Question_Addressed_0004.docx

AMD 004

Question Addressed Solicitation: 140L6224Q0009 JO Sandhills Fence Rebuild

1. In the solicitation it state that all t post must be 5.5’, green with white or silver tops. Can other colors be used?

a. White or silver tops are mandatory.

2. In the solicitation it states that the fence line must be “Mowed” prior to construction. Can other means of clearing, ie mastication be used to clear and dispose of the brush?

a. Mastication may be utilized if it results in the clearing of vegetation to an acceptable height and width eliminating vegetation interaction/contact with new fence construction and reduces future maintenance requirements.

3. Can corner and brace posts or strain panel posts be driven, it seems unclear if they are requesting a drill and pack set, or driven?

a. Driven and drill/packing of set/brace posts would be acceptable.

4. Solicitation states acceptable wood posts as: "The following species will be acceptable: Ponderosa pine, Lodgepole pine, fir, and tamarack”. Can posts identified as “CCA treated pine” be used provided they pass the Assay reporting?

a. Yes…these materials are pretty standard, but would need to be inspected prior to utilization to ensure their quality.

5. On the bid schedule revised do I fill out the project description? It is about labor, and fencing costs?

a. No…this is filled out by us the soliciting party. This should already be filled out and describing the work to be accomplished by the contractor.

6. What type of brush is along the fenceline needing to be mowed and how dense would you say it is overgrown through the woven wire? say scale of 1-10?

a. A site visit would be required by the bidding party to determine this value as it is subject to personal construction experience and individual interpretation. An onsite was scheduled and completed on April 11, 2024, giving bidders an opportunity to see the project and ask questions. This project site is publicly accessible and can be visited by any bidding party.

7. Are there any major lava beds or rock formations that would slow the mowing down? I'm not sure if the COR would be willing to take a picture of the worst just to get a relative idea of how long mowing will take.

a. This site is not rocky. Reference answer (a) in question 6.

8. Can you get a high clearance trailer along the fence line to scatter materials ( the ATV/UTV suggestion got me concerned about fence line access with machinery etc, but we can get into some pretty nasty places with equipment if needed and approved)

a. The site is accessible by truck and UTV under good/most conditions (some sandy sites). UTV access is best along the entire project area. Again, reference question 6 (a).

9. Is there the possibility of a partial payment once materials are on site and approved?

The cost of the amount of wood posts needed is unfortunately going to be pretty spendy and a partial payment would be a plus on the contractor's end of things, or should I just build that into mobilization? If that's easier for you on your end?

a. Please see statement of work. Mobilization part 4- measurement and payment.

A. Units: Progress payments will be made as follows:

1.When 5% of the original Contract amount is earned from other bid items, 50% of the amount bid for mobilization or 5% of the original Contract amount, whichever is lesser, will be paid.

2.When 10% of the original Contract amount is earned from other bid items, 100% of the amount bid for mobilization or 10% of the original Contract amount, whichever is lesser, will be paid.

In the solicitation it states, "3. Wood Treatment Practices: General: The following treatments may be used. Treatment method shall be in accordance with AWPA C 1.

1. Chromate Copper Arsenic Method: chromate copper arsenate, waterborne preservative (conforming to Type B in AWPA 5) shall be applied. Minimum net retention of solid preservative shall be 0.4 pounds per cubic foot (gauge only) using the full-cell pressure treatment process.

2. Assay Report: The Supplier shall furnish an assay report, for all treated wood products, from an independent testing laboratory to the Contracting Officer. A minimum of five-inch boring shall be taken from each bundle of 50 posts as samples for the assay report.

A written submittal for all materials shall be submitted for approval to the COR in Rawlins Wyoming BLM Field Office prior to shipping the products.”

10. What is being required here?

a. This statement reference general wood treatment practices. The materials must be inspected and be labeled with treatment practice (this is typical commercial standard). This ensures contractors are not utilizing materials that are carcinogenic (i.e. creosote RR ties).

11. Do you have a standard procedure for obtaining the Assay reports?

a. If materials are labeled/tagged with treatment process, this is not required.

12. What needs to be included in the report?

a. See question 11 (a)

13. Are you seeking the report on the larger?

a. See question 11 (a)

14. corner and brace posts or all wood posts including line posts?

a. Brace and line posts must be treated wood material.

15. Are you seeking a certificate by producer of the post?

a. Yes, if posts are not tagged and/or labeled with treatment information.