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REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION (RFI)
Solicitation No. 12639526Q0142 Replacement of Aviary Netting USDA APHIS National Wildlife Research Center, Mississippi Field Station 2745 West Line Road, Starkville, MS 39762 Submitted To: James G. Roloff, Contracting Officer – james.g.roloff@usda.gov
| 1 |
| Site Visit |
| A site visit is scheduled for May 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. CT. Is attendance at this site visit mandatory in order to submit a quote, or is it strongly recommended but optional? If mandatory, will an alternate date be offered for quoters unable to attend on May 20? Attendance is not mandatory. |
| 2 |
| Site Visit / General |
| Will photographs, drawings, and/or dimensioned plans of the aviary structure (including cable and pole layout, heights, and attachment points) be posted or made available to prospective quoters? If so, when and where will they be accessible? There are no drawings, but photos are posted on SAM. |
| 3 |
| Mesh Size |
| The SOW specifies 1-3/4″ x 1-3/4″ mesh netting. Industry-standard bird netting is typically manufactured in 3/4″ mesh (for small- to medium-sized birds) or 2″ mesh (for larger birds only). A 1-3/4″ mesh is a non-standard size that may limit manufacturer availability, increase cost, and potentially allow smaller birds to escape or enter. Can the Government clarify the species being contained and confirm whether a standard 3/4″ mesh would be acceptable? We strongly recommend 3/4″ mesh for maximum containment effectiveness. We’ve had no problem getting 1-3/4” mesh in the past. |
| 4 |
| Scope |
| The SOW states that netting will be installed on a “pre-existing cable, pole, and fence structure.” Please confirm: (a) Is all existing hardware (cables, poles, fence framing, turnbuckles, clamps, etc.) to remain in place and be reused? Yes (b) Is the Contractor responsible for inspecting, repairing, or replacing any deteriorated or damaged hardware components, or will the Government certify the structural adequacy of the existing support system prior to netting installation? If an issue arises where the contractor cannot safely install the netting because of some structural issue, which we don’t expect to happen, an adjustment in the contract can be made to accommodate repairs. |
| 5 |
| Scope / Solicitation, Award Type |
| What are the overall dimensions (length, width, and peak height) of the aviary structure? What is the maximum working height the Contractor should plan for? This information is critical for determining equipment requirements (e.g., aerial lifts, scaffolding) and accurately pricing the work. The photos should provide enough information to determine what equipment may be required. |
| 6 |
| Scope |
| Will birds or other research animals be present in the aviary during netting removal and installation? If so, what species are housed, and will the Government be responsible for relocating them prior to work commencing? Are there any biosecurity, containment, or animal-handling protocols the Contractor must follow? No birds or animals will be present during the job. It is a secured area. The road leading to the facility and facility gate require keyed access. |
| 7 |
| Statement of Work - Scope |
| The SOW references approximately 10,000 sq ft of interior netting. Please clarify the interior netting configuration: How many interior compartments or flight pens exist? Are they separated by the same cable-and-pole framework, or is a different attachment method required for interior dividers? See photos of divider areas and netting. |
| 8 |
| General |
| What are the permitted working hours and days on the Government installation? Are there any access restrictions, badging or credentialing requirements, or security escort needs for Contractor personnel and vehicles entering the facility? 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sun-Sat. Staff will be present to provide access. |
| 12 |
| Netting Spec |
| Can Bird Solutions ApexNet (¾” HDPE Knotted Net) be used on this project? We require what is specified in the SOW. |