Final Specifications_0001.docx

Sage Creek Ranch Boundary Fence Removal/Construction Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge Garfield County, MT

Description of work: Provide all labor, materials, and equipment to remove all of the old fence, and construct a new boundary fence in its place on the area referred to as “Sage Creek Ranch” in accordance with attached specifications.

Project includes approximately 6 miles of fence to remove and rebuild (fence shown in blue).

Construction of new fence will be with 4 strands (Top 3 wires will be barbed wire and bottom wire will be barbless) in accordance with the specifications. Removing fence will consist of removing ALL materials associated with the old fence and taking the trash to an appropriate location for disposal.

Job conditions: Fence lines traverse terrain that may be wet, muddy or uneven. There are numerous drainages, both small and large, rises and falls, loose, rocky and compacted soils.

Location: Work is located on the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge (CMR NWR) in Garfield County, State of Montana. Prospective bidders may inspect the site by contacting the CMR NWR Fort Peck Field Station, 270 MT Hwy 117 , Fort Peck, Montana, 59223. Telephone 406-526-3464, ext. 201 or 205. Work location (and color coded job requirements) is shown on attached map.

Contractors are urged to visit the work site and become familiar with existing conditions.

Failure of the contractor to ascertain the nature, location, and conditions which will affect the work will not relieve them from the responsibility of successfully performing the requirements of the contract without additional expense to the Government.

Removal of old fence and structures: The contractor shall remove all material associated with the old boundary fence and the interior fences identified. This includes; wood post (remove or flush cut post at ground level), steel posts, wire, wire clips, and staples. All removed materials will be disposed of by the contractor.

Clearing: The contractor will, if necessary, clear fence lines of trees, brush, and other obstructions large enough to hinder construction operations. Fence lines may be cleared to a maximum of 4 feet on each side of the fence. On interior fence lines where the Government owns the land on both sides, clearing may be done on either or both sides of the fence. On boundary fence lines where the Government owns land on only one side, clearing may only be done on the Government-owned side. Existing grass, sod, and other vegetation shall be disturbed as little as possible.

Construction Specifications:

General: T-Posts (Steel) shall not be used for end-panel, corner-panel, gate-panel, or stress-panel. Posts shall be installed plumb, to the designated depth, and the lateral alignment shall be within plus or minus ½ inch. T-Post spacing shall be 1 rod (16.5 feet) between posts. T-posts may only deviate 6 inches from the 1 rod spacing except (due to the topography of the ground) when closer spacing is needed to attain specified wire heights. Drive T-Posts into the ground until the anchor plate is slightly below the ground surface.

Corner Panel, End Panel, and Stress Panel Assemblies: All structures shall be constructed with steel tubing.

Wire: Wire heights of 18 inches, 30 inches and 42 inches from the ground will be used.

Stretch tightly and securely attach to steel post or structures. Wire is properly stretched when it is springy to the touch. Terminate wire at each end post, gate post, corner post, or stress panel by wrapping around the post a minimum of two times and tie off by wrapping incoming wire a minimum of five times.

Fence stays: shall be used and placed approximately halfway between line posts, and wire fence stays shall be used for intermediate gate stays.

Wire Gates: Replace wood gate sticks with steel tubing.

Panel or dead man at minor depression: Dead man shall be constructed of barbless wire bent in two and wound around the three wires in the fence and attached to a full length steel post. The wire shall be wrapped around the steel post a minimum of 2 times, and then wrapped around itself a minimum of five times. The post shall be driven 4 feet underground at a 45 degree angle with 1-1/2 feet extended above ground level. In extreme conditions, two steel posts shall be used and shall be positioned opposite one another to form a 90 degree angle between the two posts for maximum holding power.

Deviations:

Line post may not deviate more than 6 inches on line spacing, except closer when needed to achieve specified wire heights All posts may not deviate more than 1 inch from plum or specified height above ground Wire spacing may not deviate more than 2 inches from that specified The center of no post shall be more than 3 inches out of alignment between quarter-mile stakes set by government Splicing – Use wrap or telephone-type splice using at least five complete turns in each direction. Do not pull wire around corners.