Attachment_2_-_Amendment_0001_-RFI_-_Question_and_Answers_0001.pdf

Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge Barbed Wire Boundary Fencing Installation - 140F1B25Q0017

RFI - Question and Answers Dated: August 29, 2025

1. Number of Cowboy Gates: The SOW references cowboy gates (16–18 feet wide) at designated gate locations but does not specify the quantity required. Could you please confirm the total number?

Answer - Approximately 15 gates will be required (see updated project map).

2. Top/Bottom Strand Substitution: Would it be acceptable to substitute the specified twisted barbless wire (top at 40–42", bottom at 16–18") with 12.5-gauge high tensile smooth wire? This alternative offers enhanced strength at no additional cost and would be used only if it meets all specifications and wildlife compatibility requirements.

Answer - No, the twisted barbless wire will be required as specified.

3. Barbed Wire Specification: May we use 4-point barbed wire in place of the 2-point option for the two middle strands? This adjustment is intended to improve cattle deterrence while maintaining wildlife-friendly standards.

Answer - No, the 2-point barbed wire will be required as specified for ease of maintenance.

4. Gates - The Statement of Work calls for gates and has an adequate description, however, does not mention how many or locations for gates that will be required. This information will be helpful in forming a lump sum bid.

There is also reference to gate tighteners being required for all gates. Was this a reference to another type of gate that was considered and later changed to premanufactured gates?

Answer - A “cowboy gate” is being defined as a basic barbed wire gate that requires a tightening mechanism. See this video for an example:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQYvmjQjfmA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQYvmjQjfmA

Pre-manufactured gates would also be acceptable and would not require a tightening mechanism.

5. Ditch and Stream Crossings - Locations and #s to be covered by pig panels were not mentioned for these either.

Answer - Approximately 5 ditch crossings will be required (see updated project map). There are no stream crossings.

6. Project Map - As I mentioned at the site visit, the Google Maps image that said it was showing the seven miles we are bidding initially in red, however only shows approximately 5 miles. Clarification on the other two miles would be helpful. Some of the terrain on the alt. portions in yellow are much steeper and rockier than others

Answer - See updated project map. Terrain conditions are similar (relatively flat and not rocky) for all fence sections.

7. Permits - What permits are recommended/required for this project?

Answer - Contractor is responsible for determining any required permitting. There are no permitting requirements specific to the Refuge.

8. Clearing/Grubbing - It looks as though each fence line will need to be removed, then cleared of tall grasses and a thick thatched matting of previous years of grasses, before a new fence can be installed. Is this equipment and personnel permanently on-site to coordinate with fence installers? (General Notes (pg.5) The Government will provide equipment and personnel for vegetation clearing in locations where dense vegetation prevents installation of a new fence.)

Answer - The Refuge has the equipment and personnel on-site to field mow where needed to cut grasses low and reduce some of the thatch layer.

9. Are there any equipment restrictions?

Answer - No, but equipment use should be coordinated with the Refuge Manager.

10. How soon do new fence sections need to go installed after old fence is removed?

Answer - New fence sections should be installed as soon as possible due to adjacent cattle operations. Contractors should plan to install new fence sections within a week after removing old fence.

11. What is the timing of access (wet conditions, haying, etc.)?

Answer - Access to the project area is very seasonal due to the wet soil conditions for much of the year. The months of August through October is the typical window for fence work. Haying is typically happening in August, which facilitates easy access to fence location for vehicles/equipment.

12. Is there flexibility on the wire spacing?

Answer - Top and bottom wire should be at the specified spacing. The middle two wires can be spaced evenly between the top and bottom wires.

13. Can any materials from old fence be re-used?

Answer - The expectation is that all installed fencing must be in like new condition.

There is a possibility a small proportion of fencing material may be able to be re-used with advance approval from the Refuge Manager, but most material must be replaced. It is recommended that contractors plan to replace all material.

14. The project magnitude listed in SAM.gov is $100,000-$200,000. Does that mean

$200,000 is the cap for bids?

Answer - The project magnitude originally posted on SAM.gov ($100,000 – $200,000) has been updated to reflect the correct range of $100,000 – $250,000. The magnitude represents the Government’s estimated cost projection for the project and serves as guidance to industry. While bids should generally align within that range, the updated magnitude does not set an absolute “cap.” Proposals will still be evaluated for price reasonableness and compliance with the solicitation requirements in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).