3-Attachment B-Scope of Work.doc

Attachment B: Scope of Work

Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and Bureau of Land Management, Red Cliffs National Conservation Area

Desert Tortoise Fencing Projects -Specifications- Contents

1Part 1: GENERAL

11.1 Summary

21.2 Contacts

2Part 2: SPECIFICATIONS

4Estimated Materials

5PART 3: ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS

53.1 Conservation Measures

63.2 Environmental Considerations

63.3 Hazardous Materials

73.4 Preservation of Historical and Archeological data

73.5 Protection of cultural resources

83.6 Roads

83.7 Fence line

83.8 Fire Danger Season

8Part 4: LOGISTICS

84.1 Site visit

84.2 Access to the work site

84.3 Contract Time/Work Hours

94.4 Period of Performance

94.5 Project Meetings

104.6 Awarding Considerations

104.7 Public Access

104.8 Security of Equipment and Property

104.9 Crew Supervision

11Part 5: INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

115.1 Inspection

115.2 Acceptance

11Part 6: PAYMENT

126.1 Notice to Proceed

13Attachments: Figures and Drawings

Part 1: GENERAL 1.1 Summary The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (UDWR) in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is requesting bids for fence removal and reconstruction of approximately 3.05 miles (16,106 feet) of Desert Tortoise fence within the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area (NCA), located in Washington County, Utah. This project includes 0.26 miles of mesh fencing with no range fence, 0.14 miles of mesh attached to chain link fence, and 2.65 miles of mesh with existing range fence (including 0.48 miles where t-posts are > 30 m apart), and the replacement of two gates along the fence line. All project locations are identified within attached maps. (Refer to attached Maps for specific locations). Note: These projects were mapped using 2D mapping (Arc GIS) and any discrepancies in the length of the fence to be installed, starting points, or end points will be settled based off the distance determined by the 2D mapping software.

1.2 Contacts This contract is a partnership between UDWR and BLM, however, UDWR is the issuing agency for this contract. Since UDWR is the issuing agency the UDWR Contracting Representative will have the final say in any disagreements between any parties.

Part 2: SPECIFICATIONS This project is located on BLM managed lands within the Red Cliffs National Conservation Area (NCA) and entails the removal of old Desert Tortoise fence material and reconstruction of approximately 16,106 feet (~3.05 miles) of new Desert Tortoise fence. The fence will replace existing Desert Tortoise boundary fencing along Cottonwood Springs Rd, but only in locations specified on the attached maps. The contractor shall remove approximately 14,003 feet of existing range 4-wire fence with mesh, 1,362 feet of existing mesh fencing, and 741 ft of existing mesh fencing attached to a chain link fence, replacing all with USFWS Standard Desert Tortoise Fencing per the specifications below.

The contractor shall remove and replace two gates:

· Gate A - (west side of road) – coordinates = 37.1765, -113.56771

· Gate B - (east side of road)– coordinates = 37.17316, -113.56763 The reconstructed fences shall follow the same footprint and be tied into all existing walk-over gates unless damaged, in which case they must be replaced. The site includes hills and small drainage crossings, and all fence locations, boundaries, and access points shall be reviewed during the pre-work conference meeting.

Fence Construction Requirements:

· The contractor shall provide all material (except those government furnished materials identified in Table 3), labor, and equipment to complete all fence (removal and construction) work identified (Refer to Attached Fence Maps (Figures 1-4) and Fence Specification Drawing).

· Contractor shall be responsible for disposal of all fence materials (e.g., wire, stays, clips, wood, posts, etc.) and expenses incurred with disposal. Materials shall be disposed of in a legal manner off-site to a proper disposal facility. Old metal T-posts that are still in good condition shall be salvaged and returned to BLM.

· The contractor shall leave some posts from the existing fences in place to serve as a temporary line-of-sight markers so that the new fence line is constructed in the exact same location as the fence that is removed.

· Fences shall be tied into existing step-over gates.

· Cedar posts shall not be used in place of commercial steel panels or braces. New Steel posts shall be set plumb (vertical), in complete alignment, dirt packed solid and to be sturdy. Post shall be driven to a minimum of 18 inches below surface.

· Posts:

· Drive steel posts into the ground a minimum of 18 inches or until the anchor plate is slightly below the ground surface. If rock formations prevent driving, remove anchor plate, and excavate or drill holes a minimum of 18 inches deep and slightly larger than the diameter of the post. Place steel posts in the holes and compact the post solidly in position with existing soil.

· Steel line posts shall be spaced at a maximum of 10 feet except in extreme rocky areas, the UDWR Contracting Representative or the Project Manager (Table 2) can approve the spacing extended to 16 feet.

· Minimum length of 6ft high quality steel t-posts shall be used.

· Maximum spacing between each post shall be 10 feet.

· Stays: One (1) 32” stays shall be placed between each fence post.

· Stress Panels/Braces:

· Shall consist of a single large brace panel installed in alignment with the fence. Construct stress panels on crests of hills, and a maximum of 60 rods center-to-center for barbless wire sections.

· Stress panels are required at points between which wire is to be stretched. A stress panel shall be installed on the edge of a hilltop and at the bottom of the hill. Stress panels may be used in crossing small drainages as agreed to by either the UDWR Contracting Representative or Project Manager (Table 2).

· All braces and corner braces shall be of steel material.

· Stone Deadman shall be installed at minor drainage crossings to maintain tight wires and the 16-inch bottom wire spacing.

· End Panels: Shall consist of a large and small brace panel installed in alignment with the fence. Construct end panels at the end of fence runs unless shown otherwise on the drawings. Anchor bolts may be used in place of end panels to secure the fence into rocks.

· Corner Panels: Shall consist of two commercial end panels installed in alignment with the fence. Refer to Corner Panel installation as shown on drawings.

· Wire:

· All wire shall be tightly and uniformly stretched and shall securely attached to steel posts with standard wire clips.

· Wire is properly stretched when it is springy to the touch. Terminate wire at each end post, gate post, corner post, or stress panel by wrapping wire around the post two times and tie off by wrapping the incoming wire a minimum of four times.

· Complete fences shall be in alignment, taut, and solid at all points.

· Wire spacing will be measured perpendicular to the ground.

· All strands of wire to be smooth and 12 ½ gauge, 2pt.

· All wire spacing will be measured from the ground up being 16, 24, 36, and 42 inches.

· Height of top strand from ground shall be 42 inches.

· Mesh:

· Tortoise-proofing fence material should consist of 1-inch horizontal by 2-inch vertical, galvanized welded wire, 36 inches in width.

· Tortoise-proof fencing should be attached to bottom wire with hog rings placed at 12 to 18-inch intervals.

· Top of tortoise fencing above ground should be 18-24 inches.

· Tie wire for braces to be 9 gauge steel.

· Gates: Shall be installed in accordance with any manufacturer instructions and as shown on the attached drawings. The contractor will be required to work with the Project Inspector to determine the location of the gates.

· Standard mesh must be fully buried directly into ground, using excavated material to backfill trenches, compacting material around mesh and base of t-posts. If presence of bedrock, large rocks or caliche substrate, bend mesh at 90 degree angle towards the habitat side of fence (BLM). See Attachment A for details.

Estimated Materials

The BLM shall furnish some fencing material, and the contractor shall furnish the remaining estimated material identified in Table 3 and all labor and equipment to complete the work. Fence material installed becomes property of the Bureau of Land Management. The BLM furnished materials shall be picked up at the Bureau of Land Management St. George Field Office Brigham Yard, 455 E Brigham Road, St. George, UT 84790, Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 3:30pm. Contractor may not pick up materials anytime on weekends or federal holidays. The Contractor shall load materials with contractor furnished equipment. Fence material is stored with lifting points and on pallets. The BLM will not have equipment to load the material. The contractor shall call ahead 24 hours prior to material pickup. Below in Table 3 lists estimated materials. Contractor shall verify quantities and notify the Project Inspector if there are discrepancies. Additional materials may be needed. It is solely up to the Contractor to acquire these materials based on his or her individual assessment of requirements needed to complete this project based on the specifications listed in this contract.

Table 3. Estimated Materials

PART 3: ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS

3.1 Conservation Measures This project will take place on Mojave Desert tortoise habitat. The following conservation measures must be followed, and the respective contact must be communicated and coordinated with (Table 2).

A. Before project activities begin, a pre-project meeting will be held between the proponents, all onsite workers, and biologists identified in Table 2 to review all conservation measures and describe desert tortoises, and the appropriate measures to take upon discovery of a tortoise or burrow. This meeting can occur on-site.

B. Anytime a vehicle or construction equipment is parked in desert tortoise habitat, the area around and directly under the vehicle must be inspected for tortoises before the vehicle or equipment is moved. The inspection does not need to be performed by a tortoise monitor or Field Contact Representative. If there is a desert tortoise observed, it will be left to move on its own – the tortoise will not be approached or handled. If this does not occur within 15 minutes, a biologist identified in Table 2 or an approved desert tortoise biologist will be contacted to remove and relocate the tortoise.

C. If a desert tortoise is found in the project area during project activities, the tortoise will not be approached or handled and all project activities within 300 feet of the tortoise will be halted immediately until the tortoise leaves the area or is moved from the site. This distance can be adjusted down depending on specific circumstances as coordinated with the biologist identified in Table 2. The biologist will be contacted to approach and handle the tortoise.

D. When fencing is removed, replacement or temporary 24” high silt fencing should be installed immediately. The silt fence shall have no holes. At no point should fenced-off areas be left open to prevent desert tortoise crossing into undesirable areas.

E. Use of any type of vehicle or motorized equipment within the NCA (east and west side of roadway) of the fence (where Desert Tortoise are) needs to be coordinated with the NCA biologist. An identified flagged route will be permitted in the project area. Off-road driving may be prohibited and approved per Section by the identified biologist in Table 2 when soils are wet, and rutting may occur.

F. Preconstruction surveys will be completed by UDWR. All tortoise dens and burrows within 3 m of the fence line will be marked with red flagging prior to fencing construction. Burrows must be kept intact and cannot be crushed during fencing work.

G. If construction extends beyond February 14, 2026, an on-site biological monitor may be required to be present during construction activities that involve surface disturbance or that may otherwise endanger tortoises, to ensure compliance with protocols.

3.2 Environmental Considerations A. Project sites shall be cleaned up, and all refuse removed by the Contractor. The Contractor shall be responsible for disposal of materials in a manner consistent with State, Federal and local laws and for all expenses incurred with disposal. Public or private access roads damaged by the Contractor shall be restored at the Contractors expense to the same condition they were in at the commencement of work.

B. Use of 2-wheel and 4-wheel vehicles need to be coordinated with the NCA biologist and are only permitted along flagged routes in the project areas. Off-road driving is prohibited; any deviations to this must be approved by the BLM biologist in Table 2 when soils are wet, and rutting may occur.

3.3 Hazardous Materials A. Use of Hazardous Materials and/or petroleum products requires that all appropriate State and Federal Regulations be complied with including, but not limited to, Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) on hand and use of necessary Personal Protective Clothing (PPE).

B. On-site disposal of Hazardous Materials or Waste including hydrocarbons is not authorized. On-site disposal will subject the contractor to at least the cost of reclamation and the appropriate disposal of contaminated soil.

C. Incidental (de minimus) leaks from fittings, gaskets or ruptured hoses will not subject the contractor to remedial requirements. They will be considered to be normal and unavoidable losses. Continual leaks will be noted on inspection reports and correction through maintenance required.

D. Maintenance and repair operations that require the draining of engines or hydraulic systems may be conducted on site only if the fluids are captured, containerized, and removed from public lands for proper disposal.

3.4 Preservation of Historical and Archeological data A. The Contractor agrees that should he or any of his employees in the performance of this contract discover evidence of possible scientific, pre-historical, historical, or archeological data he will notify the Project Manager immediately giving the location and nature of the findings.

B. Where appropriate by reason of discovery, the Project Manager may order delays in the time of performance and/or changes in the work. If such delays and/or changes are ordered, the time of performance and contract price shall be adjusted.

C. The Contractor agrees to insert this paragraph in all subcontracts, which involve the performance of work on the terrain of the site.

3.5 Protection of cultural resources A. Location of known historic or prehistoric sites, buildings, objects, and properties related to American history, architecture, archaeology and culture, such as settler or Indian artifacts, protected by American Antiquities Act of 1906 (16 U.S.C. 431-433), National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 470) and the Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 (16 U.S.C. 470aa-ll) (36 CFR 296.4 and 36 CFR 261.9(g)), shall be identified on the ground by the Government. The Government may unilaterally modify or cancel this contract to protect an area, object of antiquity, artifact, or similar object which is or may be entitled to protection under these Acts regardless of when the area, object or artifact is discovered or identified. Discovery of such areas by either party shall be promptly reported to the other party and operations will be suspended at that location until the significance or potential significance of the site is determined.

B. Contractor shall protect all known and identified historic or prehistoric sites, buildings, objects, and properties related to American history, architecture, archaeology and culture against destruction, obliteration, removal or damage during Contractor's operations. Contractor shall immediately notify the Government if disturbance occurs to any known site, and shall immediately halt operations in the vicinity of the site until the Government authorizes the Contractor to proceed. Contractor shall bear costs of evaluation and restoration in accordance with 36 CFR 296.14(c), provided that such payment shall not relieve Contractor from civil or criminal remedies otherwise provided by law.

3.6 Roads All roads that access this fence are dirt roads and the condition of the roads is solely based off the amount of precipitation events in conjunction with timing of the access of the roads. It is not anticipated that at any time during the duration of the contract that the road conditions would make access to the project a problem.

3.7 Fence line At the pre-work site visit the Project Manager (Table 2) will verbally instruct the contractor on proper fence placement. The location of the fence is designated on the attached maps and will be clearly marked and verbally described by the appropriate Project Manager (Table 2) during the pre-work site visit.

3.8 Fire Danger Season If the Project Manager allows the Contractor to continue work during the periods of declared fire danger or season, the Contractor shall comply with all applicable state laws relating to fire prevention and with all special conditions of work as directed by the Project Manager Part 4: LOGISTICS

4.1 Site visit A. There will be no site visit for this contract.

B. While there is not going to be a site visit to help for this contract it is strongly recommended that each potential bidder ensure that he/she has a complete understanding of the requirements of this project. Bidders are urged to inspect the site where services are to be performed and to satisfy themselves regarding all general and local conditions that may affect the cost of contract performance, to the extent that the information is reasonably obtainable. In no event shall failure to inspect the site constitute grounds for a claim after contract award.

4.2 Access to the work site Access routes and means of access will be clearly defined and reviewed at the pre-work site meeting. If motorized equipment is needed to access work area, a biologist must first flag a route that avoids areas with desert tortoise presence (see 3.1 Conservation Measures, E).

BLM Red Cliffs NCA Site:

From the City of St. George, take I-15 North and exit 8. Drive west onto St George Boulevard and take an immediate right on 1000 East. At the stop light, take a right on Red Hills Parkway and a left (north) on Cottonwood Springs Road.

4.3 Contract Time/Work Hours A. The Contractor shall begin work within seven (7) calendar days from the effective date of the notice to proceed. The Contractor shall continue performance of the work under the contract without delay or interruption except by causes beyond his control. The Contractor shall complete all work required within the time specified in the work schedule. Work should begin immediately, within reason.

B. Work hours under this contract shall be limited to the time between one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset each day. Work may be done on Saturday, Sunday, and legal national holidays as mutually agreed between the Contractor and the appropriate Project Manager (Table 2).

C. All bidders must submit a date that work on the fence will begin and an estimated completion date.

D. Fencing project must be completed to the specifications outline in this bid and to the satisfaction of UDWR and BLM by February 14th, 2026.

E. If the fence is not completed as described by February 14th, 2026, a $200.00 per day penalty will be assessed to the successful bidder/contractor. Any penalty assessed will be deducted from payment to the bidder/contractor. The $200.00 per day penalty can be waived or reduced at the sole discretion of UDWR.

F. If unforeseen problems arise during construction that would adversely affect completion of the fence by the deadline date, the bidder/contractor must contact the UDWR contract representative immediately.

G. Bidders and/or contractors are urged to visit the project site and by their own investigations determine the existing conditions that may affect the work to be done to meet the specifications described herein. If the bidder or contractor chooses not to visit the site, he will still be responsible for the knowledge of the conditions and for performing and completing the work to the specifications described herein. Bidders or contractors assume all responsibility for their deductions and conclusions as to the difficulties, amount of time and labor, and other necessities in performing the work and meeting the specifications described herein.

4.4 Period of Performance This contract must be completed no later than February 14th, 2026. The Contractor is responsible to plan work times according to conditions. The project manager (Table 2) will assist in assessing site conditions and coordinating possible start times.

4.5 Project Meetings Pre-work Conference

A. Location: Meetings shall be held at the project site, or as determined by the State or BLM Project Manager.

B. Notification: A pre-work conference will be held prior to the start of work. The Contractor will be notified in advance of the 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.

C. Attendance: The Contractor, subcontractors and the persons responsible for coordination of the work shall be present at the meeting.

D. Presentation: The Contractor shall be prepared to summarize and explain procedures planned for the project and present the work schedule requested in the specifications.

Progress Meetings

A. Location: Meetings shall be held at the project site, or as determined by the Project Manager

B. Notification: Meetings may be called by either the Project Manager or the Contractor. Request shall state who should attend.

4.6 Public Access Access into and through the project site shall remain open to the public at all times. The Contractor shall maintain roadways free of vehicles, tools and debris.

4.7 Security of Equipment and Property

The Contractor may leave equipment at the work site. The Contractor shall be responsible for equipment if it should be lost, stolen or damaged.

4.8 Crew Supervision A. Contractor shall designate one English literate supervisor who will be on-site during operation hours. Supervisors shall be identified during the pre-work meeting. Any changes in supervisory designations must be submitted in writing to the Project manager at least 24 hours prior to the change taking effect.

B. Person designated by the Contractor, as supervisor must remain with and effectively directs the crew by (1) making periodic inspections of the crew’s work, (2) advising them as to improper work methods, (3) providing instructions for correcting any improper work methods encountered.

C. Emergency transportation will be provided by the Contractor at all times.

Work Camps: Work camps may be established only in locations authorized in advance by the BLM or SCSP in coordination with the Utah Division of Wildlife. Should such a camp be authorized, the Contractor shall maintain the camp in an orderly and sanitary manner. Upon vacating a camp and prior to final payment, the Contractor shall remove all refuse and other signs of occupancy to the satisfaction of the Project Manager.

Work Schedule: The work schedule shall be submitted at the pre-work conference.

Part 5: INSPECTION AND ACCEPTANCE

5.1 Inspection Surveillance Plan: The BLM will inspect for completed work and provide recommendations to improve work quality while work is in progress. The Contractor is responsible for providing quality control to assure that work complies with the contract specifications.

Final Inspection:

A. Location: Meeting shall be held at the project sites, or as determined by the Project Manager

B. Notification: The Contractor shall notify the appropriate Project Manager at least three (3) working days before completing date so the State can schedule the final inspection.

C. Deficiencies: The Contractor shall correct deficiencies and project areas will be re-inspected by the Project Manager.

5.2 Acceptance Based on inspection results, if the quality level falls below contract specifications, the UDWR Contracting Representative will immediately notify the Contractor in writing and instruct the Contractor to improve the quality of work. If the quality of the work is not raised to an acceptable level after written notification, the UDWR Contracting Representative may issue a suspend work order to resolve the problem, during which time contract time will continue to run.

If unsatisfactorily fencing materials or fencing installation are the primary reason for unsatisfactory work, the Contractor shall replace with satisfactory material or correct the fence until work quality is obtained.

Part 6: PAYMENT Payments will be made for the actual number of 0.10-mile sections completed. One lump sum payment will be made to the contractor following final inspection of the completed project. Fractional payments may be made if needed as negotiated with the State at the pre-work conference.

THIS PROJECT WILL BE BID ON A TOTAL PROJECT COST BASIS AND A COST PER LINEAL FOOT. TOTAL BID PRICES WILL INCLUDE ALL MOBILIZATION AND OPERATION COSTS. BIDDERS MUST PROVIDE REFERENCES OF PRIOR FENCING EXPERIENCE. THE BID WILL BE AWARDED BASED ON BID PRICE AND PRIOR PERFORMANCE REFERENCES OF SIMILAR WORK AND SCOPE AS PROVIDED BY THE BIDDER OR OBTAINED INDEPENDENTLY BY THE GOVERNMENT AND WILL BE EVALUATED AND AWARDED AT THE SOLE DISCRESSION OF THE GOVERNMENT.

6.1 Notice to Proceed After the award of the contract, the Project Manager will issue a notice to proceed to the contractor. Issuance of such notice may be delayed for a reasonable time if adverse soil, vegetative, or climatologic conditions exist. Receipt of the Purchase Order will serve as the official notice to proceed for this project.

Attachments: Figures and Drawings Figure 1-3. Cottonwood Springs Drive, fencing and gate locations.

Example drawings of general fence specification