Solicitation_ 12444223R0006.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

447U CODE 16. ADMINISTERED BYCODE

X

X

X

115310

SIZE STANDARD:

100.00 % FOR:SET ASIDE:UNRESTRICTED OR4442

REQUEST FOR

PROPOSAL

(RFP)

INVITATION

FOR BID (IFB)

10. THIS ACQUISITION ISCODE

REQUEST FOR

QUOTE (RFQ)

14. METHOD OF SOLICITATION

13b. RATING

NORTH AMERICAN INDUSTRY

CLASSIFICATION STANDARD

(NAICS):

SMALL BUSINESS

07/13/2023 1300 ET

06/21/2023

601-965-1671RAKEEM BOLDEN

(No collect calls)

INFORMATION CALL:

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

4. ORDER NUMBER3. AWARD/ 6. SOLICITATION

12444223R0006

5. SOLICITATION NUMBER

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

1 70 1098016OFFEROR TO COMPLETE BLOCKS 12, 17, 23, 24, & 30

TELEPHONE NO.

17a. CONTRACTOR/

JACKSON MS 39213-8008

6425 LAKEOVER RD STE A

NATIONAL FORESTS IN MISSISSIPPI

USDA FOREST SERVICE

15. DELIVER TO

ATLANTA GA 30309-2449

STE 876S

1720 PEACHTREE ST NW

9. ISSUED BY

7.

2. CONTRACT NO.

EFFECTIVE DATE

$11.5

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

ISSUE DATE

DELIVERY FOR FREE ON BOARD

(FOB) DESTINATION UNLESS

BLOCK IS MARKED

11.

SEE SCHEDULEX

12. DISCOUNT TERMS THIS CONTRACT IS A RATED

ORDER UNDER THE DEFENSE

PRIORITIES AND ALLOCATIONS

SYSTEM - DPAS (15 CFR 700)

13a.

SERVICE-DISABLED

VETERAN-OWNED

SMALL BUSINESS

(SDVOSB)

HUBZONE SMALL

BUSINESS

8(A)

USDA-FS CSA EAST 4

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (WOSB)

ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED

WOMEN-OWNED SMALL

BUSINESS (EDWOSB)

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

This USDA Forest Service solicitation will result in an estimated 12 multiple Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPA) to provide Vegetative Management services on the National Forests in Mississippi for a five year period of performance from date of award.

Expected Period of Performance Base Period - Date of Award through July 31, 2024 Option Year 1 - August 1, 2024, through July 31, (Use Reverse and/or Attach Additional Sheets as Necessary)

HEREIN, IS ACCEPTED AS TO ITEMS:

X

XX

DATED

RAKEEM A. BOLDEN

. YOUR OFFER ON SOLICITATION (BLOCK 5),

INCLUDING ANY ADDITIONS OR CHANGES WHICH ARE SET FORTH

COPIES TO ISSUING OFFICE. CONTRACTOR AGREES TO FURNISH AND DELIVER

ARE

ARE

31c. DATE SIGNED

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

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

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

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

SHEETS SUBJECT TO THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS SPECIFIED.

27a. SOLICITATION INCORPORATES BY REFERENCE (FEDERAL ACQUISITION REGULATION) FAR 52.212-1, 52.212-4. FAR 52.212-3

AND 52.212-5 ARE ATTACHED. ADDENDA

26. TOTAL AWARD AMOUNT (For Government Use Only)

OFFER

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021)

Prescribed by GSA - FAR (48 CFR) 53.212

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

ARE NOT ATTACHED.

AUTHORIZED FOR LOCAL REPRODUCTION

PREVIOUS EDITION IS NOT USABLE

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

30a. SIGNATURE OF OFFEROR/CONTRACTOR

28. CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO SIGN THIS DOCUMENT AND RETURN

25. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA

29. AWARD OF CONTRACT: REFERENCE

32e. MAILING ADDRESS OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

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

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

32a. QUANTITY IN COLUMN 21 HAS BEEN

RECEIVED INSPECTED

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

37. CHECK NUMBER

FINALPARTIAL

36. PAYMENT

FINALPARTIAL

35. AMOUNT VERIFIED

CORRECT FOR

34. VOUCHER NUMBER33. SHIP NUMBER

COMPLETE

32g. E-MAIL OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

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

42b. RECEIVED AT (Location)

42a. RECEIVED BY (Print)

41c. DATE41b. SIGNATURE AND TITLE OF CERTIFYING OFFICER

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

STANDARD FORM 1449 (REV. 11/2021) BACK

24.

AMOUNT

23.

UNIT PRICE

22.

UNIT

21.

QUANTITY

20.

SCHEDULE OF SUPPLIES/SERVICES

19.

ITEM NO.

Option Year 2 - August 1, 2025, through July 31, Option Year 3 - August 1, 2026, through July 31, Option Year 4 - August 1, 2027, through July 31, Schedule of Items quantities shown are estimates for evaluation purposes and NOT guarantees;

individual BPA calls will be awarded on a competitive/fair opportunity basis.

There is no guarantee that any options will be exercised by the Government. This agreement shall remain in effect for a period of five years from date of award unless terminated by either the vendor or the Government with thirty (30) days written notice. The Government may replenish the original pool of available contractors on an annual basis by resoliciting the requirement for the remaining period of performance.

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.

Offerors may quote on any or all items and limit the total amount of work they might accept by

Continued ...

32f. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

32d. PRINTED NAME AND TITLE OF AUTHORIZED GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVE

70 2 of

ITEM NO. SUPPLIES/SERVICES QUANTITY UNIT UNIT PRICE AMOUNT

NAME OF OFFEROR OR CONTRACTOR

3 70

CONTINUATION SHEET

REFERENCE NO. OF DOCUMENT BEING CONTINUED PAGE OF

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

12444223R0006 addressing this in their Technical and Price

Proposal per the instructions beginning on page

80 to be eligible for award.

Offerors shall be registered at the System for

Award Management (www.sam.gov) and follow all instructions beginning on page 68 to be eligible for award.

Period of Performance: 07/24/2023 to 08/31/2024

0001 Solicitation Vegetation Managment Base Award, -

31 JAN 24

This work is deemed a service and subject to SCA

Wage Determinations

Product/Service Code: F018

Product/Service Description: NATURAL

RESOURCES/CONSERVATION- OTHER FOREST/RANGE

IMPROVEMENTS (NON-CONSTRUCTION)

Period of Performance: 07/24/2023 to 07/31/2024

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

Sponsored by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.110

National Forests in Mississippi 12444223R0006 Vegetation Management Page 4 of 70

SECTION B - SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

EACH OFFEROR SHALL IDENTIFY THE DISTRICT(S) FOR WHICH THEY WISH TO BE CONSIDERED FOR AWARD (and complete Attachment 01 – SCHEDULE OF ITEMS) *** Prices are for evaluation purposes (reasonableness/realism) pricing on individual BPA Calls orders will be determined by competitive bid (fair opportunity).

OFFERORS SHALL BE REGISTERED TO SAM IN ACCORDANCE WITH FAR 52.204-7 AND RESPOND TO ALL INSTRUCTIONS INCLUDED IN SECTION L. OFFERORS WHO FAIL TO MEET THESE REQUIREMENTS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR

AWARD.

Orders shall be issued in accordance with the contractor’s Schedule B, (Attachment 01)

Locations: PLACE AN “X” FOR ALL

LOCATIONS OF INTERESTS

National Forests In Mississippi

Bienville Ranger District (Forest, MS)

Chickasawhay Ranger District (Laurel, MS)

De Soto Ranger District (Wiggins, MS)

Delta Ranger District (Rolling Fork, MS)

Holly Springs Ranger District (Oxford, MS)

Homochitto Ranger District (Meadville, MS)

Vegetation Management Page 5 of 70

SECTION C – DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT

SECTION 1 – GENERAL

1.1 SCOPE OF CONTRACT

The National Forests in Mississippi is soliciting for Vegetation Management Services on lands within its administrative boundaries. For this requirement, the contractor shall provide all materials, labor, equipment, tools, transportation, permits, licenses, supervision, expertise, and other incidentals necessary to successfully complete the following services including but not limited to: tree planting, herbicide application, site preparation, precommercial thinning, release, midstory removal, hazard tree felling, trail maintenance cutting and clearing, shearing, chopping, mulching, scarification, wildlife openings, and fireline construction and rehabilitation.

This solicitation will result in a maximum of 12 multiple Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPA) to provide Vegetation Management services as best meets the needs of the Government on the basis of technical capability and past performance. These agreements will have a one-year base period, which runs through January 31, 2024, and four one- year option periods There is no guarantee that any options will be exercised by the Government. Submission of an offer for the base contract period constitutes an offer to perform in the option period(s), if exercised.

This agreement shall remain in effect for a period of five years from date of award unless terminated by either the vendor or the Government with thirty (30) days written notice. The Government may replenish the original pool of available contractors on an annual basis by resoliciting the requirement for the remaining period of performance.

Offerors may quote on one or multiple Ranger Districts. Offerors must submit a quote on all line items for each District they intend to compete for and limit the total amount of work they might accept by addressing this in their Technical Proposal.

Treatment areas are located within the boundaries of the National Forests in Mississippi. Specific locations, unit data, and maps will be supplied with each BPA Call.

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.

SALVAGE RIGHTS: No salvage rights exist under this contract.

RE-MEASUREMENT: Quantities listed on each BPA Call will have been determined by closed traverse, planimeter, or global positioning system (GPS). For purposes of this contract, quantities listed on each BPA Call are considered actual and not an estimate. The Contractor may, at any time after issuance of a BPA Call, request in writing re-measurement of an area. Payment will be based on the re-measurement of the acreage, except no adjustment shall be made for areas less than 1 unit. Method of re- measurement to be used will be determined by the Government. The Government may seek an equitable price reduction or adequate consideration if the re-measurement results in a difference of less than 10 percent

PERFORMANCE OF SIMILAR WORK BY THE GOVERNMENT: This contract is exclusive of timber sale pre-haul maintenance and similar specified road work. Furthermore, nothing in this contract restricts

Vegetation Management Page 6 of 70 the Government from performing emergency road clearing or similar storm recovery activities with its own organization and workforce, or any routine maintenance activities when the contractor is unable to meet the performance schedule.

1.2 PERSONNEL

1.2.1 Contractor Representative. The contractor shall designate a representative in accordance with AGAR 452.237-74 – Key Personnel (FEB 1988), included of this contract. The name of this person shall be designated in writing and provided to the Contracting Officer. Key personnel designated by the contractor shall have the ability to speak English and communicate with Forest Service staff.

1.2.1.1 Authority. The contractor representative shall have authority to act for the contractor on all contract matters relating to daily operation of this contract.

1.2.1.2 Response Time. The contractor representative shall be available during normal duty hours within 2 days to meet, at the site of work, with Government personnel designated by the Contracting Officer to discuss and resolve performance issues. After normal duty hours the representative shall be available within 4 hours in case of emergency.

1.2.2 ACCESS Contractor will have access to all Forest Service system roads (open or closed) necessary for accomplishing the work required by this contract. Forest roads may be gated. The Contractor shall have access through these gates through coordination with the Government.

Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring for gate security during contract operations.

1.3 QUALITY CONTROL

1.3.1 Quality Control Plan The contractor shall establish and maintain a Quality Control Program to ensure the requirements of the contract are achieved. One copy of the contractor’s Quality Control Plan shall be provided to the Contracting Officer or their designated representative prior to the start of contract work.

1.3.2 Plan Content

1.3.2.4 Inspection System. An inspection system must cover all the services listed on the

Performance Requirements Summary (PRS). It must specify the areas to be inspected on either a scheduled or unscheduled basis, how often inspections will be accomplished, and the title of the individual(s) who will perform the inspection. The inspection system must provide for a written record of inspections and results.

1.3.2.5 Methods. The methods for identifying and preventing defects in the quality of service performed before the level of performance becomes unacceptable.

1.3.2.3. Records. The contractor shall maintain on-site records of all inspections and necessary corrective action taken. This documentation shall be furnished to the project inspector weekly, or when requested by the Contracting Officer during the term of the contract.

1.3.3 Government Review. The Government will review the Contractor’s Quality Control Plan to determine if it is adequate within 10 calendar days of submission. If the plan is found to be adequate, Vegetation Management Page 7 of 70 the Government will authorize the plan. If the plan is not adequate as submitted, the deficiencies will be identified to the contractor in writing. The contractor shall correct all identified deficiencies and submit a corrected Contractor Quality Control Plan within ten working days or contract start date, whichever is sooner. Non-conforming work identified through Government quality assurance inspections will serve as an indicator that the contractor’s quality control system is inadequate.

1.4 – QUALITY ASSURANCE.

1.4.1 Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR). The Contracting Officer’s Representatives (COR) will be responsible for monitoring, assessing, recording, and reporting on the technical performance of the contractor on the schedule of inspections submitted by the contractor and approved by the government. The COR/Inspector, if the latter is assigned to the project, will either witness the contractor’s performance of the inspections performed by the contractor or will evaluate the contractor’s inspection results as to documented findings relative to meeting the standards for each task/subtask within the performance work statement. The COR will have primary responsibility for completing quality assurance monitoring forms which will be used to document the inspection and evaluation of the contractor’s work performance.

1.4.3 Performance Evaluation Meetings. The contractor’s representative and/or project manager may be required to meet with the COR during the first month of the contract. Meetings will be held whenever a Work Order and Notice of Noncompliance is issued, if requested by the Contractor. The meetings will focus on contractor performance and actual or potential problems. A mutual good faith effort will be made to resolve all issues. The written minutes of these meetings shall be signed by the parties to the discussion. Should the contractor not concur with the minutes, the contractor shall so state any areas of non-concurrence in writing to the Contracting Officer within seven work days of receipt of the minutes.

1.4.4 Contractor Notification Responsibilities. 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 weekly operation schedule. The contractor shall notify the Government of schedule changes.

1.5 HOURS OF WORK. 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. Work on federal holidays requires 2 weeks prior written approval from the COR.

PERFORMANCE TIME: All BPA Calls 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.

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

IMPROVEMENTS.

1.6.1 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.

1.6.2 The Contractor shall protect from damage all existing improvements and utilities (1) at or near

Vegetation Management Page 8 of 70 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.

1.6.3 Fuel and Machine Fluids. The contractor shall instruct employees in environmental protection practices. The contractor is responsible for operating under conditions which preclude the waste of fuel or spoiling the environment which includes:

1.6.4 Fuel. Fuel for equipment, trucks and vehicles shall not be wasted. Extended engine idling will not be permitted.

1.6.5 Machine Fluids. Machine fluids (fuel, oils, coolants, etc.) shall not be drained on the ground or allowed to enter any watercourse. Inadvertent spills shall be contained immediately, and the Contracting Officer shall be notified immediately. Promptly remediate the spill unless otherwise directed by authorities.

1.7 DOCUMENTATION AND RECORDS.

1.7.1 The contractor shall maintain records of accomplishment. These reports shall be turned in weekly and verified by the COR/Inspector. No payment or acceptance will be made prior to receipt of records.

1.7.2 All documentation, records and schedules as described in the PWS that are the responsibility of the contractor, are the property of the Government and shall be turned over to the Government upon completion or termination of the contract. All records are subject to the Freedom of Information and/or Privacy Acts and any requests for release of any records shall be handled accordingly.

1.8 EMPLOYMENT OF ELIGIBLE WORKERS

1.8.1 Section 274A of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 USC 1324a) makes it unlawful for an employer to hire unauthorized aliens. The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), now the United States Citizen and Immigration Services, established the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification Form, as the document to be used for employment eligibility verification (8 CFR 274a).

The contractor is required to:

1. Have all employees complete and sign the I-9 Form to certify that they are eligible for employment;

2. Examine documents presented by the employee and ensure the documents appear to be genuine and related to the individual;

3. Record information about the documents on the form, and complete the certification portion of the form;

4. Retain the form for 3 years, or 1 year past the end of employment of the individual, whichever is longer.

Vegetation Management Page 9 of 70

SECTION 2 – DEFINITIONS

Whenever in these specifications or in other contract documents, the following terms, or pronouns in place of them, are used, the intent and meaning shall be interpreted as follows: (Reference to a specific standard or specification shall mean the latest addition or amendment thereto in effect on date of Request for Proposals.)

2.1 STANDARD DEFINITIONS

ACCEPTABLE QUALITY LEVEL (AQL). The maximum allowable defects that may occur before the Government will affect the price computation system in accordance with the Performance Requirements Summary and the Inspection of Services Clause. An AQL does not allow a contractor to knowingly 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’S REPRESENTATIVE (COR). A Government person designated by the Contracting Officer with authority to act within the scope the delegated authority.

QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE AND COR ACTION PLAN (QASP). An organized written document used for quality assurance surveillance. The document contains specific methods to perform surveillance of the contractor.

QUALITY CONTROL. Actions taken by a contractor to control the performance of services so that services 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 DEFINITIONS PECULIAR TO THIS PWS

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.

Vegetation Management Page 10 of 70

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.

MANUEL 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 HERBICIED - Application of herbicide on target plants.

STRIP HERBICIDE - Application of herbicide in rows.

HARDWOOD UNDERSTORY CONTROLS - Cutting hardwood stems in the understory.

RIPPED SITE PREPARATION - Mechanical treatment with a blade penetrating soil to a depth of approximately 18 inches for the planting of seedlings.

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UNRIPPED SITE PREPARATION - Planting sites that have not been subsoiled.

DRUM CHOPPING - A method of site preparation that crushes vegetation using a roller drum pulled behind a dozer.

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.

FIRELINE CONSTURCTION - The construction of handline or machine line to contain a fire. Fireline construction is the removal of all combustible vegetation leaving only bare mineral soil.

ABBREVIATIONS

AASHTO – American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.

ABC – Aggregate Base Course

AQL – Acceptable Quality Level

COR – Contracting Officer’s Representative

FAR – Federal Acquisition Regulation System.

MUTCD – Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

PBSC – Performance Based Service Contract

PRS – Performance Requirements Summary

QA – Quality Assurance (Government Responsibility)

QC – Quality Control (Contractor Responsibility)

QASP – Quality Assurance Surveillance and COR Action Plan

Vegetation Management Page 12 of 70

SECTION 3 – 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; tree seedlings for planting.

The Government may or may not provide herbicide; dye; surfactant; and water depending on the BPA Call award.

Vegetation Management Page 13 of 70

SECTION 4 – 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. This includes any permits or licensing required to complete the work. The contractor shall also provide proof that the work meets the standards.

Submittals: The contractor shall provide and maintain a 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.

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SECTION V – PERFORMANCE WORK STATEMENT TASKS AND CRITICAL SUBTASKS

5.0 VEGETATION MANAGEMENT SERVICES

5.1 TREE PLANTING

(a) Timing of Implementation

Planting operations may be implemented when sufficient soil moisture is available; and air temperatures and humidity are acceptable to prevent freezing and desiccation.

Planting may occur anytime between mid-November to mid-March.

The COR should be notified five days in advance of any significant change in crew size. This information will help the COR in planning seedling and Government Technical Monitor needs for the contract.

(b) Seedlings

Seedling loading and transportation to the planting site will be the Contractor’s responsibility.

The contractor shall plant all trees transported to the planting site the same day unless otherwise approved by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR).

If conditions are outside the following range of preferred weather conditions, then the contractor shall take additional precautionary measures as in the protection, care, and handling of seedlings during transport and while on the planting site:

Air temperature: 33-75 degrees F Relative humidity: 30- 100 percent Wind speed: = or <15 miles per hour

When the COR determines that conditions are unsuitable for planting, the contractor shall return all unplanted trees to storage.

(c) Spacing

Tree spacing may change with each planting site. BPA Call maps that are provided showing the location of planting sites shall include specific spacing for that site. Trees may be planted using the following spacing. Proper planting spacing will be inspected based on circular 1/100-acre sample plots.

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TABLE A

Spacing # Trees/Acre Spacing # Trees/Acre 6 X 8 = 908 9 X 9 = 538 7 X 8 = 778 9 X 10 = 484 6 X 10 = 726 8 X 12 = 454 8 X 8 = 681 10 X 10 = 436 7 X 10 = 622 9 X 12 = 403 6 X 12 = 605 11 X 11 = 360 8 X 10 = 544 12 X 12 = 302

(d) Planting Standards for Bareroot and Containerized Seedlings

Bareroot pine seedlings may be loblolly, shortleaf or slash. Container pine may be longleaf or shortleaf. Bareroot hardwood seedlings may be a mixture of hardwood species and cypress.

Roots should not be pruned in the field. However, if the nursery fails to prune seedling-root systems sufficiently for proper planting, as determined by the COR, then root-pruning in the field will be permitted.

Seedlings shall be carried in seedling bag or other suitable container allowing the seedlings to be kept moist and protected.

When seedlings are being separated, do not beat seedlings against objects to loosen the roots.

Do not shake off or remove moisture retentive root coatings. Lateral roots are the primary source of water and nutrient uptake. Protect and keep them intact.

Seedlings shall not be carried in the tree planter’s hand with the root or soil medium exposed but rather the seedlings shall be removed from the seedling bag one at a time as each seedling is planted.

One seedling shall be planted in a trash-free hole. Trash such as leaves, litter, duff, etc. will be removed in area surrounding the planting hole.

Lean of planted seedling shall not exceed 20 degrees off vertical.

Seedlings should be planted in a manner to prevent “J-rooting,” “L-rooting,” twisted, or balled roots.

To avoid possible root damage, do not use planting tools to maneuver roots of seedling into the planting hole. All planting areas in and adjacent to obstacles such as windrows, tree tops, and/or rocks shall be planted.

Do not plant within clearing limits of any designated system road or powerline right-of-way or within fifteen feet of fence or existing tree line.

Standards for sites to be replanted are the same as for 5.1.1 and 5.1.2 below except for spacing between seedlings. The BPA Call may designate spacing of seedlings based on the distance between surviving planted stocking and acceptable natural stocking.

Planting holes should be constructed according to Exhibits 1 and 2 below. After a proper planting slit is made, insert the seedling until the taproot reaches the bottom of the planting slit. Then raise the seedling to the proper planting depth. After the seedling is raised to the proper planting depth, and it is in a vertical position without leaning; close the planting slit at the bottom and top. Then pack the soil around the planting hole.

(e) Disposal of Seedling Boxes/Bags and Other Debris

Vegetation Management Page 16 of 70

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

(f) Resource Protection

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.

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

(g) Seedling Coolers. The Government will furnish seedling coolers where available.

(h) Planting Tolerances:

Number of Properly Payment Percent Planted Trees/Acre of Unit Bid Price

425 - 435 100 % 414 - 424 97 ½ % 403 - 413 95 % 392 - 402 92 ½ %

If the quantity of work falls below 92 1/2%, work will be considered unacceptable and will be rejected.

Exhibit 1. How to Plant Forest Tree Seedlings

Following is an example of the proper planting procedure for bare-root seedlings:

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Exhibit 2. Proper Longleaf Pine Planting Depth

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Exhibit 3. Trees Planted in an Unsatisfactory Manner

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5.1.1 Pine Containerized - Less Than 450 Trees per Acre

5.1.2 Pine Containerized - 451-750 Trees per Acre

5.1.3 Pine Containerized - Greater Than 750 Trees per Acre

The soil medium within which the containerized seedling was grown in the nursery, called a seedling plug, will remain intact with the root system. The seedling plugs shall be kept moist but not water soaked to ensure a healthy seedling.

The seedling plugs should be placed at ground level with a one-quarter inch error above or below the ground line. The COR can decide if site characteristics call for above or below ground line planting, on a case-by-case basis.

The native soil around the seedling plug should be firmed up. However, be careful not to step on the seedling.

Seedlings must be planted so as to withstand being pulled by the terminal group of needles.

Containerized seedlings will be planted using a tool that will prepare a planting hole the same shape and size as the seedling plug.

The ideal pine seedling should be a balanced, sturdy-stemmed, medium-sized seedling measuring seven to thirteen inches in height and having a well-developed, fibrous root system contained within the seedling plug.

Do not shake off or remove soil that is contained within the seedling plug.

TABLE C

Minimum Quality Measure Stem Length 5 inches Root Collar Diameter 1/8 inch Plug Length 3.5 inches Lateral Roots Abundant Winter buds Present

Cull seedlings that do not meet the minimum criteria listed in TABLE C above as well as seedlings with forked tops, having evidence of fusiform rust, or other noted undesirable traits will not be planted.

5.1.4 Hardwood bareroot - 435 Trees per Acre or Less

Hand planting tools will be a hardwood dibble bar or hardwood planting shovel. Penetrating portion of the blade shall not be less than 10 inches long and 4 inches wide.

Some areas may not be directly accessible by crew vehicles during the planting period ATVs are recommended. The "walk-in" distance may vary up to about 1 mile, the government will not provide transportation of seedlings or planting crew members from the vehicle parking site(s) to the planting area.

Plant each seedling at the same depth at which it grew in the nursery or not to exceed more than 2 inches deeper. Seedlings furnished will be graded and will contain few unplantable seedlings. Although these will be

1.0 seedlings, the seedlings are large and will have an extensive root system. Proper planting will require the use of a hardwood planting shovel or large hardwood dibble.

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TABLE D

Minimum Quality Measure Stem Length 18 inches Root Collar Diameter 1/4 inch Lateral Roots Abundant Winter buds Present

Seedlings less than these minimum quality standards or damaged are not to be planted. Any substandard seedling planted will be counted as improperly planted.

5.2 HERBICIDE APPLICATIONS - CONTRACTOR Provided Herbicide (CON) & GOVERNMENT Provided Herbicide (GOV)

The standards and specifications in this section apply to contracted tasks regardless of whether the herbicide is supplied by the Government or Contractor. The Government anticipates the majority of this work will be accomplished with contractor provided herbicide.

Contractor shall provide proof of a State license for herbicide/pesticide handling and application as required by the State of Mississippi prior to performing work under this task.

(a) Timing of Implementation:

Foliar spray treatments shall be implemented during the leaf-on period of the year. Normally, leaf-on starts about the middle of April and ends September 30. The leaves must be at least three-quarter full. Leaf development will be the controlling factor in application timing. Applications may start and end earlier in the year based on the BPA Call.

Foliar application of herbicides should be made only when there is little or no hazard from spray drift as directed by the label. Spraying will not be done if there is greater than a 40% chance of rain within two (2) hours. Weather should be monitored, and the project work will be suspended if temperature, humidity, or wind becomes unfavorable as follows:

Method Temperature Humidity Wind Hand Greater than 98 F Less than 20% Greater than 15 mph Mechanical Greater than 95 F Less than 30% Greater than 10 mph

Nozzles that produce large droplets or streams of herbicide should be used. Nozzles that produce fine droplets should be used only for hand treatment where distance from nozzle to target does not exceed 8 feet.

Spot grid and spot around applications are spring applications generally March through June.

Cut-surface and hack-and-squirt methods of herbicide application may be completed throughout the year except during freezing temperatures or heavy spring sap flow. These methods are normally scheduled from April through October.

Some invasive species such as Chinese privet may be chemically treated in the winter.

Herbicide application shall be within 20 minutes of cutting or felling the trees for cut surface, hack and squirt and stump treatments.

Critical project specific timing will be included in BPA Calls as needed.

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(b) Herbicide Standards Common to All Methods of Application:

Signs shall be posted in the project area during herbicide treatments, warning forest users to avoid the area for at least 48 hours following application. Signs shall be removed 48-72 hours after herbicide application.

The contractor shall apply herbicides in accordance with the label directions. Contractor will ensure that all label requirements are met by the crew during the performance of their work.

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 or procured by the contractor based on the BPA Call.

Contractor shall furnish all herbicide, surfactant, dye, tools, equipment, any necessary storage facility for herbicide, transportation, repair and maintenance, materials and supplies, any necessary personnel, and supervision for herbicide application. The herbicide and surfactant must be manufactured within the current year of use. The contractor shall provide at least one foreman, competent in both the English language and the language of the workers, for each crew of no more than 12 individuals. The foreman shall remain with the crew at all times they are working. The contractor shall be responsible for all cost associated with this project until it is completed.

Contractor will comply with all Federal and Mississippi State laws relating to the commercial, for-hire, and application of pesticides. Contractor will be required to show proof of appropriate applicator certifications, licensing and bonding as required by those laws.

The contractor shall, without additional expense to the Government, be responsible for obtaining any necessary licenses, certifications and permits, and for complying with any applicable Federal, State, and municipal laws, codes, and regulations in connection with the use of pesticides under this contract.

Mixing of chemicals, additives, and water will occur on site with the initial opening of herbicide containers and mixing occurring in the presence of the COR as requested. Any equipment cleanups will be done on site within a designated area determined by COR. Mixing and cleaning water may come from Forest Service District Facilities.

Copies of procurement records for herbicides, surfactants, and dyes will be given to Forest Service representatives. The COR or other Forest Service representatives may take small samples of mixtures from mixed tanks or herbicide/additive containers. These samples may be tested for appropriate and required herbicide strengths and ingredients.

Daily logs of herbicide amounts used will be recorded by the contractor and/or laborers and given to Forest Service personnel. The daily record will note application type, total volume of mixture sprayed and amount of chemicals (active ingredients) and additives in the total volume sprayed. Records may be cross-checked with mapped areas to verify appropriate application rates.

Spraying equipment must be properly calibrated for output consistent with label directed applications. The contractor shall be responsible for making certain that each herbicide applicator is applying the specified volume of herbicide solution. Each applicator shall be checked daily by the contractor. The Forest Service reserves the right to perform inspections, at any time, at the discretion of the COR.

All equipment that will be used in the performance of the work shall be of the size, type, and in such condition (fully working and capable of delivering the full dosage required to control undesirable vegetation) to properly pursue the requirements of the contract.

Personal protective equipment: Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be provided for all workers.

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Required PPE MUST be in accordance with the applicable herbicide label. Contractor is responsible to obtain copies of pesticide labels and to know the required PPE when applying chemicals.

(c) Resource Protection:

Applications of herbicide will be directed so no damage will be done to non-target vegetation. 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.

Treated vegetation will be removed from all rights-of-way unless otherwise directed by the COR.

Trees that are located adjacent to roads, fire lines, fences, private property, rights-of-way, 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.

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

Contractor shall be responsible for all costs for damages, clean up, and decontamination should an herbicide spill occur. If a spill occurs, every effort shall be made to keep it from contaminating water and other off-site areas. The spill shall be cleaned up as quickly as possible. The Forest Service COR will be notified of any spill immediately. Application equipment, spill containment equipment, personnel, empty herbicide containers, and clothes worn during treatment or remediation are not to be cleaned in government facilities, open water, or wells.

No herbicide should be applied within 100 feet of a public or domestic water source.

Do not treat in the following areas:

1. Areas with standing water

2. Privately owned land

3. Proposed or designated Wilderness or Research Natural Areas

4. Other areas designated by COR

No drafting of creek, stream, pond, or lake water should occur. Tanks should be filled with water from approved government facilities or other clean water sources by permission.

The contractor shall take precautions to prevent pollution of streams, lakes, and reservoirs by fuels, oils, other chemicals, silt, or other harmful materials. Vehicles carrying herbicide shall park a minimum distance of 200 feet from private land, open water or other sensitive areas that may be designated by the COR. Contractor shall schedule and conduct operations in a manner so as to avoid siltation or contamination of streams, lakes, and reservoirs, loss of embankment materials during high flow periods, and interference with movement of migratory fish. All streams will be kept free of contractor-generated debris.

(d) Vegetation Targeted For Treatment:

Treat all pine and hardwood stems not designated for retention that are located within designated treatment area. Treat all trees that are deformed, stunted, broken, bent over, and/or otherwise damaged.

Areas that are designated for the manual felling method of treatment shall have the cut trees completely severed from the stump as close to the ground as is practical. Stems with stump diameter larger than 10” will

Vegetation Management Page 23 of 70 be severed within 1 foot of ground line. Stems with stump diameters between 6” and 10” will be severed within 6” of ground line. Trees with stump diameters less than 6” will be severed within 3” of ground line. All cuts should be within 30° of horizontal. The severed stems shall not lean against or hang in leave crop trees but rather they shall lie within two feet of the ground. This may require the cut trees to be bucked up into shorter segments.

(e) Vegetation Not Targeted for Treatment:

Painted or flagged boundary trees that mark unit boundaries, streamside zones, or exclusions, and the vegetation that is contained within the exclusions.

Existing snags and trees that are marked, flagged or otherwise designated for retention by the BPA Call.

5.2.1 Foliar Spray

5.2.1.1a Foliar Spray - Site Preparation; Release; Midstory Reduction; Hazardous Fuels Reduction (CON) 5.2.1.1b Foliar Spray - Site Preparation; Release; Midstory Reduction; Hazardous Fuels Reduction (GOV)

Contractor shall apply herbicide to foliage of all vegetation under 2" dbh and/or less than 6 feet tall to prepare sites for regeneration, reduce midstory, or reduce fuels. Contractor shall apply herbicide to all competing vegetation within four feet of crop trees for release treatments. BPA Calls will identify crop tree species and other vegetation to protect. COR may identify other vegetation not to be treated. These treatments are common reforestation, timber stand improvement and wildlife stand improvement forestry practices.

Foliar application of the spray solution will be applied with a tractor, gator, or 4-wheeler mounted boom sprayer for selective spot application or use a spot sprayer (low pressure, low volume) mounted in the back of a pickup truck, gator, or backpack sprayer. The spray must cover >75% of the foliage being treated, and spray to the point of runoff. Herbicide treatment will not be done if there is greater than a 40% chance of rain within two (2) hours or within four (4) hours after the rain has stopped, the relative humidity is less than 25%, temperature is above 98° Fahrenheit, or if the wind exceeds fifteen (15) mph for manual application; or for mechanical if the temperature is above 95° Fahrenheit, the relative humidity is less than 30% or if the wind exceeds ten (10) mph.

Use a nozzle which will produce a coarse spray of large droplet size. A fan nozzle (spray system #2503 or equal) will be used for foliar spraying. When spraying, only the growing edge of the foliage needs to be treated with even coverage of the entire outer growing surface of the plant. The stems and inner foliage need not be wetted.

Foliar Spray Contractor Provided Herbicide Mix:

Garlon 4 (or equal) @ 5 oz. per gal. of mix Chopper (or equal) @ 0.6 oz. per gal. of mix Bulls Eye Dye (or equal) @ 96 oz. per 100 gal. of mix Cide-Kick Surfactant (or equal) @ 64 oz. per 100 gal. of mix These are mixed in water.

5.2.1.2a Foliar Spray - Non-Native Invasive Species Eradication; and Openings / Fields (< 1 acre) (CON) 5.2.1.2b Foliar Spray - Non-Native Invasive Species Eradication; and Openings / Fields (< 1 acre) (GOV) 5.2.1.3a Foliar Spray - Non-Native Invasive Species Eradication; and Openings / Fields (>1 acre) (CON) 5.2.1.3b Foliar Spray - Non-Native Invasive Species Eradication; and Openings / Fields (>1 acre) (GOV)

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Contractor shall apply herbicide to foliage of designated non-native invasive species (NNIS) in designated infestations. Kudzu control application must be made with sprayers capable of spraying up to 20 feet height into vines on trees and in and across gullied terrain. Cogon grass will be sprayed with a foliar application.

The spray must cover >75% of the noxious weeds’ foliage being treated and applied to cogon grass foliage to the point of runoff. A buffer of approximately 5 feet should be treated around the cogon grass infestations to kill emerging stems. Contractor shall apply herbicide to foliage of all vegetation less than 6 feet tall in designated openings or fields. BPA Calls will identify vegetation to treat and vegetation to protect. These treatments are common forestry practices.

Foliar application of the spray solution will be applied with back pack sprayers, tractor, UTV/ATV , or 4-wheeler mounted boom sprayer for selective spot application or spot sprayers may be used (low pressure, low volume) mounted in the back of a pickup truck, UTV, or backpack sprayer. Method and equipment used for foliar application in each treatment area must be approved by the COR.

All roads leading to treatment units should be accessible with a four-wheel drive vehicle. However, during periods of wet weather, longer walk-ins, ½ mile or greater, may be required. Areas to be treated will mostly be found along or within 250 feet of Forest Service roads or trails, temporary roads, wildlife openings, landlines, wildland urban interface (WUI) lines, and utility corridors. The COR will assign each working crew a treatment area each day.

Herbicide should not be applied within 30 feet of lakes, wetlands, or perennial or intermittent springs and streams if using a non- aquatic labeled herbicide.

Kudzu will be sprayed with a foliar application between June 1st and September 30th.

The amounts of herbicide and additives utilized to contain and control kudzu infestations per 50 gallons of mix are the following:

• 1 quart of Tordon K…