Solicitation 12444221R0035.pdf

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

ATLANTA GA 30309-2449

STE 876S

1720 PEACHTREE ST NW

USDA-FS CSA EAST 4

CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BYCODE

X

X

X

115310

SIZE STANDARD:

100.00 % FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED OR4442

RFPIFB

10. THIS ACQUISITION ISCODE

RFQ

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

13b. RATING

NAICS:

SMALL BUSINESS

09/24/2021 1400 CT

08/25/2021

501-321-5324JAY TOBIN

(No collect calls)

INFORMATION CALL:

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

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

12444221R0035

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

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

1 75 OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

15. DELIVER TO

ATLANTA GA 30309-2449

STE 876S

1720 PEACHTREE ST NW

9. ISSUED BY

7.

2. CONTRACT NO.

EFFECTIVE DATE

$8.00

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 SCHEDULEX

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)

USDA-FS CSA EAST 4

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.

OZARK-ST. FRANCIS NATIONAL FORESTS - This solicitation will result in Performance Based, Indefinite Delivery - Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Multiple Award Task Order Contracts (MATOC) as best meets the needs of the Government on the basis of technical capability, past performance, and price. These contracts will have a base period, which runs through September 30, 2022 and four option years, which if exercised could extend contract performance through September 30, 2026. There is no guarantee that any options

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

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

X

XX

DATED

JAY G. TOBIN

. 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.

will be exercised by the Government.

Individual task orders will be competed among

MATOC awardees. The Government expressly reserves the right to limit competition in order to meet minimum contract obligations or as may otherwise be determined to be in its best interests. The Government reserves the right to adjust the quantity ordered on any task order based on the availability of funds.

Offerors must submit both a technical and a price proposal per the instructions beginning on page

58 to be eligible for award.

Period of Performance: 10/01/2021 to 09/30/2026

0001 Vegetative Management Services

Product/Service Code: F018

Product/Service Description: NATURAL

RESOURCES/CONSERVATION- OTHER FOREST/RANGE

IMPROVEMENTS (NON-CONSTRUCTION)

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its

Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering

USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, Continued ...

32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

75 2 of

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

3 75

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

(A) (B) (C) (D) (E) (F)

12444221R0035 sex, gender identity (including gender expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information

(e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American

Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA's TARGET Center at

(202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800)

877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination

Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to

File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to

USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992.

Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400

Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C.

20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

NSN 7540-01-152-8067 OPTIONAL FORM 336 (4-86)

Sponsored by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

12444221R0035 Ozark-St. Francis National Forest

Vegetation Management/Wildlife Protection Services

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT SERVICES

Ozark-St. Francis National Forests

Big Piney Ranger District (Hector/ Jasper, AR); Boston Mountain Ranger District (Ozark, AR); Magazine Ranger District (Paris, AR); Pleasant Hill Ranger District (Clarksville, AR); St. Francis Ranger District (Marianna, AR);

Sylamore Ranger District (Mountain View, AR).

OVERVIEW

This solicitation will result in Performance Based, Indefinite Delivery - Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Multiple Award Task Order Contracts (MATOC) as best meets the needs of the Government on the basis of technical capability, past performance and price. These contracts will have a base period, which runs through September 30, 2022 and four option years, which if exercised could extend contract performance through September 30, 2026. There is no guarantee that any options will be exercised by the Government.

Individual task orders will be competed among MATOC awardees. The Government expressly reserves the right to limit competition in order to meet minimum contract obligations or as may otherwise be determined to be in its best interests. The Government reserves the right to adjust the quantity ordered on any task order based on the availability of funds.

Offerors may quote on one or multiple Ranger Districts. Offerors may also limit the total amount of work they might accept by addressing any such limitations in their Technical Proposal. When quoting on multiple items, offerors shall identify the priority of those items and the maximum amount of work that may be undertaken.

Contractors must “opt out” of task orders and identify their reason(s) for not submitting an offer; contractors who consistently fail to submit an offer on task orders risk not having their option renewed and could forfeit their minimum guarantee.

AUTHORIZED ORDERING ACTIVITIES: Task orders may only be issued by warranted contracting officers or purchasing agents on behalf of the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest.

Vegetation Management/Wildlife Protection Services

SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

TASK/SUB-TASK EST

QTY* UNIT

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5.1. TREE PLANTING

5.1.1. Pine Containerized - Full 250 Acre

5.1.2. Pine Containerized - Partial 1 Acre

5.1.3. Hardwood Bareroot 75 Acre

5.2. SURVIVAL SURVEYS

5.2.1. 1st Year Checks TBD Acre

5.2.2. 3rd Year Checks TBD Acre

5.3. HERBICIDE APPLICATION - WITH CONTRACTOR PROVIDING HERBICIDE

5.3.1. Foliar Spray

5.3.1.1. Site Preparation 100 Acre

5.3.1.2. Release 100 Acre

5.3.1.3. Roadside

5.3.1.3.1. Broadcast 50 Acre

5.3.1.3.2. Spot Application 50 Acre

5.3.1.4. Forest Vegetation 100 Acre

5.3.1.5. Openings/Fields 50 Acre

5.3.2. Cut Surface

5.3.2.1. Site Preparation 1 Acre

5.3.2.2. Release 1 Acre

5.3.2.3. Roadside 1 Acre

5.3.2.4. Forest Vegetation 50 Acre

5.3.3. Hack-n-Squirt

5.3.3.1. Site Preparation 1 Acre

5.3.3.2. Release 50 Acre

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5.3.3.3. Roadside 1 Acre

5.3.3.4. Forest Vegetation 50 Acre

5.3.4. Combined Foliar & Hack-n-Squirt

5.3.4.1. Site Preparation 1 Acre

5.3.4.2. Release 50 Acre

5.3.4.3. Roadside

5.3.4.3.1. Broadcast 1 Acre

5.3.4.3.2. Spot Application 10 Acre

5.3.4.4. Forest Vegetation 90 Acre

5.3.5. Combined Foliar & Cut Surface

5.3.5.1. Site Preparation 150 Acre

5.3.5.2. Release 100 Acre

5.3.5.3. Roadside

5.3.5.3.1. Broadcast 1 Acre

5.3.5.3.2. Spot Application 5 Acre

5.3.5.4. Forest Vegetation 10 Acre

5.3.6. Basal Spray

5.3.6.1. Site Preparation 1 Acre

5.3.6.2. Release 175 Acre

5.3.6.3. Forest Vegetation 150 Acre

5.3. HERBICIDE APPLICATION - WITH FOREST SERVICE PROVIDING HERBICIDE

5.3.1. Foliar Spray

5.3.1.1. Site Preparation 100 Acre

5.3.1.2. Release 100 Acre

5.3.1.3. Roadside

5.3.1.3.1. Broadcast 50 Acre

5.3.1.3.2. Spot Application 50 Acre

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5.3.1.4. Forest Vegetation 100 Acre

5.3.1.5. Openings/Fields 50 Acre

5.3.2. Cut Surface

5.3.2.1. Site Preparation 1 Acre

5.3.2.2. Release 1 Acre

5.3.2.3. Roadside 1 Acre

5.3.2.4. Forest Vegetation 50 Acre

5.3.3. Hack-n-Squirt

5.3.3.1. Site Preparation 1 Acre

5.3.3.2. Release 50 Acre

5.3.3.3. Roadside 1 Acre

5.3.3.4. Forest Vegetation 50 Acre

5.3.4. Combined Foliar & Hack-n-Squirt

5.3.4.1. Site Preparation 1 Acre

5.3.4.2. Release 50 Acre

5.3.4.3. Roadside

5.3.4.3.1. Broadcast 1 Acre

5.3.4.3.2. Spot Application 10 Acre

5.3.4.4. Forest Vegetation 90 Acre

5.3.5. Combined Foliar & Cut Surface

5.3.5.1. Site Preparation 150 Acre

5.3.5.2. Release 100 Acre

5.3.5.3. Roadside

5.3.5.3.1. Broadcast 1 Acre

5.3.5.3.2. Spot Application 5 Acre

5.3.5.4. Forest Vegetation 10 Acre

5.3.6. Basal Spray

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5.3.6.1. Site Preparation 1 Acre

5.3.6.2. Release 175 Acre

5.3.6.3. Forest Vegetation 150 Acre

5.4. MANUAL TREATMENTS

5.4.1. Site Preparation 175 Acre

5.4.2. Release 150 Acre

5.4.3. Precommercial Thinning 20 Acre

5.4.4. Cedar Removal 150 Acre

5.4.5. Understory Removal 50 Acre

5.4.6. Midstory Removal 50 Acre

5.5 WOODLAND RESTORATION

5.5.1. Low Stem Density 100 Acre

5.5.2. High Stem Density 100 Acre

5.6 ACCESS CONTROL

5.6.1. Pipe Gate 2 Gate

5.6.2. Farm Gate 2 Gate

CONTRACTOR IDENTIFICATION:

Name:

Mailing Address:

Phone:

E-Mail:

DUNS #:

EACH OFFEROR SHALL IDENTIFY THE LOCATIONS FOR WHICH THEY DESIRE TO BE

CONSIDERED FOR CONTRACT AWARD. Contractors will be provided fair opportunity to compete for all task orders at those locations if awarded a contract.

Locations: PLACE AN “X” FOR ALL

LOCATIONS OF INTERESTS

Ozark-St. Francis National Forest

All Ozark NF Ranger Districts

Big Piney Ranger District, Hector/Jasper, Arkansas

Boston Mountain Ranger District, Ozark, Arkansas

Magazine Ranger District, Paris, Arkansas

Pleasant Hill Ranger District, Clarksville, Arkansas

St. Francis Ranger District, Marianna, Arkansas

Sylamore Ranger District, Mountain View, Arkansas

PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

SECTION I - GENERAL DESCRIPTION

SCOPE OF CONTRACT

The purpose of the proposed contract is to provide an array of vegetation management/ wildlife protection services to the Ozark-St. Francis National Forests as detailed in the Schedule of Items and this Performance Work Statement.

PROJECT LOCATION

a) The project is located on Ranger Districts of the Ozark-St. Francis NF with headquarters in Russelville, AR.

b) Specific locations, unit data, and maps will be supplied with each task order.

c) Acreages listed on each task order will have been determined by closed traverse, planimeter, global positioning system (GPS), or geographical information system (GIS). For purposes of this contract, quantities listed on each task order are considered actual acreage and not an estimate.

PROJECT ACCESS

a) The project area shall be accessed by Forest Service Roads. The Forest Service assumes no obligation to perform any special maintenance in order to keep roads open. Stands are accessible by some combination of 2- or 4-wheel drive vehicle and foot travel.

b) The National Forest’s Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) for the individual Ranger Districts (available upon award) provides open road information. The Contractor will coordinate with the Forest Service to access those roads that are seasonally closed by gates. Forest Service roads that are permanently closed by earthen berms or some other obstruction will have to be accessed by foot or, if available, UTV.

c) Contractors are subject to the same rules as Forest Service personnel regarding the use of off-road vehicles and must use only utility task vehicles (UTV) or side by sides. These vehicles differ from all-terrain vehicles (ATV) in that UTV payloads run from 800 to 1,350 pounds above the operator/passenger’s weight.

UTV also have roll-over protection and seat belts unlike ATV.

SALVAGE RIGHTS

No salvage rights exist under this contract.

RE-MEASUREMENT

The Contractor may at any time after issuance of a task order request re-measurement of an area in writing.

Payment will be based on the re-measured acreage, except no adjustment shall be made for less than 1 acre.

The Contractor shall pay for the cost of re-measurement if the resultant increase is less than 10 percent. Method of re-measurement will be determined by the Government.

PAYMENT

Payment for performed work will be based on actual acres completed by the Contractor and accepted by the Government.

PERFORMANCE OF SIMILAR WORK BY THE GOVERNMENT

Nothing in this contract restricts the Government from performing any of the work with its own organization and workforce.

CONTRACTOR REPRESENTATIVE

The contractor shall provide a contract representative for the performance of the work. The name of this person and an alternate(s) who shall act for the contractor when the contractor is absent shall be designated in writing to the contracting officer. The contractor representative or alternate shall have full authority to act for the contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract. The contractor representative and alternate(s) must be able to read, write, speak, understand English, and communicate with his crews.

CONTRACTOR ACCESS

If the contractor must unlock a gate, the Contractor is required to relock the gate upon entry and egress.

EQUIPMENT CLEANING – INVASIVE SPECIES OF CONCERN

(a) The contractor shall ensure that any equipment intended for use during contract performance, either mechanical or otherwise, shall be free from invasive species of concern before use on this contract or any subsequent task order.

(i) Prior to commencing work on a project, the contractor shall advise the Forest Service of previous equipment cleaning measures and make equipment available for inspection upon request. Forest Service shall have 2 days, excluding weekends and Federal holidays, to inspect any equipment to ensure it is free of invasive species of concern. Equipment shall be considered clean when a visual inspection does not disclose seeds, soil, vegetative matter, and other debris that could contain or hold seeds of invasive species of concern. After satisfactory inspection or after such 2 day period, the contractor may proceed with work as directed by the Contracting Officer (CO)

(ii) If the contractor desires to clean equipment on National Forest land, such as at the end of a project or prior to moving to or through an area that is free of invasive species of concern, the contractor shall obtain prior approval from CO as to the location for such cleaning and measures, if any, for controlling impacts.

(b) The respective District Offices maintain a current list and maps of areas known by the Forest Service that are infested with invasive species of concern and are available upon request. The parties shall promptly communicate with one another with respect to description or designation of additional locations; discovery of locations of new species or new infestation; and addition of species to the list of invasive species of concern and any potential impact on contract operations.

PROTECTION OF EXISTING VEGETATION, STRUCTURES, EQUIPMENT, UTILITIES, AND

IMPROVEMENTS

(a) The Contractor shall preserve and protect all structures, equipment, and vegetation (such as trees, shrubs, and grass) on or adjacent to the work site, which are not to be removed and which do not unreasonably interfere with the work required under this contract. The Contractor shall only remove trees when specifically authorized to do so, and shall avoid damaging vegetation that will remain in place.

(b) The Contractor shall protect from damage all existing improvements and utilities (1) at or near the work site, and (2) on adjacent property of a third party, the locations of which are made known to or should be known by the Contractor. The Contractor shall repair any damage to those facilities, including those that are the property of a third party, resulting from failure to comply with the requirements of this contract or failure to exercise reasonable care in performing the work. If the Contractor fails or refuses to repair the damage promptly, the Contracting Officer may have the necessary work performed and charge the cost to the Contractor.

(c) Treatment applications shall not be applied within Streamside Management Zones that are designated by a painted unit boundary and/or as designated by the COR, unless specifically authorized by the COR and aquatic labeled herbicides are being used.

(d) The Contractor shall take every precaution necessary to prevent pollution of any stream. All streams shall be kept free of Contractor generated debris. Heavy equipment shall not operate within the streamside management zones as designated by the COR. The COR will designate stream crossings.

(e) Improvements such as fences, gates, property boundaries, corner monuments and trees that are marked or identified with paint, signs, tags, and/or blazes shall be protected by the contractor.

(f) Trees that are located adjacent to roads, fire lines, fences, private property, right-of-ways, or other structures and are designated for treatment shall be severed and felled so as not to damage, lean on, clog or otherwise obstruct existing structures or facilities.

(g) The contractor will notify the COR immediately of any damaged structures and repair damages that have resulted from the contractor’s operations.

(h) Tracked equipment shall be loaded or unloaded onto unimproved roads or within the area to be treated.

(i) Lead off and wing ditch structures that have been constructed for system roads shall be protected.

(j) Some treatment areas will be in very wet areas or undrained flats and will not have vehicle access; vehicles will be prohibited from those areas. It such cases, the task order will include designated parking or access routes.

(k) The Contractor shall take every precaution necessary to prevent digging, gouging and moving soil. The

Contractor shall prevent excessive rutting and compaction by operating his equipment only when suitable soil conditions exist, as determined by the COR or Inspector. The Contractor shall prevent damage to trees left standing.

CLEANING UP: The Contractor shall at all times keep the work area, including storage areas, free from accumulations of waste materials. Before completing the work, the Contractor shall remove from the work and premises any rubbish, tools, equipment, and materials that are not the property of the Government. Upon completing the work, the Contractor shall leave the work area in a clean, neat, and orderly condition satisfactory to the Contracting Officer or their designee.

PERFORMANCE TIME: All task orders issued will include contract delivery or performance schedule in terms of specific calendar dates or contract time for completion. To facilitate timely inspections, the contractor shall provide the Government of their proposed operation schedule. The contractor shall notify the Government of schedule changes.

All work shall be performed during the time period of one-half hour after sunrise to one-half hour before sunset, Monday through Friday, unless time changes are approved by the COR or Inspector.

SECTION II - DEFINITIONS

2.1 STANDARD DEFINITIONS

TERMS MEANING

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

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

Performance Requirements Summary (PRS)

Identifies the key service outputs of the contract that will be evaluated by the Government to assure contract performance standards are met by the contractor.

Quality Assurance Those actions taken by the Government to assure services meet the requirements of the Performance Work Statement (PWS)

Contracting Officer (CO) A person with the authority to enter into, and administer, and/or terminate contracts and make related determinations and findings.

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR)

A Government person appointed by the contracting officer to help the contracting officer with contract administration and surveillance.

Government Inspector A Government person responsible for surveillance of contractor performance.

Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)

An organized written document used for quality assurance surveillance that contains specific methods the Government will use to perform surveillance of the contractor.

Quality Control Those actions taken by a contractor to control the performance of services so that they meet the requirements of the PWS.

Random Sampling A sampling method in which each service output in a unit has an equal chance of being selected.

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

2.2 TECHNICAL DEFINTIONS

DBH (Diameter breast height) Diameter of the trunk of a tree measured 4-1/2 feet above the ground level on the uphill side of the tree.

Leave Trees Trees which are not to be cut under this contract.

Crop Trees Trees which are not cut based on their growth characteristics that will make future sawtimber trees.

Cut Trees Trees which are to be cut under this contract.

Slash Any vegetation that was cut by the contractor.

Lopping and Scattering Cutting limbs from the trunks of the cut trees and moving and rearranging of slash concentrations to achieve slash depth required in the contract.

Bole The trunk or stem of a tree Live Crown Ratio Percent of live crown in relation to the total height of the tree Manual Felling Method of treatment application that severs the stem from the stump.

Reforestation The act of renewing tree cover by establishing young trees naturally or artificially.

Shelterwood Reforestation Method of treatment that creates an open under-story within an over-storied landscape through reduction of mid-story stems.

Release A treatment designed to free young trees from undesirable, usually overtopping, competing vegetation.

Precommercial thinning Method of treatment where tree stems are completely severed from the stump in order to improve tree spacing.

Noncommercial thinning Method of treatment where tree stems are completely severed from the stump in order to improve tree spacing and control competition.

Foliar spray Method of treatment application where herbicide is applied to foliage of vegetation.

Hack and Squirt Method of treatment application that applies herbicide through cuts in the stem, (bole) of the tree.

Cut Surface Treatment Method of treatment where tree stems or vines are completely severed from the stump and followed with an application of herbicide.

Broadcast herbicide Application of herbicide over an entire area.

Spot herbicide Application of herbicide on target plants.

Strip herbicide Application of herbicide in rows.

Glade restoration Cutting undesirable vegetation to create open glades.

Hardwood Understory controls Cutting hardwood stems in the understory.

Unripped Site Preparation Planting sites that have not been subsoiled.

Nonnative Invasive Species Noxious weeds Overstory Development Release and retention of selected hard mast producers Midstory Vegetation layer between the canopy and herbaceous layer

Girdling Hand treatment that removes the cambium layer located beneath the bark of a tree bole.

Competing Plants Any plant that is ½ or greater the height of the crop trees.

Hardwood Stump Sprout Vegetation growth of a hardwood species originating from a cut stump.

Woodland Restoration Reducing the stand density to create a more open-canopy with increase sunlight to stimulate the herbaceous community within the groundlayer.

SECTION III - GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY, MATERIALS, SERVICES

The Government will furnish the following: Project area maps (1:24000) scale for each area; vicinity maps that show the general location of the areas on each unit and tree seedlings for planting. When required by the contract/ task order, the Government will also furnish herbicide, dye, and/or surfactant.

SECTION IV - CONTRACTOR FURNISHED ITEMS/SERVICES

The contractor shall furnish all the equipment, supplies and labor required to successfully accomplish the work outlined in the Performance Work Statement at an acceptable level. The contractor shall also provide proof that the work meets the standards.

Contractor shall provide proof of State license for herbicide handling and application. For contractor provided herbicide tasks, proof of purchase receipts shall be submitted to COR upon request.

Submittals. The contractor shall provide and maintain an acceptable Quality Control Plan, Work Plan, and Safety Plan throughout the life of this contract. The contractor shall make available to the Government any records, materials, and other evidence regarding inspection, testing, and quality control for any work performed under this contract for examination, audit, or reproduction. This requirement also applies to any subcontracts under this contract. The Contractor shall notify subcontractors appropriately and insert this requirement in all subcontracts under this contract.

SECTION V - GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS/INDUSTRY STANDARDS/STATE

STANDARDS.GOVERNMENT STANDARDS/TECHNICAL EXHIBITS

NUMBER/DATE TITLE AGENCY

Revision 14 Dated 5/28/02

Wage Determination Number 1979-1136 State: Arkansas

Area: Arkansas Statewide Copy attached

U.S.

Department of

Labor Employment

Standards Administration Wage and Hour

Division

September 2005 Revised Land Management Plan

Available at the following website:

http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/osfnf/landmanagement/planning/?cid=stelprdb5212891

Ozark-St.

Francis NF

June 2011 Government’s Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan Ozark-St.

Francis NF

VEGETATION MANAGEMENT TREATMENT STANDARDS

Current Policy and Standard Practices for H2B Workers and Working Conditions

Migrant and seasonal Workers Protection Act: Provides requirements for housing, transportation, and working conditions for migrant and seasonal workers. The Department of Labor is responsible for enforcement.

Service Contract Act: Provides for minimum wages and other benefits under federal service contracts. The Department of Labor is responsible for enforcement.

Office of Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Responsible for setting health and safety requirements in the multitude of industries. OSHA is responsible for enforcement.

Legal status of workers in the U.S.: The Department of Homeland Security--Immigration and Naturalization Service is responsible of reinforcing the legal status of workers in the U.S.

5.1. TREE PLANTING STANDARDS

5.1.1. PINE SEEDLINGS CONTAINERIZED– Full Planting

Plant all areas according to preferred spacing listed on the task order. Each task order will have a minimum and maximum number of seedlings that shall be planted to be acceptable, generally ranging from 400 to 800 per acre.

A hole for planting may be created only after the area has been cleared of surface debris to the extent that when the planting hole is created no debris can fall into the hole preventing an air tight seal. The planting hole shall be deep enough to accommodate entire root system.

Plant one seedling in a trash free hole.

Containerized seedling should be planted so the plugs are flush to no more than ½ inch below ground line.

Seedlings shall be planted so that no roots are exposed.

Plant seedlings in a manner to prevent twisting of roots, “L” roots, “J” roots, or balled roots.

Seedlings should be firmly packed around the roots to eliminate air pockets and ensure the entire root system is in contact with the soil without damaging the seedling.

Seedlings shall not be planted in standing water.

Do not plant seedlings within 10 feet of the edge of any designated system road or right of way for a powerline or pipeline.

To avoid possible root damage, do not use the planting tool to maneuver the roots of a seedling into the planting hole.

Seedlings shall not be planted within 12 inches of large mounds of soil, rocks, or stump holes large enough to hamper root growth and development.

Firmness will be inspected by holding the crown of the seedling in the hand and lightly pulling upward on the seedling. The soil shall be firm enough around the root system so no movement occurs to the seedling.

Timing of Operations

Tree planting will begin once there is sufficient soil moisture to support newly planted trees.

Seedling pick up will be during normal business hours and as scheduled with COR on weekends and holidays.

Planting operations shall be suspended when the ground is frozen, during freezing conditions or other unsatisfactory conditions as determined by the COR.

Equipment

Planting tools for containerized seedlings shall be specifically designed to create holes for seedling plugs.

All planting tools will be subject to intermittent inspections and individual tools may be disallowed because they do not meet the minimum specifications.

Care and Handling of Seedlings

Seedlings shall be protected at all times from drying, heating, smothering, freezing, crushing, drowning, abrasion, rapid temperature fluctuations or contact with injurious substances, i.e. gasoline, oil, or diesel fuel.

Seedlings must be handled, stored and transported in a manner to protect them from sun and wind and to maintain the air temperature of bags/bundles between 32 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tree seedlings shall not be removed from shipping containers until needed for preparation for planting.

Seedling roots must be kept moist at all times prior to and during planting.

Do not damage seedlings by hitting or striking the roots to remove soil or packing medium.

Tree seedlings shall be planted without further root or top pruning or culling.

Tree seedlings in planting bags shall have only their tops exposed.

Tree seedlings shall be gently removed, one at a time, to prevent stripping or other injury, and quickly and gently inserted into the planting hole.

Planters shall not carry trees in the open between planting spots nor shall they throw seedlings to other planters to plant.

Disposal of Seedling Boxes/Bags and Other Debris

It will be the contractors responsibility to dispose of seedling bags/boxes, binding straps and contractor generated debris and litter from National Forest lands.

Inspection and Acceptance of Work

The specified minimum number of seedlings per acre is the minimum number of seedlings that shall be properly planted per acre.

Planting up to the maximum number of seedlings per acre is acceptable.

If the quantity of seedlings properly planted falls below the minimum acceptable level, work will be considered unacceptable and remedial work will be required to meet the minimum.

If the seedlings are improperly planted, work will be considered unacceptable and remedial work will be required to meet the minimum.

Payment

Payment will be made at the unit price bid for the total number of acres satisfactorily planted less the following:

a. Value of the number of seedlings planted in excess of the maximum per acre based on the current value per thousand of seedlings planted.

b. Value of seedlings lost, damaged, or improperly planted based on the current value per thousand for the type of seedlings lost, damaged or improperly planted.

5.1.2. PINE SEEDLINGS – Supplemental Planting Standards

Planting will focus on areas of insufficient regeneration or open areas requiring a lower density of seedlings to be planted and will be identified on the task order. Each task order will have a minimum and maximum number of seedlings that shall be planted to be acceptable, generally ranging from 100 to 400 per acre.

All other Standards for a Supplemental Planting will be the same as for Full Planting.

5.1.3. HARDWOOD BAREROOT with AUGER - Planting Standards

Plant all areas according to preferred spacing listed on the task order. Each task order will have a minimum and maximum number of seedlings that shall be planted to be acceptable, generally ranging from 100 to 200 per acre.

A hole for planting may be created only after the area has been cleared of surface debris to the extent that when the planting hole is created no debris can fall into the hole preventing an air tight seal. Holes must be cleared by hand to remove all material leaving a clean hole of proper depth, in which a seedling can be planted.

Plant one seedling in a trash free hole. The hole should be deep enough to accommodate the entire root system.

Bareroot seedlings should be planted 1 to 2 inches deeper than the root collar.

Seedlings shall be planted so that no roots are exposed.

Plant seedlings in a manner to prevent twisting roots, “L” roots, “J” roots, or balled roots.

Using soil from the hole, pack soil (by hand) firmly around the seedlings roots as the hole is refilled insuring there are no air pockets and that lateral roots are pointed down and not broken (do not pack seedlings by using heel).

Organic material should not enter the hole during planting.

Seedlings shall not be planted in standing water over 1 inch deep.

Do not plant seedlings within 10 feet of the edge of any designated system road or right of way for a powerline or pipeline.

To avoid possible root damage, do not use the planting tool to maneuver the roots of a seedling into the planting hole.

Seedlings shall not be planted within 12 inches of large mounds of soil, rocks, or stump holes large enough to hamper root growth and development.

All planting areas in and adjacent to tops and rocks shall be planted.

Timing of Operations

Tree planting will begin once there is sufficient soil moisture to support newly planted trees.

Seedling pick up will be during normal business hours and as scheduled with COR on weekends and holidays.

Planting operations shall be suspended when the ground is frozen, during freezing conditions or other unsatisfactory conditions as determined by the COR.

Equipment

A tree planting auger with a minimum of a 6 inch bit shall be used to make a vertical hole at least 18 inches in depth that is suitable for planting a tree seedling. If the auger binds on a rock or other material and is unable to make a satisfactory hole the auger shall be removed and relocated in the same vicinity. Three tries are necessary before a planting spot is considered unplantable.

Crew members using the auger should make sure that the pace of augering holes does not get too far ahead of the planters to insure the soil does not dry out.

Care and Handling of Seedlings

Seedlings shall be protected at all times from drying, heating, smothering, freezing, crushing, drowning, abrasion, rapid temperature fluctuations or contact with injurious substances, i.e. gasoline, oil, or diesel fuel.

Seedlings must be handled, stored and transported in a manner to protect them from sun and wind and to maintain the air temperature of bags/bundles between 32 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tree seedlings shall not be removed from shipping containers until needed for preparation for planting.

Seedling roots must be kept moist at all times prior to and during planting.

Do not damage seedlings by hitting or striking the roots to remove soil or packing medium.

Tree seedlings shall be planted without further root or top pruning or culling. If pruning is necessary the condition shall be immediately reported to the COR or Inspector.

Tree seedlings in planting bags shall have only their tops exposed.

Tree seedlings shall be gently removed, one at a time, to prevent stripping or other injury, and quickly and gently inserted into the planting hole.

Planters shall not carry trees in the open between planting spots nor shall they throw seedlings to other planters to plant.

Disposal of Seedling Boxes/Bags and Other Debris

It will be the contractors responsibility to dispose of seedling bags/boxes, binding straps and contractor generated debris and litter from National Forest lands.

Inspection and Acceptance of Seedlings

The specified minimum number of seedlings per acre is the minimum number of seedlings that shall be properly planted per acre.

Planting up to the maximum number of seedlings per acre is acceptable.

If the quantity of seedlings properly planted falls below the minimum acceptable level, work will be considered unacceptable and remedial work will be required to meet the minimum.

If the seedlings are improperly planted, work will be considered unacceptable and remedial work will be required to meet the minimum.

Payment

Payment will be made at the unit price bid for the total number of acres satisfactorily planted less the following:

a. Value of the number of seedlings planted in excess of the maximum per acre based on the current value per thousand of seedlings planted.

b. Value of seedlings lost, damaged, or improperly planted based on the current value per thousand for the type of seedlings lost, damaged or improperly planted.

5.2. SURVIVAL SURVEYS

5.2.1. 1st Year Survival Checks

This task will be used to check survival of pine or hardwood seedlings that have been either artificially or naturally established a year previously.

Examination Standards

Fixed area plots will be placed at designated intervals along a traverse line so as to cover the regeneration unit. The starting point and each plot will be marked with a ribbon that can be clearly seen from previous plots.

Regeneration units 10 acres or less will have 1 plot/ac.

Regeneration units 10 acres or more will have 1 plot every 2 ac.

Plots in pine regeneration will be 1/100th acre or 11.8’ Plots in hardwood regeneration will be 1/500th acre or 5.3’

The form used to record plot data will be provided by the COR. All desired seedlings/tree sprouts will be recorded on the form. The stem of the tree at ground level will be the basis of being in or out of the plot. When recording hardwoods, the heights of the desired seedlings/sprouts will be recorded. All sprouts growing from a stump will be counted as one sprout. Forms used to record seedling/sprout survival data will be completely filled out by the contractor and turned in weekly to the COR.

Inspection and Acceptance of Work

Inspections will be periodically conducted by the COR or a designated representative. Inspections will be based on forms that have been turned in by the contractor. Work is deemed acceptable if the plot data and calculation of percent survival is accurate on the provided form. If errors are found in the recorded plot data during an inspection, the work will be deemed unacceptable.

The Government reserves the right to require rework of unacceptable plot data at no additional cost to the Government. Upon notification by the COR that there is unacceptable plot data, the Contractor may be required to rework a regeneration unit before beginning work on another unit. The Government may re-inspect units that have been reworked, failure to pass inspection will result in delayed processing of payment and could result in contract default.

5.2.2. 3rd Year Survival Checks

This task will be used to check survival of pine or hardwood seedlings that have been either artificially or naturally established three years previously.

All Standards are the same as 5.2.1.

5.3. HERBICIDE - STANDARDS COMMON TO ALL METHODS OF APPLICATION

Contractor shall apply herbicides in accordance with label direction The specific herbicide that will be used within a treatment area shall be determined by the Forest Service and provided to the contractor for application.

Specific application rates will be given with each task order.

All crews must have at least one person with a current State Applicators license

Weather is to be monitored and the project will be suspended if temperature is greater than 95 degrees, humidity less than 30%, and wind at/or above 10 MPH.

Application of pesticides should only be made when there is little or no hazard from spray drift as directed by the label.

No herbicide is broadcast within 100 feet of private land or 300 feet of a private residence, and 100 ft. of recreation trails.

No herbicide is ground broadcast within 60 feet of any known threatened, endangered, proposed, or sensitive species. Selective herbicide treatments using a non-soil active herbicide may be used closer than 60 feet to protect plants species if designated by the COR.

Protected sensitive areas will be identified on a map accompanying each task order.

Application equipment, empty herbicide containers, clothes worn during treatment, and skin are not cleaned in open water or wells. Mixing and cleaning water must come from a public water supply and be transported in separate labeled containers.

Herbicide mixing, loading, or cleaning areas in the field are not located within 300 feet of private lands, open water, wells or other sensitive areas.

For contractor provided herbicide, mixing will be at Forest Service locations, from original containers of herbicide.

Herbicide will not be used within Stream Management Zones (SMZ) unless otherwise approved by the COR or within 300 feet of any public or domestic water intake. SMZ will be identified on a map with each task order.

5.3.1. FOLIAR SPRAY

5.3.1.1. Site Preparation

This task will treat stands that have been harvested in order to create suitable conditions for regeneration to become established.

5.3.1.2. Release

This task will treat stands or regeneration areas that are up to 10 years old in order to reduce competition and improve growth and quality of crop trees.

5.3.1.3. Roadside

This task will treat vegetation and woody stems as designated on the task order or identified by the COR.

5.3.1.3.1. Broadcast

This task will treat vegetation and woody stems in the cleared right of way along roads.

5.3.1.3.2. Spot Application

This task will treat vegetation and woody stems in the cleared right of way along roads and up to 50 feet into the adjacent forest.

5.3.1.4. Forest Vegetation

This task will treat vegetation and woody stems; including non-native invasive species, by designation as described on the task order or identified by the COR. Work will be in a typical forest setting and workers will be required to walk to access parts of treatment areas.

5.3.1.5. Openings/Fields

Treatments will cover areas dominated by grasses, herbaceous species and low brush. These areas will be level enough that a tractor with a wicking or boom spray system can traverse the area safely.

Standards

Foliage of trees, vines and other vegetation up to 6 feet in height shall be sprayed thoroughly with herbicide mixture from top to bottom on all sides to a point of dripping wet using low-pressure sprayers.

Nozzle size may be specified in certain applications.

For Release (5.3.1.2) all crop trees shall be free of competition within a specified radius around each crop tree. If any portion of a competing plant falls within the specified radius then the entire plant shall be treated. Spacing for desired crop trees may range from 8x8 to 12x12. Release tree spacing and radius will be specified on task order or by COR on site.

For Broadcast applications (5.3.1.3.1), the distance sprayed shall be from the edge of the cleared road surface.

Typical distance to spray will be from road edge up to 20 feet. Treatment will typically include both sides of road.

For Spot applications (5.3.1.3.2), how to identify the locations will be specified on task order or by COR on site.

Trees and Areas NOT To Be Treated

Trees along property boundaries marked with red paint, signs, tags, blazes or other survey information.

Markers such as painted trees or flagging that are used to mark unit boundaries or exclusions and the trees contained within the exclusions.

Ozark Chinquapin and other trees designated by the COR.

5.3.2. CUT SURFACE

5.3.2.1. Site Preparation

This task will treat stands that have been harvested in order to create suitable conditions for regeneration to become established.

5.3.2.2. Release

This task will treat stands that are up to 10 years old in order to reduce competition and improve growth and quality of crop trees.

5.3.2.3. Roadside

This task will treat vegetation and woody stems in the cleared right of way along roads and up to 50 feet into the adjacent forest as designated on the task order or identified by the COR.

5.3.2.4. Forest Vegetation

This task will treat vegetation and woody stems; including non-native invasive species, by designation as described on the task order or identified by the COR. Work will be in a typical forest setting and workers

Existing vegetation measuring 4 inches DBH and less shall be completely severed as close to ground level as possible and the stump treated with herbicide.

Herbicide will be applied within 20 minutes of cutting the tree or vegetation.

Trees felled will not be left lodged or leaning against other vegetation, or higher than 2 feet above ground within slash treatment zones as identified by task order or COR. This may require cut trees to be bucked up into shorter segments.

Keep felled trees and debris from these activities from concentrating around residual trees.

TREES ADJACENT TO ROADS, FIRE LINES, FENCES, PRIVATE PROPERTY, POWER LINES, RIGHT-OF-

WAYS, OR OTHER STRUCTURES DESIGNATED FOR TREATMENT SHALL BE FELLED SO AS NOT TO

DAMAGE OR OTHERWISE OBSTRUCT ANY STRUCTURES.

Target species to be treated will be identified on the task order and by the COR at the work location.

For Release (5.3.2.2) all crop trees shall be free of competition within a specified radius around each crop tree. If any portion of a competing plant falls within the specified radius then the entire plant shall be treated. Spacing for desired crop trees may range from 8x8 to 12x12. Release tree spacing and radius will be specified on task order or by COR on site.

Trees and Areas NOT To Be Treated

Trees along property boundaries marked with red paint, signs, tags, blazes or other survey information.

Markers such as painted trees or flagging that are used to mark unit boundaries or exclusions and the trees contained within the exclusions.

Ozark Chinquapin and other trees designated by the COR.

No trees will be cut within 5 feet of a defined channel and 20 feet of a perennial stream or spring. If a stream is not identified as a perennial stream, assume it is a defined channel. Perennial streams will be designated on a map that will come with each task order.

5.3.3. HACK AND SQUIRT

5.3.3.1. Site Preparation

This task will treat stands that have been harvested in order to create suitable conditions for regeneration to become established.

5.3.3.2. Release

This task will treat stands that are up to 10 years old in order to reduce competition and improve growth and quality of crop trees.

5.3.3.3. Roadside

This task will treat vegetation and woody stems in the cleared right of way along roads and up to 50 feet into the adjacent forest as designated on the task order or identified by the COR.

5.3.3.4. Forest Vegetation

This task will treat vegetation and woody stems; including non-native invasive species, by designation as described on the task order or identified by the COR. Work will be in a typical forest setting and workers

Target vegetation will be 5 feet or taller and will be identified on the task order or by the COR at the work location.

Herbicide application can be done with a metered injector or other method such as hachet, machete and squirt bottle.

For Release (5.3.3.2) all crop trees shall be free of…