Sol_140P2123Q0199.pdf

Request for Quotation 140P2123Q0199 – Catoctin Mountain Park Forest Restoration

The National Park Service (NPS), Strategic Contracting Office is Requesting Quotes for Forest Restoration. This RFQ and incorporated provisions and clauses are those in effect through Federal Acquisition Circular (2023-04) effective date 06/02/2023. The Government intends to make a Firm Fixed Price (FFP), Simplified Acquisition (FAR Part 13), to the responsible quoter(s) whose quote that overall represents the most highly qualified with a fair and reasonable price to the Government. The Government may elect to award to non-lowest price if the Government determines a higher priced quote offers a better value in consideration of the evaluation factors.

Interested quoters must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database before an award can be made to them. If the quoter is not registered in SAM, they may do so through the SAM website at https://www.sam.gov/portal/SAM/

The proposed contract is 100% set-aside for small business concerns.

North American Industry Classification System (NAICS): 115112, Soil Preparation, Planting, and Cultivating

SBA Size Standard: $9.5M

Product Service Code (PSC): F010, Natural Resource \ Conservation Seedling Production \ Transplanting

All quotes shall be submitted for receipt no later than 12:00 pm EDT, on 21 September 2023 to the Contracting Officer, Ruth Pagan, via e-mail to ruth_pagan@nps.gov. Respondents are hereby notified that if your quote is not received by the date/time and at the location specified in this announcement, that it will be considered late.

Site Visit: August 23, 2023 10:00 am EDT

Meeting Location of Site visit:

Round Meadow Gravel Parking Lot

14840 Manahan Road

Sabillasville, MD 21780

Questions - Request for Information (RFI): Must be submitted by September 5, 2023 12:00 EDT

Proposal Submissions Due Date: September 21, 2023 12:00 EDT

Period of Performance: Estimated Award October 1, 2023 and extending through Oct 31, 2027 (this includes option period CLINs) https://www.sam.gov/portal/SAM/ mailto:ruth_pagan@nps.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

0009060136 CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BYCODE

X

X

X

115112

SIZE STANDARD:

100.00 % FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED ORPWA

RFPIFB

10. THIS ACQUISITION ISCODE

RFQ

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

13b. RATING

NAICS:

SMALL BUSINESS

09/21/2023 1200 ED

08/15/2023

2542589274Ruth Pagan (No collect calls)

INFORMATION CALL:

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

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

140P2123Q0199

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

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

1 62 0040624573OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

Thurmont MD 21788-1598 6602 Foxville Road NPS, Catoctin Mountain Park

15. DELIVER TO

Denver CO 80225 P.O.Box 25287 MS WCP

9. ISSUED BY

7.

2. CONTRACT NO.

EFFECTIVE DATE

$9.5

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

ISSUE DATE

DELIVERY FOR FOB DESTINA-

TION UNLESS BLOCK IS

MARKED

11.

SEE SCHEDULE

12. DISCOUNT TERMS

THIS CONTRACT IS A

RATED ORDER UNDER

DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13a.

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

8(A)

NPS, WASO - WCP Contracting

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS

(WOSB) ELIGIBLE UNDER THE WOMEN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM

EDWOSB

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

These services will include planting 1-gallon size containerized deciduous native trees and shrubs in areas that have recently been cleared of exotic species. Work will include soil analysis, species selection, development of a planting plan, treating non-native species with herbicide, and tree shelter and stake installation. Work will also include maintenance of the planted area for 3 years from April ¿ October, including treating non-native plants with herbicide, hand weeding vegetation inside

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

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

XX

DATED

Ruth Pagan

. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5),

INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER

ARE

ARE

31c. DATE SIGNED

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

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

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

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

SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED.

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

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

OFFER

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 2/2012)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

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:

REF.

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

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

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

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. 2/2012) BACK

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

the shelters, and rehammering/replacing broken stakes.

Delivery: 10/31/2027

00010 Forest Restoration

Product/Service Code: F005

Product/Service Description: NATURAL

RESOURCES/CONSERVATION- FOREST TREE PLANTING

Period of Performance: 08/01/2023 to 10/31/2027

32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

62 2 of

140P2123Q0199, CATOCTIN FOREST RESTORATION

Table of Contents Section Page

B – Prices / Costs ……………………..…………………………………………. 4 C – Description / Specifications/Statement of Work …………………………. 6 - 26 D – Packaging and Marking …………………………………………………… 27 E – Inspection and Acceptance ………………………………………………… 28 F – Deliveries or Performance ………………………………………………… 29 G – Contract Administration Data ……………………………………………. 30 H – Special Contract Requirements …………………………………………… 31 - 33 I - Contract Clauses ………………………………………………………........ 34 - 43

Provisions ………………………………………………………………… 44 - 49 J - List of Attachments …………………………………………………………. 50 K – Representations, Certifications ……………………………………………. 51 - 54 L – Instructions, Conditions, and Notices to Offerors or Respondents ……… 55 M – Evaluation Factors For Award …………………………………………

B - Supplies or Services/Prices

This is a non-personnel services contract to provide forest restoration services. The Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein.

Such contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the Contractor who, in turn is responsible to the Government.

Work is identified as the Basic Requirement. It is anticipated that the work identified as the Basic Requirement would be done during one mobilization period over the course of the project schedule.

BASIC REQUIREMENT

Work for the Basic Requirement falls within many different sections of the Performance Work Statement required Tasks.

LABOR, EQUIPMENT, TRANSPORTATION, MATERIALS, ETC.

LINE ITEM DESCRIPTION QTY UNIT RATE AMOUNT

1 BASE 1- Within site A, which is 8 acres already cleared by NPS masticator, conduct soil analysis, species selection, and planting plan development.

Delivery Date: December 22, 2023 1

Lump $0.00

2 BASE 2- Within site A, maintain the site by spraying non-native plants 25' outside of the site perimeter. Conduct monthly maintenance for 3 years from April - October in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Delivery Date: October 31 2026.

Lump $0.00

3 BASE 3- Within Site A, beginning no earlier than September 1 2024, plant 300 trees per acre including tree tubes and stakes for each tree and labor.

Delivery Date: May 31, 2025 8

Acres $0.00

4 BASE 4 - Use a skid steer mounted drum head masticator to mow non-native plants to clear sites A, B, C, and D, before planting.

Delivery Date: December 22, 2023

Acre $0.00

5 OPTION 1 - Within site B, conduct site planning, site preparation, site stakeout, planting 300 trees per acre, and site maintenance for 3 years:

Delivery Date: Tree planting due May 31, 2025.

Remainder of OPTION 4 TASKS Due October 31, 2026 4

Acres $0.00

6 OPTION 2 - Within site C, conduct site planning, site preparation, site stakeout, planting 300 trees per acre, and site maintenance for 3 years:

Delivery Date: Tree planting due May 31, 2025.

Remainder of OPTION 4 TASKS Due October 31, 2026 4

Acres $0.00

7 OPTION 3 - Within site D, conduct site planning, site preparation, site stakeout, planting 300 trees per acre, and site maintenance for 3 years:

Delivery Date: Tree planting due May 31, 2025.

Remainder of OPTION 4 TASKS Due October 31, Acres $0.00

8 OPTION 4 - 4th year of exotic plant control on site A. Conduct monthly maintenance from April

- October 2027 for at least one day per month.

Delivery Date: October 31, 2027 1

Lump $0.00

TOTAL $0.00

C – DESCRIPTION / SPECIFICATIONS

CATOCTIN MOUNTAIN PARK

FY23 Forest Restoration

7/21/23

Performance Work Statement

1.0 GENERAL

This is a non-personnel services contract to provide forest restoration services. The Government shall not exercise any supervision or control over the contract service providers performing the services herein.

Such contract service providers shall be accountable solely to the Contractor who, in turn is responsible to the Government.

1.1 Description of Services/Introduction: The contractor shall provide all personnel, equipment, supplies, facilities, transportation, tools, materials, supervision, and other items and non-personal services necessary to perform forest restoration as defined in this Performance Work Statement except for those items specified as government furnished property and services. The contractor shall perform to the standards in this contract.

1.2 Background: Forested areas of the park have become invaded by non-native plants and have lost canopy cover due to emerald ash borer. NPS has mowed non-native shrubs using a drumhead masticator and has prepared the sites by using herbicide to kill resprouts in site A (see exhibit 1). Site A is currently open, allowing for maneuverability for skid steer, pedestrians, and UTV, and is ready for planting of trees. Sites B, C, and D have not been masticated or maintained by NPS and consist of an understory of non-native shrubs and dead ash snags that are both standing and that have already fallen.

1.3 Objective: Catoctin Mountain Park (CATO) in Thurmont, MD is soliciting forestry services to perform forest restoration in targeted areas of the park.

1.4 Scope: These services will include planting 1-gallon size containerized deciduous native trees and shrubs in areas that have recently been cleared of exotic species. Work will include soil analysis, species selection, development of a planting plan, treating non-native species with herbicide, and tree shelter and stake installation. Work will also include maintenance of the planted area for 3 years from April – October, including treating non-native plants with herbicide, hand weeding vegetation inside the shelters, and rehammering/replacing broken stakes. Work will also include masticating an additional 9 acres in sites B, C, and D. As funding allows in Tasks 2.5, 2.6, and 2.7, In addition to the base requirement this requirement also has several options, all of which are subject to available funds. These options include planting an additional 9 acres in Tasks 2.5, 2.6, and 2.7; and an additional 7 months of non-native plant maintenance of site A in Task 2.8.

Staging area for the storage of materials, trees, and equipment will be provided by NPS in the ballfield, see Exhibit 1. Manahan Road may be closed to traffic to allow the contractor to block the road while delivering supplies and trees to the work site, as decided by the COR.

Masticator work is not permitted between May 1 and August 31 to protect the habitat of the Northern Long Eared Bats, which are listed as an endangered species under the Endangered Species Act, and nesting birds – quote accordingly.

UTV’s and skid steers are permitted to drive within the project area, but no trucks are permitted to be off the asphalt or gravel roads. Skid steers are required to have rubber treads, no tires. Skid steer is not permitted within the project area during wet conditions and will only be permitted during dry or frozen conditions to prevent excessive soil disturbance. The COR will monitor soil conditions and will stop work if excessive soil disturbance is occurring. COR will stop work if equipment damage to existing live trees is found. Repair all ground damage incurred during the performance of operations to the satisfaction of the COR (i.e., ruts, holes, etc.). Staging area will be in the ballfield, see exhibit 1. Due to the scope of this project, it is highly encouraged that contractors attend the site visit in order to fully understand the magnitude of work to be completed.

1.5 Period of Performance & Delivery Date:

The Delivery Date for masticator work for TASK 2.4 is October 1, 2023 – December 22, 2023.

The Delivery Date for soil analysis, species selection, and planting plan development for site A is October 1 – December 22, 2023.

The Delivery Date for herbicide treatment for the TASKS 2.2, 2.4, 2.5, AND 2.6 is: April 1, 2024 – October 31, 2026.

The Delivery Date for tree planting for TASKS 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, AND 2.6 is September 1, 2024 – May 31, 2025.

The Delivery Date for herbicide treatment for TASK 2.8 is April 1, 2027 – October 31, 2027. The Period of Performance: Time of Award – October 31, 2027– All work is due by the Delivery Date – The Period of Performance is for billing purposes only.

1.6 Recognized holidays: No work shall take place on the following Federal holidays:

New Year’s Day – January 1st

Martin Luther King Junior’s Birthday – Third Monday in January

President’s Day – Third Monday in February

Memorial Day – Last Monday in May

Juneteenth – June 19th

Independence Day – July 4th

Labor Day – First Monday in September

Columbus Day – Second Monday in October

Veteran’s Day – November 11th

Thanksgiving Day – Fourth Thursday in November

Christmas Day – December 25th

1.7 Hours of Operation: Services shall be conducted between the hours of 6:00 AM – 4:30 PM ET, Monday – Friday except when the Government facility is closed due to local or national emergencies, administrative closing, or similar Government directed facility closings. The contractor will not be reimbursed when the Government facility is closed for the above reasons unless emergency services are requested.

1.8 Physical Security: There are many gates secured with combination locks in the park. The combination will be provided to the contractor for access to closed roads and the ballfield as needed.

The contractor shall be responsible for closing and locking all gates behind them at all times. Gates and locks shall not be left unsecured with no one around. Locks will not be left “open” or with the combination code visible.

1.9 Post Award Conference/Periodic Progress Meetings: The contractor agrees to attend any post award conference convened by the contracting activity or contract administration office in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation Subpart 42.5. The contracting officer, Contracting Officers Representative (COR), and other Government personnel, as appropriate, may meet periodically with the contractor to review the contractor's performance. At these meetings the contracting officer will apprise the contractor of how the government views the contractor's performance and the contractor will apprise the Government of problems, if any, being experienced. Appropriate action shall be taken to resolve outstanding issues. These meetings shall be at no additional cost to the government.

1.10 Identification of Contractor Employees: All contract personnel attending meetings and working in other situations where their contractor status is not obvious to third parties are required to identify themselves as such to avoid creating an impression in the minds of members of the public that they are Government officials. All vehicles, including UTV and skid steer, must have contractor name visible on the exterior of the vehicle. Contractor must also ensure that all documents or reports produced by contractors are suitably marked as contactor products or that contractor participation is appropriately disclosed.

2.0 TASKS

The contractor shall:

2.1 BASE 1– Within site A, which is 8 acres already cleared by NPS masticator, conduct soil analysis, species selection, and planting plan development. Contractor will not provide masticator services under task 2.1.

• Site planning – conduct soil analysis, species selection, and develop planting plan. Soil analysis must be provided to COR. Species selection must be approved by COR and include canopy trees and shrubs. Shrubs cannot make up more than 25% of the plantings per acre.

Trees and shrubs are required to be native to the Appalachian Mountain area.

• Planted species could include but not limited to hickory (bitternut, shagbark, mockernut), oak (post, black, northern red, southern red, white, chestnut, blackjack), hophornbeam, redbud, yellow-poplar, sugar maple, viburnum species, flowering dogwood. Planting of ash, beech, and locust is prohibited.

2.2 BASE 2–Within site A, which is 8 acres, conduct monthly site maintenance for 7 months April – October in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

• Site preparation – treat non-native plants 25’ outside of the unit perimeter with herbicide.

Minimize damage to native plants.

• Treat non-native plants that grow up within the 8 acres with herbicide approved by the COR.

o Non-native species includes but not limited to Japanese barberry, multiflora rose, autumn olive, oriental bittersweet, Japanese angelica tree, and bush honeysuckle.

o Prevent at least 95% of non-natives within unit from going to seed each year.

o Achieve 95% reduction in invasive plants between time of award and POP end.

• After trees are planted starting in September 2024:

o Treat vegetation around the tree tube with herbicide.

o Hand weed inside each tube.

o Rehammer or replace broken stakes as needed.

• Replace planted trees that died to obtain a 97% survivability rate by POP end.

2.3 BASE 3– Within site A, Plant 300 deciduous trees and shrubs per acre x 8 acres between September 1, 2024 and May 31, 2025. Trees cannot be planted before September 1, 2024, because NPS has to conduct archeology screening before planting can begin.

• Planted species could include but not limited to hickory (bitternut, shagbark, mockernut), oak (post, black, northern red, southern red, white, chestnut, blackjack), hophornbeam, redbud, yellow-poplar, sugar maple, viburnum species, flowering dogwood. Planting of ash, beech, and locust is prohibited.

• Site stakeout – mark planting locations on the ground in a naturalized grid pattern that allows for ease of maintenance and driving UTV between rows. Stakeout must be approved by COR before planting can begin.

• Site planting - Plant 2,400 (300/acre) native one gallon containerized deciduous trees and shrubs on a 12’ x 12’ spacing. Install vented tree shelters and stakes on each planted tree/shrub.

2.4 BASE 4– Clear a total of 10 acres of non-native shrubs within sites A, B, C, and D, (see exhibit

1) using a skid steer mounted drumhead masticator. Within site A, approximately 7 of 8 acres were already masticated in December 2022 by NPS. There are several pockets of non-natives that were not masticated by NPS which add up to approximately 1 acre and that shall be masticated by the contractor.

• Non-native species to be masticated includes but not limited to Japanese barberry, multiflora rose, autumn olive, oriental bittersweet, Japanese angelica tree, and bush honeysuckle.

• Masticator will consist of a skid steer with rubber tracks and mulching drumhead.

• Logs have fallen within the sites due to tree decline and emerald ash borer. If fallen logs are preventing masticator access patches of non-native shrubs, a skid steer mounted grapple shall be used, along with chainsaws, to move and pile logs to allow for easier planting and site maintenance within sites B, C, and D. Locations of log piles shall be approved by the COR.

• Ruts will be prevented proactively. Only skid steers with rubber treads, not tires, may be used. Skid steer will not be permitted within the sites during wet conditions. Skid steer will only be permitted within the sites during dry or frozen conditions to prevent soil disturbance.

The COR will monitor soil conditions and will stop work if soil disturbance is occurring.

Since archeology has not yet been conducted, it is important that surface soil not be scraped by dragging or pushing logs across the soil surface. If logs need to be moved to access patches of invasive plants, the logs shall be picked up and moved with the grapple and not dragged.

• Masticator operator shall have at least 5 years of experience working in forested environments similar in type and size to this project.

• Area will be cleared to allow for future tree planting and UTV access between rows of trees planted 12’ x 12’ apart.

• Damage to mature native trees due to contact with skid steer is prohibited.

2.5 OPTION 1 – Within site B, Plant 300 deciduous trees and shrubs per acre x 4 acres between September 1, 2024 and May 31, 2025. Trees cannot be planted before September 1, 2024, because NPS has to conduct archeology screening before planting can begin. Conduct monthly site maintenance for 7 months April – October in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

• Site planning – conduct soil analysis, species selection, and develop planting plan. Soil analysis must be provided to COR. Species selection must be approved by COR and include canopy trees and shrubs. Shrubs cannot make up more than 25% of the plantings per acre.

Trees and shrubs are required to be native to the Appalachian Mountain area.

• Planted species could include but not limited to hickory (bitternut, shagbark, mockernut), oak (post, black, northern red, southern red, white, chestnut, blackjack), hophornbeam, redbud, yellow-poplar, sugar maple, viburnum species, flowering dogwood. Planting of ash, beech, sweetgum, and locust is prohibited.

• Site preparation – treat non-native plants 25’ outside of the unit perimeter with herbicide.

Minimize damage to native plants.

• Site stakeout – mark planting locations on the ground in a naturalized grid pattern that allows for ease of maintenance and driving UTV between rows.

• Site planting - Plant 1,200 (300/acre) native one gallon containerized deciduous trees and shrubs on a 12’ x 12’ spacing. Install vented tree shelters and stakes on each planted tree/shrub.

• Treat non-native plants that grow up within the 4 acres with herbicide approved by the COR.

o Non-native species includes but not limited to Japanese barberry, multiflora rose, autumn olive, oriental bittersweet, Japanese angelica tree, and bush honeysuckle.

o Prevent at least 95% of non-natives within unit from going to seed each year.

o Achieve 95% reduction in invasive plants between time of award and POP end.

• Treat vegetation around the tree tube with herbicide.

• Hand weed inside each tube.

• Rehammer or replace broken stakes as needed.

• Replace planted trees that died to obtain a 97% survivability rate by POP end.

2.6 OPTION 2 – Within site C, plant 300 deciduous trees and shrubs per acre x 4 acres between September 1, 2024 and May 31, 2025. Trees cannot be planted before September 1, 2024 because NPS has to conduct archeology screening before planting can begin. Conduct monthly site maintenance for 7 months April – October in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

• Site planning – conduct soil analysis, species selection, and develop planting plan. Soil analysis must be provided to COR. Species selection must be approved by COR and include canopy trees and shrubs. Shrubs cannot make up more than 25% of the plantings per acre.

Trees and shrubs are required to be native to the Appalachian Mountain area.

• Planted species could include but not limited to hickory (bitternut, shagbark, mockernut), oak (post, black, northern red, southern red, white, chestnut, blackjack), hophornbeam, redbud, yellow-poplar, sugar maple, viburnum species, flowering dogwood. Planting of ash, beech, sweetgum, and locust is prohibited.

• Site preparation – treat non-native plants 25’ outside of the unit perimeter with herbicide.

Minimize damage to native plants.

• Site stakeout – mark planting locations on the ground in a naturalized grid pattern that allows for ease of maintenance and driving UTV between rows.

• Site planting - Plant 1,200 (300/acre) native one gallon containerized deciduous trees and shrubs. Install vented tree shelters and stakes on each planted tree/shrub.

• Treat non-native plants that grow up within the 4 acres with herbicide approved by the COR.

o Non-native species includes but not limited to Japanese barberry, multiflora rose, autumn olive, oriental bittersweet, Japanese angelica tree, and bush honeysuckle.

o Prevent at least 95% of non-natives within unit from going to seed each year.

o Achieve 95% reduction in invasive plants between time of award and POP end.

• Treat vegetation around the tree tube with herbicide.

• Hand weed inside each tube.

• Rehammer or replace broken stakes as needed.

• Replace planted trees that died to obtain a 97% survivability rate by POP end.

2.7 OPTION 3 – Within site D, plant 300 deciduous trees and shrubs per acre x 1 acre between September 1, 2024 and May 31, 2025. Trees cannot be planted before September 1, 2024 because NPS has to conduct archeology screening before planting can begin. Conduct monthly site maintenance for 7 months April – October in 2024, 2025, and 2026.

• Site planning – conduct soil analysis, species selection, and develop planting plan. Soil analysis must be provided to COR. Species selection must be approved by COR and include canopy trees and shrubs. Shrubs cannot make up more than 25% of the plantings per acre.

Trees and shrubs are required to be native to the Appalachian Mountain area.

• Planted species could include but not limited to hickory (bitternut, shagbark, mockernut), oak (post, black, northern red, southern red, white, chestnut, blackjack), hophornbeam, redbud, yellow-poplar, sugar maple, viburnum species, flowering dogwood. Planting of ash, beech, sweetgum, and locust is prohibited.

• Site preparation – treat non-native plants 25’ outside of the unit perimeter with herbicide.

Minimize damage to native plants.

• Site stakeout – mark planting locations on the ground in a naturalized grid pattern that allows for ease of maintenance and driving UTV between rows.

• Site planting - Plant 300 native one gallon containerized deciduous trees and shrubs. Install vented tree shelters and stakes on each planted tree/shrub.

• Treat non-native plants that grow up within the 1 acre with herbicide approved by the COR.

o Non-native species includes but not limited to Japanese barberry, multiflora rose, autumn olive, oriental bittersweet, Japanese angelica tree, and bush honeysuckle.

o Prevent at least 95% of non-natives within unit from going to seed each year.

o Achieve 95% reduction in invasive plants between time of award and POP end.

• Treat vegetation around the tree tube with herbicide.

• Hand weed inside each tube.

• Rehammer or replace broken stakes as needed.

• Replace planted trees that died to obtain a 97% survivability rate by POP end.

2.8 OPTION 4 – Conduct monthly site maintenance at least once per month during April – October in 2027 in Site A planted in Task 2.1.

• At least one site visit per month from April – October 2027 will be conducted (at least 7 site visits).

• Treat non-natives that grow up within the 8-acre unit with herbicide approved by the COR.

Mowing may not be used in lieu of herbicide.

o Non-native species includes but not limited to Japanese barberry, multiflora rose, autumn olive, oriental bittersweet, Japanese angelica tree, and bush honeysuckle.

o Prevent 95% of non-natives within unit from going to seed each year.

• Treat vegetation around the tree tubes with herbicide.

• Hand weed inside each tube.

• Rehammer or replace broken stakes as needed.

• Achieve 95% reduction in non-native plants from April 2027 - October 2027.

• If 95% reduction in non-native plants is achieved before the 7 days of maintenance is used up, continue to maintain planted areas in TASKS 2.4, 2.5, and 2.6 until at least 7 days are worked.

3.0 GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY AND SERVICES

3.1 For this requirement the Government will provide the following:

• N/A

4.0 ADDITIONAL CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

4.1 The contractor SHALL furnish and/or provide:

• All labor, supervision, materials, tools, supplies, signs, transportation, license, certificates, permits, personal protection equipment, and equipment incidental to and necessary to perform tree planting, non-native species control via herbicide and mastication, and at least 3 years of planting site maintenance services at Catoctin Mountain Park in Thurmont, MD.

• All permits and renewal of any licenses and certificates that are necessary to fulfill this requirement.

• A current State Licensed Forester must approve the species selection, planting plan, and be available for consulting at all times. A MD Certified Pesticide Applicator must always be on the job site when herbicide services are performed. The contractor SHALL provide the forester’s and pesticide applicator’s certification IDs for verification with their quote and any time there is a change in the onsite forester/applicator. Certification and currency will be subject to verification by the Government utilizing state databases.

o Masticator and skid steer operators must provide a resume which documents they have at least 5 years of experience working using a masticator in forested environments similar in type and size to this project.

• All heavy equipment SHALL be washed to remove noxious weeds and seeds prior to arrival at the project site. Afterwards, if the equipment is removed from the site, for any reasons, it SHALL be washed prior to arriving back on site. These measures are for the prevention of introducing exotic non-native plants and seeds into the sensitive environment that is within park boundaries. This is a primary mission of the National Park Service that cannot be overlooked by the contractor.

• All safety control measures that will secure the worksite and notify the public of any potential hazards. Examples include but are not limited to caution tape, cones, and barricades.

Worksites must not obstruct or imped any roadways, trails, emergency vehicle access points, or emergency infrastructure such as fire hydrants.

• In the event of an emergency the contractor SHALL first call 911 and then immediately call the parks 24-hour dispatch emergency number – 1-866-677-6677. The dispatch will immediately send out information to all on-duty Rangers.

• Provide written supervisor designation within two weeks after award: A supervisor designation is required for all on-site during all operations to direct contract personnel and maintain operations. The on-site supervisor MUST:

o Be fluent in the English language to effectively communicate with the contractor’s employees and/or subcontractors as well as the COR and other Government personnel.

o If the on-site supervisor is not present or absent due to illness or other reasons, the contractor shall provide an alternate supervisor to manage and direct all task order personnel and operations. The alternate supervisor shall possess the same qualifications as the on-site supervisor.

o The on-site supervisor shall have means of direct communication available such as phone or personal electronic device. The supervisor shall be able to respond to communications relayed through the contractor’s management channels.

o The contractor is required to establish a primary point of contact for communication with the COR. The point of contact shall be responsible for coordinating with the COR and shall possess the managerial authority to make decisions and act on behalf of the contractor. The primary point of contact shall be reasonably available during business hours to field calls and correspondence form the COR and shall be responsive. The primary point of contact is not required to be on – site during work execution.

4.2 Written Plans, Documents, Certifications Required

• State Licensed Forester License and ID: Due with quote.

• Maryland Pesticide Applicator License: Due with quote.

• Work Schedule: Due within ten (10) days of intended start date

• Safety Plan: Due two (2) weeks post award

• Quality Control Plan: Due two (2) weeks post award

• Superintendent and Alt written designation: Due two (2) weeks post award.

• Work/treatment log denoting the work performed by specimen: Due prior to end of period of performance.

4.3 Contractor Employee Conduct

• Professionalism: The contractor’s employees SHALL, always, while on the job site, whether on or off duty, conduct themselves in a professional, orderly, and safe manner. Rudeness, fighting, being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs or bringing and/or consuming alcohol and/or drugs, gambling, soliciting, stealing, and any immoral or otherwise undesirable conduct shall not be permitted on the job site and shall result in immediate and permanent removal from the job site of any employee engaging in such conduct.

• All contract employees SHALL display professionalism in all interactions with the public and Government employees. The Contracting Officer may require the contractor to remove, from the job site, any employee working under this requirement for reasons of misconduct and security, or if found to be (or suspected to

be) under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other incapacitating agent(s).

• A contractor’s employee SHALL be subject to removal from the premises upon determination by the Contracting Officer that such action is in the best interests of the Government. Such removal from the job site or dismissal from the premises SHALL not relieve the contractor of the requirement to provide sufficient personnel to perform the service as specified.

• All areas used by the contractor within park boundaries SHALL be kept neat and organized. All equipment MUST be properly maintained and secured at the end of each day. Any fluid leaks from equipment or vehicles that leave stains or renders damage will be cleaned or repaired by the contractor to the satisfaction of the COR/POC at no additional cost to the Government. The contractor SHALL not leave any tools, parts and/or supplies unattended in at any time while performing services.

• Contractor employees shall not loiter in any working or patron area. Upon completion of their assigned work, employees shall promptly depart from the public areas.

• All inquiries from the public or press SHALL be immediately directed to the

COR/POC.

4.4 Responsibility and Liability

The contractor SHALL be responsible:

• For all damages and liability for any loss or damage to Government property caused by his/her operations and SHALL assume full responsibility for any and all damages or claims for damage resulting from injury to persons, property or equipment which might result from any service performed under this contract.

• Ensuring that proper safety and health precautions are in place to protect the work, the workers, the public and the property of others at all times in performance of this contract.

• For the repair or replacement of all damaged Government property caused by his/her operations.

• All losses and/or damages shall be reported to the CO, COR and/or POC in writing, within two

(2) hours of any loss and/or damage being determined. The documentation must include at least:

o Time and Date of occurrence o Type of Loss or Damage o Name (s) and Number of People involved.

o Impact to park operation and/or assets effected by incident.

o Any details leading up to and after the incident.

• For all identified losses and/or damages o The contractor SHALL take any immediate actions necessary to prevent further damage.

o Is responsible for all costs associated with reported damages and/or losses to persons or property that occur as a result of the contractor’s negligence.

o The Government, at its sole direction, may elect to repair and/or replace the damaged property.

5.0 ADDITIONAL APPLICABLE REGULATIONS AND POLICIES

5.1 Publications that apply include:

• Superintendent’s Compendium

• OSHA Regulations

• CFR29 Requirements

• ANSI A300

• ANSI Z133

6.0 DEFINITIONS

https://www.nps.gov/cato/learn/management/lawsandpolicies.htm

ANSI: American National Standards Institute

Contracting Officer (CO): The person executing this contract on behalf of the Government, including any duly appointed successor and authorized representatives of the Contracting Officer acting within the limits of his/her authority.

Contracting Officer's Representative (COR): The on-site contract administrator for the Contracting Officer. The duties and responsibilities of the Contracting Officer’s Representatives are defined below in this Section or in a letter of designation issued by the Contracting Officer.

Contractor: The individual, partnership, joint venture, or corporation undertaking the execution of work under the terms of the contract and acting directly or through their agent, employees, or subcontractors.

CS: Contract Specialist

PWS: Performance Work Statement

QC: Quality Control: Actions taken by a contractor to carry out a written Quality Control Plan to ensure the performance of contracted services meet the PWS requirements

Quality Control Plan: A written document created by the contractor outlining the specific actions the contractor will take to ensure the performance of contracted services meet the requirements contained within the PWS.

Quality Assurance: Actions taken by the Government to assure contracted services meet PWS requirements.

Safety Plan: A written document that takes into consideration the risk assessment of the requirement and develops reasonable measures, concepts, behaviors, and disciplines to mitigate the assessed risk.

7.0 PERSONAL SERVICES

The Government has determined that use of an Agreement to satisfy this requirement is in the best interest of the Government, economic and other factors considered, and this Contract is not being used to procure personal services prohibited by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 37.104 titled “Personal Services Contract”.

To counter the circumstances that infer personal services and to preserve the non-personal nature of the Agreement, the contractor shall adhere to the following guidelines in the performance of the Contract:

• Contractor provides for direct supervision of all contract employees assigned to the task.

• Refrain from discussing the issues such as skill levels and hours, salaries, cost, and funding data, or administrative and personnel matters affecting contractor employees with the client.

• Ensure close communication/coordination with the CO and COR/POC, reporting problems to the COR/POC and CO as they occur.

• Do not permit Government officials to interview potential contractor employees, discuss individual performance, approve leave, or work scheduling of contractor employees, terminate contractor employees, assist contractor employees in doing their jobs or obtain assistance from the contractor in doing Government job.

• Do not assign contractor personnel to work under direct Government supervision.

• Maintain a professional distance from Government employees.

• Provide contractor employees with badges, if appropriate, identifying them as contractors.

• Ensure proper communications with the Government (technical discussion and government surveillance is okay, but the Government cannot tell the contractor how to do the job).

• The Government has the right to reject the finished product or result and this does not constitute personal services.

8.0 THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT PERSONNEL AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION

• Contracting Officer: The Contracting Officer (CO) has the overall responsibility for the administration of this contract. The CO, is authorized to amend, modify, or deviate from the contract.

• Contracting Officer's Representative (COR): The COR will be designated in writing at the time of award to assist the CO/PA in the day-to-day on-site administration of the contract requirements. The responsibilities of the COR include, but are not limited to;

(1) Determining the compliance and adequacy of performance by the contractor in accordance with the terms and conditions of this contract;

(2) Requesting removal of unsuitable contractor employees;

(3) Ensuring adequacy of schedule and Quality Control Plan, including changes;

(4) Ordering re-performance of unacceptable work or performance by other mean, etc.

• Point-of-Contact (POC): The POC will be used if an official COR cannot be designated at the time of award. The POC will not be designated in writing and will assist the CO/COR in the day- to-day on-site administration of the contract requirements.

9.0 DESIGNATION OF CONTRACTING OFFICERS REPRESENTATIVE (COR)

• The Contracting Officer may designate a certified FAC-COR as the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) at time of award. The COR will receive a designated COR Appointment Letter.

• The COR is responsible for administering the performance of work under this contract.

In no event, however, will any understanding, agreement, modification, change order, or other matter deviating from the terms of this contract be effective or binding upon the Government unless formalized by a proper contractual document executed by the Contracting Officer prior to completion of the contract.

• The Contracting Officer should be informed as soon as possible of any actions or inactions by the contractor or the Government which will change the required delivery or completion times stated in the contract, and the contract will be modified accordingly.

(This does not apply to individual assignments which were issued by the Contracting Officer’s Representative provided they do not affect the delivery schedule or performance period stated in the contract.)

• On all matters that pertain to the contract terms the contractor must communicate with the Contracting Officer. Whenever, in the opinion of the contractor, the Contracting Officer’s Representative requests effort outside the scope of the contract, the contractor should so advise the Contracting Officer’s Representative. If the Contracting Officer’s Representative persists and there still exists a disagreement as to proper contractual coverage, the Contracting Officer should be notified immediately, preferably in writing if time permits. Proceeding with work without proper contractual coverage could result in nonpayment or necessitate submittal of a contract claim.

• The COR is delegated full authority under this contract except for the following actions which are reserved for the Contracting Officer:

1. Approve Change Orders and Modifications

2. Take action to terminate the contract for default or Government convenience.

3. Make contract adjustments under the Differing Site Conditions clause.

4. Grant extensions of contract time.

5. Approve assignment of claims.

6. Make final decisions under the Disputes clause.

7. Make final acceptance under the contract.

8. Make final decisions under the Suspension of Work clause.

9. Make equitable adjustments.

10. Authorize change in amount of Payment Retention.

11. Approve subcontractors.

12. Approve payments with deductions or final payment.

13. Approve use and possession prior to completion.

14. Enforce the warranty provisions.

15. Issue any direction that would result in a possible change to contract requirements.

10.0 POINT OF CONTACT (POC)

• The POC will be the COR and will assist the CO in the day-to-day on-site administration of the contract requirements.

• The POC is responsible for administering the performance of work under this contract. In no event, however, will any understanding, agreement, modification, change order, or other matter deviating from the terms of this contract be effective or binding upon the Government unless formalized by a proper contractual document(s) executed by the CO prior to completion of the contract.

• The CO should be informed as soon as possible of any actions or inactions by the contractor or the Government which will change the required delivery or completion times stated in the contract, and the contract will be modified accordingly. (This does not apply to individual assignments which were issued by the CO provided they do not affect the delivery schedule or performance period stated in the contract.)

• On all matters that pertain to the contract terms the contractor must communicate with the CO. Whenever, in the opinion of the contractor, the POC requests effort outside the scope of the contract, the contractor should so advise the CO. If the POC persists and there still exists a disagreement as to proper contractual coverage, the CO should be notified immediately, preferably in writing if time permits. Proceeding with work without proper contractual coverage could result in nonpayment or necessitate submittal of a contract claim.

• The POC has limited authority under this contract and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

1. Determining the compliance and adequacy of performance by the contractor in accordance with the terms and conditions of this contract;

2. Requesting removal of unsuitable contractor employees;

3. Ensuring adequacy of schedule and Quality Control Plan, including changes;

4. Ordering re-performance of unacceptable work or performance by other means, etc.

5. Approval of invoices and submitted reports.

6. Requesting any of the work contained within contract.

11.0 INVOICING SUBMITTAL PROCEDURES

The "Submit Invoice to" address for DOI orders is the Department of Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform (IPP). All invoices are to be submitted online via the electronic Invoice Processing Platform.

This is a mandatory requirement initiated by the U.S. Department of Treasury and one can find more information at this website https://www.ipp.gov/index.htm.

One’s company must register at https://www.ipp.gov/vendors/enrollment-vendors.htm to establish an account in order to submit an invoice on this project. Benefits of registering with IPP include the ability to create invoices directly from a contract award and submit them electronically, as well as:

□ email notification when invoice(s) are paid.

https://www.ipp.gov/index.htm https://www.ipp.gov/vendors/enrollment-vendors.htm

□ online payment history

□ email notification when one is awarded a new contract.

The email notification of payment is sent when a payment is distributed to one’s bank account and will include all pertinent payment information. For all questions related to IPP registration and issues with submitting invoices, please contact IPP Customer Support at 1 (866) 973-3131.

TECHNICAL EXHIBIT 1

Performance Requirements Summary

The contractor service requirements are summarized into performance objectives that relate directly to mission essential items. The performance threshold briefly describes the minimum acceptable levels of service required for each requirement. These thresholds are critical to mission success.

Performance Objective

(The Service required—usually a shall statement)

Standard Performance Threshold (This is the maximum error rate. It could possibly be “Zero deviation from standard”)

Method of Surveillance

PRS # 1.

The Contractor shall develop a work plan and schedule that demonstrates that work will be completed within the performance period, that details the contractor’s plan for conducting soil analysis, species selection based on soil analysis and site characteristics, purchasing trees, installing trees, and maintaining the site. Work plan shall include equipment make and model that will be used in the planting area.

The contractor provided a workplan that thoroughly details the logistics and schedule of achieving the work required in the contract. The provided work plan sufficiently explains the contractor’s plan for dealing with the logistics of working on the site, including but not limited to transportation of plant material to the site, vendors from which trees will be purchased, and storage of material. The work plan addresses the planting requirements detailed in TS-2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5, 2.6, and 2.7 of the Performance Work Statement.

The work plan receives approval after review conducted by the Government after the submittal of the work plan by the Contractor.

Species selection must be approved by the

COR.

The Government shall review the work plan upon its submittal after the issuance of the NTP.

PRS # 2

The contractor shall install 300 trees per acre for the number of acres identified in the contract. Shrubs shall make up no more than 25% of the plantings per acre.

The plants and plant installations followed the standards set out in TS-2.3, 2.5, 2.6, and 2.7 of the Performance Work Statement. A current State Licensed Forester must approve the species selection, planting plan, and be available for consulting at all times.

Upon any inspection prior to the final inspection, plants not adhering to the standard will be rejected and need to be replaced by the Contractor.