Byron Wilson Pre-Bid Visit 20200723_0001.pdf

Byron Wilson Site Visit

7/23/2020

Attendees

• Joseph Felgenhauer – USBR (recorder)

• Jason Freeman – USBR

• Isaac Zent – Stray Creek Services: 307-251-1353, izent@straycreek.com

• Dave Banzhaf – Laser Construction: 307-436-8065, 307-262-3772, laserdog4022@gmail.com, dblaser1@yahoo.com

• Ashley Baker – King Enterprises: 307-235-4610, ar@kavcattle.com

• Blaine Baumgarner – Rawhide Fence: 307-534-6656, blainebum@gmail.com

Q&A

There were many questions regarding locations of items (cattleguards, fence sections, etc.). These questions and answers were not recorded as they were described visually on site. Jason and Joe explained where mapped features were on the ground. The contractors requested GPS coordinates of these areas and that we potentially use color coded flagging on the fence sections. We agreed to flag sections at the beginning of construction and provide GIS data to whoever is awarded the contract.

Dave: “Why is there only 500 feet of fence listed as the main project and then so many options?”

Jason: “That is for budgetary purposes. We want to at least accomplish what is specified in the base bid.

Therefore, based on the bids and our funding, we will award the base bid and assess which options we can afford and award.”

Dave: “Are any of these cattleguards state owned?”

Jason: “The 4 cattleguards shown on the map [for maintenance] are Reclamation cattleguards.”

Dave: “What does the fence look like?” (In general, how damaged is the fence?)

Joe: “The damage is mostly just broken wires. There are not many areas where the fence is completely down. There are some rotting H-braces. Clearing of willows is going to be the most intensive issue.”

Isaac: “Do we need to repair or replace the cattleguard if it is found to be damaged when it is pulled out?”

Jason: “We would need to assess if repairs are needed when it gets pulled out and approve any modifications or repairs beyond the scope of the contract at that time.”

mailto:izent@straycreek.com mailto:laserdog4022@gmail.com mailto:dblaser1@yahoo.com mailto:ar@kavcattle.com mailto:blainebum@gmail.com

Note: We did not identify depth of cattleguard clean-out in the specifications.

Dave: “What do we do with the dirt from the cattleguard cleanout?”

Jason: “Per the spec, it needs to be hauled off site.”

At this point we were at cattleguard #4 and Jason explained that the depth of clean-out should look like this cattleguard. He also explained that the boulder placement (to close the eroded road) should be on the river-side of this cattleguard.

Blaine: “Where is the section of fence that is considered the base bid?”

Jason: “The base bid has multiple sections of fence, identified as “new fence” on the exhibit. It is broken up and not one straight section of fence.”

Blaine: “Does the list of submittals [required in the solicitation] need to be followed to a T?”

Jason: “Yes.”

Isaac: “What kind of width do you want for tree [vegetation] removal?”

Jason: “6 feet. 3 feet on each side of the fence.”

Isaac: “That may be difficult with a brush hog. It might require taking out the whole fence.”

Jason: “We are not opposed to one brush hog pass on each side of the fence.”

Ashley: “Does it [the solicitation] specify what chemicals can be used [on vegetation treatments]?”

Jason: “No. That will need to be submitted and approved.”

Isaac: “Where do we dispose of trees?”

Jason: “Selectively trim large trees as needed and the limbs can be scattered within the woods, away from the floodplain of the river.”

Isaac: “Pulling a curved fence like this tight will pull the whole fence down.”

Joe: “How do you recommend fixing that, with braces?”

Isaac: “Or just solid wood posts every so often.”

Joe: “That can be submitted with your proposal as well as any other mods.”

Ashley: “Would we cut the whole tree is it is hanging over the fence?”

Jason: “I would cut any of the trunk that is hanging over the fence but check with Joe [during project work].”

Blaine: “How do we tie the new fence into the existing fence?”

Jason: “We would like a smooth and straight transition. As long as the fence is structurally sound and meets spec, it is at the contractor’s discretion of how to achieve that.”

Note: Isaac recommended to flag sections of fence that need to be repaired or replaced with color coded flagging.

Note: Send GPS coordinates to contract winner.

Blaine: “Will these questions and answers be shared?”

Blaine and Ashley exited the site visit at this time.

Isaac: “A brush hog won’t work here [in the willows]. Getting equipment in will be a problem.”

Dave concurred.

Jason: “Clearing can be done by other means as well. It is the contractors discretion to choose the method of achieving the required results.”

Isaac: “If we pull the fence out, do we have to replace it the same day (do to the presence of cattle)?”

Jason: “I’m not sure if we specified that in the contract.”

Joe: “That should be a judgement call if cows are out.”

Dave: Can we run an electric fence temporarily?”

UPDATE – Per Part 3, Section 2:

A. Where fences are removed on rights-of-way, provide temporary fence protection for adjacent lands to prevent livestock from straying from or onto adjacent lands, complete with gates and cattle guards.

B. Where existing chain link fence is removed at substations, protect openings made in existing chain link fencing to prevent unauthorized entry into substation area.

1. Provide temporary fencing or other approved means to protect openings, such that, entry through or over protection will entail no less difficulty than that provided by adjacent existing fencing.

2. Maintain temporary protection until openings are closed by permanent construction.

C. If the Contractor does not provide necessary temporary fencing or protection within a reasonable time after need for fencing or protection arises, the CO will cause the work to be performed and back charge the Contractor for such work.

D. Remove temporary fences and protection as a part of cleanup operations prior to final acceptance of completed work.

Isaac: “Do all willows need to be removed from the fence?”

Jason: “Check the specs. But as long as there is 3 feet on either side of the fence, willows grown into [the wire of] good fence may remain. However, the fence should be tightened and repaired around the growth.”

Isaac: “Are we only treating willows here and trying not to kill grass or anything?”

Jason: “Treatments should be targeting willows and woody vegetation.”

Isaac: “Is there a timeframe for treatments?”

Jason: “That is at the contractor’s discretion for success of the treatments.”

Dave: “So we are blocking this road [closing the route beyond cattleguard 4]?”

Dave: “2-foot boulders are not big enough. They will get pulled out with a 4x4 pickup.”

Jason: “I can’t change the specs at this time. After award please submit what you would think is appropriate. Those mods would be considered, especially it is a no cost change mod.”

Dave: “Is it a minimum 2-foot spec or a must be 2-foot spec? If I can get 3x3 or bigger boulders within my price can I use them?”

Jason: “It is a minimum spec. If you can place larger boulders at the price you bid and maintain pedestrian access, we are amenable to that.”

Isaac: “There are different pesticide regulations near water.”

Jason: “Yes, all regulations must be followed. We have an IPM plan for the area which can be shared with the contract winner.”

Isaac: “When will the contract be awarded?”

Jason: “It should be awarded August 31st.”

Isaac: “We are not spraying trees?”

Jason: “Spray woody vegetation. Trees would be an onsite assessment.”

Isaac: “We would use a skid steer. Do we need to restore tracks?”

Jason: “There’s no need to restore impressions and minor disturbance that will revegetate. If there is a significant disturbance made by spinning or something, it is expected that you seed and restore what is damaged.”