Statement of Work_Specifications Attachment.docx

STATEMENT OF WORK/SPECIFICATIONS

1. General Purpose

Scope of Contract

This contract is a firm-fixed price single award contract, for timber cruising activities located within the designated units and plots as designated in the Schedule of Supplies/Services and shown in the attached maps and spatial graphic data.

The Tongass National Forest requires timber stand data collection in excess of agency capacity during the 2020 through 2021 field seasons. This work shall consist of timber cruising only as provided in the Forest Service Handbook 2409.12, to provide the Government with data to facilitate the timber sale offering and appraisal processes.

GENERAL NOTES ABOUT CRUISE PLOT NUMBERING: There are 685 total cruise plots in this cruise plot grid. The grid is 330 feet by 330 feet between all plots. Due to grid spacing and proposed unit boundaries, cruise plots that fell outside of the boundaries are not shown on maps (see attachments). Spacing between actual plots inside boundaries may be greater than 330 feet in one direction only, generally.

The Cruise plots are numbered 1 – 685 in sequential order. There are NO duplicate plot numbers in this cruise plot grid. All cruise plot numbers ascend in rank from South to North, 1-685. Plot #1 is in Unit 67 at the south end of the road system Plot #685 is in Unit #1 at the North end of the road system.

The Shelter Cove Timber Cruising Project will utilize a Variable Radius Plot cruise design on a 330 foot by 330 foot GRID spacing. Units will be sampled using Count and Measure plots collected at every other plot location. Odd numbered plots will be COUNT plots only. Even Numbered plots will be MEASURE plots only. Basal area factors of 20, 40 and 62.5 will be used on all count and measure plots. 20 BAF will be used for Western Red Cedar and Alaska Yellow Cedar species, 40 BAF will used for Sitka Spruce species, and 62.5 BAF will be used for Western Hemlock, Mountain Hemlock and Pacific Silver Fir.

Key Personnel Qualifications

The following MINIMUM combinations of experience and education are required for Contractor’s Representative and inspectors.

A Contractor’s Representative is the individual responsible for field operations in accordance with the contract objectives and technical specifications, and may also serve as the inspector as required for Contractor’s Quality Control inspections (see Section E).

An “inspector” is the individual responsible to insure contract specifications are being met.

The following MINIMUM combinations of experience and education are required for Contractor’s Representatives. A season is defined as more than 90 working days.

a) Minimum 2 seasons experience with no additional Forestry education.

b) Minimum 1 season experience with 1 year Forestry technical education.

Location and Descriptions

The Shelter Cove Timber Sale Cruising project is located on Revilla Island approximately 33 miles south of Ketchikan, Alaska in Carroll Inlet. Timber sale cruise plots are identified with unique plot numbers 1-500 and by unit number on unit maps and in digital format using ESRI ArcMap 10.5.1 in a project geodatabase. The project area is within T72S, R91E; T73S, R92E; T74S, R92E; and T74S, R93E; Copper River Meridian.

The Shelter Cove Timber Sale Cruising project is located on Revilla Island approximately 33 miles south of Ketchikan, Alaska in Carroll Inlet. Timber sale cruise plots are identified on unit maps and in digital format using ESRI ArcMap 10.5.1 in a project geodatabase. This project will include variable radius cruise plots on a 330 ft x 330 ft. GRID utilizing count and measure plots. Odd numbered plots shall be COUNT plots and even numbered plots shall be MEASURE plots. BAFS will include 20 BAF for Western Red Cedar and Alaska Yellow Cedar, 40 BAF for Sitka Spruce, and 62.5 BAF for Western Hemlock, Mountain Hemlock, and Pacific Silver Fir. A total of 685 cruise plots shall be collected and edited using hard copy R10 Timber Cruise Plot Cards and the Region 10 Coastal Alaska Timber Cruising Field Guide For Old Growth Scribner Cruising In 32 Foot Log Lengths, R10-MB-829, July 2017.

There are 54 conventional units containing 506 total plots for MEASURE and COUNT for timber variable radius plot cruising in CLIN 0001-BASE ITEM. These units include: 2, 3, 5-9, 11, 12, 14-22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 33-36, 40-50, 52, 54, 55, 57-67, 70, 71, and 77.

There are 13 helicopter units containing 88 total COUNT plots for timber variable radius plot cruising in CLIN 0002-OPTION ITEM. These units include: 25, 27, 34, 37-39, 51, 53, 56, 57, 72, 461, 471, and 481.

There are 11 helicopter units containing 91 total COUNT plots for timber variable radius plot cruising in CLIN 0003-OPTION ITEM. These units include: 1, 4, 8, 10, 13, 23, 29, 31, 32, and 191.

The project area is located on the road system east of George Inlet in the Shelter Cove area near Carroll Inlet. The Shelter Cove LTF and project area is accessible by road from Ketchikan. Float plane service is available from Ketchikan to the project site. Timber Cruise maps showing existing roads and harvest units along with numbered cruise plots 1-685 will be provided by the Forest Service in digital format in ArcMap 10.5.1. Unit maps with numbered cruise plots will be provided in 1:6,000 scale or 1 inch:500 feet.

The State of Alaska Shelter Cove Road Project connecting the Ward Lake/Harriett Hunt Lake/White River area to the Shelter Cove road system is open presently to through traffic. This is a gated road accessing upper George Inlet and Shelter Cove area in Carroll Inlet and is managed by the State of Alaska. More information on the Shelter Cove Road Project is available at the following State of Alaska DOT website: http://dot.alaska.gov/sereg/projects/ktn_shelter_cove_rd/index.shtml

The U.S. Forest Service does not quarantee access on this new state road connection and status of this road is subject to change by the State of Alaska DOT.

The environmental conditions include moderate-to-steep mountainous terrain, with moderate brush in old growth and young growth stand conditions. Weather can include all temperature ranges from the low 20’s to mid 80’s year round. Precipitation is generally in excess of 140 inches per year with most of this in the form of rain from April through October. Snow is common from October through March and can be severe. Hypothermia is prevalent year round. Heat exhaustion is also a concern during dry summer months.

Project work areas are accessible by forest roads that are typically open to standard 4x4 pickup or all-terrain vehicle (ATV) during the field season and by boat to remote remote field camps not connected to main transportation systems. The field season in southeast Alaska is roughly between April and October. The Forest Service assumes no obligation to plow snow or provide special maintenance to keep roads open. Foot travel to and from areas 0.5 to 1.0 mile will be common. Occasionally distances in excess of 1 mile will be required. Seasonal road closures may necessitate scheduling by the Contractor in order to obtain access to the area. District Travel Maps are available upon request from the District Office. The Forest Service shall not maintain roads for vehicle travel behind road closures.

Government Furnished Property

Alaska Region 10 Timber Cruising Certification is a REQUIREMENT to perform this contract. It is incumbent upon the qualified contractor be capable of achieving certification prior to implementation of the contract to ensure their employees are fully certified and maintain their certification for cruising timber in Region 10 Alaska. The Alaska Region 10 Measurements Specialist and the Tongass National Forest Measurements Specialist are available to assist with Cruiser Certification and field examinations after contract award during normal field season from April 1-October 31.

The Forest Service will provide the following specific materials and examinations to the Contractor prior to commencing fieldwork:

1. Region 10 Timber Cruiser Certification study materials

2. Region 10 Certified Timber Cruiser Written Exam

3. Region 10 Qualified Timber Cruiser Certification Field Exam

4. Region 10 Defect and Grading Flash Cards

5. Coastal Alaska Timber Cruising Field Guide For Old Growth Scribner Cruising In 32 Foot Log Lengths, R10-MB-829, July 2017

6. Forest Service Handbook 2409.12, Timber Cruising

7. Forest Service Handbook; TNF Supplement 2409-18-2005-1

8. Vicinity maps of the work area, in electronic format (PDF, JPEG, etc.)

9. All unit cruise maps with identified plots on a 330 ft x 330 ft GRID spacing and map scale 1 inch:500 feet in hard copy format.

10. Copies of digitally reproduced aerial photographs containing the area represented by each unit and planned road location, in electronic format (PDF, JPEG, etc.)

11. ESRI ArcMap GIS digital information for harvest unit boundaries, cruise plot locations, and roads, for use with ESRI ArcGIS 10.5.1 or field applications for ArcPad, Terra Sync, Two Trails using Trimble GPS GNSS 6000 units, tablets or Juniper system field data recorders.

Contractor-supplied Equipment and Supplies

Contractor shall furnish equipment, supplies, labor, and tools necessary for compliance with field procedures herein. Suggested items include, but are not limited to the following:

12. GPS Unit with GNSS capability

13. ESRI ArcMap 10.5.1 GIS platform

14. ESRI ArcPad 3.0

15. Paint gun compatible with Nelson brand quart cans

16. Azimuth compass with declination setting capability (+/- 2 degrees accuracy)

17. Magnetic compass

18. Mechanical or Electronic Relaskops

19. Clinometer

20. Diameter tape

21. Tatum/Traverse Book

22. 75 foot loggers’ tape

23. 200 foot vinyl measuring tape in feet and tenths of feet

24. Laser Measuring tool

25. Indelible ink markers and/or grease pencils (BLACK)

26. Red/White Vinyl stripe non-biodegradable flagging for cruise plot identification.

27. Metal Survey Pin with flagging for cruise plot centers.

Government’s Responsibility for Government Furnished Property and Time of Delivery

The Contracting Officer shall notify the successful Contractor of contract award and issue a Notice to Proceed to the Contractor at least 30 days prior to the Start Work date. The Contracting Officer shall also designate a Contracting Officer’s Representative, or COR. The Contracting Officer, COR and Contractor shall also schedule a Prework meeting at the Ranger District location of the project at least one week prior to the Start Work date.

This will facilitate the COR and the Contractor to coordinate delivery and receipt of Government Furnished Property (GFP) prior to the Prework Meeting. The majority of the Government Furnished Property can be supplied in digital format on external hard drives delivered by U.S. Priority Mail or through electronic email, or directly downloaded from U.S. Forest Service internet websites. This type of GFP is NOT accountable property.

Contractor’s Responsibility for Government Furnished Property

For the purposes of this timber cruising contract, NO GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY in the form of white tracer paint shall be issued for timber cruising variable radius plots to the CONTRACTOR.

The Contractor shall provide a sutitable white tree making paint commercially available for marking timber cruise variable radius plots and sample trees on count and measure plots. The tree marking paint needs to be durable enough to last three years in the field after application.

Communication Plan Contractor is also allowed to prearrange by phone call for times to submit completed data with the inspector. Maintaining open communications in both directions is key to successful contract management.

Data Submission Narrative All relevant timber cruise plot data cards shall be reviewed and edited by the contractor prior to submission for USFS inspection. Data shall be submitted by the Contractor’s primary contact on the first Monday of each week between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. noon to the Ketchikan Misty Fjords Ranger District office at 3031 N. Tongass Avenue in Ketchikan, Alaska to the designated inspector.

Work submitted for review shall be grouped in blocks of, as close to, 100 cruise plots maximum by work item in logical groupings for inspection and payment purposes.

2. Technical Specifications

2.1. Timber Cruising Plot Based – Variable Radius Cruise Plots Plot Location Plots per Unit.

The number of variable radius sample plots for each harvest unit is predetermined by the Government and illustrated on the attached unit maps. No fewer plots than the indicated number on the unit maps will be acceptable for payment. Null plots with no sampled trees shall be recorded by plot number and unit number. Variable radius cruise plots shall be used for all old growth units. The standard basal area factors for variable radius crusing shall include 20 BAF for Western Red Cedar and Alaska Yellow Cedar, 40 BAF for Sitka Spruce, and 62.5 BAF for Western Hemlock, Mountain Hemlock, and Pacific Silver Fir..

Plot Location.

Plots locations shall be identified on a unit map by the Government. The Contractor shall navigate to plot center using a method that maintains the accuracy standard stated for plot location in accordance with this solicitation. All directions from compass readings shall be corrected for magnetic declination. If azimuths are used, azimuths are to be measured from the individual unit map that has plot locations marked on a dot grid design.

Plots shall be established from reference points. Reference points shall be established by the Contractor along roads or harvest unit boundary traverse stations, with a minimum of one reference point per unit.

Plot center location accuracy standards shall be +/- 20 feet for each plot measured and traversed from the reference point.

Flagging Color Schema:

Flagging shall be used to facilitate the location of a plot and the relocation of a plot in order to check the original measurement. The flagging color for timber cruising shall be red and white striped in accordance with FSH 2409.18: TNF Supplement 2409.18-2005-1, Chapter 41; Sale Plan and Appraisal, Paint and Flagging Color scheme.

Flagging shall be provided by the Contractor.

It shall be of vinyl material unless otherwise specified by Contracting Officer. Flags as described in this solicitation shall be a minimum of 12 inches long from the knot to the tag ends once it is tied.

The route to plot center shall be marked as follows:

Reference Point: Three flags shall be tied on sturdy, woody plant material at least 5 feet above the ground. On one flag the following shall be written with a grease pencil or waterproof marker: “RP”, unit number, plot number, date, cruiser initials, azimuth and distance to the specified plot from the reference point. All reference points shall be marked on the individual unit map and provided to the Government for Quality Assurance purposes.

Plot Establishment Procedure.

The Contractor shall identify plot center in accordance with FSH 2409.12, Chapter 30: 35.21, or as specified by the Contracting Officer. The unit number, plot number, date, and cruiser initials shall be written with a waterproof marker or grease pencil that shall be tied to plot center.

Five flags shall be tied to identify the plot. Flagging shall be tied on sturdy, woody plant material at least 5 feet above ground. Four (4) flags shall be placed around the plot. One (1) flag shall be placed within five (5) feet of plot center, the unit number, plot number, strata, basal area factor(s), date, cruiser’s initials, and the distance and direction of travel to next plot written with a grease pencil or waterproof marker on this flag.

Plots shall be identified numerically by the Government on each individual unit map provided to the Contractor. Count plots will be odd numbered plots starting with number 1. Measure plots will be even numbered plots starting with 2.

All count and measure plots shall have all sample trees numbered consecutively on the plot, starting from TRUE NORTH and continuing in a clockwise manner. The paint color for timber cruising shall be white in accordance with FSH 2409.18: TNF Supplement 2409.18-2005-1, Chapter 41; Sale Plan and Appraisal, Paint and Flagging Color scheme.

Count Plots shall identify tree #1 and odd plot numbers with unit number with white paint on the bole of the first tree facing plot center nearest to True North. All other “In” trees on count plots shall be recorded by tree number in clockwise fashion from True North and do not require paint identification numbers on the boles. Recorded count tree data shall be noted on the cruise tally sheet by tree number and species code in conventional clearcut units. All count plots in helicopter harvest units shall also record estimated diameter at 4.5 feet to the nearest inch on the plot tally card.

Measure Plots will identify tree #1 and even plot numbers with unit number on the bole of the first tree facing plot center nearest to True North. All other “In” trees on measure plots will be recorded by tree number in clockwise fashion from True North and identified consecutively by number with paint. Recorded measure tree data will be recorded on the cruise tally sheet by tree number, species code, diameter in inches to nearest tenth of an inch, total tree height in feet, and graded and defected according to the Coastal Alaska Timber Cruising Field Guide For Old Growth Scribner Cruising In 32 Foot Log Lengths, R10-MB-829, July 2017.

Paint shall be provided by the Contractor.

The paint shall be of a type common to the application of forestry and is expected to remain on the tree for a minimum of three years. The type of paint shall be agreed to in writing by the Contracting Officer at the pre-work meeting.

2.2. Data Collection.

The Contractor shall collect plot and tree data in accordance with the FSH 2409.12 and all relevant R-10 Supplements for all count and measure plots.

The cruise grid shall be provided by the Government.

The cruise grid for this contract is 330 feet by 330 feet for all units.

This timber cruise shall consist of COUNT and MEASURE plots with unique plot numbers identified within the unit boundary and on unit maps. All unit maps shall have a scale of 1 inch to 500 feet. One tenth of an inch is equal to 50 feet.

All units shall be identified with paint by unit number on sample tree #1 for all count and measure plots along with the plot number.

All count plots shall be identified by odd numbers starting with #1.

All COUNT plots shall be identified by even numbers starting with Plot #1.

All MEASURE plots shall be identified by even numbers starting with Plot #2.

Every other plot shall be a COUNT or MEASURE cruise plot on the unit maps starting with Plot #1.

All harvest units are identified and numbered starting with Unit #1 in the north end of the project.

All Sample trees on COUNT and MEASURE PLOTS shall be selected based on a variable-radius cruise plot using predetermined Basal Area Factors. A 20 BAF shall be used for all Western Red Cedar and Alaska Yellow Cedar; a 40 BAF shall be used for Sitka Spruce; and a 62.5 BAF shall be used for all Western Hemlock, Mountain Hemlock and Pacific Silver Fir species.

OPTION ITEMS: Helicopter harvest units shall collect and record tree number, species, estimated DBH, and live or dead for all sample trees on COUNT PLOTS. Only the first numbered tree #1 closet to True North is painted with the plot number and tree number in white paint.

Plot data collected for ALL COUNT and MEASURE cruise plots shall consist of:

(i) Unit Number

(ii) Plot Number

(iii) Count or Measure Plot

(iv) Cruiser’s Name

(v) Date(s)

(vi) Sample trees

(vii) Total of “IN”sample trees by species on the bottom of the card

(viii) Cruise Plot Auditor’s Initials and Date at bottom of card.

Tree data collected for all MEASURE PLOT sample trees shall consist of:

All sample trees (live or dead) that meet minimum merchantability standards, as specified in the cruise design, shall be measured as described below:

(i) Tree Number – Assigned to a tree when it is determined to be a sample tree starting with tree #1 at True North and continuing numbering consecutively in a clockwise manner.

(ii) Species – Recorded as Region 10 tree species codes, listed below in

(iii) Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) – Diameter is measured at 4.5 feet above the root collar in inches to the nearest 1/10th inch.

(iv) Total Tree Height – Heights shall be measured from stump height (one (1) foot above the root collar) to the top of the tree in feet at least one total tree length away from the measured tree. (consult “ Coastal Alaska Timber Cruising Field Guide For Old Growth Scribner Cruising In 32 Foot Log Lengths, R10-MB-829, July 2017”, Pages 5 and 6 for details and figures 1-3).

1. Estimating Tree Defect and Net Tree Volume Measurement Techniques for Scribner Cruising: Use the following measurement methods for Scribner cruising:

Tree Heights: Record tree heights as total tree height.

Diameters: Record all tree diameters to the nearest tenth of inch.

Log Lengths: Logs are measured in 32–foot lengths.

2. Missing and Broken Tops: Broken tops are to be cruised to merchantable height. Measure from one-foot stump height on the high ground side to the break and take a top diameter inside bark at this point with a Relaskop. If the top DIB at the break is less than 6”, measure the merchantable height at a point where 6” is attained. Record the total tree heights to the nearest foot. Record in the notes “cruised to merch ht.” Calculate the number of logs and cruise/defect accordingly. Do not use table #4 to calculate the number of logs.

3. Merchantable height is 58’ with 12” Top DIB = first log 32’ + second log 26’ = 1.5 logs. The second log will have to be manually entered into FSCruiser. Even though the Log Data screen shows zero for tree height and .5 logs it will calculate the volume to 58’. Deduct only for seen defect, do not defect beyond 58’. You must have 8’-31’ to be considered a half log and 32’for a whole log. A live tree with a broken top with a merchantable log in the top portion that is lying on the ground, measure the actual height and cruise/defect accordingly.

4. Measure height of the stub (A).

Measure length of the piece on the ground (B).

Add the two measurements to obtain the total height, A+B=Total ht.

Cruise/defect accordingly.

(v) Number of logs.

Record the number of 32 foot logs for each tree, as referenced in the Coastal Alaska Timber Cruising Field Guide For Old Growth Scribner Cruising In 32 Foot Log Lengths, R10-MB-829, July 2017.

(vi) Cruiser’s Initials Cruiser’s initials are recorded for each measure tree.

(vii) Log Grade Assign grade codes to each 32 foot log as outlined in FSH 2409.12, Chapter 40, R-10 Supplement: 2409.11-2006-5 and as stated in this solicitation. All western redcedar sawlogs shall be assigned grade code 5. Logs assigned a grade code for Peeler or Select shall be recorded as zero (0). Assign grade code 8 for any logs that exceed the maximum allowable defect of sixty-six (66) percent for sawlog.

All young growth Sitka spruce and western hemlock sawlogs shall be recorded as Grade 4 sawlogs.

(viii) Log Defect Assign percent deduction for visible defect only (cull wood) in each thirty-two (32) foot log. Deductions shall be recorded in one (1) percent increments. The maximum recordable deduction for sawlogs is sixty-six (66) percent. If the visible defect exceeds sixty-six (66) percent record the log grade as 8 (cull log). No defect shall be assigned to any cull log.

Commercial Tree Species:

Sitka spruce, Alaska yellow-cedar, western red cedar and western hemlock are the primary tree species to be cruised. Western and mountain hemlock are considered one species collectively known as hemlock for timber cruising purposes. Other species listed below are rare, but are considered commercial. If encountered they shall be identified correctly by the species code. Pacific Silver Fir shall be cruised and graded using the current Western Hemlock grading rules.

Tree Species shall be recorded with the following species codes:

Sitka Spruce Hemlock (Mountain and Western) Pacific Silver Fir Alaska Yellow-cedar Western Red Cedar

Minimum Merchantability Standard:

The minimum merchantability standards for this cruise are all live or dead commercial tree species 9.0 inches or larger at DBH and contain at least one sixteen (16) foot log that meets sawlog requirements.

Sawlogs are a minimum of 9.0 inches at DBH, have a small end DIB of 7.0 inches or greater, contains at a minimum one 16 foot log and are at least one third (1/3) sound. Logs that do not meet the minimum merchantability standards shall be recorded as grade code 8.

Identifying Sample Trees:

Commercial tree species shall be determined to be "in" or "out" on each plot as follows:

(ix) All trees equal to or greater than 9.0" at DBH that meet minimum merchantability standards and live/culls equal to or greater than 9.0" at DBH, shall be determined to be "in" or "out" on each plot. Cruisers shall determine "in" trees based on the basal area factor (BAF) using a Spiegel Relaskop or instrument of equivalent or better accuracy. Basal Area Factors shall include 20 BAF for Western Red Cedar and Alaska yellow-cedar; 40 BAF for Sitka spruce and 62.5 BAF for Western Hemlock and Pacific Silver Fir. The point of measurement for determining “in” trees based on the BAF is at DBH at 4.5 feet above the root collar on the high side of the stump.

(x) Wind thrown, leaning and "borderline" trees are determined "in" or "out" of a plot by limiting distance.

(xi) Limiting distance is the maximum distance the tree (at DBH, facing plot center) can be from plot center and be considered "in". Accurate measurements are critical when determining limiting distance. All limiting distance measurements and calculations shall be recorded and provided to the Government for inspection purposes. Limiting distance shall be determined by:

1. Measure tree DBH to the nearest 1/10 inch. Note that DBH is always rounded down to the nearest 1/10 inch.

2. Measure the slope distance from plot center to DBH, facing plot center, on the tree. For wind thrown tress, this measurement is taken from plot center to DBH where the tree lay "on-the-ground". Slope distance is then converted to horizontal distance. Conversion is performed by measuring the percent slope (along the slope distance measuring device) and using a Slope Correction Table. However, if the percent slope is ten (10) percent or less, no conversion is required.

3. Cruisers shall determine the trees limiting distance, based on DBH, by calculating the limiting distance (plot radius factor X DBH) or using a Limiting Distance Table. Both methods identify the maximum horizontal distance (limiting distance) a tree can be from plot center and be considered "in".

4. Cruisers then compare the horizontal distance measurement to the tree’s calculated limiting distance and determine if the tree is "in" or "out". The tree is considered “in” if the measured horizontal distance is equal to or less than the calculated limiting distance.

5. All trees that are measured for limiting distance, whether the tree is determined to be “in” or “out”, the cruiser shall paint “LD” on the bole of the tree facing plot center. The Contractor shall state on the cruise card for all trees measured for limiting distance the plot radius factor that was used and from where the slope measurement was taken.

All portions of FSH 2409.12 (including Region 10 and Tongass National Forest supplements), the Tongass National Forest Land and Resource Management Plan (Forest Plan), and Best Management Practices (BMP’s) apply.

If the contract specifications differ from FSH 2409.12, the contract shall take precedence. Payment for contract work shall be made only for and under those pay items included in the Schedule of Items. All other work and materials shall be considered incidental to and included in the payment for the items shown.

A copy of the Forest Service Handbook 2409.12 Timber Cruising Handbook is available at: http://www.fs.fed.us/fmsc/ftp/measure/cruising/other/docs/FSH2409.12-2000.pdf Copies of R10 Supplements are available at:

http://www.fs.fed.us/im/directives/field/r10/fsh/2409.12/

3. Contractor Quality Control Plan A. Quality Control Plan The Contractor shall provide a Quality Control Plan (QCP) as part of this Technical Proposal. The Plan must demonstrate how the Contractor will assure that quality of performance meets the objectives and requirements of the contract. The QCP shall specify:

How quality will be monitored to assure technical specifications are met.

1. How the work will be supervised.

2. How results of the monitoring will result in quality performance.

3. Identify the personnel responsible for performing quality control.

B. Contractor Quality Control Inspection The Contractor shall assure that performance meets contract specifications, in accordance with Inspection of Services (FAR 52.246-4), prior to requesting the Government to inspect for acceptance or payment. The Contractor shall contact the Contracting Officer to set a mutually agreed upon date for inspection of completed work.

4. Government Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan and Acceptance Requirements A. Government Quality Assurance Inspection The Government shall make periodic inspections of the work to assure itself of contract compliance and to perform Quality Assurance Inspections to confirm that the Contractor is performing quality control in accordance with its QCP and that Contractor monitoring results in quality performance of contract objectives.

B. Acceptance Acceptance of the work under the contract shall be made after steps in (A) above have been taken and the Contracting Officer has made the determination of satisfactory compliance with the specifications.

5. Inspection, Re-inspection and Acceptance A. Compliance Inspection The Contracting Officer may, by formal inspection, determine if the specified methods of work have been used. Failure to use specified methods shall require prompt corrective action. Failure to take reasonable and satisfactory corrective action may be cause to issue a Notice of Noncompliance or a Suspension of Work order.

Work shall be inspected as completed Work Items assigned in the Task Order. Quality and pay rate shall use the same groups. Payment for partial unit completion will not be allowed.

B. Inspection Procedures All work under this solicitation shall be inspected on the basis of formal, visual inspection by the Contracting Officer through the Contracting Officer’s Representative or designated inspector. The following table shall constitute a minimum inspection for determining satisfactory performance for timber cruising.

If the sale check cruise does not meet standards, check 10 additional trees on scaled sales or up to 10 additional trees for each major species on tree measurement sales. If still unsatisfactory, re-cruise the sale.

Whenever administratively practical, inspections shall be done weekly as the work progresses.

All handwritten work shall only be accepted if completely legible. This includes, but is not limited to paperwork, information on flagging, stakes, and trees.

The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer/COR when work commences and shall keep the Contracting Officer/COR informed of any changes in the Contractor’s work schedule. Government inspection will take place after Contractor’s self-inspection.

Contractor self-inspection shall be done in accordance with the Contractor’s Quality Assurance Plan and FAR Clause 52.246-4, Inspection of Services.

a. Contractor shall provide and use an inspection system acceptable to the Government.

b. The Contractor shall make periodic inspections while marking and cruising is in progress to assure work is proceeding satisfactorily. Records of the inspection shall be maintained for the life of the contract and will be submitted with the formal Request for Inspection by the Government.

C. Determination of Acceptable Work

a. The Government shall use the R10 check cruise specifications (FSH 2409.12; 62.1) to calculate, document, and summarize the results of inspected work done by the Contractor. Below are a list of the categories, which will be inspected, and the minimum quality for each category:

Note, as per FSH 2409.12: “Number of trees MUST equal check cruiser’s tally with exception of borderline trees when point plot cruising. Borderline trees will have a variance of 1 percent between the cruisers and check cruiser’s limiting distance. If the cruiser’s DBH is within tolerance, use the cruiser’s DBH for calculating the variance.”

b. Calculation: the total number of incorrect trees divided by the total number of trees (by category) tallied on the inspection shall determine the percentage of unsatisfactory work. 100% minus percentage unsatisfactory work = % satisfactory work. For error weights and other information, see FSH 2409.12; 62.1.

c. Failure to meet the required quality for any category shall require rework.

2. Cruise Plot Location

a. Plot center monuments must be within +/- 20 feet of check cruiser’s plot center.

b. Failure to meet the required accuracy standard shall require rework.

3. Harvest Unit Boundary Marking

a. The Government inspector shall check boundary tag and paint locations and spacing between tags and painted trees.

b. Failure to meet the required minimum quality shall require rework.

D. Unsatisfactory Work

1. Timber Cruise Check Minimum Requirement: All Methods of Cruising

a. If the percentage of satisfactory work falls below the required 85% percent check cruise minimum standard, a notice of noncompliance shall be issued notifying the Contractor in writing of the deficiency and define a reasonable remedy to improve the quality of work. The Contractor shall be required to revisit the work sites to bring them up to the required quality within a reasonable amount of time after receipt of the Notice from the Contracting Officer’s Representative of unsatisfactory work, or the Contracting Officer may terminate the Contractor’s right to proceed and consider the contract to be in default. Repeated failure to perform work at the required quality level may also be considered cause for contract termination and default action.

b. Failure to meet the cruise plot locations(variable radius or fixed radius) requirement shall require rework. Plots not meeting the specifications shall be relocated.

2. All Harvest Unit Boundary Marking and Temporary Road Location w/Landings

a. Work not meeting the specifications set forth in the task order shall be reworked, inspected and accepted prior to payment invoicing.

E. Re-Examination Upon Contractor’s Request If the initial Government inspection results are not acceptable to the Contractor, the Contractor may dispute the results in writing. The same inspection procedures will be followed, but a different random sample will be inspected by the Government. If the re-inspection confirms the original inspection as not meeting standards, the Contractor shall reimburse the Government for actual costs incurred for making re-inspection.

6. Measurement and Payment A. Quantity Measurement

Conventional Unit Boundary Layout w/Profiles for Flagging: Unit of measure shall be linear foot of perimeter, in horizontal distance. Measured distance shall be determined by the established GPS harvest unit traverse or chain and compass traverse

Helicopter Unit Boundary Layout for Flagging: Unit of measure shall be linear foot of perimeter, in horizontal distance. Measured distance shall be determined by the established GPS harvest unit traverse or chain and compass traverse. Common boundaries shall be paid at the unit price.

Temporary Road Layout w/Landings for Flagging: Unit of measure shall be linear feet in horizontal distance traversed.

Temporary Road Traversing: Unit of measure shall be linear feet, in horizontal distance. Measured distance shall be determined by the established GPS road traverse or chain and compass traverse.

Harvest Unit Boundary Traversing: Unit of measure shall be linear feet, in horizontal distance. Measured distance shall be determined by the established GPS road traverse or chain and compass traverse.

Timber Cruising Area Based: The unit of measure shall be the number of plots.

Timber Cruising Other Methods: Sample tree measure, 3P and 100% measure shall be based on a per acre basis.

B. Payment Work Items by Unit of Measure The price listed in the Schedule of Items shall be the basis for payment for accepted work. Payment shall be approved for completed Work Items only as listed in the Shedule of Items. No payment shall be made for partial or incomplete work items or unacceptable work.

Payment shall be on the Contractor’s submitted invoice using the Government’s planned total project distance. The Government shall compare the planned total distance to the Contractor’s final total traverse distance. If the total difference between the planned total distance vs.Contractor traversed distance is greater than 10%; then total traversed distance shall be increased by the percentage greater than 10%.

Example: If the distance difference is 15%, the actual traverse distance shall be increased by 5%. If the difference is less than 10%, the payment shall be based on the Government’s planned total distance.

Timber Cruising Contractor shall be paid for the number of plots cruised and accepted. Payment rate shall be the price listed in the Schedule of Items. Unsatisfactory work shall not be approved and documented in a Notice of Noncompliance and Work Order issued to the contractor.

All accepted rework shall be paid at the unit price.

Payment shall be based on Government Quality Assurance Plan inspections documenting work by the Contractor. The R10 check cruise protocols shall be used to determine acceptable work by the Contractor. All six (6) categories, in addition to plot location, must meet satisfactory passing scores as stated in FSH 2409.12; Chapter 60.

7. Performance Standards

(a) Perform the service as stated in the referenced specifications above; and complete all ordered services by the completion date stated in the Period of Performance (AGAR 452.211-74).

(b) For all tasks, the penalties for poor performance are:

(1) Contractor may be required to re-work the unacceptable portion of the work, at the Contractor’s expense;

(2) Contractor may receive a poor performance rating for this contract;

(3) Government may withhold partial, or full, compensation;

(4) Contractor may be required to replace lost, or damaged Government property, such as excessive aggregate lost during road blading; and

(5) Contract may be terminated for the contractor’s default.

(c) For all tasks, the incentives for high quality performance are:

(1) Contractor will receive a superior performance rating; and

(2) The Government is more likely to select the Contractor for future contracts.

8. Incidental Over And Above Work

(a) Definitions. As used in this clause, “Incidental Over and above work” means work that is—

(1) Within the general scope of the contract;

(2) Not covered by a particular line item(s) in the Schedule of Items (withexception of Mobilization).

(3) Necessary in order to satisfactorily complete a particular contract; and

(4) Of a price not exceeding the sum of the prices of the base item.

(b) In addition to basic work described in this contract, the Contractor and Contracting Officer agree that this contract may include incidental over and above work.

(c) The Contractor and Contracting Officer further agree that the Contracting Officer, by written order, may add incidental over and above work to a contract order. Such an addition will be treated as a change under the Changes clause of this contract.

(d) Failure to agree on any matter regarding this clause shall be a dispute within the meaning of the Disputes clause of this contract.