Updated 3/15/02 

C-1.1 -Scope
 

The intent of these specifications is to procure professional level
services to be used in various combinations to install permanent sample
plots, and to measure and record data that describes those plots.

The goal of this contract is to inventory approximately 3,000,000 acres
per year of National Forest land in California.  Plot locationswill be
provided by the Government.  Plots will generally be distributedon a
3.4 mile grid across all National Forest land, including designated
wilderness and non-forest lands.  Plots may be densified usingthe 1.7
mile grid in certain areas.  Special inventory projects, suchas
plantation inventories, may also be included.  Contractor shallbe
responsible for providing all staffing, travel, overhead and supplies,
except items listed under Government Furnished Property (section C-1.4).
 

C-1.2 -Project Description

These items are to provide for installation of inventory plots on the
ground at the exact location specified for each plot; measurement of
specified variables and the recording of those measurements; training
services and miscellaneous technical support related to establishing
and maintaining the Region 5 permanent plot grid.

The purpose of establishing the permanent plots is to use the resultant
data to develop a comprehensive inventory of the forest resources of
the National Forests within Region 5.  All ground inventory plotswill
be installed as described in "Field Instructions for Establishing
Permanent Plots in Region 5", and amendments.  All data will be
recorded through the use of electronic data recorders with recording
software that is provided by the Region 5 Inventory staff.  GPS
positions will be aquired at plot centers using a receiver capableof 5
meter accuracy.  The data shall be provided on 3.5 inch floppydisks in
the format specified by the Region 5 Inventory staff.
 

Training and technical support include, but are not limited to, the
following:

a) Training to operate the data collection software.

b)Training to operate the GPS receiver.

c) Support and training related to unusual conditions that are
discovered in the field and that may not be fully described in the
Field Instructions.

C-1.3 - Location of Work

The majority of the work under these items will occur at the National
Forests described within the specified projects and at the vendor's
facilities.
 

C-1.4 - Government Furnished Property

The Government will deliver to the Contractor the following listed
materials, supplies, property or services (hereinafter referred toas
"Government-furnished property").  All property listed below shall
be returned in the same
condition, except for normal wear and tear, as when it was received.

a.An administrative map (at a scale of 1/2 inch to the mile) for each
National Forest within the project.

b.A listing of the plots showing the predetermined cluster plot number
and basal area factor.

c.Field data recorder software for recording Site Information, Tree
Records, and Vegetation Records for the plots to be installed.

d.Stereoscopic aerial photo coverage of the plot locations within the
project area.

e.USGS 7.5 minute topographic maps at a scale of 1:24,000.

f.  Aluminum tree tags in sets numbered 01 - 99.  Excess tags will be
returned to the government.

g. N.A.

h.A copies of selected chapters of the "Forest Inventory and Analysis
User's Guide - May 1997 version" and the "Field Instructions for
Establishing Permanent Plots in Region 5".

East-West Forestry Associates provides cruiservests, compass, increment corer, GPS,
data recorder, prisms, tapes and other incidentalgear.

C-1.5 -Operating Guidelines
 

Plots will be assigned a difficulty rating based upon the government's
estimate of Crew Hours:
 

Difficulty Rating (DR)   Crew Hours    Description

1                   less than 8    Easy 1 day plot

2                   8-10           Average1 day plot

3                   10-12          Difficult 1day plot

4                   12+            Overnight, or two trips
 
 
 
 
 

C-1.6 -Technical Specifications
 

Completed work shall be inspected for the following items:
 

  A.Installation. Work will be inspected to assure that each plot is
installed in the correct location; that the procedures used to install
the plot are the correct procedures for the type of plot being
installed; and that the techniques used to locate and monument theplot
are fully documented.
 

  B.Accuracy.  Accuracy standards have been developed foreach item or
variable related to a sample plot.  These standards are describedin
Sections 461, 462, 464 and 465 of the "FIA User's Guide", and SectionB
of the "Field Instructions for Installation of Permanent Plots in
Region 5".  Completed work submitted under a project is expectedto
meet these accuracy standards.  Any work submitted that does notmeet
these standards will be considered unacceptable.
 

  C.Completeness. All items that are required for any plot within this
project must be completed.  Any work submitted that is incompletewill
be considered unacceptable.

Unacceptable work shall be re-worked until such time
as all materials meet the inspection criteria.
 

C-1.7 -Training
 

A.Personnel

The "Project Leader" will show proof of a Professional
Forester license issued by the State of California.  This personmust
directly supervise inventory work.

All data collectors and crew leaders shall be certified (see B. below)

The Government reserves the right to review the qualifications of all
proposed personnel who will work under this bid item and to
unilaterally approve or reject any of the Contractor's employees. The
Government further reserves the right to review and approve any
equipment, training material, manuals and methods proposed to be used
under this solicitation.
 

B.  Certification

Certification of a new data collector will be initiated within six
weeks of beginning work.  The certification procedure will consistof
inspecting one complete plot that has been installed entirely by the
new data collector.  The plot must be reasonably complex, i.e.,it
contains a mixture of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants that are
typical of the area being surveyed.  The COR or the designated
Inspector will perform an inspection of the plot within 10 calendar
days of receiving the plot data.  If the plot passes the inspection,
certification will be granted to the data collector.  If the plotfails
inspection,  the contractor will be notified of the problems
encountered.  A second plot will be installed within 10 calendardays
of receiving notification, again done entirely by the employee seeking
certification.  If the 2nd plot passes inspection, certificationwill
be granted.  If the 2nd plot fails the inspection, the employeewill no
longer work on the project.
 

During the initial six week training period, and while waiting for
inspection results, certification candidates will work with a certified
individual.  Only when installing the plot to be inspected shallthe
candidate work alone.
 
 
 

D. POSITION DESCRIPTIONS
 

D-3.0  -Crew Leader and Data Recorder
 

D-3.1  -       Major Duties
 

The incumbent independently performs a combination of the following
typical duties:

Directs the day-to-day work of one or more crews.  Crewleader makes crew
assignments, work assignments and travel arrangements with the goalof
having the inventory proceed as efficiently as possible.  Assuresthat
field crews are kept supplied with data recorders, field equipment,
plot maps, plot records and other items that are needed for successful
completion of the inventory.
 

Conducts examinations of forest inventories.  Assures that allplots
are properly established and that results meet accepted standards for
areas of assigned responsibility.
 

Monitors work accomplishments for assigned areas of responsibility and
prepares reports on progress, quality, problems encountered, etc.,as
directed.
 

Makes recommendations on the inventory techniques, policies, and
procedures to increase the effectiveness or improve the quality of
measurements.
 

 Conducts edits of raw data using modern computer equipment and
software.
 

Determines photo scale, calculates ground traverses, and runs compass
lines to locate field plots.
 

Establishes sample plots; measures and records field data on the
number, size, age, quality, and condition of sample trees; the physical
characteristics and uses of the plot site; and the amount and
distribution of non-arboreal species.
 
 

D-3.2  -Knowledge and Skills Required by the Position
 

The incumbent is expected to possess the the knowledge and
skills listed below:

Knowledge of forestry principles and concepts in order to apply
conventional techniques to solve problems involving application of
integrated resource inventories.

Knowledge of current forest mensuration, vegetation sampling and
statistical procedures sufficient to adapt them to local conditions.

Knowledge of field GPS data collection.  Ability to configure receiver
for proper operation and train personnel in operations.

Practical knowledge of standard forestry practices and techniques,
including knowledge of species, and working knowledge of inventory
techniques and procedures used in plot establishment, assessment and
description.

Skill in operating standard equipment such as relascope, compass,
increment bore, clinometer, prism, diameter tape, tape measure and
simple and complex stereoscopes, to transfer map points to aerial
photos, locate field plots, and measure sample trees.
 

Skill in identifying tree species, shrubs, forbs and grasses of
California; major classes of insect and disease agents (bark beetles,
mistletoe, heart rot and root rots); volume loss indicators; and the
physical attributes of a site to accurately collect and record field
data.
 

Knowledge of procedures to follow in measuring and recording field
data, including the use of a key chart to determine lesser known
species and type of habitat.
 

Skill in use of electronic data recorders, data transfer computer
routines, and data audit routines.
 

Skill in safe operation of motor vehicles.
 
 
 

D-3.3  -Physical Demands and Work Environment
 

The incumbent is expected to work under a wide range of physical and
environmental conditions:
 

Field work is physically demanding.  It usually requires walking
several miles per day over varied terrain.  Work occasionallyrequires
carrying heavy loads for overnight stays at inaccessible locations.
 

Field work may be performed under a variety of adverse conditions
including rain, snow, sub-freezing cold, heat, or dusty conditions.
The incumbent may be exposed to a variety of insects, animals,
reptiles, and both toxic and thorn bearing plants.  Exposure tobees,
wasps, mosquitoes, and poison oak is frequent.  Field work requires
suitable clothing, boots, and safety equipment.
 
 
 
 

E-2  TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS FOR PLANTATION PLOTS

Note:  We install Forest Plots and Plantation Plots.  This section provides an
example of the specifications for plantationplots:
 

E-2.1 - Installation of Inventory Cluster Plots
 

(a)The contractor shall use yellow flourescent color flagging for plot
installation.
 

(b)The plots shall be located on the ground by using supplied maps and
photos.  The origin of the cluster plot shall be located at the
pin-prick on the supplied photo.  A tolerance of 66 feet is allowedfor
the location of the origin.  The points may be rotated to avoid
non-plantation vegetation.    A five point cluster plotwill be
installed.  Points will be spaced 127 horizontal feet apart.
 

(c)Where possible, the standard configuration 5-point cluster will be
installed with point #1 at the origin, and points 2,3,4 and 5 at
cardinal bearings from the origin.
 

(d)The origin of the cluster will be referenced to a road or drop-off
point with flagging to facilitate location and inspection of the
cluster plot.
 

(e)At each point of the cluster plot, the contractor shall install:
 

     1.   1/100 acre circular fixed plot (11.8' radius)

          (a) seedlings,live only

          (b) saplings,live & dead (1.0 - 4.9" dbh)

          (c) duff &fuel bed depth
 

     2.   1/8 acre circular fixed plot(41.6' radius)

          (a) small trees, live & dead (5.0 - 19.9" dbh)

          (b) down logs
 

     3.   1/4 acre circular fixed plot(58.9' radius)

          (a) large trees, live & dead (20.0+" dbh)

          (b) understoryvegetation

          (c) small woody debris
 

(f)All point centers must be located within the plantation perimeter.
Residual trees that may be scattered throughout plantations shall be
tallied and recorded if they fall within a plot.  Trees from adjacent
stands (non-plantation) are not to be tallied, even if they fall into
the plot.
 

(g)Non-stockable points that occur on the plot are to be recorded as
such; the User's Guide gives specific instructions.
 
 

(h)The origin shall be monumented with a 18 inch by 1/2 inch (inside
diameter) PVC pipe.  All other points will be monumented witha
standard vinyl flag stake.  The plot number and point number shallbe
written on the flagging or stake using indelible ink.  The routeto the
cluster plot and the route between points will be flagged to facilitate
relocation for inspection.  The flagging at the reference point
(normally at a road) shall indicate the number of the plot to whichthe
flagging leads.
 

(i)After completing each cluster plot, contractor shall draw a sketch
map of the cluster plot.  The sketch shall include the approximate
location and number of each point, reference point information,
location of site tree(s), and physical features (roads) to aid in
relocating the cluster plot for inspection purposes.
 

(j)The Government may, at any time during the contract period, specify
a priority of work by plots.
 

(k) In the event that the contractor finds, after visiting a plot, that
installation of points would constitute a safety hazard, or that the
plantation has been destroyed,  the Government will pay for reasonable
travel time.
 

E-2.2 - Measuring the Point
 

     (a) Qualifying measure tree species for thiscontract are as
follows:
 

     Ponderosa pine

     Jeffrey pine

     Sugar pine

     W. white pine

     Lodgepole pine

     Douglas-fir

     White fir

     Red fir

     Mountain Hemlock

     Incense-cedar

     Giant Sequoia
 

     Other conifer and hardwood species will notbe measured for age and
growth.

      (b) Measure tree criteria is as follows for each point of the
cluster plot:

(1) Seedling plot:  Tally up to 10 conifer seedlings per species.
Select the first seedling from each quadrant to be the "measure"
seedling.  Record the total height and total age (use whorl count
method) in the proper fields for that species.  If more than one
measure seedling of the same species is encountered, record the average
height and age for that species.   Example: On the firstquadrant a DF
seedling, 3 ft. tall, 8 years old; on the second quadrant, a PP
seedling, 4 ft. tall, 5 years old; on the third quadrant, another DF
seedling, 1 ft. tall, 4 years old; on the forth quadrant, no seedlings.
 There are also 3 additional DF seedlings in the taley. Data should be
recorded as shown:

RT   FACT TR   SP        HGT  AGE

S    10   05   01        2    6

S    10   01   11        4    5
 

(2) Sapling tree plot:  Measure one qualifying conifer as per User's
Guide instructions.  Use record type "N".  If non-qualifyingconifer or
hardwood species are present, measure one of each species for total
height.  Use record type "F".
 
(3)Small tree plot (1/8th acre):  Measure one qualifying coniferas per
User's Guide instructions.  Use record type "N".  If non-qualifying
conifer or hardwoods are present, measure one of each species for total
height.  Use record type "F".
 
(4)Large tree plot (1/4th acre):  Measure one qualifying coniferas per
User's Guide instructions.  Use record type "N".  If non-qualifying
conifer or hardwoods are present, measure one of each species for total
height.  Use record type "F".
 

(c)Each tree tallied greater than or equal to 1 inch DBH will be
designated with a numbered metal tree tag secured with an aluminum
nail.  Aluminum nail shall extend at least an 1/2" from tree. The tag
will be placed 6 inches above the ground on the side of the tree facing
the plot center.  For each tallied tree, the corresponding tagnumber
will be entered on the Tree Plot Record form in Field 3.  Thetree
number must be unique within each point of the cluster plot. Tree tags
shall be used in consecutive order to aid in relocating trees for
inspection.
 

(d)All live and dead trees shall be tallied within the three nested
fixed area plots.
 

(e)Tally down logs within the 1/8th acre plot. See FIA User's Guidefor
instructions on measuring and recording down logs.  The minimumsize
log to tally is 10 feet long by 10 inches large end diameter.
 

(f)Snags, small dead trees and down logs will be measured by ocular
estimation.  Refer to User's Guide instructions.
 

(g)Down logs shall be individually numbered with a yellow paint stick.
These numbers shall correspond with the "tree no." in Field 3 of the
Tree Plot Record form.
 

(h)Understory vegetation data (1/4th acre fixed plot) will be collected
by ocular estimation at the plot center.  Refer to User's Guide
instructions.
 
 

(1)For shrub record types (B), record the three most abundant species.
For each species recorded, estimate percent cover and average height.
For unknown shrub, use code US only.
 

(2)For Grass record types (G), record the three most abundant species.
 For each species recorded estimate percent cover only. For unknown
perennial and annual grass species, use codes UGP, UGA or UG only.
 

(3)For Herbaceous record types (E), record the three most abundant
species.  For each species, estimate percent cover only. For unknown
species, use code UF only.
 

(4)For other types (Z), record applicable codes for non-vegetated
ground area.  For each code, estimate percent cover only.
 

(5)For Special Habitat Features, record those features found on each
point in field 6.
 

(i)Small woody debris data (1/4th acre fixed plot) will be collected
for size 5, 20 and 60 material using the Photo Series books. Refer to
User's Guide instructions.
 
 

C-2.3  Recording Site Information Data
 

(a) Each plot shall have the Site Reference data entered once for the
cluster plot.  Use supplied plot summary to record stratum, plot
number, District number, and map number.

(b)Record data for all other fields except Ecosystem type.  Refer to
User's Guide for instructions.

(c)See section 400 of the FIA User's Guide for site tree criteria.

(1)When Measured Trees on a cluster plot are suitable for determination
of site, the contractor shall fill in SITE field with a dash (-).

(2)When Measured Trees on a cluster plot are not suitable for
determination of site (this is often the case in young plantations),
the contractor shall measure height and age on a suitable tree forsite
determination from adjacent natural stands of similar slope, aspect,
elevation and soil conditions.  If no site trees are found inthe local
area, estimate site class based on similar sites measured in the
general area.  Record site in the SITE field.

(d)Site trees selected off the prism plot will be marked by placingan
aluminum nail on the uphill side of the tree at DBH and flagging tied
around the tree at DBH.  A distance and azimuth from the nearestpoint
center will be recorded on the plot diagram along with the height and
age of the site tree.                         **(end of document)**
 
 
 

APPENDIX F.

USE OF THE FIELD DATA RECORDER (FDR)

Region 5 is using the Corvallis Microtechnology (CMT) MC-V field datarecorder
for collection of inventory, stand exam, and reforestation data. The FDR can
also be used to perform traverse, timber cruising, Brown's planar intercept
(fuels inventory) and other data entry programs.