Inactive
Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
Notice ID:1204N019Q0004
Highway 20: T13S, R09E, Sections 19, 29, 32, and 33; T14S, R09E, Sections 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 13, 14 and 24; T14S, R10E, Sections 19, 30, 31 and 32; and T15S, R10E, Sections 5, 23, and 24, Willamette Mer...
Highway 20: T13S, R09E, Sections 19, 29, 32, and 33; T14S, R09E, Sections 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 13, 14 and 24; T14S, R10E, Sections 19, 30, 31 and 32; and T15S, R10E, Sections 5, 23, and 24, Willamette Meridian, Deschutes County, State of Oregon. Background: In 2013, 2014, and 2015 the herbicide Perspective®, a Forest Service-approved herbicide at the time, was applied along Highway 20 to control broadleaf weeds and brush. Perspective® contains an active ingredient now known to harm ponderosa pine and other trees. In 2014 foresters first noticed the occurrence of stressed trees along Highway 20. From 2014 through 2018, ponderosa pines continued to become stressed and die adjacent to the highway. Foresters began to suspect that herbicide use might be affecting trees and the use of Perspective® was discontinued on National Forest System lands in Oregon and Washington. Sampling of trees indicate that herbicide use was the likely cause of death of ponderosa pine trees adjacent to the highway. Consequently, there are herbicide-killed and dying trees with herbicide injury located immediately adjacent to Highway 20. In addition, there are danger trees with an Imminent-failure potential (high likelihood of breaking/failing) located within 1.5 times their tree height (typically 150 feet slope distance) of the highway. Due to the very high volume of traffic on Highway 20 there is a need to abate (fell) trees that pose a threat to public safety. Statement of Work: Herbicide affected trees located within the first 75 feet from the edge of the highway, and imminent danger trees and dead trees located within the clear zone shall be felled, processed, decked and slash piled at designated landings. The clear zone is defined as an area from the edge of the highway pavement to a distance of about 30 feet. Any tree that is felled for removal shall be processed and have slash removed to designated locations. No activity fuels (slash, tops, logs, etc.) will be left in the clear zone area. These decked trees will be sold at a later date under a separate contract. Imminent danger trees and dead trees not affected by herbicides and located outside the clear zone would be felled and left in place to meet wildlife coarse woody debris requirements. In areas 75 feet to 150 feet from the highway, imminent danger trees would either be 1) felled and left as coarse woody debris to meet wildlife coarse woody debris requirements or 2) topped to provide wildlife habitat if the tree meets tree topping safety requirements. The project area is approximately 450 acres in size. Currently, all trees needing to be cut have been identified and are marked with blue or yellow paint on the backside of the tree. A secondary marking will occur closer to the time of contract solicitation/operations to mark trees on the front side as well. This would also include a tertiary color for marking trees to be cut and left as coarse woody debris or in sensitive areas where there is a need to limit equipment and number of "entries". During the process of secondary marking, trees that will need topping will also be identified. Imminent danger trees needing topping will only occur within the 75 to 150 feet zone and are estimated to be minimal. Topping would occur on designated trees that are 16 inches or less DBH and would be topped at a height low enough that equipment could safely cut. This project requires rubber-tired, cut-to-length logging equipment (harvester and forwarder) to move felled trees and slash to designated landings located about 250 feet or more from the edge of Highway 20 (see map tiles 1-6 for these designated locations). Tracks will not be allowed on rubber tires due to working alongside highway. There will also be a need for hand felling larger diameter trees and subsequent removal to a landing. Highway traffic control would be provided and subsequently coordinated with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) when sections of the highway need to be temporarily closed to conduct timber falling operations. Traffic control measures are estimated to last up to a 20 minute period. It is anticipated the project would take place during the spring shoulder season. Daily prework meetings with Contractor/Operators, ODOT and Forest Service shall occur as needed. The timber falling operation would be completed as soon as possible to avoid extended impacts to commercial freight traffic and the general public. There is a need to work simultaneously on both sides of the highway to minimize highway closures, so a minimum of two sides (two harvesters, two forwarders and two hand fallers) will be needed. Also, all felling shall be completed before moving onto next section which includes both ground based and hand felling operations. Forwarding and processing may occur when traffic is not stopped as long as this can be safely performed. Timing: It is anticipated that the contract for this work will be solicited in mid to late-February with a 2 to 4 week solicitation period with bids due in early March. Operations will be dependent upon snow and weather conditions, but are anticipated to occur as early as April 15 or as late as May 1st. There may be short notification for the commencement of operations due to adequate site conditions. This is a time-sensitive project in which operations shall be completed in the shortest amount of time possible and must be completed prior to May 24, 2019. There is also an expectation that operations shall occur Monday through Friday from 7 am till 5 pm until completed, unless otherwise agreed to. It is anticipated that this will be a daily rate type of contract.
