SOLICITATION NOTICE
F -- Manual Forestry Services to include Herbicide application, and Vegetation Treatments - Non Native Invasive Species
- Notice Date
- 8/3/2018
- Notice Type
- Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
- 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
- 12435H18Q0024
- Archive Date
- 8/28/2018
- Point of Contact
- Francoies D. Morman, Phone: 770-297-3072, David McGaughey, Phone: 706-745-6928
- E-Mail Address
-
fmorman@fs.fed.us, jasonamcgaughey@fs.fed.us
(fmorman@fs.fed.us, jasonamcgaughey@fs.fed.us)
- Small Business Set-Aside
- N/A
- Description
- Scope Of Work and Clauses The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest Chattooga River Ranger District is soliciting for Manual Forestry Services to include herbicide application, and vegetation treatments using hand tools, including mid-story reduction, and hand piling. The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, transportation, supervision, supplies (except those designated as Government-furnished), incidentals, and perform all work necessary to conduct the work in compliance with terms, specifications, conditions, and provisions of this solicitation. This procurement is conducted using simplified acquisition procedures under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 13.5. Pre-Bid/ Pre-Proposal Conference Date: TBD Time: TBD Location: Chattahoochee-Oconee Supervisor's Office Conference Room 1755 Cleveland Highway, Gainesville GA 30501 Phone (770) 297-3000 Submission Requirements Offerors must complete and submit the following as listed below: 1. Business Proposal - one copy a. Standard Form 1449 (complete Blocks 17and 30) b. Section B - Schedule of Items/Prices (pages 6 and 7) c. Price Worksheet d. Representations and Certifications 2. Technical Proposal - two copies a. Responses to Evaluation Factors b. Copy of State Pesticide Contractor's License c. Copy of MSPA Certificate of Registration 3. Contractor Performance Survey - sent to three previous clients to be submitted directly to the contracting officer by the due date. As a convenience to offerors, the FedBizOpps posting for this solicitation includes a Business Proposal Submittal Package, a Price Worksheet spreadsheet, format for Responses to Evaluation Criteria, and Contractor Performance Survey.   EVALUATION FACTORS FOR AWARD Technical Factors (1) Organizational Experience. The Government will evaluate each offeror's organizational experience on the basis of its breadth, depth, and relevance to the work required under the prospective contract. Two aspects of experience will be evaluated: experience in the required tasks of planting, herbicide and hand tool work, and experience as the prime contractor for multi-year IDIQ contracts covering entire Forests or equivalent installations. (2) Organizational Past Performance. Past performance is a measure of the degree to which an offeror satisfied its customers in the past and complied with federal, state, and local laws and regulations. The Government will evaluate the contractor's past performance to determine: (1) that the offeror was capable, efficient, and effective; (2) the offeror's performance conformed to the terms and conditions of its contract; (3) the offeror finished within the contract time; (4) the offeror was reasonable and cooperative during performance; and (5) the offeror was committed to customer satisfaction. The Government may evaluate the organizational past performance of the offeror's proposed key subcontractors. (3) Ability to Satisfy the Government's Requirements. The Government will evaluate each offeror's ability to successfully perform this contract work using on the following sub-factors: a) Resources - supervision, crew, equipment b) Safety c) Quality Control d) Certification and Licensing Price The Government will evaluate the offeror's understanding of the work by examining the prices provided In the Schedule of Items Award Decision Evaluation factors other than price, when combined, are approximately equal to price in the award decision. The critical factor in making any cost/technical trade-off is not the spread between the technical scores, but, rather, the significance of that difference. The significance of the spread of scores will be determined on the basis of what the difference might mean in terms of performance and what it would cost the Government to take advantage of it. Award may not necessarily be made for technical capabilities that would appear to exceed those needed for the successful performance of the work. The Government reserves the right to make cost/technical trade-offs that are in the best interest and advantageous to the Government. In addition to other factors, offerors will be evaluated on the basis of advantages and disadvantages to the Government that might result from awarding to multiple contractors. SCHEDULE OF ITEMS TIMBER / HAZARDOUS FUEL REDUCTION / FOREST MAINTENANCE TREATMENTS WITHIN THE CHATTAHOOCHEE NATIONAL FORESTS. This is a 1-year award contract for the services specified. This contract is designed to focus on a variety of applications. Specific locations and quantities will be specified in each task order. Tasks and level of difficulty for each item are defined in the section identified as Specific Tasks. Treatment Estimated Quantities Unit Price per Acre 5.1 Combined Foliar & Hack-n-Squirt TBD 1.1 Forest Vegetation TBD Acre 1.2 Hack-n-Squirt TBD Acre 5.2 Manual Treatments TBD 2.1 Woodland Restoration TBD Acre 2.2 Fuel Reduction TBD Acre **Not to exceed $66,699 More than one contract may be awarded, by item, to the Contractor(s) providing the best over-all value to the Government. Task Orders will be issued to the Contractor(s) with actual quantities when the Government need arises. Task orders may be issued electronically, by fax, or by U.S. Postal Service. AGAR 452.216-73 Minimum and Maximum Contract Amounts (FEB 1988) During the period specified in FAR clause 52.216-18, ORDERING, the Government shall place orders totaling a minimum of $2,000.00, but not in excess of $999,999.00. DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS/STATEMENT OF WORK Introduction Scope of Contract - The purpose of this contract is to secure services for fuels reduction and vegetation treatments throughout the Chattahoochee National Forests Chattooga Ranger District. This contract is designed to focus on manual and chemical applications. This contract does not establish an obligation of total price and does not commit the government to any quantity. Task orders will be issued that will obligate sections of the Geographic Areas the Forest Service wants to treat as funding and projects become available. Location and Description - The work will be performed on U.S. Forest Service administered lands or on adjacent non-forest owned land. The specific location of the projects will be shown on maps attached to each task order. Task Orders will be issued to the Contractor with actual quantities for each unit to be treated. The Chattahoochee National Forest is located in north central Georgia. Boundaries - Unit boundaries and markings will be identified on each task order. In addition, a map of the desired treatment unit will be provided. Salvage of Non-Merchantable Material- During performance of any task order issued under the terms and conditions of this contract, salvageable material may be produced. Any task order issued hereunder that would result in the production of salvageable material will address the disposal of the salvageable material in compliance with the governing regulations. A reduced cost to the U. S. Forest Service may be negotiated for services rendered in order to negate the value of the salvage material. Access - Access to project areas will be highly variable and identified in each specific task order. Generally access is by all weather and seasonal roads. Seasonal roads may be impassable for several days after heavy rains. Task Order Issuance - 1. Task orders will be issued on a case by case basis. 2. The task order will address specific requirements of a project and may include: seasonal limitations, resource protection requirements in addition to those listed throughout this solicitation, equipment specifications, and surplus vegetation requirements. 3. Multiple tasks may be awarded for the same treatment area. When multiple tasks are awarded for the same treatment area, each separate task may be awarded to a different contractor. Multiple contractors will not be assigned the same tasks for the same treatment area. Definitions Accessible - Road access to a unit. Unit will be considered accessible when road access is within 1/2 mile of the unit. Advanced Regeneration - Seedlings or saplings that develop or are present in the understory. Basal Area (BA) - The cross-sectional area of a single stem, including the bark, measured at breast height (4.5 ft from the ground on the uphill side of a tree). The cross-sectional area of all stems of a species or all stems in a stand measured at breast height and expressed per unit of land area. Cable Logging - Cable logging involves stationary machines with towers and winches that are parked and anchored near or on roads. These machines skid trees or logs from steep or sensitive slopes with cables. This type of logging is preferably done by skidding logs uphill, but can also skid downhill depending on the configuration of the machine, as well as having the ability to suspend logs fully from the ground. Chipper - machine used for reducing wood (generally tree limbs or trunks) into smaller parts, such as wood chips or sawdust. They cannot move independently, and must be mounted on wheels and frames suitable for towing behind a truck or van and left at a designated sight for use. Canopy Cover - The proportion of the ground covered by a vertical projection of the outermost perimeter of the natural spread of foliage, plants or slash, including small openings within the canopy. Crown Class - A category of tree based on its crown position relative to those of adjacent trees. Types of crown classes are the following:  Codominant: A tree whose crown helps to form the general level of the main canopy in even-aged stands or in uneven-aged stands, the main canopy of the tree's immediate neighbors, receiving full light from above and comparatively little from the sides.  Dominant: A tree whose crown extends through the upper layer of the forest canopy of even-aged stands or in uneven-aged stands, above the crowns of the tree's immediate neighbors and receiving full light from above and partial light from the sides.  Emergent: A tree whose crown is completely above the general level of the main canopy, receiving full light from above and from all sides.  Intermediate: A tree whose crown extends into the lower portion of the main canopy of even-aged stands, or in uneven-aged stands, into the lower portion of the canopy formed by the tree's immediate neighbors, but shorter in height than the codominants and receiving little direct light from above and none from the sides.  Overtopped (suppressed): A tree whose crown is completely overtopped by the crowns of one or more neighboring trees - the vigor of overtopped trees varies from high to low depending on individual circumstances.  Predominant: A tree whose crown has grown above the general level of the upper canopy. Damage - Defect or deformity of a tree resulting from agents such as wind, snow, animals, insects, disease, equipment, and evidenced by such things as dead or broken tops or trunks, crooks, and deep scars or damage to the bark on more than ¼ of the circumference of the tree. DBH - Diameter at Breast Height. Diameter of the tree at 4.5 feet on the uphill side of the tree. Desirable Leave Trees - Trees that are desirable to leave have the following characteristics: • Straight stem • Small branch diameter • Good coloration • Well-formed crown • Branches horizontal or slightly angled to bole • Free of insect or disease damage and/or symptoms • Vigorous annual terminal growth (especially in the last 1 to 3 years) • Crown class of dominant or codominant • Crown ratio is 40% or larger. Undesirable Leave Trees - Trees that are not desirable to leave have the following characteristics: • Multiple tops • Poor crown form • Crook or sweep in the bole • Dead or broken tops • Poor coloration or chlorotic • Large branch diameter • Present of insect or diseases, such as (but not limited to): • Bark beetles (on pines, spruce, Doug-fir and true firs) as indicated by:  Southern pine beetle indicators: dead, red-needled, or with green needles, pitch tubes, frass and/or beetle galleries and/or larvae under the bark.  IPS Beetle: dead, red, or fading crowns, pitch streaking evident on trees boles. • Wood rot • Branches more than 45 degrees from horizontal • Physical or mechanical damage • Suppressed • Poor annual growth • Sucker limbs Fire Behavior Fuel Model (FBFM) - Simulated fuel complex for which all fuel descriptors required for the solution of a mathematical rate of spread model have been specified. In the instance of this contract fuel models are used to characterize on site vegetation types. Anderson's "Aids to Determining Fuel Models For Estimating Fire Behavior" may be viewed at (http://www.treesearch.fs.fed.us/pubs/6447) which includes photos of typical fuel model types. Hazard - The existence of a fuel complex that constitutes a threat of wildfire ignition, unacceptable fire behavior and severity, or suppression difficulty. Hazard Reduction - The planned treatment or manipulation of naturally growing vegetation or any other flammable material for the purpose of reducing rate of spread and output of heat energy from any wildfire occurring in the area treated. Intermediate Treatment - Any treatment or tending designed to enhance growth, quality, vigor, and compositions of the stand after establishment or regeneration and prior to final harvest. Leave Trees - Trees designated not to be cut. May include conifers, hardwoods, or hardwood clumps with less than or equal to three sprouts of common origin. Leave Shrub Clump - A group of 2 or more shrub plants with stems growing within a 6-foot diameter circle at ground level that are the same species. Litter - Needles, duff, twigs, cones and leaves. Masticator - A masticator is a device mounted on a track or wheeled vehicle that grinds or flails woody vegetation into chips that are deposited on the forest floor. It effectively cuts down and grinds up whole standing trees in one process. Overstory Removal - The cutting of trees constituting an upper canopy layer to release trees or other vegetation in an understory. Pole - A tree of a size between a sapling and a mature tree, generally between 5 and 7" DBH. Precommercial Thinning - The removal of trees not for immediate financial return but to reduce stocking to concentrate growth on the more desirable trees. Regeneration Method (syn. reproduction method) - A cutting procedure by which a new age class is created. The primary methods are: 1. Even-aged Methods: Regenerate and maintain stand within a single age class. a. Coppice: A regeneration method where regeneration is achieved from stump sprout or root suckers. i. Coppice Selection: only selected stems of merchantable size are cut at each felling, giving even-aged stands. ii. Coppice with Reserves (syn. coppice with standards): Reserve trees are retained to attain goals other than regeneration. b. Clearcutting: the cutting of essentially all trees, producing a fully exposed microclimate for the development of a new age class. Regeneration can be from natural seeding, direct seedling, planted seedlings, or advance reproduction. Cutting may be done in groups or patches, or in strips. When the primary source of regeneration is advance reproduction, the preferred term is overstory removal. With Reserves: Clearcutting in which varying numbers of reserve trees are not harvested to attain goals other than regeneration. c. Seed Tree: The cutting of all trees except for a small number of widely dispersed trees retained for seed production and to produce a new age class in fully exposed microenvironment. Seed trees are usually removed after regeneration is established. With Reserves: some or all of the seed trees are retained after regeneration has become established to attain goals other than regeneration. d. Shelterwood Seed Cut: The cutting of most trees, leaving those need to produce sufficient shade to produce a new age class in a moderated microenvironment. The sequence of treatments can include three types of cuttings: i. Preparation Cut (optional): To enhance conditions for seed production. ii. Establishment (Seed) Cut: To prepare the seed bed and to create a new age class. iii. Removal Cut: to release established regeneration from competition with the overwood. Cutting may be done uniformly throughout the stand (uniform shelterwood), in groups or patches (group shelterwood), or in strips (strip shelterwood). In the latter, regeneration cuttings may progress against the prevailing wind. With Reserves: some or all of the shelter trees are retained after regeneration has become established to attain goals other than regeneration. 2. Uneven-aged (selection) Methods (syn. all-aged methods): Regenerate and maintain a multi-aged structure by removing some trees in all size classes either singly, in small groups, or in strips. a. Group Selection: trees are removed and new age classes are established in small groups. The width of the groups is commonly approximately twice the height of the mature trees with small openings providing microenvironments suitable for tolerant regeneration and larger openings providing conditions suitable for more intolerant regeneration. With Reserves: some trees are not cut to attain goals other than regeneration within the group. b. Single Tree Selection (syn. individual tree selection): Individual trees of all size classes are removed more or less uniformly throughout the stand, to promote growth of remaining trees and to provide space for regeneration. Release - A treatment designed to free young trees from undesirable, usually overtopping, competing vegetation. Treatments include:  Cleaning: A release made in an age class not past the sapling stage to free the favored trees from less desirable individuals of the same age class that overtop them or are likely to do so. Also, a treatment designed to eradicate individual trees infected with dwarf mistletoe.  Liberation: A release treatment made in a stand not past the sapling stage to free the favored trees from competition with older, overtopping trees.  Weeding: A treatment in stands not past the sapling stage that eliminates or suppresses undesirable vegetation regardless of crown position. Reserved Trees or Reserved Areas - Individual species of trees or certain areas within a treatment unit that the contract or COR designates are reserved from treatment. Salvage - The removal of dead trees or trees damaged or dying because of injurious agents other than competition, to recover economic value that would otherwise be lost. Sanitation - The removal of trees to improve stand health by stopping or reducing the actual or anticipating spread of insects and disease. Sapling - A usually young tree larger than a seedling but smaller than a pole; generally between 1 and 5" DBH. Seedling - A usually young tree less than 1" DBH. Shrub (or brush) - Vegetation consisting of woody perennial plant smaller than a tree, usually having permanent single or multiple stems originating at or near the ground level not normally reaching 20 feet in height. Slash - Any cut vegetation or existing natural (dead and down) woody debris. Slashing - action of removing the branches and non-merchantable material from a felled tree. Snag - A standing dead or living tree that has 10 percent or less live crown. Spacing - The horizontal distance from the trunk of one leave tree to the trunk of the next nearest leave tree. Streamcourse - The area along a stream (including the stream) with riparian vegetation and other riparian characteristics. Protected streamcourses will be shown on task order maps. Stump Diameter - Stump diameter is measured outside bark at four inches above ground level on the uphill side of the tree and may be measured using a diameter tape or caliper according to standard measurement procedures in use by the Forest Service. Surplus Vegetation/Slash - Surplus vegetation includes standing vegetation (conifers and hardwoods) greater than 1 foot tall and shrubs less than 12 inches diameter at ground level; when not selected as leave trees, reserved, or needed to meet spacing requirements. Standing dead conifers, hardwoods, and shrubs shall be included as surplus when not reserved. Surplus vegetation becomes slash when it is cut. Slash can include any existing natural (dead and down) woody debris. Thinning - A cultural treatment made to reduce stand density of trees primarily to improve growth, enhance forest health, or recover potential mortality. Types of thinning include the following:  Chemical: The killing of unwanted trees by using an herbicide, including band or frill girdling.  Free: The removal of trees to control stand spacing and favor desired trees, using a combination of thinning criteria without regard to crown position.  Mechanical (syn. geometric thinning): The thinning of trees in either even- or uneven-aged stands, involving removal of trees in rows, strips, or by using fixed spacing intervals.  Thinning from above (syn. crown thinning): The removal of trees from the dominant and codominant crown classes in order to favor the best trees of those same crown classes.  Thinning from below (syn. low thinning): The removal of trees from the lower crown classes to favor those in the upper crown classes.  Variable Density Thinning: Variable density thinning addresses all size classes of trees. Spacing for leave trees can range from the minimum spacing to the maximum spacing so specified. Leave trees exceeding the maximum DBH cutting limits shall be left regardless of the spacing. Leave tree spacing may vary up to 20 percent in order to select the most desirable tree. Spacing control using the specified leave tree guidelines shall be maintained wherever possible. Tons/Acre - Unit of measurement of fuel, usually but not always, of dead and down woody debris (slash). Tons/Acre is generally determined by using a Photo Series, such as USDA Forest Service GTR-PNW 51 (1976). These documents are available for review by the contractor by contacting the issuing office. Water Influence Zone (WIZ) - The land next to water bodies where vegetation plays a major role in sustaining long-term integrity of aquatic systems. It includes the geomorphic floodplain (valley bottom), riparian ecosystem, and inner gorge. Its minimum horizontal width (from top of each bank) is generally 100 feet or the mean height of mature dominant late-seral vegetation, whichever is most. Wetland - A transitional area between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems that is inundated or saturated for periods long enough to produce hydric soils and support hydrophytic vegetation. Wildlife Trees - Standing dead or live trees left for nesting, feeding, perching and shelter for birds and mammals. Trees may be marked with paint and/or designated with a tag stating it is a wildlife tree or as identified by the COR. CONTRACTOR-FURNISHED PROPERTY AND SERVICES Contractor Furnished Items- Unless otherwise specified herein, the Contractor shall provide all labor, supervision, transportation, materials, and equipment necessary to perform the work as described herein. Security of Materials - The Contractor may leave its equipment and Government-furnished property at the work site. The Contractor shall be responsible for the Contractor's equipment and Government-furnished property if it should be lost, stolen or damaged. Noxious Weeds - equipment cleaning requirements must be followed (see section J) English literate Supervisor- A working (English literate) supervisor, who is knowledgeable and experienced in the required work and supervision, shall be provided for each crew and is required to stay with the crew while work is in progress. GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY AND SERVICES Government Furnished Items- will be identified in the task order. The Contractor shall return all Government furnished-property within 24 hours from final acceptance. At time of return, the Contractor shall furnish the COR with an inventory of property being returned. The Contractor shall be financially responsible for any shortages or damage of Government-furnished property. SPECIFIC TASKS 5.1 Herbicide STANDARDS COMMON TO ALL METHODS OF APPLICATION Contractor shall apply herbicides in accordance with label direction The specific herbicide that will be used within a treatment area shall be determined by the Forest Service and provided to the contractor for application. Specific application rates will be given with each task order. All crews must have at least one person with a current State Applicators license Weather is to be monitored and the project will be suspended if temperature is greater than 95 degrees, humidity less than 30%, and wind at/or above 10 MPH. Application of herbicides should only be made when there is little or no hazard from spray drift as directed by the label. No herbicide is broadcast within 100 feet of private land or 300 feet of a private residence, and 100 ft. of designated recreation trails. No herbicide is ground broadcast within 60 feet of any known threatened, endangered, proposed, or sensitive species. Selective herbicide treatments using a non-soil active herbicide may be used closer than 60 feet to protect plants species if designated by the COR. Protected sensitive areas will be identified on a map accompanying each task order. Application equipment, empty herbicide containers, clothes worn during treatment, and skin are not cleaned in open water or wells. Mixing and cleaning water must come from a public water supply and be transported in separate labeled containers. Herbicide mixing, loading, or cleaning areas in the field are not located within 300 feet of private lands, open water, wells or other sensitive areas. Herbicide will not be used within Stream Management Zones unless otherwise approved by the COR or within 300 feet of any public or domestic water intake. Stream Management Zones will be identified on a map with each task order. Dyes will be added to herbicides and used in all applications to confirm treatment. 5.1 COMBINED FOLIAR SPRAY & HACK AND SQUIRT 5. 1.1 Forest Vegetation This task will treat vegetation and woody stems; including non-native invasive species, by designation as described on the task order or identified by the COR. Work will be in a typical forest setting and workers will be required to walk to access parts of treatment areas. Standards for Foliar Spray Foliage of trees, vines and other vegetation up to 6 feet in height but less than or equal to 1 inch in diameter shall be sprayed thoroughly with herbicide mixture from top to bottom on all sides to a point of dripping wet using low-pressure backpack sprayers. Stump treatments will be done on all cut hardwood trees. Nozzle size may be specified in certain applications. 5.1.2 Standards for Hack and Squirt Target vegetation will be 5 feet or taller and will be greater than 8 inches dbh and less than or equal to 12 inches dbh. Any other trees to be treated may be identified by the COR at the work location. Herbicide application can be done with a metered injector or other method such as hatchet, machete and squirt bottle. Dyes will be added to herbicides and used in all applications to confirm treatment. TREES AND AREAS NOT TO BE TREATED Trees along property boundaries marked with red paint, signs, tags, blazes or other survey information. Markers such as painted trees or flagging that are used to mark unit boundaries or exclusions and the trees contained within the exclusions. 5.2 MANUAL TREATMENTS 5.2.1 WOODLAND RESTORATION Standards Stands will be reduced to 30 to 60 Basal Area (BA). All Stems higher than 6 feet tall and greater than 1 inch in diameter but less than or equal to 8 inches in DBH will be cut unless these stems are needed to meet the required basal area for the stand. Actual BA will be designated in the Task Order. Within a Stream Zones, retain at least 50 BA. A higher BA can be left in the residual stand if the prescribed BA for the Project Area is higher than 50 BA. Stream Zones will be identified on a map with each task order. Emphasize retention on fire tolerant tree species such as; but not limited to, post oak, white oak, shortleaf pine, pitch pine, and table mountain pine; the larger size classes; and the more vigorous trees in the residual stand. Trees to be removed from the stand will be felled, limbed, and bucked so that the slash is with two feet from the ground. Trees will be cut as close to the ground as practical; but, no higher than eight (8) inches from ground level on the uphill side of the tree. Trees will be cut horizontal to the ground and not at an angle that will be a hazard to humans or equipment from puncture. Trees that are cut will not be left hanging or leaning. Logging slash within 100 feet of State highway will either be lopped within 2 feet of the ground and scattered or would be dragged out of this zone. Other roads may have slash requirements which will be described on each task order. The measurement will start from the edge of the clearing limits. Broken and leaning trees within these zones will be cut. All debris from these activities will be removed from the clearing limits along any State, county, or forest service road. Take sufficient precautions to prevent pollution of streams, lakes and reservoirs by fuels, oils, other chemicals, silt or other harmful materials. Keep felled trees and vegetation from concentrating around residual trees. In drainages with defined channels or perennial streams, No more than 5 trees per chain can be felled into the stream channel. All gasand oil cans or other debris/trash generated by the contractor during this contract will be removed from Forest Service land as work progresses. Keep trees from falling on private property. Any damages caused by the contractors to private lands such as but not limited to cutting or falling trees on private property will be repaired by the contractor, and all associated cost will be paid by the contractor. If excessive damage occurs during tree felling, a reduction at the current appraised rates will be subtracted from payment. Remove any portion of cut trees from wing ditches, lead off ditches, and tail ditches in order that these ditches can be maintained by road maintenance equipment and continue to function properly. All debris from these activities will be removed from Wildlife Openings. Roads, fire lines, and trails identified by the COR and/or contract maps shall be kept free of logs, slash and debris. Any road or trail, used by the contractor, which is damaged by his operations, shall be repaired at the contractor's expense. Flaggers and advanced signing will be required to direct or stop traffic when there is danger of a tree falling onto the road travel way while being felled. Signing for traffic control shall conform to the "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices"(MUTCD), Part VI- Traffic Controls for Street and Highway Construction, Maintenance, Utility and Emergency Operations", latest edition. (http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov). Trees and Areas NOT To Be Treated Contractor will not cut any trees located along property boundary marked with red paint, signs, tags, blazes or other survey information. No trees will be cut within 5 feet of a defined channel and 20 feet of a perennial stream or spring. If a stream is not identified as a perennial stream, assume it is a defined channel. Perennial streams will be designated on a map that will come with each task order. 5.2.2 Fuel Reduction Standards All debris currently in the stand will be felled and bucked so that all portions of the tree are in contact with the ground. Stumps will be cut as close to the ground as practical; but, no higher than eight (8) inches from ground level on the uphill side of the tree. Stumps will be cut horizontal to the ground and not at an angle that will be a hazard to humans or equipment from puncture. Trees that are currently hung or leaning will be brought to the ground, limbed, and then bucked so that all portions of the tree are in contact with the ground. Logging slash within 100 feet of State highway will either be lopped within 2 feet of the ground and scattered or would be dragged out of this zone. Other roads may have slash requirements which will be described on each task order. The measurement will start from the edge of the clearing limits. Broken and leaning trees within these zones will be cut. All debris from these activities will be removed from the clearing limits along any State, county, or forest service road. Take sufficient precautions to prevent pollution of streams, lakes and reservoirs by fuels, oils, other chemicals, silt or other harmful materials. Keep felled trees and vegetation from concentrating around residual trees. Any current concentrations will be cut and dragged away from the residual trees. In drainages with defined channels or perennial streams, No more than 5 trees per chain can be left in the stream channel. All gas and oil cans or other debris/trash generated by the contractor during this contract will be removed from Forest Service land as work progresses. Keep trees from falling on private property. Any damages caused by the contractors to private lands such as but not limited to cutting or falling trees on private property will be repaired by the contractor, and all associated cost will be paid by the contractor. If excessive damage occurs during tree felling, a reduction at the current appraised rates will be subtracted from payment. Remove any portion of cut trees from wing ditches, lead off ditches, and tail ditches in order that these ditches can be maintained by road maintenance equipment and continue to function properly. All debris from these activities will be removed from Wildlife Openings. Roads, fire lines, and trails identified by the COR and/or contract maps shall be kept free of logs, slash and debris. Any road or trail, used by the contractor, which is damaged by his operations, shall be repaired at the contractor's expense. Flaggers and advanced signing will be required to direct or stop traffic when there is danger of a tree falling onto the road travel way while being felled. Signing for traffic control shall conform to the "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices"(MUTCD), Part VI- Traffic Controls for Street and Highway Construction, Maintenance, Utility and Emergency Operations", latest edition. (http://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov). Trees and Areas NOT To Be Treated Contractor will not cut any trees located along property boundary marked with red paint, signs, tags, blazes or other survey information. No trees will be cut within 5 feet of a defined channel and 20 feet of a perennial stream or spring. If a stream is not identified as a perennial stream, assume it is a defined channel. Perennial streams will be designated on a map that will come with each task order. Treatment Plan and Schedule The Contractor shall develop a Treatment Plan and Schedule once the task order is issued. The Treatment Plan and Schedule will become a part of the awarded contract. Any changes to the agreed upon Treatment Plan and Schedule will be agreed to in advance by both parties. As a minimum, the Treatment Plan and Schedule will include the following items: a. Quality Control Plan: b. Work Plan: Quality Control Plan - The contractor shall provide a general Quality Control Plan (QCP) with the technical proposal. The Contractor shall supplement the QCP within 10 days before start work based on the items awarded to the Contractor. The QCP must demonstrate how the Contractor will assure quality, meet the requirements and specifications of the contract, and that work is progressing in compliance with specifications. The Contractor's quality control inspection system shall be used in the administration of the requirements for all service work. Work Plan and Schedule - The Contractor shall provide a work plan and schedule that demonstrates how the work will be completed and in what time frame.   SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS WORK HOURS Work hours under this contract shall be limited to the time between one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset each day. No work will be done on Sunday or Federal Holidays unless mutually agreed upon. PROSECUTION OF THE WORK The capacity of the Contractor's plant, method of operation, and forces employed shall, at all times during the continuance of the contract, be subject to the approval of the Contracting Officer and shall be such as to assure the completion of the work within the specified period of time. To the extent stated in the specifications, the Contracting Officer shall have the right to select the sequence in which the individual work will be completed. If work is seriously or chronically deficient, the Contractor's right to proceed may be suspended until the performance problems can be resolved and work may resume. The contract time will continue to run during any such period of suspension. ENVIRONMENTAL INTERRUPTION OF WORK Environmental - The Contracting Officer, by issuance of a suspend work order, may direct the Contractor to shut down any work that may be subject to damage due to weather conditions or fire danger. The Contractor will be given a resume work order which will document the date the work suspension ends. An allowance has been included in the contract time for short term environmental delays up to one day at a time. The count of contract time will therefore continue during work interruptions of one day or less, but the count of contract time will stop during work interruptions in excess of one day at a time. All periods of interruptions directed by the Government will be documented. The Contractor will not be entitled to additional monetary compensation for such suspensions regardless of duration. Endangered Species - The Government may direct the Contractor to discontinue all operations in the event that listed or proposed threatened or endangered plants or animals protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, or Federal candidate, sensitive or state listed species, are discovered to be present in or adjacent to the project area. Actions taken under this paragraph shall be subject to the Suspension of Work clause. PRESERVATION OF HISTORICAL AND ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES If, in connection with operations under this contract, the Contractor, subcontractors, or the employees of any of them, discovers, encounters or becomes aware of any objects or sites of cultural value on the project area, such as historical or pre-historical ruins, graves or grave markers, fossils, or artifacts, the Contractor shall immediately suspend all operations in the vicinity of the cultural value and shall notify the COR in writing of the findings. No objects of cultural resource value may be removed. Operations may resume at the discovery site upon receipt of written instructions. Actions taken under this paragraph shall be subject to the Suspension of Work clause. SUBCONTRACTS If the contractor desires to subcontract any work under the contract, it shall obtain the Contracting Officer's written consent. The request to subcontract shall contain the following information: (a) Name of subcontractor (b) Description and amount of supplies or services to be subcontracted. The Contractor shall insert in any subcontracts all applicable clauses contained in the contract. SF 1413 will be required PROTECTION AND RESTORATION OF RESOURCES AND IMPROVEMENTS Cleanup - The Contractor is responsible for cleaning up all camp and worksites before leaving the area. Final payment may be withheld until the Contractor has complied with this requirement. Access Roads - Public or private access roads damaged by the Contractor shall be restored, at their expense, to the same condition they were in at the commencement of work. Rehabilitation - Upon project completion, landings or decking areas, skid trails, or other sites disturbed by Contractor's operations will be closed (with slash, rocks, or other native material) and/or restored to the natural grade or contour of land, ripped, and re-vegetated (if needed). Slash and/or other objects large enough to deter ATV traffic (such that a rider would have to dismount to remove these obstacles to permit access) will be placed over the first 300 feet of skid trails located off of open system roads. Certified native weed-free seed shall be used according to the mix specified by the Forest Service in each task order. Seed will be provided by the Contractor. Protection of Improvements- Units may be adjacent to structures, fencelines, power lines, corner trees, survey monuments, fence lines, irrigation ditches, fiber optic cables, or other improvements. Where known, these improvements will be shown on maps issued with the task order. All safety precautions necessary are to be taken to ensure that damage does not occur to vehicles, structures, or other improvements during operations. If an area cannot be safely treated due to possible damage it will not be treated or alternative means of treatment will be addressed. Any damage caused by the Contractor will be the responsibility of the Contractor to repair. Safety/Signing - Safety signs will be posted as appropriate on system roads open to the public and/or the highway to alert the public of potential hazards related to heavy truck traffic and mechanical operations. All signs must be manufactured & installed as specified in the FHWA "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices" (MUTCD) & FS publication "Standards for Forest Service Signs & Posters"(EM 7100-15). See Section J for additional information. Flagmen - are required along all open system roads where tree felling or other operations could harm individuals. Flagmen or other devices shall be as specified in the "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways" (MUTCD). See Section J for additional information. Roads 1. If contractor desires to operate when snow removal will be needed, a snow removal permit will need to be obtained from the Forest Service. 2. Contractor will be required to keep system roads open to the public open and not block traffic with operations. 3. Truck traffic will adhere to bridge load limits and other required restrictions. Protection of Resources 1. Location of all landings, decking areas, tractor roads, skid trails, and piling locations shall be agreed upon prior to their construction and/or use. Landing, decking, and piling in meadows, non-forested uplands, or drainages shall be avoided. Existing skid trails should be used where practical. Minimize skid trails, and stay on designated routes. Masticator/harvester trips off of main skid trails should be limited to as few passes as practical. The cleared or excavated size of landings or decking areas shall not exceed that needed for efficient skidding operations. 2. Products may be skidded on system roads only by prior written agreement. 3. Unless otherwise agreed, skidding tractors equipped with pull-type arches or dozer blades wider than tractor width or C-frame width, whichever is greater, shall not be used in residual timber, except on constructed skid trails or landings, unless there is written agreement that residual timber will not be damaged materially by such use. 4. Soil Protection: Operation of heavy equipment off-road would be restricted to periods when the soil is frozen, covered with significant snow, or dry to avoid severe soil rutting and/or displacement. Guidelines for meeting this requirement are as follows: a. Stop work when rutting (of 6-8 inches) or potential for rutting is detected. b. If necessary, pre-pack snow on designated routes before work commences. This allows the soil to freeze and the snow to solidify. c. For the specified depth of frozen soil, minimum snow depth required for operation of ground based equipment is as follows: Depth of Frozen Soil (inches) Minimum Depth of Settled Snow Required (inches) 0 12 2 6 4 0 5. Meadow Protection Measures - Reasonable care shall be taken to avoid damage to the cover, soil, and water in meadows. Vehicular or skidding equipment shall not be used on meadows, except where roads, landings and/or tractor roads have been previously approved. Unless otherwise agreed, trees felled into meadows shall be removed by endlining. Resulting logging slash shall be removed where necessary to protect cover, soil, and water. a. Watershed/Wetlands Protection Measures a. Skidding with tractors within 100 feet of live streams shall not be permitted except in places designated in advance by Forest Service. The skid trails shall be located high enough out of draws, swales, and valley bottoms to permit diversion of runoff water to natural undisturbed forest ground cover. b. Keep roads, skid trails and vehicular or skidding equipment out of streams, swales, lakes, wetlands, and riparian areas (shown as protected streamcourses and wetlands on maps included with task orders) except to cross at designated points, build crossings, do restoration work, or if protected by at least one foot of packed snow or two inches of frozen soil. If roads, skid trails or heavy equipment must enter these areas, use bridges or raised prisms with diffuse drainage to sustain flow patterns. Set crossing bottoms at natural levels of channel beds and wet meadow surfaces. c. Avoid any actions that may dewater or reduce water budgets in wetlands. d. Keep slash and or slash piles out of wetlands, streamcourses and riparian areas. e. Ensure at least one-end log suspension in the water influence zone (WIZ). Fell trees in a way that protects vegetation in the WIZ from damage. Keep log landings and skid trails out of the WIZ. f. Do not excavate earth material from or store excavated earth material in any stream, swale, lake, wetland, or WIZ. Do not use wetlands or riparian areas for snow storage or disposal. g. Keep heavy equipment out of protected streamcourses as shown on maps included with task orders between October 1 and March 31 to protect fish spawning, incubation, and emergence. h. No slash will be left on established trails or system roads, on any other improvements, or in protected streamcourses, wetlands, or in the WIZ. Slash will not be left within five feet of culverts or culvert channels. i. All cut trees shall be directionally felled away from unit boundaries, roads, trails, protected improvements, and streamcourses, wetlands, or other water bodies. 6. Sanitation and Servicing. Contractor shall take all reasonable precautions to prevent pollution of air, soil, and water by Contractor's operations. If facilities for employees are established on National Forest lands, they shall be operated in a sanitary manner. In the event that Contractor's operations or servicing equipment result in pollution of soil or water, Contractor shall conduct cleanup and restoration of the polluted site to the satisfaction of the Forest Service. Contractor shall maintain all equipment operating on National Forest lands in good repair and free of abnormal leakage of lubricants, fuel, coolants, and hydraulic fluid. Contractor shall not service tractors, trucks, or other equipment on National Forest lands where servicing is likely to result in pollution to soil or water. Contractor shall furnish oil-absorbing mats for use under all stationary equipment or equipment being serviced to prevent leaking or spilled petroleum-based products from contaminating soil and water resources. Contractor shall remove from National Forest lands all contaminated soil, vegetation, debris, vehicle oil filters (drained of free-flowing oil), batteries, oily rags, and waste oil resulting from use, servicing, repair, or abandonment of equipment. a. Prevention of Oil Spills. If Contractor maintains storage facilities for oil or oil products on National Forest lands, Contractor shall take appropriate preventative measures to ensure that any spill of such oil or oil products does not enter any stream or other waters of the United States or any of the individual States. Contractor shall prepare a Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasures Plan for oil or oil products storage. Contractor will have an oil/oil products spill remediation kit on site at all times. Kit contents will include: 20 - 15"x19" Pads, 3 - 3"x4' socks, 5 Disposable bags & ties, 1 pair Nitrile gloves, 1 pair of Safety Goggles, 1 clear bag w/ zipper for packaging Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer Representative, Contracting Officer, and appropriate agencies of all spills in the amount of five gallons or more of oil or oil products on National Forest lands that are caused by Contractor's employees, equipment, agents, contractors, subcontractors, or their employees or agents, directly or indirectly, as a result of Contractor's operations. Contractor will take whatever initial action may be safely accomplished to contain all spills. b. Hazardous Substances. Contractor shall notify the National Response Center and Contracting Officer of all releases of reportable quantities of hazardous substances on National Forest lands that are caused by Contractor's employees, equipment, agents, contractors, subcontractors, or their employees or agents, directly or indirectly, as a result of Contractor's operations, in accordance with 40 CFR 302. FIRE DANGER SEASON If the Contraction Officer (CO) allows the Contractor to continue work during periods of High Fire Danger, the Contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal and State laws relating to fire prevention and with all special conditions of work as directed by the COR. UNDOCUMENTED WORKERS This contract involves the employment of unskilled labor working under arduous field conditions. Such employment may be attractive to persons coming from foreign countries, sometimes illegally. Bidders are reminded that it is a crime to bring into the United States, transport within the United States, and to harbor aliens who do not have a proper visa for entry and working in this country (8 U.S.C. § 1323-1325). If violations are suspected by the COR during the performance of work on this (these) project(s) they will be reported to the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service for investigation and appropriate action. Conviction of the Contractor for commission of a criminal offense referred to herein will be deemed sufficient cause for default and the initiation of debarment or suspension proceedings to prevent the Contractor from receiving future Government contracts. IMPROPER DISPOSAL OF GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED MATERIAL Improper disposal includes, but is not limited to, the wrongful ditching, hiding or burying of Government-furnished material (GFM). The Government may, by issuance of a written order, suspend the Contractor's right to proceed for improper disposal of GFM. The Contractor may be required to remove from the contract site any individuals involved in the improper disposal of GFM. The Contractor will be charged for the actual costs of the improperly disposed GFM. The costs will be based on the current market value and any associated costs. Current Policy and Standard Practices -- Workers and Working Conditions Migrant and Seasonal Workers Protection Act: Provides requirements for housing, transportation, and working conditions for migrant and seasonal workers. The Department of Labor is responsible for enforcement. See clause FSAR 4G52.222-702 for the definition of migrant workers and seasonal workers. Service Contract Act: Provides for minimum wages and other benefits under federal service contracts. The Department of Labor is responsible for enforcement. Office of Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Responsible for setting health and safety requirements in a multitude of industries. OSHA is responsible for enforcement. Legal status of workers in the U.S.: The Department of Homeland Security-Immigration and Naturalization Service is responsible for enforcing the legal status of workers in the U.S. FSAR 4G52.222-704 - Personal Protective Equipment (FEBRUARY 2007) The contractor shall train workers in the safe operation and use of equipment that the worker may use before the worker begins using such equipment. Personal protective equipment, including personal protective equipment for eyes, face, head, and extremities must be provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary by reason of hazards or processes encountered which may cause injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body. Defective or damaged personal protective equipment must not be used. The contractor shall provide chain saw chaps to each employee who operates a chain saw, at no cost to the employee. These chaps must be approved by an Underwriters Laboratory or meet Forest Service specification 6170-47. The chaps must cover the full length of the thigh and must extend to the top of the boot on each leg. The contractor shall assure that each employee wears foot protection that provides adequate traction and ankle support. Employees operating chain saws shall wear foot protection that is constructed with cut-resistant material which will protect the employee against contact with a running chain saw. In any area where the worker is exposed to the potential for flying or falling objects, the contractor shall provide a hard hat, at no cost to the employee, and the contractor shall assure that the employee wears the hard hat. The hard hat must meet the minimum requirements of American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard Z89.1-1997. The contractor shall provide, at no cost to the employee, eye protection where there is potential for eye injury due to flying objects. This eye protection must meet the minimum requirements of ANSI standard Z87.1-2003. The contractor shall provide, at no cost to the employee, hearing protection where there is a potential for hearing loss due to high intensity noise for example, chainsaw operation. FSAR 4G52.222-705 - Camping Provisions for Labor Intensive Contracts (FEBRUARY 2007) The following provisions apply to all camping on National Forest lands during performance of this contract: CONTRACTOR MUST CO-ORDINATE CAMPSITE LOCATION WITH COR PRIOR TO OCCUPANCY. These provisions are in addition to those contained in, or provided for, in the clause titled "Use of Premises," in this contract. Every structure used as shelter must provide protection from the elements. Where heat adequate for weather conditions is not provided, other arrangements should be made to protect workers from the cold. Firewood may be cut only after obtaining a District Firewood Permit. The campsite must not encroach beyond the boundaries designated by the Forest Service. The campsite must be located so as to minimize impacts on streams, lakes, and other bodies of water. No camping is permitted within developed recreation sites or along primary recreation roads. The campsite must have a clean appearance at all times. Upon abandonment of any campsite, or termination, revocation, or cancellation of camping privileges, the contractor shall remove, within 10-calendar days, all structures and improvements except those owned by the United States, and shall restore the site, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing or in the camping permit. If the contractor fails to remove all structures or improvements within the 10-calendar days, they shall become the property of the United States, but that will not relieve the contractor of liability for the cost of their removal and restoration of the site. Unless otherwise designated by the contracting officer, the use of this area is not exclusive, and may be granted to other permittees, contractors, or recreating public. Disorderly conduct is not permitted. Damaging or removing any natural feature or other property of the Forest Service is prohibited. Servicing of equipment in the campsite is not permitted, unless the campsite is within the project area. Sanitary facilities must be provided for storing food. Ice chests or coolers, with ice supply made from potable water and replenished as necessary, must be provided and sufficient for the storage of perishable food items. An adequate and convenient potable water supply must be provided in each camp for drinking and cooking purposes. Toilet facilities adequate for the capacity of the camp must be provided and supplied with adequate toilet paper. Such facilities must be serviced and maintained in a sanitary condition. Garbage must be collected, stored, and disposed of in such a manner as to prevent scattering by the wind, minimize attraction of flies, and discourage access by rodents. Basic first aid supplies must be maintained, available, and under the charge of a person trained to administer first aid. The supplies must include: 1. Gauze pads (at least 4x4 inches), 2. Two large gauze pads (at least 8x10 inches), 3. Box adhesive bandages (band aids), 4. One package of gauze roller bandage at least 2 inches wide, 5. Two triangular bandages, 6. Scissors, 7. At least one blanket, 8. Tweezers, 9. Adhesive tape, 10. Latex gloves, and 11. Resuscitation device such as resuscitation bag, airway, or pocket mask. Any washing of laundry must be done in such a way as to provide for washing and rinsing without polluting lakes, streams, or other flowing water. Waste water must be disposed of away from living and eating areas and in a fashion that minimizes pollution to lakes, streams, and other flowing water. The contractor shall take all reasonable precautions to prevent and suppress forest fires. No material must be disposed of by burning in open fires during the closed season established by law or regulation without the written permission from the Forest Service. The contractor shall comply with the following fire regulations during fire season: During the fire season, a shovel, axe or Pulaski, 10-quart pail which is full of water for immediate use, and a fire extinguisher with an Underwriters Laboratory (UL) rating of at least 1:A 10:BC is required. All fire rings or outside fireplaces must be approved by the Forest Service representative. The area must be cleared down to mineral soil for a distance of 1 foot outside of the ring or fireplace, and it must not have any overhanging material. Fire rings must be dismantled and material disposed prior to leaving the site. All generators and other internal combustion engines must be equipped with Forest Service approved spark arrestors and/or factory designed muffler and exhaust system in good working order. They will be located in a cleared area with the same requirements as in described in the previous paragraph. All fuel must be stored in UL approved flammable storage containers and be located at least 50 feet from any open flame or other source of ignition. Any violation of these conditions constitutes a breach of contract, and may result in revocation of camping approval.
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- Place of Performance
- Address: Chattahoochee Oconee National Forest, Chattooga River Ranger District, 9975 Highway 441 South, Lakemont, GA 30552, Lakemont, Georgia, 30552, United States
- Zip Code: 30552
- Zip Code: 30552
- Record
- SN05020718-W 20180805/180803231144-a812207e0aebd222f7be04d12eac6b34 (fbodaily.com)
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