cleaned after each assignment; and more frequently, as needed, to preclude unsafe working conditions.

If the AKCC, upon arrival or during the course of the incident, does not have the required PPE, the Contractor will be considered noncompliant. Nonconformance with PPE requirements will immediately be reported to the COR who will coordinate action with the Contractor designated CRWB or FFT1. At times, the COR may coordinate nonconformance activities with CO for appropriate action.

C.3.7.1.1 Chainsaw Operator PPE. Required PPE for chainsaw operators include saw chaps (leg protection), hearing protection, eye protection, helmet, boots, and hand protection.

C.3.7.2 Hand Tools The Contractor must ensure that each AKCC crew arrives with the appropriate and required hand tools and chainsaws specified at the task order level. Required hand tools must remain in good working and serviceable condition meeting the minimum standards.

https://www.nwcg.gov/6mfs/firefighter-health-first-aid/heat-stress

The BLM reserves the right to order services under this contract for AKCC mobilization from the DCR/AP to an incident without hand tools and/or chainsaws if it is determined in the Government's best interest to do so. In these cases, both the resource order and task order will specify that all hand tools, power tools and/or chainsaws needed for that task order will be provided by the Government.

C.3.7.2.1 Minimum Crew Tools When the order has not specified otherwise, each individual (position) on the crew must arrive with the hand tool and/or chainsaw as specified in the task order. At a minimum, each AKCC crew member will be required to arrive with at least one hand tool. Each AKCC Sawyer (chainsaw operator) must arrive with at least one chainsaw. Note: sawyers will not be required to also carry a hand tool while working on the fire line using a chainsaw. Additionally, unless otherwise specified in the task order, each crew (as a whole) must arrive with a minimum of four additional hand tools as replacements in the event that one or more of the hand tools is broken or otherwise becomes unserviceable.

C.3.7.2.2 Minimum IDIQ Contract Tools The following lists specify the Contractor's minimum hand tool and chainsaw requirements under the IDIQ contract.

C.3.7.2.2.1 Hand tools

· 18 Pulaski Tools (3 ¾ lb. head, 36" handle)

· 4 Shovels (size 0 or 1, round point)

C.3.7.2.2.2 Chainsaws, Chainsaw Kits, and Chainsaw Operators Task orders may require the Contractor to provide a chainsaw operator with a chainsaw. Use of the chainsaw is only for fireline construction, mop-up, clearing access routes, emergency escape routes and camp sites, storm debris clean-up and light project work such as small tree thinning and brush removal.

Chainsaw operators shall NOT perform as Hazardous Tree Fallers.

The Contractor must have the capability to provide a minimum of four chainsaws and chainsaw kits for each contractor proposed AKCC T2 crew under this IDIQ contract. At a minimum, each chainsaw kit must include the following:

· 1 - 24-inch bar (in addition to the one installed on the chainsaw)

· 1 - 3.44 cubic inch size motor

· 1 - pair saw chaps (leg protection) meeting U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Specification 6170-4F or later, or certified to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1977 ·4 - extra appropriately sized saw chain

· 1 - chainsaw wrench (scrench) ·Appropriately sized round file for sharpening

· 1 - large flat sharpening file

· 1 - falling axe

· 3 - falling wedges (1 - 5.5 inch, 1 - 8 inch, 1 - 10 inch)

· 1 - operational shift worth of chainsaw fuel and bar oil are required for each saw with a maximum of 2.5 gallons of fuel and 2 quarts bar oil.

C.3.7.2.3 AK-FSM Minimums Minimum hand tool, chainsaws, chainsaw kits and chainsaw operators for AK-FSM crews will be determined at task order level.

C.3.7.3 Radios and Frequencies

C.3.7.3.1 Radios Unless otherwise specified in a task order, the Contractor must provide a minimum of six two-way radios for each T2 crew and a minimum of five for each AK-FSM crew for communication purposes. The CRWB and each FFT1 must be available to communicate via two-way radio; must carry and use the Contractor provided two-way radio while on assignment. The remaining unused two-way radio(s) must be available as a "back-up" in case one or more of the assigned two-way radios becomes inoperable. The Contractor is permitted to carry more than the minimum number of radios required for a crew assignment providing the maximum weight allowed is not exceeded.

C.3.7.3.1.1 Qualifications. The Contractor must ensure that each Contractor crew member knows how to operate, program and clone each of the Contractor provided radios. A Contractor may be required to sign certifying as such at the task order level.

C.3.7.3.1.2 Authorized Radio List The Contractor must only use radios listed on the most recent issue of the National Interagency Incident Communications Division (NIICD) "Approved Radios" document that can be found at the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) web site under the NIICD section (https://www.nifc.gov/resources/NIICD/niicd-documents).

C.3.7.3.1.3 Radio Accessories The Contractor must provide all necessary cloning or programming cables or connectors needed for each of the radios. Radios can be cloned or programed by the incident communications section or by the Contractor's individual radio operators. Contractor must supply any radio belt holsters, chest harnesses, or carrying cases if so desired.

C.3.7.3.1.4 Radio Batteries Contractor crew must arrive at the incident with enough new AA batteries for each radio required to have at least three sets of batteries and at a minimum enough battery to last through the first operational shift of each assignment or reassignment. After the first operational shift of an assignment, the Government will generally provide replacement batteries for radios per each shift worked. At the time of demobilization from an incident, the Government will provide enough AA batteries to the Contractor for each of the radios to have three new sets of batteries up to 140 AA batteries for T2 crews and up to 84 AA batteries for AK-FSMs.

C.3.7.3.2 Radio Frequency

C.3.7.3.2.1 Fire Suppression/All-Hazard Assignments The radio frequencies will be installed at the incident by either the Government or Contractor. The Contractor must comply with all National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) rules and regulations and with all Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules and regulations. The Contractor shall not use Government assigned frequencies for anything but performance under a task order.

C.3.7.3.2.3 Severity/Preparedness Assignments The Government will be responsible for assigning the frequencies and the Contractor will be responsible for programming their radios at the start of Severity/Preparedness assignments. The Contractor will be responsible for removing the programming prior to leaving the assignment. This programming direction is applicable only to Severity/Preparedness assignments.

C.3.7.4 Miscellaneous Equipment, Gear, and Supplies

C.3.7.4.1 Minimum Equipment and Supplies The Contractor must ensure each crew member assigned under task order arrives at incident with the following minimum equipment and supplies. At a minimum, supplies must cover the crew member for one operational shift.

· Line Gear: one set of line gear designed to be worn by a wildland firefighter during day or night operational shifts. Line gear must be durable, comfortable and capable of containing the fire shelter, water bottles, meals and all other individual firefighter and sawyer essentials.

· Tent: a tent suitable for providing the necessary protection from the elements.

· Sleeping Gear: sleeping bag and sleeping pad.

· Chainsaw Fuel: 1.25 gallons of chainsaw fuel (premix) per saw or 5 gallons max for 4 saws

· Bar Oil Chain Lubricant: 1 quart of bar oil chain lubricant per saw with a maximum of 2.5 gallons for 4 saws

· Batteries: 140 AA Batteries (Radios - 27 batteries per radio per day)

C.3.7.4.2 Meals and Water The Contractor must ensure each crew member assigned under task order arrives at incident with a minimum of one days' worth of meals and water according to the below list for T2 and AK-FSM. In most cases, after the first day at the incident, the Government will provide meals and water while the crew members are assigned to the incident.

If it is determined to be in the best interest of the Government and defined in the task order, the Contractor may be required to provide each Contractor employee's meals and water for the duration of the assignment. Therefore, under the IDIQ contract, the Contractor must be prepared to provide for the crew including field rations, groceries, sack lunches or restaurants. Under this circumstance, the Contractor is permitted reimbursement of allowable per diem costs for meals not provided by the Government.

Contractor costs claimed for per diem reimbursement must comply with the federal travel regulations M&IE breakdowns at https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-a-trip/per-diem-rates/mie-breakdowns.

C.3.7.4.2.1 Meal Allowance The Contractor is required to provide the first 24 hours' worth of food and water for the crew. Thereafter, when no food or water are provided by the Government, the Contractor must provide in accordance with the terms and conditions of this contract, FAR 31.205-46, and the Federal Travel Regulations.

Meal allowance is paid while in travel status. If certain meal periods (i.e., breakfast, lunch or dinner) are provided by the Government (on any given day), that shall be documented on the Crew Time Report and deducted from the M&IE allowance for that given day. If the crew earns any part of a meal allowance on a given day, they are also entitled to the incidentals portion of the M&IE allowance for that given day. When the crew is released from one incident and reassigned to another incident prior to returning to its DCR or AP, the Government will provide for a meal allowance beginning with the first date of dispatch of the new incident if no food and drink are provided by the Government.

If available, the Government may provide food and drink in lieu of M&IE.

Firefighters are encouraged to take sufficient drink with them to the fireline.

During demobilization and/or reassignment, the Government may provide sack https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-a-trip/per-diem-rates/mie-breakdowns lunches to AKCC personnel in lieu of M&IE.

M&IE breakdowns may be found at https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-a-trip/per-diem-rates/mie-breakdowns.

C.3.7.4.2.2 T2 Crew Meals and Water Unless otherwise stated in the task order, each Contractor T2 Crew must arrive at the incident with a minimum of the following amounts of food and water.

· Food: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Meals must be portable, ready to eat with no heating or cooking required. The equivalent of 60 meals or three per crew member.

· Water: 6 to 8 full five-gallon cubies per 20-person crew (up to 40 gallons) as stated in the following USDA reference:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/t-d/pubs/pdfpubs/pdf10512316/pdf10512316dpi72.pdf

C.3.7.4.2.3 AK-FSM Crew Meals and Water Unless otherwise stated in the task order, each Contractor AK-FSM must arrive at the incident with a minimum of the following amounts of food and water.

· Food: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Meals must be portable, ready to eat with no heating or cooking required. Three meals per crew member manifested.

· Water: 3-4 full five-gallon cubies per 20 AK-FSM (up to 20 gallons)

C.3.7.5 Supply Unit Ordering Process The Contractor CRWB or official designee shall contact the supply unit at the incident to acquire any supplies necessary. The Contractor must have a general message form showing the needs which is signed by the crew's incident Supervisor or Line Supervisor. The Supply Unit leader will document using the national standards in accordance with incident business management practices. The Contractor is required to sign for each item supplied to them from the supply unit.

C.3.8 Communication The Contractor must maintain good communication with the CO, COR other contracting specialists as necessary throughout the year by responding to phone calls, emails and text messages in a timely manner.

The Contractor must maintain good communication with Yukon Fire Dispatch Center as necessary during the MAP and all incident assignments.

C.3.9 Performance Evaluations The Government will monitor Contractor crew performance while assigned to each incident. Contractor Crew Boss must request a crew performance evaluation from the crew's line/project supervisor (or higher) for each assignment. Copies of all crew performance evaluations must be submitted to the COR on record when requested.

C.3.10 Meetings Contractors may be required to attend the annual AKCC Mid-Winter Contractors Meeting in Fairbanks each winter.