SOLICITATION NOTICE
F -- LongLeaf Pine Planting Reforestation
- Notice Date
- 12/31/2017
- Notice Type
- Presolicitation
- NAICS
- 115310
— Support Activities for Forestry
- Contracting Office
- Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, R-8 Chattahoochee and Oconee National Forests, 1755 Cleveland Highway, Gainesville, Georgia, 30501
- ZIP Code
- 30501
- Solicitation Number
- 12435H18Q0005
- Archive Date
- 2/10/2018
- Point of Contact
- Francoies D. Morman, Phone: 770-297-3072, Kelvin Jackson, Phone: 706-485-7110
- E-Mail Address
-
fmorman@fs.fed.us, kljackson@fs.fed.us
(fmorman@fs.fed.us, kljackson@fs.fed.us)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- Competitive 8(a)
- Description
- STATEMENT OF WORK for OCONEE RD FY2018 LONGLEAF PINE REFORESTATON- PLANTING Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests Oconee Ranger District PART 1--SCHEDULE B.01 LINE ITEMS ITEM NO. DESCRIPTION Treatment Units acres QTY trees planted Per acres Unit Price (per 1000 trees) Subtotal $/ac Total Price 1 Planting - 8'x8' Spacing-- 689tpa 307 211,523 Total C.01 SCOPE OF WORK 1.1 Scope of Contract It is the intent of this Task Order to secure services for planting Government- furnished seedlings in a manner to insure acceptable survival at the specified stocking level per acre. No materials, labor, supervision, or equipment will be furnished by the Government unless specifically identified as Government furnished Property. All work on this project must be complete by March 15, 2018. 1.2 Description and location The following information is included as an attachment: • General vicinity map (6 map total) Pages 9-14 • Area table showing unit numbers, compartment, stand, acres, lat/long coordinatesPage 8 Location. Oconee Ranger District; Hitchiti Experimental Forest; Compartments 2, 5, 6, 8, 9; Jones County, Compartment 105, 106, COR Contact. Hector Socias, 706-485-7110 ext. 107. Kelvin Jackson, 706-584-7110 ext 118. Acreage. Acreage listed in the table was determined by Global Position System (GPS) and is considered actual acreage and not an estimate. Boundaries. Where a district stand change doesn't exist along boundary, boundaries will be marked with orange paint or flagging on perimeter trees and brush facing into the work areas. 1.3 Order of Work The government reserves the right to determine the sequence of the areas worked. The Estimated date for starting work will be on or after January 10, 2018. The contract duration will be for 60 days and should be completed by March 15, 2018. 1.4 Contractor Furnished Property The Government shall deliver the following materials, supplies, and property at the place and time specified below. 1. Seedlings. Containerized Longleaf pine seedlings will be furnished in sealed bags, bales, or bundles. Contractor shall be responsible for loading and transporting seedlings from the storage site to the planting site. Seedlings will be considered delivered to the Contractor when the Contractor loads seedlings on his vehicle for transporting to planting sites. Seedlings may only be picked up during the specified hours and days. Not more than one day's supply of seedlings may be picked up on any one day, except a two day supply may be picked up on Friday or the day preceding a Federal holiday. Storage Site: Pickup Time: Oconee District Work Center 7:30 A.M. to 8:30 A.M. Monday through Friday excluding Federal holiday. No more than one-day supply of seedlings can be picked up on any one day, except a two-day supply may be picked up on a Friday or the day preceding a Federal Holiday. The contractor will plant all trees picked up from refrigerated storage within twenty-four hours of accepting seedlings, unless otherwise agreed to by the Forest service. When the Forest Service determines that conditions are unsuitable for planting, the Contractor will return unplanted trees to the refrigerated storage unit for delay. Seedlings are perishable and have limited viability during storage. Survival of seedlings is greatly reduced when stored for too long. Seedlings stored beyond 21 days are considered unacceptable planting stock. The Contractor will be responsible for coordinating and estimating seedling needs based on crew size and order seedlings accordingly. The Contractor will be responsible for the cost of replacing expired seedlings (stored for more than 21 days) when seedlings have been ordered and stored based on contractor's schedule but were not planted prior to their storage expiration date, when within the Contractor's control. Seedling cost is shown in section 332. 2. Crew Organization. The contractor shall provide a competent foreman for each crew. A crew should not exceed 7 people. The foreman shall be with the crew at all times while they are working. Each crew will perform work as an individual working unit and during normal work operations will not be separated into smaller working groups, unless agreed to by Forest Service. If Contractor continues to employ a planter who continually mishandles or improperly plants seedlings, a Suspend Work Order may be issued for the entire crew. C.02 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 2.1 Planting Conditions Seedlings may be planted any time weather conditions are satisfactory based on the following: • Ground not frozen • Air temperature between 32 degrees and 75 degrees F. • Winds less than 15 MPH disregarding occasional gusts. 2.2- Spacing Plant containerized seedlings at the spacing designated for the area (shown on attached table) to achieve the prescribed stocking level. Plant trees evenly over the entire area in identifiable rows. Vary spacing when necessary due to ground conditions provided however tree seedlings must be planted within a tolerance not to exceed 10 percent plus or minus the prescribed trees per acre. Minimum and maximum trees planted per acre are based on properly planted seedlings. When planting longleaf, try and space the new trees between the already existing longleaf. You can ignore the loblolly pine, as these will likely die in subsequent burning. Stocking Level - tree per acre Designated Minimum-- Maximum Spacing (see Prescribed 10% below 10% above Area Table) (Rx) Rx level Rx level 8 x 8 689 620 758 NOTE: All seedlings will be planted on 8 X 8 ft spacing. Sites are previous pine beetle outbreaks areas that have been salvaged. There are some areas inhabited by existing planted longleaf and loblolly pine vegetation. Contractors are to plant within these areas and between existing pine vegetation. Any additional Site-specific information may be obtained from the Contracting Officer Representative contact in Section 1.2. 2.3 - Un-plantable Seedlings Seedlings furnished will be "bed-run" and will contain an unknown amount of Un-plantable seedlings. Un-plantable seedlings include seedlings without lateral roots, roots less than 6 inches, stem diameter less than 1/8 inch, stems less than 6 inches, and broken stems. Un-plantable seedlings are NOT to be planted. Any un-plantable seedling used will be counted as improperly planted. Do not sort or cull seedlings prior to actual planting time. Cull un-plantable seedlings only when the individual seedling is removed from the planter's bag for planting. At that time, drop the un-plantable seedling on the ground. Unusual amounts of plantable seedlings that are discarded will be counted as wasted seedlings. A payment deduction will be made in accordance with Section 332. 2.4 - Pruning Seedling roots shall NOT be pruned or cut by the contractor. 2.5 - Planting Instructions 2.51 General Instructions One seedling will be planted per trash-free hole. A trash-free hole for planting may be created only after the area has been cleared of surface debris to the extent that when the planting hole is created no debris can fall into the hole preventing an air tight seal. Trash such as leaves, litter, duff, etc. will be removed in the area surrounding the planting hole. The Contractor shall supply the planting tools appropriate to the plug length being planted. Seedlings shall not be planted if ground is frozen or if air temperature is below 32 degree F, or if the air temperature is above 75 degree F, unless otherwise agreed to by the Forest Service. Soil moisture must be present to a depth of six inches. Plant seedlings in a manner to prevent twisting of roots, "L" roots, "J" roots, or balled roots. Seedlings should be firmly packed around the roots to eliminate air pockets and ensure the entire root system is in contact with the soil without damaging the seedling. All planting spots in and adjacent to surface obstructions such as windrows, tree tops, ad or rocks will be planted. All along log landings and skid trails shall be planted unless directed by Forest Service not to. Seedlings shall not be planted within the clearing limits of any designated system road or powerline right-of-way or within fifteen feet of a fence, existing tree line, or designated property boundaries. Do not plant seedlings in standing water. Seedlings shall not be planted within 12 inches of large mounds of dirt, or stump holes large enough to hamper root growth of seedling. Seedlings will not be culled in the field without agreement by the Forest Service. The following criteria shall be used to determine if a seedling is un-plantable: Minimum Quality Measure Needles: 6-10 inches if clipped; 8-12 inches unclipped; Dark green in color Roots: Root collar diameter at least ¼ inch; root light brown with numerous white tips; lateral roots abundant Plug Firmness: Stay intact when extracted and when handled; remain firm when held horizontal Plug Moisture: Plug has always remained moist Pest: No presence of weeds or pests Winter Buds: Present In addition, seedlings with forked tops, have evidence of disease or other undesirable traits will not be planted. Un-plantable seedlings are NOT to be planted. Any un-plantable seedling used will be counted as improperly planted. Do not sort or cull seedlings prior to actual planting time. Cull un-plantable seedlings only when the individual seedling is removed from the planter's bag for planting. At that time, drop the un-plantable seedling on the ground. Unusual amounts of plantable seedlings that are discarded will be counted as wasted seedlings and subjected to financial penalties. 2.52 Detailed Instructions Correct planting of containerized seedlings, step by step, is as follows: Step 1 At the proper spacing within the row, pick a location and scalp (remove leaves, litter, duff, etc.) a suitable planting spot to mineral soil; Step 2 Insert the entire usable tip of the planting tool straight down into the soil at the center of the planting spot; Step 3 Place the containerized seedling in the hole so that the root collar is located at the ground level but not more than ½ inch below the scalped ground level; ensure that the terminal bud is equal to or slightly above the surface of the scalped ground. Do not shake off or remove soil that is contained within the seedling plug. Step 4 After inserting and compressing the tree seedling, fill depression with ½ of soil to cover the growing medium at the top of the root plug, This will prevent the root mass from "wicking" or drying out. This step is essential for satisfactory planting. Be careful not to step on the seedling during this operation. 2.6 - Care and Handling of Seedlings The Contractor must protect the seedlings and take precautions to prevent damage to them from the time they are received by the Contractor until they are planted. This shall include, but is not limited to: Seedlings shall be protected at all times from drying, heating, smothering, freezing, crushing, drowning, abrasion, rapid temperature fluctuations or contact with injurious substances, i.e. gasoline, oil, or diesel fuel. Boxes/bags/bundles of seedlings must be kept in the shade in the open air while in the field. The Contractor will provide, as a minimum, a light colored, heat reflective tarpaulin to cover seedlings during transport and field storage. Seedlings shall not be stored in a closed vehicle. Do not build a warming fire within 100 feet of area where seedlings are stored or handled. Boxes/bags/bundles of seedlings should not be thrown, stepped on, sat on, or otherwise abused at any time. Boxes/bags/bundles of seedlings must stay sealed prior to planting, and only one box/bag/bundle shall be open at a time. Quickly remove only enough seedlings to fill planting bags to be carried by planters; seedlings should not be exposed to the elements for more than two minutes. Partial boxes/bags/bundles must be resealed to prevent moisture loss using a clamp, cord or by other effective means. Damaged or torn boxes/bags. Bundles must be immediately repaired to prevent moisture loss. Planters shall not carry more than a one-hour supply of seedlings in their seedling bags. Planting bags should not be over-filled to the point where "packing" occurs. Contractors supplied planting bags to be carried by planters, shall be of a light color, should not retain water or heat, have a minimum depth of 15 inches, be free of defects or contaminates, and should be constructed to allow easy and unrestricted extraction of tree seedlings, one at a time. Planters shall not carry any seedlings in their hands between planting spots. Seedlings should only be removed from the planting bag when a hole for the seedling has been made. If any of the conditions are outside of the following range of preferred weather conditions, then the Contractor will take additional precautionary measures as directed by the Forest Service when handling, transporting, and while on site in the project area: Air Temperature: 33 - 75 degrees F Relative Humidity: 30 - 50 percent Wind Speed: no more than 15 miles per hour All seedling bags, wrappers, boxes, empty container or other debris resulting from the Contractor's planting activity shall be removed from the project area and transported back to the Forest Service Work Center for proper disposal. 2.4 Equipment Requirements Equipment used must be a dibble bar style plug cutter, not a solid shank, capable of creating a hole that containerized seedlings can be planted in as described previously in section 2.52 Detailed Instructions. Hodads, sticker bars or any other similar planting tools will not be permitted for use. 2.5 Access Any vehicular use of closed roads must be approved by the COR. The contractor is responsible for repair of any damage (rutting, excessive soil exposure, etc.) caused by vehicles. 2.6 Debris Removal All slash deposited by the contract crew(s) shall be removed from all roads within and out of the project areas. C.03 INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE The Contractor is responsible for inspecting his own work and correcting any deficiencies (reference FAR Clause 52.246-4 Inspection of Services). Government inspections are for the purpose of determining areas accepted for payment. Government Inspection of work performance under this contract shall be made by the Contracting Officer Representative (COR) or the designated inspector as the work progresses at such intervals as are necessary to insure compliance with the contract specifications and provisions. All contract areas will be sampled to determine the number of seedlings properly and improperly planted. Sampling will consist of 1/100th acre plots taken at a minimum rate of one per acre on a grid basis over the entire area. Natural seedlings and seedlings planted in a previous season will not be counted. The total number of properly planted seedlings per acre will be derived from the average of the results of the sample plots taken in the area. Upon completion of work on an area, the contractor shall notify the COR that work on the area is completed and the COR shall make an overall inspection of the work completed. If the work completed is accepted, the Contractor shall proceed with work on the next area. If the work is not accepted by the COR, the Contractor shall complete any remedial work required prior to commencing work on the next area. An area will be accepted for payment when the number of property reported seedlings per acre is between the minimum and the maximum number for the designated spacing as shown in Section 220. The spacing seedlings must also be adequately uniform over the entire contract area before the area will be accepted. 3.1 Unsatisfactory Work In the event any or the work does not meet the specifications through the fault or negligence of the Contractor, such work shall, upon request of the COR, be made to conform to specifications by the Contractor at his expense. Cost of re-inspection by the Government will be charged to the Contractor.
- Web Link
-
FBO.gov Permalink
(https://www.fbo.gov/spg/USDA/FS/435H/12435H18Q0005/listing.html)
- Place of Performance
- Address: Oconee Ranger District; Hitchiti Experimental Forest; Compartments 2, 5, 6, 8, 9; Jones County, Compartment 105, 106, Oconee, Georgia, United States
- Record
- SN04778480-W 20180102/171231230014-d15b127fd26c229e449e2298bf248531 (fbodaily.com)
- Source
-
FedBizOpps Link to This Notice
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