A22 - W912EK23R0012-0002 Forest Svcs MATOC Amendment.pdf

96514730178020

AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION/MODIFICATION OF CONTRACT

Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the document referenced in Item 9A or 10A, as heretofore changed, remains unchanged and in full force and effect.

15A. NAME AND TITLE OF SIGNER (Type or print)

30-105-04EXCEPTION TO SF 30

APPROVED BY OIRM 11-84

STANDARD FORM 30 (Rev. 10-83) Prescribed by GSA

FAR (48 CFR) 53.243

The purpose of this amendment is as follow :

1) Minor corrections to solicitation. The follow ing RFP sections have corrections: SOLICITATION OVERVIEW, INSTRUCTIONS TO OFFERORS, and EVALUTATION METHODS.

2) Providing questions and answ ers. No changes w ere made as a result of the questions received.

1. CONTRACT ID CODE PAGE OF PAGES

J 1 30

16A. NAME AND TITLE OF CONTRACTING OFFICER (Type or print)

16C. DATE SIGNED

BY 18-May-2023

16B. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA15C. DATE SIGNED15B. CONTRACTOR/OFFEROR

(Signature of Contracting Officer)(Signature of person authorized to sign)

8. NAME AND ADDRESS OF CONTRACTOR (No., Street , County, State and Zip Code) X W912EK23R0012

X 9B. DATED (SEE ITEM 11)

04-May-2023

10B. DATED (SEE ITEM 13)

9A. AMENDMENT OF SOLICITATION NO.

11. THIS ITEM ONLY APPLIES TO AMENDMENTS OF SOLICITATIONS

X The above numbered solicitation is amended as set forth in Item 14. The hour and date specified for receipt of Offer is extended, X is not extended.

Offer must acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the hour and date specified in the solicitation or as amended by one of the following methods:

(a) By completing Items 8 and 15, and returning 1 copies of the amendment; (b) By acknowledging receipt of this amendment on each copy of the offer submitted;

or (c) By separate letter or telegram which includes a reference to the solicitation and amendment numbers. FAILURE OF YOUR ACKNOWLEDGMENT TO BE RECEIVED AT THE PLACE DESIGNATED FOR THE RECEIPT OF OFFERS PRIOR TO THE HOUR AND DATE SPECIFIED MAY RESULT IN

REJECTION OF YOUR OFFER. If by virtue of this amendment you desire to change an offer already submitted, such change may be made by telegram or letter, provided each telegram or letter makes reference to the solicitation and this amendment, and is received prior to the opening hour and date specified.

12. ACCOUNTING AND APPROPRIATION DATA (If required)

13. THIS ITEM APPLIES ONLY TO MODIFICATIONS OF CONTRACTS/ORDERS.

IT MODIFIES THE CONTRACT/ORDER NO. AS DESCRIBED IN ITEM 14.

A. THIS CHANGE ORDER IS ISSUED PURSUANT TO: (Specify authority) THE CHANGES SET FORTH IN ITEM 14 ARE MADE IN THE

CONTRACT ORDER NO. IN ITEM 10A.

B. THE ABOVE NUMBERED CONTRACT/ORDER IS MODIFIED TO REFLECT THE ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES (such as changes in paying office, appropriation date, etc.) SET FORTH IN ITEM 14, PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF FAR 43.103(B).

C. THIS SUPPLEMENTAL AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO PURSUANT TO AUTHORITY OF:

D. OTHER (Specify type of modification and authority)

E. IMPORTANT: Contractor is not, is required to sign this document and return copies to the issuing office.

14. DESCRIPTION OF AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION (Organized by UCF section headings, including solicitation/contract subject matter where feasible.)

10A. MOD. OF CONTRACT/ORDER NO.

2. AMENDMENT/MODIFICATION NO. 5. PROJECT NO.(If applicable)

6. ISSUED BY

3. EFFECTIVE DATE

18-May-2023

CODE

CONTRACTING DIVISION

US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS 1500 ROCK ISLAND D

ROCK ISLAND IL 61201

W912EK 7. ADMINISTERED BY (If other than item 6)

4. REQUISITION/PURCHASE REQ. NO.

CODE

See Item 6

FACILITY CODECODE

EMAIL:TEL:

W912EK23R0012

SECTION SF 30 BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

SECTION SF 30 - BLOCK 14 CONTINUATION PAGE

The following have been added by full text:

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Q1: Table 1 page 5 of W912EK23R0012. As far as Task Order categories, do you bid all three together;

timber stand improvements, invasive species treatments and planting efforts or can these be bid separately? For example, if I only wanted to do TSI and treatments.

A1: Each project name and associated line in Table 1 is a tentative future Task Order. Interested base contract holders under this MATOC will be required to bid on all categories of work listed in an individual Task Order competed in the future.

Q2: As far as individual projects, how do you identify/where do I find info on the size and areas for work to be performed or scope of work for individual projects such as Coralville Lake or different Pools on the Iowa side of the Mississippi River? I see a there is a clear scope of work on the Beaver Island portion but nothing else. I would like to go look at some of the projects closer to me so I can get my bid in. The fields I am interested in are forestry mulching, mowing, herbicide application, chainsaw work, and soil preparation.

A2: The Beaver Island Task Order is the first Task Order of the MATOC. The Task Orders shown in Table 1 are tentative.

Q3: Can you provide the previous solicitation number and bid tab?

A3: These services have not been procured by a MATOC in the past by USACE - Rock Island District.

Q4: Is Beaver Island is underwater because of flooding right now?

A4: Yes, portions of the work area have been underwater.

Q5: Will there be a meeting day to go over scope of work?

A5: No.

Q6: If not can I schedule one and I’ll pull a boat over to access site?

A6: The Government will not conduct a site visit. Interested vendors may perform a site visit to Beaver Island on their own time.

Q7: What happens with the trees on Beaver Island after being cut?

A7: All trees that are cut down in Stands A and B-1 are to be left where they fall. Trees may be partially cut up and scattered as needed to gain access and mobility throughout the work area to complete tree cutting work and planting efforts.

Q8: Regarding the Beaver Island work, how is the woody material cut supposed to be disposed? Is it just cut, drop, and scatter or will the woody material need to be hauled off, burned, etc.?

A8: All trees that are cut down in Stands A and B-1 are to be left where they fall. Trees may be partially cut up and scattered as needed to gain access and mobility throughout the work area to complete tree cutting work and planting efforts.

Q9: Do you anticipate that all Task Orders will have all tasks items in them as Beaver Island does or could there be Task Orders for individual tasks (i.e. tree clearing only or planting only, etc.)?

A9: See Table 1 for information on anticipated task types of tentative future Task Orders.

SECTION SF 1449 - CONTINUATION SHEET

The following have been modified:

SOLICITATION OVERVIEW

OVERVIEW: LOWEST PRICE TECHNICALLY ACCEPTABLE SOLICITATION

1. Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC) Solicitation W912EK23R0012, for

Forest Services in support of forest management prescriptions and associated vegetative maintenance services projects under the USACE Rock Island District, will result in the Government awarding a minimum of three (3), and a maximum of seven

(7) Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Forest Services contracts.

Thereafter, firm-fixed price task orders will be awarded for each project if deemed in the Government’s best interest to do so. Each contract will include one (1) ordering period lasting five (5) years. Actual period of performance start and end dates will be set at time of MATOC award.

2. USACE Rock Island District hereby issues solicitation W912EK23R0012 for requirements in the following states: Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Missouri. See the Basic Contract Statement of Work (SOW) below for a list of work area counties and types of work required. Planned/sample task orders (projects) under the scope of work can be found in Table 1 on page 5 below. The planned task orders are tentative and do not constitute a commitment on the Government to award.

3. The maximum dollar aggregate value for all contracts, combined, will not exceed

$9,500,000.00.

4. The guaranteed minimums are as follows:

a. A guaranteed minimum of $500.00 will occur for each base contract awarded.

The guaranteed minimum will be awarded on the first task order of each base contract. If awardee is awarded a project task order within first 12 months after base contract is awarded, funds will be deobligated.

b. These guaranteed minimum amounts are the only guaranteed amounts to be awarded under this solicitation. The Government is under no further obligation to order additional services. In the event a task order is awarded equaling or exceeding $500.00, the minimum guarantee will be met and the funds deobligated.

c. The maximum award amount of any task order must not exceed $800,000.00

d. The minimum award amount of any task order must not be less than $2,500.00

e. Only the Rock Island District is authorized to issue task orders under the resultant IDIQ contracts.

6. The Government will select for award the proposals that are most advantageous and represent the best overall value to the Government, considering the following two (2) evaluation factors: Technical Approach and Price. The proposals will be evaluated to determine whether the technical approach is acceptable or unacceptable. Any proposal that is evaluated to have an acceptable technical approach will be ranked by price. The number of contract awards will be determined by what is most advantageous to the Government.

7. The Work Plan and Schedule of Items and Prices for the first task order will be used for award evaluation purposes and may or may not be representative of any future task order. The first task order, Beaver Island HREP Stands A B Placement, will be issued concurrently with the award of the IDIQ contract to the Offerors’ proposal who is most advantageous to the Government based on the evaluation factors.

The work includes, but is not limited to, marking timber stand improvement treatments, cutting down trees per thinning treatment requirements, herbicide application of cut tree stumps, under planting trees and shrubs into established forest, planting trees and shrubs on dredge placement, and monitoring and treatment of unwanted herbaceous growth within dredge planting areas. See Attachment 0001 - 2023 Beaver Island HREP Stands A B Placement SOW for full details on this task order requirement. See Evaluation Methods for full details on the proposal and evaluation requirements.

TABLE 1 - TENTATIVE PROJECT SCHEDULE/TASK ORDER PLAN

Year Project Name Location Task Order Categories

Timber Stand Improvements

Invasive Species

Treatments

Plantings Efforts

FY 23 Bertom HREP Pool 11 X X X

FY23 Nile Mile Island Pool 12 X X

FY23 Beaver Island HREP Pool 14 X X

FY23 Steamboat Island HREP Pool 14 X X

FY23 Beaver Island HREP Pool 14 X

FY23 Beaver Island HREP Pool 14 X X

FY23 Keithsburg Division HREP Pool 18 X

FY24 Long Island HREP Pool 21 X X X

FY24 Coralville Lake NA X X X

FY24 Mississippi River Project Pool 11 X X X

FY24 Steamboat Island HREP Pool 14 X X

FY25 Coralville Lake NA X

FY25 Pool 12 Forest HREP Pool 12 X X X

FY25 Pool 12 Forest HREP Pool 12 X X X

FY25 Lower Pool 13 HREP Pool 13 X X

FY25 Green Island HREP Pool 13 X X

FY25 Steamboat Island HREP Pool 14 X X

FY25 Keithsburg Division HREP Pool 18 X

FY25 Quincy Bay HREP Pool 21 X X X

FY26 Pool 12 Forest HREP Pool 12 X X X

FY26 Pool 12 Forest HREP Pool 12 X X X

FY26 Lower Pool 13 HREP Pool 13 X X X

FY26 Green Island HREP Pool 13 X

FY26 Keithsburg Division HREP Pool 18 X

FY26 Nile Mile Island Pool 12 X X X

FY27 Pool 11 Pool 11 X X X

FY27 Green Island HREP Pool 13 X

FY27 Long Island HREP Pool 21 X X X

9. On Ramp/Off Ramp/Dormant Status

(a) OPEN SEASON ON-RAMPING Open season is considered the time frame of the ordering period USACE will determine whether it would be in the Government’s best interest to initiate an open season to add additional Contractors to any of the MATOC contracts at any time, subject to the following conditions.

i. An open season notice is published in beta.sam.gov in accordance with FAR Part 5, Publicizing Contract Actions

ii. An open season solicitation is issued under current Federal procurement law

iii. The solicitation identifies the total anticipated number of new contracts that

USACE intends to award

iv. Any Offeror that meets the eligibility requirements set forth in the open season solicitation may submit a proposal in response to the solicitation

v. The award decision under the open season solicitation is based upon substantially the same evaluation factors/sub-factors as the original solicitation

vi. An Offeror’s proposal must meet all the Evaluation Criteria of the original solicitation

vii. The terms and conditions of any resulting awards will be materially identical to the existing version of the MATOC Pool

viii. The period of performance term for any new awards is coterminous with the existing term for all other Contractors already in the MATOC Pool.

Immediately upon on-ramping, the Contractor is eligible to submit a proposal in response to any task order solicitation and receive task order awards with the same rights and obligations as any other Contractor in the MATOC Pool.

(b) DORMANT STATUS

USACE is responsible for ensuring performance and compliance with the terms of the MATOC contracts, and for safeguarding the interests of the Government and the American taxpayer in its contractual relationships. Additionally, USACE must ensure that Contractors receive impartial, fair, and equitable treatment. Forest Services must be reserved for high performing Contractors. Therefore, if the Contracting Officer determines that any requirement of the MATOC contract is not being met, a Contractor may be placed into Dormant Status.

Dormant status may be activated for any given Contractor. If Dormant Status is activated, the Contractor will not be eligible to participate or compete in any subsequent task order solicitations while the Contractor is in Dormant Status; however, Contractors placed in Dormant Status must continue performance on previously awarded and active task orders, including any modifications at the task order level.

Dormant Status is not a Debarment, Suspension, or Ineligibility as defined in FAR Subpart 9.4, or a Termination as defined in FAR Part 49. Dormant Status is a condition that applies to the Forest Services MATOC contract only. Grounds for being placed in Dormant Status include, but are not limited to:

i. Not bidding on Requests for Task Order Proposals (RFTOPS) for a period of six months or more

ii. Not completing awarded task orders per work schedule

Dormant status will only be assigned after careful consideration of the situation and collaboration with the Contractor to resolve the issues. To place a Contractor in Dormant Status, the Contracting Officer must first send a letter, in writing, to the Contractor regarding the poor performance or non-compliance issue. The Contractor must have a reasonable time, at the discretion of the Contracting Officer (KO), to provide the KO with a remediation plan to correct the deficiencies/issues. If the KO is satisfied with the Contractor’s response, the Contractor will not be placed in Dormant Status. If the KO is not satisfied with the response, or the remediation plan is not effective, the KO may issue a final decision, in writing, placing the Contractor in Dormant Status.

(c) OFF-RAMPING USACE reserves the unilateral right to Off-Ramp non-performing Contractors.

Contractors that are Off-Ramped have no active task orders under their contract at the time of the Off-Ramping. Off-Ramping methods may result from one of the following conditions:

i. After a Contractor is placed in Dormant Status and the Contractor has completed all previously awarded task orders under the contract.

ii. Debarment, Suspension, or Ineligibility as defined in FAR Subpart 9.4.

iii. Termination as defined in FAR Part 49

iv. Contractors who do not meet the standards of performance, deliverables, or compliances in the contract

STATEMENT OF WORK

SECTION 1

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. This Statement of Work (SOW) will become the SOW for each basic contract awarded under this solicitation.

2. Scope of Work. This multiple award task order contract (MATOC) is to assist the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) with forest management prescriptions and associated vegetative maintenance services for projects.

Work covered by this MATOC and its respective task orders must consist of furnishing all necessary: labor, operators, supervision, licenses, equipment, vessels (able to transport people and equipment), transportation, supplies and materials necessary to perform work identified in MATOC sections including:

Supplying Planting Materials; Direct Seeding; Herbaceous, Shrub, and Tree Planting; Site Preparation; Rough Cut Mowing; Herbicide Supply and Application; Hand Crew Chainsaw Cutting; and Forestry Mulching on islands or areas accessible by land. All work activities performed under this MATOC must be in accordance with the requirements of this SOW, the Contractor’s approved work plan, and task orders. All work must be completed to the satisfaction of the Contracting Officer.

A. The Contractor must work in accordance with safety requirements set forth in Corps of Engineers’ Manual, EM 385-1-1, and industry standards for categories of work described in this SOW.

B. The Contractor must maintain at minimum one employee with the necessary valid state commercial pesticide applicator’s license annually in at least one state included within the work area: Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, or Missouri.

C. The Contractor must have at minimum one individual with the necessary valid state commercial pesticide applicator’s license or obtain reciprocal certification and license to apply herbicide in the state that work is performed if herbicide application is required in that specific task order.

3. MATOC Area. Work areas will be located within one or more of the following counties: Crawford and Grant counties in the state of Wisconsin; Allamakee, Boone, Clinton, Clayton, Dallas, Des Moines, Dubuque, Iowa, Jackson, Jasper, Johnson, Lee, Linn, Louisa, Muscatine, Polk, Scott, Warren, in the state of

Iowa; Jo Daviess, Carroll, Whiteside, Rock Island, Mercer, Henderson, Hancock, Adams, Pike, Calhoun, Brown, Schuyler, Fulton, Peoria, Putnam, Bureau, La Salle, Grundy, Marmust, Woodford, Tazewell, Mason, Cass, and Morgan in the state of Illinois; and Clark, Lewis, Marion, and Ralls in the state of Missouri. See Figure 1 Forest Services MATOC general extent for reference to the extent of the general work area.

4. Work Locations: Work sites are widely scattered and vary in topography, vegetative cover, and access for equipment. Several work sites may be contained within the same task order, providing for efficiency and economy of scale. However, travel time between sites should also be considered and bid accordingly. Include mobilization in CLIN bid price. Actual task order may include multiple work sites within the same vicinity. All task orders will include fieldwork site locations with accompanying maps, spatial data, and description of each area.

5. Omissions. These specifications may duplicate or not cover all specified activities, steps, and/or procedures required to accomplish work. In no instance may an omission be a reason to perform inferior work, produce a less than acceptable product or service, or refuse to perform an intended activity.

FIGURE 1. FOREST SERVICES MATOC GENERAL EXTENT

6. MATOC Period. The period of performance for this MATOC will be for five years commencing from the date of award. The period of performance for task orders under this MATOC will be established at task order award.

7. Task Orders. Any task orders issued under this MATOC are to be awarded at the discretion of the Government. The allowable and/or required performance period will be specified in the task order including any required start date.

8. Required Insurance. As required by the contract clause “Insurance-Work on a

Government Installation,” the Contactor must furnish to the Government a certificate or written statement as evidence of the minimum insurance listed below prior to any work commencing. The Contractor must get and maintain the required types and amounts of insurance for the entire period of performance under each task order.

9. Safety. The Contractor must perform all work in accordance with safety requirements set forth in Corps of Engineers’ Manual EM 385-1-1, entitled “Safety and Health Requirements Manual,” dated November 2014. Copies and any updates are available for review at:

https://www.publications.usace.army.mil/Portals/76/Publications/EngineerManu als/EM_385-1-1.pdf .

The Contractor must submit all documents as required by EM 385-1-1 for each individual task order, such as the Contractor’s Accident Prevention Program.

An accident constitutes an incident or act involving the Contractor that caused damage to persons or property. All accidents must be reported to the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) within 24 hours of the occurrence.

Any serious accidents (those resulting in death or injury requiring medical attention) must be reported immediately.

10. Pesticide Application. The pesticide applicator must be in possession of the state commercial pesticide applicator’s license, by meeting requirements provided under Section 1, General Information (Item 2, part B or C), of the state that the herbicide application is requested to be performed. The Contractor is responsible for obtaining and observing all necessary local, state, and federal permits associated with the implementation of the contract requirements. The Contractor must follow all pesticide label directions.

A. Containment/spills. The Contractor must submit, as part of the Contractor’s Accident Prevention Program, the response measures to be implemented should a spill or contamination occur. Immediately following an initial spill response, the Contractor must notify the COR and other appropriate local, state, and federal officials of the spill type and amount, which may include contacting the National Response Center. The Contractor is required to provide an impervious secondary containment system around their herbicide mixing area when herbicides are mixed on government property. In addition, the Contractor must ensure that no contamination of any water source occurs, and that emergency spill containment equipment is at the worksite and can contain all potential herbicide spills from contractor vehicles/equipment.

B. Herbicide Selection Procedure. The Contractor must propose the specific herbicides to be used to accomplish the vegetation control goals at each location. These herbicides must be categorized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as "general use," and must be appropriately labeled for specific application (i.e., aquatic label for use next to water).

Herbicides and associated carriers, adjutants, and surfactants used where spray mist could make contact with water must be registered for aquatic use. No restricted use herbicides are allowed. All utilized herbicide products must be packaged in the United States. The Contractor may not apply herbicide mixtures without approval from the Government.

C. Pesticide Records. The Contractor must submit electronic copies of the

“Pesticide Application Record Sheet,” Form MVR55e, to the COR with the anticipated usage report portion completed. These must outline as a minimum the types of herbicides, target pests, areas to be treated, application rates, and application method for each type of application.

These forms must be submitted for review prior to implementing the herbicide application. Government acceptance or acknowledgement of these forms in no way relieves the Contractor of any liability for compliance with all federal, state, and/or local regulations. The contractor must submit fully completed copies of the "Pesticide Application Record Sheet" for each day's work, treatment type, and area. A digital form will be provided by the COR. Completed forms must be submitted to the COR within five working days of each application.

D. Handling and Mixing. All herbicides must be handled, stored, and disposed of following local, state, EPA guidelines, and instructions on the EPA registration label. Spray equipment cleaning must also be accomplished in accordance with these guidelines. All herbicides must be mixed following the label instructions so that the desired rate of application can be attained with the Contractor's application equipment. The Contractor must contact in advance and provide the COR the opportunity to view the mixing of chemicals. Mix water may or may not be available onsite.

11. Access. Access to locations may require ingress or egress through:

Government fee title ownership; existing roadway; off-road travel; locked barricades or gates; and/or access by water. Most requested work will only be accessible by vessel on islands or backwater floodplain work areas. Specific work limits may be identified through maps, spatial data, site visits, and/or marked extents as work is requested. The Contractor will be solely responsible for mobilization/demobilization unless noted otherwise in the task order. The Contractor must not cross private property where no Government right of entry exists during ingress and egress and will be solely responsible if they choose to cross private property in such manner in the performance of a task order. In such cases, the Contractor would be responsible for the consent of the landowner, representative of the site, or agent and for all necessary right of entry permits prior to any entry across private property. The point of entry (via land or water) and access routes through Government property must be approved prior to entry by the Contracting Officer. It must be the responsibility of the Contractor to lock all gates or barricades, if present, when leaving an area. Keys to Government locked barricades or gates may be supplied to the Contractor per requirements of an individual task order and returned to the Government once the MATOC work period is over.

12. Contractor Submittals for Contracting Officer Approval

A. Task Orders. The task orders will identify what submittals are required as part of the task order bid and/or contractor selection/award. Task orders may identify additional submittal and requirement details other than identified in the MATOC basic contract.

B. Contractor Work Plan. Prior to the start of work, the Contractor must submit a Contractor’s Work Plan including at a minimum the following:

i. List and roles of personnel performing requested work, background checks, and E-Verify status.

ii. Any updates to equipment to be used and their specifications.

iii. The name(s) and telephone number(s) of supervisors(s) who can be contacted on a daily basis including non-duty hours.

iv. The physical address of the Contractor’s place of business.

v. The Contractor’s Quality Control Program.

vi. The Contractors Accident Prevention Program.

vii. The Contractors method and route for access to work area.

13. Quality Control/Quality Assurance

A. Quality Control. The Contractor must establish and maintain a Quality Control Program to ensure the requirements of the MATOC and task order are provided as specified. A copy of the Contractor’s plan must be provided for each task order to the Contracting Officer prior to the pre-work conference. An updated copy must be provided to the Contracting Officer as changes occur. The Contractor must provide for an inspection system and a method of identifying deficiencies in the quality of work before the level of performance becomes unacceptable.

B. Quality Assurance (QA). A Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) must be used to ensure that the Contractor is performing the services required by the task order in an acceptable manner. A primary objective of QA is to determine the effectiveness of the Contractor’s quality control system. Each task order item will be given a Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory rating upon inspection during or at the end of each task order performance period. the COR and Quality Assurance Representative (QAR) personnel will complete inspections. The QAR is not authorized to direct the contractor in any way and is not authorized to make any changes to the MATOC or task order contract either verbally or in writing. A rating system will be identified in the QASP with any appropriate supplemental information identified in each task order. QA inspections will provide information back to the Contractor for their Quality Control.

C. Deficiency. If at any time it is determined by the Contracting Officer that the quality control system is not providing results which conform to MATOC requirements, the Contractor will be required to correct the deficiency or receive a deduction of payment.

14. Sustainability

A. EPA Designated. Under the Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines (CPG) program, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designates products that are or can be made with recovered materials and recommends practices for buying these products. Any designated product that is being offered or supplied under this MATOC must meet the minimum recommended content levels as identified under the CPG program.

Visit http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/tools/cpg/products for a complete list of designated products and the associated recommended content levels.

Offerors must be able to demonstrate that each offered product meets minimum content levels upon request.

B. Bio-based. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) designates certain biobased products for federal procurement and specifies minimum biobased content levels for those products. Any designated product that is offered or supplied under this MATOC must meet USDA BioPreferred’s minimum biobased content level. Visit the BioPreferred web site for the complete list of designated products and the associated minimum biobased content level requirements.

15. General Protection Policy and Procedures. Contractor workforce must follow all personal identity verification requirements as directed by Department of Defense, Department of the Army Headquarters, Rock Island District, St. Paul District, St.

Louis District, and/or local policy. In addition to the changes otherwise authorized by the Changes clause of this contract, should the Force Protection Condition (FPCON) at any installation or facility change, the Government may require changes in Contractor security matters or processes.

16. Background checks. The contractor must provide criminal history background/security checks on all personnel who will be on site to perform task orders on this contract. At a minimum the background check must consist of a criminal history background check and social security number verification with fingerprints going back at least five years. This background/security check must be performed by the state police or by a private investigative agency that is licensed and bonded for this purpose in the state of the contractor and its employees.

Furthermore, all applicants must be U.S. citizens or be legally eligible to work within the United States.

A. Disqualifying Factors. The following, among others, may be included as disqualifying reasons:

i. Dismissal from employment for delinquency or misconduct.

ii. Criminal, infamous, dishonest, immoral, or notoriously disgraceful conduct; to include violent crime and sex offenders

iii. Intentional false statement or deception or fraud in examination or appointment.

iv. Habitual use of intoxicating beverages to excess.

v. Reasonable doubt as to the loyalty of the person involved to the Government of the United States.

vi. Any illegal activity or other disqualification which makes the individual unfit for service; or

vii. Lack of United States citizenship.

B. Personnel List. A list containing names and results of the investigation must be submitted to the COR as stated in the task order. As names are added or deleted, this information must be reported immediately to the COR. Pen and ink deletions may be made to the access list, but additions require the generation of a new list. Background checks must also be confirmed or updated for each task order. All information received as a result of a background check will be held in confidence and handled according to Privacy Act regulations.

C. Additional Checks. In addition to the contractor-provided background check, additional agency checks may be performed at the discretion of the Rock Island District, St. Paul District, St. Louis District, or other security personnel. The contractor agrees to cooperate and ensure that contractor personnel provide any documentation required to complete these checks. Any person lacking proper identification credentials or deemed a security threat may be denied access to the project. Such action in no way relieves the contractor from performance of the contract. The Rock Island District, St. Paul District, and St. Louis District retains the right to deny any contractor and subcontractor employee from working on one of its contracts based on final background investigation results.

D. Mailing. To protect the privacy of the Contractor, all Contractor employees’ and all sub-contractor employees’ background checks, OPSEC SOPs, E-Verify, and I-9 forms must be submitted with a cover sheet stating the contract number (e.g., W912EK-22-X-XXXX), title of project, and the company's point of contact information, in a sealed envelope/container and mailed to:

Security Office

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rock Island District

PO Box 2004 1500 Rock Island Drive Rock Island, IL 61201

17. Pre-screen candidates using E-Verify Program. The Contractor must pre-screen

Candidates using the E-Verify Program website (http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify) to meet the established employment eligibility requirements. The Contractor must ensure that the Candidate has two valid forms of Government-issued identification prior to enrollment to ensure the correct information is entered into the E-Verify system. An initial list of verified/eligible Candidates must be provided to the COR no later than three (3) business days after the initial contract award. When contracts are with individuals, the individuals will be required to complete a Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification with the designated Government representative. This Form will be provided to the Contracting Officer and will become a part of the official contract file.

18. Regulations. All work performed under this contract must be completed in observance of all appropriate federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and permits.

19. Specific requirements. The Contractor must use reasonable care to avoid significant soil disturbance on the Government installation by following industry standards and best management practices such as restricting operations to when soil conditions are dry or frozen. If the Contractor's failure to use reasonable care causes damage to any property, the Contractor must repair the damage at no expense to the Government as the Contracting Officer directs.

20. Government Furnished Materials and Services. The Government may provide materials and/or services with this contract. Materials provided may include, but are not limited to: planting materials, seed, bare root seedlings, cuttings, containerized trees, and/or herbicide. Services provided may or may not include barge fleeting to areas without land access. Provision and subsequent Contractor use of these materials must comply with the Contract Clauses “Government Property” (FAR 52.245-1) and “Use and Charges” (FAR 52.245-9).

SECTION 2

SUPPLYING PLANTING MATERIALS

1. Scope of work. The Contractor will supply all requested planting. Requirements may include: seed source, storage conditions, transportation, handling, stock quality, stock size, and species; quantity; delivery location(s); and delivery date(s) for Supplying Plant Materials. The Contractor’s work plan must include seed sources, delivery plans, and details demonstrating compliance with requirements.

2. Personnel. The contractor must furnish all necessary employees, equipment, transport, and oversight required to satisfactorily perform the work. All ordering of planting materials is to be overseen by an individual that has experience in ordering and handling herbaceous seed, tree seed, tree/shrub cuttings, bare root seedlings, containerized trees, and tree protection wraps, tubes, or guards.

3. Materials. The Contractor will furnish the following materials as required:

A. Yellow tag certified herbaceous seed species B. Cleaned cover crop annual grain seed C. Light mast and/or hard mast tree/shrub seed D. Herbaceous plant plug E. Containerized herbaceous plant F. Cutting G. Rooted cutting H. Bare root seedling I. Containerized tree J. Containerized shrub K. Spiral tree wrap L. Twin-walled, corrugated, full length split tree bark protector M. Bamboo stake

4. Task order quote. After review of the task order requirements, Contractor is to provide total cost and cost per unit item listed above by type. All costs involved in administering the task order, obtaining materials, handling, and transportation are to be included in the unit cost. Materials will be inspected upon delivery and must meet identified requirements. Materials not meeting task order requirements will be rejected and the contractor will be required to replace rejected materials at no cost to the government.

SECTION 3

SITE PREPARATION

1. Scope of work. The Contractor must prepare the site to bare mineral soil conditions void of debris and graded to industry standards to establish an adequate seed bed to provide proper seed to soil contact. This may also include mowing and/or spraying. The Contractor’s work plan must include access plans and details demonstrating how requirements will be achieved.

2. Personnel. The contractor must furnish all employees required to satisfactorily perform the work. All site preparation is to be overseen by an individual that has experience in implementing site preparation for direct seeding and/or tree plantings.

3. Equipment. Examples of equipment types the Contractor may find necessary to utilize in meeting requirements:

A. Tractor B. Skid steer C. Mini skid steer D. Mower attachment E. Disk F. Harrow G. Cultipacker provide total cost per acre of site preparation. All costs involved in administering the task order, equipment, operators, vessels, mobilization, demobilization, and conducting the site preparation are to be included in the cost per acre.

SECTION 4

ROUGH CUT MOWING

1. Scope of work. The Contractor must mow areas to achieve requirements including meeting rough cut mowing height, mowing width along tree rows, avoidance of desirable vegetation, shrubs, and trees, timeframe, area, and target mowing requirements on tree plantings, fallow, or other designated areas. Mowing areas may include mowing unwanted trees up to two inches at one foot above the ground, vines, and other vegetation. Areas with tree plantings are to be inspected adequately prior to mowing activity to identify size and visibility of planted trees to avoid damage to those planted or leave trees. The Contractor must visibly mark planted trees or tree rows to increase visibility of location prior to operator mowing the site when desired leave trees are shorter than competing vegetation. Tree plantings may have narrow rows. The Contractor’s work plan must include access plans and details perform the work described. All rough cut mowing is to be overseen by an individual experienced in conducting rough mowing of remote areas around planted trees and must oversee all ordering of required materials, maintenance of equipment, storage of equipment, operators, and equipment, and provide daily on site supervision.

3. Equipment. Examples of equipment types the Contractor may find necessary to

A. Handheld brush cutter B. Walk behind brush mower C. All-terrain vehicle (ATV) with pull behind rough cut mower D. Tractor with brush mower E. Tractor with pull behind rough cut mower F. Skid steer loader with rough cut mower provide total cost per acre of rough-cut mowing. All costs involved in administering the task order, surveying the site, marking planted trees, or planted tree rows, equipment, operators, vessels, mobilization, demobilization, and conducting the mowing are to be included in the cost per acre.

SECTION 5

HERBICIDE SUPPLY AND APPLICATION

1. Scope of work. The Contractor must provide herbicide application to achieve the desired vegetative control. This may include: killing existing vegetation, providing pre-emergent control, or persistent vegetation control for three months; areas accessible by tractor, vehicle, foot, or only by vessel; spraying open areas, tree plantings, roadways, riprap or other land cover types; achieving selective broadleaf herbaceous and/or woody, selective grass, or general vegetation control;

designating aquatic label requirements or avoidance of restricted label products; and other details. Areas with tree plantings are to be inspected adequately prior to spraying activity to avoid damage to planted trees. Visibly mark planted trees or tree rows to increase visibility of individual tree location prior to spraying activity when planted trees are shorter than competing vegetation. The Contractor’s work plan must include access plans and details demonstrating how requirements will be achieved including anticipated pesticide application records.

perform the work described. All herbicide supply and application are to be overseen by an individual that has experience in spraying remote areas or around planted trees must oversee all ordering of required materials, maintenance of equipment, storage of equipment, operators, equipment, and provide daily on-site supervision.

Proof of pesticide applicator certification and license for the state application is being implemented is required. Reciprocal certification and license are acceptable for the state that the herbicide application is being implemented.

3. Materials. The Contractor must furnish the following materials as required:

A. Herbicide with any associated surfactants, adjuvants, and/or dyes

4. Equipment. Examples of equipment types the Contractor may find necessary to

A. Backpack sprayer B. All-terrain vehicle (ATV) with mounted sprayer C. Truck with mounted sprayer D. Tractor with mounted sprayer

5. Task order quote. After review of the task order requirements, Contractor is to provide total cost per acre of spraying. All costs involved in administering the task order, surveying the site, marking planted trees, or planted tree rows, herbicide, other materials, equipment, operators, vessels, mobilization, demobilization, and conducting the spraying are to be included in the cost per acre.

SECTION 6

DIRECT SEEDING

1. Scope of work. The Contractor must supply annual grain, herbaceous wetland, tree seed, and/or other materials, prepare the site, and complete direct seed planting.

The site must be prepared to bare mineral soil conditions void of debris and graded to industry standards to establish an adequate seed bed. This may also include mowing and/or spraying. Seed provided must meet requirements for seed source, pure live seed, species, certification, and amounts. Seed must be dispersed evenly to the required rate across the prepared seed bed in a manner ensuring proper soil contact or integration. The Contractor must provide proper handling of seed including keeping dry or to temperature per industry standard and nursery recommendations. The contractor must apply dry fertilizer and/or provide proper use of hydro-seeder or seed drill as alternative seed dispersal method to broadcast seeding if required. The contractor will provide requested seed species, quantities, seed source requirements, planting rates, location, current site conditions, required timeframe, and other details as appropriate as required. The Contractor’s work plan must include access plans and details demonstrating how requirements will be achieved including sources of planting materials, site preparation details, and planting plans.

perform the work in the task order SOW. All ordering of seed, required materials, operators, and equipment identified is to be overseen by an individual that has experience in conducting direct seeding projects in remote areas.

A. Yellow tag certified vendor wetland seed species B. Cleaned cover crop annual grain seed C. Light mast and hard mast tree seed D. Dry granular fertilizer

E. Herbicide with any associated surfactants, adjuvants, and/or dyes utilize in meeting task requirements:

A. Tractor B. Disk C. Harrow D. Spraying equipment E. Mowing equipment F. Hydro-seeder G. Seed drill H. Fertilizer spreader I. Cultipacker provide total cost per acre of direct seeding. All costs involved in administering the task order, obtaining planting materials, equipment, operators, vessels, mobilization, demobilization, site preparation, spraying, mowing, and conducting the direct seeding are to be included in the cost per acre.

SECTION 7

HERBACEOUS, SHRUB, AND TREE PLANTING

1. Scope of work. The Contractor must supply plants, provide any necessary site preparation including any mowing, tillage, or spraying, and complete planting. The site must be prepared to bare mineral soil conditions void of debris and graded to industry standards to establish an adequate seed bed. This may also include mowing and/or spraying. Materials will be inspected upon delivery and must meet requirements as requested. If materials do not meet requirements, they will be rejected and the contractor will be responsible to replace rejected materials at no cost to the government. Plant materials must be watered properly as necessary to ensure survivability. Watering must be done in a way to prevent molding and per standard horticultural practices. Plant materials must be protected from drying, heating, smothering, freezing, crushing, drowning, abrasion, rapid temperature fluctuations, or contact with injurious substances. Plant materials must be stored at or near the planting site in a method per standard horticultural practices to ensure survivability/viability. Plant materials must be handled per nursery and industry standards including not carrying container stock by the stem. Planting must be done as requested and will meet industry standards to proper depth and soil back fill for each planting stock type. All containers, name tags, wires, stakes, and fashioners must be from trees and shrubs and properly disposed offsite. The task order will detail plant material types; amounts; species; minimum heights, minimum caliper measurements, length, and other sizes as appropriate; seed source information; dry fertilizer application if necessary; and other requirements. The Contractor’s work plan must include access plans and details demonstrating how requirements will be achieved including seed sources of planting materials, planting stock stagging and care, site preparation details, and planting plans.

perform the work to meet industry standards. All planting is to be overseen by an individual that has experience in ordering of required materials, operators, handling materials, planting techniques, and required equipment implementing planning of herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees of various planting stock types.

A. Any or all items listed under “Item 3” of “Section 2” of this SOW B. Dry granular fertilizer C. Herbicide with any associated surfactants, adjuvants, and/or dyes

A. Tractor with planter B. Auger C. Shovels D. Planting bars provide total cost per acre of herbaceous, shrub and tree planting. All costs involved in administering the task order, obtaining planting materials, equipment, operators, vessels, mobilization, demobilization, site preparation, mowing, spraying, and conducting the planting are to be included in the cost per acre of planting.

SECTION 8

HAND CREW CHAINSAW CUTTING

1. Scope of work. The Contractor must provide the personnel, materials, and equipment necessary to complete silvicultural thinning treatments and other hand crew chainsaw cutting work as requested. Work may include felling of trees to the ground and/or double girdling standing trees; herbicide application treatment may include: application to cut stumps, girdled cuts, basal, and/or foliar; selecting trees to cut for treatment; selecting desired leave trees; marking trees; and/or cutting trees that are already marked. Cutting activity must follow determined timeline requested and meet Section 7 compliance and wildlife management seasonal restrictions. The Contractor’s work plan must include access plans and details demonstrating how requirements will be achieved including anticipated pesticide application records.

perform the work. All tree cutting is to be overseen by an individual that has experience in forest management tree cutting, removal, and thinning implementing silvicultural treatments in remote areas must oversee all ordering of required materials, maintenance of equipment, storage of equipment, operators, equipment, and provide daily on-site supervision. Proof of pesticide applicator certification and license for the state application is being implemented is required. Reciprocal certification and license are acceptable for the state that the herbicide application is being implemented.

A. Herbicide with any associated surfactants, adjuvants, and/or dyes B. Tree marking paint C. Tree flagging

4. Equipment. Examples of equipment that the Contractor may find necessary to

A. All-terrain vehicle (ATV) B. Utility terrain vehicle (UTV) C. Chainsaw provide total cost per acre of hand crew chainsaw cutting. All costs involved in administering the task order, surveying the site, marking trees to follow silvicultural treatments, herbicide application, materials, equipment, operators, vessels, mobilization, demobilization, and tree cutting are to be included in the cost per acre.

SECTION 9

FORESTRY MULCHING

1. Scope of work. Utilizing a front-mounted, heavy-duty cylindrical rotary cutter that can be raised or lowered, all standing herbaceous vegetation, slash, and woody stems up to six inches in diameter at breast height must be mulched.