C05_Attachment 6 RFI Questions and Answers.pdf

Questions From Site Visit

1. For all the fields, do trees or bushes need to be removed?

The contractor may establish new fence lines around the vegetation. Refer to the provided figures in the SOW for approximate boundaries and linear footage.

2. For all the fields, does the new fence need to be installed where the existing fencing currently is?

The new fencing needs to be placed where it is designated on the figures provided in the SOW. While it may seem like there is an overlap between the existing fencing and new fencing being installed, there are areas where: fencing is just being removed, fencing is just being installed, or fencing is being removed and installed.

3. Is there existing electricity where the “existing electricity control station” are marked on Figure 1 in the SOW?

Yes, each location where there is an “existing electricity control station” marker has a supply of electricity. Contractor should provide a plan that includes the type of fence, power required and how it is being supplied, prior to installation being approved. Contractor must ensure: the fence is supplied with enough electricity, the “existing electricity control station” has enough electricity supply for the entire fenced area, and the electricity supply is drawn from and controlled by the USDA employees at “existing electricity control station” as defined in the SOW.

4. Is there existing water source?

Yes, each location where there is an “existing water source” marker has drinking water source supply on Figure 1 in the SOW.

5. In Field 1, how many bunkers are there where the fence is to be discontinuous?

There is not an exact count on the bunker. This can be accomplished prior to beginning any construction. For each bunker along the Heifer Way Road that is enclosed, the new fence must stop at one end and start on the opposite end (refer to the SOW). For each bunker along the Heifer Way Road that is open, the new fence must stop at one end and start on the opposite end or remain continues going around the bunker such that the bunker is outside the new 5-strand fence perimeter boundary.

6. Order of construction of the fields shown in Figure 1 of SOW.

The order of construction of the fields mentioned in Figure 1 is as follows: Field 2, Field 1, Field 3, Field 4, Field 5, Field 6.

7. Will all the existing gates be removed?

All existing gates along the “existing wire fencing – to be removed” marked lines on Figure 1 in the SOW will be removed along with the existing wire fencing material.

This includes but is not limited to: wooden posts, metal posts, plastic posts, braces, gates, etc. New gates will be placed as marked on Figure 1 in the SOW. It is not true that existing gates are being replaced with new gates.

8. For Field 6 only, at location 3 in Figure 1 above, is there a culvert to run water supply through?

There is no culvert present at location 3. For Field 6 only, under the revised SOW there is no requirement to install water lines or hydrants.

9. What do the “Existing Electric Control Station” on Figure 1 in SOW currently have connected?

The current “Existing Electric Control Station” on Figure 1 in SOW are locations where the contractor must draw electricity from and where electricity for the fence can be controlled from. Electric controller units do not currently exist at the locations marked on Figure 1 in the SOW and must be provided by the contractor with the functioning capacity as specified in the SOW. Contractor must ensure all electrical work is to be completed by an electrician licensed in the State of Wisconsin.

10. For Fields 3 and 5 only, where is the water source supply coming from?

The type of water source for each field is as follows:

Field 1: The water source is a well Field 2: The water source is a hydrant Field 3: The water source is a hose bib attached to the back of residential house Field 4: The water source is a water pipe inside a building Field 5: The water source is a bib hose attached to the back of residential house Field 6: No POA under the revised SOW Contractor must ensure the water pressure is sufficient in the waterlines mentioned in this project. For NOTE: The water pipes will only be used in Summertime, and pipes will be blown out prior to the beginning of Wintertime.

11. For Fields 4, 5 and 6 only, will the water and electricity supply be trenched or bored across the road?

The water and electricity supply must be placed 4-feet underground. The water and electricity may be trenched or bored for locations 1 and 2. The electricity supply must be bored for location 3 unless solar is proposed by the contractor (refer to question 12 below). Refer to the locations indicated on Figure 1 below.

Figure 1. Trench site locations for water and electricity supply to run trough.

12. For Field 6 only, is there an option for there to be solar vs bored electricity supply?

Contractor must provide a complete solar-powered electric fencing system capable of reliable 24/7 operation, including properly sized solar panels, removable battery storage housed in a weather-protected shelter, and all power calculations demonstrating adequate generation and autonomy for the fence controller. The contractor must design and submit installation plans prior to construction, detailing how the solar array will be mounted, maintained, and seasonally adjusted using a swivel mount for winter optimization. The vendor is responsible for furnishing all components, integrating the solar system with the existing fencing plans specified in the SOW, ensuring safe and code-compliant installation, and delivering a fully functional system that meets all performance criteria. The contractor must ensure there is a viable electricity control station for Field 6 and must ensure the four outlined topics are addressed in their plan for approval. NOTE: This is only acceptable for Field 6 to be approved by CO and COR.

Summary of Changes for SOW Revision 1

1. Changed “laid on grade” to “laid on a consistent grade to fully drain”

2. Specified “frost proof” water hydrants

3. Clarified check for “soil type” to “soil type and terrain elevation”

4. Section N has the following paragraph added. It still keeps what was originally proposed, but allows for the contractor to submit a proposal for a solar controller unit:

a. Contractor must verify all electric fencing is connected to the electric fence controller unit at the marked location. The electric fence controller unit location is marked by a yellow electric charger symbol and mentioned in the legend of Figure 1 as “Existing Electric Control Station”. For Field 6 the electric fencing must be joined to the location specified in Figure 9.

Contractor must provide electricity to Field 6 as proposed which involves the electric fence controller unit to be shared with Fields 4 and 5, therefore, the unit’s capacity and configuration must account for the fencing requirements of all Fields 4, 5 and 6 or submit a performance specifications proposal for a solar powered electric controller unit near Field 6. The solar powered electric fence controller for Field 6 must have the capacity to operate continuously 24/7 and include a properly sized battery system housed in a weather proof storage enclosure, with batteries that are fully removable for maintenance.

The contractor must provide complete power sizing calculations demonstrating adequate solar generation and battery autonomy for the entire field, and must submit all proposed installation plans prior to beginning construction for approval to CO and COR. The contractor must also specify how the solar array will be mounted, serviced, and seasonally maintained, and ensure the system includes a swivel or adjustable mount to optimize performance throughout the year. Contractor must verify the electric fence controller unit is supplied and wired with sufficient voltage to run electricity for the overall controlled area illustrated in Figure 11. The overall area is marked by an orange polygon and pink solid lines and mentioned in the legend of Figure 1 as “Pasture Perimeter – 5 Strands Electric” and “Paddock Lengths – 3 Strand Electric”, respectively.