PL28TFH006 Planting - East Kootenay

Contract PL28TFH006 is an operational services agreement with the BC Timber Sales Branch of the Province of British Columbia for tree planting operations in the East Kootenay region. The contract term runs from April 1, 2027, to August 31, 2027, with planting expected to begin around April 20, 2027, depending on weather conditions. The scope involves planting approximately 655,000 seedlings, including a base of 580,000 with additional supplements. The contractor is responsible for adhering to strict seed transfer rules, maintaining a target seedling storage temperature of 2 degrees Celsius, and ensuring all planting debris is removed from sites. Quality control is mandated through the provision of one non-planting supervisor for every ten planters, with a requirement to complete quality control plots at a rate of one plot per two hectares. Award is based on the lowest priced compliant tender, with eligibility further determined by a risk rating system evaluating site preparation, obstacle planting, and species mix. The contractor must comply with the BC Timber Sales Environmental Management System and the Workers Compensation Act, including the execution of a Prime Contractor Agreement for multiple employer workplaces. Financial terms include a ten percent holdback retained for forty days following completion, with payments processed within thirty days of invoice approval. Strict penalties are outlined for non-compliance, including fines up to 1,000 dollars per day for failure to commence work, tiered fines for under-production, and specific charges for leaving plastic wrappers or planting boxes on site. All work is subject to inspection by the Province using the Ministry of Forests Planting Quality Inspection System.