Sol_140L4324Q0177.pdf

Seedling Production 2, Oregon/Washington BLM SOLICITATION NO. 140L4324Q0177 BLM Oregon State Office Page 1 of 46

Streamlined Solicitation for Commercial Items (FAR 12.603) Combined Synopsis/Solicitation

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR 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.

Solicitation no. 140L4324Q0177 has been issued as a Request For Quotation for a firm fixed price commercial items supply contract for seedling production for the Oregon Washington Bureau of Land Management. Multiple awards may be made from this solicitation. See the below schedule of items for item descriptions and quantities.

The required delivery date is 05/15/2027. The delivery location and place of acceptance will vary based on quantity, type, and planting location of the seedling, F.O.B. Destination. Potential delivery locations are listed in the solicitation documentation below.

The solicitation document and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular 2024-06 effective July 25, 2024. The provision at 52.212-1, Instructions to Offerors

- Commercial, applies to this acquisition. The provision at 52.212-2, Evaluation - Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition. The following factors shall be used to evaluate offers: Technical Approach, Past Performance, and Price. Options will be evaluated in accordance with provision 52.212-2.. Offerors are advised to submit a completed copy of the provision at 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications - Commercial Items, with its offer. Please see Quotation Instructions in Section L of the solicitation.

The clause at 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions - Commercial Items, applies to this acquisition.

The clause at 52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes Or Executive Orders - Commercial Items applies to this acquisition. Additional clauses and provisions are listed below.

This requirement is open, with no set-aside. The NAICS code is 113210 – Forest Nurseries and Gathering of Forest Products and the small business size standard is $20.5M. The basis of award is the responsible offeror whose offer conforming to the solicitation will be most advantageous to the Government, price and other factors considered. Award will be made to the responsible respondent pursuant to FAR subpart

9.1. Multiple awards may be made. Responses shall be received via email at teslinger@blm.gov and blm_or_so_952_mail@blm.gov by the response due date and time.

mailto:teslinger@blm.gov

BLM Oregon State Office Page 2 of 46

SECTION B – SUPPLIES AND PRICES

This requirement is for one or more firm fixed price, commercial items supply contracts for seedling production for the Bureau of Land Management, Oregon Washington State Office. Multiple awards may be made.

Item Item Description Estimated Quantity Needed

Unit of Measure

Vendor Quantity Available

Price Total

Styro 15 (515A) Minor conifer species (cedars, spruce, Hemlock, true firs, sugar pine, white pine)

181* M

002 Shipping Costs – Per Loaded Mile 975* PLM $ $

Cold Storage – Per Box (or Bag) /Month 1000* PBM $ $

Grand Total

* Estimated PLM = Per Loaded Mile M = 1000 PBM = Per box or bag, per month

End of Section B Supplies and Prices

BLM Oregon State Office Page 3 of 46

SECTION C – SEEDLING PRODUCTION SPECIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

1.0 GENERAL - The Contractor shall produce one-year-old (1+0), and/or two-year-old (2+0) greenhouse-grown containerized seedlings, and/or one-year-old (1+0) bareroot seedlings, and/or two-year-old (1+1 or P+1 or 2+0) bareroot tree seedlings as listed in Section B (Schedule of Items) in compliance with the terms, specifications, conditions, and clauses contained herein.

2.0 DEFINITIONS

Additional Seedlings - Seedlings produced in excess of quantities requested in Tree Seedling Schedule.

Breeding Unit - A basic physiographic unit within which environmental factors (elevation, climate, soils, topography, and vegetation) are considered uniform to the extent that seed movement for a given species can occur with little risk of mal-adaptation.

DF - Douglas-fir

GF – Grand fir

IC – Incense cedar

Minor Species – Species such as cedars, spruce, Hemlock, true firs, sugar pine, and white pine.

NF – Noble fir

Overruns – Seedlings produced by the Contractor which are in excess of the amounts requested by the Government on the Tree Seedling Schedule at time of contract award.

PP - Ponderosa pine

POC – Port Orford cedar

S.B. – Subclass B, Seed from a parent tree which has been tested for growth and/or disease resistance characteristics. Test may apply to one parent only.

S.I.A. - Source Identify Subclass A, personally supervised collection.

SP – Sugar pine

SS – Sitka spruce

Surplus Seedlings - Seedlings in excess of quantities ordered for delivery. Pricing will be in accordance with clause “BLM - Variation in Quantity (May 1987), 52.211-70.”

T. – Tested Material.

Tree Seedling Schedule – BLM Form OSO 5713-2, used to request the number of seedlings to be grown and provide seed test information.

BLM Oregon State Office Page 4 of 46

WH – Western Hemlock

WRC – Western Red Cedar

WWP – Western white pine

3.0 CONTRACTOR-FURNISHED PROPERTY AND SERVICES

3.1 The Contractor shall provide all necessary records, tools, equipment, labor, materials, laboratory tests, and perform accepted horticultural practices currently in use in the seedling nursery industry necessary to produce high-quality seedlings, including watering, protective fencing, weeding and fertilizing the seedlings, and the application of herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides, to control and prevent weeds, pathogens, rodents and insects.

3.2 Seedling Conditioning (Container Items) -

Final shipping dates are subject to change. To meet specific delivery dates, and desired caliper size and stem lignification for seedlings requested for fall planting, seedlings shall be induced to set bud early for seedlings scheduled for fall plant. This may be achieved thru industry standard practices such as the use of “black-out” cloth to shorten photoperiod, or the use of moderate moisture stress, fertilizer changes and/or exposure ambient air temperatures.

3.3 Fertilizer Incorporation (Container Items) – If slow-release fertilizer incorporation is utilized, rooting medium shall be constantly monitored for salinity. Immediate corrective action to prevent root damage must be taken if salinity thresholds are exceeded.

3.4 Delivery –Multiple deliveries may be made during the period of performance. Delivery location(s) is subject to change. Vendors shall use the delivery rate established at Section B (Schedule of Items) from the nursery to the specified BLM Office for delivery. All seedlings shall be delivered via enclosed, refrigerated trailers capable of maintaining temperatures of 40 degrees Fahrenheit (F) for fall planted seedlings, and 33 - 35 degrees F for seedlings ordered for winter delivery and spring planting.

4.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED SEED

4.1 The Government will provide seed for all Items included in a Purchase Order at no cost to the

Contractor. Upon award of the Purchase Order, the Government will issue seed to the Contractor in quantities adequate to meet the requirements of the Purchase Order.

4.2 Stratified Seed – If delays in performance are encountered, the Government may elect to start the stratification of sufficient seed to meet the numbers of seedlings required for the order period. Seed amounts will be determined using the formulae contained in 14.3. Stratification may be conducted by personnel at the U.S. Forest Service’s JH Stone Nursery in accordance with accepted industry-wide procedures.

4.3 Non-Stratified Seed - The Government will provide non-stratified seed to the Contractor. Each order placed will list the seed lot characteristics (germination %, purity value, and seeds per pound) for seed available from the Government. Contractor will determine the amount of seed needed based on the information provided. The Government’s maximum amount of seed to be furnished is determined by the process listed in 14.0.

BLM Oregon State Office Page 5 of 46

5.0 SEEDLING LOT IDENTIFICATION AND RECORDATION

5.1 Seed Lot Identification - Seed lot identity must be maintained through the stratification treatment, sowing, all stages of seedling growth, lifting and shipping stages. The standard Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or Forest Service (FS) seed lot codes and district name shown on the individual Purchase Order shall be included in the identification.

5.2 Inventories and Records - Provide the Government with inventories of stock on hand in accordance with the following specifications and schedule:

5.2.1 The inventory sample size shall be large enough to provide for a +10 percent standard error with a 95% confidence level.

5.2.2 Inventories shall include the following information:

a) Contract number and order number

b) BLM or FS seed lot identification

c) Nursery seed lot identification

d) Number ordered (M seedlings) by lot

e) Number of containers sown by lot

f) Gross and net seedlings per lot

g) Mean height (inches) *

h) Mean caliper (MM) *

* Items to be included with the final inventory due on October 15.

5.2.3 1+0 Containerized Seedling Inventory Schedule:

a) Current inventory by June of each year when sowing occurs, of live healthy seedlings (gross inventory) and those projected to meet contract specifications (projected net inventory).

b) Current and complete inventory by October of each year sowing occurs, of projected shippable seedlings meeting contract specifications.

5.2.4 Bareroot Seedling Inventory Schedule

1) For seedlings to be fall transplanted, current 1+0 inventory by August 1 of each year of live, healthy trees (gross amount) and the number expected to meet transplant standards (net transplantable amount).

2) For seedlings to be spring transplanted, current 1+0 inventory by November 15 of each year of live, healthy trees (gross amount) and the number expected to meet transplant standards (net transplantable amount).

3) Actual number of live healthy trees transplanted within 45 days of completion of the transplanting operation.

BLM Oregon State Office Page 6 of 46

4) Current inventory by October of each year, of total live trees (gross count) and trees projected to meet contract specifications (net count).

5.3 Records - The Contractor shall maintain and provide to the Government, upon request, a current record by dates, listing cultural work undertaken for this contract. Such records shall include date of seed stratification, sowing amounts, and dates of fertilization, fungicide treatments, herbicide treatments, root culturing, watering schedule, moisture stress measurements, electrical conductivity (EC) tests, and lifting dates.

5.4 Sowing Table/Bed Identification - Contractor shall identify each table/bed or portion of a table/bed of seedlings with a bed marker using the correct BLM or FS seed source code from labels on seed lots delivered by the Government, or a nursery identification number referenced to the BLM or FS seed lot code.

6.0 SEEDLING SPECIFICATIONS

6.1 Container Seedling Specifications

6.1.1 Roots - The roots should form a cohesive plug when extracted. The root mass and soil media shall remain intact when pulled out of the cavity and remain intact during normal handling associated with sorting and packaging operations. The seedling must be capable of being withdrawn from the container without being damaged.

6.1.2 Stem and Lateral Branches - Seedlings shall be of good quality as evidenced by dark green color, firm-dark brown buds, absences of root, stem or top deformity, mechanical damage, disease, mold, insect or animal damage, and absences of chlorotic or short abnormal “bottlebrush” needles. All gradable (seedlings meeting specifications) and shippable seedlings shall have the top capable of maximum photosynthesis. All defects lessening the vigor and predictability of a tree to survive and grow shall be classed as a cull.

6.1.3 Seedling Specifications – Special Containerized Seedling Specifications

Species Type of Seedling Container Top Height

Minimum Stem

Diameter Hardwood/Shrub Styro 40 (723A) 10 to 18 in. 3.5 mm Doug-fir 815C 11 to 23 in. 5.5 mm Doug-fir Styro 20 (620A) 10 to 16 in. 3.8 mm Ponderosa pine Styro 20 (620A) 6 to 14 in. 4.0 mm Hardwood/Shrub Styro 20 (620A) 8 to 14 in. 3.0 mm Doug-fir Styro 15 (515A) 8 to 14 in. 3.5 mm Ponderosa pine Styro 15 (515A) 5 to 12 in. 3.8 mm Minor species Styro 15 (515A) 5 to 10 in. 3.0 mm Hardwood species Styro 15 (515A) 8 to 14 in. 3.0 mm Doug-fir Styro 10 415D 5 to 10 in. 3.0 mm Ponderosa pine Styro 10 415D 4 to 10 in. 3.2 mm

BLM Oregon State Office Page 7 of 46

Species Type of Seedling Container Top Height

Minimum Stem

Diameter Minor species Styro 10 415D 4 to 10 in. 2.8 mm White pine Styro 10 415D 3.5 to 10 in. 2.8 mm Hardwood species Styro 10 415D 6 to 12 in. 3.0 mm Doug-fir Styro 10D (RL 10) 6 to 12 in. 2.8 mm Ponderosa pine Styro 10D (RL 10) 4 to 10 in. 3.0 mm Minor species Styro 10D (RL 10) 5 to 10 in. 2.5 mm White pine Styro 10D (RL 10) 3.5 to 8 in. 2.5 mm

Doug-fir Styro 8or 8L (415A or C) 5 to 10 in. 2.5 mm

Ponderosa pine Styro 8or 8L (415A or C) 4 to 10 in. 2.8 mm

Minor species Styro 8or 8L (415A or C) 4 to 10 in. 2.5mm

Doug-fir 411B 4 to 10 in. 2.3 mm Ponderosa pine 411B 3 to 10 in. 2.5 mm Minor species 411B 3 to 10 in. 2.3 mm Doug-fir Styro 5 (315A) 5 to 10 in. 2.3 mm Ponderosa pine Styro 5 (315A) 4 to 10 in. 2.5 mm Minor species Styro 5 (315A) 4 to 10 in. 2.3 mm Doug-fir Styro 5.5 (315B) 5 to 10 in. 2.3 mm Ponderosa pine Styro 5.5 (315B) 4 to 10 in. 2.5 mm Minor species Styro 5.5 (315B) 4 to 10 in. 2.3 mm Doug-fir Styro 4S (310B) 4 to 10 in. 2.3 mm Ponderosa pine Styro 4S (310B) 3 to 10 in. 2.5 mm Minor species Styro 4S (310B) 3 to 10 in. 2.3 mm Doug-fir 211A 4 to 10 in. 1.5 mm Ponderosa pine 211A 3 to 10 in. 1.8 mm Minor species 211A 3 to 10 in. 1.5 mm

6.2 Bareroot Seedling Specifications

6.2.1 General - Seedlings shall be of good quality as evidenced by dark green color, firm-dark brown buds, absences of root, stem or top deformity, mechanical damages, disease, mold, insect or animal damage, and the absence of chlorotic or short abnormal "bottle brush" needles. Seedlings which are taller or shorter than maximum/minimum height specifications, but which otherwise meet grading criteria may be purchased by the Government.

6.2.2 Roots

6.2.2.1 Planting stock root systems shall have at least 3/4 of the smaller feeder roots intact or unbroken. When the tap root is split or severed at any point above the specified root pruning length, the seedling is

BLM Oregon State Office Page 8 of 46 considered a cull. Any seedling having the tap root and more than 25 percent of the remaining roots growing more than 30 degrees (approximately 5 to 7 o'clock) out of the stem axis is unacceptable.

6.2.2.2 Seedlings with roots broken or torn from the tap root, or with root endings torn or stripped more than 2 millimeters during pruning are unacceptable.

6.2.2.3 Stiff lateral roots are permitted, if when held in a natural position they will fit in a six inch diameter hole.

6.2.2.4 "J" shaped roots are unacceptable.

6.2.2.5 "L" shaped roots are allowed if the root mass will fit in a six inch diameter planting hole and 3/4 or more of the remaining roots have continued to grow in a vertical direction.

6.2.2.6 Minimum acceptable root length is nine inches for 1+1 seedlings.

6.2.2.7 Muddy Roots - The weight ratio of soil to trees shall not exceed 45 percent when packed.

6.2.3 Stem and Lateral Branches

6.2.3.1 When visible mechanical damage that breaks the outer bark and exposes or extends into the cambium tissue is present on the stem, the seedling shall be culled. All trees exhibiting brown or dead branches or needles, mottling, needle cast, cankers, lesions, mold, disease, insect damage, spindliness, or any other defect lessening the vigor and predictability of a tree to survive and grow are unacceptable.

6.2.3.2 Stem and top injuries must be healed and calloused.

6.2.3.3 Seedlings with a crook located within two inches (above or below) of the root collar and/or is greater than 45 degrees (approximately 3 to 9 o'clock) out of the stem axis are unacceptable.

6.2.3.4 Seedlings without a bud capable of becoming dominant near the top of the main leader (disease, frost, mechanical or animal damage) are unacceptable.

6.2.3.5 Top pruning shall not be done after July 10, for 1+1 seedlings.

6.2.3.6 Trees with more than two tops (i.e., - multiple tops), regardless of where the forks originate, are unacceptable.

6.2.4 Seedling Specifications – Bareroot Special

Bare-Root Seedling Specifications

Code Species Minimum Caliper 1/ Target Height 2/ Minimum and Maximum Height 3/

A. 1+0 PP, IC 4.0 MM 6 inches 3 – 12 inches

B. 2+0 PP, IC 4.0 MM 10 inches 4 – 16 inches

C. 2+0 DF 5.0 MM 12 inches 8 – 18 inches

BLM Oregon State Office Page 9 of 46

D. P+1 WRC, WH, GF, SS,

WWP, SP, PP, DF

5.0 MM 12 inches 8 – 16 inches

E. P+1 WRC, WH, GF, SS,

WWP, SP, PP, DF

5.5 MM 14 inches 10 – 20 inches

F. 1+1 DF, PP, NF 5.5 MM 12 inches 8 - 16 inches

If needed, this group may be top pruned once prior to July 10

G. 1+1 DF 6.0 MM 14 inches 10 - 18 inches

May be top pruned once prior to July 10

H. 1+1 DF 7.0 MM 20 inches 14 - 28 inches

No top pruning unless authorized by COR

1/ Minimum Caliper -- Minimum caliper for acceptance and payment 2/ Target Height -70 percent of seedlings shall be within 2 inches of the target height specified.

3/ Minimum and Maximum Height Range -- Minimum and Maximum height for acceptance and payment.

6.3 Seedling Measurement Standards

6.3.1 Height will be measured from the cotyledon scar to the tip of the terminal bud to the nearest inch.

6.3.2 Stem caliper will be measured at a point 2.0 mm below the cotyledon scar. Stem will be measured where the stem is round. No measurement will be taken at an interval swelling.

6.3.3 Point of reference for measuring root length commences at the cotyledon scar for 1+1 seedlings.

7.0 LIFTING, PACKAGING AND MARKING

7.1 Container Seedlings

7.1.1 The Government will notify the Contractor at least seven days prior to the planned date of pickup or delivery. This request will be made by telephone or in writing. The seven-day delivery date requirement will begin at the time of the request. The request will specify, by lot, seedling quantities, and the date seedlings are to be delivered or picked up.

7.1.2 Seedlings shall not be packed until conditioned for storage based on accumulation of chilling hours and hardiness testing.

7.1.3 Seedlings shall be fully watered and treated with a fungicide to prevent storage molding. This should occur a maximum of five days before packaging.

7.1.4 Seedlings pulled from containers for packaging shall be wrapped with plastic or placed into plastic bags in bundles of 4 to 10 seedlings each.

BLM Oregon State Office Page 10 of 46

7.1.5 All seedlings shall be packaged in boxes meeting the specifications shown below:

Specifications - Fiberboard Boxes

Style: Full overlap top and bottom, without hand holes. If hand holes are present, boxes must be lined with plastic bags or other suitable material to prevent moisture loss or drying while in cold or freezer storage.

Joint: Stitched, glued, or stapled joints are acceptable.

Size: Maximum of 16" in height so that boxes are storable on existing BLM/Forest Service racks.

7.1.6 All containers shall be labeled on one or more sides or ends. The label shall contain the number of seedlings per container, seed lot number, species, date packed, and nursery name. Containers shall be closed in a secure manner by banding, taping or stapling. Self-locking and/or folding tops are permissible.

7.2 Bareroot Seedlings

7.2.1 The Government will notify the Contractor of tree lifting / packing requests at least seven days prior to the planned date of pickup at the nursery. This order may be made by telephone or in writing.

Telephone orders will be followed by written orders. The seven day delivery date requirement will begin at the time of the telephone order. The delivery order will specify, by lot, seedling quantities, root pruning length, packing material, and the date trees are to be ready for pick up/delivery.

7.2.2 The Contractor shall notify the District requesting seedlings of the approximate date and time of lifting and grading so that scheduling of inspection can be arranged.

7.2.3 For all seedling lots which are 3,500 feet or less in elevation, lifting will be required during the months of December, January and February. For seedling lots 3,500 feet or more in elevation, fall (late Nov. -early Dec.) lifting and freezer storage may be required by the Contractor.

7.2.4 The Contractor shall have the capability to lift, pack, and have ready for shipping 150,000 tree seedlings within seven calendar days after receipt of a lifting request. Exceptions (see clause 7.2.7 below) will be allowed for prolonged winter rainstorms, freezing conditions, plant moisture stress, or other environmental conditions which prevent lifting.

7.2.5 Tree lifting shall be done in such a manner as not to break or damage the root system, stem or foliage.

The Contractor shall prune roots to the maximum acceptable length described in each seedling order request. Pruning shall be done in a manner that prevents stripping or tearing of roots.

7.2.6 During the period of December 1 to February 1 of each year, 1+1 seedlings shall not be lifted until requested by the Government's representative. The Contractor shall lift only the amount requested for each order. For the period of February 2 to March 1 of each year the Contractor shall lift and pack all remaining ordered trees as conditions allow, and place in cold storage.

7.2.7 If weather or soil conditions do not permit lifting and delivery as requested, the Contractor shall promptly (within eight hours) notify the District requesting lifting.

BLM Oregon State Office Page 11 of 46

7.2.8 The Contractor shall not lift when plant moisture stress (PMS) prior to drawing lifting bar through seedling beds exceeds 20 bars PMS as measured by a pressure bomb.

7.2.9 Seedlings measuring 15 to 20 bars PMS (prior to drawing lifting bar through seedling beds) shall be watered in the field prior to or immediately after lifting to reduce the PMS to 5 to10 bars.

7.2.10 Seedlings measuring 10 to 15 bars (prior to drawing lifting bar through seedling beds) shall be monitored in lifting containers and/or storage cooler. If PMS does not decrease to the 3 to 7 bar range in two hours or less, trees will be watered in the lifting containers and/or storage cooler. Seedlings with PMS levels above 8 bars will not be sorted until measured readings fall below this level.

Weather Conditions

7.2.11 Lifting shall not be done under field conditions of frozen or water saturated soils.

7.2.12 Under ideal weather conditions, seedlings shall not be undercut more than 700 feet ahead of the nearest person pulling seedlings. Ideal weather conditions are described as overcast or foggy, temperature less than 45 degrees Fahrenheit (F), relative humidity 80 percent or higher, and wind speed less than two miles per hour.

7.2.13 Under favorable weather conditions, seedlings shall not be undercut more than 200 feet ahead of nearest person pulling seedlings. Favorable weather conditions are described as high overcast, less than 50 percent sunny, temperature 45- 60 degrees F, relative humidity 60 percent or higher and wind speed less than four miles per hour.

7.2.14 Under unfavorable weather conditions, seedlings shall not be undercut more than 75 feet ahead of the nearest person pulling seedlings. Unfavorable weather conditions are described as more than 50 percent sunny, temperatures greater than 60 degrees Fahrenheit, relative humidity less than 60 percent, or wind speed five miles per hour or greater. If one or more of the above weather conditions exist at the time of lifting, the 75 foot limit shall apply. All seedlings undercut under the above conditions shall be lifted and properly stored prior to breaks exceeding 15 minutes.

Bareroot Seedling Lifting

7.2.15 Seedlings lifted and placed into tubs or boxes shall be covered with moist burlap within 30 seconds of lifting, and remain covered with moist burlap or other suitable moisture retention material unless trees are in a grading or packing process.

7.2.16 Seedlings lifted and placed into bins shall be pulled and placed into bins within 30 seconds. Bins shall be covered with moist burlap or other suitable moisture retention material when lifting is stopped or during transportation to packing area and remain covered unless trees are in a grading or packing process. If trees show signs of drying prior to the bin being filled, seedlings shall be watered.

7.2.17 If seedling roots exhibit signs of drying (indicated by a color change in the soil covering the roots), the

Contractor shall immediately water the roots and cover with wet burlap or other suitable wet material.

The cause of drying roots shall be assessed and a method implemented to prevent drying. If drying continues, no further lifting shall take place until conditions causing drying change.

BLM Oregon State Office Page 12 of 46

7.2.18 Seedling Storage - Seedlings shall be removed from the lifting area within 30 minutes after lifting and placed in a storage area conforming to one of the following standards prior to grading and packing:

a. Seedlings shall be stored in a weather-tight building under conditions of 33 to 45 degrees F. All grading and packaging shall be completed within 24 hours of lifting.

b. Seedlings shall be placed in cold storage under conditions of 80 percent or greater relative humidity and 33 to 35 degrees F. All grading and packaging of seedlings shall be completed within three days of lifting.

Bareroot Seedling Packing

7.2.19 The Contractor shall maintain seedling moisture stress levels below five bars PMS during grading, pruning, packing, and storage operations. The Contractor shall perform moisture stress tests as necessary to maintain required moisture stress levels.

7.2.20 Seedlings shall be packaged in boxes or bags as specified and identified on Exhibit A.

7.2.21 Seedlings shall be packed in individual bundles of 20 to 50 trees each. After the number of seedlings that can be adequately packed in a given box or bag without damage to the seedlings has been determined, the Contractor shall keep the number of seedlings per container constant for that lift and seedling lot. Packed containers shall not exceed 50 pounds. The weight ratio of soil to trees in the containers shall not exceed 45 percent.

7.2.22 Seedlings shall be packaged in containers meeting specification listed below:

Specifications - Fiberboard Boxes

Style: Full overlap top and bottom, without hand holes

Board: 250 lb. (min.) to 275 lb. (max.) test rigid when wet, poly wax curtain coat both inside and outside of box.

Joint: Stitched, glued, or stapled joints are acceptable.

Size: 40"L x 12"W x 16"H outside measurement (maximum size)

Specifications - Paper Bags

Style: Sewn bottom, open mouth

Type: Triple-ply, poly-lined, heavy duty paper

Size: As needed to insure that seedling tops and roots are not bent, folded or damaged when placed in the bags.

7.2.23 All containers shall be labeled on one end with a minimum of one quarter inch high numerals. The label shall contain the number of seedlings, seed lot number, species, date packed, nursery name and BLM District. Containers shall be closed in a secure manner by banding, taping or sewing.

BLM Oregon State Office Page 13 of 46

7.3 Storage of Container Seedlings

7.3.1 Packed seedlings must be placed promptly into cold storage facilities and inside box /bag temperature maintained at 33-35 degrees F. Trees shall be kept at a temperature of 33-35 degrees F and 80 percent or higher relative humidity throughout the storage period.

7.3.2 Boxes shall be arranged in such a manner as to prevent crushing, smothering, heating, or other physical damage.

7.3.3 Provide cold/freezer storage for a maximum of seven days after packaging containerized trees.

7.3.4 Extended cold storage at the nursery beyond the maximum timeframe listed in 7.3.3 may be charged according to the price listed in Section B (Schedule of Items) and clause “BLM - Variation in Quantity (May 1987), 52.211-70.

7.3.5 Cold storage facility shall have access and turning space capable of handling a 70 foot tractor-trailer.

8.0 ACCEPTANCE

8.1 Acceptance by the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) of workmanship and individual seedlings shall be final.

8.2 Acceptance of work will be determined by the Contractor's compliance with terms, specifications, and workmanship required by this contract as observed by COR and determined by an inspection or test made at the nursery site, except as herein provided below.

8.3 Upon receipt of written notice from the COR that seedlings delivered do not meet contract standards and specifications, the Contractor shall within five days regrade any seedling lots found to be defective. The Contractor shall pay all costs involved, including labor and shipping.

8.4 If the Contractor fails or refuses to correct defective seedlings within five days or a longer period as the

COR may designate the Government will reject the seedlings or accept them in accordance with FAR clause 52.212-4(a) at and equitably reduced price.

9.0 MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT

9.1 Measurement for payment will be made on the number of thousand acceptable seedlings in accordance with Section 6.0. Payments will be made for the actual quantity requested or delivered.

9.2 Payment of 1 Year Old Seedlings

9.2.1 After seed is stratified, sown, and germinated, and the seedlings have reached one inch in height, the

Contractor shall submit an inventory form. The spring inventory must be completed and submitted by April 15 of the planting year. Upon COR certification, the Contractor may invoice up to 25% of the unit price.

BLM Oregon State Office Page 14 of 46

9.2.2 Upon receipt and acceptance of the June 3rd annual inventory (after thinning, if necessary) the

Contractor may invoice up to 50% of the unit price times the actual number of live healthy seedlings in the inventory, up to the quantity listed in the contract, less payment 1.

9.2.3 Upon receipt and acceptance of the October 1 annual inventory of shippable seedlings meeting contract specifications, the Contractor may invoice up to 75% of the unit price times the actual number of live, healthy seedlings in the inventory, up to the quantity listed in the Purchase Order, less the amount of payments 1 and 2.

9.2.4 When all seedlings have been picked up by the Government and/or delivered by the Contractor, final payment will be made for actual number of seedlings accepted up to the quantity listed in the Purchase Order, less any earlier payments. Contractor shall include all costs, to include shipping and cold storage costs, in this final invoice.

9.2.5 If the final payment for total acceptable live seedlings is less than the combined total of partial payments 1, 2, and 3, the Contractor will reimburse the Government for any overpayment.

9.3 Payment of 2-Year-Old Seedlings

9.3.1 Upon completion of sowing and subsequent satisfactory germination and seedling height growth of one inch, the Contractor may invoice in the amount of ten percent of the bid price times the number of thousand trees up to the quantity listed in the Tree Seedling Schedule.

9.3.2 Upon receipt and acceptance of the August 1 inventory for seedlings to be fall transplanted and/or the

November 15 inventory for seedlings to be spring transplanted, the Contractor may invoice up to the amount of twenty percent of the bid price times the actual number of thousand live healthy trees in the inventory up to the quantity listed in the Tree Seedling Schedule, less payment 1.

9.3.3 Upon the completion of transplanting and subsequent receipt and acceptance of an inventory of satisfactory planted trees, the Contractor may invoice up to fifty percent of the bid price times the actual number of thousand trees transplanted up to the quantity listed in the Tree Seedling Schedule, less payments 1 and 2.

9.3.4 Upon receipt and acceptance of the October 15 inventory of shippable live trees, the Contractor may invoice up to sixty-five percent of the bid price times the actual number of thousand shippable live trees in the inventory up to the quantity listed in the Tree Seedling Schedule, less payments 1, 2, and 3.

9.3.5 When all trees have been picked up by the Government, the Contractor may invoice in the amount of one hundred percent of the bid rate per thousand trees up to the quantity listed in the Tree Seedling Schedule, less payments 1, 2, 3, and 4. See section 11 for surplus purchases.

9.3.6 In the event that the Government does not take delivery of packaged trees not declared surplus by each

March 30 the Government will pay the Contractor a daily rate for the care of the trees not requested equal to 1/365 of the bid rate per thousand trees kept beyond the end of the contract period.

9.3.7 If the payment for the total acceptable live trees is less than the combined payments, then the

Contractor shall reimburse the Government for the overpayment.

10.0 OPTION TO PURCHASE ADDITIONAL SEEDLINGS –

BLM Oregon State Office Page 15 of 46

The Government will have the first opportunity to purchase all additional seedlings at the contract price. The Government will request the additional seedlings by December 12th of each year, or make them available for sale by the Contractor. If not requested by this date, the Contractor may retain or sell additional seedlings, without compensation to the Government.

11.0 SURPLUS SEEDLINGS

11.1 Surplus seedlings will be addressed in accordance with clause “BLM - Variation in Quantity (May

1987), 52.211-70.

11.2 Disposal costs, if any, will be agreed to and approved by the CO prior to any disposal actions.

Seedlings produced in excess of the quantities requested by the Government in the Purchase Order, (i.e., overruns in requested production) which are not sold will be disposed of at the Contractor’s expense. Overruns not purchased by the Government may be sold by the Contractor without further compensation to the Government.

12.0 DELIVERY

12.1 All seedlings may be required for delivery to destination F.O.B by the Contractor to destination point.

Multiple deliveries may be made during the period of performance. Delivery location(s) is subject to change. Vendors shall use the delivery rate established at Section B (Schedule of Items) from the nursery to the specified BLM Office for delivery. Deliveries shall be made between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding official federal holidays.

12.2 The Government may elect to pick up seedlings at the Contractor’s storage facility. If the Government elects to pick up seedlings at the Contractor’s storage facility, the Contractor will furnish a forklift and personnel to load the Government trailer.

12.3 Contractor deliveries shall be made by refrigerated truck or trailer. Temperatures within the seedling boxes inside the shipping container shall be maintained between 33° and 35° F.

12.4 Boxes shall be arranged in such a manner as to prevent crushing, smothering, heating or other physical damage.

12.5 Contractor shall prepare and provide to the driver of the Government truck, or BLM receiving clerks, a nursery shipping ticket when seedlings are loaded or delivered. The shipping ticket shall contain the contract number, seed lot number(s), number of boxes, number of seedlings per box, and total number of seedlings per seed lot.

12.6 The Contractor shall be responsible for all seedlings produced for the Government, until the seedlings are delivered to or picked up by the Government.

13.0 PERFORMANCE TIME

13.1 Container One Year Old Seedlings

The following dates are deadlines set out in the other parts of this contract:

a. June 3 of each year - Provide COR with Seedling Inventories, 5.2.3(a)

BLM Oregon State Office Page 16 of 46

b. October 15th of each year- Provide COR with Seedling Inventories, 5.2.3(b)

13.2 Bareroot One & Two Year Old Seedlings and Govt. Furnished P+1 Transplants

The period of the contract will be from issuance of a Purchase Order to completion of delivery.

The following dates are deadlines set out in other parts of this contract:

February 5 Seed Requirements from Contractor, Section 4.1

June 15 Provide COR with a nursery map or drawing showing the location of all seed lots included in this contract Section 5.4

August 15 Current 1+0 inventories for fall transplants completed Section 5.2.2 (d)(1)

Nov. 15 Current 1+0 inventories for spring transplants completed Section 5.2.2 (d)(2)

October 15 2nd year inventories complete Section 5.2.2 (d)(4)

14.0 GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED TREE SEED

14.1 The Government will provide the following information on all seed lots included : germination percent, number of seeds per pound, purity percent, species, seed zone and elevation, year of collection, year tested, certification class, and testing lab.

14.2 The Government will provide and deliver seed identified by lot number to the Contractor's nursery site not later than one week following the issuance of the Purchase Order.

14.3 The Contractor shall determine the quantity of seed needed to produce the required number of seedlings in each Item awarded, based on information to be provided in each order. The maximum pounds of seed to be provided by the Government for individual seed lots can be estimated as follows:

Containerized Seedlings

Standard Sowing - Items shown for standard sowing in Attachment 3, Sample Tree Seedling Sowing Schedule.

Seedling Data Sheet will be computed as follows:

Seed Required in lbs. = T x O x W x G S x P

T = total order (number of seedlings) Germ. Rate Seed/Cell O = oversow for falldown 1.15 (15%) 55 - 64% 4.0-3.6 W = seed waste factor 1.1 (10%) 65 - 74% 3.5-3.1 S = seeds per pound 75 - 84% 3.0-2.6 G - seed per cell (depending on germ. rate) 85 - 94% 2.5-2.1 P = purity factor (1.0) 95 -100% 2.0-1.6

BLM Oregon State Office Page 17 of 46

Bareroot Seedlings

Seed Required lbs = Quantity Seedlings Requested Germ. % x Purity % x Seeds/lb. x 40% Survival Factor

The quantity of seed determined to be needed by the Contractor shall be subject to approval by the

COR for both Standard and Improved Seed Sowing. Deadline for this information being given to the COR is ten days after Contractor receipt of the order with Tree Seedling Schedule with seed attributes filled in.

(End of Statement of Work)

BLM Oregon State Office Page 18 of 46

INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

The following clause is incorporated by reference:

Clause Title Date

52.246-1 CONTRACTOR INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS APR 1984

52.246-16 RESPONSIBILITY FOR SUPPLIES APR 1984

(End of Inspection and Acceptance)

BLM Oregon State Office Page 19 of 46

DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

Period of Performance:

The Purchase Order Period of Performance shall be from 15 September 2024 to 15 May 2027.

The following clauses are incorporated by reference:

Clause Title Date

52.242-15 STOP WORK ORDER AUG 1989

(End of Section F, Deliveries or Performance)

BLM Oregon State Office Page 20 of 46

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

The following local clauses are provided in full text:

CONTRACTOR PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT REPORTING SYSTEM (JULY 2010)

(a) FAR 42.1502 directs all Federal agencies to collect past performance information on contracts. The Department of the Interior (DOI) has implemented the Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) to comply with this regulation. One or more past performance evaluations will be conducted in order to record your contract performance as required by FAR42.15.

(b) The past performance evaluation process is a totally paperless process using CPARS. CPARS is a web-based system that allows for electronic processing of the performance evaluation report. Once the report is processed, it is available for Government use in evaluating past performance as part of a source selection action.

(c) We request that you furnish the Contracting Officer with the name, position title, phone number, and email address for each person designated to have access to your firm's past performance evaluation(s) for the contract no later than 30 days after award. Each person granted access will have the ability to provide comments in the Contractor portion of the report and state whether or not the Contractor agrees with the evaluation, before returning the report to the Assessing Official. The report information must be protected as source selection sensitive information not releasable to the public.

(d) When your Contractor Representative(s) (Past Performance Points of Contact) are registered in CPARS, they will receive an automatically-generated email with detailed login instructions. Further details, systems requirements, and training information for CPARS is available at https://www.cpars.gov/. The CPARS User Manual, registration for On Line Training for Contractor Representatives, and a practice application may be found at this site.

(e) Within 60 days after the end of a performance period, the Contracting Officer will complete an interim or final past performance evaluation, and the report will be accessible at https://www.cpars.gov/. Contractor Representatives may then provide comments in response to the evaluation, or return the evaluation without comment. Comments are limited to the space provided in Block 22. Your comments should focus on objective facts in the Assessing Official's narrative and should provide your views on the causes and ramifications of the assessed performance. In addition to the ratings and supporting narratives, blocks 1 - 17 should be reviewed for accuracy, as these include key fields that will be used by the Government to identify your firm in future source selection actions. If you elect not to provide comments, please acknowledge receipt of the evaluation by indicating ''No comment" in Block 22, and then signing and dating Block 23 of the form. Without a statement in Block 22, you will be unable to sign and submit the evaluation back to the Government. If you do not sign and submit the CPAR within 30 days, it will automatically be returned to the Government and will be annotated: "The report was delivered/received by the contractor on (date). The contractor neither signed nor offered comment in response to this assessment." Your response is due within 30 calendar days after receipt of the CPAR.

(f) The following guidelines apply concerning your use of the past performance evaluation:

(1) Protect the evaluation as "source selection information." After review, transmit the evaluation by completing and submitting the form through CPARS. If for some reason you are unable to view and/or submit the form through CPARS, contact the Contracting Officer for instructions.

(2) Strictly control access to the evaluation within your organization. Ensure the evaluation is never released to persons or entities outside of your control.

https://www.cpars.gov/

BLM Oregon State Office Page 21 of 46

(3) Prohibit the use of or reference to evaluation data for advertising, promotional material, preaward surveys, responsibility determinations, production readiness reviews, or other similar purposes.

(g) If you wish to discuss a past performance evaluation, you should request a meeting in writing to the Contracting Officer no later than seven days following your receipt of the evaluation. The meeting will be held in person or via telephone or other means during your 30- day review period.

(h) A copy of the completed past performance evaluation will be available in CPARS for your viewing and for Government use supporting source selection actions after it has been finalized.

(End of clause)

ELECTRONIC INVOICING AND PAYMENT REQUIREMENTS – INVOICE PROCESSING PLATFORM (IPP)

(APR 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 Products and Commercial Services 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:

Invoice billed according to contract line items and rates

The Contractor must use the IPP website to register access and use IPP for submitting requests for payment. The Contractor Government Business Point of Contract (as listed in SAM) will receive enrollment instructions via email from the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston (FRBB) prior to the contract award date, but no more than 3 – 5 business days of the contract award date. Contractor assistance with enrollment can be obtained by contacting the IPP Production Helpdesk via email ippgroup@bos.frb.org 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)

(End of Contract Administration Data) https://www.ipp.gov/ mailto:ippgroup@bos.frb.org

BLM Oregon State Office Page 22 of 46

SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

H.1.0 ACCESS

In the event of a site/facility closure, the Contractor shall not make deliveries to the site/facility until it is reopened by the Government, unless otherwise instructed by the Contracting Officer or their designated representative.

(End of Special Contract Requirements)

BLM Oregon State Office Page 23 of 46

CONTRACT CLAUSES

The following provision is incorporated by reference:

52.204-22 ALTERNATIVE LINE ITEM PROPOSAL JAN 2017

The following clauses are incorporated by reference:

52.204-13 SYSTEM FOR AWARD MANAGEMENT MAINTENANCE OCT 2018

52.204-18 COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT ENTITY CODE

MAINTENANCE

AUG 2020

52.209-2 PROHIBITION ON CONTRACTING WITH INVERTED DOMESTIC

CORPORATIONS - REPRESENTATION

NOV 2015

52.211-17 DELIVERY OF EXCESS QUANTITIES SEP 1989

52.222-20 CONTRACTS FOR MATERIALS, SUPPLIES, ARTICLES AND

EQUIPMENT EXCEEDING $15,000

MAY 2014

52.232-11 EXTRAS APR 1984

52.232-40 PROVIDING ACCELERATED PAYMENTS TO SMALL BUSINESS

CONTRACTORS

MAR 2023

52.247-34 F.O.B. DESTINATION NOV 1991

52.253-1 COMPUTER GENERATED FORMS JAN 1991

The following clauses are provided in full text:

52.211-16 VARIATION IN QUANTITY (APR 1984)

(a) A variation in the quantity of any item called for by this contract will not be accepted unless the variation has been caused by conditions of loading, shipping, or packing, or allowances in manufacturing processes, and then only to the extent, if any, specified in paragraph (b) of this clause.

(b) The permissible variation shall be limited to:

25% Percent increase

25% Percent decrease

This increase or decrease shall apply to the total quantity of each item without regard to destination.

(End of clause)

52.212-4 – CONTRACT TERMS AND CONDITIONS—COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS AND COMMERCIAL

SERVICES (NOV 2023)

(a) Inspection/Acceptance. The Contractor shall only tender for acceptance those items that conform to the requirements of this contract. The Government reserves the right to inspect or test any supplies or services that have been tendered for acceptance. The Government may require repair or replacement of nonconforming supplies or reperformance of nonconforming services at no increase in contract price. If repair/replacement or reperformance will not correct the defects or is not possible, the Government may seek an equitable price reduction or adequate consideration for acceptance of nonconforming supplies or services. The Government must exercise its post-acceptance rights-

(1) Within a reasonable time after the defect was discovered or should have been discovered; and

BLM Oregon State Office Page 24 of 46

(2) Before any substantial change occurs in the condition of the item, unless the change is due to the defect in the item.

(b) Assignment. The Contractor or its assignee may assign its rights to receive payment due as a result of performance of this contract to a bank, trust company, or other financing institution, including any Federal lending agency in accordance with the Assignment of Claims Act (31 U.S.C. 3727). However, when a third party makes payment (e.g., use of the Governmentwide commercial purchase card), the Contractor may not assign its rights to receive payment under this contract.

(c) Changes. Changes in the terms and conditions of this contract may be made only by written agreement of the parties.

(d) Disputes. This contract is subject to 41 U.S.C. chapter 71, Contract Disputes. Failure of the parties to this contract to reach agreement on any request for equitable adjustment, claim, appeal or action arising under or relating to this contract shall be a dispute to be resolved in accordance with the clause at Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) 52.233-1, Disputes, which is incorporated herein by reference. The Contractor shall proceed diligently with performance of this contract, pending final resolution of any dispute arising under the contract.

(e) Definitions. The clause at FAR 52.202-1, Definitions, is incorporated herein by reference.

(f) Excusable delays. The Contractor shall be liable for default unless nonperformance is caused by an occurrence beyond the reasonable control of the Contractor and without its fault or negligence such as, acts of God or the public enemy, acts of the Government in either its sovereign or contractual capacity, fires, floods, epidemics, quarantine restrictions, strikes, unusually severe weather, and delays of common carriers.