B09_Solicitation_questionand_answers_0001.docx

Q & A Biological Control in Carson Wandering Skipper ACEC, Winnemucca Ranch Road, Carson City District, BLM Solicitation ID 140L3923Q0136 August 29, 2023

1. The property is listed as 50 acres. Do you know approximately how many acres are in the actual treatment areas?

>>>> approximately 35 acres.

2. Since motorized vehicles are not permitted inside the project area, what is the distance from where vehicles can be parked to the prescribed treatment areas? How far will equipment and fencing need to be hand carried?

>>>> Access using BLM land, vehicles can be parked on the northwest corner of the project area outside the fence, and on the south end outside the fence. From these locations materials would need to be carried up to 2,200 feet. The road on the east side could be used, but vehicles/equipment could not block local traffic, the ditch running parallel to road gets very soft with any moisture and should be avoided.

3. The minimum herd size is listed as 100 goats. Is there a maximum herd size?

>>>> The minimum and maximum number of goats is 100.

4. How far is the area proposed for the base of operations from the treatment areas?

>>>> The primary location for base of operations is on the south boundary, in the area which is devoid of vegetation. Distance to project area is approximately 100-200 hundred feet.

5. If water troughs need to be placed in some treatment units, how do you propose getting the water to the troughs without the use of motorized vehicles?

>>>> A hose can be used to deliver the water from the truck to trough, water will need to be pumped into troughs via a hose from the nearest access point (NW corner or south end).

6. Since electric fencing shorts out when in contact with standing water, how deep is the standing water that you expect the goats to graze in?

>>>> Fencing can be placed outside of marshy areas.

7. How do the option year(s) work? Is there a new bid price/service plan submitted each year?

>>>> The vendor shall fill out the attached Bid Schedule which will contain the option years pricing. The vendor will be contacted each year before the option is exercised to confirm with the contractor The Governments intent to exercise the option. Options are not guaranteed, and it is the responsibility of the contractor to account for potential increases in price for the future option years. The contract award will evaluate the Base and future option years as an evaluation criteria.

8. Do you know how far away from the property, the closest water filling area would be?

>>>> locating water and transporting to the project area is the responsibility of the contractor. The Palomino Valley Corral’s (a BLM facility for WH&B) manager is OK with a contractor coming onto the property and using a hose to fill the contractors portable tank for water during the project, however the contractor is responsible to call and make those arrangements. PVC is eight miles from project area, most of the distance is on pavement. Palomino Valley Center Phone # (775) 475-2222

9. On pg. 19 of 41 under (iii) Price: it says to complete the attached Bid Schedule. I could not find this attachment.

>>>> Please see attached document.

10. Is there an area proposed as a night lot for the goats, or are they proposed to stay in the treatment areas?

>>>> There is an old coral in the SW corner of the ACEC (outside the fenced enclosure) that the goats may use at night. The Sierra Front Field Office AFM said we would need to notify the grazing allotment permittee beforehand.