Attachment_1-_140L3624R0007_SOW.pdf

Wildlife Friendly Fencing Phase 1 Statement of Work

DESCRIPTION/SPECIFICATIONS

1.0 GENERAL

1.1 Description/Specifications/Statement of Work

The nature of the work to be performed is to remove the existing woven (page) wire fence and supporting structures then rebuilding fence on the original footprint to BLM specifications. The contractor is responsible for disposal of the removed fence (see section 3.4).

This project requires the reconstruction of approximately 17 miles of four strand barbed and barbless wire fence. There are approximately 17 miles of fence and debris removal.

Contractor shall supply all labor, equipment, materials, supplies and incidentals to perform the removal and reconstruction of approximately 17 miles of fence located in Beaverhead County, Montana. See attached Vicinity and Project Maps (Attachments 5 and 6) for specific location.

1.2 Existing Conditions

Existing fence is woven page wire, consisting primarily of inline steel t-posts and inline jack leg bracing. Stress/end panels are a combination of jack leg and wooden H-braces.

Many of the wood posts, wooden H-braces, and gates throughout the project area are deteriorated. The current fence is composed of page wire so there are locations where added stress panels (H-braces) were used to stretch and support the fence. When reconstructing the 4 strand fence many of these H-braces can be replaced with t-posts or single wood posts or deleted during reconstruction using BLM specifications (see 3.2 Fence Reconstruction). Some sections of fence are very overgrown and intertwined with large sage brush. Terrain varies from flat to steep in sections (See attachment 7 Elevations). Most terrain is undulating and will require dead man features to comply with wire spacing specifications.

1.3 Contract Time

Because cattle will be present within the project area during construction certain dates have been scheduled for completion of certain segments of fence. These dates and segments are represented in Attachment 6 (Project Maps). Segment A will be completed between 7/23/2024 and 4/15/2025. Segment B will be completed between 9/5/2024 and 4/15/2025. Due to Sage Grouse nesting, work hours will be limited to 9:00a.m. to 6:00p.m. during the month of April.

1.4 Access

Access is off Highway 324 heading north on Bannack Bench Road. See vicinity and project Maps for details. Vehicles and equipment are limited to designated routes (see Attachment 5) and 12 foot work area along fence line (see Mowing Section 3.3). Cross country travel is prohibited. Limit travel during wet conditions to prevent damage to roads. Motorized equipment brought in from outside local areas shall be clean to help prevent the spread of noxious weeds. Power washing of vehicles and equipment is required prior to mobilization. Some sections of fence are steep and/or contain large surface rock which may not be conducive to vehicle travel.

1.5 Description of Project Location

The project site is located approximately 3.5 miles North of Grant, MT. Beaverhead County. Access is off Highway 324 heading north on Bannack Bench Road (see attachment 4 vicinity map).

2.0 MATERIALS

The contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, supplies, and materials to construct the fence to BLM specifications (Attachments 2& 3).

2.1 Submittals

Submittals shall include drawings or pictures and specifications for the metal gate type to be used on the project. The contractor shall not proceed with construction work or procure products or materials described until the submittal is reviewed.

3.0 FENCE REMOVAL AND RECONSTRUCTION

3.1 Fence Removal

Contractor shall remove all wire and debris on entire 17-mile section highlighted on map (Attachment 5). See (section 3.4) for disposal requirements. Some sections of fence are overgrown with large sagebrush and or shrubs.

3.2 Fence Reconstruction

Contractor shall perform construction indicated on Fence Specifications and Project Map (Attachments 3,4 & 6). Reconstruction includes the installation of bracing (End/stress panels/corner panels), intermediate wood posts, metal posts, wire, clips, staples, jack leg segments, deadman features, and gates in the same footprint as the old fence.

All end/stress braces and supporting features shall be replaced so the function of the original fence remains. In some cases, original supporting features can be replaced with alternate methods/materials when the alternate method is equal or better than the original.

(i.e. in-line jack legs supporting wire can be substituted with single wood posts or t-posts).

Methods used to support the original woven page fence may not be necessary to support the new four strand wire fence.

When practical replace inline jack leg braces with single (6-8”)wood posts or t-posts.

When practical replace jack leg end panels with wood post H-Braces. When practical replace stress panel H-Braces not acting as stretch panels with single (6-8”) wood posts or t-posts.

All non-wire gates (wood) will be replaced with new single or double swinging metal gates ensuring the original opening size remains the same or greater. There is one wire gate that will be replaced with a 16’ metal gate.

In addition to the existing wire gates, an additional four wire gates have been added and one wire gate will be deleted. These gates will be identified by government official on the ground. Reference drawings for gate and fence construction details (Attachment 4).

See gate location map (Attachment 6).

A Deadman is required where there is currently one in place or when the distance between the bottom wire and the ground exceeds 20 inches. It shall be constructed of 12-1/2 gauge barbless wire bent in two and wound around the four wires in the fence and attached to;

full-length steel post. Steel post shall be driven 4 feet underground at a 45 degree angle with 1-1/2 feet extending above ground level.

In extreme conditions, as determined by the government official, 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. Reference drawings for deadman design options (Attachment 4).

3.3 Mowing/Removal of Brush

Contractor may clear brush when necessary to remove and reconstruct the fence.

Clearing of brush no greater than 12 feet in total width along the fence line is allowed.

This 12 foot width whether mowed or not will be considered the “work area” as described in section 1.4.

3.4 Disposal of Debris

The contractor shall be responsible for disposal of materials off site in a legal manner and for payment of any fees required. Sale of material onsite is not allowed. Burning and or burying of removed materials is not permitted on the work site.

3.5 Larger Maps

Larger maps will be available at the Dillon BLM Office: 1005 Selway Drive, Dillon, MT 59725. These will be available by calling Nick Stanton at (509) 668-0529.

4.0 PROJECT MEETINGS AND INSPECTION

A. Pre-Work Conference:

1. A pre-work conference will be held prior to the start of work. The Contractor will be notified in advance of meeting time, date, and place. The purpose will be to review required work, project drawings and specifications, construction schedules, payroll and payments, and administrative provisions of the Contract.

2. The Contractor, subcontractors and the persons responsible for coordination of the work shall be present at the pre-work meeting.

B. Progress Meetings:

1. Meetings shall be held at the project site, or as determined by the Contracting Officer.

2. Meetings may be called by either the Contracting Officer or the Contractor. Request shall state who should attend and include an agenda.

C. Final Inspection:

1. Meeting shall be held at the project site, or as determined by the Contracting Officer.

2. The Contractor shall notify the Contracting Officer in writing at least 3 working days before the completion date so the Government can schedule final inspection.

3. The Contractor shall require the superintendent to be present during this inspection.

(End of Description/Specifications)