RFIs_high game fence.docx

RFIs & Responses, 12639526Q0027 A. Schedule & Phasing

1. Is work permitted concurrently in Cameron and Starr Counties? Yes.

2. Are there seasonal restrictions due to ESA species corridors? No.

1. Protected birds and eggs

2. Protected plants or trees

3. Are there landowner blackout periods? There could potentially be blackouts during fall hunting seasons. This typically means starting the workday at 10a and being out of the premise by 3p. Again, this is a premise-by-premise determination.

1. Hunting B. Survey & Layout

4. Are property line disputes fully resolved? Yes.

5. Is a Texas Registered Professional Land Surveyor required for as-builts? Not needed.

6. During the site visit it was mentioned that the Government survey team was going to mulch and clear areas for the fences. What is the typical width that the government will mulch and clear? Approximately 10 feet on each side of the fenceline.

7. If there is a tree in the proposed fence path, do we remove the tree? We will determine based on landowner wishes.

C. Environmental / ESA

8. What is the stop-work protocol if a critical species is observed? Stop work immediately and report to your USDA Contracting Officer’s Representative.

9. Are there migratory bird nesting restrictions? No.

D. Utility Investigation

10. Is GPR required along the entire 20+ mile corridor or only at known crossings? It is required anywhere you will be breaking ground.

11. Is exploratory excavation required at each located utility crossing? Contractor will do whatever is necessary to avoid hitting any underground utilities.

12. Will the Government provide existing mapping for private ranch utilities? No. We will work with landowners to identify any private utilities.

13. If unidentified utilities are encountered, will this qualify as a Differing Site Condition? Yes.

14. Please confirm whether utility investigation costs are incidental or may be a separate pay item. Incidental.

15. Does the contractor have to perform verification and investigation of all utilities along the entire 20-mile route, including private utilities not locatable through Texas 811? Contractor will do whatever is necessary to avoid hitting any underground utilities.

E. Fence Materials & Specifications

16. Is “Statite 50 Game Fence” proprietary, or are approved equals acceptable? Statite 50 High Game Fence is the requirement as stated in the SOW.

17. Will substitutions be considered for woven wire manufacturer? No.

18. For Starr County, SOW 4.21.1 requires pipe posts to be buried in 12” holes and cemented.

Please confirm whether 2 7/8” Schedule 40 pipe posts may be driven directly into soil without concrete embedment where soil conditions allow adequate stability. All pipe posts must be cemented as per the SOW.

19. If not, is concrete embedment mandatory for all pipe posts regardless of soil conditions? Yes.

F. Gates & Access

20. Will any gates require cattle guards? No.

21. Are lock sets standardized? N/A.

22. Who provides padlocks? Landowners.

G. Landowner Coordination

23. SOW indicates CFTEP will acquire MOUs.

Please confirm that all required MOUs have been fully executed prior to NTP. Confirmed.

24. Will any additional landowner agreements be required by the Contractor? No.

Ex. Hold harmless’ for parked equipment Ex. Stored Material locations

25. Will the Government assume responsibility for access disputes or delays? The government will not assume responsibility but will work to facilitate any disputes or delays.

H. Payment & Administration

26. Are stored materials eligible for payment? If stored in a secure location.

27. Are monthly progress meetings required onsite? No, virtual.

I. Access & Staging

28. Will staging areas be pre-approved? Yes.

29. May equipment remain onsite if secured? Yes, if landowner agrees.

30. Are weight restrictions anticipated on ranch roads? No.

31. Who restores access roads? Contractor will restore if they damage access roads.

N. Quantities & Measurement

32. Will payment be based on measured installed LF? Yes.

33. Will there be separate CLINs for Cameron vs Starr? No; award will be lump sum.

1) Will the sign-in sheet from site visit be available in addendum? The sign-in sheet is posted on SAM.

2) Please clarify if a superintendent can be a dual hat to cover the requirements of SSHO? Yes

3) If no to the question above, will the SSHO need to be full-time for this project?

4) Please clarify if a superintendent can be a dual hat to cover the requirements of QA/QC? Yes

5) If no to the question above, will the QA/QC need to be full time for this project?

6) Can a superintendent be a triple hat to cover the requirements of SSHO and QA/QC? Only if the person is a non-working superintendent.

7) Please confirm if tax should be included in our proposal? Never for federal government work.

8) Please advise how much time we should carry for initial environmental training of employees working on site. Refer to SOW paragraph 4.25. No more than four hours.

9) Previous RFI response regarding quantity of gates stated “number of gates will be determined during the site visit.” Please advise on quantity and size of gates as determined at the site visit. See amendment 0003 posted on SAM.

10) To allow sufficient time to review responses and prepare our bid we kindly request that you please extend the bid date. I’m afraid we won’t be extending the closing date.

1. Cameron County – Canal Alignment Has the Government verified which side of the canal the high-game fence is to be installed? Clarification is requested to ensure proper alignment, access planning, and material staging.

No, the CAD is showing property lines right through the middle of the canal. We will establish which side of the canal the fence will be on after professional survey is completed.

2. Evaluation Methodology Please confirm whether this procurement will be awarded on a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) basis or if technical experience and past performance will be evaluated as part of a best value determination.

See Evaluation and Basis for Award beginning on page 2.

3. Materials Procurement and Staging For the purpose of locking in material pricing, may the Contractor stage materials at a supplier’s secured yard (e.g., San Antonio) prior to delivery to the project site? Yes, at contractor’s expense and responsibility.

Additionally:

- Is delivery required to a centralized staging location within the project area? Staging sites will be strategically determined by USDA personnel working with each landowner.

- May materials be delivered directly to each individual project segment? Staging sites will be strategically determined by USDA personnel working with each landowner.

- Will the Government permit billing for materials stored off-site or only upon delivery to the project location? Yes, if secured and properly documented in the schedule of values.

- Are mobilization and early material purchases eligible for reimbursement if included in the Schedule of Values and properly documented? If you’re asking for advance payment, no, the government only pays in arrears.

4. Starr County – Coordinate Verification For the Starr County fencing segments, several corner coordinates appear incomplete or unclear. Please confirm that all provided GPS coordinates have been fully verified by survey to ensure installation does not encroach upon adjacent private property. Coordinates have been field verified as accurate and will be fully verified and marked/staked once the survey crews perform their work.