12445526Q0086 QA.pdf

12445526Q0086 - Allegheny National Forest Woven Wire Deer Fence

Q&A Document

1. The specifications encourage the use of existing trees as fence supports while also requiring the fence to generally follow the flagged alignment. Is the Government's intent that contractors maximize the use of existing trees as fence supports wherever practical (adjusting the fence alignment within the allowable tolerances), or should contractors prioritize following the flagged alignment and install additional posts where necessary?

Additionally, does the Forest Service have an estimated percentage of the fence that it anticipates will be supported by existing trees versus contractor-installed posts?

a. I would not say that the governments intent is to "maximize" the use of existing trees as fence supports. Instead, I would say that the use of trees should be used to supplement or increase the structural integrity of the fence. The use of trees allows the fence to be pulled tight and to be weaved so that it creates tension against the post or tree and not away from it. This process keeps the fence taut. There is no desired percentage of trees to be used; however, the entire fence should not be constructed with just posts, or just trees.

(There are some instances where we build fences post removal harvest. In these cases, the operator will have no choice but to use all posts since the trees have all been harvested.

Units 620015, 657007 and 449007 in this contract have all received a removal harvest and will consist primarily of posts.)

2. Section 170 states that payment will be based on the final constructed linear feet. If the final installed fence length exceeds the design quantity because the contractor follows the flagged alignment while utilizing existing trees and terrain as intended by the specifications, will payment be made based on the actual measured installed linear footage?

a. Payments will be made on actual constructed footage. Most fences will come in under the estimated footage; however, there may be instances were footage comes in above the estimate. If that is the case a formal written price modification must be made with the CO and agreed upon by all parties.

3. The specifications allow either one 90-inch roll of woven wire or two 47-inch rolls.

Does the Forest Service have a preference between these two construction methods, provided the finished fence complies with the specifications?

a. The forest service does not have a preference upon the method as long as both are installed correctly to specifications. If using the two 47 inch rolls, the hog rings must be installed to ensure the sections are held together securely.

4. Please confirm that the specified 10-foot U-channel steel posts may be driven directly into the ground and do not require concrete footings.

a. No concrete footings are necessary. These fences are designed to be short term and last roughly 10 years before they are to be removed.

5. Please confirm the required clear opening widths for the walkthrough gates shown in Exhibit C.

a. Exhibit C shows a man gate opening must be 4 feet in height and 3 feet in width. The edges of the opening must not allow for any gaps between the swinging door, the frame of the gate and the fence.

6. Please confirm the required clear opening widths for both the vehicle gates and the skidder gates shown in Exhibit D. If the gate widths vary by location, could you please identify the required width for each gate?

a. Clear openings for vehicle gates may vary depending on the road width and available locations to set posts. There is only one vehicle gate required in this contract. The road is a single lane foresty road. I am assuming that a 12–14-foot width should suffice. All skidder gates must allow for a 12-foot opening.

7. Section 212 requires the contractor to fell hazard trees within striking distance of the completed fence. Is all hazard tree felling associated with this requirement intended to be included in the contractor's lump-sum price, or does the Forest Service have an estimated quantity of hazard trees anticipated for this project?

a. Felling associated shall be included in the contractors lump sum price.

8. Section 213 requires clearing an 8- to 12-foot-wide access corridor. Can the Forest Service provide any estimate of the percentage of the project expected to require mechanical clearing versus areas where little or no clearing will be necessary?

a. Sites vary on amount of clearing needed to open the 8-12-foot-wide access corridor.

It is best for the offeror to view the sites for themselves as operators usually have differing opinions on the degree of clearing needed. In my opinion, most can be accomplished with a small dozer; however, there may be instances where larger downed logs may need to be bucked up, or some rocks avoided.

9. If rock prevents installation of a driven steel or wood post at a required support location, what is the Government's preferred method of installation?

a. Move the post as needed to install the fence in a way that does not compromise the integrity of the fence.

10. Are GIS shapefiles, GPS line files, or other digital fence alignment files available for this project, or will construction rely solely on the field flagging and the provided maps?

a. Shapefiles, or georeferenced pdf maps can be made available to the successful offeror.

11. Please confirm that all woven wire, posts, gates, hardware, fasteners, spacer boards, anchoring materials, and other fence construction materials are contractor-furnished, with the only Government-furnished items being the site maps and the "Hunting Permitted" and "Gate" signs identified in the specifications.

a. That is correct. All materials required to construct the fence are on the contractor to supply. Materials must fit the descriptions listed in the construction specifications. The contractor must also supply all tools and equipment necessary to construct the fence and cleanup the sites.

b. The items listed above such as maps, and signage will be supplied by the Forest Service.

12. Approximately how many hazard trees are anticipated to require removal along the fence alignment?

a. The sites are located in a forested setting. The sites can be highly variable.

The only way to gain a true assessment would be to physically view and assess the sites yourselves.

13. What is the expected vegetation height and density within the fence corridor at each project location?

a. The sites are located in a forested setting. The sites can be highly variable.

The only way to gain a true assessment would be to physically view and assess the sites yourselves.

14. Are any underground or overhead utility lines located within or adjacent to the proposed fence alignment? If available, utility maps or as-built drawings would assist with construction planning.

a. There may be privately owned oil and gas infrastructure present on site. See section 160 - Protection of Existing Structures.

b. The government does not have access to the utility information; however, we can provide utility owners contact information for the specific sites to the successful bidder.

15. Are any wetlands, streams, or environmentally sensitive areas located within the project limits that require special construction procedures or access restrictions?

a. Sensitive areas have been excluded from the layout of the fences. There may be rare occasions in which a dry drainage, or intermittent stream may need to be crossed. See Section 231 Erosion Prevention which states "Small streams or seeps including adjacent banks which cannot be avoided will be cleared by hand, not by bulldozer. If bulldozer crosses them, they must be corduroyed with logs or poles to stabilize the crossing and minimize earth disturbances and siltation."

16. Are there any known rock areas or subsurface conditions that may impact post installation?

a. The sites are variable. It is recommended you view the sites yourself to get an idea of the work involved.

17. Are there any seasonal road closures, access restrictions, or weight limitations that may affect equipment access to the project sites?

a. There should be no road closures or access restrictions during the period of perfromance.

18. Are there any site-specific work restrictions, including hunting seasons, recreational activities, or environmental protection requirements, that should be considered during construction?

a. No site restrictions for the fences listed.

19. Are there any site access notifications or coordination requirements prior to mobilization?

a. Only the notifications laid out in the contract specifications.

20. Will staging areas and material storage locations be designated by the Forest Service, or may the Contractor select suitable staging areas with COR approval?

a. Staging areas are not predesignated. The COR would be agreeable to work with the contractor to find a logical staging area.

21. Will the Government stake or flag the final fence alignment before construction begins, or is additional field layout by the Contractor anticipated?

a. No layout by the contractor should be necessary. The government has already flagged in fence locations.

22. Will the Government provide access through locked gates where required during construction?

a. The successful awardee will be issued a FS Gate Key to provide access to the sites.