Umatilla NF Walla Walla Ranger District Mottet Timber Sale Prep

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the Timber Sale Unit Boundary Policy for the Balloon Timber Sale on the Umatilla National Forest. It serves as a presale contract attachment detailing the methods for marking and painting boundary trees to clearly delineate timber sale units.

• Boundary Marking: Specifies when and how boundaries should be painted or tagged, focusing on areas adjacent to RHCAs, property lines, or other sensitive resources. Boundaries not requiring marking are considered discernable or geo-fenced.
• Tagging and Painting: Details the use of sale name, unit number, and TS or IRC tags, attached with staples. All tagged trees must also be painted. RHCA buffers are painted only. Other marked boundaries require both paint and tags.
• Paint Application: Describes the size, color (orange vertical stripes), and placement of paint on boundary trees and stumps. Painted trees must be inter-visible, with specific guidance for corner trees, trees along roads, and internal boundaries.
• Tree Selection: Provides criteria for selecting boundary trees, emphasizing visibility, inter-visibility, health, form, merchantable size, and desirable species. It also advises against marking unnecessary trees and staying close to the flagged line.
• Road Boundaries: Outlines specific procedures for marking boundaries along National Forest System roads, differentiating between corner trees and general boundary trees.
• Private Property: Instructs to avoid painting trees on non-USFS managed land and to locate survey markers when near "other ownership" areas.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the physical delineation of the timber sale units. It informs potential contractors about the exact boundaries of the timber to be harvested, the methods used to mark these boundaries, and any restrictions or considerations related to marking near sensitive areas or private property. This knowledge is essential for accurate bidding, operational planning, and compliance during contract performance.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for commercial timber harvest unit layout services on the Umatilla National Forest, Walla Walla Ranger District. The work involves laying out harvest units, GPS unit boundaries, and painting/tagging boundaries. The project area is approximately 48,166 acres and is located in northeastern Oregon.

• Layout: Flagging units with blue ribbon, determining boundaries based on maps and adjustments for logging feasibility, riparian habitat conservation areas, and other resource protection needs. Units must be a minimum of five acres with an estimated minimum volume of 2000 bf/acre for ground-based systems or 5000 bf/acre for cable/cable assist units.

• Boundary Painting and Tagging: Painting and tagging boundaries according to specifications, including sensitive resources. Virtual boundaries (Discernable or Geo-Fence) will be used where sensitive resources are not present.

• GPS Work: Collecting and documenting GPS data to meet 10% error standards for Area-Based Cruise, with electronic files delivered in a specified format.

• Reconnaissance without Flagging: Assessing units for potential dropping due to unforeseen resource protection issues or low volume.

• Key Personnel: Requires a Forester, Layout Crew, Crew Leader, and Inspector with specific experience and education requirements.

• Deliverables: Includes layout maps, GPS data, logging system worksheets, and potentially other documentation as specified.

• Period of Performance: June 1, 2026, to September 1, 2027.

• Estimated Quantity: The schedule lists estimated quantities for various tasks, such as linear feet for layout and GPS work, and each for worksheets. These are estimates and not to exceed amounts.

• Offerors are strongly encouraged to visit the work area to determine factors affecting costs and pricing.

• The solicitation incorporates FAR clauses by reference, including terms and conditions for commercial products and services.

• The NAICS code is 115310 (Timber Tract and Related Wood Services) with a size standard of $11.5 million.

• The acquisition is set aside for Small Business.

• The government will provide flagging, boundary tags, and tree marking paint.

• Staple guns, staples, and paint guns are not provided.

• A list of 11 attachments is provided, including maps, guides, and handbooks, which are integral to the solicitation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Register of Wage Determinations Under the Service Contract Act" for the State of Washington, Forestry Industry. It provides the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various occupations when performing contracts subject to the Service Contract Act.

• Occupational Listing: Details specific job titles within the Forestry Industry (e.g., Brush/Precommercial Thinner, Choker Setter, Faller/Bucker) with corresponding wage rates.
• Fringe Benefits: Specifies Health & Welfare benefits ($5.55/hour or $5.09/hour under EO 13706), Vacation (1-3 weeks based on service length), and Holidays (minimum of eleven paid holidays).
• Uniform Allowance: Outlines requirements for providing and maintaining uniforms, including reimbursement rates for cleaning if applicable.
• Executive Orders: Notes the applicability of Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and Executive Order 13658 (Minimum Wage), detailing their requirements and how they apply to covered contracts.
• Conformance Process: Describes the procedure for requesting additional classifications and wage rates if an occupation is not listed in the determination.

Bidders must use these wage rates and fringe benefits when preparing proposals for contracts subject to the Service Contract Act in Washington State within the Forestry Industry. Failure to comply with these requirements can impact bid competitiveness and contract compliance. The document also outlines the process for handling occupations not explicitly listed.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains vicinity maps and a detailed topographic map related to the Mottet Planning Area within the Umatilla National Forest, Walla Walla Ranger District. It also includes a map for the Balloon Timber Sale. These maps are intended to provide geographical context and detail for potential bidders regarding the location and terrain of the planning area and sale area.

• Vicinity Map: Shows major highways (Interstate, US, State) and roads relative to the Mottet Planning Area.
• Balloon Timber Sale Map: Provides a detailed topographic view of the Balloon Timber Sale area, including roads, creeks, elevation contours, and specific named locations like "Spot Springs" and "Luger Spring."
• Scale and Legend: Maps include scales and legends to aid in understanding distances and features.

These maps are crucial for bidders to understand the physical location, accessibility, and terrain of the areas relevant to the opportunity. They can inform logistical planning, site visits, and the assessment of work required.

Amendment / Modification

This document is Amendment No. 2409.12-2012-2 to the Forest Service Handbook (FSH) 2409.12, Timber Cruising Handbook, Chapter 50 - Area Determination. It is effective July 19, 2012, and remains in effect until superseded or removed.

Key changes include:

• Revision and update of the entire chapter.
• Establishment of new codes, captions, and statements for Objective (50.2), Policy (50.3), Responsibilities (50.4), and Definitions (50.5).
• Introduction of new terminology for "Definitions" in section 50.5.
• Updates to sections covering "Practicality" (50.6), "Requirements" (51), "Training" (52), "Survey Methods" (53), "Point Accuracy Estimations" (54), and "Area-Error Estimations and Limits" (55).
• Specific revisions include removing obsolete direction for "Traverse" and establishing new direction for "Training" (52), "Aerial Photography and Mapping Methods" and establishing new direction for "Survey Methods" (53), "Additional Equipment" and establishing new direction for "Point Accuracy Estimations" (54), and "Equipment" (56).

This amendment revises and updates the entire Chapter 50, "Area Determination," of the FSH 2409.12.

This amendment does not appear to directly impact submission deadlines or evaluation criteria for a solicitation, as it is a procedural update to a handbook. However, it provides updated guidance on methods, accuracy, and equipment for area determination, which may affect how future timber cruising work is performed and reported.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Logging Systems Layout Worksheet" used to detail the planning and layout for a specific project or sale area, referred to as "Example: Buck Mountain." It serves as a record for personnel involved in the logging operation to document various aspects of the planned system.

• Improvements: Details on survey monuments, posts, signs, fences, and other existing improvements within or on the boundary of the unit.
• Resources: Information on streams, no-cut wet areas, no-cut other areas (e.g., SMA), and wildlife buffers, including their location and category.
• Roads: Identification of haul routes, existing system roads, and specifications for new or reconstructed roads, including temporary lengths and locations.
• Logging Method: Preferred method (Skyline, CTL, Tractor) and specific details such as average uphill/downhill skidding percentages and distances, average slope, and number/location of landings.
• Profiles: Indicates if profiles are required (currently "NOT REQUIRED").
• Other Comments: A section for special or additional information, including reasons for dropped areas or locations that may make logging difficult.
• Map: Requires attaching a map detailing unit boundaries, excluded areas, skidding directions, intermittent streams, survey monuments, fences, landings, go-back trails, directional falling areas, hand-falling areas, and excavated skid trails.

This worksheet is crucial for bidders to understand the physical constraints, planned infrastructure (roads, landings), environmental considerations (buffers, wet areas), and preferred logging methods for the specific sale area. It directly impacts the feasibility, cost, and operational planning required to submit a responsive bid. The detailed layout information and map requirements provide essential context for site preparation and execution.

Other / Unclassified

This document, titled "Virtual Boundary Desk Guide," dated July 7, 2025, provides guidance on the use of virtual boundaries for timber harvest and resource management activities conducted by the Forest Service. It details two types of virtual boundaries: 'Discernable' (natural or constructed features like roads or rock outcrops) and 'Geo-fence' (a virtual perimeter defined by GPS coordinates).

The guide outlines the benefits of virtual boundaries over traditional painted boundaries, including cost savings (paint and crew labor) and increased flexibility. It also discusses the associated costs and risks, such as the need for specialized GPS equipment and potential disputes over boundary locations.

Key sections cover:

• Establishing Virtual Boundaries: Methods for surveying and defining both discernable and geo-fence boundaries, including considerations for accuracy and potential errors.
• Timber Marking and Cruising: How crews should use GPS receivers to navigate and mark timber within geo-fence boundaries.
• Data Management for Contract Administration: Requirements for digital vector/shape files and their use in managing geo-fence boundaries.
• Sale Administration and Contract Compliance: Procedures for Sale Administrators (SA) to check compliance using manual and digital methods, including defining the "Area of Risk" and "Allowable Contract Tolerance."
• Boundary Inspections: Guidance on inspecting cutting along geo-fence boundaries.

Appendices provide a sample contract provision for cutting unit boundaries and basic GPS collection requirements.

This document is relevant to potential bidders as it describes methods for defining cutting unit boundaries that may be used in future solicitations. Understanding these methods, particularly geo-fencing, is crucial for bidders to assess the technical requirements, equipment needs (e.g., GPS receivers), and potential operational impacts on their ability to accurately perform work within designated areas. It highlights the importance of GPS accuracy, contract tolerance, and compliance checks, which will directly affect how work is performed and evaluated.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, titled "Layout Guide," provides specifications and requirements for the layout of harvest units, including flagging, resource protection, and additional unit requirements. It serves as a guide for contractors to follow during the planning and execution of timber harvest activities.

• Unit Layout: Specifies how unit boundaries should be flagged (blue flagging, inter-visibility, knot orientation) and how unit corners are designated.
• Resource Protection: Details methods for protecting soil, landline blaze trees, section corners, survey monuments, bearing trees, Riparian Habitat Conservation Areas (RHCA), wildlife habitat protection areas, and Special Measurement Areas (SMA). It outlines quality standards for layout and means of designation for each resource.
• Stream Categories & RHCA Widths (PACFISH): Defines four categories of streams and water bodies and the standard widths for interim RHCAs, including specific distances for fish-bearing, non-fish-bearing, ponds/lakes/wetlands, and intermittent/ephemeral streams.
• Ephemeral and Intermittent Stream Description: Provides definitions and distinctions between intermittent and ephemeral streams, along with Best Management Practices (BMPs) for harvest activities near ephemeral draws to prevent soil disturbance and erosion.
• Additional Unit Requirements: Includes minimum unit size (five acres), minimum volume per acre for ground-based (2000 bf/acre) and skyline (5000 bf/acre) systems, and guidelines for landing locations (one per 30 acres, accessible by road, ideal slopes 0-10%).

This guide is crucial for bidders to understand the physical constraints, environmental protection measures, and operational requirements that will govern the execution of any timber harvest contract. Adherence to these layout and protection standards is essential for successful bid preparation and contract performance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for LHB Industries' USFS Tree Mark Paint, Specification 2400-400b, Type A, Black. It provides essential safety, handling, and disposal information for the product.

• Chemical Identification: Manufacturer, product ID, part numbers, and National Stock Number.
• Composition: Lists ingredients such as Propylene Glycol and C10-C13 Hydrocarbons with their respective percentages and exposure limits.
• Hazards Identification: Details potential health effects from inhalation, eye contact, skin contact, and ingestion.
• First Aid Measures: Provides instructions for immediate care in case of exposure.
• Fire Fighting Measures: Outlines flash point, extinguishing media, and procedures for fighting fires involving the product.
• Accidental Release Measures: Describes procedures for handling spills and leaks.
• Handling and Storage: Offers guidance on safe storage and handling practices to avoid ignition sources and contact.
• Exposure Controls/Personal Protection: Recommends respiratory protection, ventilation, glove types, and eye protection.
• Physical and Chemical Properties: Lists physical state, color, odor, specific gravity, boiling range, etc.
• Stability and Reactivity: Details chemical stability, conditions to avoid, and incompatible materials.
• Toxicological Information: Discusses potential health effects from overexposure.
• Ecological Information: States that no data is available.
• Disposal Considerations: Advises disposal in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Transport Information: Indicates the product is not regulated by U.S. DOT.
• Regulatory Information: Lists relevant U.S. regulatory rules, including TSCA certification and VOC content.
• Other Information: Includes revision details and a disclaimer.

This MSDS is crucial for bidders to understand the safety requirements and handling procedures associated with the "USFS Tree Mark Paint" if it is a required material for the opportunity. It informs potential risks, necessary personal protective equipment (PPE), and proper disposal methods, which may impact operational planning and costs.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Tracer Tree Marking Paint – Issue and Inventory Record" (FS-2400-65), is an inventory form used to track the usage and stock of tracer tree marking paint. It is intended to be prepared for each specific paint color, container size, brand name, and batch number.

• Header Information: Requires details such as National Forest, District, Paint Color, Can Size/Type, Brand, Batch Number, Cases Received, Total Cans Received, and Purchase Order Number.
• Issue Record: Tracks the date of transaction, custodian initials, full cans issued, full cans transferred, initials of receiver, location of use, full cans returned, and empty cans returned.
• Inventory Record: Tracks cans destroyed today, cumulative destroyed cans, full cans on hand in storage (vehicle and facility), and empty cans on hand.
• Balance Confirmation: Includes columns for confirmation of balance and remarks.
• Instructions: Detailed column-by-column instructions are provided on the second page, explaining how to record each transaction and maintain accurate inventory.

This form is a record-keeping tool for managing paint inventory. While not directly part of a solicitation response, it indicates the type of administrative and logistical requirements that may be associated with the use of specific materials under a contract. Bidders involved in supplying or managing such materials should be aware of the detailed tracking and reporting procedures required.