Solicitation_Package_03A3937.pdf

Contractor’s Name TBD Agreement Number 03A3937

Exhibit A Commercial Services–State

Scope of Work

1. Contractor agrees to provide Wildfire Fuel Reduction (WFR) Vegetation and Tree Removal Services to the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), as described herein:

Contractor shall provide all labor, materials, supplies, tools, equipment, incidentals, travel, and disposal fees necessary to provide mission-critical vegetative wildfire fuels reduction services to Caltrans District 03 in El Dorado County.

2. The services shall be performed at the following District 03 Caltrans locations in El Dorado County.

A. State Route (SR) 49: Post Miles (PM) 20.5-22.75, PM 27.5-31

B. SR 50: PM 19.8-61

C. SR 193: PM R4.5-26.9

3. Any reference to Caltrans Contract Manager and Caltrans Environmental Staff shall also include designee.

4. This Agreement will commence on October 15, 2025 (estimate), or upon approval by the Department of General Services (DGS), whichever is later, and no work shall begin before that time. This Agreement is of no effect unless approved by DGS. Contractor shall not receive payment for work performed prior to approval of the Agreement and before receipt of notice to proceed by Caltrans Contract Manager. This Agreement will expire on December 14, 2027 (estimate). The services shall be provided during the working hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays). The parties may amend this Agreement as permitted by law.

5. This Agreement cites specific portions of the most current version of the Caltrans 2024 Standard Specifications and the revised 2024 Standard Specifications (herein collectively referred to as the “Standard Specifications”). The Standard Specifications can be accessed via the Internet at:

https://dot.ca.gov/programs/design/october-2024-ccs-standard-plans-and-standard-specifications.

Only the sections of the Standard Specifications cited in this Agreement are requirements and are hereby incorporated by this reference as if attached to this Agreement. All other portions of the Standards Specification are not applicable to this Agreement.

6. All inquiries during the term of this Agreement will be directed to the project representatives listed below. Contractor shall provide advance written notice and receive advance written approval by Caltrans Contract Manager, without the necessity of an amendment, before changing the Project Manager noted below.

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)

Contractor’s Name: TBD

Section/Unit: District 01/Maintenance

Caltrans Contract Manager: TBD Project Manager: TBD

Address: Address:

Business Phone Number: Business Phone Number:

Email: Email:

7. Project Objective:

A. Protect life, infrastructure, and natural resources.

B. Reduce the potential for fire spread from vehicle induced ignitions along the State Highway System.

C. Protect the effectiveness of ingress and egress for primary evacuation, emergency response, and State Commerce.

D. Result in appropriate species composition with a mix of vegetation age classes, heights, and densities.

E. Result in a decrease in surface fire intensity (flame length) and rate of speed.

F. Improve the biodiversity and ecological function of the vegetation community.

G. Reduce tree overcrowding and relieve tree stress.

H. Reduce and rearrange vegetation while creating breaks in fuel continuity.

I. Improve the natural forest structure with a healthy tree density, a mix of tree species, heights, and age distribution, and natural gaps in the canopy while reducing competition and promoting a healthy multi-aged forest.

8. General Instructions

A. All work shall be pre-approved by Caltrans Contract Manager and performed in accordance with these requirements, Caltrans Standard Specifications and in compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations, and Contractor’s Environmental Redbook (Redbook).

B. This service contract shall not have any change orders or changes to bid quantities in the Bid Proposal, Attachment 1.

C. Caltrans Contract Manager will provide online maps or other GIS products to Contractor defining “work area boundaries” (WAB) and “Environmentally Sensitive Areas” (ESAs).

D. Caltrans Contract Manager and Contractor shall agree upon a schedule prior to the start of work.

E. Contractor shall provide fuel reduction and vegetation removal to meet the objectives listed in Section 7 above. Costs for services in this Section 8, shall be reflected in line-item number one (1) of the Bid Proposal, Attachment 1; unless otherwise stated within Section 10.

F. Caltrans personnel may be present at the worksite to monitor and evaluate work being performed.

G. Contractor shall prune trees and vegetation in accordance the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A300 Standards.

H. Contractor’s Registered Professional Forester (RPF) shall mark trees and understory vegetation for removal following prescriptions within Exhibit A.

I. Contractor shall not begin work until all personnel (prime and subcontractors) receive Worker Environmental Awareness Program (WEAP) training, and Caltrans Contract Manger gives approval.

9. Environmental Compliance

A. Contractor shall follow all measures contained within Exhibit A, and the Redbook.

B. All treatments shall follow the appropriate avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures (AMMs) in accordance with the contract California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and/or the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) as outlined in the Redbook.

C. CESA/FESA Species/Habitat Restrictions: Remove only live vegetation not listed as endangered, threatened, rare, candidate or special status species and in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the California Endangered Species Act (CESA), and the Federal Endangered Species Act (FESA) under the direction of Caltrans District Environmental Staff, or Contractor Supplied Biologist, D. If staging, parking, access, decking, or stockpiling areas within Caltrans’ Right of Way (ROW) are approved for Contractor’s use, those areas shall be delineated in the provided online maps or other GIS products and further defined in the Redbook.

E. Contractor shall conduct all work to minimize soil disturbance to the maximum extent feasible.

F. All vegetation shall be removed from the site in accordance with Section 10 Description of Work of this document. No vegetation shall be placed in culverts, ditch lines, streams, any drainage facilities, or ESAs

G. Contractor shall implement the Water Pollution Control Plan per Section 13 Water Pollution Control of the Caltrans Standard Specifications (CSS) and Provisions as identified in Contractor’s ECR. This cost shall be included in line-item number one (1) of the Bid Proposal, Attachment 1. No additional compensation will be paid for implementing water pollution control.

H. Storm drains must be protected by Best Management Practices for Stormwater per Section 13 Water Pollution Control in Standard Specifications.

I. Contractor shall comply with air-pollution-control rules, regulations, ordinances, and statutes that apply to work performed under the Agreement, including those provided in Government Code § 11017 (Public Contract Code § 10231).

J. Contractor shall not dispose of material by burning.

K. Archaeology (per Standard Specifications 14-02.03A)

If archaeological resources are discovered within or near the construction limits, do not disturb the resources and immediately:

1) Stop all work within a 60-foot radius of the discovery.

2) Secure the area.

3) Notify the Caltrans Cultural PQS and Caltrans Contract Manager.

Caltrans investigates the discovery. Do not move archaeological resources or take them from the job site. Do not resume work within the radius of discovery until authorized.

10. Description of Work

A. Contractor shall remove all invasive species and dispose off-site per local county agriculture requirements within the Work Area Boundary. See Attachment 4, ONRM Invasive Weed List.

If an unusual plant is observed, report to the Caltrans Contract Manager. Unless specified below, the following protocol shall be followed: cut seed heads and bag before cutting and bagging the rest of the plant. Care should be given to avoid dropping seeds heads onto soil.

Bags should be securely tied and stored to prevent any accidental escaping. Routine cleaning of boots, tools, and vehicles shall occur to reduce the risk of invasive species spread.

Removing dirt, mud, and plant debris from tires, undercarriages, and storage areas can prevent the unintentional transport of invasive species.

B. Contractor shall remove dead, dying and diseased vegetation, except where some snags should be retained to provide wildlife shelter, dens, etc. under the direction of Caltrans’ District Environmental Staff or Contractor supplied biologist.

C. Contractor shall cut vegetation to a maximum of four inches (4”) above the bare mineral soil surface.

D. Stump grinding is not permitted.

E. If timber operations occur under PRC § 4527, it is the responsibility of Contractor’s RPF to file and obtain a validated Forest Practice document prior to conducting any timber operations. All timber operations shall be conducted in accordance with the Forest Practice Act (FPA) & Rules, CEQA requirements, and other measures defined in the Redbook.

F. Disposal activities including, developing, and drafting disposal sale agreements, and biomass plant agreements, are the sole responsibility of Contractor. Disposal and agreement fees shall be the sole responsibility of Contractor. Contractor’s Licensed Timber Operator shall prepare and implement timber settlement sale agreements. Signature on final timber settlement agreements shall be in accordance with current laws and regulation. Contractor shall receive the proceeds from timber sales.

G. Trees and vegetation shall be marked or flagged for removal by Contractor’s RPF, based on measures included in Exhibit A, Attachments, and Redbook.

H. If trees greater than or equal to 10 inches DBH are removed from United States Forest Service (USFS) lands and intended for the personal use fuelwood program, deck timber at closest pull-out as defined in the provided online maps or other GIS products.

I. Contractor shall obtain load tickets to be attached to the wood being hauled as required in the El Dorado National Forest

J. Removals of limbs and trees up to 10 inches DBH shall be removed through chipping and hauled away to remove the fuel loading.

11. Vegetation Management Prescription

A. Vegetation Management Strip (VMS)

1) Description: A buffer from zero feet (0’) to 10 feet from edge of pavement where all vegetation is removed.

2) VMS Prescription – Cut and remove all vegetation alive or dead within zero feet (0’) to 10 feet of edge of pavement, excluding environmentally sensitive areas, as defined in provided online maps or other GIS products. Cut and removed dead, dying, or diseased trees that

Exhibit A Commercial Services–State overhang infrastructure such as roadway, pullout, runaway truck ramp, curbs, guard rails, signage, etc.

3) Post-Treatment Metrics – All vegetation is cut and removed off site, excluding environmentally sensitive areas, within the VMS. Stumps do not exceed four inches (4”) above bare mineral soil.

B. Shaded Fuel Break (SFB)

4) Description: The SFB is a buffer beyond the VMS where biomass and flammable vegetation is reduced by methods described in this contract (cutting, pruning, chipping, etc.). These methods retain a shade canopy while reducing ground fuels. The treatment area will vary in total width but shall not exceed 100 feet from edge of pavement, as defined in provided online maps or other GIS products.

1. Figure 1 - Goals of Fuel Break Treatment [Source:

https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Conceptual-diagram-of-a-shaded-fuelbreak-pre-treatment-and-post-treatment_fig4_277816997]

5) Shaded Fuel Break Prescription -

a) Contractor’s RFP shall mark all trees, brush, and chaparral to be removed to meet prescriptions in Exhibit A, then oversee removal. Remove all dead, dying, and diseased trees within striking distance of infrastructure or travel way. Remove leaning live trees with bole overhanging roadway, curbs, guard rails, signage, etc. Live tree and vegetation removal shall comply with CESA/FESA Species/Habitat Restrictions in Section 9, and Redbook. Some snags should be retained to provide wildlife shelter, dens, etc. Remove surface and ladder fuels. If merchandizing timber, follow Forest Practice Act and Rules per PRC § 4527. Work shall be overseen by Contractor’s RPF, Arborist and CSB/CSA, in addition to Caltrans’ staff.

b) Contractor shall remove conifer trees less than eight inches (8”) DBH and hardwood trees less than six inches (6”) DBH. Prune limbs of remaining trees to a height of eight feet (8’) above ground level. Remove all cut material within 20 feet of edge of pavement, and transport off site to an end-use facility. Within the remainder of the shaded fuel break chip, grind, masticate or lop and scatter to a depth less than 10 inches maximum to mineral soil, or optionally remove from the treatment area for off-site disposal.

c) To prevent erosion and germination of buried seed, avoid using heavy equipment for implementation that results in soil disturbance, compaction and exposure of bare mineral soil, as determined by Caltrans’ Contract Manager, Caltrans’ Environmental Monitors, or

CSB.

d) Contractor must ensure pruning cuts are made to produce a natural tree appearance that is characteristic of the species. Pruning cuts must leave a balanced crown on all sides of each tree and may not remove more than 25% of the crown per growing season. Topping cuts may not be considered under any circumstances.

e) If mechanical damage to stems is observed at any point during work, no mastication or flail equipment may be used within the critical root zone of trees to remain. If further damage is observed, no mastication or flail equipment may be used within the dripline of trees to remain.

6) Post- Harvest Forest Metrics

Target tree retention of 50 ft2 – 75 Ft2 Basal Area and 40% - 60% crown closure with live healthy trees. Previously marked/flagged trees and vegetation in the overstory and surface and ladder fuels in the understory, along with existing fuel stocks of dead brush have been removed. Dead, dying or diseased trees and vegetation have been removed except where some snags should be retained to provide wildlife shelter, dens, etc. All leaning live trees with bole overhanging roadway, curbs, guard rails, signage, etc. have been removed. All conifer trees less than eight inches (8”) DBH, and all hardwood trees less than six inches (6”) have been removed. Trees have been pruned up to eight feet (8’) from ground. Trees have been pruned per the guidance above. Stumps have been cut as close to the ground as possible, not exceeding four inches (4”) above bare mineral soil. No topping cuts were performed. All cut vegetation has been properly disposed of per Exhibit A.

C. WAB 100’ to ROW

Contractor shall remove only dead, dying or diseased trees beyond the 100’ buffer to the Caltrans’ ROW except where some snags should be retained to provide wildlife shelter, dens, etc. under the direction of Caltrans’ District Environmental Staff or Contractor supplied biologist.

If trees show evidence of pests, or disease, follow local county agriculture requirements for disposal.

D. Special Prescription(s): Environmental Sensitive Areas (ESAs)

DO NOT ENTER AN ESA

1. If an ESA is breached, immediately:

a) Stop all work within 60 feet of the ESA boundary.

b) Secure the area.

c) Notify Caltrans’ Environmental staff and the Caltrans’ Contract Manager.

2. If an ESA is damaged, Caltrans’ Environmental staff shall determine the necessary remediation. Caltrans deducts the cost for this work.

3. No access, parking, staging, decking, or stockpiling in ESAs.

4. ESAs shall be communicated through the ESA information displayed in provided online maps or other GIS products, and the Redbook.

5. If ESAs are shown, the boundaries shown are approximate. Caltrans’ Environmental staff will mark all ESAs prior to implementation while Contractor maintains them as identified in the provided online maps or other GIS products, and the Redbook. Maintaining ESAs shall be reflected in line-item number one (1) of the Bid Proposal, Attachment 1. No additional compensation will be paid for this work.

6. Work Windows/Limited Operating Period (LOP): A LOP is a time when certain activities are restricted to minimize disturbance to wildlife. LOPs are often used to protect species during breeding, nesting, and fledgling seasons. Purpose:

f) Prevent or minimize disturbance to wildlife.

g) Allow undisturbed breeding and offspring development.

h) Protect species that are sensitive to disturbance.

7. Work windows for sensitive species shall be outlined in Redbook.

E. Species Protection

1) Protect regulated species and their habitat that occur within or near the job site in coordination with District Environmental Staff, and Contractor Supplied Biologist (CSB).

Upon discovery of any sensitive species, Contractor shall immediately:

a) Stop all work within a 100-foot radius of the discovery.

b) Notify District Environmental Staff, CSB, and the Caltrans Contract Manager.

2) Bird Protection

a) Protect migratory and nongame birds, their occupied nests, and their eggs.

b) Caltrans anticipates nesting or attempted nesting from February 1st to September 30th.

c) The Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, 16 U.S. Code § 703–711, Code of Federal Regulations Title 50, Part 10, and the Fish & Game Code § 3503, 3513, and 3800 protect migratory and nongame birds, their occupied nests, and their eggs.

d) The Federal Endangered Species Act of 1973, 16 U.S. Code § 1531 and § 1543, the California Endangered Species Act, and the Fish & Game Code § 2050–2115.5, prohibit the take of listed species and protect occupied and unoccupied nests of threatened and endangered bird species.

e) The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, 16 USC § 668, prohibits the destruction of bald and golden eagles and their occupied and unoccupied nests.

f) Per Standard Specifications #14-6.03B, Bird Protection, if Contractor finds an injured or dead bird or discover migratory or nongame bird nests, Contractor shall immediately:

i. Stop all work within a 100-foot radius of the discovery.

ii. Notify Caltrans Environmental Staff, CSB and the Caltrans Contract Manager. Do not resume work within the radius of the discovery until authorized. If ordered, perform one or a combination of the following protection measures:

a. Install exclusion devices.

b. nesting prevention measures.

g) Prevent nest materials from falling into waterways.

h) Nesting birds or their nests shall not be physically removed or cleared from the work area.

i) Contractor supplied qualified biologist, shall conduct a pre-construction nesting bird survey to assure trees and brush are not occupied by nesting birds prior to any vegetation work. Survey shall be reviewed and approved by Caltrans District Environmental Staff. No work may occur until Caltrans District Environmental Staff gives approval to the Caltrans Contract Manager. This cost shall be included in line-item number one (1) of the Bid Proposal, Attachment 1.

F. Contractor Certifications and Supplied Personnel

Provide the following licensing, certifications, and personnel (and ensure the licensing, certifications are valid for the term of this contract).

1) California Licensed Timber Operator (LTO, License A) issued by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection for all commercialized vegetation/tree removal activities.

2) Contractor Supplied California Registered Professional Forester (RPF)

a) Contractor shall submit to Caltrans Contract Manager the name, resume and statement of qualifications for a Contractor-supplied RFP within seven (7) days after contract is executed.

b) RPF shall provide proof of contract registration issued by California Board of Forestry.

c) Inspect, identify, mark /flag and oversee vegetation to be removed, according to Exhibit A, Forest Practice document, as applicable.

d) Contractor’s RPF shall coordinate field reviews and routine meetings with Caltrans Contract Manager, Caltrans Environmental Staff, and Contractor’s supplied biologist.

Meeting frequency, and staff to be included will be defined in Redbook.

3) Certified Arborist with Tree Risk Assessment Qualifications (TRAC) issued by International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) for tree removal activities:

a) Shall oversee all tree removal work

b) Ensure all pruning complies with Exhibit A and ANSI 300 standards are followed

c) Identify dead, dying and diseased trees for removal

4) Contractor supplied biologist

Contractor-supplied biologist monitors all work activities for the protection of regulated species during fuel reduction work.

a) Contractor-supplied biologist shall:

i. Enforce all measures contained the Exhibit A and Redbook.

ii. Monitor regulated species within the area.

iii. Shall conduct all personnel (prime and sub-contractors) Worker Environmental Awareness Program (WEAP) training.

iv. Ensure Contractor does not work in an ESA.

v. Ensure that fuel reduction activities do not result in the take of regulated or protected species, including inspecting all snags for evidence of occupation. If evidence of occupation, flag as ESA.

vi. Conduct pre-construction nesting bird surveys 5-days prior to all vegetation removal.

vii. Ensure that fuel reduction activities comply with Exhibit A and Redbook.

viii. Immediately notify Caltrans Field Inspector and Caltrans lead biologist of any take of regulated species, violation of any measures outlined in Exhibit A or Redbook and discovery of any regulated species or habitat for the life of the contract.

ix. Prepare, submit, and sign notifications and reports.

x. All reports must include:

a. Description of the implementation of requirements found in Exhibit A or Contractor’s Redbook.

b. Names of the biologists conducting biological activity.

c. Dates and times of monitoring.

d. Locations and activities monitored.

e. Representative photographs BEFORE & AFTER Photos of each tree removed.

f. Findings.

g. Recommended protective measures if regulated species or their habitats are observed.

h. Name of the biologist who prepared the report.

i. Signature of the biologist certifying the accuracy of the report.

j. Details of any take of regulated species or violation of any measures outlined in Exhibit A or Contractor’s Redbook.

b) Biologists’ Resumes and Statement of Qualifications

i. Contractor shall submit to Caltrans Contract Manager the name, resume, and statement of qualifications (SOQ) for all Contractor-supplied biologist(s) within seven

(7) days after Contract execution. Allow 30-days for review and approval. If resumes or qualifications do not meet Caltrans’s standards, Caltrans’ will provide comments, and Contractor shall submit new SOQs/resumes who meets Caltrans’ standards within seven (7) days of receiving comments. Caltrans will then review, approve or require Contractor to submit additional personnel per the process described above until Contractor’s personnel meet Caltrans’ standards and have been approved.

ii. At a minimum, the biologist shall possess a four (4)-year Natural Science degree, have field experience working with regulated species / habitat and enforcing avoidance, minimization and mitigation measures (AMMs), and three (3) years of field experience monitoring with emphasis on vegetation management, fuel reduction activities, nesting bird surveys, CESA/FESA habitat, conducting Environmental Awareness Training and species identification and enforcement of protection measures.

iii. All specific authorizations must be current and valid from start of work until work completion.

iv. Contractor shall not start work until contractor-supplied biologist(s) have been approved by Caltrans’ District Environmental staff.

5) Contractor Supplied Archaeologist (CSA)

a) The CSA monitors work activities for the protection of cultural resources.

b) CSA minimum qualification requirements:

i. A bachelor’s degree in Anthropology with emphasis in Archaeology.

ii. At least 12 moths of professional prehistoric & historical archaeology experience in California.

c) Demonstrate the ability to organize and conduct archaeological surveys, complete site record forms, and report on survey findings.

d) Contractor shall submit to Caltrans Contract Manager the name, resume, and statement of qualifications for Contractor-supplied Archaeologist within seven (7) days after Contract execution.

e) Contractor shall submit to Caltrans Contract Manager the name, resume, and statement of qualifications (SOQ) for all Contractor-supplied Archaeologist(s) within seven (7) days after Contract execution. Allow 30-days for review and approval. If resumes or qualifications do not meet Caltrans’s standards, Caltrans’ will provide comments, and Contractor shall submit new SOQs/resumes who meets Caltrans’ standards within seven

(7) days of receiving comments. Caltrans will then review, approve or require Contractor to submit additional personnel per the process described above until Contractor’s personnel meet Caltrans’ standards and have been approved.

f) Do not start work until the CSA is authorized.

g) Prior to start of work, the Department will provide confidential cultural resource information to the CSA.

h) The CSA must:

i. Conduct archaeological surveys at all work locations prior to tree removal work.

ii. Notify the Caltrans Contract Manager of cultural resources at least two (2) days before work begins at location.

iii. Monitor cultural resources within the project area.

i) Enforce Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) and Archaeological Monitoring Areas

(AMA).

j) Ensure that construction activities do not harm or destruct any cultural resources.

k) Immediately notify the Caltrans Contract Manager of any harm or destruction of any cultural resources.

l) Prepare, submit, notify, and report on work performed adjacent to and within cultural resources.

m) Submit a weekly monitoring report.

n) At construction completion, submit a summarized final report of all cultural resource findings and protection measures.

o) All notifications and reports much include:

i. General description and account of cultural resource being monitored and protected.

ii. Recommendation on performing work adjacent to the cultural resource.

iii. Names of the archaeologists monitoring cultural resource

iv. Location, date, activities, and times of monitoring

v. Representative photographs

vi. Name of the archaeologist who prepared the report.

vii. Signature of the archaeologist certifying the accuracy of the report

p) All work locations must be inspected for potential cultural resources prior to tree removal work. The CSA will verify and enforce ESA and AMA protection measures. Submit a report to the Engineer at least 5 days before work for each ESA and AMA. Caltrans Cultural staff will demarcate the ESA prior to work.

12. Equipment

A. Contractor should provide appropriate equipment, with respect to function and size, to perform the work prescribed. It is Contractor’s responsibility to use the equipment alternative or alternatives that will accomplish the work under the conditions encountered.

B. Contractor shall supply each crew a fully functional vehicle with a rotating amber light to legally transport crew members and portable toilet/work trailer that is in safe operable condition at all times, as per the California Motor Vehicle Code.

C. Contractor’s crew vehicle shall have a first-aid kit onboard for minor injuries of Contractor’s crew members.

D. Contractor’s crew vehicle shall have safety warning triangle reflector kit mounted onboard to use in case of emergencies.

E. Contractor shall provide equipment that must be in good operating condition without leaks or other mechanical defects, Including backup alarms, safety decals, and manufacturer safeguards.

13. Safety

Contractor shall have their own supervisor or crew leader to direct crew operations and safety procedures. Dependent on the safety aspects of the work site, Caltrans personnel do not have to be at the worksite but shall be in the general geographic area to respond to emergencies. Caltrans will give daily pre-job technical instructions and safety information specific to the work location.

Contractor shall agree to follow applicable safety guidelines within the Caltrans Safety Manual and any applicable regulation or standard issued by California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA). The following also applies for the term of this Agreement:

A. Contractor shall submit their company’s Injury and Illness Prevention Program (Program) to Caltrans Contract Manager. The Program shall conform to Cal/OSHA’s California Code of Regulations (CCR) Title 8, Subchapter 7, General Industry Safety Orders (GISO) §3203, Injury and Illness Prevention Program and address common safety risks encountered in the workplace. The Program shall also include procedures for complying with the Cal/OSHA heat illness prevention standard.

B. Crew leader shall be available by cell phone during normal work hours for technical instructions and emergencies.

C. In the event that a crew member is injured on the job, Contractor shall be responsible for ensuring that the injured worker receives the appropriate level of medical care and transportation to a medical facility if necessary. Contractor shall be responsible for the administration and processing of any and all worker compensation claims due to any injuries incurred on the job. Contractor shall notify Caltrans Contract Manager within 24 hours or by the following workday of any injuries sustained while working under this Agreement.

D. Contractor Crew Leader shall conduct quarterly safety meetings and provide documentation of such to Caltrans Contract Manager.

E. Contractor Crew Leader shall conduct crew tailgate safety briefings every ten (10) working days that include hazards specific to work locations and include any applicable seasonal safety hazards.

F. Daily Safety briefings (tailgate meetings) conducted by Contractor Crew Leader shall be documented on the Safety Meeting Report (PM-S-0110), Attachment 6 or Contractor’s equivalent form. Copies of daily safety briefings shall be submitted to Caltrans Contract Manager at location where crew is deployed.

G. Caltrans and Contractor shall not allow Contractor’s crew members to remove any unsheltered residents and their possessions. Contractor shall notify Caltrans Contract Manager IMMEDIATELY upon discovery of unsheltered resident encampment(s).

H. Caltrans Contract Manager and Contractor shall ensure appropriate clothing and footwear is worn for the work being performed according to all guidelines for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) contained in the Caltrans Safety Manual. Contractor’s crew members are expected to report to work reasonably dressed to protect themselves from exposure to usual and/or predictable physical and environmental conditions found in the workplace.

The following Caltrans approved PPE shall be provided by Contractor:

1) Orange Color Safety Hardhat (American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Z89.1 1997, Class G OR latest), No Caltrans (CT) Logo

2) Safety glasses (ANSI Z87.1-1989 compliant)

3) Puncture resistant gloves

4) Orange safety vests ANSI/International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) Class III High Visibility - latest edition ANSI specification

5) Raingear if needed. Raingear must be ANSI/ISEA 107-2010 Class III compliant- (latest edition) OR ANSI/ISEA 107-2010 Class III compliant - (latest edition) warning garments must be worn over the raingear.

I. Caltrans Contract Manager will determine if worksite conditions require signs, flags, or lane or shoulder closures. If signage, flags or lane or shoulder closures are appropriate for conditions, Contractor will provide the required traffic control.

14. Traffic Control

A. Traffic control for shoulder closures will be used when work is adjacent to a roadway or highway. It shall include all necessary signs, cones, equipment, and labor required for shoulder closures.

B. Single lane closures - Contractor shall supply all equipment, devices, labor personnel, materials, and tools for traffic control required. The unit rate is for single lane closures and off and on ramp closures.

C. All traffic control shall be coordinated through Caltrans Contract Manager. Contractor is responsible for submitting for any closures needed with the Traffic Management branch of Caltrans in District 03, who can be contacted or as otherwise arranged with the Caltrans Contract Manager. Contractor is responsible for providing 10-97 and 10-98 for requested and approved closures to Caltrans Traffic Management Branch.

D. Traffic control shall consist of a minimum of four (4) person working crew minimum on a four (4) hour shifts. Each shift shall begin from mobilization and conclude upon removal of all signs, cones and/or equipment.

E. A C24 (SHOULDER WORK AHEAD) sign mounted on a portable sign stand with flags, for each direction of traffic which may be affected by the operation, shall be required whenever Contractor is doing any work adjacent to the roadway. The sign(s) shall be placed where directed by Caltrans Contract Manager.

F. Whenever vehicles or equipment are parked on the shoulder within 6 ft. of a traffic lane, the shoulder area shall be closed with 18-inch-high, reflective traffic cones placed along the edge of the pavement at 50 ft. intervals to a point not less than 25 ft. past the last vehicle or piece of equipment. Either a W21-5 (SHOULDER WORK), or W21-5bR (RIGHT SHOULDER CLOSED AHEAD), or C30A (SHOULDER CLOSED), sign shall be mounted on a portable sign stand with flags and placed 280' in advance of the work area. Cones shall be placed starting at the orange in color.

G. All cost to provide the above-described services, signs, materials, equipment, labor and any incidentals related to the above traffic control items shall be reflected in line-item number two

(2) of the Bid Proposal, Attachment 1.

15. Vegetation Management Data Collection and Reporting

Contractor shall be responsible for collecting and providing geospatial data and activity information for all areas where vegetation management activities are performed in designated Work Area Boundaries (WABs).

Contractor shall record the quantity of vegetation residue generated, the unit of measure associated with each treatment activity type (e.g., tons, cubic yards, or other applicable units), and the final disposition of vegetation residue/activities (e.g., Biochar, chipping, landfill, or otherwise processed or disposed).

A. Treatment Activity Areas

Contractor shall map all polygon areas where vegetation management activities are conducted within each WAB. The mapping shall include accurate delineation of treated areas and meet described requirements.

The preferred method is to collect polygon boundaries of management activities in the field using Global Positioning System (GPS)/Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) devices that meet minimum accuracy and formatting requirements. If field data collection is not feasible, Contractor shall notify the contract manager prior to or upon determining field data collection is not possible. This notice must include the explanation of the circumstances and a proposed plan for digitizing the polygons using aerial imagery, satellite data, or other reliable sources. The resulting polygons must be accurately located within the WAB and in compatible digital format.

1) Vegetation Type Description

Contractor shall determine and record the primary broad vegetation type for the activity area within each WAB. Broad vegetation types include forest, grass/herbaceous, shrublands and chaparral, sparse, and wetland.

2) Treatment Activity Description

Contractor shall record the WAB Identification number and a detailed description of the type(s) of treatment applied.

3) Treatment Activity Quantity Completed

The quantity of fuels treated and unit of measure (Acres) per individual treatment activity completed within a WAB.

4) Activity Area Center Latitude

Vegetation management activity centroid latitude value in decimal degrees.

5) Activity Area Center Longitude

Vegetation management activity centroid longitude value in decimal degrees.

6) Coordinate Date

Date the latitude and longitude values were determined.

7) Collection Method

The method used to collect the latitude and longitude values.

8) Activity Start Date

Contractor shall record the expected or actual beginning date.

9) Activity End Date

Contractor shall record the expected or actual stop date for work.

10) Work Area Boundary Identification (WAB ID)

Contractor shall record and maintain records of the WAB ID for each vegetation treatment activity conducted, ensuring accurate and consistent tracking of treated areas.

11) Residue Quantity

If applicable, the amount in dry tons of biomass residues generated by the vegetation management activity.

12) Residue Fate

If applicable, the portion of residues, recorded as percentages, generated by the activity that were left on site, treated, or removed. Multiple entries allowed but the reporting must total 100.

B. Tree Treatment/Removal:

Contractor shall be responsible for collecting and providing GIS data for all trees treated or removed within each designated work area boundary. This data must include accurate spatial locations and required attribute information as specified by contract.

1) Tree Height

Height of tree in US feet

2) Tree Genus

Name of the taxonomic group of closely related species.

3) Tree Species

Identifies the specific tree within the genus.\

4) Tree Common Name

Refers to the everyday or vernacular name to identify tree.

5) Diameter Breast Height (DBH)

The diameter of the tree’s trunk measure at a height of 4.5 feet (1.37 meters) above the ground level, recorded in inches. Measurement taken at the point on the trunk where diameter is most consistent.

6) Latitude

Latitude value in decimal degrees

7) Longitude

Longitude value in decimal degrees

8) Coordinate Date

Date the latitude and longitude values were determined.

9) Collection Method

The method used to collect the latitude and longitude values.

a) Survey - Values collecting through a field survey conducted by or supervised by a Professional Land Surveyor

b) Mobile - Values collected in the field using a handheld device.

c) Digitized - Values derived by selecting points on an orthophoto, LRS tool, or another base map.

10) Type(s) of treatment applied to each tree or if tree is removed.

11) Broad Vegetation Type Description

Contractor shall determine and record the primary broad vegetation type for the activity area. Broad vegetation types include forest, grass/herbaceous, shrublands and chaparral, sparse, and wetland.

12) Work Area Boundary Identification (WAB ID)

Contractor shall record and maintain records of the WAB ID for each vegetation treatment activity conducted, ensuring accurate and consistent tracking of treated areas.

13) Activity Start Date

Contractor shall record the expected or actual beginning date.

14) Activity End Date

Contractor shall record the expected or actual stop date for work.

C. Reporting Requirements

1) Frequency of Reporting

Contractor shall submit the collected data on a weekly basis, or as otherwise specified by VMP Lead/Caltrans Contract Manager.

2) Data Format

Contractor shall submit all data in a format acceptable to Caltrans. Preferred formats include Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) File Geodatabase (.gdb). Other acceptable file formats include shapefiles, KML/KMZ files, CAD files (.dwg, .dxf, .dgn) with defined coordinate locations, LAS files (.las), downloadable web-based GIS services, or electronic spreadsheets such as Excel, dBase, or comma-separated values (.csv).

Alternative formats may be accepted if agreed upon by Caltrans. Contractor shall also provide a plan detailing how they will meet the reporting requirements, including the file formats and methods they intend to use to ensure compliance.

3) Accuracy and Verification

Contractor shall ensure the accuracy of all data collected and reported. Caltrans reserves the right to verify the data through audits or field inspections. Any discrepancies found shall be corrected by Contractor at no additional cost.

Coordinate values are used to reference the physical locations of projects, assets, and other points of interest relative to a reference system (datum). Caltrans typically collects, stores, and uses the data as follows:

a) Field: Point positions may be collected using field methods from smartphones and hand-held GPS devices to survey-grade devices and procedures.

b) Digitization: Coordinates are collected by loading an appropriate base map or image into a GIS or similar application and selecting specific locations.

Latitude and longitude measurements shall be recorded in decimal degrees with at least (5) decimal degree places and referenced to North American Datum 1983 (EPSG 4269).

4) Approved Equipment for Field Data Collection

5) All Equipment used must be maintained in good working order, calibrated as necessary, and capable of meeting the accuracy and functionality requirements of this contract.

Substitutions or deviations must be approved by Caltrans [Contract Manager] in writing prior to deployment.

6) GPS/GNSS Devices: Equipment capable of achieving a minimum horizontal positional accuracy of three (3) feet, such as GNSS receivers with real-time correction capabilities.

7) Mapping Tools: Devices or applications that integrate with GPS/GNSS technology for recording and delineating polygon boundaries, such as handheld mapping units, rugged tablets, or preferred mobile GIS software.

Backup and Redundancy: Contractor shall ensure access to backup equipment to prevent delays in data collection due to device malfunction or failure.

16. Definitions and Schema

A. Schema for Trees

Schema for data collection of activities performed on trees. To be collected in a GIS in point feature format.

B. Schema For All Other Vegetation Other Than Trees

Schema for data collection of all activities other than on trees. To be collected in a GIS in polygon feature format.

Field Name Description Activity_Description The practice used to achieve management objectives. See below for activity (prescription options)

Activity_UOM The units used to measure and quantify the activity accomplished. Default value:

Each.

Activity_Quantity The planned quantity of an activity when it reaches completion.

Activity_Status The current status of the activity.

Broad_Vegetation_Type Identify the primary broad vegetation type for the activity area.

Residue_Quantity If applicable, enter the amount in bone dry tons of biomass residues (activity fuels) generated by the activity.

Residue_Fate If applicable, enter the portion of residues (activity fuels) generated by the activity that were left on site, treated, or removed.

Multiple entries allowed; must total 100.

Activity_Start_Date Expected or actual beginning date.

Activity_End_Date Expected or actual stop date for work.

WAB_ID An identifier field formed from the concatenated values of Caltrans District, Begin County, route name, reference postmile, and route direction. Values are taken from the Work Area Boundary feature class and are separated by hyphens.

Highway_ID An identifier field formed from the concatenated values of Caltrans District, Begin County, and Route Name.

17. General Contractor Responsibilities

A. Contractor shall ensure that only qualified and competent employee(s) are permitted on the job site and that the work shall be safely performed by the highest industry standards, in the sole opinion of Caltrans Contract Manager. Contractor shall take all the necessary precautions to prevent injury or hazard to Caltrans employee(s), invitee(s) and/or the general public.

B. Contractor shall conduct its operation in such a manner as to avoid injury or damage to the property of Caltrans or any adjacent property.

C. Contractor shall avoid causing unreasonable inconvenience (in the sole opinion of Caltrans Contract Manager) to any person(s) doing business on Caltrans property. In the event Contractor’s operation creates a condition hazardous to Caltrans property, its occupants, or the general public, Contractor shall provide warning signs alerting to any dangerous conditions at Contractor’s own expense and without cost to Caltrans.

D. No hazardous materials or waste shall be handled by Contractor. Contractor shall notify Caltrans Contract Manager of any hazardous materials immediately upon discovery.

18. Contractor Responsibilities

A. Contractor shall inform Caltrans Contract Manager of trash, debris, and unsheltered resident encampments around the work areas and Caltrans will legally dispose of the trash, debris, and unsheltered resident encampments.

B. Contractor shall conduct all work to be monitored by Caltrans’ Contract Manager, Contractor-supplied Biologist, Archaeologist, and Caltrans' Environmental staff.

C. Contractor shall provide written 2-weeks advance notice before the start of fuel reduction activities to the Caltrans’ Contract Manager and Caltrans’ Environmental staff.

D. Contractor shall provide written 2 weeks advance notice before scheduling crews to work in a new location, to the Caltrans Contract Manager and Caltrans Environmental staff.

E. Contractor shall not begin work until pre-construction surveys have been completed.

F. Contractor shall not begin work until all personnel (prime and subcontractors) receive WEAP training.

G. Contractor shall modify any work as directed by Caltrans' Environmental staff and/or CSB &

CSA.

H. Contractor shall be solely responsible for supervision and care of Contractor’s work crews assigned to work on Caltrans ROW.

I. Contractor shall operate vehicles for the towing of portable toilets.

J. Contractor shall be in compliance with California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and requirements for COVID-19.

K. Contractor shall be responsible for their crew's transportation to each of the reporting locations and/or the worksites. No parking of personal vehicles shall be allowed on the State's Highway

ROW.

L. Contractor shall report to Caltrans Contract Manager any inappropriate behavior on the part of their crew members or any personal injury or property damage arising out of work performed under this Agreement.

M. Upon notice by Caltrans Contract Manager, Contractor shall immediately investigate and report back on all incidents involving property damage, theft, or disruptive behavior. Contractor shall take appropriate action, including, but not limited to, removal of offending crew member from the job site.

N. Contractor’s workers shall be advised of and adhere to all Caltrans Policies for Workplace Violence Prevention.

O. At any time, Caltrans Contract Manager may request removal of any crew member from the job site for inappropriate conduct and Contractor shall immediately comply with such request.

P. Contractor shall provide, on a monthly basis, including but not limited to any invoices, registration of participation, daily work log, weekly time record, and weekly production record (trees removed, acres treated, etc.) to the Caltrans Contract Manager. Contractor shall also keep a record of costs, for review, upon request by Caltrans Contract Manager.

Q. Contractor shall perform the work in accordance with Caltrans Maintenance Memorandum, Division of Maintenance “Wildfire Mitigation Guidelines for Daily Field Maintenance Activities”, Attachment 5.

R. In addition to other responsibilities described in this Agreement, Contractor shall be responsible for all matters related to Contractor’s personnel including, but not limited to, the following:

1) Ensure deliverables meet the criteria established by the Agreement.

2) Supervise, review, monitor, train, and direct Contractor’s personnel.

3) Include Caltrans Contract Manager in written communications to other Caltrans personnel for any clarification on the Scope of Work.

4) Assign qualified personnel to complete the required work, as specified, on an “as-needed” basis in coordination with Caltrans Contract Manager.

5) Administer personnel actions for Contractor personnel.

6) Implement and maintain quality control procedures to ensure product and service accuracy.

7) Ensure all applicable safety measures are in place.

8) Provide invoices on a monthly basis. Last field working day shall be no later than two weeks before the end of the contract dates. All final invoices shall be submitted to Caltrans Contract Manager before the end of contract date.

9) Review invoices for accuracy and completion before billing to Caltrans.

10) Manage Subcontractors.

11) Monitor and maintain required Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation, if applicable.

12) Ensure the schedules, deliverables and the deliverables’ requirements set forth in the Agreement are satisfied.

13) Ensure compliance with the provisions in this Agreement and all specific work requirements.

19. Damages to State Property

A. In the event that any Caltrans property is damaged as a result of the actions of Contractor, or its employees, Contractor shall repair, at its sole expense, the damage which has occurred as a direct result of Contractor, or its employees.

B. Repair efforts shall be performed in a manner which ensures all warranties are maintained for any products that are damaged.

C. Repair efforts shall include the full costs for all required labor and materials. If the repair must be completed by an outside entity, Caltrans Contract Manager will approve of who shall be hired to complete the work.

20. Code of Conduct

A. It shall be the duty of Contractor and its staff to read and adhere to Caltrans policies and directives, available to Caltrans staff including, but not limited to the most current version of Director’s Policy (DP) 3-Health and Safety, DP 18-Workplace Violence Prevention, Deputy Directive (DD) 8-Drug Free Workplace, DD 22-Weapons Prohibited on or in Caltrans Buildings and Caltrans…