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FOREST SERVICE HANDBOOK
MISSOULA, MONTANA
FSH 2409.15 - TIMBER SALE ADMINISTRATION HANDBOOK
Region 1 Supplement No. 2409.15-92-1
EFFECTIVE March 9, 1992
POSTING NOTICE: Supplements to this title are numbered consecutively. Post by document
name. Remove entire document and replace with this supplement. Retain this transmittal as the
first page of this document.
The last supplement to this handbook was 2409.15-91-2 to Chapter 60.
Page Code
11.1--1 thru 18.2--7
Superseded New
(Number of Sheets)
29
-
Supplements Covered
2, 8/87
4, 11/87
5, 12/87
Document Names
11-14.1
Digest:
12-13.12 - Format changes only to be consistent with parent text.
DAVID F. JOLLY
Regional Forester
Number of Pages
-
12
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2409.15-92-1
EFFECTIVE 3/9/92
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FSH 2409.15 - TIMBER SALE ADMINISTRATION HANDBOOK
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2409.15-92-1
EFFECTIVE 3/9/92
CHAPTER 10 - FUNDAMENTALS OF TIMBER SALE CONTRACTING
12 - SALE ADMINISTRATION CERTIFICATION
12.1 - Requirement for Regional Programs
1. Description of Certification Categories.
a. Certified Sale Administrator. This employee is fully qualified to independently perform
all jobs necessary to accomplish on-the-ground sale administration. The certified sale
administrator must successfully complete the skills training and pass the written and field
examination. This person may supervise and train administrator trainees.
2. Program Responsibilities.
District Rangers
- Selection of candidates
- Selection and recommendation of candidates for certification
- Skills inventory and training records
- Participate in certification testing
- Program evaluation
Forest Supervisors
- Skills inventory and training records
- Forest-wide training as needed
- Participate in certification testing
- Final certification
- Program evaluation
- Staff Inspections
Regional Forester
- Program direction and guidelines
- Regional, Zone, or Forest training programs
- Coordination of out-Service and intra-Forest
training guides; such as, lesson plans,
programmed texts, and training aids
- Certification exams
- Continuing education
- Program evaluation
3. Minimum Requirements. The qualifications of sale administration personnel will be
determined by written and field examination designed to analyze and evaluate actual job
performance. This will culminate a series of training activities, each with its own examination to
determine successful acquisition of the required skills. Only those individuals found competent
through certification examination will be assigned sale administration responsibility (FSM
2434.5). Such assignments must be commensurate with the individuals knowledge and
demonstrated ability to effectively do the job.
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Ranger Districts on which timber sales are a minor part of their program may not be able to
provide candidate sale administrators with the requisite supervision and/or on-the-job experience
necessary for certification. Where this occurs, competent individuals may serve as inspectors for
an indefinite period until such time as they are able to meet the minimum requirements for full
certification.
Minimum requirements and general guides to performance for a certified sale administrator.
a. Written Examination: To test the basic knowledge and skills needed to satisfactorily
perform as a sale administrator. A written examination with a score of 70 or above will be a
prerequisite to the field examination.
b. Field Examination (oral): To test the ability to perform. It will be a review of actual
performance on the ground in a work situation. The field examination for certification will
include an on-the-ground inspection of a timber sale. The Forest Supervisor will make a
recommendation that the candidate is adequately prepared for the field exam. The Forest needs
to take into consideration that enough work is in progress to fully evaluate the candidate and the
work is being performed at a satisfactory level.
A detailed account of certification requirements can be found in the Timber Sale Administration
Certification booklet. The certification process will include three (3) levels certification.
1. Certified - For those individuals with a fully satisfactory team evaluation, for example
no significant discrepancies which need improvement. Performance and effectiveness
equal to or exceeds the established level. Could be expected to perform satisfactorily in all
future assignments.
2. Conditional - For those sale administrators with a team evaluation indicating up to three
or four significant discrepancies which needs improvement to be fully satisfactory,
performance and/or effectiveness less than the desired level. Could not be expected to
perform at the desired level in future assignments without strengthening the items shown
as needing improvement.
Satisfactory completion of items needing improvement are easily recognized and
identified. They are attainable by the candidate within one (1) year. In addition to the
discrepancies, there can be no more than three (3) items that are not rated.
3. Re-examine - For those sale administrators with a team evaluation indicating more than
three or four items which need improvement or are unsatisfactory. Performance and/or
effectiveness significantly different from the desired standards. Could not be expected to
perform satisfactorily, at the desired level in future assignments, without significantly
strengthening the items needing improvement. Satisfactory performance to be determined
by a new team evaluation.
4. The issuance of a Certified Sale Administrator Certificate will be from the Regional
Forester only after a recommendation from a certified Regional Forester's Representative.
4. Administration Fundamentals.
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a. Contract Administration.
(1) Training. Training in sale administration certification is the responsibility of Forest
Supervisors. Forest training programs may include Regional or out-Service programs. They will
include self-study of reference material and programmed texts, on-the-job training, and
formalized training.
Forest Supervisors will designate at least one (1) key individual of the staff the responsibility for
sale administration training. This key individual (usually the Timber Staff Officer or Resource
Coordinator) will coordinate and assure uniformity in sale administration training at Forest
training sessions.
Timber, Cooperative Forestry, and Pest Management in the Regional Office will prepare
suggested training programs, lesson plans, and reference material for training.
(2) Maintaining Certified Status. Performance of certified individuals must be verified via the
inspection process periodically. An individual must satisfactorily pass sale inspections by a
certified Forest Representative every three (3) years. If a sale administrator has not maintained
their certification through satisfactory annual performance reviews for a period of three (3) years,
recertification shall be required. Certification status will be terminated following a second
inspection by another Forest Representative made within 60 days of an inspection showing
unsatisfactory performance. Recertification will be required for continued administration and
inspection where performance was determined to be unsatisfactory and certification status was
terminated. Certified sale administrators coming from out of Region will be conditionally
certified for one (1) year or until examination can be made on them, whichever is earlier.
Certified Sale Administrators from Forest Service Region 5 and 6 coming into Region 1 will
maintain their current status once the Forest has done a preliminary inspection and submits
documentation to the Regional Forester for approval.
5. Inspections.
a. Forest Supervisors' Staff Inspection. Forest Supervisors are required to perform Forestlevel evaluations at a minimum of one (1) per year for each sale administrator. These
evaluations will follow the same format and require the same standards as used in the
certification process and found in the Timber Sale Administration Certification booklet.
The evaluations will be conducted using Form R1-FS-2450-6 (1/90) to determine if the sale
objectives are being met and contract compliance is being obtained 12.1 -Exhibit 01.
A closeout with the District Ranger and/or FSR will be conducted before the evaluation team
leaves the District. The strengths as well as the weaknesses of the SA will be discussed along
with alternative solutions for corrective action.
b. Timber, Cooperative Forestry, and Pest Management in the Regional Office will monitor
the timber sale administration activity by scheduling service trips on three (3) Forests each year.
The results of the service trip may form the basis for an activity review if major issues need to be
addressed.
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12.1 - Exhibit 01
R1-FS-2450-6 (Rev. 1/90)
Page 1 of 2
USDA FOREST SERVICE TIMBER SALE ADMINISTRATION
INSPECTION REPORT
(FOR INSERVICE USE)
(Reference FSH 2409.15)
FOREST:DISTRICT:
LAST INSPECTIONS MADE BY:
INSPECTEE:
Name and Title
Name and Title
Date
Name and Title
Date
INSPECTOR:
Signature and Title
SALE NAME:PURCHASERDATE OF AWARDCONTRACT FORM 2400:
GENERAL REMARKS:
INSTRUCTIONS: Indicate items needing improvement by number (1), (2), (3), etc., for
keying to comments column.
COMMENTS: List items by number. (Use extra page if necessary). Identify specifically each
item needing improvement, fully explain any action needed.
FOLLOW-UP: Name and date of person certifying that items needing improvement have
been completed.
WHITE - FOREST SUPERVISOR - C.O.
YELLOW - FOREST SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
PINK - INSPECTOR
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R1-FS-2450-6 (Rev. 1/90)
Page 2 of 2
INSTRUCTIONS: Indicate on the line opposite each statement the rating using the
following system; CR - cannot rate; ( ) - fully satisfactory; (0) - needs improvement.
Circled items are to be numbered for specific reference.
I. AREAS OF ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITY
____1. PREPAREDNESS - The measure of how the individual prepares for the
administration of the timber sale contract.
a. Knowledge of sale preparation from inception through award. (for example recon notes,
EAR, sale prep notes, appraisal, prospectus, advertisement, etc.)
b. Knowledge and awareness of basic resource information affecting (or affected by) the timber
sale operation. (for example EAR, soil/veg. maps, geology, wildlife/fisheries atlases, recreation
inventories, insect and disease control, silvic, transportation system, cultural, visual, and local
political impacts.)
c. Knowledge and interpretation of the individual timber sale contract, including road
specifications, related State laws and specifications.
d. Knowledge of prior records and inspections if sale was inherited from another Sale
Administrator (no break in continuity).
e. Proficiency demonstrated in effectively managing the sale administration job.
f. Properly equipped to do the job.
g. Awareness of scope of all Sale Officers Delegated Authority.
____2. OBJECTIVES/PURPOSE - The understanding of what the particular sale is supposed
to accomplish in terms of resource development, use, and protection.
a. Clear understanding of expected end results (a mental picture of what the area should look
like when logging is completed.)
b. Adjustments to assure the accomplishment of desired results.
c. Feedback given to planning and preparation so problems are not perpetuated.
d. Information provided silviculturist and other resource specialist so continuity is maintained.
____3. PROTECTION OF RESOURCE VALUES: (With specific attention to special EAR
items) - Involves the recognition of report items with respect to on-the-ground conditions,
response and follow-up given to items identified in the EAR or later discovered on the ground.
a.
b.
c.
d.
Able to recognize and anticipate problems.
Specialist assistance recognized and requested.
Forest Service activities coordinated with sale operation (Specialist Assistance).
Response and follow-up given as needed.
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____4. RECORDS - The clear and concise reporting of sale activities (approval, agreements,
designation, acceptance, noncompliance, etc.).
a. Case folders are complete and orderly.
b. Documentation coverage is adequate.
____5. SAFETY - The safety attitude and approach used in dealing with the public and the
purchaser as well as the demonstrated concern for personal safety.
a. Considers public, purchaser, and personal safety in approval and acceptance of purchaser's
operation.
b. Affirmative action based on H. & S.C.
II. AREAS OF CONTRACT RESPONSIBILITY WHERE SPECIFIC RESULTS ARE
EXPECTED - Inspect purchaser for compliance and redeem Forest Service contractual
responsibility in the following areas.
____1.
PAYMENTS (B4.0)
a. Statement of account prepared accurately and on time.
b. Payments are current and balance sufficient (and not excessive).
____2.
a.
b.
c.
d.
TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES (B5.0)
Roads substantially complete prior to hauling.
Road maintenance, including end of season maintenance is adequate.
Temporary roads agreed to in advance, properly located.
Alternate facilities used by agreement.
OPERATIONS (B6.0)
____3.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
IMPROVEMENTS (B6.2)
Improvements constructed as approved.
Improvement removal is acceptable.
Protection of improvement as required is adequate.
Land survey monuments adequately protected.
Historical sites adequately protected.
____4.
CONTROL OF OPERATION (B6.3)
a. Purchaser's supervision adequate to meet contract requirements (C6.4) workmanlike and
orderly manner (B6.3).
b. Timing and performance of Forest Service work is adequate.
c. Current operating schedule on file, adequate, and being followed.
d. Operations progressing in orderly manner. Timely balance/progress of completed (accepted)
work.
e. Proper application of contract provisions (including breach) to obtain end result.
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____5.
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CONDUCT OF LOGGING (B6.4)
a. Layout - a long-range plan for logging an area is developed and used, including temporary
roads, landings, skid roads, skid trails, and falling lead.
b. Felling and bucking.
Damage to leave stand minimized.
Breakage minimized.
Limbing done in accordance with contract.
Trees felled to the designated lead, in openings or within felling area.
All designated trees felled.
Stage logging performed where needed.
c. Skidding and yarding.
Specified method of skidding or yarding used.
Landing, tractor roads, skyline roads, and skid trails agreed to in advance and properly located
(was the planned location used).
Tractors and other equipment controlled to reduce damage to leave stand and other resources.
Rigging properly done.
Damaged trees marked prior to completion of skidding to a landing and the Purchaser is
advised.
Designated roads and trails kept open.
Dozer blades and arches used only in authorized areas.
d. Utilization.
Marked damage trees removed.
Log lengths varied to secure greatest utilization.
All utilizable logs removed.
Utilization scale is current.
Stump heights are adequate.
____6.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
Filterstrip protected.
Debris removed or prevented from entering.
Culverts and bridges used as necessary.
Equipment crossing only at approved locations.
Flow restored as required.
____7.
a.
b.
c.
d.
STREAMCOURSE PROTECTION (C6.5)
EROSION PREVENTION AND CONTROL (B6.6)
Erosion control work designated and purchaser advised.
Erosion control work adequate and on schedule, meadows, temporary roads and landings.
Special erosion control work completed.
Purchaser maintenance of erosion control structures is adequate.
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____8.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
SCALING (B6.8)
Agreements for alternative scaling facility are adequate and completed as required.
Log accountability agreement completed as required.
Log accountability meets standards.
Scaler Information form properly used.
Log export restriction compliance.
____10.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
SLASH DISPOSAL (B6.7)
Slash disposal done as required by contract and agreed to in the schedule.
Slash piled so burning will not damage residual stand.
Removal or burial site selection is adequate and used as agreed.
Snag felling done as required.
Cull material pulled inward from exterior boundaries of clearcutting units.
Yarding utilized material adequate.
____9.
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
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FIRE PRECAUTION AND CONTROL (B7.0)
Current Fire Plan on file and up to date.
Prevention and suppression equipment in place and in satisfactory condition.
Fire foreman designated and on the sale area as required.
Fuel clearance haulback blocks and backline.
Patrolman is trained and doing job.
Purchaser communication compliance.
Substitute precautions documented.
____11.
OTHER CONDITIONS (B8.0)
a. Modification and changes (B8.3).
1. Used when necessary.
2. Executed in a timely manner.
3. Needed written agreements are satisfactory.
b. Sale of other material (B8.5)
1. Use and removal of other material controlled.
2. Removal doesn't interfere with purchaser operation.
c. Provision required by statue (B8.6)
1. Notices provided and posted as required. (Non-discrimination in employment.)
2. Purchaser complying with Executive Orders #11246, 9/24/65 and #11375, 10/18/67.
____12.
a.
b.
c.
d.
PERFORMANCE AND SETTLEMENT (B9.0)
Purchaser advised of non-compliance items.
Disputes are promptly and adequately settled.
Proper use of breach procedure to obtain end result.
Oral suspension of purchaser operation is used as specified in the contract
(B9.3) and written follow-up notification is adequate.
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13.12 - Sale Administration Reports. At the present time the Forests are using a variety of
timber sale inspection forms and formats that have only subtle differences. As soon as your
existing stock of these inspection forms is used up, Timber Sale Inspection Report R1-FS-2430-6
(1/90) and continuation sheet R1-FS-2430-6b (1/90 is the standard reporting form and format for
timber sale inspections. (See 13.12 - Exhibit 01.)
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13.12 - Exhibit 01
SEE THE PAPER COPY OF THE MASTER SET
FOR 13.12 - EXHIBIT 01.
R1 SUPPLEMENT 2409.15-92-1
EFFECTIVE 3/9/92
13.12 - Exhibit 01 (continued)
SEE THE PAPER COPY OF THE MASTER SET
FOR 13.12 - EXHIBIT 01 (CONTINUED).
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