Sol_140L2624Q0012.pdf

COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICIATION

2024 Big Desert Fuel Break Mowing

140L26-24-Q-0012

(i) This is a combined Synopsis/Solicitation for commercial products or commercial services prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

(ii) Solicitation 140L26-24-Q-0012 is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ).

(iii) This document incorporates provisions and clauses which are in effect through Federal

Acquisition Circular 2024-03.

(iv) This solicitation is set-aside for small business under North American Industry Classification

System (NAICS) code 115310. The size standard is $34M.

(v) The Pricing Schedule is incorporated as Appendix 1. Vendors shall complete Appendix 1 in its entirety and return with any other documentation/data as required by this combined synopsis/solicitation.

(vi) The government intends to award a Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) contract for the following:

Introduction: The Upper Snake Field Office of the Idaho Falls District, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is soliciting fuels management services to mow native grass and brush within established fuel breaks to reduce the risk and minimize the size of future wildland fires.

Background: The Big Desert Fuel Break Project is a shrub mowing treatment consisting of seven road segments. The treatment area consists of sagebrush steppe habitat that has been previously modified to reduce fuel loads and shrub stature. Because of previous mowing treatments, not all acres within the established boundaries of the project area will require the same amount of labor to achieve the specifications outlined below. Vegetation within the treatment area is typical of the Great Basin and consists primarily of bluebunch wheatgrass and Wyoming big sagebrush along with other native vegetation. The topography of the project area consists of gently rolling lava plains with associated basalt bluffs and desert playas with elevations ranging from 4,700 to over 7,500-ft above sea level. Slopes within the mowing areas are generally less than ten percent and are easily traversable with agricultural tractors. Fuel loadings range from less than one half ton per acre to as high as four tons or more per acre. The material to be mowed consists of native vegetation, with heights ranging between 8- to 12-in and densities ranging from sparse to dense.

Purpose: The purpose of the Big Desert Fuel Break Project is to reduce the risk of large and/or severe wildland fires through the establishment of areas with reduced fuel loads and vegetative stature. Treatments that focus on reducing fuel loads, modifying vegetation composition, and increasing interspaces in shrubland vegetation types have been shown to alter fire behavior as well as enhance firefighter access, improve response times, and provide safe and strategic anchor points for wildland firefighting activities.

Scope of Work: The objective of this treatment is to mechanically mow sagebrush, and other vegetation, to a height of no more than eight (8) inches within the 150-ft fuel break on either side of the designated roads. The mowing units total 2,266-ac along 66-mi of roads. Much of the 2,266-ac consists of sagebrush that has been previously treated out to 150-ft but needs maintenance to decrease the existing vegetation height. Segments of the Coffee Point/Apollo Well Road, Mosby Butte Road, and Cowley’s Cutoff Road were impacted by fire in 2019. As a result, those areas have been excluded from the contract acres and will not be treated due to the lack of shrubs.

(vii) Period of Performance and location: April 1, 2024 – May 15, 2024

Location of Project Areas: The project area is located approximately 18 miles northwest of Aberdeen, Idaho within Power, Bingham, and Blaine Counties. All work will be performed on land administered by the BLM or on State of Idaho or private land where treatment has been authorized. General-purpose maps will be included with the solicitation to give the minimum information needed for a contractor’s project bid. Once the project is accepted by the contractor, maps will be provided by and agreed upon by BLM and the contractor. See location map for the general location of project area and access.

Project Boundary Marking: The location and access to the areas are shown on the work area and project location maps. The 150-ft edge of the treatment area will NOT be flagged or marked.

Access: Legal public access to the project area will be identified on the map prior to the contractor beginning implementation. Seasonal road closures may exist (contractor will be notified of closures upon award). Contractor will assume responsibility for any additional access if desired. If roads or any type of access become subject to damage, because of adverse weather conditions or other natural and or political reasons, the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) will relay information to the contractor, and a Stop Work Order may be implemented by the Contracting Officer (CO) until other access can be decided.

Work Camps: Camping on agency-administered lands will only be allowed in approved sites and with the prior written authorization of the responsible land manager. Should such a work camp be authorized, the Contractor shall maintain the camp in an orderly and sanitary manner. All fire regulations and permits shall be followed. All garbage and refuse shall be removed from the camp site(s) by the Contractor and disposed of offsite before final payment is made.

(viii) FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors -- Commercial Products and Commercial Services is hereby incorporated by reference, with the same force and effect as if it were given in full text. In addition to the following addendum, all terms and conditions of FAR 52.212-1 remain in effect.

The following have been tailored to this procurement and are hereby added via addendum:

Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors -- Commercial Products and Commercial Services:

SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR OFFER CONTENT

1. The overall proposal shall consist of a cover page, the completed Bid Schedule

(Appendix 1), and detailed work plan. Failure to provide required information may result in a non-responsive quote and will not be considered for award.

a. Cover Page: Include the Contractor name, address and telephone number, name and title of the person authorized to sign and negotiate on behalf of the of the entity including the assigned Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number. The offeror shall state the percentage of the total cost that is included in the quote that the offeror will self-perform excluding the cost of materials. Additionally, the Contractor shall acknowledge receipt of any amendments issued (if applicable).

b. Bid Schedule: Fill in the unit prices as well as the total project price on Appendix 1.

c. Detailed work plan: The plan shall demonstrate the capability to meet the technical aptitude of the Performance Work Statement within the Period of Performance required.

2. Quotes must include all Federal, State usage, and local taxes.

PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

52.204-7 System for Award Management 52.204-16 Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting 52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment

PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY FULL TEXT:

1510-52.222-71 MIGRANT SEASONAL AGRICULTURAL WORKERS PROTECTION ACT

REGISTRATION NUMBER

If applicable, a valid U.S. Department of Labor Registration number must be supplied within five

(5) days after date of award. Failure to provide such number is grounds for contract termination.

Application for numbers should be made on Form WH-510, Application for a Farm Labor Contractor Certificate of Registration, which should be available at your State Employment Service Offices or your nearest U.S. Department of Labor Office. Further information may be obtained from:

U.S. Department of Labor Telephone: (415) 975-4520 Wage and Hour Division 71 Stevenson Street, Suite 930 San Francisco, CA 94105 Registration Number: ______________________ (Migrant Seasonal Agricultural Workers Protection Act)

(End of Provision)

(ix) FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation -- Commercial Products and Commercial Services is not applicable to this solicitation. A similar provision containing evaluation factors has been tailored to this procurement and is hereby added via addendum:

The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforms to the terms of the solicitation and will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

i. Technical Capability;

ii. Applicant Qualifications

iii. Prior Experience and Past Performance;

iv. Price.

Evaluation Factor No. 1: Technical Capability

1. Proposals must clearly demonstrate the ability to complete the contract within the required period of performance. This is to include a work plan, schedule, and how the contractor will coordinate and communicate with the Government.

1.1. Offeror shall address technical capability of conducting rangeland mowing of native grasses and shrubs.

1.2. Offeror shall provide a work plan and schedule, including mowing production rate (i.e., planned acres mowed per day). The provided work plan and schedule shall demonstrate that the offeror can complete the contract within 45 working days

2. Describe your firm’s quality control and safety process.

3. Describe available equipment to include type and capabilities:

3.1. Offeror shall address method of vegetation mowing including an itemized list and description of all equipment that will be used for the treatment. This should include, but not limited to, transport equipment, tractors, mowing decks, fuel/support vehicles, etc.

Evaluation Factor No. 2: Applicant Qualifications

Provide prior relevant experience for each of the key personnel and crew members proposed.

Prior experience should be in performing rangeland vegetation mowing or relevant work of a similar nature and within similar budgetary and time constraints, including

1. Personnel – Offeror shall provide information and experience of key personnel and crew members. Provide relevant information as it pertains to the capabilities, certifications, expertise and involvement in the project and proposal.

2. Experience working in remote locations (dealing with adverse weather conditions, poor access, limited or no services, environmental hazards, etc.).The Government will evaluate qualifications based on the extent to which the personnel meet or exceeds skills, experience, and/or education required in performing the specifications in the Performance Work Statement.

Evaluation Factor No. 3: Prior Experience and Past Performance

1. Referencing the firms Past Performance information, submit a reference list with a minimum of two (2) and no more than five (5) recent and relevant projects. The list shall include the following valid information:

(a) Offeror’s (Company/Division) Name;

(b) Project Title and Description and State;

(c) Contracting Agency or Customer;

(d) Contract Number/Contract Value;

(e) Point of Contact’s (POC) Name/Phone/Email;

(f) Start and end date of Period of Performance (month and year).

The Government will determine whether the Offeror consistently delivered quality services in a timely manner. Past performance will be assessed on the extent of client satisfaction, effectiveness in managing and directing resources, effectiveness in managing project time and performance schedules, reasonable and cooperative behavior, and quality of previous performance with clients.

Adequacy of Offeror's demonstrated past performance in similar contracts or projects for federal agencies and/or private organizations in terms of price control, quality of work and compliance with performance schedules. In addition to responses received the Government reserves the right to consider information obtained from any other sources when evaluating the offeror’s past performance.

Evaluation Factor No. 4: Price

1. Submit completed Bid Schedule for the list of Line Items provided in the solicitation. Price will be evaluated after evaluations of the technical proposals. Each price proposal shall be evaluated for reasonableness. An offered price that is too high or too low may indicate the offeror does not understand the requirements of the contract and may be grounds for eliminating its proposal.

2. Material unbalancing between line items may be cause for rejection of the offeror’s proposal.

Award Determination

The Government will award a contract to the Contractor(s) whose proposal: (a) conforms to the terms of the solicitation and (b) provides the best value to the Government.

Award may not necessarily be made to the Offeror(s) submitting the lowest price. Award may not be made on all items depending on availability of funds.

(End of Provision)

(x) FAR 52.212-3 Offeror Representation and Certifications – Commercial Products and Commercial

Services including its Alternate I, Vendors Representations and Certifications--Commercial Items, is incorporated as Appendix 2 – FAR 52.212-3. The offeror shall complete only paragraph

(b) of the provision if the offeror has completed the annual representations and certification electronically in SAM. Each vendor shall ensure the provision is updated at www.sam.gov.

Failure to obtain SAM registration will result in submissions not being considered for award. A completed copy of the provision shall be included with offer submission.

(xi) The clause at FAR 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions – Commercial Products and

Commercial Services, is hereby incorporated by reference, with the same force and effect as if it were given in full text.

(xii) The clause at FAR 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement

Statutes Or Executive Orders – Commercial Products and Commercial Services, is hereby incorporated by reference, with the same force and effect as if it were given in full text.

Additionally, the following clauses cited in the clause apply to this acquisition:

52.204-10 Reporting Executive Compensation and First-Tier Subcontract Awards

52.209-6 Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment

52.219-6 Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside 52.219-28 Post Award Small Business Program Representation 52.222-3 Convict Labor 52.222-21 Prohibition of Segregated Facilities 52.222-26 Equal Opportunity 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons

52.223-18 Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving

52.225-13 Restrictions on Certain Foreign Purchases 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer—System for Award Management 52.222-41 Service Contract Labor Standards 52.222-42 Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires

52.222-55 Minimum Wages for Contractor Workers Under Executive Order 14026 52.222-62 Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706

(xiii) Additional Contract Requirements:

FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998)

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

https://www.acquisition.gov/browse/index/far#

52.204-13 System for Award Management Maintenance (Oct 2018) 52.204-18 Commercial and Government Entity Code Maintenance (Aug 2020) 52.204-21 Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems 52.242-15 Stop-Work Order

Clauses incorporated by full text:

FAR 52.252-6 Authorized Deviations in Clauses

(a) The use in this solicitation or contract of any Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR Chapter

1) clause with an authorized deviation is indicated by the addition of "(DEVIATION)" after the date of the clause.

(b) The use in this solicitation or contract of any Department of the Interior Acquisition Regulation (48 CFR Chapter 14) clause with an authorized deviation is indicated by the addition of “DEVIATION” after the name of the regulation.

(End of clause)

DIAR 1452.201-70 Authorities and Delegations (Sep 2011)

(a) The Contracting Officer is the only individual authorized to enter into or terminate this contract, modify any term or condition of this contract, waive any requirement of this contract, or accept nonconforming work.

(b) The Contracting Officer will designate a Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) at time of award. The COR will be responsible for technical monitoring of the contractor's performance and deliveries. The COR will be appointed in writing, and a copy of the appointment will be furnished to the Contractor. Changes to this delegation will be made by written changes to the existing appointment or by issuance of a new appointment.

(c) The COR is not authorized to perform, formally or informally, any of the following actions:

(1) Promise, award, agree to award, or execute any contract, contract modification, or notice of intent that changes or may change this contract;

(2) Waive or agree to modification of the delivery schedule;

(3) Make any final decision on any contract matter subject to the Disputes Clause;

(4) Terminate, for any reason, the Contractor's right to proceed;

(5) Obligate in any way, the payment of money by the Government.

(d) The Contractor shall comply with the written or oral direction of the Contracting Officer or authorized representative(s) acting within the scope and authority of the appointment memorandum.

The Contractor need not proceed with direction that it considers to have been issued without proper authority. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing, with as much detail as possible, when the COR has taken an action or has issued direction (written or oral) that the Contractor considers to exceed the COR's appointment, within 3 days of the occurrence.

Unless otherwise provided in this contract, the Contractor assumes all costs, risks, liabilities, and consequences of performing any work it is directed to perform that falls within any of the categories defined in paragraph (c) prior to receipt of the Contracting Officer's response issued under paragraph (e) of this clause.

(e) The Contracting Officer shall respond in writing within 30 days to any notice made under paragraph (d) of this clause. A failure of the parties to agree upon the nature of a direction, or upon the contract action to be taken with respect thereto, shall be subject to the provisions of the Disputes clause of this contract.

(f) The Contractor shall provide copies of all correspondence to the Contracting Officer and the

COR.

(g) Any action(s) taken by the Contractor, in response to any direction given by any person acting on behalf of the Government or any Government official other than the Contracting Officer or the COR acting within his or her appointment, shall be at the Contractor's risk.

DIAR 1452.236-72 Preservation of Historical and Archeological Data (Nov 2007)

(a) The Historic and Archeological Data Preservation Act of 1974 provides for the preservation of historical and archeological data that might otherwise be lost as the result of alterations to the terrain caused by a federal or federally licensed activity or program.

(b) If, in connection with operations under this contract, the Contractor, subcontractors, or the employees of any of them, discovers, encounters or becomes aware of any possible historical or archeological data, objects or sites of cultural value on the project area, such as historical ruins, graves or grave markers, fossils, or artifacts, the Contractor shall immediately suspend all operations in the vicinity of the cultural value and shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing, giving the location and nature of the findings.

No objects of cultural resource value may be removed.

(c) Where appropriate by reason of discovery, the Contracting Officer may order delays in the time of performance and/or changes in the work. If such delays and/or changes are ordered, the time of performance and contract price shall be adjusted in accordance with the Changes clause.

(d) The Contractor will be responsible for protecting the cultural resources within the effected area from damage. In addition, the contractor will be liable for all damage to the identified cultural resources caused by their actions or the actions of their agents or representatives. The Contractor shall immediately notify the Contracting Officer or his representative if any damage occurs to any cultural resource and immediately suspend work in the area in which damage has occurred until authorized to proceed.

(e) The Contractor agrees to insert this paragraph in all subcontracts that involve the performance of work on the terrain of the site.

(End of Clause)

DOI-AAAP-0028 Electronic Invoicing and Payment Requirements - Invoice Processing Platform (IPP) (April 2013)

Payment requests must be submitted electronically through the U. S. Department of the Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform System (IPP).

"Payment request" means any request for contract financing payment or invoice payment by the Contractor. To constitute a proper invoice, the payment request must comply with the requirements identified in the applicable Prompt Payment clause included in the contract, or the clause 52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items included in commercial item contracts. The IPP website address is: https://www.ipp.gov.

Under this contract, the following documents are required to be submitted as an attachment to the IPP invoice:

(1) Copy of Company Generated Invoice.

The Contractor must use the IPP website to register access and use IPP for submitting requests for payment. The Contractor Government Business Point of Contact (as listed in SAM) will receive enrollment instructions via email from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (FRBSTL) within 3

- 5 business days of the contract award date. Contractor assistance with enrollment can be obtained by contacting the IPP Production Helpdesk via email IPPCustomerSupport@fiscal.treasury.gov or phone (866) 973-3131.

If the Contractor is unable to comply with the requirement to use IPP for submitting invoices for payment, the Contractor must submit a waiver request in writing to the Contracting Officer with its proposal or quotation.

(End of Local Clause)

Local Internet Payment Platform (IPP) Hotline

To check payment status, contact the Payment Hotline at 877-480-9724 or 303-236-2850. You will need to leave a message with the following information:

1. Company Name

2. Contract Number

3. Invoice Number

4. Invoice Amount

5. A brief description of why you are calling

6. Your contact information

If you do not receive a callback from the Payment Hotline within 72 hours, please contact the Contract Officer with the day and time you contacted the Payment Hotline.

1510-52.222-70 MIGRANT SEASONAL AGRICULTURAL WORKERS PROTECTION ACT

REGISTRATION MAINTENANCE

(a) As set forth in Title 29, Part 500 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection, the Contractor shall maintain all necessary U.S. Department of Labor registrations during the performance period of this contract. Failure to maintain a valid registration is grounds for termination of this contract.

(b) In compliance with the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act, the Contractor shall provide the following to meet minimum safety and health standards for housing employees when camping on Federal lands:

(1) A shelter to provide protection from the elements. Where heat adequate for weather conditions is not provided, other arrangements should be made to protect the workers from the cold.

(2) Sanitary facilities for storing food. Ice chests or coolers, with ice supply made from potable water replenished as necessary, to meet the requirement for storage of perishable food items.

(3) An adequate and convenient potable water supply, approved by the appropriate health authority, in each camp for drinking and cooking purposes. As an alternative, commercial bottled water may be used.

(4) Toilet and hand washing facilities adequate for the capacity of the camp, at not less than a 1:15 ratio, supplied with adequate toilet paper. Such facilities shall be maintained in a sanitary condition. (5) Fly-tight, rodent-tight, impervious, cleanable or single service containers to be used for the storage of garbage. Such containers shall be kept clean and emptied when full.

(6) Basic first aid supplies under the charge of a person trained to administer first aid.

(7) A laundry tray or tub for every 30 workers, or transportation, at least weekly, to a commercial Laundromat for all workers.

SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

COMMUNICATIONS

“Time” for communications received after 3:00 pm, after 12:00 pm locally on Fridays, or after 12:00 pm locally prior to a holiday will not start until the next business day. All times are local Mountain time.

SIMULTANEOUS PERFORMANCE

If a Contractor receives award of more than one contract, simultaneous performance will be required. All work must be completed within the timeframe allowed for each contract.

BLM - Variation in Quantity (Deviation)

If the quantity of a unit-priced item in this contract is an estimated quantity and the actual quantity of the unit- priced item varies more than 20 percent above or below the estimated quantity, an equitable adjustment in the contract price shall be made upon demand of either party.

The equitable adjustment shall be based upon any increase or decrease in costs due solely to the variation above 120 percent or below 80 percent of the estimated quantity. If the quantity variation is such as to cause an increase in the time necessary for completion, the Contractor may request, in writing, an extension of time, to be received by the Contracting Officer within 10 days from the beginning of the delay, or within such further period as may be granted by the Contracting Officer before the date of final settlement of the contract. Upon the receipt of a written request for an extension, the Contracting Officer shall ascertain the facts and completion date as, in the judgment of the Contracting Officer, is justified.

Health and Safety

The nature of the work to be performed under this contract may involve inherently hazardous situations. Further requirements are specified in the Statement of Work.

Publicity

(a) The Contractor agrees that there shall be no release of any information to the news media regarding the removal or remedial activities being conducted under this contract.

(b) All information shall be released to the news media by BLM or other Federal Agencies utilizing this contract.

Subcontracts

If the Contractor desires to subcontract any work under the contract and subject to the limitations of “FAR 52.219-14 Limitations on Subcontracting”, it shall obtain the Bureau of Land Management Contracting Officer's written consent.

The request to subcontract shall contain the following information:

1. Name of Sub-Contractor

2. Description and amount of supplies or services to be subcontracted. The Contractor shall insert in any subcontracts all applicable clauses contained in the contract.

Undocumented Workers

This contract involves the employment of unskilled labor working under arduous field conditions.

Such employment may be attractive to persons coming from foreign countries, sometimes illegally.

Bidders are reminded that it is a crime to bring into the United States, transport within the United States, and to harbor aliens who do not have a proper visa for entry and working in this country (8 U.S.C. § 1323-1325).

If violations are suspected by the COR during the performance of work on this (these) project(s) they shall be reported to the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service for investigation and appropriate action. Conviction of the Contractor for commission of a criminal offense referred to herein shall be deemed sufficient cause for initiation of debarment or suspension proceedings to prevent the Contractor from receiving future government contracts.

Responsibility for Government Property

The Contractor assumes full responsibility for and shall compensate the Government for any and all loss or damages of whatsoever kind and nature to any and all Government property, including any equipment, supplies accessories or part furnished, while in his custody and care for storage, repairs or service to be performed under the terms of this contract, resulting in whole or in part from the negligent act or omissions of Contractor, any sub- Contractor or any employee agent or representative of Contractor or sub-Contractor.

Restoration of Resources

1. CLEANUP - The Contractor is responsible for cleaning up all camp and worksites before leaving the area. Final payment may be withheld until the Contractor has complied with this requirement.

2. ACCESS ROADS - Public or private access roads damaged by the Contractor shall be restored, at his expense, to the same condition they were in at the commencement of work.

Environmental Impact

All waste materials generated by any work under the contract performed on a Government installation shall at all times be handled, transported, stored, and disposed of by the contractor and by his subcontractors in accordance with all applicable Federal, state, and local laws, ordinances, regulations, court orders, and other types of rulings having the effect of the law, including, but not limited to Executive Order 12088, 13 October 1978, Federal Compliance with Pollution Control Standards; the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended (33 U.S.C. 1251 ET SEQ); the Clean Air Act as amended (42 U.S.C. Sec 7401 ET SEQ); the Endangered Species Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. Sec 1531, ET SEQ); the Toxic Substances Control Act, as amended (15 U.S.C. Sec 2601, ET SEQ); the National Historic Preservation Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. Sec 470, ET SEQ); the Solid Waste Disposal Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 6901 ET SEQ); and the Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act, as amended (16 U.S.C. Sec 469, ET SEQ). Should the United States Government be held liable for any neglect or improper actions by the contractor or subcontractor regarding removal or disposal of any hazardous waste, the imburse the contractor shall reimburse the Government for all such liability.

Hazardous Materials

Any material suspected of being hazardous that is encountered during performance of a project shall immediately be brought to the attention of the Contracting Officer, at which time a determination will be made as to whether hazardous material testing shall be performed. If the Contracting Officer directs the contractor to perform tests, and/or the material is found to be of a hazardous nature requiring additional protective measures, a contract modification may be required, subject to equitable adjustment under the terms of the contract. The contractor is advised that friable and/or non-friable asbestos-containing material may be encountered in project areas. Friable asbestos-containing material is any material that contains more than one percent asbestos by weight, and that hand pressure can crumble, pulverize or reduce to powder when dry.

Non-friable asbestos containing materials are materials in which asbestos fibers are bound by a matrix material, saturation, impregnation or coating.

Non-friable asbestos-containing materials do not normally release airborne asbestos fiber during routine handling and end-use. However, excessive fiber concentrations may be produced during uncontrolled abrading, sanding, drilling, cutting, machining, removal, demolition, or other similar activities. 29 CFR 1910.1001 shall be referenced in the event asbestos-containing materials are encountered. Friable asbestos-containing materials are not authorized for use in new construction or maintenance projects.

Unauthorized Personnel

The contractor shall inform all personnel working under his jurisdiction (including subcontractor and visiting supplier personnel) that access to areas outside of the immediate work area;

excluding direct haul and access routes, contracting and Civil Engineering offices and points of supply and storage; is prohibited. Circulation of said personnel will be limited to official business only. Persons in violation of the above will be apprehended and appropriately disciplined.

Confidentiality of Information

Specific site location data, which would allow location of cultural resource sites inventoried under this contract, shall not be released by the Contractor to anyone except the BLM without the written consent of the Contracting Officer. This restriction is required to minimize vulnerability of cultural resource sites to vandalism.

STATE AND LOCAL TAXES EXEMPTION

In accordance with FAR 29.303 and FAR 31.204-41, the Contractor or any sub-Contractor under this contract shall not be reimbursed for payment of any state and local taxes for which an exemption is available. The Contractor is responsible for determining the availability of state and local tax exemption and obtaining such exemptions, if available. The Contractor shall include this clause, suitably modified to identify the parties, in all subcontracts at any tier. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer if problems arise in obtaining a state and local tax exemption.

The Contractor may seek a waiver by the responsible Contracting Officer from this requirement if the administrative burden of seeking an exemption appears to outweigh the potential savings to the Government.

(End of Special contract requirements)

(xiv) No Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS) assigned rating applies to this acquisition.

(xv) NOTICE TO ALL INTERESTED PARTIES:

Questions shall be submitted no later than March 11, 2024 by 5PM Eastern time.

An amendment will be issued answering all questions received, providing the Government’s answers.

Quotes shall be SUBMITTED by EMAIL to the identified Contracting Specialist and RECEIVED no later than March 22, 2024 by 5pm Eastern time. The SUBJECT LINE of the email SHALL read 2024 USFO Big Desert Fuel Break Mowing (140L26-24-Q-0012).

Electronic offers will be the only accepted method for submission of offers for this solicitation.

Traditional paper quotes will not be accepted. You may submit more than one quote. If you do, we will evaluate each separately.

(xvi) Contracting Specialist: SeBrain Davis; sdavis@blm.gov

SEE ADDENDUMIS CHECKED

CODE 18a. PAYMENT WILL BE MADE BY

CODE

FACILITYCODE

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

OFFEROR

LDA

BOISE ID 83709

1387 S. VINNELL WAY

BLM ID-STATE OFC HR&ADM SVC (ID953)

0004276376 CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BYCODE

X

X

X

115310

SIZE STANDARD:

100.00 % FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED ORLDA

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

03/22/2024 1700 ED

03/04/2024

2083733998Sebrain Davis (No collect calls)

INFORMATION CALL:

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

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

140L2624Q0012

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

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

1 14 0040650120OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

IDAHO FALLS ID 83401

1405 HOLLIPARK DRIVE

BLM-ID UPPER SNAKE FIELD OFFICE (ID

15. DELIVER TO

BOISE ID 83709

1387 S. VINNELL WAY

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 ID-STATE OFC HR&ADM SVC (ID953)

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.

Delivery: 05/15/2024 Period of Performance: 04/01/2024 to 05/15/2024

00010 2024 USFO BIG DESERT FUEL BREAK MOWING

Work shall be performed onsite. Contractor shall provide all materials, equipment, labor, and tools necessary to perform the work. Perform mowing operations in accordance with the requirements identified in the scope of work, services in accordance with the bid schedule.

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

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

XX

DATED

Heather McBride

. 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

14 2 of

COMBINED SYNOPSIS/SOLICIATION

2024 Big Desert Fuel Break Mowing

140L26-24-Q-0012

(i) This is a combined Synopsis/Solicitation for commercial products or commercial services prepared in accordance with the format in Subpart 12.6, as supplemented with additional information included in this notice. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; proposals are being requested and a written solicitation will not be issued.

(ii) Solicitation 140L26-24-Q-0012 is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ).

(iii) This document incorporates provisions and clauses which are in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2024-03.

(iv) This solicitation is set-aside for small business under North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 115310. The size standard is $34M.

(v) The Pricing Schedule is incorporated as Appendix 1. Vendors shall complete Appendix 1 in its entirety and return with any other documentation/data as required by this combined synopsis/solicitation.

(vi) The government intends to award a Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) contract for the following:

Introduction: The Upper Snake Field Office of the Idaho Falls District, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is soliciting fuels management services to mow native grass and brush within established fuel breaks to reduce the risk and minimize the size of future wildland fires.

Background: The Big Desert Fuel Break Project is a shrub mowing treatment consisting of seven road segments. The treatment area consists of sagebrush steppe habitat that has been previously modified to reduce fuel loads and shrub stature. Because of previous mowing treatments, not all acres within the established boundaries of the project area will require the same amount of labor to achieve the specifications outlined below. Vegetation within the treatment area is typical of the Great Basin and consists primarily of bluebunch wheatgrass and Wyoming big sagebrush along with other native vegetation. The topography of the project area consists of gently rolling lava plains with associated basalt bluffs and desert playas with elevations ranging from 4,700 to over 7,500-ft above sea level. Slopes within the mowing areas are generally less than ten percent and are easily traversable with agricultural tractors. Fuel loadings range from less than one half ton per acre to as high as four tons or more per acre. The material to be mowed consists of native vegetation, with heights ranging between 8- to 12-in and densities ranging from sparse to dense.

Purpose: The purpose of the Big Desert Fuel Break Project is to reduce the risk of large and/or severe wildland fires through the establishment of areas with reduced fuel loads and vegetative stature. Treatments that focus on reducing fuel loads, modifying vegetation composition, and increasing interspaces in shrubland vegetation types have been shown to alter fire behavior as well as enhance firefighter access, improve response times, and provide safe and strategic anchor points for wildland firefighting activities.

Scope of Work: The objective of this treatment is to mechanically mow sagebrush, and other vegetation, to a height of no more than eight (8) inches within the 150-ft fuel break on either side of the designated roads. The mowing units total 2,266-ac along 66-mi of roads. Much of the 2,266-ac consists of sagebrush that has been previously treated out to 150-ft but needs maintenance to decrease the existing vegetation height. Segments of the Coffee Point/Apollo Well Road, Mosby Butte Road, and Cowley’s Cutoff Road were impacted by fire in 2019. As a result, those areas have been excluded from the contract acres and will not be treated due to the lack of shrubs.

(vii) Period of Performance and location: April 1, 2024 – May 15, 2024

Location of Project Areas: The project area is located approximately 18 miles northwest of Aberdeen, Idaho within Power, Bingham, and Blaine Counties. All work will be performed on land administered by the BLM or on State of Idaho or private land where treatment has been authorized. General-purpose maps will be included with the solicitation to give the minimum information needed for a contractor’s project bid. Once the project is accepted by the contractor, maps will be provided by and agreed upon by BLM and the contractor. See location map for the general location of project area and access.

Project Boundary Marking: The location and access to the areas are shown on the work area and project location maps. The 150-ft edge of the treatment area will NOT be flagged or marked.

Access: Legal public access to the project area will be identified on the map prior to the contractor beginning implementation. Seasonal road closures may exist (contractor will be notified of closures upon award). Contractor will assume responsibility for any additional access if desired. If roads or any type of access become subject to damage, because of adverse weather conditions or other natural and or political reasons, the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) will relay information to the contractor, and a Stop Work Order may be implemented by the Contracting Officer (CO) until other access can be decided.

Work Camps: Camping on agency-administered lands will only be allowed in approved sites and with the prior written authorization of the responsible land manager. Should such a work camp be authorized, the Contractor shall maintain the camp in an orderly and sanitary manner. All fire regulations and permits shall be followed. All garbage and refuse shall be removed from the camp site(s) by the Contractor and disposed of offsite before final payment is made.

(viii) FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors -- Commercial Products and Commercial Services is hereby incorporated by reference, with the same force and effect as if it were given in full text. In addition to the following addendum, all terms and conditions of FAR 52.212-1 remain in effect.

The following have been tailored to this procurement and are hereby added via addendum:

Addendum to FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors -- Commercial Products and Commercial Services:

SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS FOR OFFER CONTENT

1. The overall proposal shall consist of a cover page, the completed Bid Schedule (Appendix 1), and detailed work plan. Failure to provide required information may result in a non-responsive quote and will not be considered for award.

a. Cover Page: Include the Contractor name, address and telephone number, name and title of the person authorized to sign and negotiate on behalf of the of the entity including the assigned Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number. The offeror shall state the percentage of the total cost that is included in the quote that the offeror will self-perform excluding the cost of materials. Additionally, the Contractor shall acknowledge receipt of any amendments issued (if applicable).

b. Bid Schedule: Fill in the unit prices as well as the total project price on Appendix 1.

c. Detailed work plan: The plan shall demonstrate the capability to meet the technical aptitude of the Performance Work Statement within the Period of Performance required.

2. Quotes must include all Federal, State usage, and local taxes.

PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

52.204-7 System for Award Management 52.204-16 Commercial and Government Entity Code Reporting 52.204-24 Representation Regarding Certain Telecommunications and Video Surveillance Services or Equipment

PROVISIONS INCORPORATED BY FULL TEXT:

1510-52.222-71 MIGRANT SEASONAL AGRICULTURAL WORKERS PROTECTION ACT

REGISTRATION NUMBER

If applicable, a valid U.S. Department of Labor Registration number must be supplied within five

(5) days after date of award. Failure to provide such number is grounds for contract termination.

Application for numbers should be made on Form WH-510, Application for a Farm Labor Contractor Certificate of Registration, which should be available at your State Employment Service Offices or your nearest U.S. Department of Labor Office. Further information may be obtained from:

U.S. Department of Labor Telephone: (415) 975-4520 Wage and Hour Division 71 Stevenson Street, Suite 930 San Francisco, CA 94105 Registration Number: ______________________ (Migrant Seasonal Agricultural Workers Protection Act)

(End of Provision)

(ix) FAR 52.212-2 Evaluation -- Commercial Products and Commercial Services is not applicable to this solicitation. A similar provision containing evaluation factors has been tailored to this procurement and is hereby added via addendum:

The Government will award a contract resulting from this solicitation to the responsible offeror whose offer conforms to the terms of the solicitation and will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers:

i. Technical Capability;

ii. Applicant Qualifications

iii. Prior Experience and Past Performance;

iv. Price.

Evaluation Factor No. 1: Technical Capability

1. Proposals must clearly demonstrate the ability to complete the contract within the required period of performance. This is to include a work plan, schedule, and how the contractor will coordinate and communicate with the Government.

1.1. Offeror shall address technical capability of conducting rangeland mowing of native grasses and shrubs.

1.2. Offeror shall provide a work plan and schedule, including mowing production rate (i.e., planned acres mowed per day). The provided work plan and schedule shall demonstrate that the offeror can complete the contract within 45 working days

2. Describe your firm’s quality control and safety process.

3. Describe available equipment to include type and capabilities:

3.1. Offeror shall address method of vegetation mowing including an itemized list and description of all equipment that will be used for the treatment. This should include, but not limited to, transport equipment, tractors, mowing decks, fuel/support vehicles, etc.

Evaluation Factor No. 2: Applicant Qualifications

Provide prior relevant experience for each of the key personnel and crew members proposed.

Prior experience should be in performing rangeland vegetation mowing or relevant work of a similar nature and within similar budgetary and time constraints, including

1. Personnel – Offeror shall provide information and experience of key personnel and crew members. Provide relevant information as it pertains to the capabilities, certifications, expertise and involvement in the project and proposal.

2. Experience working in remote locations (dealing with adverse weather conditions, poor access, limited or no services, environmental hazards, etc.).The Government will evaluate qualifications based on the extent to which the personnel meet or exceeds skills, experience, and/or education required in performing the specifications in the Performance Work Statement.

Evaluation Factor No. 3: Prior Experience and Past Performance

1. Referencing the firms Past Performance information, submit a reference list with a minimum of two (2) and no more than five (5) recent and relevant projects.