SECTION C - DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATION

C.1.0	GENERAL 

C.1.1	Introduction - The Government is acquiring fuels management services to treat vegetation to reduce the risk of wildland fires.  This is intended to meet the intent of the National Fire Plan in accordance with Public Law 106-291.

C.1.2	Background - Project areas are reforestation areas, natural and managed stands of timber of all ages size, and species, shrubfields, or grass areas.  Fuels will consist of harvest activity slash, natural fuels, live fuels, and slashed shrubs and trees.  Fuel loadings range from less than ½ ton per acre to as high as 100 tons or more per acre. Treatments such as brushing, piling, fuel break construction, crushing, grinding, and prescribed fire have been shown to reduce the risk of wildland fire and the severity of fires that do occur.  It is the objective of this contract to treat fuels present on units identified to reduce fuel loading and optimize the treatment of those fuels to the most effective burning period. 

C.1.3.	Scope of Services

C.1.3.1	The services in this contract are designed to provide for wildfire hazard reduction, prescribed burning and mop-up, and related services.  This contract may require vegetation manipulation, burn unit preparation, prescribed burning and mop-up in compliance with its terms, specifications and provisions.  This may include the Contractor formulating and preparing written burn plans for submission and approval by the ordering agency; determining when specific burn units are within prescription parameters through field checks of fuel moisture percentages; providing all required crew members, supervision, ignition and holding operations, mop-up and patrol.  This may include furnishing labor, equipment, supervision, transportation, operating supplies, and incidentals to perform all work necessary to conduct slashing, lop and scatter, selective slashing, pruning, fuel modification zone construction, hand piling and cover, fireline construction and maintenance, fuels pullback, swamper burning, snag felling, roadblock removal/restoration, requested holding and mop-up, severing, grinding, piling, covering, tallying, crushing, and mowing vegetation and gathering debris in compliance with its terms, specifications and provisions..

C.1.4	Applicable Directives - Requested work shall be done in accordance with agency specific land and resource management plans.

C.1.5	Location of Project Areas - The work will be performed on property under the control of the following United States Government agencies:  Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Fish and Wildlife Service and National Park Service.  The location of the work is Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.  The specific location of the projects will be shown on maps attached to each task order. 

C.1.6	Boundaries of Project Areas - The project areas will be clearly marked with paint or flagging.

C.1.7	Access to Project Areas - Access is by all-weather and seasonal roads.  Seasonal roads may be impassable for several days after heavy rains, or snow-blocked during the winter months.

C.1.8	Unique Features of Project Areas - Standing timber, wildlife trees and snags may be present within the project sites.  Research plots may be located within the project sites and cannot be disturbed during mop-up activities.

C.1.9	Wildfire Fire Guidelines and Procedure – If a slopover occurs during ignition or mop-up and cannot be contained with the personnel and equipment identified in the Countermeasures for Slopover element of the Prescribed Fire Plan, the Task Manager will declare a wildland fire (reference C.2.0. for definitions).  The Contractor shall then take immediate action to control, suppress and mop up the escaped fire.  The TM shall notify the responsible office and procedures specified in the Escapement Contingency Plan will be implemented.  The Contractor and crew shall then work with the burn boss performing fire suppression duties for a period not to exceed 24 hours to at no additional cost to the Government.  If the Contractor is asked to continue, their equipment and and/or employees will be subject to rates negotiated under emergency equipment rental agreements. 

C.1.10	Smoke Management Clearance for Burning and/or Mop-up

C.1.10.1	The Government will obtain for the Contractor smoke management clearance from the local Airshed coordinator for the Idaho/Montana Airshed Group.

C.1.10.2	The Government may specify which units are ignited due to existing suppression contingencies, priorities of individual units, and smoke management.

C.1.11	Contractor Liability - For prescribed fire, the Contractor shall be liable for suppression cost and resource damages only as a result of failure to follow the approved Prescribed Fire Plan.

C.2.0	DEFINITIONS 

Accessible - Road access to a unit.  Unit will be considered accessible when road access is within 1/4 mile of the unit.

Backing Fire - A fire spreading or set to spread into (against) the wind, or downhill (see Flanking Fire, Head Fire).

Berm - An outer border of the fire control line.
	
	Brush- Vegetation consisting of shrub species with single or multiple stems   originating at or near ground level and not normally reaching 20 feet in height.
	
Burn Boss or Prescribed Fire Incident Commander 1 or 2 (RXB1 or RXB2)  - The person responsible for the organizing and management of all personnel and equipment on the burn project and for meeting prescribed burn objectives.  Burn Boss I (or RXB1) level is required for complex burns.

Burning out - Setting fire inside a control line to consume fuel between the edge of the fire and the control line.

Burn Plan - Commonly used term for the Prescribed Fire Plan.

Complexity of Burns - The agencies participating in this contract evaluate and rate prescribed burn complexity based on burning period, escape potential, ignition patterns and methods, fuel models, topography, size, values at risk, crew size, safety, and smoke management considerations.  Complexity and Level Of Difficulty are not synonymous.  Burn complexity is one of several factors that influences of Level of Difficulty.  A highly complex burn may not be a highly rated Level of Difficulty.  The three levels are described below:

	Complex - Factors which contribute to this rating are:  More than a single burning period required for ignition, when fire behavior outside unit is greater than inside the unit, combinations of complex ignition patterns and methods are required, three or more fuel models are present, combinations of slopes and aspects lead to extreme fire behavior, forest burns are more then 40 acres, high values at risk outside the unit may be threatened by an escape, crew size exceeds 20 in ignition and holding, safety risk is high, or potential for smoke intrusion is high, which may require accelerated mop-up even on cool, moist days.  Burn Boss I (RXB1) level of experience and training is required for Burn Boss position on Complex rated burns.

	Intermediate - Factors that contribute to this rating include broadcast and understory burns that do not meet the above criteria but are not non-complex.  This is the standard burn rating.  Some control problems may be present due to location, aspects, or the presence of adjacent fuel complexes.  Burn Boss II (RXB2) level of experience and training is required for Burn Boss position on Intermediate rated burns.

	Non-Complex – Factor that contribute to this rating include all hand pile burns and broadcast burns of small size with less then two acres of continuous fuels. Non-Complex burns have no or minimal control problems present and little to no risk to resources, personnel and equipment.  Burn Boss III (RXB2) level of experience and training is required for Burn Boss position on Non-Complex rated burns.

	Conifer - An evergreen, cone bearing tree.

	Crown Closure - The percent of area covered by the foliage of tree crowns as viewed vertically from above.

	Cut Leave Tree - A tree noted during inspection of the area as a tree that should not have been cut, but was cut.

Crew Member or Prescribed Fire Crew Member (FFT2 - Firefighter) - The individual responsible for performing field work aspects of this contract (fireline construction, slashing, hand piling, ignition, holding, mop-up) involving the use of hand tools, chain saws, drip torches, and water handling equipment.

Crew Supervisor - A crew member who provides direction and supervision to fellow crew members during burn unit preparation or wildfire hazard reduction treatments.  Is responsible for work accomplishment and performance in accordance with the requirements of the contract.

Cultural and/or Threatened and Endangered (T&E) Sites  - Locations where special protection is required to preserve and protect cultural values and species of plants or animals listed on the T&E list.

Cup Trench - A trench constructed on the outer edge of the undercut line, deep enough to catch rolling embers and cones.

Damaged Trees - Damage constitutes any Contractor-caused alteration or injury to the tree or root system which may cause death, loss of vigor, or will negatively affect growth, including, but not limited to, severance of the main stem or terminal leader, delimbing, scraping, debarking, or uprooting.

	DBH - Diameter measured at breast height, 4.5 feet above ground.
	
Dozer - Often called a Bulldozer, a tracklayer such as Caterpillar, International, John Deere, etc..

Duff - Decaying organic material found on the forest floor (all materials down to mineral soil).

Forestland - Land where the tree vegetation expressed as percent cover is between 31 and 60%. Used to establish which Subitem is used on a project area.

	FBPS Fuel Models - There are 13 fuel models used for estimating fire behavior.  As described by Anderson H.E., Aids to Determining Fuel Models For Estimating Fire Behavior, GTR INT-122/NFES 1574, April 1982 

FFT2 and CRWB - Standard classifications of positions on fire projects as defined in the Wildland Fire Qualifications Subsystem Guide published by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG).  Publication Numbers PMS 310-1 and NFES 1414.  This publication will be available for review in the contracting units local field office.

Fireline - A fire control line that is dug or scraped to mineral soil by hand or machine according to minimum clearance standards. In certain areas this may be a natural barrier (road, river, rock, etc).

Firing - The intentional setting of fires to fuels during the ignition phase of prescribed burning.

Flank Lines - A fire control line constructed on the side of the unit (running across contours, i.e., up or down the slope).

Flanking Fire - A fire front spreading or set to spread at roughly right angles to the prevailing wind.

Grinding - Operation similar to chipping except implement is outside the main body of the attachment or prime mover. This operation often results in coarser chips after treatment.

Hardwood - A broad-leaved tree which usually has a single well defined trunk and/or attains a height greater than 20 feet.  Includes, but not limited to, species such as cottonwood, green ash, aspen, birch,  and box elder. Sprouting hardwood species may be in the form of multi-stemmed clumps.

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.

Head Fire - A fire front spreading or set to spread with the wind or upslope.
	
	Hot Saw - Used in production severing. The cutting edge never stops turning while prime mover is running or moving.

Holding - Actions required to contain the fire within the natural or constructed fireline and prevent escapes and slopovers.

Holding Boss or Holding Specialist (CRWB - Crew Boss) - The individual who provides direction to those personnel responsible for holding the line during the ignition and cool down period(s).

Ignition - Fire started by hand, aerial, or other means.

Infrared Scan - A procedure that locates hot areas through photography or hand held devices (probeye).

Jackpot - Concentration of slash or natural fuels, heavier than the surrounding areas.

Jackpot Burn - Burning Jackpot fuels at a time or conditions that won't allow the fire to spread from the target area.

Ladder Fuels - Fuels that provide vertical continuity between the ground and the tree crowns, thus creating a pathway for surface fire to move into the overstory tree crowns.

Lateral Lines - Hose lays that provide water delivery.

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 Tree Group - A group of 2 -5 plus trees growing within an 8-foot diameter circle at ground level that are of exceptional quality in terms of vigor and structure.  Groups may contain more than one species of tree.  Examples would be a) two healthy ponderosa pine trees growing immediately adjacent to one another.  b) a vigorous group white oak trees exhibiting a wide horizontal growth pattern.  c) a large old pine with a healthy madrone tree growing near its base.  The project inspector can show examples of suitable tree groups on the ground.   Douglas-fir will not be considered for a leave tree group when it is the only species present.  It may be included in a group when it is present in a minority amount. 

Leave Shrub Clump - A group of 2 to 4 shrub plants with stems growing within a 6-foot diameter circle at ground level that are the same species.

Lighting Boss or Ignition Specialist 1 or 2 (RXI1 or RXI2) - Provides direction to lighting crew during ignition of the unit.

Litter - Needles, duff, twigs, cones and leaves.

	Marked Tree - A tree marked by the COR with a designated number and color of paint or flagging, for severing. Mark will be with paint above and below 8" stump height.

Mainline - A hose lay which provides transportation of water from the source to lateral lines.

Mobilization - The act of delivering all ordered personnel and equipment to the project area.

Mop-up - To locate and physically extinguish by the efficient use of water, dirt, chemical agents, or any combination thereof, all burning, smoldering, or burned material.

	Mop-Up Boss - The individual who provides direction to those personnel responsible for extinguishing the fire after ignition and holding are completed and until the COR accepts the unit.
	
	Non-Merchantable - All conifer trees less than or equal to 7 inches DBH.
	
	Non-Woody Vegetation - Vegetation including fern, sedge, blackberry vines, thistle and mullein.
				
Rake/Brush Blade - Push blade with teeth. The solid portion of the blade is minimal to allow dirt, soil and small rocks to fall out and not be included in a pile.

Reserve Areas - Certain areas within a treatment unit, such as utility lines, canals or riparian areas that the COR designates are reserved from treatment. Areas are included in acreage for payment, unless total of all Reserve Area within a treatment exceed 10%. Refer to C1.11.2. 

Prescribed Fire - Controlled application of fire to wildland fuels in either their natural or modified state, under specified environmental conditions which allow the fire to be confined to a predetermined area and at the same time to produce the intensity of heat and rate of spread required to attain planned resource management objectives.

Prescribed Fire Plan - Also called the Burn Plan.  This is a written plan which includes burn area description, resource and prescribed fire objectives, fuels description, weather and fuel parameters, acceptable fire behavior, smoke management and other considerations, ignition schedule, ignition and holding plan, safety considerations, workforce and equipment needs, unit maps, escape contingency plan, crew briefing and go/no go checklist, and the complexity rating of the burn project.  The plan must be reviewed and approved prior to implementation.  The approved plan constitutes the authority to burn, subject to Paragraph C.1.7.

Project Area - The area being treated with prescribed fire and any escapes or spot fires resulting from the prescribed fire.

Preferred Species - The list in order of most desired to least desired on identified area. This information is provided with the task order for each project. Subitems B7, B8 and B9 have specific instructions that the COR may change with written notice.

	Ramiform - A vertical branch from the main bole of a tree.

Reburn - Open flames that develop and spread during the mop-up phase of the work project.

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.

Riparian Buffer - An area parallel to a stream course which may exclude equipment use or burning and which must meet agency specific, existing stream management guidelines.

RXB1, RXB2, RXI1, RXI2, etc. - Mnemonics for prescribed fire standard classifications of positions as defined in National Interagency Incident Management System Wildland Fire Qualification Subsystem Guide, Part 2 - Prescribed Fire.  Publication number PMS 310-1 (Part 2) or NFES 2479, published by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG), February 1995. 

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.  Examples are manzanita, ceanothus, hazel, rhododendron, etc.

Slash - Any cut vegetation or existing natural (dead and down) woody debris.

Slopover - A prescribed fire that crosses an established control perimeter but can be contained by personnel and equipment identified in the Prescribed Fire Plan (Countermeasures for Slopover).

Snag - a dead or living tree that has 10 percent or less live crown.

Spike - Sharp pointed limbs of living or dead vegetation.

Spot Fire - Any fire located outside of the burn unit caused by airborne fire brands or radiated heat emitted from the prescribed fire.

Stream Channel - That area influenced by high water at the time of the year with the highest flow.

Surplus Vegetation - Includes vegetation (conifers and hardwoods) greater than 1 foot tall and up to 12 inches DBH; western juniper trees greater than 1 foot tall and up to 16 inches DBH; and shrubs less than 12 inches diameter at ground level; when not selected as leave trees, reserved, or needed to meet spacing requirements.  For Fuel Modification Zones, Subitems E and F: Standing dead conifers, hardwoods and shrubs shall be included as surplus when not reserved.  For Fuel Modification Zones, Subitems F (Woodlands/Shrublands): All vegetation less than 5 inches DBH shall be included as surplus when not reserved.

Swamper Burning - The concurrent hand piling and burning of existing slash and material severed under this contract; i.e., a small pile is ignited and more logging slash and shrubs are added to the pile while the pile is burning.

Task Manager (TM)- The TM is responsible for the project inspection for a identified task order.  This person has fire behavior, fuels management experience and is qualified to conduct oversight and evaluation of the Contractors operations. The TM provides technical expertise to the COR regarding prescribed fire operations.

Timberland - Land where the tree vegetation expressed as percent of cover is greater than 61%. Used to establish which Sub-item is used on a project area.
	
	Tomahawk/Mechanical Crusher - Device designed to roll over slash and break material into small pieces.

	Tons/Acre - Unit of measurement of fuel, usually but not always, of dead and down woody debris (slash).  Tons/Acre is 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.

Top Line - Fireline constructed on the top of the unit (running parallel to the contours, i.e., across the slope).

Understory burn - Prescribed broadcast burn on an area that has an overstory of conifer trees.  Prescribed burn objective includes burning the area in such a manner as to prevent mortality of the overstory trees.

Undercut Line - Fireline constructed on the bottom of the unit (running parallel to the contour, i.e., across the slope).

Water Bar - Trenches cut at a 45-degree angle across the fireline to deflect water and reduce erosion.

	Wildland Fire - An escaped prescribed fire is a wildland fire.  The TM determines that an escape exists based on either, or both of two criteria:  (1) When containment of a slopover requires personnel or equipment exceeding that specified in the Countermeasures for Slopover element of the Prescribed Fire Plan;  (2) When environmental conditions and/or fire behavior exceeds that specified in the Prescribed Fire Plan and the TM determines that an escape has or is likely to occur.  The declaration of an wildland fire for contract proposes can only be made by the COR.

Wildlife Trees - Standing dead or live trees left for nesting, feeding, perching and shelter for bids 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.
	
	Woodland - Land where the tree vegetation expressed as percent cover is between 1 and 30%. Used to establish which Subitem is used on a project area.

C.3.0	CONTRACTOR-FURNISHED PROPERTY AND SERVICES

C.3.1	Unless otherwise specified herein, the Contractor shall provide all labor, transportation, materials, and equipment necessary to perform the work as described herein.  For prescribed burn activities the Contractor shall meet all requirements as stated in the prescribed burn plans including Wildland and Prescribed Fire Qualification System Guide, published by the National Wildfire Coordinating Group, Publication Numbers PMS 310-1 and NFES 1414, January 2000.  (available at )  

C.3.2	Work Camps - Camping on agency administered lands will only be allowed in approved sites and with the prior written authorization of the responsible land manager.  Should such a work camp be authorized, the Contractor shall maintain the camp in an orderly and sanitary manner.  All fire regulations and permits shall be followed.  All garbage and refuse shall be removed from the camp site(s) by the Contractor and disposed of off site before final payment is made.

C.3.3	Permit - Fire restrictions may occur that could result in work days being less than 8 hours.  Extended closure or shutdown of project work may be required due to high fire hazard level.

C.3.4 	Equipment Requirements - Equipment shall be furnished fully operational, designed to meet state safety regulations and operated by a competent, fully qualified operator.

	Publications:
April 2000, Tech. Rep. 0051-2826-MTDC and 0051-2828-MTDC provide a source of information on various types of treatment equipment.  The documents may be ordered/purchased from MDTC at:
			USDA Forest Service, MTDC
			Building 1, Fort Missoula			
			Missoula, MT 59804-7294
			Phone: (406) 329-3978        Fax: (406) 329-3719

C.3.4.1	The equipment used for mechanical work requires a swing-mounted device. Sub-items N, O, P (except P7, P8, P9) - shall be a track-mounted excavator which meets the following specifications:

a.	Machine shall be hydraulically operated, including cutter head or grapple.

b.	Ground pressure shall not exceed 8 pounds per square inch for excavator.

c.	Machine width shall not exceed 11.5 feet, except that under Subitems N5, N6, O5, O6, O9, P5, and P6, machine width shall not exceed 10 feet.

d.	Machine shall be free of fluid leaks and have hoses in good operating condition.

C.3.4.2	The equipment used for mechanical work for Sub-item Q, shall be a machine set on a wheeled carriage or a non-swing tracked machine, which meets the following specifications:  

a.	Machine shall be hydraulically operated, including cutter head or grapple.

b.	Machine width shall not exceed 9 feet.

c.	Machine shall be free of fluid leaks and have hoses in good operating condition.

C.3.4.3	The equipment used for mechanical work requiring a bulldozer with device, Subitems P7, P8, P9 and Item S, shall be a tracked bulldozer equipped with brush blade or rock rake, and meet the following specifications:  

a.	Machine shall be hydraulically operated, including non-solid brush blade, rock rake, tomahawk or other crushing device and rear mounted cable winch. 
	
b.	Ground pressure shall not exceed 8 pounds per square inch for bulldozer.

c.	Machine width shall not exceed 9 feet.

d.	Machine shall be free of fluid leaks and have hoses in good operating condition.

C.3.4.4	The equipment used for mechanical mowing, Item R, requires a tractor-mounted mechanical brush mower.  Equipment used for mechanical gathering, Item S, shall be a wheeled tractor equipped with log grapples and/or rear mounted cable winch.  Subitem S3 requires a suspended cable system that transports material to machine at roadside gathering point (landing).  All machines operating off road with-in the unit must meet the following specifications:

a.	Machine shall be hydraulically operated, including brush mower, winch or grapple.

b.	Ground pressure shall not exceed 8 pounds per square inch for tracklayer.

c.	Width of machine and mowing implement shall not exceed 12 feet (maximum width of eight feet for any machine operating in the interior of a Item H unit). Gathered material shall have one end suspended while being transported.

d.	All machines shall be free of fluid leaks and have hoses in good operating condition.

e.	With written approval from the COR a tracked machine may be used on slopes between 25% and 32%.  The approval is at the discretion of the COR based on concerns for resource protection and resource objectives.

C.3.5	Contractor shall furnish 2 warning signs to be placed on the roadside prior to entrance to the work area.  Signs shall be a minimum of 3 feet by 3 feet in dimension and shall warn of possibility of flying debris.

C.3.6	Security of Equipment and Property - The Contractor may leave equipment at the work site.  The Contractor shall be responsible for equipment if it should be lost, stolen or damaged.

C.3.7	Noxious Weeds - In order to prevent the spread of noxious weeds, all equipment and vehicles will be cleaned off prior to entry onto Government lands.  Removal of all dirt, grease, and plant parts that carry noxious weed seeds or vegetative parts is required and may be accomplished with a pressure hose.  In addition, contractor’s equipment shall be cleaned prior to all subsequent moves if operations have been in an area known to have noxious weeds.

C.4.0	GOVERNMENT-FURNISHED PROPERTY AND SERVICES

C.4.1	All Government furnished equipment and supplies, hereinafter referred to as Government-furnished property (GFP), as specified in task orders will be picked up by the Contractor at the contracting agency’s nearest field office, and signed for on Form DI-105 by the Contractor or Contractor's authorized representative.  The Contractor shall return all GFP 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 responsible for any shortages of GFP.  

C.4.2	Security of Materials - The Contractor may leave its equipment and any GFP at the work site.  The Contractor shall be responsible for the Contractor's equipment and GFP if it is lost, stolen or damaged.

C.4.4	Noxious Weeds - Insure that all equipment is cleaned off prior to operating on Government lands.  Remove all dirt, grease, and plant parts that carry noxious weed seeds or vegetative parts.  This may be accomplished with a pressure hose.  If equipment is operating in a noxious weed area, the equipment must be cleaned before moving to another area.

C.4.5	The Government may furnish property and services as listed below:

	a.	A Government hand-held portable radio for communication with the Fire Office, TM or COR on all prescribed burning operations.

b.	Photo Series to help Contractor estimate fuel loadings; maps and aerial photos to assist Contractor in layout of project units when requested.

	c.	BEHAVE computer software (fire behavior prediction program) to assist Contractor in meeting specific fire behavior at the site, as required in the Prescribed Fire Plan.

	d.	Unit Prescribed Fire Plans.  The Government will provide a Prescribed Fire Plan form for each burn unit.  These plans may vary in agency format.  The plans will indicate resource and prescribed fire objectives, fuels descriptions, establish fuel and weather parameters, fire behavior, smoke management and any other special considerations.  The Prescribed Fire Plans will be available from the issuing office for each Task Order.  

	e.	Weather forecast and other weather information will be available for use by the Contractor at the District Office.  These products are now available on the Internet.  The Government will provide address at the request of the Contractor.

f.	Threatened and Endangered Species information, cultural survey information and reporting formats, maps, and photos.

C.5.0	SPECIFIC TASKS: Items A through M have the specifications incorporated in the Level of Difficulty.   Items N through S Specifications are listed in advance of the Level of Difficulty.

C5.01	The following items apply to all Items A through S.

C.5.01.1	All surplus vegetation shall be completely severed from the stump.

C.5.01.2	All surplus vegetation shall be severed in a manner to minimize damage to leave trees.

C.5.01.3	No live limbs shall be left on the stumps of any severed surplus vegetation. Stump height shall not exceed 8 inches measured on the uphill side.

C.5.01.4	Severed trees or brush lodged in or covering a leave tree shall be dislodged or removed.

C.5.01.5	Any logging slash that prevents severing brush or hardwoods at the main stem within 8 inches of ground level shall be lopped, slashed, and piled.

C.5.01.6	Slash shall be moved at least 2 feet away from the base of any conifer leave tree.

C.5.01.7	All slash shall be moved at least 10 feet back from the edge of roads and property boundaries between government and private land on a daily basis, before the crew leaves the project area.  Slash shall not be left along any roadway.  

C.5.01.8	All slash shall be removed at least 10 feet from the road cut on the upper side and ten 10 feet from the road shoulder on the lower side.  All road cut banks or fill slopes over35% slope, shall have a 10-foot buffer no-treatment area.

C.5.01.9	All roads designated on the project map(s) shall be kept free of slash.

C.5.01.10	Where hand piling is required, all slash between 1 and 6 inches in diameter and greater than 2 feet in length shall be piled.  Slash less than 1 inch in diameter or less than 2 feet in length shall be left on the ground.  Slash left on the ground shall not exceed 6 inches in depth.

C.5.01.11	Where machine piling is required (Item C), the material to be treated consists of all down woody material less than 12 inches in diameter and 16 feet or less in length (excluding duff and litter) created from vegetation treatments (such as harvest, thinning, or slashing, etc.) or created through natural process.  Maintain levels of down woody material as described in C.5.8.7.

C.5.01.12	All piles shall be constructed by laying limbs, stems, cut boles and other slash in the pile so as to be parallel with each other.  On slopes over 15% material shall be piled perpendicular to the slope.  Slash that causes large air spaces in piles shall be cut or crushed to eliminate air spaces.  Each pile shall include an area of small sized slash (small branches less than 1/4 to1/2 inch in diameter and/or small branches with needles or leaves attached) to provide “kindling” for prompt ignition and to aid in combustion of larger slash.  These fuels shall be placed in the center of the pile.

C.5.01.13	Unless otherwise approved by the COR or TM, maximum hand pile size shall be 8 feet in diameter by 8 feet in height, and minimum hand pile size shall be 5 feet in diameter by 4 feet in height.  There are no limits on the size of mechanical piles provided that no leave or reserve trees are within 30’ of the machine pile.

C.5.01.14	All piles shall be covered with a minimum of 6-foot by 6-foot piece of 4-mil thickness black polyethylene plastic, except that hand piles shall be covered such that at least 80 percent of the pile’s surface area shall be covered.  All four corners and the middle of the plastic sheets shall be anchored with slash or other debris.

C.5.01.14	Unless otherwise approved by the COR or TM, hand piles shall not be closer than 15 feet to reserve trees or 25 feet to a unit boundary, the distance shall be double for machine piles.  Slash shall not be piled or placed on logs or stumps, in roadways or drainage ditches, or within channel bottoms, streams or within no-treatment zones.  Piles shall be compact and free of dirt or other non-flammable material.

C.5.01.15	Each task order will specify the level of difficulty, size limits for treatment, whether hardwoods and/or conifers are included, and if any individual species are reserved from treatment.  The task order map will also display any unit specific instructions.

C.5.01.16	Leave trees shall not be cut or damaged.  Leave down woody material as described in C.5.8.7.

C.5.1	Slashing – Item A 

C.5.1.1	Level of Difficulty - The level of difficulty for slashing is determined by the task order.  The level is based on the relative amount of the material to be slashed, according to size of material to be slashed, as described in C.5.1.2 and C.5.1.3, and percent cover, as follows:

Subitem A1 - Level I - Unit density of material to be severed is estimated to average 20 percent or less of total cover.

Subitem A2 - Level II - Unit density of material to be severed is estimated to average between 21 and 40 percent cover.

Subitem A3 - Level III - Unit density of material to be severed is estimated to average between 41 and 60 percent cover.

Subitem A4 - Level IV - Unit density of material to be severed is estimated to average greater than 61 percent cover.

Subitem A5 - Level V - Unit density of material to be severed is estimated to  average  20 percent or less of total cover.

Subitem A6 - Level VI - Unit density of material to be severed is estimated to be between 21 and 40 percent cover.

Subitem A7 - Level VII - Unit density of material to be severed is estimated to be between 41 and 60 percent cover.

Subitem A8 - Level VIII - Unit density of material to be severed is estimated to be greater than 61 percent cover.

C.5.1.2	Subitems A1, A2, A3, A4:  All live, standing vegetation, between 1 inch DBH and 6 inches DBH shall be completely severed with the stump height not to exceed 6 inches.  This will be the standard size for treatment unless otherwise designated.  The task order may designate a different size within this range for individual units (example: slash 1-4 or 2-6 inches only, instead of the 1-6 inches), but not outside the 1-6 inch DBH range.  Individual species may be specified as reserved from cutting on individual units.

C.5.1.3	Subitems A5, A6, A7 and A8:  All live, standing vegetation, greater than 2 feet in height and 3 feet in length, but not over 6 inches DBH shall be completely severed with the stump height not to exceed 6 inches.  This will be the standard size for treatment unless otherwise designated .  The task order may designate a different size within this range for individual units (example: slash greater than 4 feet in height and/or 4 feet in length, instead of the 2 feet height and/or 3 feet length up to 6 inches DBH), but not outside the original range limits.  Individual species may be specified as reserved from cutting on individual units.

C.5.1.4	Each task order will specify the level of difficulty, size limits for treatment, whether hardwoods and/or conifers are included, and if any individual species are reserved from treatment.

C.5.1.5	Slashing shall be accomplished throughout the entire unit, excluding areas identified by the task order as reserved from treatment.  Fire lines shall remain free of debris.  Restore Fire lines to original clear condition following slashing.

C.5.2	Lop and Scatter - Item B

C.5.2.1	Level of Difficulty - The level of difficulty for lop and scatter is determined by the task order.  The level is based on the amount of the slash to be treated, access to the project site, and reduction height of slash.

Subitem B1 - Level I - The amount of slash to be lopped and scattered averages less than 12 tons per acre.  Site is accessible or walk-in of less than 1/4 mile is required.  Reduced slash to the extent that it is within 12 inches of the ground at all points.

Subitem B2 - Level II - The amount of slash to be lopped and scattered averages between 12 and 20 tons per acre.  Site has limited access or walk-in of less than 1/4 mile is required.  Reduced slash to the extent that it is within 20 inches of the ground at all points.

Subitem B3 - Level III - The amount of slash to be lopped and scattered averages less than 12 tons per acre.  Access requires a walk-in of up to 1 mile.  Reduced slash to the extent that it is within 12 inches of the ground at all points.

Subitem B4 - Level IV - The amount of slash to be lopped and scattered averages between 12 and 20 tons per acre.  Access requires a walk-in of up to 1 mile.  Slash shall be reduced to the extent that it is within 20 inches of the ground at all points.

C.5.2.2	Slash to be Treated - The material to be treated consists of down woody material created from vegetation treatments (such as harvest, thinning, or slashing, etc.) or created through natural process.

C.5.2.3	Lop and scatter all existing slash so that all top and side branches are free of the central stem so that the slash is reduced to within the limit of the ground at all points, as stated for the level of difficulty.  Central stem length shall not exceed 12 feet.

C.5.3	Selective Slashing - Item C

C.5.3.1	Level of Difficulty - The level of difficulty for selective slashing is determined by the task order.  The level is based on the expected number of leave trees per acre to be treated and/or spacing between leave trees, or the relative amount of material to be slashed.

Subitem C1 - Level I - 109 acceptable leave trees at a 20' X 20' spacing.  Unit density is estimated to average less than 40 percent cover.

Subitem C2 - Level II - 109 acceptable leave trees at a 20' X 20' spacing.  Unit density is estimated to average between 40 and 60 percent cover.

Subitem C3 - Level III - 109 acceptable leave trees at a 20' X 20' spacing.  Unit density is estimated to average greater than 60 percent cover.

	Subitem C4 - Level IV - A specific spacing footage will be designated by Government, within the range of 10' X 10' up to 45' X 45' for conifers and hardwoods in combination. The number of acceptable leave trees will be determined by the spacing designated (10' X 10' spacing equals 435 trees/acre, 45' X 45' spacing equals 22 trees/acre).  Unit density is estimated to average less than 40 percent cover.

Subitem C5 - Level V - A specific spacing footage will be designated by Government, within the range of 10' X 10' up to 45' X 45' for conifers and hardwoods in combination. The number of acceptable leave trees will be determined by the spacing designated (10' X 10' spacing equals 435 trees/acre, 45' X 45' spacing equals 22 trees/acre).  Unit density is estimated to average between 40 and 60 percent cover.

Subitem C6 - Level VI - A specific spacing footage will be designated by Government, within the range of 10' X 10' up to 45' X 45' for conifers and hardwoods in combination. The number of acceptable leave trees will be determined by the spacing designated (10' X 10' spacing equals 435 trees/acre, 45' X 45' spacing equals 22 trees/acre).  Unit density is estimated to average greater than 60 percent cover.

C.5.3.2	Criteria for Selection of Leave Trees

a.	The best available acceptable leave trees, both conifers and hardwoods, shall be selected as leave trees and treated in accordance with spacing requirement and the number per acre specified by the Level of Difficulty.  The average spacing may vary + or - 20% of the spacing stated in the Level of Difficulty in order to select the best leave trees without numerically changing the average number of leave trees per acre. 

b.	The largest, healthiest, best-formed trees shall be selected as leave trees.  Characteristics used in the selection of leave trees include the following:

		1)	Has no apparent damage to the main bole;
		2)	Is not chlorotic;
		3)	Demonstrates good vigor and is disease free;
		4)	Has at least 40 percent crown ratio.

c. 	In areas containing a variety of conifer species, leave trees shall be selected using the following species preference:
		
		1)	Ponderosa Pine
		2)	Western Larch
		3)	Lodgepole Pine
		4)	Douglas Fir

d. 	Exceptions to the species preference guidelines stated above will be identified by the Government on each unit.  Theses can include changing the order and/or identifying species other than those stated above.

e. 	The Government may identify additional individual leave trees or leave tree areas within each unit.

C.5.3.3	Treatment of Surplus Vegetation

a. 	All vegetation not selected as acceptable crop trees over three feet tall and up to 7 inches DBH within the specified spacing of acceptable leave tree shall be severed one foot or less above the ground.  No live limbs shall be left on the stump of any cut stem.

b. 	All conifers over one foot tall and up to 7 inches DBH not selected as acceptable leave trees and within the specified spacing of acceptable leave tree shall be completely severed one foot or less above the ground.  No live limbs shall be left on the stump of any cut stem.

c. 	Vegetation greater than 7 inches DBH shall not be cut.

	d.	Acceptable crop trees shall not be damaged while cutting vegetation, or buried with slash.  

C.5.3.4	Unless further treatment of slash is prescribed, such as hand piling and burning, swamper burning or underburning, lop and scatter the resulting slash to a maximum 8-foot length and a depth not to exceed 18 inches.

C.5.3.5	No slash cut by the Contractor shall be left on the ground within 25 feet of any road or outside the project area.  Remove all slash at least 25 feet from the top of the cut slope, and 50 feet from the bottom of the fill slope.

C.5.3.6	Individual species may be specified as reserved from selective slashing on individual units.

C.5.4	Pruning - Item D

C.5.4.1	Level of Difficulty - The level of difficulty for pruning is determined by the task order.  The level is based on the expected number of trees per acre (TPA) requiring treatment.

Subitem D1 - Level I - Less than 20 TPA.

Subitem D2 - Level II - 20 - 50 TPA.

	Subitem D3 - Level III - 50 - 100 TPA.

	Subitem D4 - Level IV - 100 - 150 TPA.

	Subitem D5 - Level IV - 150 - 220 TPA.

C.5.4.2	Designated vegetation shall be pruned of live and dead limbs and branches to a designated height measured above ground level.  The designated height shall not exceed 12 feet above ground level, and will typically be designated to a height of from 6 to 12 feet.  The COR will designate the height for each individual unit.  The pruning height may vary + or - one foot from the designated height.  Limbs shall be cut cleanly and as close to the bole of the tree as possible.

C.5.4.3	Tree limbs that attach to the bole above the designated pruning height, but have limbs extending into the pruning height area, shall be pruned so that they do not extend below the designated height.

C.5.4.4	Material pruned shall be pulled back 4 feet away from tree bole.

C.5.4.5	Pruning will almost always be ordered in conjunction with slashing, selective slashing, girdling, or burning.  It is anticipated that pruning would rarely be ordered as the sole treatment for an area.

C.5.4.6	Individual species of hardwoods and conifers may be specified as reserved from pruning on individual units.

C.5.5	Fuel Modification Zone Construction - Timber Stands - Item E

C.5.5.1	Fuel modification zones (FMZs) shall be created to reduce adverse wildfire effects, limit rate of spread, and/or to establish defensible areas for use during fire suppression activities. Flammable material shall be treated and removed from the surface, understory, and canopy.  Treatments required in this subitem include cutting of trees, slashing of shrubs and small vegetation, pruning of residual trees, and snag felling.  FMZs will normally be created in whole or portions of stands, along ridge lines, between separate stand and vegetative types, or adjacent to private property.

C.5.5.2	Level of Difficulty - The level of difficulty for FMZs are based on percent cover of material to be treated and access to the project site.  Level is determined by the task order.  

Subitem E1 - Level I - Site is accessible with at least 75 percent of the work site accessible with longest walk-in of 1/4 mile or less.  The percent cover of material to be treated is less than 40 percent.

Subitem E2 - Level II - Site is accessible with at least 75 percent of the work site accessible with longest walk-in of 1/4 mile or less.  The percent cover of material to be treated is between 40 and 60 percent.

Subitem E3 - Level III - Site is accessible with at least 75 percent of the work site accessible with longest walk-in of 1/4 mile or less.  The percent cover of material to be treated is greater than 60 percent.

Subitem E4 - Level IV - Access is limited with at least 50 percent of the work site accessible with longest walk-in of ½ mile or less.  The percent cover of material to be treated is less than 40 percent.

Subitem E5 - Level V - Access is limited with at least 50 percent of the work site accessible with longest walk-in of ½ mile or less.  The percent cover of material to be treated is between 40 and 60 percent.

Subitem E6 - Level VI - Access is limited with at least 50 percent of the work site accessible with longest walk-in of ½ mile or less.  The percent cover of material to be treated is greater than 60 percent.

Subitem E7 - Level VII - Access is limited with 25 percent or less of the site accessible with longest walk-in 2 mile or less.  The percent cover of material to be treated is less than 40 percent.

Subitem E8 - Level VIII - Access is limited with 25 percent or less of the site accessible with longest walk-in 2 mile or less.  The percent cover of material to be treated is between 40 and 60 percent.

Subitem E9 - Level IX - Access is limited with 25 percent or less of the site accessible with longest walk-in 2 mile or less.  The percent cover of material to be treated is greater than 60 percent.

C.5.5.3	Task orders for Subitems  F1 thru F9 will include written instructions designating spacing width; pruning height; any no treatment areas; additional reserve trees, hardwoods, and/or shrubs; and/or girdling instructions. 

C.5.5.4	Spacing - Spacing width shall be designated for each unit in written instructions with each task order.  Width designated within the range of 20 to 45 feet.  The average spacing may vary + or - 20% of the designated spacing in order to select the best leave trees without numerically changing the average number of leave trees per acre. 

C.5.5.5	Criteria for Selection of Leave Trees

a. 	Leave Trees 12" and greater - All conifers and hardwoods (with the exception of western juniper) 12 inches DBH and larger are reserved from cutting or girdling.  Western Juniper trees 16 inches and larger are reserved from cutting or girdling.  These trees shall be included in spacing requirements.

b. 	Leave Trees < 12" - The largest, healthiest, best formed trees shall be selected as leave trees.  Characteristics used in the selection of leave trees include the following:

		1)	Has no apparent damage to the main bole;
		2)	Is not chlorotic;
		3)	Demonstrates good vigor and is disease free;
		4)	Has at least 40 percent crown ratio, or largest crown ratio if none greater than 40 percent are present.

c. 	In areas containing a variety of conifer species, leave trees shall be selected using the following species preference:
		
		1)	Ponderosa Pine
		2)	Western Larch
		3)	Lodgepole Pine
		4)	Douglas Fir

d. 	Exceptions to the species preference guidelines stated above will be identified by the Government on each unit.  These can include changing the order and/or identifying species other than those stated above.

e. 	The Government may identify additional individual leave trees or leave tree areas within each unit.

C.5.5.6	Treatment of Surplus Trees and Shrubs

a. 	All live and dead conifers, hardwood trees, and shrubs not selected as leave trees or reserved over one foot tall and up to 12 inches DBH within the specified spacing of acceptable leave tree shall be severed one foot or less above the ground.  No live limbs shall be left on the stump of any cut stem.

b. 	The Government may issue instructions with the task order requiring girdling of individual species or all, hardwoods, conifers, or both from 7 inches to 12 inches DBH, instead of cutting.  Unless otherwise instructed in the task order, cut surplus trees and shrubs up to 12 inches DBH.  

c. 	Hardwoods and conifers greater than 12 inches DBH, shall not be cut or girdled, except as provided in C.5.6.9.

d. 	Leave trees shall not be damaged while cutting vegetation, or buried with slash.  

C.5.5.7	Unless further treatment of slash is prescribed, such as hand piling and burning, swamper burning or underburning, lop and scatter the resulting slash to a maximum 12-foot length and a depth not to exceed 24 inches.

C.5.5.8	No slash cut shall be left on the ground within 25 feet of any road or outside the project area.  All slash shall be removed at least 25 feet from the road shoulder on the upper (uphill) side, and 50 feet on the lower (downhill) side.

C.5.5.9	Girdling - Notwithstanding Paragraph C.5.6.6, conifers and hardwoods 7 to 12 inches DBH, may be designated for girdling on individual units.  Trees designated for girdling shall have three (3) horizontal chain saw cuts made completely around the bole of the tree.  The cuts shall be made such that the minimum cut inside the cambium is ½ inch.  Cuts shall be made below the lowest live limb or branch.

C.5.5.10	Bucking of Cut Material - Slashed, cut and felled material shall be bucked into the standard length of 12 feet or less unless otherwise designated by the task order.  Longer lengths may be designated in order to meet utilization objectives.

C.5.5.11	Pruning - Leave trees, girdled trees, and leave snags shall be pruned to a height of 6 to 12 feet as designated by the task order.  Live and dead limbs and branches shall be cut cleanly and as close to the bole of the tree as possible.  Tree limbs and branches that attach to the bole above the designated pruning height, but have limbs or branches extending into the pruning height area, shall be pruned so they do not extend below the designated height.

C.5.5.12	Snag Felling - The TM may reserve individual snags from felling requirements when snags are deemed necessary for other resource objectives.

C.5.6	Fuel Modification Zone Construction - Woodland/Shrubland -Item F

C.5.6.1	Fuel modification zones (FMZs) shall be constructed to create a more sustainable vegetation cover in the event of wildfire.  Vegetation density shall be reduced and species composition shall be modified.  Activities required in this subitem include species identification and selection of leave trees and shrubs, cutting and girdling of trees, slashing of shrubs and small vegetation, pruning of leave trees and shrubs, and snag felling.  FMZs will normally be created in whole or portions of stands, along ridgelines, between separate stand and vegetative types, or adjacent to private property.

C.5.6.2	Level of Difficulty - The level of difficulty for fuel modification zone construction is based on percent cover of material to be treated and access to the project site.  Level is determined by the task order.

Subitem F1 - Level I - Site is accessible with at least 75 percent of the work site accessible with longest walk-in of 1/4 mile or less.  The percent cover of material to be treated is less than 40 percent.

Subitem F2 - Level II - Site is accessible with at least 75 percent of the work site accessible with longest walk-in of 1/4 mile or less.  The percent cover of material to be treated is between 40 and 60 percent.

Subitem F3 - Level III - Site is accessible with at least 75 percent of the work site accessible with longest walk-in of 1/4 mile or less.  The percent cover of material to be treated is greater than 60 percent.

Subitem F4 - Level IV - Access is limited with at least 50 percent of the work site accessible with longest walk-in of ½ mile or less.  The percent cover of material to be treated is less than 40 percent.

Subitem F5 - Level V - Access is limited with at least 50 percent of the work site accessible with longest walk-in of ½ mile or less.  The percent cover of material to be treated is between 40 and 60 percent.

Subitem F6 - Level VI - Access is limited with at least 50 percent of the work site accessible with longest walk-in of ½ mile or less.  The percent cover of material to be treated is greater than 60 percent.

Subitem F7 - Level VII - Access is limited with 25 percent or less of the site accessible with longest walk-in 2 mile or less.  The percent cover of material to be treated is less than 40 percent.

Subitem F8 - Level VIII - Access is limited with 25 percent or less of the site accessible with longest walk-in 2 mile or less.  The percent cover of material to be treated is between 40 and 60 percent.

Subitem F9 - Level IX - Access is limited with 25 percent or less of the site accessible with longest walk-in 2 mile or less.  The percent cover of material to be treated is greater than 60 percent.

C.5.6.3	Task orders for Subitems F1 thru F9 will include written instructions detailing spacing, pruning height, any no-treatment areas, reserve trees and shrubs, and/or changes to the order of preference. 

C.5.6.4	Reserve Trees and Shrubs

a. 	Areas of trees and shrubs may be reserved from treatment in designated units.  Reserve areas may be designated by the Government or the Contractor.  Prior to the Contractor commencing work in a unit, the Government may designate no-treatment area(s) within each unit, or, the Government may authorize the Contractor to designate the no-treatment area(s) within each unit.  No cutting of vegetation shall be done within these designated areas.  These areas may range in size from 1/10 acre to 1 acre, and number from zero to twenty.  Areas less than one acre in size are included in acreage for payment.

b. 	Reserve trees and shrubs shall be designated by the Government with marking (paint, flagging, or sign), or by written instructions.  Reserve trees and shrubs shall not be damaged or cut.  Reserve trees and shrubs shall not be considered in the spacing of leave trees or shrubs.

c. 	Unless otherwise instructed in the task order, the Contractor shall leave 12-inch DBH or greater conifers, and hardwoods.  These trees and shrubs shall be considered in the spacing of leave trees and shrub.

C.5.6.5	Selection of Individual Leave Trees and Shrubs, and Groups and Clumps

a. 	The Contractor shall select leave trees or shrubs based on written instructions from the Government.  These instructions may be in the form of a table, or narrative.  The Government will issue instructions when asking for pricing for the Task Order.  The sample table below lists an example of instructions for selection of the leave trees and shrub species in the order of preference for consideration.  

ORDER OF CONSIDERATION FOR LEAVE TREE & SHRUB SELECTION   - SAMPLE ONLY
	
Species	Size	Comments	
Designated reserve trees/shrubs - 	all	leave all, do not include in spacing.  These can be painted reserved, flagged, bearing trees, boundary marked trees, other special designations.	
Cedar	all	leave all, include in spacing.	
Hardwoods & other Conifers	12+" DBH	leave all, include in spacing.	
Oaks	8+" DBH	leave all, include in spacing.	
Oaks	<8" DBH	include in spacing, leave single or group.	
Pines	<12" DBH	include in spacing, leave single or group.	
Other Hardwoods	<12" DBH	include in spacing, leave single or group.	
Douglas-fir	5-12" DBH	include in spacing, leave single.	
shrub	12+" stem diameter	include in spacing, leave single or clump.	
shrub

1. mahogany
2. Wedgeleaf
3. cherry spp.
4. plum spp.
5. manzanita	<12" stem diameter	include in spacing, leave single or clump.	

b.  	White Fir and Western Juniper less than 5 inches DBH shall not be selected as leave trees.

c. 	Groups and Clumps - Leave tree groups and leave shrub clumps shall be considered for leaving if present.  See definitions for Leave Tree Group and Leave Shrub Clump.  For spacing purposes, groups and clumps will be considered as one stem.

d.  	Spacing of Leave Trees and Shrubs - Spacing for leave trees and shrubs, and for leave groups and clumps will be designated for each unit by the task order.  The spacing designated shall be no less than 20 feet and no greater than 45 feet between leave vegetation.  The designated spacing may be varied plus or minus 10 feet in order to choose the best leave tree or shrub.

C.5.6.6	Treatment of Surplus Trees and Shrubs

a. 	All live and dead conifers, hardwood trees, and shrubs not selected as leave or reserved over one foot tall and up to 12 inches DBH within the specified spacing of each acceptable leave tree or shrub stem and leave group and clump shall be severed one foot or less above the ground.  No live limbs shall be left on the stump of any cut stem.

b. 	The Government may issue instructions with the task order requiring girdling of individual species or all, hardwoods, conifers, or both from 7 inches to 12 inches DBH, instead of cutting.  Unless otherwise instructed in the task order, the Contractor shall cut surplus trees and shrubs up to 12 inches DBH.  

c. 	Hardwoods, and conifers, greater than 12 inches DBH, and shrubs greater than 12 inches at ground level shall not be cut or girdled except as provided in C.5.7.9.

d. 	Leave trees, shrubs, groups and clumps shall not be damaged while cutting vegetation, or buried with slash.  

C.5.6.7	Girdling - Notwithstanding Paragraph C.5.6.6, conifers and hardwoods 7 to 12 inches DBH, may be designated for girdling on individual units.  Trees designated for girdling shall have three (3) horizontal chain saw cuts made completely around the bole of the tree.  The cuts shall be made such that the minimum cut inside the cambium is ½ inch.  Cuts shall be made below the lowest live limb or branch.

C.5.6.8	Stump Heights - All conifer stumps shall be cut flush with the ground.  All hardwood and shrub stumps shall be cut within 12 inches of the ground.

C.5.6.9	Bucking of Cut Material - Slashed, cut and felled material shall be bucked into the standard length of 12 feet or less unless otherwise designated by the task order.  Longer lengths may be designated in order to meet utilization objectives.

C.5.6.10	Pruning - Leave trees, girdled trees, and leave snags shall be pruned to a height of 6 to 12 feet as designated by the task order.  Live and dead limbs and branches shall be cut cleanly and as close to the bole of the tree as possible.  Tree limbs and branches that attach to the bole above the designated pruning height, but have limbs or branches extending into the pruning height area, shall be pruned so they do not extend below the designated height.

C.5.7.11	Snag Felling - The COR may reserve individual snags from felling requirements when snags are deemed necessary for other resource goals.

 C.5.7	Hand Pile and Cover - Item G

C.5.7.1	Level of Difficulty - The level of difficulty for hand piling and covering is determined by the task order.  The level is based on the number of piles per acre expected, based on the amount of slash on the unit meeting specifications from C.5.8.2, or C.5.8.3.  The Government will designate which specification for size of material to be piled with each task order.  The following are hand pile and cover levels:

Subitem G1 - Level I - An average of fewer than 18 piles per acre.

Subitem G2 - Level II - An average of 19 to 30 piles per acre.

Subitem G3 - Level III - An average of 31 to 40 piles per acre.

Subitem G4 - Level IV - An average of 41 to 50 piles per acre.

Subitem G5 - Level V - Units with an average of 30 piles per acre or less; access is limited with at least 50 to 75 percent of the work site accessible with longest walk-in ½ mile or less.

Subitem G6 - Level VI - Units with an average of 30 piles per acre or less; access is limited with 25 percent or less of the site accessible with longest walk-in 2 miles or less.  

Subitem G7 - Level VII - Units with an average of 31 to 50 piles per acre; access is limited with at least 50 to 75 percent of the work site accessible with longest walk-in ½ mile or less.

Subitem G8 - Level VIII - Units with an average of 31 to 50 piles per acre; access is limited with 25 percent or less of the site accessible with longest walk-in 2 miles or less.  

Subitem G9 - Level IX - An average of 51 to 60 piles per acre.

Subitem G10 - Level X - Units with an average of 51 to 60 piles per acre; access is limited with at least 50 to 75 percent of the work site accessible with longest walk-in ½ mile or less.

Subitem G11 - Level XI - Units with an average of 51 to 60 piles per acre; access is limited with 25 percent or less of the site accessible with longest walk-in 2 miles or less.  

C.5.7.2	All slash between 1 and 6 inches in diameter and greater than 2 feet in length shall be piled.  Slash less than 1 inch in diameter and less than 2 feet in length shall be left on the ground.  Slash left on the ground shall not exceed 1 foot in depth.

C.5.7.3	All slash less 6 inches in diameter and greater than 2 feet in length shall be piled.  Slash less than 2 feet in length shall be left on the ground.  Slash left on the ground shall not exceed 1 foot in depth.

C.5.7.4	All piles shall be constructed by laying limbs, stems, cut boles, and other slash in the pile so as to be parallel with each other.  Slash that causes large air spaces in piles shall be cut to eliminate air spaces.  Each pile shall include an area of small sized slash (small branches less than ¼ to ½ inch in diameter and/or small branches with needles or leaves attached) to provide “kindling” for prompt ignition and to aid in combustion of larger slash.  These fuels shall be placed in the center of the pile.

C.5.7.5	Unless approved by the COR, maximum pile size shall be 8 feet in diameter by 8 feet in height, and minimum pile size shall be 5 feet in diameter by 4 feet in height.       

C.5.87.6	All piles shall be covered with a minimum of 6-foot by 6-foot piece of 4-mil polyethylene plastic, such that at least 80 percent of the pile's surface area shall be covered.  All four corners and the middle of the plastic sheets shall be anchored with slash or other debris.

C.5.7.7	Piles shall not be closer than 10 feet to reserved trees or 25 feet to a unit boundary, unless approved by the COR.  Slash shall not be piled or placed on logs or stumps, in roadways or drainage ditches, or within channel bottoms or streams.

C.5.7.8	Hand pile and cover shall be completed within 90 calendar days from effective date of the Notice to Proceed for the initial units or for each task order.

C.5.9	Fireline Construction and Maintenance - Item H 

C.5.9.1	Level of Difficulty - The level of difficulty for fireline construction is determined by the task order.  The level is based on the following:

Subitem H1 - Level I - Fireline construction utilizing a tractor. 

Subitem H2 - Level II - Hand fireline renovation, where firelines have previously been constructed.  May include up to 200 feet of new construction when existing fireline location is deemed inadequate for holding by the Contractor.

Subitem H3 - Level III - When hand firelines are constructed away from the unit boundaries, outside of unit slash or construction of firelines does not involve cutting through continuous downed slash.

Subitem J4 - Level IV - When hand firelines are constructed on unit boundaries or through continuous downed slash.  Throw back or pull back of slash is necessary.

C.5.9.2	All fireline construction shall be performed and maintained in accordance with the following specifications.  This applies to the preburn fireline construction and any postburn fireline construction that may be required in the event of a slopover or an escapement.

a.	Location - Unless otherwise designated, firelines shall be located adjacent to the unit boundary, within 50 feet outside of actual unit boundary, firelines shall be located entirely on federal ownership,  in locations affording the optimal holding capability.  The Government may in situations where ownership boundaries or where special areas of protection exist, choose to clearly mark the pre-burn and post-burn fireline location with colored plastic ribbon.  The Contractor shall provide Cultural surveys for the route following State Historic Preservation Office guidelines, the survey results will be provided to the COR before construction begins.  The fireline shall be constructed to follow the flagged line as closely as possible.  Variations will be permitted if unforeseen obstacles are found.  Pacific Yew shall not be cut, cultural and/or T&E sites shall not be damaged.  Fireline location shall avoid the necessity of cutting or limbing Pacific Yew.  The COR shall be notified if cutting or limbing of Pacific Yew is unavoidable prior to cutting any Pacific Yew.

b.	Clearing Limits

		1)	Hand fireline shall be cleared to a width of 8 feet and a height of 8 feet.  The width shall be measured parallel with the ground (slope distance).  The height shall be measured from the side of the line away from the unit.  A strip at least 2 foot wide to a maximum of 3 feet wide, and centered within the cleared area shall be cleared to mineral soil.  A strip less than 2 feet wide may be designated on some units.

		2)	Tractor fireline shall be cleared to a single blade width to mineral soil.  Height shall be cleared to 8 feet measured from the side of the line away from the unit.

	c.	Material to be Cleared - Within the 8-foot line, the following material shall be cut and removed:

1)	Ferns, shrubs and other vegetation.  Cut to within 18 inches of ground level or as close as possible without damaging tools.

2)	Cut live trees under four inches in diameter at ground level or as close as possible without damaging tools.  No green trees larger than 4 inches shall be cut.  The fireline shall be located to avoid larger green trees.

3)	Limbs extending within the fireline shall be cut close to the tree if the point of cutting can be reached from the ground (about 8 feet from the ground).  Limbs shall be cut when they enter the fireline clearing limits if they cannot be cut at the tree.  Limbs cut close to the tree need not be cut flush but "spike" limbs will not be allowed.

4)	Slash and litter shall be removed from the 8-foot (both height and width) fireline clearing strip.  Natural ground duff need not be removed except from within the 3-foot strip on the fireline work area.

5)	A 4 ½ -foot section shall be removed from logs located across the fireline.

d.	Disposal of Cleared Material - Material cut from within the fireline shall be placed on the unit side of the fireline and scattered.  Soil berms and piles will not be permitted on top of flammable material.  Log sections may be rolled downhill and away from the unit provided that they are left outside the fireline.

e.	Snags and High Stumps - Snags or high stumps may be left next to the fireline when designated or approved by the Government.

f.	Side Slopes - On side slopes that are steeper than 30 percent, the 3-foot wide strip shall be cup trenched sufficiently to catch rolling material 6 inches or less in diameter.

g.	Water Bars - Water bars shall be constructed in all firelines.  The water bar shall consist of a diagonal ditch across the three-foot wide mineral soil portion of the fireline, but not in excess of the following guidelines.  The water bar shall be approximately 6 inches to 10 inches deep and approximately 5 feet long.

Percent of Slopes:
			00% - 09% - 1 Water Bar Every 200' 
		              		10% - 15% - 1 Water Bar Every 100'
		              		16% - 20% - 1 Water Bar Every   75'
		              		21% +       - 1 Water Bar Every   50'
	
h.	Maintenance - Within two days prior to day of ignition, the mineral soil strip along the fire line shall be restored and cleared to mineral soil.

C.5.10	Prescribed Burn and Mop-Up - Swamper Burn - Item I

C.5.10.1	Swamper burning combines hand piling and burning into a concurrent operation.  A small pile of slash is created and ignited.  More slash is added to the pile while the pile is burning.

C.5.10.2	Levels of Difficulty - The level of difficulty for swamper burning will be determined based on the estimated amount of slash, in tons per acre, requiring burning in accordance with C.5.12.6, and access:

Subitem I1 - Level 1 - Units with an average of 12 tons/acre or less.  Unit is accessible.

Subitem I2 - Level II - Units with an average of 13 to 20 tons/acre.  Unit is accessible.

Subitem I3 - Level III - Units with an average of 21 or more tons/acre.  Unit is accessible.

Subitem I4 - Level IV - Units with an average of 20 tons/acre or less; access is fair with at least 50 to 75 percent of the work site accessible with longest walk-in ½ mile or less.

Subitem I5 - Level V - Units with an average of 20 tons/acre or less; access is limited with 25 percent or less of the site accessible with longest walk-in 2 miles or less.  

Subitem I6 - Level VI - Units with an average of 21 tons/acre or more; access is fair with at least 50 to 75 percent of the work site accessible with longest walk-in ½ mile or less.

Subitem I7 - Level VII - Units with an average of 21 tons/acre or more; access is limited with 25 percent or less of the site accessible with longest walk-in 2 miles or less.  

C.5.10.3	The swamper burning season in the Montana/Dakota’s area normally can occur between late October and December.  However, conditions permitting burning may occur at any time from the middle of October through late May.  Major control problems can occur during a period of frontal passage and strong wind conditions.  Close attention to weather forecasts and securing and patrolling of previously burned units is common practice to eliminate any escaped fires.

C.5.10.4	All prescribed fire operations shall be initiated only when a Prescribed Fire Plan has been approved and signed by the COR.  All elements of the plan shall be followed unless a deviation has been approved in advance by the COR.  Conduct a preburn crew briefing, as prepared in the plan.

C.5.10.5	Clearance to Burn - Notify the Government no later than 1500 hours on the day prior to ignition when specific units are within burn prescription parameters.  The Government will notify the Contractor via telephone or direct communications at or before 0900 hours on the day of the proposed ignition of smoke management conditions; and decision to allow or not allow burning.

C.5.10.6	All slash more than 2 feet long and between 1 inch and 6 inches in diameter at the large end shall be piled and burned.  Larger material that has a portion meeting this specification must be bucked at the 6-inch diameter and that portion piled and burned.  In all cases, the debris after treatment shall be less than 6 inches deep.  Stoke each pile until at least 80 percent of the pile is consumed.

C.5.10.7	Unless otherwise designated, piles shall not be located closer than 25 feet from unit boundary and reserved areas.  Piles shall not be located closer than 10 feet from standing snags, wildlife trees, and live trees in order that no damage occurs to these from burning operation.  Slash shall not be piled or burned on logs or stumps, in roadways or drainage ditches, or within reserved areas such as riparian zones, channel bottoms or streams.

C.5.10.8	During ignition operations, the Contractor's crew supervisor shall maintain contact with the Government representative through the Government-furnished radio communication system or other mutually-agreed-upon communications system at all times.

C.5.10.9	Conduct holding operations in accordance with the prescribed fire plan.  Relocation of manpower and equipment may be required as ignition and burnout progresses.  The Contractor's crew supervisor shall be responsible for recognizing the need for and making such relocations, dependent upon on-site weather and fire conditions.

C.5.10.10	Extinguish any fire outside the fireline of the unit, or unit boundary and promptly report this to the COR or the TM.  A hand fireline shall be constructed completely around each slopover or fire outside the unit using hand tools.  The minimum shall be a fireline scraped to mineral soil 1 foot in width with all overhanging combustible material cleared for 3 feet on each side of the fireline and 6 feet overhead.

C.5.10.11	No felling of any wildlife trees or snags which may have fire in them without approval of the TM.

C.5.10.12	Mop-up shall be performed in accordance with C.5.15.

C.5.11	Prescribed Burn and Mop-Up:  Hand Pile Burn - Item J

C.5.11.1	Levels of Difficulty - The level of difficulty for Hand Pile Burns will be determined in accordance with C.5.7.1, and access:

Subitem J1 - Level I - Units with an average of fewer than 18 piles per acre.  Unit is accessible.

Subitem J2 - Level II - Units with an average of 19 to 30 piles per acre.  Unit is accessible.

Subitem J3 - Level III - Units with an average of 31 to 40 piles per acre.  Unit is accessible.

Subitem J4 - Level IV - Units with an average of 41 to 50 piles per acre.  Unit is accessible.

Subitem J5 - Level V - Units with an average of 30 piles per acre or less.  Access is limited with at least 50 to 75 percent of the work site accessible with longest walk-in ½ mile or less.

Subitem J6 - Level VI - Units with an average of 30 piles per acre or less.  Access is limited with 25 percent or less of the site accessible with longest walk-in 2 miles or less.  

Subitem J7 - Level VII - Units with an average of 31 to 50 piles per acre.  Access is limited with at least 50 to 75 percent of the work site accessible with longest walk-in ½ mile or less.

Subitem J8 - Level VIII - Units with an average of 31 to 50 piles per acre.  Access is limited with 25 percent or less of the site accessible with longest walk-in 2 miles or less.

Subitem J9 - Level IX - Units with an average of 51 to 60 piles per acre.  Unit is accessible.

Subitem J10 - Level X - Units with an average of 51 to 60 piles per acre.  Access is limited with at least 50 to 75 percent of the work site accessible with longest walk-in ½ mile or less.

Subitem J11 - Level XI - Units with an average of 51 to 60 piles per acre.  Access is limited with 25 percent or less of the site accessible with longest walk-in 2 miles or less.  

C.5.11.2	The burning season for hand piles in the Montana/Dakota’s area normally is during November and December.  However, conditions permitting burning may occur at anytime from the middle of October through late May.  Major control problems can occur during a period of frontal passage and strong wind conditions.  Close attention to weather forecasts and securing and patrolling of previously burned units is common practice to eliminate any fire spread from burned piles or escaped fires outside unit boundaries.

C.5.11.3	All prescribed fire operations shall be initiated only when a Prescribed Fire Plan has been approved and signed by the COR.  All elements of the plan shall be followed unless a deviation has been approved in advance by the COR.

C.5.11.4	Clearance to Burn - Notify the Government no later than 1500 hours on the day prior to ignition when specific units are within burn prescription parameters.  The Government will notify the Contractor via telephone or direct communications at/or before 0900 hours on the day of the proposed ignition of smoke management conditions; and decision to allow or not allow burning.

C.5.11.5	During ignition operations, the Contractor's crew supervisor shall maintain contact with the Government representative on site through the Government-furnished radio communication system at all times.

C.5.11.6	Stoke each pile until at least 80 percent of the pile is consumed.  Units with a high tree cover and pile density shall be staged burned to reduce crown scorch. 

C.5.11.7	Holding typically is not necessary when piles are burned during winter conditions.  Conduct holding operations as necessary in accordance with the prescribed fire plan.  Relocation of manpower and equipment may be required as ignition and burnout progresses.  The Contractor's crew supervisor shall be responsible for recognizing the need for and making such relocations, dependent upon on-site weather and fire conditions.

C.5.11.8	Extinguish any fire outside the fireline of the unit, or unit boundary, and promptly report this to the COR or GTS.  A hand fireline shall be constructed completely around fire inside the unit or slopover outside the unit using hand tools.  The minimum shall be a fireline scraped to mineral soil 1 foot in width with all overhanging combustible material cleared for 3 feet on either side and 6 feet overhead.  The Government will identify the fireline with colored plastic ribbon.

C.5.11.9	No felling of any reserved trees which may have fire in them without written approval of the TM.

C.5.11.10	Mop-up shall be performed in accordance with C.5.15.

C.5.12	Snag Felling - Item K

C.5.12.1	Snag felling in this item is for the objectives of human safety, and assist holding and mop-up operations by removing source of spotting and fire spread.  Snag felling in this Item is separate from snag felling in Fuel Modification Zone, Items F and G.

C.5.12.2	Fell snags as specified by task order.  Snags will generally range in size from 6 inches DBH to 40 inches DBH.  It is estimated that snag felling will be required for not more then 40 trees.  Stump height shall be as low as possible consistent with adequate safety considerations.

C.5.12.3	Snags shall be felled such that firelines remain free of debris.  Restore firelines to original clear condition following snag felling.

C.5.13	Tractor Operations - Subitem L1 and Lowboy Transport - Subitem M2 

C.5.13.1	Tractor operations under this Item shall include utilization of a tractor to crush vegetation, roadblock removal and restoration, and removal of soil or debris to allow mop-up of burning material that is buried.

C.5.13.2	Crushing of vegetation by tractor operation is done in all or portion of unit(s) to create fuel conditions that allow for safety of ignition personnel and create optimal fuel moisture and arrangement to meet prescribed fire objectives.  This is typically accomplished in shrubfields.  Tractor operations are conducted along the slope contour on slope percentages less than 35 percent.  COR will issue written instructions regarding location, spacing, reserved areas, and access for each unit(s). 

C.5.13.3	Roadblock construction, removal and restoration shall consist of the following:

	a.	Restore vehicle access to specified units that may be inaccessible due to materials piled in road.  A minimum of 10 feet in width shall be made passable for all project vehicles.

b.	Following acceptance of the unit(s) for which access has been restored, and within 5 days of receipt of the notice of unit acceptance from the COR, return the road to its original blocked condition to prevent vehicle passage on specified roads.

C.5.13.4	Mop-up of burning material utilizing a tractor is required when material is buried beyond reach utilizing hand tools.  This usually, but not always, occurs under landings in timber harvest units.  Uncover the burning material to the extent that the material is fully accessible and available to be mopped-up.

C.5.13.5	Provide transport for the dozer to and from the general area of the work site.  When many moves are required (as constructing a number of widely separated road blocks) and the distance between work sites prohibits walking the machine the Contractor shall be paid by the move (Subitem N2).

C.5.14	Item N - Mechanical Severing and Piling (track mounted swing)  

C.5.14.1	Level of Difficulty - The level of difficulty for severing is determined by the task order.  The level is based on the crown closure and slope of the area to be mechanically severed and piled on slopes under 46% as follows:

Subitem N1 - Level I - Crown closure of material to be severed is estimated to be between 0 and 30 percent total cover.  Slope is under 30%.

Subitem N2 - Level II - Crown closure of material to be severed is estimated to be between 0 and 30 percent total cover.  Slope is from 30 to 45%.

C.5.14.2	Level of Difficulty - The level of difficulty for severing is determined by the task order.  The level is based on the crown closure and slope of the area to be mechanically severed and piled on slopes under 46% as follows:

Subitem N1 - Level I - Crown closure of material to be severed is estimated to be between 0 and 30 percent total cover.  Slope is under 30%.

Subitem N2 - Level II - Crown closure of material to be severed is estimated to be between 0 and 30 percent total cover.  Slope is from 30 to 45%.

Subitem N3 - Level III - Crown closure of material to be severed is estimated to be between 31 and 60 percent total cover.  Slope is under 30%.

Subitem N4 - Level IV - Crown closure of material to be severed is estimated to be between 31 and 60 percent total cover.  Slope is from 30 to 45%.

Subitem N5 - Level V - Crown closure of material to be severed is estimated to be greater than 60% percent total cover.  Slope is under 30%.

Subitem N6 - Level VI - Crown closure of material to be severed is estimated to be greater than 60% percent total cover.  Slope is from 31 to 45%.

C.5.14.3	Severing surplus vegetation including western juniper up to 24 inches DBH using a mechanical shear or saw at the lowest stump height, followed by piling of the severed material.  Estimating pile numbers and providing average measurements shall be accomplished throughout the entire unit, excluding areas identified by the task order as reserved from treatment.  The information gathered will be used to determine the amount of burning needed.

C.5.14.3	Leave trees are to be left on each acre treated, task order will specify number of leave trees, spacing and type.  All areas greater than 45% slope shall be left as reserve areas.

C.5.15	Item O - Grinding

C.5.15.1	Level of Difficulty - The level of difficulty for grinding is determined by the task order.  The level is based on the total percent cover of material to be ground (chipped) and slope of the area to be treated by mechanical grinding on slopes below 46%, as follows:

Subitem O1 - Level I - Percent cover of material to be treated is estimated to be between 0 and 30 percent total cover.  Slope is under 30%.

Subitem O2 - Level II - Percent cover of material to be treated is estimated to be between 0 and 30 percent total cover.  Slope is from 30 to 45%.

Subitem O3 - Level III - Percent cover of material to be treated is estimated to be between 31 and 60 percent total cover.  Slope is under 30%.

Subitem O4 - Level IV - Percent cover of material to be treated is estimated to be between 31 and 60 percent total cover.  Slope is from 30 to 45%.

	Subitem O5 - Level V - Percent cover of material to be treated is estimated to be greater than 60% percent total cover.  Slope is under 30%.

Subitem O6 - Level VI - Percent cover of material to be treated is estimated to be greater than 60% percent total cover.  Slope is from 30 to 45%.

Subitem O7 - Level VII - Mechanical Pre-commercial Thinning with Group Selection.  Slope is less than 46%.

Subitem O8 - Level VIII - Mechanical Woodland Maintenance.  Slope is less than 46%. 

Subitem O9 - Level IX - Mechanical Plantation Maintenance.  Slope is less than 46%.

C.5.15.2	Each task order will specify the level of difficulty, the specifications, the ranking of preferred species and the size range limits for treatment, whether hardwoods and/or conifers are included, and if any individual species are reserved from treatment. 

C.5.15.3	Accomplish grinding throughout the entire unit, excluding areas identified by the task order or by excessive slope as reserved from treatment.

C.5.15.4	Mechanically grind all slash and brush under Subitem O.  All slash not ground shall be piled and covered under Subitems P and R.

C.5.15.5	All surplus vegetation and slash shall be ground or cut, such that no woody piece is greater than 3 feet in length.

C.5.15.6	Chip depth shall not be more than 12 inches above the normal plane of the ground.

C.5.15.7	Cut trees, hardwoods or brush lodged in or covering a leave tree shall be dislodged or removed before grinding.

C.5.16	Subitem P7 - Mechanical Pre-commercial Thinning with Group Selection

The Contractor shall perform the following treatments:

a.	Group selection areas - Create a selection area (53-foot radius) around all pine trees greater than 12 inches DBH.  Cut and grind all surplus vegetation identified within group selection areas.  Description of surplus vegetation is found in C.2.0. 

b.	Outside and between group selection areas.

1)	Outside of pine group selection areas when dense patches of conifers are encountered, acceptable crop trees shall be selected to result in an average 12' x 12' spacing when acceptable crop trees are less than 1" DBH, an average 18' x 18' spacing when acceptable crop trees are between 1.1 and 4" DBH, and average 27' x 27' spacing when acceptable crop trees are between 4.1 and 10" DBH.  All conifers greater than 10 inches are reserved from cutting.  In areas where more than one DBH class is present, the larger spacing shall prevail.  The largest, healthiest, best formed conifer trees shall be selected as acceptable crop trees.  Acceptable crop trees greater than 10 inches DBH shall be considered in the spacing.  Selected acceptable crop trees shall be spaced 18 feet from acceptable live conifer crop trees larger than 10 inches DBH.  The Contractor may vary the spacing + or - 25 percent in order to select the best acceptable crop tree.  Species precedence for acceptable crop trees:  (1)Ponderosa Pine, (2) Western Larch, (3) Douglas Fir, (4) Lodgepole Pine, and (5) White Fir.  Cut all surplus vegetation.  The COR may vary species preference by written direction.

2)	Hardwoods shall be selected to average 45' x 45' spacing.  Spacing may be varied + or - 25 percent in order to select the best hardwood leave tree.  The largest and healthiest hardwood tree shall be selected for leave.  Prefer the following species for leave in this order of precedence: (1) Birch,  (2) Cottonwood (3) Pacific madrone, and (4) canyon live oak.  Cut only surplus hardwoods as described in definitions, C.2.0.  No hardwoods greater than 12 inches DBH shall be cut or damaged.

3)	When the distance between leave trees exceeds the above spacing criteria, leave shrubs or leave shrub clumps shall be selected.  Spacing shall be 20 feet as measured from the stem or clump center.  Include any live shrub or shrub clump that is at least one (1) foot tall and 3-10 feet in crown diameter as measured from the center of clump.  Leave shrubs and leave shrub clumps shall be selected in approximately equal number when both are present. Species preference for leave shrubs is as follows: (1) California hazel, (2) ocean spray, (3) silk tassel, (4) mountain mahogany, (5) wedgeleaf ceanothus, (6) deerbrush ceanothus and (7) whiteleaf manzanita.  Cut all surplus vegetation.

C.5.17	Subitem P8 - Mechanical Woodland Maintenance

C.5.17.1	Leave trees shall not be damaged or cut.	

C.5.17.2	Acceptable pine or cedar trees between 1 and 10 inches DBH shall be thinned to an average 25 x 25-foot spacing between stems, plus or minus 25% for individual trees.  The overall spacing of 25' x 25' shall be maintained.  The largest, or most vigorous trees shall be selected for retention.

C.5.17.3	Douglas fir trees less than 10 inches DBH shall be thinned to an average 100' x 100' spacing between stems plus or minus 25% for individual trees.  The overall spacing of 100' x 100' shall be maintained.  The largest, or most vigorous trees shall be selected for retention.

C.5.17.4	Hardwoods shall be selected to average 25' x 25' spacing.  Spacing may be varied plus or minus 25 percent in order to select the best hardwood leave tree.  The largest and healthiest hardwood tree shall be selected for leave.  Leave trees may include singles, clumps or groups.  Prefer the following species in this order of precedence: As directed by COR.  Cut only surplus hardwoods as described in definitions, C.2.0.  No hardwoods greater than 10 inches DBH, shall be cut or damaged.  

C.5.17.5	Cut and grind all surplus shrubs whose stems are located under or within 10 feet of the crowns of selected or designated leave trees.  Thin all surplus shrubs that are beyond 10 feet of the crowns of selected or designated leave a tree to an average 25' spacing plus or minus 25% for individual shrubs.  Shrub species to be cut shall be favored in the following order:  manzanita (under 12" diameter at ground level), deerbrush, wedgeleaf, silktassel, and other species.

 C.5.18	Item P Mechanical Piling & Covering 

C.5.18.1	Level of difficulty - The level of difficulty for piling is determined by the task order. The level is based on the unit density or amount of the material to be piled and covered, according to the slope of the area to be mechanically piled by a swing grapple (slopes under 46%) or if specified with a rake equipped dozer (slopes under 30%), as follows:

Subitem P1 - Level I - Unit density of material to be swing grapple piled and covered is estimated to be between 0 and 30 percent total cover.  Slope is under 30%.

Subitem P2 - Level II - Unit density of material to be swing grapple piled and covered is estimated to be between 0 and 30 percent total cover.  Slope is from 30 to 45%.

Subitem P3 - Level III - Unit density of material to be swing grapple piled and covered is estimated to be from 31 to 60 percent total cover.  Slope is under 30%.

Subitem P4 - Level IV- Unit density of material to be swing grapple piled and covered is estimated to be from 31 to 60 percent total cover.  Slope is from 30 to 45%.

Subitem P5 - Level V - Unit density of material to be swing grapple piled and covered is estimated to be greater than 60% percent total cover.  Slope is under 30%.

Subitem P6 - Level VI - Unit density of material to be swing grapple piled and covered is estimated to be greater than 60% percent total cover.  Slope is from 30 to 45%.

Subitem P7 - Level VII - Unit density of material to be dozer piled and covered is estimated to be from 0 to 30 percent total cover.  Slope is under 30%.

	Subitem P8 - Level VII - Unit density of material to be dozer piled and covered is estimated to be from 31 to 60 percent total cover.  Slope is under 30%.

Subitem P9 - Level IX - Unit density of material to be dozer piled and covered is estimated to be greater than 60% percent total cover.  Slope is under 30%.

C.5.18.2	Slash to be Treated - The material to be treated consists of all down woody material less than 12 inches in diameter and 16 feet or less in length (excluding duff and litter) created from vegetation treatments (such as harvest, thinning, or slashing, etc.) or created through natural process.  Maintain levels of down woody material as described in C.5.8.7.

C.5.18.3	An inventory or tally of the size, shape and number of piles shall be made following the instructions in Section J and recorded on the pile inventory form provided in Section J.

C.5.19	Item Q - Mechanical Severing and Piling (wheeled carriage)

C.5.19.1	Level of Difficulty - The level of difficulty for severing is determined by the task order.  The level is based on the crown closure of the material to be mechanically severed and piled on slopes under 25% as follows:

Subitem Q1 - Level I - Crown closure of material to be severed is estimated to be from 0 to 30 percent total cover.  Slope is under 25%.

Subitem Q2 - Level II - Crown closure of material to be severed is estimated to be from 31 to 60 percent total cover.  Slope is under 25%.

Subitem Q3 - Level III - Crown closure of material to be severed is estimated to be greater than 60 percent total cover.  Slope is under 25%.

C.5.19.2	Equipment to be used is a wheeled carriage mechanical shear/saw or a non-swing tracked machine.  Sever surplus vegetation including western juniper up to 24 inches DBH at the lowest stump height, followed by piling of the severed material.  Estimating pile numbers and providing average measurements shall be accomplished throughout the entire unit, excluding areas identified by the task order as reserved from treatment.  The information gathered will be used to determine the amount of burning needed.

C.5.19.3	Leave trees are to be left on each acre treated.  Task order will specify number of leave trees, spacing and type.  All areas greater than 25% slope will be left as reserve areas.

C.5.20	Item R - Hand Severing and Piling and Cover

C.5.20.1	Level of Difficulty - The level of difficulty for hand severing, piling and covering (E1, E2, E3) is determined by the task order.  The level is based on the crown closure of the material to be severed and slopes greater than 45% for the area, as follows:

Subitem R1 - Level I - Crown closure of material to be hand severed and piled and covered is estimated to be from 0 to 30 percent total cover.  Slope is greater than 45%.

	Subitem R2 - Level II - Crown closure of material to be hand severed and piled and covered is estimated to be from 31 to 60 percent total cover.  Slope is greater than 45%.

	Subitem R3 - Level III - Crown closure of material to be hand severed and piled and covered is estimated to be greater than 60% percent total cover.  Slope is greater than 45%.

C.5.20.2	Level of difficulty for hand piling and covering (R4, R5, R6) is determined by the task order.  The level is based on the unit density or amount of the material to be piled and covered on slopes 30% or greater for the area, as follows:

Subitem R4 - Level IV - Unit density of material to be hand piled and covered is estimated to be from 0 to 30 percent total cover.  Slope is 30% or greater.
	
Subitem R5 - Level V - Unit density of material to be hand piled and covered is estimated to be from 31 to 60 percent total cover.  Slope is 30% or greater.
	
Subitem R6- Level VI - Unit density of material to be hand piled and covered is estimated to be greater than 60% percent total cover.  Slope is 30% or greater.

C.5.20.3	Surplus vegetation including western juniper up to 24” DBH will be hand severed using a saw at the lowest stump height, followed by piling and covering.  Leave trees are to be left on each acre treated, task order will specify number of leave trees, spacing and type.

C.5.20.4	Material to be treated by hand piling is all slash between 1 and 6 inches in diameter and greater than 2 feet in length.  Slash less than 1 inch in diameter or less than 2 feet in length shall be left on the ground.  Slash left on the ground shall not exceed 6 inches in depth.

C.5.20.5	An inventory or tally of pile numbers by shape code and average measurements shall be accomplished throughout the entire unit following the instructions in Section J and recorded on the pile inventory form provided in Section J.  The information gathered will be used to determine the amount of burning needed.

C.5.21	Item S - Crushing

C.5.21.1	Level of Difficulty - The level of difficulty for crushing is determined by the task order.  The level is based on the unit density or amount of the material to be dozer crushed by a tomahawk equipped dozer or other crushing device on slopes under 30% for the area to be crushed, as follows:

Subitem S1 - Level I - Unit density of material to be dozer crushed is estimated to be between 0 and 30 percent total cover.  Slope is under 30%.

Subitem S2 - Level II - Unit density of material to be dozer crushed is estimated to be between 31 and 60 percent total cover.  Slope is under 30%.

Subitem S3 - Level III - Unit density of material to be dozer crushed is estimated to be greater than 60 percent total cover.  Slope is under 30%.

C.5.21.2	Material to be treated by crushing is all slash 3 to10 inches in diameter.

C.5.21.3	Crushing shall be accomplished with a bulldozer with or without a crushing device.  The fuel bed shall be treated such that down woody debris and fallen boles are broken up.  Slash depth is lowered to the litter layer without visible air spaces.  Maintain requirements contained in C.5.8.0.

C.5.22	Special Treatment Requirements

C.5.22.1	Approximate locations of known riparian areas have been identified on each project unit map.  Locations will be determined by yellow tags attached to a tree and or shrub with pink-flo-glow flagging or other flagging designated in writing by the task order or COR.  These riparian tags or flagging usually occur between 100 to 300 feet of a draw, confluence of several draws or swale bottoms.  Trees or vegetation shall be left undisturbed where either riparian tags or flagging is attached.  The surplus vegetation shall be treated.  Equipment will not enter riparian reserves except at crossings designated by the COR.

C.5.22.2	Trees used as bearing trees at property corners, trees blazed or tagged to mark the line of any government survey or any tree identified as seed trees shall not be cut or destroyed under penalty of the law.  Trees with reference tags or posters identifying forest projects shall also be left uncut.

C.5.22.3	Approximately 1 acre of “No-Treatment Zones” shall be left untreated within every 10 acres treated.  The non-treatment areas may be grouped together to eliminate extensive rocky areas, steep slopes, wet spots and other obvious exclusions unmarked or marked with yellow and white, blue and white or yellow and black striped plastic flagging.  In the absence of obvious exclusion candidates, the COR will identify locations of no-treatment areas.
C.5.22.4	The COR may identify additional individual leave trees or reserve areas within unit boundaries.  Where the total unit area of “No Treatment Zones” exceeds 10% of the total unit, a deduction in payment will be made for that amount exceeding 10%.  If a project unit has more than 20% of a different Subitem than the principle Subitem, payment will be made as two separate levels of difficulty.

SECTION D
PACKAGING AND MARKING

This section is not used.  

SECTION E
INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

 E.1.0	QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN/INSPECTION 

The Government will inspect completed units 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.

E.1.1	All work included in the contract specifications shall be subject to inspections by the Government at periodic intervals during 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.1.2	Inspection for Wildfire Hazard Reduction Treatments - Items A,B,C,D,E,F,G,N,O,P,Q,R,S

E.1.2.1	Inspections will be made on a series of 1/40th acre (18.625 feet radius) plots located at predetermined intervals across each work unit.  Sufficient plots will be taken to obtain at least one percent sample of the work unit.

E.1.2.2	Each inspection plot will be subdivided into four (4) quadrants based on cardinal directions.  Each quadrant will be evaluated for compliance with all contract specifications as stated in Section C that pertains to that individual treatment.  If two (2) or more quadrants fail to comply, the plot will fail.  

E.1.2.3	Work Quality Percentage

Work quality percentages are derived from data developed from inspection plots.  The total number of satisfactory plots divided by the number of plots inspected determines the quality rate.  This rate multiplied by 100 provides the work quality percentage.

	Example:		Number of plots inspected		25
					Number of satisfactory plots		23
					23 divided by 25			.92
					Work Quality Percentage		92%

E.1.3	Prescribed Fire Plan Preparation - Swamper and Hand Pile Burn - Subitems I1 and J2 

The portions of the Prescribed Fire Plan completed by the Contractor will be reviewed by the COR, TM, Fuels Management Specialist and District Fire Management Officer.  Each individual unit plan will be reviewed for completeness, adherence to the burn objectives, ignition and holding, escape contingency, mop-up plan, adequacy of workforce and equipment, and safety measures.  Contractor will be notified of deficiencies and will be given two (2) working days to amend the plan.

E.1.4	Fireline Construction and Maintenance - Item H

Inspections will be made by the Government using a visual examination of the constructed fireline and the fuels pullback for compliance with all terms and specifications within five (5) calendar days after notice that the work is completed.  If the work does not meet contract requirements, corrections shall be made within seven (7) calendar days.  Along the constructed fireline for each project area the Government will:

a.	Identify existing deficiencies in the fireline construction and maintenance.

b.	Mark the beginning point and ending point of the deficient construction with plastic ribbon.

.E.1.5	Snag Felling, Tractor Operations and Lowboy Transport - Subitems K1 and L1 & M2 

Inspections will be made by visual examination of the snags felled, tractor operation accomplishments, and lowboy transport.  The Contractor will be given two (2) working days to correct deficiencies.  If the quality of work is not satisfactory, or snags are felled without authorization by the COR, the Contractor's right to proceed may be terminated.

E.2.0	ACCEPTANCE

E.2.1	Final acceptance of all items will be based upon satisfactory completion of the work in accordance with the specifications on a unit-by-unit basis for all items.

E.2.2	Wildfire Hazard Reduction Treatments - Items A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H

E.2.2.1	Acceptable Quality Level - Acceptance of work will be based on compliance with all Section C.5.0 Specific Tasks that correspond to the treatment.  A minimum basic quality of 85 percent is required.

E.2.2.2	Unsatisfactory Work - If the work quality falls below 85 percent, the COR will immediately notify the Contractor in writing and direct the Contractor to improve the quality of his work.  If the quality of work is not raised to an acceptable level within 5 working days after written notification, the Contracting Officer may issue a Suspend Work Order to resolve the problem, during which time contract performance time will continue to run.  If untreated or unsatisfactory treated areas are the primary reason for unsatisfactory work, the area shall be reworked to obtain satisfactory work quality.

E.2.3	Prescribed Fire Plan Preparation - Subitems I1 and I2

When a Prescribed Fire Plan is reviewed and is acceptable, the Plan will be signed by the District Fire Management Officer or designated Acting Officer.  The Plan is then sent to the Area Manager or designated Acting Manager and returned to the COR for signature.  The COR's signature on the plan will constitute acceptance.

E.2.4	Fireline Construction and Maintenance - Item J; Fuels Pullback, Item K; Snag Felling, Subitem P1; Tractor Operations, Subitem Q1; Lowboy Transport - Subitem Q2

Acceptance will be based on the inspection results of the visual examination of the project area.

E.2.5	Prescribed Fire Operations - Items I, J

E.2.5.1	Acceptance of the burning and mop-up will be made by the COR, if at least 85% of the prescribed fire objectives are met, and the Contractor is in compliance with the specifications for satisfactory holding, mop-up and patrol of the unit.

E.2.5.2	Acceptance will be based upon the results of an infra-red scan revealing no burning material, if requested by the contractor or the Government; or by visual inspection by the Government.  Acceptance may occur at anytime, starting from 0800 hour on the day following ignition.   Acceptance will be made in writing by the Government.

E.3.0	BASIS OF PAYMENT

E.3.1	Method of Measurement

E.3.1.3	Fireline Construction and Maintenance - Item H

The quantities specified in the Task Orders will be estimated quantities.  Fireline construction is measured along the slope to the nearest foot.

E.3.1.4	Snag Felling - Subitem K1

The quantities specified in the Task Orders will be estimated quantities. Snag felling is measured on a team hourly basis of a 2-member team, beginning upon arrival at the unit, excluding lunch breaks, ending when work is completed.  Time should be rounded up to the nearest quarter hour.  Times shall be recorded and submitted by the Contractor, subject to verification by the COR based on spot checks of snag felling in operation.

E.3.1.5	Tractor Operations - Item L

The quantities specified in the Task Orders will be estimated quantities.  Tractor operations is measured on an hourly basis, beginning upon arrival at the unit, excluding lunch breaks, ending when work is completed.  Time should be rounded up to the nearest quarter hour.  Times shall be recorded and submitted by the Contractor, subject to verification by the COR based on spot checks of tractor in operation.

E.3.1.7	Lowboy Transport - Item M

The quantities specified in the Task Orders will be estimated quantities.  Lowboy Transport operations are measured on the individual move basis.

E.3.2	Payment

E.3.2.1	Items A, B, C, D, E, F, G, N, O, P, Q, R, S
Upon acceptance, payment for work will be made at the level of difficulty on the Schedule of Items and at the unit price bid on a per acre basis for the acreage shown on the Schedule of Items.  For units accepted which do not meet the minimum quality required in E.2.2.1, payment will be made at a unit price determined by multiplying the actual inspection percentage by the contract price.

E.3.2.2	Prescribed Fire Plan Preparation - Subitems I1 and I2 

No separate payment will be made for prescribed fire plans.  Payment will be considered subsidiary to other items of work.

E.3.2.3	Fireline Construction and Maintenance- Item H

The quantities specified in the Task Orders will be estimated quantities.  Payment will be made at the level of difficulty identified on the Schedule of Items at the unit price bid on a per linear foot basis for the actual number of linear feet of fireline constructed, maintained and accepted. If requested by the Contractor, fireline construction which precedes the holding/mop-up phases by more than 10 calendar days will be paid for separately.

E.3.2.4	Snag Felling - Subitem K1, and Tractor Operations -Subitem L1

The quantities specified in the Task Orders will be estimated quantities.  Payment will be made at the unit price for the actual number of hours of services ordered and provided.

E.3.2.5	Lowboy Transport -Subitem M2

The quantities specified in the Task Orders will be estimated quantities.  Payment will be made at the unit price bid on an individual move basis for the actual number of moves ordered and provided.

E.3.2.6	Additional Payment

	a. Postburn

No additional payment will be made for fireline construction, holding, or mop-up on slopovers or spot fires when no declaration of wildland fire is made.  Furthermore, no additional payment will be made for slopovers, spot fires, or escapes that occur when failure to follow the prescribed fire plan caused or contributed to the slopover, spot fire, or escape.

b. Wildland Fire Suppression When Prescribed Fire Plan Was Followed

1) The Contractor's crew will be paid for escaped fire suppression at the wage rates shown in the current edition of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Pay Plan for Emergency Firefighters, Western Area.

2) The Contractor will be paid for equipment used at the rates specified in Northern Rockies Fire Fighting Equipment Rental Rates agreed upon by various Federal Agencies.

3) A copy of the above rates will be furnished upon request by the COR.

SECTION F
DELIVERIES OR PERFORMANCE

F.1.0	The Contractor shall begin work from the effective date of the Notice to Proceed and shall continue performance of the work without delay or interruption except for causes beyond his control as defined in the contract or task order.  When contractor crews and equipment are dispatched to a wildland fire or other emergencies through interagency dispatch procedures, contract time will be suspended for the duration of the emergency. 

F.2.0	Fireline construction shall be completed within 90 calendar days from effective date of the Notice to Proceed for each task order.

F.3.0	All slashing shall be completed within 90 calendar days from the effective date of the Notice to Proceed for each task order.

F.4.0	The period of performance will be stated on each task order.

 SECTION G
CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION DATA

G.1.0	CONTRACTING OFFICER'S REPRESENTATIVE (COR) AND/OR PROJECT INSPECTOR (PI)

The COR and/or PI will be appointed by the CO upon award of the contract.  The COR/PI will be responsible for giving the Contractor any special instructions or guidance necessary to complete delivery as required by the contract.  The COR or PI does not have authority to modify or in any way amend the terms of this contract.

G.2.0  	RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COR AND PI

G.2.1	The COR's and PI’s authorities and responsibilities will be defined in the COR's  and PI’s Appointment Memorandum.

G.3.0	ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER PAYMENTS
	
	Bureau of Land Management procedures:

Payment under this contract will be made by the Government by electronic funds transfer (through the Treasury Fedline Payment System (FEDLINE) or the Automated Clearing House (ACH)).

After award, but no later than 14 days before an invoice or contract financing request is submitted, the Contractor shall designate a financial institution for receipt of electronic funds transfer payments (SF-3881), and shall submit this designation to the following address:

Bureau of Land Management
			Federal Business Center
			Building 50, BC-620
			P.O. Box 25047
			Denver, CO  80225-0047

Other Federal Agency procedures: At the time another Federal Agency places it’s first task order, arrangements will be made for electronic funds transfer.

 SECTION H
SPECIAL CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

 H.1.0	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 unless mutually agreed upon.

H.2.0	Endangered Species - In the event that listed or proposed threatened or endangered plants or animals protected under the Endangered Species Act of 1973 as amended are discovered to be present in or adjacent to the project area, the Government shall direct the Contractor to discontinue all operations pending review of the project area by the respective field office or state office biologist to determine potential effects from project activities.  The Government may direct the Contractor to discontinue all operations pending review of the project area by the respective field office or state office biologist in the event that BLM sensitive or state listed species, identified under [33] BLM Manual 6840, 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 in Section I, FAR 52.242‑14.

H.3.0	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 prehistorical 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 in Section I, FAR 52.242-14.

H.4.0	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.

H.5.0  	RESTORATION OF RESOURCES

H.5.1	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.

H.5.2	Access Roads - Public or private access roads damaged by the Contractor shall be restored, at his expense, to the same condition they were in at the commencement of work.

H.6.0	FIRE DANGER SEASON

If the COR allows the Contractor to continue work during periods of Closed Fire Season, the Contractor shall comply with all applicable State laws relating to fire prevention and with all special conditions of work as directed by the COR.

SECTION I
CONTRACT CLAUSES

52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998) 

This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): http://www.arnet.gov

52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference (Feb 1998) 

This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): http://www.arnet.gov

The following provisions are incorporated by reference:

52.217-3 Evaluation Exclusive of Options (Apr 1984)

The following clauses are incorporated by reference:

52.212-4 Contract Terms and Conditions-Commercial Items (Feb 2002)
52.217-2 Cancellation under Multiyear Contracts – (Oct 1997)
52.217-5 Option to Extend Services – (Nov 1999)
52.219-6 Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (July 1996)

The following provisions/clauses are in full text:

52.212-5 Contract Terms and Conditions Required to Implement Statutes or Executive Orders- Commercial Items (Dec 2001)

(a) The Contractor shall comply with the following FAR clauses, which are incorporated in this
contract by reference, to implement provisions of law or executive orders applicable to
acquisitions of commercial items: 
     (1) 52.222-3, Convict Labor (E.O. 11755). 
     (2) 52.233-3, Protest after Award (31 U.S.C. 3553). 
(b) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (b) that the Contracting
Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this contract by reference to implement provisions
of law or Executive orders applicable to acquisitions of commercial items or components: 

     __ (1) 52.203-6, Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government, with Alternate I
     (41 U.S.C. 253g and 10 U.S.C. 2402). 
     __ (2) 52.219-3, Notice of Total HUBZone Small Business Set-Aside (Jan 1999). 
     __ (3) 52.219-4, Notice of Price Evaluation Preference for HUBZone Small Business
     Concerns (Jan 1999) (if the offeror elects to waive the preference, it shall so indicate in its
     offer). 
     __ (4)(i) 52.219-5, Very Small Business Set-Aside (Pub. L. 103-403, section 304, Small
     Business Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 1994). 
          __ (ii) Alternate I to 52.219-5. 
          __ (iii) Alternate II to 52.219-5. 
     __ (5) 52.219-8, Utilization of Small Business Concerns (15 U.S.C. 637 (d)(2) and (3)). 
     __ (6) 52.219-9, Small Business Subcontracting Plan (15 U.S.C. 637(d)(4)). 
     __ (7) 52.219-14, Limitations on Subcontracting (15 U.S.C. 637(a)(14)). 
     __ (8)(i) 52.219-23, Notice of Price Evaluation Adjustment for Small Disadvantaged
     Business Concerns (Pub. L. 103-355, section 7102, and 10 U.S.C. 2323) (if the offeror
     elects to waive the adjustment, it shall so indicate in its offer). 
          __ (ii) Alternate I of 52.219-23. 
     __ (9) 52.219-25, Small Disadvantaged Business Participation Program-Disadvantaged
     Status and Reporting (Pub. L. 103-355, section 7102, and 10 U.S.C. 2323). 
     __ (10) 52.219-26, Small Disadvantaged Business Participation Program-Incentive
     Subcontracting (Pub. L. 103-355, section 7102, and 10 U.S.C. 2323). 
     X (11) 52.222-21, Prohibition of Segregated Facilities (Feb 1999) 
     X (12) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (E.O. 11246). 
     X (13) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the
     Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans (38 U.S.C. 4212) 
     X (14) 52.222-36, Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities (29 U.S.C. 793). 
     X (15) 52.222-37, Employment Reports on Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the
     Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans (38 U.S.C. 4212). 
     __ (16) 52.222-19, Child Labor-Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (E.O.
     13126). 
     __ (17)(i) 52.223-9, Estimate of Percentage of Recovered Material Content for
     EPA-Designated Products (42 U.S.C. 6962(c)(3)(A)(ii)). 
          __ (ii) Alternate I of 52.223-9 (42 U.S.C. 6962(i)(2)(C)). 
     __ (18) 52.225-1, Buy American Act-Balance of Payments Program-Supplies (41
     U.S.C. 10a - 10d). 
     __ (19)(i) 52.225-3, Buy American Act-North American Free Trade Agreement-Israeli
     Trade Act-Balance of Payments Program (41 U.S.C. 10a - 10d, 19 U.S.C. 3301 note,
     19 U.S.C. 2112 note). 
          __ (ii) Alternate I of 52.225-3. 
          __ (iii) Alternate II of 52.225-3. 
     __ (20) 52.225-5, Trade Agreements (19 U.S.C. 2501, et seq., 19 U.S.C. 3301 note). 
     __ (21) 52.225-13, Restriction on Certain Foreign Purchases (E.O. 12722, 12724,
     13059, 13067, 13121, and 13129). 
     __ (22) 52.225-15, Sanctioned European Union Country End Products (E.O. 12849). 
     __ (23) 52.225-16, Sanctioned European Union Country Services (E.O. 12849). 
     __ (24) 52.232-33, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Central Contractor
     Registration (31 U.S.C. 3332). 
     X (25) 52.232-34, Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer-Other than Central Contractor
     Registration (31 U.S.C. 3332). 
     __ (26) 52.232-36, Payment by Third Party (31 U.S.C. 3332). 
     __ (27) 52.239-1, Privacy or Security Safeguards (5 U.S.C. 552a). 
     __ (28)(i) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately Owned U.S.-Flag Commercial Vessels (46
     U.S.C. 1241). 
          __ (ii) Alternate I of 52.247-64. 
(c) The Contractor shall comply with the FAR clauses in this paragraph (c), applicable to
commercial services, which the Contracting Officer has indicated as being incorporated in this
contract by reference to implement provisions of law or executive orders applicable to
acquisitions of commercial items or components: 

     X (1) 52.222-41, Service Contract Act of 1965, As Amended (41 U.S.C. 351, et seq.). 
     X (2) 52.222-42, Statement of Equivalent Rates for Federal Hires (29 U.S.C. 206 and
     41 U.S.C. 351, et seq.). 

     X (3) 52.222-43, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Act-Price Adjustment
     (Multiple Year and Option Contracts) (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. 351, et seq.). 
     __ (4) 52.222-44, Fair Labor Standards Act and Service Contract Act-Price Adjustment
     (29 U.S.C. 206 and 41 U.S.C. 351, et seq.). 
     __ (5) 52.222-47, SCA Minimum Wages and Fringe Benefits Applicable to Successor
     Contract Pursuant to Predecessor Contractor Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)
     (41 U.S.C. 351, et seq.). 
(d) Comptroller General Examination of Record. The Contractor shall comply with the provisions of
this paragraph (d) if this contract was awarded using other than sealed bid, is in excess of the
simplified acquisition threshold, and does not contain the clause at 52.215-2, Audit and
Records-Negotiation. 
     (1) The Comptroller General of the United States, or an authorized representative of the
     Comptroller General, shall have access to and right to examine any of the Contractor's
     directly pertinent records involving transactions related to this contract. 
     (2) The Contractor shall make available at its offices at all reasonable times the records,
     materials, and other evidence for examination, audit, or reproduction, until 3 years after
     final payment under this contract or for any shorter period specified in FAR Subpart 4.7,
     Contractor Records Retention, of the other clauses of this contract. If this contract is
     completely or partially terminated, the records relating to the work terminated shall be
     made available for 3 years after any resulting final termination settlement. Records relating
     to appeals under the disputes clause or to litigation or the settlement of claims arising under
     or relating to this contract shall be made available until such appeals, litigation, or claims
     are finally resolved. 
     (3) As used in this clause, records include books, documents, accounting procedures and
     practices, and other data, regardless of type and regardless of form. This does not require
     the Contractor to create or maintain any record that the Contractor does not maintain in
     the ordinary course of business or pursuant to a provision of law. 
(e) Notwithstanding the requirements of the clauses in paragraphs (a), (b), (c) or (d) of this
clause, the Contractor is not required to include any FAR clause, other than those listed below
(and as may be required by an addenda to this paragraph to establish the reasonableness of
prices under Part 15), in a subcontract for commercial items or commercial components- 
     (1) 52.222-26, Equal Opportunity (E.O. 11246); 
     (2) 52.222-35, Equal Opportunity for Special Disabled Veterans, Veterans of the
     Vietnam Era, and Other Eligible Veterans (38 U.S.C. 4212); 
     (3) 52.222-36, Affirmative Action for Workers with Disabilities (29 U.S.C. 793); 
     (4) 52.247-64, Preference for Privately-Owned U.S. Flag Commercial Vessels
     (46 U.S.C. 1241) (flow down not required for subcontracts awarded beginning May 1,
     1996); and 
     (5) 52.222-41, Service Contract Act of 1965, As Amended (41 U.S.C. 351, et seq.). 

52.216-18  ORDERING  (OCT 1995)

(a)	Any supplies and services to be furnished under this contract shall be ordered by issuance of delivery orders or task orders by the individuals or activities designated in the Schedule.  Such orders may be issued from date of award through month 36. 

(b)	All delivery orders or task orders are subject to the terms and conditions of this contract.  In the event of conflict between a delivery order or task order and this contract, the contract shall control.

(c)	If mailed, a delivery order or task order is considered "issued" when the Government deposits the order in the mail.  Orders may be issued orally, by facsimile, or by electronic commerce methods only if authorized in the Schedule.

52.216-19 ORDER LIMITATIONS  (OCT 1995)

(a)	Minimum order.  When the Government requires supplies or services covered by this contract in an amount of less than $2,500.00, the Government is not obligated to purchase, nor is the Contractor obligated to furnish, those supplies or services under the contract. 

(b)	Maximum order.  The Contractor is not obligated to honor-

(1)	Any order for single item in excess of $50,000.00;

(2)  Any order for a combination of items in excess of $150,000.00;

(3)	A series of orders from the same ordering office within 30 days that together call for quantities exceeding the limitation in subparagraph (1) or (2) above. 

(c)	If this is a requirements contract (i.e., includes the Requirements clause at subsection 52.216-21 of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)), the Government is not required to order a part of any one requirement from the Contractor if that requirement exceeds the maximum-order limitations in paragraph (b) above. 

(d)	Notwithstanding paragraphs (b) and (c) above, the Contractor shall honor any order exceeding the maximum order limitations in paragraph (b) unless that order (or orders) is returned to the ordering office within seven (7) days after issuance, with written notice stating the Contractor's intent not to ship the item (or items) called for and the reasons.  Upon receiving this notice, the Government may acquire the supplies or services from another source. 

52.216-27 Single or Multiple Awards (Oct 1995)

	The Government may elect to award a single delivery order contract or task order contract or to award multiple delivery order contracts or task order contracts for the same or similar supplies or services to two or more sources under this solicitation.

52.217-9 Option to Extend the Term of the Contract (Mar 2000)

(a)	The Government may extend the term of this contract by written notice to the Contractor within 10 calendar days; provided that the Government gives the Contractor a preliminary written notice of its intent to extend at least 60 days before the contract expires.  The preliminary notice does not commit the Government to an extension.
(b)	If the Government exercises this option, the extended contract shall be considered to include this option clause.  
(c)	The total duration of this contract, including the exercise of any options under this clause, shall not exceed 36 months.

1452.228‑70 LIABILITY INSURANCE -- DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR (JUL 1996) 

(a)	The contractor shall procure and maintain during the term of this contract and any extension thereof liability insurance in form satisfactory to the Contracting Officer by an insurance company which is acceptable to the Contracting Officer.  The named insured parties under the policy shall be the Contractor and the United States of America.  The amounts of the insurance shall be not less than as follows:

	$300,000 each person
	$500,000 each occurrence
	$300,000 property damage

   (b) Each policy shall have a certificate evidencing the insurance coverage.  The insurance company shall provide an endorsement to notify the Contacting Officer 30 days prior to the effective date of cancellation or termination of the policy or certificate; or modification of the policy or certificate which may adversely affect the interest of the Government in such insurance.  The certificate shall identify the contract number, the name and address of the Contracting Officer, as well as the insured, the policy number and a brief description of contract services to be performed.  The contractor shall furnish the Contracting Officer with a copy of an acceptable insurance certificate prior to beginning the work.

Pursuant to FAR clause 52.228-5, Insurance-Work on a Government Installation, the Contractor will be required to present evidence to show, as a minimum, the amounts of insurance coverage indicated below:
(a) Workers Compensation and Employer's Liability. The Contractor is required to comply with applicable Federal and State workers' compensation and occupational disease statutes. If occupational diseases are not compensable under those statutes, they shall be covered under the employer's liability section of the insurance policy, except when contract operations are so commingled with a Contractor's commercial operations that it would not be practical to require this coverage. Employer's liability coverage of at least $100,000 shall be required, except in States with exclusive or monopolistic funds that do not permit worker's compensation to be written by private carriers.
(b) General Liability. The Contractor shall have bodily injury liability insurance coverage written on a comprehensive form of policy of at least $500,000 per occurrence.
(c) Automobile Liability. The Contractor shall have automobile liability insurance written on a comprehensive form of policy. The policy shall provide for bodily injury and property damage liability covering the operation of all automobiles used in connection with performing the contract. Policies covering automobiles operated in the United States shall provide coverage of at least $300,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and $100,000 per occurrence for property damage or loss. 
(d) Aircraft Public and Passenger Liability. When aircraft are used in connection with performing the contract, the Contractor shall have aircraft public and passenger liability insurance. Coverage shall be at least $200,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, other than passenger injury. Coverage for passenger injury shall be at least $200,000 multiplied by the number of seats or passengers, whichever is greater.

SECTION J
LIST OF DOCUMENTS, EXHIBITS, AND OTHER ATTACHMENTS

Attachment	   						No. of Pages

Noncomplex Prescribed Burn Plan 	(Eample)		3

Note:  All prescribed burning will require a plan that meets the individual agency’s current requirements.  These requirements will be available from the agency when a task order is issued.  The following example demonstrates the type of information that would be required.  Each agency will have a different format and there may be some other information not in the example that would be required to meet agency guidelines

Narrative for Noncomplex Prescribed Burn Plan		1
   to be used in proposal submission

Project and vicinity maps – Shepard Ah Nei Prescribed Burn	2

Task Order 	(Example)				1

Contractor Performance Profile			2

Wage Determination No. 1991-0354 (Rev. No.  9 dated  05/31/2001)	3
                                   North Dakota

Wage Determination No. 1976-1342 (Rev. No. 26 dated 05/31/2001)	3
                                   Montana

Wage Determination No. 1978-1157 (Rev. No. 16 dated 05/01/2001)	3
                                   South Dakota

                                   		      NONCOMPLEX PRESCRIBED BURN PLAN (Example)
					BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
Lewistown Field Office
Montana

                                                         * OR01      *  Prepared By                         
Project / Burning Area	  	     *  Reviewed By            Est. Cost / Acre                       *  Recommended By                      
Benefitting Activity                   *  Approved By                         
______________________________________________________________________________

The approved Prescribed Fire Plan constitutes the authority to burn. No one has the authority to burn without an approved plan or in a manner not in compliance with the approved plan. Actions taken in compliance with approved plan will be fully supported. Personnel will be held accountable for actions taken which are not in compliance with elements of the plan regarding execution of the objectives in a safe and cost effective manner. This project is rated noncomplex pursuant to prescribed fire guidelines.
______________________________________________________________________________

BURN AREA DESCRIPTION
Legal Description T    S,R    E,S      Klamath/Lake County, Elevation          
Aspect        Drainage                 Acres          EA# OR010                                  
Timber Sale# OR014 TS      -           JDR#                     
OBJECTIVES ( Resource ) To enhance:  Planting,  Hazard Reduction, Brush Control,  Trespass Cleanup, Other                  
( Fire )	Consume material to the fullest extent without damaging the      resources present at the site. Plan on a 90% reduction.(Tolerable Deviation of Objectives ) 50%
FUELS DESCRIPTION   [ Windrows ] [ Tractor Piles ] [ Hand Piles ] [ Jack Pot ]
Number             #/Acre         
Average Size       x        Weight       /Pile
% of Pile in >3" Material         % of Area Covered by Jack Pot Material       
ADJACENT FUELS? Photo Series Book             Page           Est. Wt.          
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WEATHER AND FUEL PARAMETERS
             Low    High    Desired                     Low   High    Desired
Temperature                          Relative Humidity                       
Wind Speed                           Wind Direction                          
Slope                              
Live Mos.                                1 Hr Moisture                       
Woody Mos.                              10 Hr Moisture                       
Duff Mos.                              100 Hr Moisture                       
Soil Mos.                             1000 Hr Moisture                       
Narrative Forecast                                                           

                                                                             

PREDICTED FIRE BEHAVIOR
Fire Behavior Narrative                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        fire behavior cont.

                           Target Fuel                   Adjacent Fuel
                    Low    High     Desired         Low     High   Critical
Fuel Model            within project area                    outside project
Rate of Spread                                                              
Heat/Unit Area                                Spotting Max       Min        
Fireline Intensity                                                          
Flame Length                                                                
Ignition Component                                                          
Reaction Intensity                                                          
Scorch Ht.?                                  Parameter@1Hr       Area@1Hr      

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SMOKE MANAGEMENT
Predicted Reportable T/A         Distance to Sensitive Area            miles
Required Wind Vectors (azimuths)                    to                       
Visibility Hazards                                                          
Special Concerns/Constraints                                                
                                                                            
Items To Do:   [Prior]    [During]     [after]    check box when completed [x]
                                                                             []
                                                                             []
                                                                             []
Ignition Scheduling***SEASON   fall []    winter []    spring []    summer! []
Narrative of Typical Day                                                    
                                                                            
Describe Ignition Methods                                                   

Are There Holding Problems                                                  

*****The need to wear nomex is dependent on intensity of fire behavior******
Under typical conditions; Hard Hat, Warm Coat (wool etc.), Goggles, Gloves, Pac Boots, Rain Gear, Hot Coffee, BIG Lunch. !!!PROTECT  HEAD-EYES-HANDS-FEET!!!! 
SAFETY FIRST, briefing                                                      

                                                                            
Water Sources                                                               
Mop-up                                                                      

                                                                            
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     Dozer []   Pumper []   Drip Torches #          Personnel #       
Special Personnel or Equipment Needs                                        

                                                                            

attach burn boss report, area map, daily cost summary, record of weather

BURN BOSS REPORT
Lewistown Field Office/Bureau Of Land Management
BURN UNIT_________________  JDR or TS#______________  Date__________Time________
 Type of burn: piles []  underburn []  broadcast [] ( timber, range, wildlife )
Burn boss_______________ Lighting boss________________ Holding boss_____________
radio freq.#_____.___ on site / dispatch #_____.___    acres burned_______
T______S R______E Sec._____  ignition method________ignition duration__________      
GO/NO GO CHECKLIST  1) are all fire prescription specifications met? []
2) are all smoke management prescriptions specs. met? []  3) is the fire weather forecast favorable? []  4) has smoke management clearance been given for the project? []  5) are all personnel required in the prescribed fire plan on-site? []  6) have all personnel been briefed on the requirements of the prescribed fire plan? []  7) have all personnel been briefed on the safety hazards, escape routes and safety zones? ( briefing on reverse side ) []  8) is all required equipment in place and functional? []   9) are available and back-up resources adequate for containment of escapes under worst-case conditions? []  10) in your opinion, can the burn be carried out according to plan and will it meet the planned objectives? []  11) are answers to all of the above questions "YES"?  signed______________________date__________
Weather on site? []  RAWS? []  Temp.____ R.H.____ Wind Speed____ Direction______
1 HR____%  10 HR____%  100 HR____%  1000 HR____%  Live____%  Soil____%  Duff____%
1000 HR method__________ months of drying________
RESULTS fuels after burning: 1 HR____ / 10 HR____ / 100 HR____ / 1000 HR____% T/A
duff depth_____"/ %bare ground_____% / % area burned_____% / avg.scorch ht._____`
ACHIEVEMENT OF PRESCRIBED FIRE RESULTS
short term objectives                  results
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Burn Boss Comments (ie, fire behavior, personnel and equipment performance etc.)

Cost Code______-___  Total Work Hours BLM______  Other______  Cost/ac._________
SMOKE MONITORING  Obs. Time begin_______  end_______  ground []________ / air [] elevation________ Obs. Point________________ Documentation video [] photo []
Inversion? yes[] no[] inv. top elev.________ time of break up _______
Comments on Smoke:
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                    Signature__________________________________ 

NARRATIVE FOR NONCOMPLEX PRESCRIBED BURN PLAN TO BE USED IN PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

The Shepard Ah Nei prescribed burn is located in the Shepard Ah Nei Off Road Vehicle area about 1.5 miles from a scattered sub-division north of the town of Shepard. The project is on BLM administered lands directly adjacent to private lands. This project will burn piles created in constructing a one mile long fuel break along the boundary with private land. The fuels in the area are primarily Ponderosa pine and grass with some scattered Juniper. The adjacent fuel loading on the grass is about .5 tons per acre, the Pine is overstocked with many thickets of sapling to pole size pine. Within a year of completion of this burn a second broadcast underburn will be conducted on the site.  This area is heavily used in the spring and summer as an Off Road Vehicle site. Most of the homes are south of the area and there is some concern about smoke management. Typical wind patterns in the late fall and early spring are from the west/southwest. There are no other significant issues with this burn. Attached are a project map & a vicinity map to aid in preparing a burn plan.  Burn plan must include daily mop-up plan.  For assistance in preparing burn plan, please refer to the Handbook 9214-1+ or contact Jim Gray at 406-896-2911.

SAMPLE TASK ORDER 

To:	XYZ Company	From:
	123 Sweet St.	Bureau of Land Mgmt. 
	Billings, MT  59101	Montana State Office
		5001 Southgate Dr.
		Bismarck, MT  59101

Contract No: NDC0200XY	Requesting Office:	Lewistown FO
Item Number(s)  1-5	Task Order No: 	T001
		Task Order Date: 	10/1/02
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Sub	           Description/Project	Est.		   Unit		     Total
Item	         Area Name/Location	Qty.	Unit	   Price	   Amount
	
1.	Upper Swan T37S-R10E-S11, 13, 14

	1H1 Fireline Construction	16500	FT	$________  	$_________

1H4 Fireline Construction	  8300	FT	$________  	$_________

2.	Rattlesnake Lines T37, 38S-R 11 1/2W-S31,32/ 4,5,9,18,21,22

2H3   Fireline Construction	37500	FT	$________  	$_________

3.	Gerber BEMA T39S-R14E-19, 20,29,30

3A1  Slashing	    196	AC	$________  	$_________
* Sever all trees 1 to 6 inches that are located within a 60-foot ( approximately 1/4 acre ) radius of Ponderosa Pine 16 inches or greater in DBH.

4.	Stukel Fire lines T39 & 40S-R10 & 11 ½E Several Sections

4H3 Fireline Construction 	76560	FT	$________  	$_________

5. 	Timber Hill #3 Fire lines T40 & 41S-R15E-Several Sections

5H1 Fireline Construction	33264	FT	$________  	$_________

5H3 Fireline Construction	51216	FT	$________  	$_________

	Total Task Order No. T001	$                  

PERFORMANCE TIME:  365 calendar days from the date of the task order.
ESTIMATED START WORK DATE: August 1, 2001
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Accounting and Appropriation Data:
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Name and Title of Signer	Name of Ordering Officer

                                                             	                                                                        Contractor's Signature                  Date	Ordering Officer's Signature                  Date