SOW_2020 IDIQ (002).docx

STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS AND BRIDGES ON FEDERAL HIGHWAY PROJECTS FP-14: US CUSTOMARY UNITS

SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

INDEFINITE DELIVERY INDEFINITE QUANTITY (IDIQ): CONSTRUCTION & MAINTENANCE OF ROADS & BRIDGES, EARTHWORK & RELATED SERVICES

Table of Contents

Preface

Preface_wo_12_05_2019

1. Introduction The US Forest Service is in need of construction and maintenance services for a variety of road, bridge, and structure work on Forest Service roads, trails, and at developed recreation and administrative sites.

2. Location of Project Work The work will be performed on US Forest Service administered lands, or adjacent lands within the boundary of the Chippewa National Forest. Specific locations of work will be indicated with each Task Order.

3. Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantities (IDIQ) The Government is seeking proposals for Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract(s). This is a type of contract that provides for an indefinite quantity of supplies or services during a fixed period of time.

Any IDIQ contract(s) issued as a result of this solicitation will be issued for a base period of one

(1) year, plus four (4) one-year option periods. Submission of an offer for the base contract period constitutes an offer to perform in the option period(s), if exercised.

Task Orders for work to be performed under the IDIQ will be issued as needed during the life of the contract.

4. IDIQ Contract Award Under this solicitation, one or more IDIQ contracts may be awarded to offeror(s) whose proposal is technically acceptable and offers satisfactory value to the Government.

Offerors’ proposals will be evaluated based on the merit of their technical proposal provided in response to Section M – “Evaluation Factors for Award”.

If multiple awards are made, each of the awarded contractors will be provided a fair opportunity to be considered for each task order issued in the future. If multiple IDIQ awards are made, the contractor selected for future task order work will be determined by location, availability, performance under previous task orders, and price.

5. Scope of Contract Work includes general road, bridge, and structure construction and maintenance work on Forest Service roads and trails. Work may also include earthwork and facilities demolition work at developed Forest Service recreation and administrative sites.

Work includes but is not limited to:

a) Roadside Brushing: Includes removal and disposal of limbs, residual brush, live roadside brush and trees, logs and windfall within the roadside clearing limits. See Appendix A for complete roadside brushing specification.

b) Road Blading: Includes blading and shaping forest roads to create a smooth roadbed cross section free of hollows, depressions, and projections above the adjacent roadbed surface. See Appendix B for complete road blading specification.

c) Roadside Mowing: Includes mowing and cutting vegetation adjacent to forest roads. See Appendix C for complete roadside mowing specification.

d) Mechanical Debris Removal: Includes removal of debris from plugged culverts, bridges and dams; cleaning inlet and outlet ditches; and loading and hauling debris to designated disposal areas. See Appendix D for complete mechanical debris removal specification.

e) Road Repairs: Includes repair and construction of roads damaged by human and/or natural causes. Roads may have pavement, gravel, and/or native surface.

f) Road Decommissioning: Includes de-compaction, partial or full re-contouring of road prism to restore the roadway to a hydrologically stable condition; removal of drainage structures and associated fill to restore natural contours; roadway excavation and removal at stream channels, streambank construction and stabilization; installation of gradient control devices in channels or sediment basins; seeding, fertilizing and mulching; and the construction of water bars.

g) Bridges (Road & Trail): Includes repair and construction of steel, concrete, and timber bridges; reconstruction of approaches; and related stream work within the project area.

h) Culverts and Aquatic Organism Passage ( A O P ) Structures: Includes repair and construction of road structures for aquatic passages; large culverts, bottomless arches, small bridges, stream grade alignment control and scour protection.

i) Demolition: Includes demolition of bridges, culverts, structures, gates/fences, utilities, signage, etc.; earthwork to remove below-grade elements; restoration of affected sites to a natural grade and condition.

j) Minor Construction: of retaining walls, gates and fencing, etc.

k) Aggregate Production: Includes crushing and stockpiling gravel road surfacing aggregate composed of crushed gravel, stone or other similar materials meeting the gradation and other quality criteria specified; screening, sorting, and stockpiling rock, cobbles, and boulders. Work will be done in specified US Forest Service gravel pits.

Note: When IDIQ Task Orders including scope of work items e-k are issued, detailed specifications will be provided with the Task Order Solicitation.

6. Specifications The Forest Service, US Department of Agriculture has adopted FP-14 for construction of National Forest System Roads.

All work will be done in accordance with the following specifications:

The Standard Specifications for the Construction of Roads and Bridges on Federal Highway Projects, FP-14, U.S. Customary Units are included by reference. The requirements contained in these specifications are hereby made a part of this solicitation and any resultant contract. The specifications can be obtained from the Federal Highway Administration Home Page online at: http://flh.fhwa.dot.gov/resources/pse/specs/

The Minnesota Department of Transportation Standard Specifications for Construction, 2018 Edition and updates, are included by reference. Requirements for aggregate contained in these specifications are hereby made a part of this solicitation and any resultant contract. The specifications can be obtained online at: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/pre‐ letting/spec/index.html

7. Payment Payment will be made on actual work performed as described in FP‐14 109.01 unless otherwise noted.

AGAR 452.216‐73 Minimum and Maximum Contract Amounts (FEB 1998).

During the period specified in FAR clause 52.216‐18, ORDERING, the Government shall place orders totaling a minimum of $1,000.00, but not in excess of $1,000,000.00 over the life of the contract.

The Government does not guarantee any equality of orders to be placed with each multiple award contractor. However, each multiple award contractor will receive a Task Order for the minimum amount.

8. Representation and Certifications All offerors must complete annual representations and certifications electronically via the System for Award Management www.sam.gov.

9. Successful Awardee To be awarded a contract with the Federal Government, the successful firm must be actively registered in the System for Award Management www.sam.gov. See FAR Clause 52.204‐7 listed in Section I.

101 - Terms¸ Format¸ and Definitions

Add the following paragraph to Subsection 101.01:

101.01 Meaning of Terms.

101.01_National_9_15_2016

Delete all references to the TAR (Transportation Acquisition Regulations) in the specifications.

101.03_National_4_7_2015

Add the following to Subsection 101.03:

101.03 Abbreviations.

(a) Acronyms.

AGAR — Agriculture Acquisition Regulations AFPA — American Forest and Paper Association FSAR — Forest Service Acquisition Regulations MSHA — Mine Safety and Health Administration NESC — National Electrical Safety Code WCLIB — West Coast Lumber Inspection Bureau

(f) Miscellaneous unit abbreviations.

101.04_National_9_5_2018

Make the following changes to Subsection 101.04:

101.04 Definitions.

Delete these definitions and replace the following:

Bid Schedule — The Schedule of Items.

Bridge — A structure, including supports, erected over a depression or an obstruction such as water along a road, a trail, or a railway and having a deck for carrying traffic or other loads.

Contractor — The individual or legal entity contracting with the Government for performance of prescribed work. In a timber sale contract, the contractor is the “Purchaser”.

Culvert — Any structure with a bottom, regardless of fill depth, depth of invert burial, or presence of horizontal driving surface, or any bottomless (natural channel) structure with footings that will not have wheel loads in direct contact with the top of the structure.

Drawings — (Public Works Contracts) Design sheets or fabrication, erection, or construction details submitted to the CO by the Contractor according to FAR Clause 52.236-21 Specifications and Drawings for Construction. Also refers to submissions and submittals.

Notice to Proceed — (Public Works Contracts) Written notice to the Contractor to begin the contract work.

Right-of-Way — A general term denoting (1) the privilege to pass over land in some particular line (including easement, lease, permit, or license to occupy, use, or traverse public or private lands), or (2) Real property necessary for the project, including roadway, buffer areas, access, and drainage areas.

Solicitation—(Public Works Contracts) The complete assembly of documents (whether attached or incorporated by reference) furnished to prospective bidders.

Add the following definitions:

Adjustment in Contract Price — “Equitable adjustment,” as used in the Federal Acquisition Regulations, or “construction cost adjustment,” as used in the Timber Sale Contract, as applicable.

Change — “Change” means “change order” as used in the Federal Acquisition Regulations, or “design change” as used in the Timber Sale Contract.

Forest Service — The United States of America, acting through the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Neat Line — A line defining the proposed or specified limits of an excavation or structure.

Pioneer Road — Temporary construction access built along the route of the project.

Purchaser — The individual, partnership, joint venture, or corporation contracting with the Government under the terms of a Timber Sale Contract and acting independently or through agents, employees, or subcontractors.

Protected Streamcourse — A drainage shown on the plans or timber sale area map that requires designated mitigation measures.

Road Order — An order affecting and controlling traffic on roads under Forest Service jurisdiction. Road Orders are issued by a designated Forest Officer under the authorities of 36 CFR, part 260.

Shop Drawings — (Timber and Stewardship Contracts) Referred to as “Drawings” in FP-14, include drawings, diagrams, layouts, schematics, descriptive literature, illustrations, lists or tables, performance and test data, and similar materials furnished by Purchaser to explain in detail specific portions of the work required by the contract.

Utilization Standards — The minimum size and percent soundness of trees described in Public Works contract specifications or Timber Sale and IRTC contract provisions to determine merchantable timber.

Add Figure 101-1—Illustration of road structure terms:

Figure 101-1—Illustration of road structure terms.

102 - Bid¸ Award¸ and Execution of Contract 102.00_National_9_15_2016

Delete Section 102 in its entirety.

Delete Section 102.

103 - Scope of Work

Delete all of Section 103 except Subsection 103.01 Intent of Contract.

Delete Subsections 103.02, 103.03, 103.04, 103.05.

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104 - Control of Work

Delete Subsections 104.01, 104.02, and 104.04.

Delete Subsections 104.01, 104.02, 104.04.

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Add the following to Subsection 104.06:

104.06 Use of Roads by Contractor.

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The Contractor is authorized to use roads under the jurisdiction of the Forest Service for all activities necessary to complete this contract, subject to the limitations and authorizations designated in the Road Order(s) or described in the contract, when such use will not damage the roads or national forest resources, and when traffic can be accommodated safely.

106 - Acceptance of Work

Delete Subsection 106.01 and replace with the following:

106.01 Conformity with Contract Requirements.

Follow the requirements of FAR Clause 52.246-12 Inspection of Construction.

106.01_National_7_18_2017

References to standard test methods of AASHTO, ASTM, GSA, and other recognized standard authorities refer to the methods in effect on the date of solicitation for bids.

Perform all work to the lines, grades, cross-sections, dimensions, and processes or material requirements shown on the plans or specified in the contract.

Incorporate manufactured materials into the work according to the manufacturer’s recommendations or to these specifications, whichever is more strict.

Plan dimensions and contract specification values are the values to be strived for and complied with as the design values from which any deviations are allowed. Perform work and provide material that is uniform in character and reasonably close to the prescribed value or within the specified tolerance range. The purpose of a tolerance range is to accommodate occasional minor variations from the median zone that are unavoidable for practical reasons.

When standard manufactured items are specified (such as fence, wire, plates, rolled shapes, pipe conduits, etc., that are identified by gauge, unit mass, section dimensions, etc.), the identification will be considered to be nominal masses or dimensions. Unless specific contract tolerances are noted, established manufacturing tolerances will be accepted.

The Government may inspect, sample, or test all work at any time before final acceptance of the project. When the Government tests work, copies of test reports are furnished to the Contractor upon request. Government tests may or may not be performed at the work site. If Contractor testing and inspection is verified by the Government, the Contractor’s results may be used by the Government to evaluate work for acceptance. Do not rely on the availability of Government test results for process control.

Acceptable work conforming to the contract will be paid for at the contract unit bid price. Four methods of determining conformity and accepting work are described in Subsections 106.02 to 106.05 inclusive. The primary method of acceptance is specified in each Section of work. However, work may be rejected at any time it is found by any of the methods not to comply with the contract.

Remove, repair, or replace work that does not conform to the contract, or to prevailing industry standards where no specific contract requirements are noted. Removing, repairing, or replacing work; providing temporary traffic control; and any other related work to accomplish conformity will be at no cost to the Government.

(a) Disputing Government test results. If the accuracy of Government test results is disputed, promptly inform the CO. If the dispute is unresolved after reasonable steps are taken to resolve the dispute, further evaluation may be obtained by written request. Include a narrative describing the dispute and a proposed resolution protocol that addresses the following:

1. Sampling method;

2. Number of samples;

3. Sample transport;

4. Test procedures;

5. Testing laboratories;

6. Reporting;

7. Estimated time and costs; and

8. Validation process.

If the evaluation requires additional sampling or testing be performed, mutually agree with the Government on witnessing procedures and on sampling and testing by a third party laboratory. Use a third party laboratory accredited by the AASHTO accreditation program. Provide proof of the laboratory’s accreditation for the test procedures to be used. Do not use the same laboratory that produced the disputed Government test results or that produced the test results used as a basis for the dispute.

The CO will review the proposed resolution protocol and may modify it before final approval and execution.

The Government will use the approved resolution protocol test results to determine the validity of the disputed testing. If the Government test results are validated, the Contractor will be responsible for all costs associated with developing and performing the resolution protocol. If the Government test results are not validated, the Government will be responsible for all costs associated with developing and performing the resolution protocol. If the validity of the Government test results cannot be determined, the Contractor and Government will equally share all costs associated with developing and carrying out the resolution protocol.

(b) Alternatives to removing and replacing non-conforming work. As an alternative to removal and replacement, the Contractor may submit a written request to:

1. Have the work accepted at a reduced price; or

2. Be given permission to perform corrective measures to bring the work into conformity.

The request must contain supporting rationale and documentation. Include references or data justifying the proposal based on an evaluation of test results, effect on service life, value of material or work, quality, aesthetics, and other tangible engineering basis. The CO will determine disposition of the nonconforming work.

106.02_National_10_23_2016

Delete Subsection 106.02 and replace with the following:

106.02 Visual Inspection.

Acceptance is based on visual inspection of the work for compliance with the specific contract requirements. Use prevailing industry standards in the absence of specific contract requirements or tolerances.

107 - Legal Relations and Responsibility to the Public 107.05_National_7_18_2017 Delete Subsection 107.05.

Delete Subsection 107.05.

108 - Prosecution and Progress

Delete Section 108 in its entirety.

Delete Section 108.

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109 - Measurement and Payment

Delete Subsections 109.06, 109.07, 109.08, and 109.09:

Delete Subsections 109.06, 109.07, 109.08, 109.09.

109.00_National_9_16_2016

109.01_National_2_22_2019

Delete the third paragraph and Table 109-1 of Subsection 109.01 and replace with the following:

109.01 Measurement of Work.

Take measurements as described in Subsection 109.02 unless otherwise modified by the Measurement Subsection of the section controlling the work being performed. Table 109-1 indicates the accuracy required for quantities of the various pay units used in the Schedule of Items. Use this guide to determine the decimal placement in the final payment.

Table 109-1 Decimal Accuracy of Quantities for Final Payment

Exception--Structure Excavation; Sheathing Materials; Bedding, Bed Course, and Backfill Materials; Gabions;

0.1

Exception--Calcium Chloride; Sodium Chloride; Hydrated Lime; Bituminous Materials; Pavements;

Bed Course Materials 0.01

109.02_National_9_16_2016

Add the following sentence to Subsection 109.02(b):

109.02 Measurement Terms and Definitions.

(b) Contract quantity.

Contract quantities will be adjusted only when there are errors in the original design of 15% or more.

155 - Schedules for Construction Contracts 155.00_National_9_14_2016 Delete Section 155 in its entirety.

Delete Section 155.

APPENDIX A

ROADSIDE BRUSHING

SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATMENT

1 - SCOPE

The services covered include furnishing all labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, operating supplies, and incidentals necessary to perform machine roadside brushing on roads specified herein, in compliance with the terms, specifications, conditions, and provisions of this solicitation. Brushing equipment shall be either wheeled or tracked and shall meet general commercial industry standards. Hand work will be required.

2 - LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

All sites are located on the Chippewa National Forest on Forest Service maintained roads. A map showing roads to be brushed will be included with IDIQ Task Order solicitations.

For trees or brush less than six (6) inches (DBH – Diameter at Breast Height) - this work consists of the removal and disposal of limbs, residual brush, live roadside brush and trees less than six (6) inches DBH which are within or that encroach upon the designated clearing limits on either side of the roadway.

For trees larger than six (6) inches (DBH – Diameter at Breast Height) - this work consists of limbing and limb disposal for limbs that are within or that encroach upon the designated clearing limits on both sides of the roadway. In some cases trees larger than six (6) inches may be designated for cutting.

Logs and Windfall within the specified clearing limits – this work consists of cutting, limbing and disposing or placing of logs and windfall that are within the clearing limits.

The clearing limits are shown in a typical section, Exhibits A, B, and C. This includes a horizontal distance of eight (8) feet from the shoulder of roads with ditches, and eight (8) feet horizontal distance from the shoulder of roads without ditches. Clearing limits shall include turnouts and curves.

3 - PERFORMANCE PERIOD

Specific performance period start and end dates will be indicated with each IDIQ Task Order solicitation. Work will generally be required to occur during “low or no snow” conditions.

Low or no snow can be defined as conditions where snow cover is not deep enough to impact the contractor’s ability to obtain the proper stump/vegetation cut heights.

4 - TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

The brush removal equipment shall come fully operational, of modern design, in good operating condition, and with a competent operator. Any method may be used that provides acceptable results and does not present a safety hazard to traffic. It shall be equipped with the following items throughout the performance of this contract:

· Fire extinguisher (minimum type B-C)

· A reflectorized slow moving emblem mounted on rear

· A minimum of 4 flashing amber lights, (2 forward & 2 rear), or a single light on top of the cab, visible from all directions.

· A Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS)

· Exhaust stacks with spark arrestors

· Self-propelled, engine driven, one person controlled.

· The brushing equipment shall be in good working condition and must supply a minimum cutting width of five (5) feet. It shall be capable of cutting brush up to three (3) inch stem diameter. It is recommended a side mounted brush cutter be used.

5 - PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

05.01 Brush and trees 6 inches or less in diameter

A. All brush and trees located inside or encroaching upon the clearing limits shall be cut off leaving a stump height no higher than four (4) inches above the ground level on the uphill side for hand cut trees and six (6) inches above the ground for machine brushing.

B. All brush, slash, trees, etc., shall be cut off cleanly, with no material left partially cut, bent over or matted down.

C. All slash or debris resulting from this work having a diameter greater than three (3) inches and a length greater than six (6) feet, shall be disposed of by scattering outside the clearing limits. All other slash or debris resulting from this work shall not accumulate in piles, mats, or otherwise heavy concentrations within the clearing limits. Any merchantable timber resulting from this work shall be handled according to 06 MERCHANABLE TIMBER.

D. No brush, slash or other material shall be disposed of in creeks or streams, and shall not interfere with or obstruct drainage facilities.

05.02 Trees in excess of 6 inches diameter:

A. Trees in excess of six (6) inches diameter, when measured DBH, shall be limbed so that no limb extends within a clear height of fourteen (14) feet directly above the clearing limits.

B. Limbing is required for trees that are outside of the clearing limits that have limbs encroaching upon the clearing limits.

C. Hand cut limbs shall be cut neatly and cleanly and as close to the bark ridge as possible. Machine cut limbs shall also be cut as neatly and cleanly as possible and as close to the bark ridge as possible without damaging the tree, no limbs, hand cut or machine cut, may be left partially cut or hanging.

D. Stump heights for machine cut trees larger than six (6) inches in diameter shall be less than twelve (12”) when measured on the uphill side.

E. A tree or large limb in excess of six (6) inches in diameter that extends over the roadway and is within the clearing height and appears to present a safety or damage concern for vehicle traffic (including construction or commercial traffic) shall be designated for cutting and the resulting material shall be managed according to this contract. See 05.06 Slash/Debris or 06 MERCHANTABLE TIMBER.

F. Debris shall not be allowed to accumulate in heavy concentrations, and should be distributed outside the clearing limits adjacent to the cutting area in a location that will prevent the debris from rolling into the clearing limit.

G. All slash or debris resulting from this work having a diameter greater than three (3) inches and a length greater than six (6) feet, shall be disposed of by scattering outside the clearing limits. All other slash or debris resulting from this work shall not accumulate in piles, mats, or otherwise heavy concentrations within the clearing limits. Any merchantable timber resulting from this work shall be handled according to 06 MERCHANABLE TIMBER.

05.03 Logs and windfalls:

A. Logs and windfalls lying within or across the clearing limits shall be cut off at the top of the cut slope and moved beyond the clearing limits to a location that will prevent the log from rolling into the clearing limits.

B. Windfalls on the fill slope side which extend above the road elevation shall be cut off at least two (2) feet below the road elevation and the resulting slash/debris shall be disposed of as outlined below. Logs shall be placed, limbed, or scattered so that limbs do not extend above the roadway elevation.

C. Creeks, streams and drainage facilities must be kept clear of any debris or materials handled during performance of brushing and work shall not result in interference or obstruction of water flow.

05.06 Slash/Debris:

A. All slash or debris resulting from this work having a diameter greater than three (3) inches and a length greater than six (6) feet, shall be disposed of by scattering outside the clearing limits. All other slash or debris resulting from this work shall not accumulate in piles, mats, or otherwise heavy concentrations within the clearing limits. Any merchantable timber resulting from this work shall be handled according to 06 MERCHANABLE TIMBER.

B. All slash/debris shall be removed from the roadway at the end of each day.

· Cleared width shall be eight (8) feet or to the tree line, whichever is less. This shall be measured from the edge of the establish roadway.

· Operator will avoid wet areas that may result in soil compaction by equipment.

· Any damage to Forest Roads caused by the contractor and/or their employees shall be restored to an equal or better condition than those existing prior to project activities.

· The contractor shall protect all known survey monuments, road signs, and culvert markers during operations. Hand brushing around these objects may be required to meet specifications.

6 - MERCHANTABLE TIMBER

Trees that are cut and have merchantable product are to be decked and piled as follows:

A. Merchantable timber can be left tree length or cut to 100” lengths B. Merchantable timber is specified in Table 1 - Minimum Merchantability Specifications C. Timber is to be forwarded or hauled out to a mutually agreed upon decking location D. Timber shall be severed at 12” stump and limbed to a 4” top.

E. Contractor may have the option to purchase the merchantable timber under separate contract.

06.01 Minimum Merchantability Specifications:

Table 1

Product type

DBH (in.)

Stump Height (in.)

top (in.)

Net Scale in % of Gross Scale

Hardwood Sawlogs

top DIB

Hardwood Pulpwood

top DIB

top DIB

Conifer Pulpwood

top DIB

Aspen and Balsam Poplar Pulpwood

7 - MAINTENANCE OF TRAFFIC AND USE OF WARNING DEVICES

The Contractor shall provide signs, other devices, and traffic control for occupied work areas in accordance with National standards as contained in Part VI of the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), 2009 edition or most current, and these specifications.

All signs and devices remain the property and responsibility of the Contractor.

07.01 Traffic Conditions

1. Roads shall be open to traffic unless otherwise approved in writing by the COR.

2. One lane roads shall be available for one lane channelized passage of traffic at all times unless approved in writing by the COR.

3. On roads closed with gates, the gate will remain closed during the period of operations. The gate shall be opened only to allow passage of the Contractor and his/her equipment and then be closed, unless otherwise approved in writing by the COR. The Contractor shall not utilize motorized equipment behind a closed gate for hunting or other personal use.

07.02 Devices

1. Required signs can be mounted on portable or temporary mountings. Standard MUTCD legends shall be used.

2. Traffic approaching the work area from either direction or side approaches shall be warned by signing.

3. Signs will, at all times, be within one mile of the operating equipment or personnel, unless otherwise approved in writing by the COR.

4. Hazards incidental to the work within or on the traveled way, shoulders, or turnouts shall be marked with hazard identification, illuminated beacons, or other MUTCD devices to safely guide road users through the area. Work shall be scheduled to provide for completion of segments on a daily basis.

5. Advisory speed plates may be used to control traffic through the work area.

07.03 Equipment

1. All vehicles and machinery operating on or from the traveled way or road shoulder shall have flashing amber lights or rotary beacons operated continuously while work is in progress.

2. Vehicles and machinery not currently used in the maintenance operation shall be parked off the traveled way at approved locations to minimize interference with the normal use of the road.

8 - SAFETY

Roads shall remain open for public use during all operations. Delays cannot exceed 15 minutes in duration.

Special care needs to be used to protect vehicles, people and other objects from flying debris.

APPROPRIATE SIGNING, INFORMING THE PUBLIC OF ACTIVITIES AHEAD, MUST BE POSTED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE PROJECT AREA BEFORE WORK STARTS. Signing shall be done in accordance with MUTCD standards.

On or before the completion of all work, or as may be directed, the contractor shall remove from the premises, all rubbish or debris brought in or created during the project, leaving the site as found.

There may be other Forest Service Contractors in the area. You must coordinate activities with these contractors.

Any damages to private or public property, as a result of actions by the contractor, shall be the full responsibility of the contractor.

9 - NOXIOUS WEED CONTROL

In order to prevent the potential spread of noxious weeds into work areas, Contractor shall be required to use weed-free equipment.

The following is considered proof of weed-free equipment:

The Contractor will be required to clean all construction equipment prior to entry on to the work area. This cleaning shall remove all dirt and plant parts and material that could carry noxious weed seeds into the work area. Only construction equipment so cleaned and inspected by the Forest Service will be allowed to operate within the work area. All subsequent move-ins of construction equipment shall be treated in the same manner as initial move-in. "Construction equipment" does not include pickup trucks and personal vehicles.

Prior to the initial move-in, and all subsequent move-ins, the Contractor shall make all construction equipment available for inspection by the Forest Service at an agreed upon location. The Contractor shall give the Forest Service at least 24 hours advance notification when equipment is ready for inspection.

10 - MEASUREMENT AND PAYMENT

Accepted work will be measured and paid on a per mile basis. Mileage shall be measured along the centerline of the road to the nearest 1/10 mile.

The contractor is responsible to provide a signed and properly executed invoice to the Government for each portion of accepted work for which payment is requested. Failure to provide all necessary information may result in the return of the invoice for correction and subsequent delay of payment.

11 - EXISTING FACILITIES

All existing facilities such as signs and drainage structures damaged by the Contractor's operations shall be replaced or repaired by the Contractor at no cost to the Government. No crawler type equipment will be allowed on asphalt roadways.

United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service

CHIPPEWA NATIONAL FOREST

CUT HERE

2 CUT HERE

14 FT

)3

)CUT HERE

DRAWING TITLE

PROJECT DETAIL

DATE

02/20/2019

8FT

ROADWAY

"TOTAL CLEARING AREA" EXTENDS FOR A HEIGHT OF 14FT DIRECTLY ABOVE THE TOTAL CLEARING LIMITS SHOWN.

ARCHIVE NO.

DESIGNER

DRAWN

TCM

CHECKED

DWG SHEET NO.

TOTAL CLEARING LIMITS

1 REMOVE BRUSH AND TREES LESS THAN 6 INCHES DBH THAT ARE WITHIN OR ENCROACH UPON THE TOTAL CLEARING LIMITS. HAND CUT STUMPS SHALL BE NO TALLER THAN 4 INCHES AND MACHINE CUT STUMPS NO TALLER THAN 6 INCHES.

PROJECT NO.

SHEET 1 OF 3

2 REMOVE ALL LIMBS THAT EXTEND INTO THE TOTAL CLEARING LIMITS EVEN THOSE FROM TREES OUTSIDE OF THE TOTAL CLEARING LIMITS. LIMBS SHALL BE TRIMMED NEATLY AND CLEANLY AS CLOSE TO THE BRANCH BARK RIDGE AS POSSIBLE.

3 TREES THAT EXCEED 6 INCHES DBH THAT ARE WITHIN THE TOTAL CLEARING LIMITS SHALL BE LIMBED NEATLY AND CLEANLY SO THAT NO LIMBS EXTEND TO OR ARE WITHIN THE TOTAL CLEARING AREA.

EXHIBIT A

14 FT

)TREE MORE THAN 6" DBH

TREE LESS THAN 6" DBH

SHEET 2 OF 3

1 REMOVE BRUSH AND TREES LESS THAN 6 INCHES THAT ARE WITHIN OR ENCROACH UPON THE TOTAL CLEARING LIMITS. HAND CUT STUMPS SHALL BE NO TALLER THAN 4 INCHES AND MACHINE CUT STUMPS NO TALLER THAN 6 INCHES.

2 ON TREES LARGER THAN 6 INCHES WITH LIMBS THAT ENCROACH UPON THE CLEARING LIMITS REMOVE ALL LIMBS THAT EXTEND INTO THE TOTAL CLEARING LIMITS INCLUDING THOSE FROM TREES OUTSIDE OF THE TOTAL CLEARING LIMITS. LIMBS SHALL BE TRIMMED NEATLY AND CLEANLY AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE TO THE BRANCH BARK RIDGE.

EXHIBIT B

FT

)1

SHEET 3 OF 3

1 A TREE OR LARGE LIMB IN EXCESS OF 6 INCHES IN DIAMETER THAT EXTENDS OVER THE ROADWAY AND IS WITHIN THE CLEARING LIMITS/HEIGHT THAT APPEARS TO PRESENT A SAFETY OR DAMAGE CONCERN FOR VEHICLE TRAFFIC (INCLUDING COMMERCIAL OR CONSTRUCTION TRAFFIC) SHALL BE DESIGNATED FOR CUTTING.

EXHIBIT C

APPENDIX B

ROAD BLADING SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

SCOPE OF CONTRACT

1. Furnish equipment, operator, supplies, and materials to blade designated Forest Service roads within the Chippewa National Forest.

2. There shall be one (1) to as many as three (3) blading cycles. The first cycle will normally begin around May 1, with the last blading cycle being finished before frozen ground conditions in the fall.

LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION

1. Work is to be performed on Forest Service Roads within Beltrami, Cass, and Itasca Counties of Minnesota.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

1. Equipment Requirements

Graders shall be self-propelled, engine-driven, tandem axle, pneumatic tire, cab, one-person controlled and operated with a wide range of blade adjustments and capable of performing maintenance work.

2. Size Classification

Road grader minimum requirements are 25,000 pounds, 150 horsepower and a twelve foot moldboard. The cutting edges of the blade shall be in good condition, free from deformation due to excessive wear. All controls, including brakes, shall be in proper working condition to allow full control of the grading at all times.

3. Inspection of Equipment

Inspection of equipment will occur upon delivery to the job. Wash all road grading equipment prior to starting the contract to remove mud, dust, and miscellaneous debris from the tires, undercarriage, and body of the equipment. Additional washing will be required whenever equipment leaves North Central Minnesota or has worked in an area known to contain noxious weeds. This is to prevent the spread of noxious weeds.

Equipment that does not meet contract specifications may be rejected. Replace or correct deficiencies of rejected equipment within four calendar days after notice of rejection.

4. Operator

The Contractor shall furnish with each piece of equipment, a qualified and experienced operator, capable of operating the equipment in terrain similar to that where the work is to be performed. Operator shall operate the equipment at the design speed or the maximum safe speed feasible under prevailing conditions. The Government may require the replacement of an operator who is considered incompetent, careless, or otherwise objectionable. Operator shall wear OSHA approved safety gear while operating equipment and comply with the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (as amended). The operator must be able to hold a smooth and even grade line with a minimum of skips and/or gouges and without excess windrowed material. Final determination of operator’s ability to satisfactorily perform contract requirements will be made by the Forest Service Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR).

5. Safety

The machine operator and any helpers shall comply with all State and local safety requirements. The grader shall be equipped with an operating flashing amber light on top of the cab, a minimum of one rearview mirror adjustable from inside the cab, backup alarm, slow-moving-vehicle sign and high visibility flags attached to both ends of the moldboard. If operation will occur during hours when vehicle lighting is required, the grader shall have an operational lighting system.

The contractor shall be responsible for placement and maintenance of traffic warning signs when necessary. These signs shall be visible to all traffic approaching the active work area. They shall be moved as work progresses so that at all times there is an adequate warning of the road machinery ahead.

Work shall be planned so each road or section of road is completed at the end of the work day and neither berms nor loose materials shall be left on the roadway overnight. In the event of an emergency, unsafe sections of road shall be signed, lighted, and barricades erected if necessary for safe travel.

On narrow roads, the operator shall stop to allow oncoming traffic to pass. The operator shall stop in all cases where oncoming traffic does not have at least 10 ft. good driving surface free of loose gravel beyond extended grader blade.

The contractor shall be responsible for all damage to property and to persons that occur as a result of the contractor or the contractor's agents or employee's fault or negligence, and shall take adequate precautions to prevent such damage.

6. Equipment and Material Storage

Obtain written approval from the COR prior to storage of any equipment, materials, or personal items on Forest Service property.

7. Communication

The contractor shall furnish fully functional mobile telephones for each operator. The telephone shall be carried and accessible to the operator at all times while working on the contract. Mobile telephone numbers must be given to Inspector and COR before work is started. This is incidental to other pay items.

8. Damaged structures, trees or other items

The contractor shall be held liable and is responsible for any damage caused by his personnel or equipment to any culverts, signs, posts, riprap, or structures. Repair or replacement shall be at the Contractor's expense and at no additional cost to the Government. Ordered repair of culvert inlet or outlet shall be by field methods such as, jacking out or cutting away damaged metal which obstructs flow, or replacing a section if beyond repair. All cut edges and damage to galvanized coating shall be cleaned and treated with zinc-rich coating. Wounds on trees caused by grading will be treated with a commercial tree dressing.

9. Pollution and Erosion Control

During all operations under this contract, the Contractor shall exercise reasonable measures to direct surface runoff water to stabilized waterways and to keep the drainage systems functioning effectively to prevent or minimize soil erosion and pollution of water and other resources. All refuse, including garbage, rubbish, and solid or liquid wastes from the contractor’s operations, including camps, parking areas and equipment maintenance areas shall be stored and collected in a sanitary manner and disposed of in a State approved disposal site.

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

1. Surface Blading

Surface blading shall include an adequate number of passes, as agreed to by the COR, to achieve the surface blading standard described herein from road shoulder to road shoulder. Normally, single lane roads will require 2-3 passes, and double lane roads will require 3-4 passes. The contractor will also be required to blade the entire width including turnouts and intersection fillets.

The following standard industry practices will be reviewed during inspections to determine the desired results will be met:

A. Blading to restore surface without loss of aggregate/gravel surfacing or disturbance or loss of road base material. Performance on gravel-surfaced roads shall be accomplished so the base is not disturbed and no surface material is lost in ditches or over the road shoulders. Blading of un-surfaced roads shall be performed so no base material is lost. Sections having segregated materials after spreading shall be reprocessed and spread.

B. Ruts, chuckholes, and washes shall be repaired by scarifying or cutting to the bottom of such defects to provide for uniform compaction of roadbed material. High blading, or any method which merely fills depressions with loose material, does not eliminate the defect or provide for uniform compaction and is therefore not acceptable.

C. No special consideration will be given for rutting or other surface disturbances that can be considered the result of normal use or road activity. If a road, or any substantial section of a road, appears to be excessively rutted, washed out or otherwise damaged beyond expected normal use, the contractor shall notify the COR before proceeding to grade this section.

D. Blading and shaping operations shall not undercut road back slopes.

E. At the conclusion of the blading and shaping operations the roadbed shall be smoothed and dressed to produce a uniform blade and cross section and a surface free of hollows, depressions, and projections above the adjacent roadbed surface. No berm or ridge or any material shall be left along either shoulder of the roadbed unless directed by the COR.

F. The finished grade shall be reasonably smooth with a crown.

Grading shall include providing for drainage of surface water directly into the side ditches at the shoulder without interruption by false ditches formed by accumulation of excess surfacing material. Blending into the road shall conserve all surfacing material. Removal of oversize rock and sod off the road will be permitted only at locations approved in advance by the COR. If the COR determines excessive gravel is being pushed into the ditches, the contractor will be liable for that gravel replacement.

Grading will proceed in a logical continuous pattern. Grading will not proceed when road conditions do not warrant it, such as extremely wet or dry weather or when the road, in the judgment of the COR, does not need grading. Graders shall not be run at speeds that will cause bounce in grader and/or leave ripples or washboard in roadbed. Grading will not change or alter existing roadway width, shoulder alignment or ditches without advance approval from the COR.

Contractor shall take reasonable steps to insure all suitable material, which has been worked onto the roadbed edge by traffic or maintenance activities, be reclaimed onto the roadbed.

Total roadbed width, including turnouts, turnarounds, and parking lots shall be bladed and shaped to produce a surface which is uniform, consistent to grade, and crowned or cross-sloped as indicated by the character of the existing surface. Established grasses and other vegetation shall not be removed from areas outside the traveled way except as incidental to providing drainage.

Undercutting of the road surface at the roadbed edge and leaving a berm is unacceptable.

At intersections, the roadbeds of the side roads shall be bladed to assure a smooth transition.

All fallen trees, limbs, brush, and other obstructions in the roadbed shall be removed. This work may require a chainsaw. If this removal appears to be excessive, notify the COR immediately.

No material shall be deposited in ditches, or in such places as to interfere with the road drainage. Material shall be "feathered out" or piled such that no berms are created.

There are short sections of pavement at several bridges. No material shall be deposited on this pavement.

METHOD OF MEASUREMENT

The work will be measured and paid for by the linear mile of roadway bladed in conformance with the specifications, to the nearest 0.10 miles.

BASIS OF PAYMENT

The accepted quantities will be paid at the contract price per unit of measurement as listed in the bid schedule. Payment will be full compensation for the work prescribed in this section. Prices and payment will be full compensation for the work.

FUEL ADJUSTMENT

Fuel adjustment will be made to 50% of the contract price when the cost of diesel fuel at the time work is performed (Current Fuel Index) exceeds 7.5% of the cost of diesel fuel at the time of bid closing (Base Fuel Index). Diesel fuel prices will be based on the average wholesale price for diesel fuel, as recorded in Cass Lake, MN.

Example:

Diesel fuel cost at bid closing (Base Price Index) = 4.00 per gallon Diesel fuel cost at time work performed (Current Price Index) = 4.35 per gallon 4.35/4.00 = 1.0875 50% of the Contract Price will be multiplied by 1.0875

APPENDIX C

ROADSIDE MOWING SPECIFICATIONS/WORK STATEMENT

DIVISION 100 - GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

110 - Scope of Contract Provide all equipment, labor, materials, tools, and other incidentals and execute all work necessary to perform the required roadside mowing on the designated National Forest roads, in accordance with the specifications, and bidder’s technical proposal, which is incorporated by reference.

111- Government Representative Government Representative (GR) refers to the Contracting Officer, the Contracting Officer’s Representative or the designated Project Inspector.

120 - Location and Description of Work A. Roads designated for mowing are Forest Service roads, located within the boundary of the Chippewa National Forest.

B. Roads designated for mowing will vary in length from ¼ mile up to 28 miles. The entire length of a road may not always be designated for mowing.

C. Work involves mowing and cutting of all vegetative material, up to 1 and ½ inches in diameter when measured at 12 inches above the ground, 5 feet from the road edge or to the bottom of the ditch or to the tree line, whichever is the lesser.

D. The roads to be mowed will be shown on a map accompanying IDIQ Task Order solicitations.

140 - Schedule of Work A. A prework conference will be conducted after Task Order award. This is required prior to the start of any activity.

B. The Government reserves the right to prioritize roads to be done first and the direction of travel.

C. Contractor may be required to mow any Forest Service road within the Chippewa National Forest. A reasonable attempt will be made to schedule work to reduce dead head time.

150 - Equipment Requirements and Transportation A. All equipment proposed to be used for performance of the work shall be of the size, type, and in such condition to properly pursue the requirements of this contract. Equipment specifications and minimum requirements are as follows:

1. The mower to be used will come fully operational, of modern design, in good operating condition, and with a competent operator. It shall be equipped with the following items throughout the performance of this contract:

· Fire extinguisher (minimum type B-C)

· A reflectorized slow moving emblem mounted on rear

· A minimum of 4 flashing amber lights, (2 forward & 2 rear), or a single light on top of the cab, visible from all directions.

· A Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS)

· Exhaust stacks with spark arrestors

· Self propelled, engine driven, pneumatic tire, one person controlled.

· The tractor mower shall be in good working condition and must supply a minimum cutting width of 5 feet. It shall be capable of cutting weeds, grass and brush up to 1-1/2” stem diameter. Equipment can be, but is not limited to a rubber tired tractor of sufficient power to handle a minimum of either a sickle type mower or a rotary disc mower, equipped with a protective curtain. It is recommended a side mounted mower be used.

Proposed variations requested for #1 above must be presented in the bidder’s…