A10_1-12970224R0017-Att2-SOW.pdf

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STATEMENT OF WORK

Pecos-Las Vegas Ranger District – Santa Fe National Forest

Santa Fe National Forest Hermits Peak/Calf Canyon (HPCC) Rio de la Casa Fencing

GENERAL SCOPE

Overview

Contractor (Supplier) shall manage all activities necessary to ensure that work area is kept neat, clean, and absent of any safety hazards at all times. Every effort to minimize ground disturbance and unnecessary trampling or damage to any vegetation shall be made. The supplier shall value employee safety, be cost competitive and utilize business processes to ensure quality results with continuous improvement.

Supplier shall provide all tools and equipment necessary to perform work under this contract. Supplier shall maintain all tools in safe condition and instruct personnel on safe use.

Fences have been assessed by New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts (NMACD) and by FS personnel between the dates of October 30, 2022, to December 31, 2023, to determine specifications and estimates for the scope of this contract.

1. Rio de la Casa Management Fence: is accessible by motorized vehicle via NM highway 518 to

Cleveland, NM, then on Mora County Road B028 approximately 4.0 miles to Santa Fe National Forest Boundary. The second access point by motorized vehicle is via NM highway 518 to Cleveland, NM, then on Mora County Road B022 approximately 0.8 miles, them approximately 1.75 miles on Mora County Road B018, then 2.5 miles on Santa Fe National Forest FSR 114. * A third access point is via NM highway 518 to Los Alamitos, NM, then on Carson National Forest FSR 161 approximately 1.25 miles, then from FSR 161H access is limited to foot and horseback due to bridge being removed prior to fire.

See General Area Map for proximity locations.

Work Site Access and Restrictions

Fence segments are accessible by motorized vehicle via NM highway 518 to Cleveland, NM, then on Mora County Road B028 approximately 4.0 miles to Santa Fe National Forest Boundary. The second access point by motorized vehicle is via NM highway 518 to Cleveland, NM, then on Mora County Road B022 approximately 0.8 miles, them approximately 1.75 miles on Mora County Road B018, then

2.5 miles on Santa Fe National Forest FSR 114. * A third access point is via NM highway 518 to Los Alamitos, NM, then on Carson National Forest FSR 161 approximately 1.25 miles, then from FSR 161H access is limited to foot and horseback due to bridge being removed prior to fire.

Some roads exist off FSR 113 and FSR 114 that may be accessible by ATV/UTV. Fence may have limited access to high clearance 4x4 vehicles, ATVs, UTVs, and horseback due to topography.

Administrative roads may be accessed by the contractor with written permission to complete work (See map).

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TRAVEL MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES AND/OR RESTRICTIONS

• Certain uses are exempt from the prohibitions of the rule (Travel Management Rule published by

Forest Service 2005). (36 CFR 261.13)

• Motor vehicles use that is “specifically” authorized under a written authorization issued under

Federal law or regulation is one exempted use.

• Maintenance of Range improvements fit in the category of exempted use.

• The implementation of TMR should be conducted in careful and considered consultation with the

Rio de la Casa Allotment Exterior Fencing holder [Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, Sec. 402 (d) (e)].

• Motorized travel off the designated road system by contract holders must be based on need related to carrying out required management practices in compliance with the terms and conditions of the contract.

• Legitimate motorized use, including cross-country access, needed for conducting activities required under Rio de la Casa Allotment Exterior Fence maintenance will be authorized unless compelling natural and/or cultural resource issues require postponement or modification of the activity.

• Contractor access to complete work will be provided through a combination of designated Forest system roads and other access needs identified in term contract.

** Contingent on project schedule, inclement weather and possible fire restrictions could restrict progress.

** Some areas within the project may be impacted by the Wildlife Limiting Operating period (March 1st through August 31st).

Safety Hazards Prior to commencement and throughout fence construction potential safety hazards shall be identified and marked by contractor/supplier. Should any potential safety hazards be identified during work, those hazards should be communicated to the Contracting Officer immediately.

Method, Processes and Schedules Supplier shall identify the best method and process to meet the requirement of completion of the 4 strand barbed wire fence following the specifications identified below. Schedule should consider location & associated travel time, potential obstacles, inclement weather, and other issues that may affect work completion.

The Period of Performance for the contract is from date of award for a period of 24 months.

TASK SPECIFIC SCOPE

The following applies to fence segments identified under “General Scope” for 4 strand barbed wire fence construction:

1. Fence Rio de la Casa Allotment Exterior Fence:

a. Fence is only accessible by high clearance 4x4 passenger vehicle to Santa Fe National on

FSR 113 to FSR 114. Please note that access to Santa Fe/Carson boundary segment may only be accessible on horseback. – some old logging roads exist that may be accessible

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b. ATV, UTV and or small tracked vehicles (i.e. Bobcats) may be used to carry in materials, auger holes, string wire and pound in T-Posts where access will not endanger operator(s) on steep slopes.

c. This fence is estimated at 76,560 linear feet (14.5 miles), with slope being factored in.

d. Estimated number of corner braces (requiring 3 steel pipes or angle iron posts) that will need to be constructed is 55-60.

e. Estimated number of in line H-Braces (requiring 2 steel pipes or angle iron posts) that will need to be constructed is 55-60.

f. Estimated number of wire gates that will need to be constructed will be 15. **One gate every 5280 linear feet or where trail crossings are identified.

g. Estimated number of 12-foot gates replaced at Cattleguards 3.

h. Estimated number of In-line wooden Treated posts is 480.

Type 1 barbed wire fence. The minimum requirements for the fence include:

a. The fence shall be a four-wire fence built to wildlife specifications, consisting of four strands of barbed wire. The top wire shall be no more than 42" from the ground and shall be spaced 12" above the second wire (from top to bottom). The second wire shall be 6" above the third wire, and the third wire shall be 6" above the bottom wire. spaced 18" above the ground. (See Exhibit 1). Fence Visibility Markers are to be placed on top wire every 40-50 feet.

b. T-posts shall be 6.0 feet in length, and at 1.33 pounds per foot. Spaced no more than 16 feet apart with fence stays placed at approximately 5-foot intervals. The posts shall be set into the ground to a depth so none of the flange on the post is visible. Fence stay material can be either wood 2"x2"x42" or twisted metal fence stays 40-42” in length.

c. The barbed wire will be 12.5 gauge round Class 1, zinc-coated 2-point double strand twisted barbed wire.

d. Care shall be taken in placing fence post clips or fasteners on the wire so that they are not tightened enough to kink the wire.

e. Every 10th line post shall be full-length treated wood, 8' length with a minimum 6" diameter, set 30” into the ground. * Contractor may choose to use steel for every 10th line post. The steel used at the minimum be 2 3/8” outside diameter and pipe capped on top.

f. Gates shall be 4-strand barbed wire "rider" or "Texas" gates, a minimum of 8 ft. wide unless otherwise specified. A pry bar or "cheat stick" shall be on the gate to assist in opening and closing the gate. Smooth wire shall be used for closure loops. Where required, pedestrian walk-through gates will be constructed as per Specification 15 below or by a method approved by the Project Inspector or Contracting Officer. See exhibit 3 for gate specifications)

g. There shall be one brace for each 1/4 mile of fence, or at each point where the fence changes angle or a significant change in the vertical is encountered. (See exhibits 8 and 9 for details on fence bracing). A horizontal brace shall be constructed on each side of every gate.

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h. Water gaps shall be installed in all drainages where water flow could damage the fence.

Fence shall be ended at both sides of a stream or deep ephemeral gully, and suitable water gap installed. ** Swing picket fence designed for water gaps in larger streams and those areas will be identified on project map (See exhibit 4, 5, 6, and 7 for construction standards for fences across depressions and ephemeral stream channels).

i. Tie-downs shall be utilized in all dips, so that the wire is always placing downward pressure on the T-posts.

j. Line wires shall be cut and dead-ended on all corners, angle, gate or stretch brace posts, and the wire wrapped back on the stretched wire. The tie shall be made on the centerline of the post to avoid turning and slackening tendency of a face tie. The top wire shall be stapled down to the dead-end brace bars. Not more than 1/4 mile of wire shall be stretched at one time.

k. H-Braces shall be used to construct pedestrian crossings along the fence line in locations where pedestrian trails obviously bisect the existing fence line. While these trails are not established or maintained by the Forest Service, the intent is to discourage pedestrians from cutting or otherwise damaging the wire fence to pass through the fence. The passageway created must not allow the passage of livestock but should accommodate a pedestrian with a backpack.

l. Horizontal (H-brace) and corner braces will be marked by the contractor prior to laying out the fence so that proper alignment can be obtained. No trees will be used as braces or posts.

m. Horizontal and corner braces shall be constructed as shown in Exhibit 1 A. H-Brace design.

n. Horizontal and corner brace posts will be of 2 3/8” pipe or angle iron (2.5” x 2.5” x 0.25”), 7' to 8’ in length. Horizontal cross-members will be of 2 3/8” pipe or angle iron (2.5” x 2.5” x 0.25”) and 6’ to 8' in length. If pipe is used top must be capped.

o. Horizontal and corner brace posts will be set 36” into the ground and in concrete as shown in Exhibit 1 A H-Brace design.

p. Care must be taken to prevent the cutting of bearing trees in installation and right of way clearing.

q. The attached exhibits are Forest Service suggested applications and solutions and should be utilized where appropriate. Deviations from these suggested applications are negotiable;

however, any deviations not approved by the government prior to beginning work are subject to re-working or correction at no expense to the government should the unapproved deviation prove inadequate or inappropriate.

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2. Removal of existing fencing:

The contractor will be responsible for removing the old fence replaced by this contract.

Any old fence located on the National Forest side of the survey line within 30 feet of the new fence location will be removed from the site and ultimately from the forest prior to completion of this contract. Contractor will be responsible for disposal of old fence materials removed through this contract.

3. Tree felling within the fence line corridor

a. Tree felling shall be completed prior to fence construction. The contractor will be responsible for felling burned trees that are 30” dbh and under within the fence line corridor of 1 Chain or 66 feet that if left standing have the potential to fall and damage the newly constructed fence. *Felling of burned/hazard trees is only to occur on National Forest System lands. Contractor will be responsible for felling burned trees that are 30” dbh and under within the fence line corridor. Burned trees that lean away from and pose no threat to the new fence may be left but may be cut if needed. Burned trees are defined as those trees with no green needles remaining in the crown of the tree. The trees will be felled and left in place, with the exception of trees, or parts of trees that fall across the specific line of fence construction or onto other adjacent lands not under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Forest Service. The trees or parts of trees, that when felled intrude onto the specific line of fence construction or other adjacent lands will be moved onto National Forest System land and out of the specific line of fence construction providing for a 10’ corridor with the fence line being the center. In areas that corridor is visible from a main road after the fence project is completed, contractor will move felled trees over corridor at the entrance to disguise it. No wheeled or tracked mechanical equipment will be used for felling or moving trees as part of this task. No trees that are cut but fail to fall to the ground will be left hung up in other standing trees. The Contractor is required to meet with the COR to conduct an on-site review of the work area prior to initiating tree falling work to ensure no private land/structures or power lines are in the area the work is to be conducted. The majority of trees will be cut leaving a 6-12” maximum stump height.

The exception will be trees that may present hazards if cut lower than 12”. For clearing within sight of roads and trails the trees will be cut so the stump face is angled away from the road or trail.

ATTACHMENTS

1. FENCE LOCATION MAP (General Vicinity, Fence location and hazard tree removal maps) (Attachments 1-2)

2. FENCE, H-BRACE, AND WATER GAP SPECIFICATIONS (Exhibits 1-10)

Government Furnished Property/Materials

None

Contractor Furnished Property/Materials

Unless otherwise specified, the Contractor shall provide all labor, supervision, transportation, materials, and equipment necessary to perform work described in the Statement of Work.

The contractor may leave their equipment and Government furnished property/materials at the

6 | P a g e work site. The Contractor shall be responsible for the Contractor’s equipment and Government furnished property/materials if it should be lost, stolen, or damaged.

Contractor will certify all equipment and materials is free of invasive plant material.

FIRE PLAN

The Contractor shall be responsibile for the cost of suppressing all fires caused by their operation, and for all damage to any property of the USDA Forest Service or third parties The USDA Forest Service reserves the right to participate in extinguishing any fires caused by the contractor’s operations and the contractor reimburse the USDA Forest Service for the cost of all suppression activities ardered or directed by the USDA Forest Service. The following requirements are apart of this solicitation and any result contract.

(1) Fire Prevention: During periods of contract performance, fire requirements shall be met by the contractor.

(2) Execution of Fire Plan:

(a) Forest Service personnel involved will, in all cases, coordinate through the Contracting Officer’s

Representative (COR) except in cases of emergency of Forest closure.

(b) The contractor shall designate a fire plan representative who shall be responsible for executing and carrying out the fire requirements.

(c) The contractor shall include the fire requirements in all subcontracts

(d) The contractor shall assure that all contract employees are informed of the exsistence and conditions of the fire requirements.

(3) Compliance Inspection:

(a) Inspection by the Forest Service will be made to insure compliance with fire requirements.

(b) Should any deficiencies appear during the inspection, the contractor will be informed and the deficiencies shall be correctd within 24 hours. Activities with the potential to start fires shall be halted until the deficiencies are corrected and the corrections approved by the COR.

(4) Fire Pre-suppresssion Requirements:

(a) Fire Toolbox

(1) During fire season, the Contractor shall furnish and maintain, at the contractor’s expense, one fire toolbox at the campsite or some central location, as long as it is within ¼ mile of the location where the Contractor is currently performing work.

(2) The fire toolbox is to be maintained with tools in good condition in the following quantities for each five people in the Contractor’s workforce. The eqiupment is for the sole source of firefighting. Four shovels, two axes, one pulaski, and five each 1-gallon canteens. Where needed, brushhooks and McLeod tools may be substituted for shovels or axes.

(3) The fire toolbox shall be replenished by the Contractor after each incidence of fire use.

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(a) Work-hours At all times during closed fire season period, as specified by State law, the Contractor shall comply with each of the following provisions to the extent applicable to his operation under the contract. Unless the COR waives the requirement in writing.

The fire plan shall also specify additional measures and/or special requirements, such as Hoot Owl restrictions, necessary during periods of critical fire weather conditions.

When Hoot Owl restrictions are invoked, the Forest Service may curtail or shut down all or portions of a Contractor's operations. The following requirements may be imposed:

a. All high fire risk operations could be terminated at 1300 local time.

a. Patrolman may be required for a period of 2 hours after high fire risk operations and 1 hour after end of work shift. The Contractor shall provide the patrolman unless the contract is for equipment rental, in which case the Government will provide the patrolman.

Reference of Industrial Operations on last page of Fire Plan

Fire Extinguishers and Tools on Mobile or Stationary Equipment. Each unit of powered equipment used in connection with this contract, including automobiles, trucks, tractors, etc., shall be equipped with serviceable tools and fire extinguishers as fo

a. One - fire extinguisher, dry chemical type of not less than 2-1/2 pound capacity with 4 BC or higher rating.

b. One - shovel, round point #0 lady or equal.

c. One - water container (at least 1-gallon capacity), not required with stationary equipment.

Spark Arresters. Each internal combustion engine shall be provided with a spark arrester or spark arresting device approved by the Forest Service. Exceptions where the Forest Service may approve mufflers, or other equipment in lieu of spark arresters qualified and rated under Forest Service Standard 5100-1a, are: (a) small multiposition engines, such as chain saws, shall meet Society of Automotive Engineers J335b standards; (b) passenger-carrying vehicles and light trucks may have baffle-type mufflers with tail pipe; (c) heavy-duty trucks may have a vertical stack exhaust system and muffler, provided the exhaust stack extends above the cab of the vehicle. An exhaust-driven turbocharger is considered to be a satisfactory spark arrester. Internal combustion engine exhaust systems, arresters, and other devices must be properly installed and maintained.

Powersaws. For each powersaw used in connection with this contract, the following will be provided:

a. One - shovel, round point #0 lady or equal. Shovel must be immediately available for use.

b. One - Fire extinguisher, containing not less than 8 ounces of extinguisher fluid, or a dry chemical powder-type of not less than 1-pound capacity. The extinguisher must be immediately accessible to the saw operator at all times.

Any fueling or refueling of a powersaw shall only be done in an area which has first been cleared or is free of all material capable of carrying fire; powersaw shall be moved at least 10 feet from place of fueling before starting.

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Blasting. Fuse or prima cord shall not be used unless authorized in writing by the COR with special precautions stated.

Smoking. Smoking shall not be permitted within the contract area except on surfaced or dirt roads, at landings, within closed vehicles, in camps, or at other posted places, and shall never be allowed while working or traveling on foot.

Storage of Petroleum and Other Highly Flammable Products. Gasoline, oil, grease, or other highly flammable material will be stored either in a separate building used exclusively for such storage, or at a site where all combustible debris and vegetation is cleared away within a radius of 25 feet. Fire extinguishers and/or sand barrels may be required at such locations specified by the Forest Service when unusually hazardous conditions exist.

Debris Burning and Warming Fires. Burning permits will be required for all debris burning fires. Lunch and warming fires may be allowed in fireproofed areas during periods of low fire danger if and as specified in the fire plan. Such fires must not be left burning unattended.

Precautions for Stoves. Stovepipes on all temporary buildings, trailers, and tents using wood burning stoves, will be equipped with roof jacks and serviceable spark arresters of mesh with openings no larger than 5/8 inch.

All stovepipes, inside and out, will not be closer than 2 feet from any wood or other flammable material or 1 foot if the combustible material is protected by a metal or asbestos shield.

Welding. Welding or use of cutting torches will be permitted only in areas that have been cleared or are free of all material capable of carrying fire. Flammable debris and vegetation must be removed from within a minimum of 10 feet radius of all welding and cutting torch operations. A shovel and a 5-gallon standard backpack water container, (filled) with handpump attached, shall be immediately available for use in the event of a fire start.

Fire Suppression. The Contractor shall take independent action on the suppression of all fires in the work area vicinity. Vicinity is defined as a 1/2 mile extension from the operations area boundary.

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Historical Data

The following data on the Forest area involved is to be provided for the contractor’s information. The data will be based on records for the past 10 years.

Total fire season April 1 to September 20

Average number of days of Plan A 58 Average number of days of Plan B 35 Average number of days of Plan C 10 Average number of days of Plan D 12

Predicted Manning Class for the Fire Danger Rating Area Industrial Fire Precaution Plan 0, 1, 2 A 3 B 4 C 5 D

Area closure proclaimed by the Forest Supervisor or Regional Forester.

Fire Precaution Plan Description A Normal fire precaution. No fire guard required.

B Designated areas for smoking, warming and cooking fires require a written permit. Contractor shall provide fire guard unless relieved of this responsibility in writing by the COR.

C Shutdown from 12 noon until 8 p.m. MST (1-9 p.m. MDT) of all machine treatment of slash, blasting, welding, metal cutting, and clearing. No smoking, warming, or cooking fires permitted at any time. Powersaws shall be shutdown from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. MST (10 am to 9 p.m. MDT). Operations on mineral soil involving road excavation, watering, grading, surfacing, rock crushing, and/or other equipment maintenance may continue.

D Shut down on all operations, except operations on mineral soil involvingroad excavation, watering, grading, gravel surfaceing and rock crushing may continue with a special Forest Service permit.

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Exhibit 1. Fence Design

FOUR STRAND WIRE FENCE TO PROVIDE FOR WILDLIFE PASSAGE

Top wire height from ground level shall be no more than 42”.

12”

6”

6”

18” from ground

The fence shall be a four-wire fence built to wildlife specifications, consisting of four strands of barbed wire. The top wire shall be no more than 42" from the ground and shall be spaced 12" above the second wire (from top to bottom). The second wire shall be 6" above the third wire, and the third wire shall be 6" above the bottom wire.

The bottom wire spaced 18" above the ground.

T-posts shall be 6.0 feet in length and spaced no more than 16 feet apart with fence stays placed at approximately 5-foot intervals. T-posts above ground that have had the paint burned off from the fire event shall be removed and not reused.

Barbed Wire

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Exhibit 1A. H-BRACE design.

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Exhibit 2. Splicing and tying off to posts

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Exhibit 3. Wire Gate Construction

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Exhibit 4. Low water crossing Fence Construction (Actual brace structure material can vary)

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Exhibit 5. Low Water Crossing Fence Construction (Actual brace structure material can vary)

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Exhibit 6. Depression and Draw Fence Construction (Actual brace structure material can vary)

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Exhibit 7. Swing picket fence designed for water gap Construction (Actual brace structure material can vary)

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Exhibit 7. Swing picket fence designed for water gap Construction (Actual brace structure material can vary)

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Exhibit 8. Typical Gate Bracing (Actual brace structure material can vary)

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Exhibit 9. Typical Line Brace and Corner Brace

Line Brace above

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Figure 10. Nailer Board Specifications

STATEMENT OF WORK