More RFIs and responses_amended.docx

More RFIs and Responses

1. What is the purpose of the existing net? Does the net exist to protect the animals beneath the net from predators? ORdoes the net exist to prevent animals from escaping ..ie birds, poultry etc The photos do not reveal The nets’ primary purpose is to keep research animals in.

1. What is the facility beneath the net structure shown in the photos? This appears to be a poultry house. Does the overhead netting protect poultry from predators? hawks etc?

The structures are a research lab, animal housing, storage.

1. If the net is removed during installation will birds or animals escape?

No animals will be in the aviary during construction.

1. Can a boom lift operate in the area below the net? This will allow men to reach the net. The machine has extended reach but has to be able to manuerver to some degree. This means entering inside the area.

We have used a 60’ self-propelled boom lift inside the facility. A larger lift can be used outside the facility.

1. There appears to be a heavy cable supporting metal superstructure this shows in photo along with very heavy duty turnbuckles. Is the net attached to these cables or are there smaller wires that the net is attached directly to?

The net attaches to the superstructure and cables.

1. It the Govt is worried about animals escaping or predators entering the net has to be drawn tight to the supporting wires. In this way no gaps will exist for animals to exploit. What sort fo fasterners are used to attach net to supporting wires? Usually this is done with hog rings fastened ever 2" or so. Is this the case?

The current attachment uses both rings and selvage wrapped around structures to attach netting.

1. Is it assumed that all existing cables will remain but the Contractor will only be responsible for new netting?

Correct

1. The contract calls for 10,000 sf of interior netting? What is the purpose of this interior net? Bird exclusion ?

Dividers between pond areas and lab areas.

1. The net will have to be brought down to ground level in order to keep animals from exiting or entering by going under the net . Are we to assume that a cable along the ground exists and that the new net can attach to it?

The net attaches to chain-link fencing at about 5’.

1. It seems that the animals the Govt is raising at the facility are FISH. Is this correct? he facility is labelled Pond 1 Pond 2 Pond 3. There are rubber pond liners visible and there is a network of drainage and fill pipes probably aerators along the bottom of these "ponds".

0. We study birds that eat fish. So we have both fish in ponds and birds in the aviary. We want to keep study birds in and other wildlife out.

1. This is important for us to know. It seems to us that lift vehicles cannot operate from below the net due to the likelihood of breaking pipes or tearing the pond liner. We have devised an alternate way of accessing the net without driving below the net which is also impossible due to the steep banks

1. There is enough room to drive a self-propelled boom lift (60’) around the ponds on the inside of the aviary. There is also room around the outside of the aviary.

1. Our technical proposal is based on this assumption ie that even when dry the ponds cannot be driven upon.

2. You cannot drive in the ponds but you can drive around them.

1. The NET is there to keep predator birds from ;feeding on the fish. Here is a similar such aquaculture pond with a bird net over it https://youtu.be/JB_lAHaUwMc

3. We want to keep study birds in and other wildlife out.