Work Statement.pdf

1240LP24Q0086

McKelvie Common Stand Exam (CSE)

PART I – THE SCHEDULE

SECTION B – SERVICES AND PRICES

STAND EXAM DATA COLLECTION SERVICES

B. 1. SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

Work Item Description Number of Plots Price Per Plot Total Price

1 Intensive Stand Exam Services 290 $_________ $ ___________

* Includes all work items specified in the performance work statement

The Contractor shall provide all labor, supervision, transportation, materials, and equipment necessary to perform the work as described.

Non-Discrimination Statement

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To file a complaint, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

SECTION C - PERFORMANCE STATEMENT OF WORK (PWS)

Common Stand Exam (CSE) Data Collection

C.1. GENERAL

C.1.1. SCOPE OF WORK

The scope of the work provides for stand examination and related data collection activities on the Bessey Ranger District, Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest. The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, transportation, supervision, supplies (except those designated as Government-furnished), incidentals, and perform all work necessary to conduct stand examinations in compliance with terms, specifications, conditions, and provisions of this solicitation. Information shall be collected as outlined in (1) the attached Performance Work Statement, (2) Chapter 4 of the Government provided Common Stand Exam User Guide and

(3) Region specific Appendices, unless specifically modified by the contents of this contract.

C.1.1.1. This contract is a Performance Based Contract.

C.1.1.2. Specific locations, maps, type of exam, number of plots per stand, and other site-specific information will be provided at the prework meeting.

C.1.1.3. The number of plots to be examined is 290. The performance period will be from September 1, 2024 through August 31, 2025.

C.1.1.4. Access: maps identifying access roads will be provided at the prework.

C. 2. DEFINITIONS

Borderline Tree: A tree that cannot be easily identified as being located inside or outside of a sample variable plot when measured with a wedge prism or angle gauge. When a borderline tree is encountered, the limiting distance of that tree must be calculated to determine the in/out status.

Calendar Days: Every day shown on the calendar, Sundays and holidays included.

Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR): The on-site contract administrator for the Contracting Officer. The duties and responsibilities of the COR are defined in the letter of designation issued by the Contracting Officer.

Diameter at Breast Height (DBH): The outside bark diameter at 4.5 feet above the forest floor on the uphill side of a tree. See the Common Stand Exam User’s Guide for special situations where measurement methods may differ.

Diameter at Root Collar (DRC): The diameter measured at the root collar or at the natural ground line, whichever is higher, outside the bark. See the Common Stand Exam User’s Guide for special situations where measurement methods may differ.

Limiting Distance: The maximum distance that the center of a tree can be from plot center and still be within the variable plot. Limiting distance is a function of the actual DBH of the tree as measured by a diameter tape and the Plot Radius Factor (PRF).

Performance Requirements Summary (PRS): Identifies the key service outputs of the contract that will be evaluated by the Government to assure contract performance standards are met by the Contractor.

Plot Radius Factor (PRF): An angle gauge constant calculated by dividing 8.696 by the square root of the Basal Area Factor (BAF) of the angle gauge.

Quality Assurance: The actions taken by the Government to assess the results to determine that they meet contract requirements. The methods for quality assurance are described in the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).

Quality Control: Those actions taken by a Contractor to control the production of outputs to ensure that they conform to the contract requirements. The methods for inspecting for quality control are described in the Contractor’s Quality Control Plan (QCP).

Quality Control Plan: A plan established and maintained by the Contractor and acceptable to the Government to ensure the requirements of the contract are provided as specified.

Work Plan: The Work Plan shall describe how the Contractor plans to perform the project, including methods, personnel, equipment, and proposed Schedule of Work.

C. 3. GOVERNMENT FURNISHED PROPERTY

The property and services that will be provided by the Government are as follows:

item # Item Description Where, When, How

3.1 General Area Map Maps of stands with access roads

identified.

Provided with contract.

3.2 NAIP imagery and

digital map file

Maps displaying color aerial photography of the work area and a .shp or geodatabase file

Provided at prework meeting or electronically.

3.3 Common Stand

Exam User’s Guide, appendices, data collection forms, Exams Mobile Personal template files

The USDA Forest Service’s Common Stand Exam User’s Guide, appendices, and data collection forms.

Available from the internet website:

FSVeg Support or provided at prework meeting or electronically.

https://fsweb.nrm.fs.fed.us/support/docs.php?appname=FSVeg item # Item Description Where, When, How

3.4 Publications One copy of each publication

needed to determine Plant Associations or Habitat Types.

Provided at prework meeting.

3.5 Aids to Determining

Fuel Models for Estimating Fire Behavior: GTR-

INT122

One copy of the publication. Provided at prework meeting.

3.6 Forest Visitor’s

Map or transportation map

(MVUM)

One copy of the map. Provided at prework meeting.

3.7 Use of Premises

permit

Permit to occupy the national forest in excess of time limits imposed in standard orders.

Provided when needed.

3.8 Common Stand

Exam Inspection Form

One copy of the inspection form. Provided at prework meeting.

3.9 Portable Data

Recorder software for CSE (Exams

PDR)

Can be downloaded from the internet site:

https://fsweb.nrm.fs.fed.us/applic ations/fsveg/PDR/install.shtml

Available from internet site.

3.10 PC-based CSE data

entry software (Exams PC) (Windows 10 operating system required)

Can be downloaded from the internet site:

CSE PDR Installation (fs.fed.us)

Available from internet site.

3.11 Mobile (Android

tablet) application for CSE data collection (Exams Mobile)

Can be downloaded from the Google Play store or Galaxy Store.

Available from app store.

3.12 GPS technical

specifications

GPS datum and waypoints provided to plot centers.

Provided at prework meeting.

3.13 Species List One copy of a list of species that

shall be recorded in the vegetation composition/TES forms when present.

Provided in the contract.

3.14 R2 Supplement to

the FSVEG Spatial User Guide and associated data collection form

One hard copy and one electronic copy of the R2 Supplement to the FSVEG Spatial User Guide including the data collection form.

Provided at prework meeting.

https://fsweb.nrm.fs.fed.us/applications/fsveg/PDR/install.shtml https://fsweb.nrm.fs.fed.us/applications/fsveg/PDR/install.shtml https://fsweb.nrm.fs.fed.us/applications/fsveg/PDR/install.shtml item # Item Description Where, When, How

3.15 FSVeg Spatial

Polygon Attributing Inspection Form

One copy of the inspection form. Provided at prework meeting.

Use of Premises permits may be required for Contractor’s camp if it exceeds local occupation time limit of 14 days. All Government-furnished items shall be returned to the Government upon completion of the job or upon request of the Contracting Officer. Replacement cost for any lost, damaged, or unused Government property that is not returned shall be deducted from the Contractor’s final payment.

C. 4. CONTRACTOR WORK REQUIREMENTS AND STANDARDS

C.4.1. General Specifications.

C.4.1.1. Accessibility: The Contractor shall be responsible for obtaining all necessary permission to gain access to sample locations. If the Contractor cannot obtain permission to access a sample location, the Contractor must notify the Government in writing.

Accessibility may be determined from maps and digital orthoquads which will be furnished by the Forest Service. Contractor shall be responsible for adhering to the USDA Forest Service travel management plan, including yearlong or seasonal closures to motor vehicles, unless authorization is obtained. Maps and photos may indicate that a road goes to the stand; however, vehicle access may be difficult or restricted. Stand locations may necessitate that Contractor walk to the stand or acquire some other means of travel.

Most roads are typically accessible throughout the year, though high clearance vehicles may be necessary on some roads. A four-wheel drive, high clearance vehicle is recommended. Careful monitoring of weather and road conditions is recommended.

Roads through the Samuel R. McKelvie National Forest are sand; OHVs are recommended and conditions may be best when moisture is present. The Government assumes no responsibility to maintain roads in a passable condition.

C.4.1.2. Resource Protection Conditions: Contractors are expected to respond to sensitive resource conditions, i.e. walk to plots where road conditions are poor.

C.4.1.3 Work Plan and schedule: The Contractor shall prepare a work plan and schedule that demonstrates that work will be completed within the performance period described in Section F. The Contractor shall provide a general plan with the technical proposal. A supplementary plan and schedule shall be provided before work starts.

C.4.1.3.1 The Contractor shall advise the Contracting Officer of any periods that the Contractor will not be working, not specified in the accepted Work Plan.

C.4.1.3.2 The Contractor may update the work plan when work is in progress and submit for approval to the Contracting Officer.

C.4.1.4 Standards: The February 2014 Region 2 Common Stand Exam User’s Guide and appendices shall be used. The specified version shall dictate the standards of data collection except when specified otherwise in this contract. In addition, the R2 Supplement to the FSVEG Spatial User Guide shall be used.

C.4.2. Technical Specifications

A. Locating Plots

1. Plot Location Determination. The latitude and longitude (NAD 1983 UTM Zone 13N) of the plot locations for each stand will be provided. The contractor shall use a global position system (GPS) to locate the plots on the ground with datum and waypoint information provided by the government.

A. For standard data collection, a recreation grade GPS (e.g. Garmin, Magellan, etc…) is sufficient.

B. The COR may authorize moving plot locations in the field as appropriate (plot is in road or on a cliff). If plots are moved, the contractor will document and GPS the new location and provide new location to the COR.

2. Maps. Sample plot locations to be measured within each stand have been marked on one of the provided maps. Plot numbers have been pre-assigned for each plot in each stand.

3. Locating Plot Center. Upon arrival at the specified coordinates, the Contractor shall check the map to confirm that he/she is at the correct sample plot location. Installing plots in the wrong stand shall result in rejection of data.

A. If this is the initial plot survey, the Contractor shall identify the sample plot location on the ground.

B. If this is a return visit for remeasurement, the Contractor shall locate the plot center monument or relocate the exact plot center using a combination of GPS and bearing trees, then remonument.

4. Non-functioning GPS.

A. For standard data collection, the contractor may elect to use traditional methods of plot location if the GPS is unable to acquire the necessary resolution to execute the traverse from waypoint data. In either case, the contractor must navigate to the location provided on the topo map.

B. Plot Center Identification/Flagging

For standard data collection, the Contractor shall identify sample plot centers with a neon pink 12-inch wire pin flag. Sample plot center markers shall be firmly driven into the ground.

The location, stand, and plot number shall be written legibly on the plot center markers using a waterproof marker. For example: "060609 St 3 Pt 4.”

To facilitate relocation of plots a piece of neon pink flagging (or other color to be determined at the prework meeting) at least 12 inches long shall be hung vertically at eye height as near as possible to plot center. Additionally, two other pieces of flagging may be hung vertically at eye level on opposite sides of the plot center.

Upon inspection, the center point of the marker where it intersects the ground shall be used as plot center.

Variable Plot: the first tree to the North (360°) and the first (2) growth trees on each plot shall be identified by placing flagging at breast height, as well as any off-plot site trees.

Small Fixed Plot: the growth tree shall be identified with flagging.

C. Survey Technique

Plots shall be located using waypoint navigation with a GPS unit. During the initial establishment of the plot, the plot center monument may vary +/- 30 feet from the true plot location listed, unless otherwise specified. Recurring errors in the location of sample plots greater than the acceptable error shall make the stand survey unsatisfactory;

relocation of sample plots and remeasurement shall be required.

In cases where government provided photo plot location differs from GPS location found on the ground, the GPS location will prevail.

D. Recording Requirements

The data fields to be collected and recorded are enumerated in sections C.4.3, a-f.

• Exams Mobile program (preferred). The Exams Mobile program runs on Android Mobile tablets, running Android 11 or later. A project-specific “Personal Template” may be provided by the Government for use in collecting data.

• ExamsCE program (to be deprecated 2025). The ExamsCE program runs on several types of PDR style computers with the Windows operating system.

• ExamsPC program (to be deprecated 2025). The ExamsPC data entry program runs on computers with Windows operating system. This may require data to be recorded on paper forms in the field and then entered into the ExamsPC program at a later time.

• The contractor is responsible for providing the computer hardware (PC/laptop, cables, chargers, etc) necessary for running the software programs and for installing, maintaining and troubleshooting the most recent version of required software.

E. Qualifications

The success of this field inventory is dependent primarily on the Contractor's professionalism and expertise. It is necessary that the Contractor's staff meet certain standards. A crew can consist of one or more individuals. Minimum technical qualifications are specifically defined as follows:

1. Each crew must have a crew leader with undergraduate courses in mensuration, tree identification, plant identification, silviculture, and ecology and three months prior experience collecting data for Forest inventory or vegetation classification.

2. Each crew leader must also have the additional following minimum qualifications:

a. Proficient in the interpretation of aerial photography and associated maps.

b. Ability to distinguish between stand types both in the field and on original or photocopied aerial photographs.

c. Knowledge in the use of hand held compass, data recorders, pacing, GPS equipments, forest measurement equipment, and map measurements.

d. Ability to accurately identify necessary tree, shrub, forb, and grass species needed for identifying local habitat types.

e. Knowledge of rating tree defects.

f. Knowledge of common forest insect pests, parasitic plants, and diseases.

g. Familiar with habitat typing.

Specific technical experience may be substituted for a given educational requirement.

The Contractor shall designate crew leaders for each crew. The crew leader shall be the individual responsible for ensuring plot measurements are taken in accordance with the accuracy standards.

The Contractor, by signing an offer, agrees to use only personnel meeting these qualifications for performance of the work specified herein. The Government reserves the right to make determinations of employees' or subcontractor’s qualifications; any employee or subcontractor who does not meet the above described qualifications may be requested to leave the worksite with the Contractor responsible for the re-collection and resubmittal of any data supplied by that person. The Government may also request the removal of an employee or subcontractor with unsatisfactory past performance.

F. Work Plan and Progress Schedule

The Contractor shall prepare a work plan and progress schedule that demonstrates that work will be completed within the performance period of the contract. The Contractor shall provide a plan with the technical proposal for the contract. The contract time shall not exceed the negotiated completion date. The Contractor shall maintain progress at a rate that will assure completion and acceptance of work within the contract performance period. The minimum acceptable rate of progress will be calculated by dividing the total units of work for each item by time specified.

The Contractor shall advise the Contracting Officer of any periods that the Contractor will not be working that are not specified in the accepted Work Plan.

The Contractor shall provide a supplementary plan and schedule as needed to update the work plan when work is in progress.

C.4.3 Data Collection Specifications – Common Stand Exam (CSE)

This section describes the data collection forms and the fields on each form to be completed.

Detailed information and lists of valid codes for each of the following data forms are found in the Common Stand Exam (CSE) User Guide and Appendices (see Government Furnished Property).

If the following contract specifications differ from the provided Common Stand Exam User Guide and Appendices listed in C.4.4 below, the contract specifications shall take precedence.

a. Setting Form (CSE)

A setting is normally a stand in which the stand exam is being done. Following is a list of data fields required for each setting.

The Contractor shall be responsible for collecting and filling out the Setting Form for all data items that are set to “YES” in the Required column. Some data items may be entered by default if the correct “Personal Template” is uploaded in Exams Mobile; the Contractor shall be responsible for confirming that the data appears correct. The Contractor shall use the Setting Form in Exhibit 3a as the template.

Field Number Field Description Required on all plots

Data Source Comments

Project Name YES “McKelvie CSE”

1 Region YES “02”

2 Proclaimed Forest YES “07”

3 District YES “01”

4 Location/Watershed Alias

YES Site List Given at prework

5 Stand YES Site List Given at prework

6 Owner YES “USFS”

7 State NO

8 County NO

9 Admin Forest YES “07”

10 Date YES Contractor Format is MM/DD/YYYY

11 Photo ID NO

12 Exam Level YES 3221

13 Exam Purpose YES “SE”

14 Stratum NO

15 Existing Vegetation Ref YES “SAF”

Existing Vegetation YES Contractor 237 – interior ponderosa pine 46 – eastern redcedar 1 – jack pine

16 Potential Veg Ref YES “201”

17 Potential Vegetation YES Contractor

18 Structure YES Contractor

19 Capable Grow Area YES Contractor

20 Fuel Model YES Contractor

21 Elevation YES Contractor

22 Aspect YES Contractor

23 Slope YES Contractor

24 Slope Position NO

25 Acres YES Site List Given at prework

26 Radial Growth Interval YES “10”

27 Radial Growth Interval 2 NO

28 Height Growth Interval YES “5”

29 Fuel Photo Reference NO GTR-INT-122and RMRS-GTR-153

30 Precision Protocol YES “CSE”

31 Examiner YES Contractor Initials

32 Setting Remarks YES Contractor Detailed stand remarks **see below

33 Damage Category YES Contractor If present

34 Damage Agent YES Contractor If present

35 Damage Severity YES Contractor If present

36 Species of Management Interest

YES Contractor Exhibit 8 – List of noxious/invasive species

37 Sketch Map YES Contractor As needed *** see below

**Stand/setting remarks shall include a general cover type, size classes (V, L, M, S) with Basal Area average for each, and Pine regen average size and density (trees per acre, clumpy/patchy).

Issues with access to the stand or obvious logging restraints may be mentioned when applicable.

Species of Management Interest should also be listed here, see Exhibit 8 for list of species to document.

***Sketch Maps will only be required for stands where there is an area within equaling 10 or more acres that does not resemble the rest of the stand. When this occurs the sketch map shall depict where the non-uniform area is and what neighboring stand it should be incorporated with, if any. The Contractor shall use the Sketch Map form in Exhibit 6 as the template for all sketches.

All Setting Form fields, whether required by this contract or not, are included on the setting form provided in the exhibits. Fields not specifically required by this contract are to be skipped on the form.

b. Sample Design Form (CSE)

The Sample Design will be Variable Plot to sample large live trees. Fixed area plots shall be used to sample small trees and snags.

The Contractor shall determine which Basal Area Factor (BAF) to use to sample the large live trees. To determine the BAF or variable plot size, a minimum of 5 live trees per plot (greater than 5.0 inches DBH) average must be obtained on the plots in the stand. The target range for large live trees is 4-8 per plot. Allowable BAF factors are 10, 20, or 30. If a BAF of 10 or a 1/50th acre fixed plot is used, the 5 trees per plot average will be waived.

The same BAF and plot sizes must be used throughout the stand, but may be changed between stands even within the same location.

A fixed area plot of 1/100th of an acre is to be used to sample small trees.

A fixed area plot of ½ of an acre is to be used to sample snags. Snags must be greater than 6.0 inches DBH and 10.0 feet in height.

Three (3) site tree minimum per stand required.

Veg Comp, Ground Surface, and Brown’s Transects will also be collected so these Sample Design Forms will also need to be completed. Veg Comp and Ground Surface will be collected on a fixed area plot of 1/100th of an acre. Brown’s Transects will be collected on 50-ft transects beginning at plot center and running outward at a random azimuth.

The contractor shall be responsible for collecting and filling out the Sample Design Form for all data items that are set to “YES” in the “Required” column of the following table. The contractor shall use the Sample Design form in Exhibit 3b as the template for all plots. All sample design fields, whether required by this contract or not, are included on the design form provided in the exhibits. Fields not specifically required by this contract are to be skipped on the form.

Tree:

Field Num

Field Description

Required

Data Source

Comments

Region YES “02”

Proclaimed Forest YES “07”

District YES “01”

Location/Watershed Alias YES Site List Given at prework

Stand Number YES Site List Given at prework

1 Sample Selection Method YES Government “BAF” for large live variable plot., “FRQ” for small live fixed plot and large snag fixed plot

2 Sample Expansion Factor YES Contractor 10, 20, or 30

3 Starting Azimuth NO Start at North, 360°

5 Subpop Filter YES Government Sample Design Form will be provided with defaults entered in Personal Template for Exams Mobile.

7 Selection Criteria # YES Government

8 Subpop Variable YES Government

9 Subpop Minimum Value YES Government

10 Subpop Maximum Value YES Government

6 Remarks NO

Veg Comp and Ground Surface:

Required

Proclaimed Forest YES “07”

District YES “01”

Location/Watershed Alias YES Site List Given at prework

Stand Number YES Site List Given at prework

1 Sample Selection Method YES Government “FRQ”

2 Sample Expansion Factor YES Government 1/100th

3 Starting Azimuth NO

5 Subpop Filter YES Government Sample Design Form will be provided with defaults entered in Personal Template for Exams Mobile.

7 Selection Criteria # YES Government

8 Subpop Variable YES Government

9 Subpop Minimum Value YES Government

Brown’s Transects:

Required

Location/Watershed Alias YES Site List Given at prework

Stand Number YES Site List Given at prework

1 Sample Selection Method YES Government “TRN”

2 Sample Expansion Factor YES Government 6, 6, 12, 50 ft

3 Starting Azimuth YES Contractor Randomized

5 Subpop Filter YES Government Sample Design Form will be provided with defaults entered in Personal Template for Exams Mobile.

7 Selection Criteria # YES Government

8 Subpop Variable YES Government

9 Subpop Minimum Value YES Government

c. Plot Form (CSE)

The following items are required to be recorded at each plot on the Plot form. Detailed information and lists of valid codes for each data item are found in the Common Stand Exam Users Guide and Appendices (see Government Furnished Property). The Contractor shall be responsible for collecting and filling out the Plot Data Form for all data items that are set to “YES” in the “Required” column of the table below. All plot data fields, whether required by this contract or not, are included on the plot data form provided in Exhibit 3c. Fields not specifically required by this contract are to be skipped on the form.

Amend Common Stand Exam User Guide, Chapter 4, Plot Data with the following:

Capable Grow Area Percent. Based on a 1/10th acre plot, ocular estimate and record the percent of the area that can support tree growth. If the plot has no trees present and is not capable of supporting tree growth (nonstockable), record a 0 percent. If a portion of the plot is capable of supporting trees (stockable), record the percent of the plot area that is capable of supporting trees.

Field Num Field Description Required Data Source Comments

Proclaimed Forest YES “07”

District YES “01”

Location/Watershed Alias YES Site List Given at prework

Stand Num YES Site List Given at prework

1 Plot Num YES Site List Given at prework

2 Latitude YES Contractor GPS - format dd mm ss.s

3 Longitude YES Contractor GPS - format dd mm ss.s

4 Capable Grow Area YES Contractor Measured on a 1/10 ac plot

5 Aspect YES Contractor

6 Slope YES Contractor

7 Slope Position NO

8 Slope Horz Shape NO

9 Slope Vert Shape NO

10 Elevation YES Contractor

11 Existing Vegetation YES Contractor

12 Potential Vegetation YES Contractor

13 Plot History YES Contractor

14 Plot History Date YES Contractor

15 Fuel Model YES Contractor Derived from GTR INT-122

16 Residue Descriptive Code NO

17 Distance to Seed Wall NO

18 Plot Remarks YES Contractor Border Line/Limiting Distance Trees, other things that stand out in plot, TES

d. Downed Woody Form (CSE)

Brown’s Transects should be conducted first after arriving at plot location and monumenting plot center so as not to trample the area. Brown’s transects are 50-ft transects beginning at plot center and radiating outward at a random azimuth. The azimuth must be noted in the Sample Design form.

Duff 1 is recorded at 1-ft from the plot center along the transect. Duff 2 is recorded at 6-ft from plot center along the transect. Duff is measured from the top of mineral soil to the bottom of litter, where the litter is beginning to break down. Total Fuel Depth (duff plus litter) is measured at 1-ft and 6-ft and the average is recorded.

1-hr fuels (0.01 – 0.24” width) are counted from 0 through 6-ft.

10-hr fuels (0.25-0.99” width) are counted from 0 through 6-ft.

100-hr fuels (1.0” – 2.99” width) are counted from 0 through 12-ft.

1000-hr fuels (greater than 3.0” width) are identified and measured throughout the 50-ft length of the transect and recorded individually.

Required

Proclaimed Forest YES “07”

District YES “01”

Location/Watershed Alias YES Site List Given at prework

Stand Number YES Site List Given at prework

1 Duff 1 YES Contractor Measured at 1”

2 Duff 2 YES Contractor Measured at 6”

3 Fuel Depth YES Contractor Measured at 1” and 6”, average recorded

4 1hr YES Contractor Piece Count, 0.01-0.24” width, 0-6 ft

5 10hr YES Contractor Piece Count, 0.24-0.99” width, 0-6 ft

6 100hr YES Contractor Piece Count, 1.00-2.99” width, 0-12 ft

7 1000hr - Count YES Contractor 3” +, 0-50 ft

8 1000hr – Decay Class YES Contractor 3” +, 0-50 ft

9 1000hr – Diameter Average YES Contractor 3” +, 0-50 ft

10 1000hr - Length YES Contractor 3” +, 0-50 ft

11 1000hr – Diameter Small End YES Contractor 3” +, 0-50 ft

12 1000hr – Diameter Large End YES Contractor 3” +, 0-50 ft

e. Veg Comp/Ground Surface Cover (CSE)

Only Cover by Species and Ground Surface Cover forms will be completed. Detailed information and lists of valid codes are in the R2 Supplement to the FSVEG Spatial User Guide.

For Cover by Species:

• No entry less than 10% given to any one species unless it is a tree (minimum of 5%). Increments of 5% after the initial 10%.

• Graminoid species can be combined to make up a component of 10%. The graminoid species comprising the majority being coded for. 2GRAM may be used if the component species are noted in Remarks.

• Forb species can be combined to make up a component of 10%. The forb species comprising the majority being coded for. 2FORB may be used if the component species are noted in Remarks.

• Shrub species can be combined to make up a component of 10%. The shrub species comprising the majority being coded for. 2SHRUB may be used if the component species are noted in Remarks.

• Tree species should not be combined.

• Cover percentages do not need to add to 100%, as there are multiple layers of vegetation.

For Ground Surface Cover:

• Cover percentages must add to 100%.

Cover by Species:

Location/Watershed Alias YES Site List Given at prework

Stand Number YES Site List Given at prework

1 Lifeform YES Contractor

2 Species YES Contractor If combined, record majority or use generic code and note species in Remarks

3 Cover Percent YES Contractor 5% increments, 5% (tree) or 10% minimum

4 Remarks YES Contractor As needed to record species

Ground Surface Cover:

Proclaimed Forest YES “07”

District YES “01”

Location/Watershed Alias YES Site List Given at prework

Stand Number YES Site List Given at prework

1 Surface Cover Type YES Contractor

2 Cover Percent YES Contractor Must total 100%

4 Remarks NO

f. Tree Form (CSE)

Begin recording standing tree data on the Tree Form at azimuth 360° (North), progressing in a clockwise direction around plot center. Trees shall be recorded in the following order:

1) Growth Sample Trees located on the variable radius plot.

2) Large live trees located on the variable radius plot.

3) Growth Sample Trees located on the small fixed plot.

4) Small live trees located on the small fixed plot.

5) Dead standing trees (snags) greater than 6.0” DBH and 10.0’ tall on the 1/2 acre large fixed plot (83.3 feet).

• Ignore dead trees less than 6.0” DBH and/or 10.0’ tall even if they fall within the variable radius plot or small fixed plot.

6) Site trees that are located off plot.

• Put directions for relocating off plot trees in tree remarks field.

During fixed plot survey, group small trees of the same species with DBH less than 5 inches into one of four diameter classes, as described in the table below. Enter an average height for the trees that fall into each category.

Diameter Class Contains trees with DBH of: Comments

0 0 Only for trees shorter than 4.5’

0.5 0.01 – 0.99 2 1.00 – 2.99 4 3.00 – 4.99

Amend Common Stand Exam User Guide, Chapter 4, Tree Data with the following:

Field 4: Site/Growth Trees. A minimum of 3 site trees will be sampled per stand. Site tree species selected will be representative of the species comprising the cover type of the stand.

Growth Sample Trees (GST): If only one tree species is expected to be present in the stand, two large (>5.0”DBH) GST and one small (<5.0”DBH) GST will be measured on each plot.

Aspen (and/or other hardwoods) shall not be selected as a growth tree unless the species comprises 50 percent or greater of the number of large trees in the variable plot.

Measure the first two live standing trees (large) and first live standing tree (small), when moving clockwise from north.

• If the first tree (s) has a broken top or tree rot do not use it as a growth tree. Use the next healthy tree (s) for growth specimens.

• If there are no live trees it is a null plot.

If more than one tree species is expected to be present in the stand, two large (>5.0”DBH) and two small (<5.0”DBH) GST will be measured on each plot. The first live standing tree, both large and small, of each species encountered moving clockwise from north, will be measured until two trees of different species are assessed.

The increment bore samples shall be placed in such a manner as to allow preservation for later inspection. Increment bore shall not be left on the ground.

Field 9: Height. Heights will be required for all trees recorded. For saplings, DRC species, and standing dead trees that are grouped, heights can be averaged as long as averaged height is within 10% of actual height.

Field 21, 22, 24 : Damage. The presence or absence of Dwarf mistletoe will be checked on all pine species and Douglas-fir. Always record if present, regardless of what other damages have been recorded. For all other damages, record only those significant damages that are most affecting tree growth and/or longevity. For all trees, a maximum of 3 damages will be recorded. If a tree has no significant damage, record no damages for that tree.

The table below shows the maximum amount of tree data fields that shall be collected for the intensive exam. The contractor shall be responsible for collecting and filling out the Tree Data Form for all data items that are set to “X” in the “Required” column for the specified exam level as listed in the table below. See the Common Stand Exam Users Guide for accuracy standards for each type of exam. All tree data fields, whether required by this contract or not, are included on the Tree Data Form provided in Exhibit 3d. Fields not specifically required by this contract are to be skipped on the form.

Detailed information and lists of valid codes for each data field are found in the Common Stand Exam User Guide and Appendices (see Government Furnished Property).

Field

Number

Field Description

Required by Exam Level Data Source

Required for: Intensive Extensive Quick Plot

Location/Watershed Alias

X Site List

Stand Number X Site List

1 Plot Number X Site List

2 Tag ID X Contractor All trees

3 Tree Status X Contractor All trees 4 Site/GST Site & Growth Contractor All trees 5 Species X Contractor All trees

6 Tree Count X Contractor All trees

7 DRC Number Stems

X Contractor DRC species only

8 DBH/DRC X Contractor Trees > 4.5’ tall.

9 Height X Contractor All trees

10 Height to Crown X Contractor Live trees > 4.5’ tall.

11 Radial Growth X Contractor Growth sample trees >3+inches DBH or DRC

12 Radial Growth 2 NO

13 Height Growth X Contractor Growth sample trees < 3 inches DBH/DRC or < 4.5’ in height

14 Age Site & Growth Contractor Site & growth sample trees 15 Crown Ratio X Contractor Live trees > 4.5’ tall.

16 Crown Class X Contractor Live trees > 4.5’ tall.

17 Crown Width X Contractor Live trees > 4.5’ tall.

18 Wildlife Use X Contractor All trees

19 Log/Snag Decay X Contractor Snags

20 Damage Category X Contractor All trees with damage.

Record 3 most severe.

21 Damage Agent X Contractor Required if damage category is not blank

22 Damage Part X Contractor Required if damage category is not blank

23 Damage Severity X Contractor Required if damage category is not blank

24 Tree Remarks X Contractor As needed

g. Field Verification of Polygon Data (Walkthrough) Form (FV)

The VEGCOV program will only be used with prior approval from the COR. It is preferred to record Veg Composition and Ground Surface Cover using Exams Mobile or Exams PDR.

This form shall be completed for each stand that is included in the contract. The field crew should walk through the entire stand before completing the form. Detailed information and lists of valid codes are in the R2 Supplement to the FSVEG Spatial User Guide.

The Contractor will be responsible for collecting and entering all provided and collected data into VEGCOV for each polygon listed in the contract and will complete all data items that are set to “YES” in the required column of the table below. All data will be submitted as .TRU files to the Government.

• No entry less than 10% given to any one species unless it is a tree (minimum of 5%).

Increments of 5% after the initial 10%.

• Grass species can be combined to make up a component of 10%. The grass species comprising the majority being coded for.

• Forb species can be combined to make up a component of 10%. The forb species comprising the majority being coded for.

• Shrub species can be combined to make up a component of 10%. The shrub species comprising the majority being coded for.

• Remarks are not needed for the walkthrough.

All data fields, whether required by this contract or not, are included on the Spatial Field Data Collection Form provided in Exhibit 3e.

Item Description Required Data Source Comments

POLYGON INFORMATION

Region, Forest, District code YES Government 02, 07, 01 Location YES Government Site List Polygon ID YES Government Site List Species Survey Method YES Government CROWN Sample Recorder YES Contractor Initials Sample Date YES Contractor MM/DD/YYYY Purpose Code YES Contractor “WV” Stocking Flag YES – if applicable Contractor A ‘YES’ flag indicates the polygon has been restocked with trees after a man-made or natural disturbance, such as a harvest, burn, beetle epidemic, or other natural event.

‘NO’ is indicated by a null/blank value.

Regen EV Code/Previous Cover Type (*required when Stocking Flag = ‘YES’ – optional when ‘previously treed’ but non-stocked)

YES – if applicable

Contractor If the polygon does not currently have a total of 25% crown cover of trees, and the Stocking Flag = ‘YES’, code the species of the regenerating tree type.

If the polygon does not currently have a total of 25% crown cover of trees, but was previously tree cover and is currently not stocked due to a recent harvest or burns, enter the expected regenerating cover type or the previous cover type:

TAA - Aspen TBO - Bur Oak TDF – Douglas Fir TLP – Lodgepole Pine TPB – Paper Birch TPJ – Pinyon/Juniper TPP – Ponderosa Pine TRJ – Rocky Mountain Juniper TWS – White Spruce

Horizontal Diversity YES Contractor Enter ‘P’ or ‘C’ (Refer to code list definitions) If the patches make up at least 20 percent of the polygon, then the polygon is considered to be patchy and not continuous.

Crown condition YES Contractor Enter ‘A’, ‘P’, ‘D’, or ‘S’ (Refer to code list definitions)

Habitat Structural Stage NO Government Calculated from the data collected Tree Canopy Closure Contractor Used for the CANOPY survey method only.

Record the total crown cover of LIVE trees within the polygon on one plane looking down, corrected for overlap. Codes 1-100.

Change Category YES – if applicable

Contractor or Government

Record the primary reason for the significant vegetation change:

H – Harvest F – Fire W – Wind I – Insect and Disease O – Other

Change Date Contractor or government

The date of the significant change in vegetation as recorded in the Change Category

Photo Project NO Contractor Photo Date NO Contractor Lifeform/GSC YES Contractor Refer to code list definitions Layer YES Contractor 0 – Unknown (Shrubs Only)

1 – Top Layer 2 - Middle Layer 3 – Bottom Layer

Species Symbol YES Contractor National Plants Database plant codes http://plants.usda.gov/java/

Plant Cover % (Live) YES Contractor Record the % live cover.

Minimum of 10% for grass, and forbs to be counted in the overall %.

Tree Size Class YES Contractor Record the size of tree lifeforms – (E, S, M, L, V)

Shrub Size Class YES Contractor Record the size of shrub lifeforms – (S, M, L, U). Minimum of 10% to be counted in the overall %.

Tree Dead % (Standing Dead) NO Contractor Record the % of live cover lost to dead – 1-

h. Data Format

Data recorded on paper forms shall not be accepted (except sketch maps, where applicable).

Data shall be provided to the Government in electronic files. An email with an attached zipped folder containing the .db and .txt file(s) for the data file(s) ready for submission (ExamsMobile) or the .cse data file (ExamsPDR), self inspection documentation for each data collector, a site list showing locations, sites and plots for each data collector, and the scanned pdf sketch maps is preferred to avoid data corruption. With any electronic media, data must be readable by the Government’s computers (Windows 10/11 operating system) and tablets (Android 11) for ExamsMobile. Adjustments shall not be made for software or hardware errors that result in data error or loss of data.

If VEGCOV is used, R2 FSVEG Field Verification Polygon Data Form (Walkthrough) data shall be submitted in the .TRU file format for each stand in the contract. .TRU files shall be named using the last 5 digits of the location and 3 digit stand number. A listing of all settings and plots contained in each submitted data file shall also be provided.

C.4.4. Standards

The February 2014 Common Stand Exam User’s Guide and appendices shall be used. This version shall dictate the standards of data collection except when specified otherwise in this contract. In addition, the R2 Supplement to the FSVEG Spatial User Guide will be used.

C.6. PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS SUMMARY

C.6.1. Performance Requirements Summary Table

The following describes the major items in the contract with the incentives and deductions for the work described.

Work Statement

Performance Standard

Gov’t Method of Assessment

Incentive/ Deduction

Stand Exam Data Collection, and Polygon Vegetation Attributing C.4.3 a-e

Quality meets or exceeds acceptable performance standard in C.4.3, Exhibits 4a-

f. 90% Acceptable Quality Level (AQL) and or Pass/Fail.

COR or Government Technical Monitor conduct periodic monitoring of operations and random plot inspections consistent with

QASP.

• The Contractor’s quality will be reflected in the performance evaluation either as positive or negative incentive.

• If Contractor achieves acceptable performance quality, the Contractor will receive unit price as incentive.

• If Contractor does not achieve at least acceptable performance quality, rework at no expense to the Government. If rework does not meet acceptable performance quality negative incentive would be reduced pay, termination for default, and/or adverse performance evaluation.

Quality Control E.1

Contractor maintains good quality control on all aspects of operation. Actions not consistent with contract specifications are corrected as per the Quality Control Plan.

COR or Government Technical Monitor randomly sample work and observe operations.

• The Quality Control provided by the Contractor will be reflected in the performance evaluation as either positive or negative incentive.

• Achieving acceptable quality control is necessary to receive full unit price as positive incentive.

• If Contractor does not achieve at least acceptable performance quality, rework at no expense to the Government. If rework does not meet acceptable performance quality negative incentive would be, reduced pay, termination for default, and/or adverse performance evaluation.

• The Government may charge for re-inspection of a block in accordance with E.1.

Contractor and Government passes pass-fail check of specified standards.

Contractor and Government’s verification scores <

5.0 and Total Score < 10.0.

COR or Government Technical Monitor randomly observe Contractor inspection per Quality Assurance Plan.

Review Contractor inspection forms.

Work Plan and Schedule F.2. and C.4.1.3

Work meets schedule as per the accepted work plan. Contractor inspection completed to meet timeframes.

COR and Government Technical Monitor conduct periodic monitoring.

• The Contractor’s ability to maintain the work schedule and complete work on schedule will be reflected in the performance evaluation as either positive or negative incentive.

• Completing work on schedule is

Work Statement

Performance Standard

Gov’t Method of Assessment

Incentive/ Deduction

Government inspection completed to meet timeframes.

necessary to receive full unit price as positive incentive.

• Work not completed on schedule is subject to Default and may result in assessment of actual costs.

C.7. SUBMITTALS:

Document Name Contract Section:

Due

Quality Control Plan E.1 With technical proposal Safety Plan H.3 With technical proposal Work Plan F.2 & C.4.1.3 At prework

SECTION D - PACKAGING AND MARKING

{No clauses are in this Section}

SECTION E – INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

52.246-4 Inspection of Services – Fixed-Price. (AUG 1996)

E.1. Contractor Quality Control

The Contractor shall provide and maintain an inspection system acceptable to the Government covering the services under this contract. Services include field inspection, documentation on plots surveyed, electronic data supplied, and material furnished or utilized in the performance of services.

Complete records of all inspection work performed by the Contractor shall be maintained and made available to the Government for six months after purchase order completion.

The Contractor shall update and follow a Quality Control Plan (QCP) and Schedule once the contract is issued. The QCP and Schedule will become a part of the awarded contract. Any changes to the submitted QCP and Schedule will be agreed to in advance by both the Government and the Contractor.

All Contractor inspection records shall be provided to the Government at the time a block of data is submitted for acceptance. All records shall be signed and dated by the person who conducted the inspection.

E.1.1. Quality Control Plan (QCP)

The Contractor shall provide a general Quality Control Plan (QCP) with the technical proposal.

The QCP must demonstrate how the Contractor will meet the requirements and specifications of the contract, and that work is progressing in compliance with specifications quality (for example, demonstrating survey intensity). The Contractor’s quality control inspection system shall be used in the administration of the requirements for all service work.

E.2. Government Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)

The purpose of this plan is to provide quality surveillance for the tasks performed under this contract. This plan provides a basis for the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) to evaluate the quality of the Contractor’s performance. The oversight provided for the contract and this plan will help to ensure that quality levels of Contractor’s service(s) reach the required levels of performance.

By monitoring the Contractor’s service work, the COR will determine whether the performance levels set forth in the contract have been attained. Quality standards for all tasks are specified in the Performance Requirements Summary Table in Section C.6.

The Government has the right to inspect and test all services called for by the contract tasks in the contract, to the extent practicable at all times and places during the term of the contract. The Government will perform inspections and tests in a manner that will not unduly delay the Contractor(s) work.

If any of the services do not conform to contract requirements, the Government may require the Contractor to perform the service again in conformity with contract requirements, at no increase in contract amount. When the defects in services cannot be corrected by reworking, the Government may:

• Require the Contractor to take necessary action to ensure that future performance conforms to contract requirements; and

• Reduce the contract price to reflect the reduced value of the services performed (see Section G.2.2)

E.2.1. Government Inspection of Services

The Government will inspect service tasks completed by the Contractor (or Subcontractor) as a basis for acceptance and payments, and to provide recommendations to improve work quality while work is in progress. The Contractor is responsible for providing quality control to assure that work complies with requirements of contract specifications.

The Government will review the inspections performed by the Contractor as well as any required paper forms and electronic data or other work submitted to determine whether the quality is sufficient for inspection for acceptance. As an initial guide, the Government may inspect up to 10% of the stands in a block submitted for acceptance and up to 5% of the plots within those stands.

An inspection block, as established by the Government, will contain a minimum of 20 plots and a maximum of 150 plots and all blocks will consist of complete stands. The initial inspection may be done on less than 20 plots if requested by Contractor. The Government normally starts compliance inspection of each block of completed stands within 10 calendar days of receipt. Contractor will be informed if this timeframe cannot be met.

Upon written request from the Contractor, the Government will perform one demonstration inspection of one sample plot at no cost to the Contractor as an example of inspection procedures and demonstration of potential problems. The Contractor shall accompany the Government inspector on the inspection.

All work included in the contract specifications is subject to inspections by the Government at periodic intervals throughout the performance of this contract. Treatment inspections are for the sole benefit of the Government and shall not release the Contractor of the responsibility of providing quality control measures to assure that the work strictly complies with the contract requirements.

E.2.2. Inspection of Work

The completed work shall be submitted within ten calendar (10) days after completion of each block.