a.AG-04KK-S-13-0005.docx

AG-04KK-S-13-0005 2013 PCRD Fence Construction Solicitation Page 4 of 40

SECTION B - Supplies or Services and Prices/Costs Schedule of Items

2013 PCRD Fence Construction

7*

8*

9**

TOTAL

*Contract Quantities as defined in 109.02b

**Contractor can submit an invoice for T-posts, barbed wire, smooth wire, #9 wire, and woven wire game fence in the quantities shown on the separately attached document “Contractor Provided Materials List”. If the above-listed materials are stored on-site or at a government facility and the materials are properly marked as materials to be used under the contract, a proper invoice will be accepted and paid. Any unused material at the end of the contract will become the government’s property. If any material is required above the quantities shown within the contract, the Contractor will be responsible for obtaining the material and no further invoices for that material will be accepted.

B-2 - NOTE: Payment for bond premiums in accordance with Clause 52.232-5, Payments under Fixed-Price Construction Contracts, shall not be in addition to the contract price. Include bond payments under Mobilization.

Payment will be made on actual work performed as described in FP-03 109.01 unless otherwise noted.

B-3 CONTRACTOR INFORMATION

TIN: __________________________

DUNS: ________________________

SECTION C - Description/Specifications/Statement of Work

C-1 Description of Work This contract is for the purpose of aspen protection by way of constructing fences within two major vicinities. The two vicinities (Knox and 16 Road) are separated by approximately 10 miles. See separately attached maps.

This project consists of the construction of four different types of fences. The four types of fences are: 1) Big-game fence (using at least 60” high, high-tensile woven-wire fence); 2) Buck and pole fence; 3) 4-wire (top 3 wires barbed, bottom smooth- all high-tensile); and 4) Group exclosure fences (using at least 60” high, high-tensile woven-wire fence). The group exclosure fences are small in size and don’t require gates. See specifications for each for more detail.

C-2 Project Location The fencing projects are within the Malheur National Forest, Prairie City Ranger District- Grant County, Oregon. There are two general areas that the fencing will occur (see attachments for vicinity maps within the Malheur National Forest).

Generally speaking the locations are southeast of Prairie City, Oregon. To get to both vicinities, drive down County Road 62 to Summit Prairie and then take the 16 Road towards Crane Prairie. To get to the 16 Road vicinity, continue on the 16 Road past Crane Prairie Guard Station. The work locations within this vicinity are located close to the 16 Road. To get to the Knox vicinity of this contract, take the 1663 road immediately after the Crane Prairie Guard Station. Work locations within this vicinity are dispersed. The separately attached unit and vicinity maps show exact locations.

Boundaries of the fencing will be flagged by black and white or yellow and white striped ribbon. When trees were not available to mark or flag boundaries, wooden stakes were placed at corners and in some cases along the line. The current perimeter lengths submitted were GPS’d using a survey grade sub-meter accurate GPS device (Trible GeoXT). Alterations to the length and position of fence may be altered, but alterations are expected to be minimal.

C-3 Accessibility Most work areas may be reached by standard two-wheel drive pickup during normal operating seasons. Some units, however, may require a four-wheel drive vehicle for access or may be behind closed or blocked roads. Occasionally, units may not be immediately accessible from a road and will require a short “walk” through another unit to access. Inaccessibility due to snow, fallen trees, road conditions, slides or washouts on roads may or may not be corrected at the option of the government.

The Contractor(s) may request entry on cooperative road closures or other road closures through the appropriate district office. Approval for use of closed roads in the project(s) area will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the District Ranger/Manager.

Use of an ATV is allowed for use in all areas. Unit 1B may have some access issues. There is an old road that is usable, but crosses a fence without a gate. If you cut the fence, it is necessary to ensure cattle don’t escape during and after work operations. In addition, 5F, 5G, and 6A all are on the other side of a 4-wire fence, but access can be gained by going around if so desired. Any fences cut or damaged for access purposes shall be returned to their previous condition by the Contractor at no additional cost to the Government.

C-5 Price Range This project is estimated to be between $25,000 and $100,000.

C-6 Noxious Weed Control All equipment to be used at the job site shall be cleaned and certified free of noxious weeds and their seeds prior to entrance onto the National Forest lands. The requirement shall include equipment and vehicles intended for off-road use as well as on road use, whether they are owned, leased, or borrowed by the contractor or subcontractor.

Cleaning shall consist of the removal of all dirt, grease, debris, and materials that may harbor noxious weeds and their seeds. This may require the use of a pressure hose. Cleaning shall occur off Federal lands.

Equipment, materials, and vehicles shall be visually inspected by a designated Forest Service Officer, and certified in writing to be reasonably clean and weed free. Inspections will take place at a location designated by the Forest Officer in advance of equipment and material arrival. Equipment and vehicles are expected to proceed directly to the project after inspection and approval.

Certification shall remain valid for each identified piece of equipment or vehicle only for the duration of the specified project and only as long as the vehicle or equipment remains at the job site. Equipment and vehicles (except passenger vehicles) that leave the job site shall be re-certified as weed free before they are allowed to return to the job site or re-enter National Forest lands.

C-7 AGAR 452.211-72 Statement of Work/Specifications. (FEB 1988) The Contractor shall furnish the necessary personnel, material, equipment, services and facilities (except as otherwise specified), to perform the Statement of Work/Specifications referenced in Section J.

C-8 AGAR 452.211-73 Attachments to Statements of Work/Specifications. (FEB 1988) The attachments to the Statement of Work/Specifications listed in Section J are hereby made part of this solicitation and any resultant contract.

C-9 Fence Specifications 4-wire fence specifications for Items 1A and 1B only Fence Line and Gate Location The layout of the fence will be marked on the ground by black and white or yellow and black flagging, spray paint and/or pin flags. Contractor shall construct the fence as close to the marked line as possible. Deviations from the flagged line of more than 10 feet will need prior approval from the Forest Service. The fence shall be located to the center of the cleared Right-of-Way (ROW). Gate locations shall be designated by the Contractor and shall be between 8 and 16 feet in width. The fence shall be kept straight as possible, following the designated ROW. The fence will run around aspen. Small diameter trees may need to be cleared to construct the fence line. Local juniper can be used for gate sticks, toggle sticks, and rock jacks.

Clearing It will be the Contractor’s responsibility to cut a 12-foot right-of-way (6’ both sides of the fence). Clear zone is to be reasonably cleared of all brush, saplings, sections of logs, and trees less than 7 inches diameter at breast height (DBH). Live trees to be used for inline or corners shall be left. Live trees that the fence will be attached to shall have the limbs removed to a height of 10 feet. Limbs and brush removed from the ROW shall be scattered off of the ROW. Stumps shall not be higher than 4 inches. Slash and brush shall be scattered and not pushed out of the ROW by mechanical means, which results in windrowing against live tree boles. The Contractor shall obtain prior approval from the Government to cut any additional trees greater than 7-inch DBH. No live trees or snags larger than 20.9 inch DBH will be approved to be cut unless these trees will fall across the fence in the future. Snags or live trees that are hazards will be marked by the COR and felled by the Contractor or Forest Service.

Fence Construction Line Wire Spacing Four line wires (top 3 barbed and bottom wire smooth) shall be spaced as follows: The bottom wire (smooth) shall be 16 inches from ground level, the next wire shall be spaced 24 inches above ground level, the third wire shall be spaced 32 inches above ground level and the top wire shall be spaced 42 inches above ground level, for a total height not exceeding 42 inches. (16, 8, 8, 10) Where possible, wires shall be placed on the side receiving the heaviest livestock use (outside).

Steel Posts T-133 grade steel T-posts that are 5.5 feet tall will be acceptable for 4-wire fences. T-posts shall have a spacing of 16 foot centers. T-posts shall be driven into the earth to the top of the spade, if in rocky or compacted soil no more than the top 1/3 of the spade be showing above the ground.

Securing Wire Wires shall be appropriately secured at all rock cribs, rock jacks, stays, end ties, gate ties, wire wraps, etc. When tying barbed wire off at trees, rock jacks, or gate end pieces, the barbed wire shall be wrapped twice around the post or stay and then be secured back on itself by eight tight wraps.

Splicing wire Wire splicing shall be made by wrapping ends of the wire back around the line wire six times forming an eye at the end of the wire; the other end is then placed through the eye and wrapped back around itself at least six times. All wraps shall lie directly adjacent to each other and excess ends trimmed. No more than four splices will be allowed in a quarter mile stretch per wire.

Wire Stretching All four wires shall be stretched tight and have no visible sag. In addition, the wire shall feel tight to the touch.

Live Trees Live trees may be substituted for rock jacks. Sound, live trees must be at least 10 inches DBH if they are to be used as corner or gate jacks and at least 6 inches DBH if they are used for line jacks. The trees must not appear to be likely to die within a few years. Trees selected shall be located so that the wire will either pull against or brush against the tree [nailer (scab) included]. When a new span is started, nailers shall be placed around the tree to prevent wire contact. In all cases, wire shall be separated from tree bark by nailers. Contractor can remove some bark to provide a good nailing surface. At no time shall the inner bark be removed to cause the tree to bleed.

Rock Jacks When nailing two pieces together in building a jack, Contractor shall use two nails near each end of each piece and place the nails at a binding angle. At least one half of each nail shall extend into the adjoining piece. Nails shall not be placed closer than 4 inches to the end of any piece to prevent splitting. Pieces shall be notched to ensure that a least one half of the nail extends into the adjoining piece. Any wood split as a result of the nailing shall be replaced. Rocks shall be placed under the rock jack to prevent the structure from settling into the ground. All nailed joints including rock jacks and inline jacks, are to be fastened with one loop of No. 9 wire securely twisted around the members and tightly bound.

Corner and Gate Jacks Corner jacks shall be used at all corners, at all fence ends, and both sides of all gates unless a gate is between two trees or a tree is one side of gate. All jacks shall be placed on the side that causes the wire to pull against the jack rather than away from it. Corner jacks are to be used only when trees of desired diameter are not available. Rocks shall be placed under all corner or gate jacks to prevent the structure from settling into the ground.

Line Jacks A line jack shall be built or placed at the apex of the vertical angle in the fence, whenever the fence crests topography with breaks of 10 percent or greater (vertical angle). At no time shall the distance between line jacks exceed 200 feet. At the bottom of the vertical angle, a rock weight may be used, provided the rock weight is tied to the wires to maintain proper spacing between wires and ground. Rock weights (dead man) shall not be substituted for line jacks. Rocks shall be placed under the line jacks to prevent the structure from settling into the ground.

Rock Cribs The woven wire (crib wire) shall be cut at 10 feet 4 inches long. The crib wire shall be spliced together so that the crib wire will become a circle. The crib wire shall not be more than 4 feet in height when standing on end. There shall be two T-posts driven together in the center of the crib, four T-posts driven in each corner of the crib, and four T-posts used for the flooring of the crib. On the outside of the crib there shall be two T-posts (stretch T-posts) driven not more than 10 feet from the crib and not less than 6 feet from the crib in the direction of the fence. There shall be at least three guide wires stretched between the two T-posts in the direction of the fence. There shall be no less than four wires of barbed wire stretched between the crib and two stretch T-posts. The fence shall be attached to the two stretch T-posts. The guide wires shall be attached to a device that has two 4 inch circles made of 5/8 inch rebar, the circles shall be connected by 5/8 inch rebar that is no less than 16 inches in length. The rock crib shall then be filled with rock at least the size of a baseball and no larger than a soccer ball.

Wood Stays Wood stays shall be at least 4 feet long and approximately 4” in width and depth. Stays may touch the ground, but shall not be buried or embedded and shall allow fence some limited movement along the ground. Wood stays shall be placed alternating between T-posts of about every 16 feet. All stays shall be placed in the fence so that the wires are at right angles to the stays. Wood stays shall be placed and attached between each steel T post, rock jack, or tree.

Nailers (scabs) Fences shall only be attached to live trees. Nailers/Scabs shall be required on all trees that the fence is attached. Wire or cable shall not encircle a tree without nailer protection and adequate wood stays to prevent the wire or cable from touching the bark.

Rock Tie Downs (Dead Man) Rock tie downs (dead mans) are permissible to maintain proper wire spacing and height. They shall be built of No. 9 black wire and placed around the rock weights in two directions to form a cradle. Ties downs shall not be substituted for other structures. Rocks used in weighting shall be in contact with the ground surface when in place. A T-post may be substituted instead of a rock. The T-post will be driven to the earth 2/3’s the length of the T-post at a 35 to 45 degree angle to the earth and fence. Then the No. 9 black wire shall be wrapped twice around the T-post and the remaining wire shall be twisted around the No. 9 black wire at least 6 times.

Stapling Staples shall be driven at a slant to the grain of the wood to prevent the wood from splitting and shall not be driven in so deep as to knick the barbed wire. Staples shall be driven so as to contact the barbed wire, but allow for slippage between the barbs.

Gates Gates shall be attached to trees, gate jacks, or rock cribs. Gate locations shall be designated by the Contractor and shall be between 8 and 16 feet in width.

Gates shall have at least one wood stay in the center and shall be constructed as depicted in the “Wire gate and size exhibit/drawing”. Wire all stapled stays with No. 9 wire. Gate end pieces shall be constructed of 3-inch diameter material. Barbed wire shall be wrapped with two wraps and tied back by four complete wraps onto itself. The wire shall then be secured to the post with one staple.

Wire loops shall be placed on the stand-up end gate. Double wrap twisted No. 9 wire around stays and posts. Contractor shall staple the loop on each side of the holding structure. Contractor shall place one wire loop above bottom wire and one loop below top wire. At the let down end of the gate, which will be opened, Contractor shall make double wrap loops at bottom and top and staple the loops to the gate jack or other structure.

The gate toggle stick shall be constructed using a ¼ inch chain (to be furnished by Contractor) with a 3-foot long flattened peeled pole 2-1/2 to 3 inch diameter or a 3 foot pipe, 1 inch in diameter with 1/8 inch wall thickness. Contractor shall fasten with one loop of No. 9 wire and staple around anchoring structure and lever. This lever shall fit snuggly, allowing the top double loop to be dropped over the gate end piece. Wire loop shall be separate from the chain binder.

Fence and Gate Materials Wood Western larch is the preferred material. No limb wood, white fir, or ponderosa pine shall be used. Wood material shall be free from rot. Where applicable, wood material shall be placed in the fence with the large end down.

Figure 4’s Where steel T-posts can not be driven figure 4’s may be installed and comprised of steel T-posts and/or wooden stays. If T-posts are used, the upright T-post shall be driven as deep as possible and two other T-posts shall be wired to the upright T-post to create a figure 4. Any steel T-posts that maybe in any of the existing fences shall be reused as figure 4’s.

Big Game Fence Construction Specifications for Items 2A, 2B, 2C, and 3A only (See big-game photos in attachments for examples of desired work)

Clearing The layout of the fence will be marked on the ground by black and white or yellow and black flagging, spray paint, and/or pin flags. Contractor shall construct the fence as close to the marked line as possible. Deviations from the flagged line of more than 10 feet will need prior approval from the Forest Service.

Contractor shall clear a 12 foot ROW (6 feet on each side of the fence). This includes rocks and debris along the ROW to allow better clearance of drilling post holes or pounding posts. Contractor shall remove trees beyond the ROW that are likely to fall on the fence if left. Tree stumps that fall in line with the fence shall be cut so that the fence can be installed within 3” of the ground. Tree limbs from in-line trees shall be removed to at least a six foot height. Live trees less than two feet from the proposed fence line and at least 8 inches DBH may be used as line posts. If a live tree is used as a line post, it needs to have a stay attached to it upon which the fence can be affixed.

Fence Construction Set Fence Posts T-posts shall be heavy duty steel (T-133) and shall be at least seven feet long. Wooden stays shall be at least five feet long. T-posts and wooden stays (2”x4”x5’ milled lumber is acceptable) shall alternate every 16 feet for increased stability. On rocky or steep ground, rock jacks shall be constructed instead of setting posts.

Construct H-Braces For strength, install a single H-brace every 0.10 mile for fence stretching and a double H-brace for corners (if in-line or corner trees are not available at this distance or where layout is located). Double H-braces shall be constructed on both sides of water gaps, gate openings (when trees are not available for gate openings), corners, at direction changes, and at the bases of ridgetops and steep slopes.

Spacing of T-posts in all H-braces shall be 8 feet. Cross pieces on all braces shall be wooden posts, 8 feet long by approximately four inches in diameter. Two strainers shall be used with high tensile wire in H-brace construction.

In suitable soils and moisture content, both wooden and steel posts may be driven into the ground. Otherwise, postholes shall be drilled or dug. Holes for H-braces shall not be more than 9-10 inches in diameter for 6-8 inch diameter posts. Depth of the hole for H-braces depends on the type of post used; however, shall be drilled at least 34 inches deep.

Steel posts shall be set at least one foot into the ground. If Contractor is unable to pound steel posts into the ground, offset slightly and re-attempt. If this does not work, a rock jack shall be constructed.

Install Woven Wire High-tensile five foot (60”) woven-wire fence shall be adequately stretched and affixed to all H-braces, rock jacks, in-line jacks, and T-posts as to prevent sagging of the wire. The fence shall be stretched tight using strainer boards or by other appropriate means. The fence shall be installed on the outside of the H-braces and T-posts. Stretching of woven wire shall be done incrementally to ensure a tight (non-sagging fence).

Contractor shall lay out a roll of fencing near the posts, keeping the more closely spaced wires at the base of the posts. Anchoring of woven wire shall occur at the constructed H-braces, in-line trees, or corners- while woven wire is then stretched and anchored along other H- or in-line braces. The woven wire fence shall then be affixed to the T-posts using clips and to the wooden stays with barbed staples.

When splicing rolls, if necessary, always make the joint where two vertical stays meet and fasten with sufficient looping for a strong and durable connection. Contractor shall attach the end of the last roll to the strainer board, leaving ample room (about three feet) for splicing to the next roll or tying off on the brace post. Contractor shall keep the strainer board vertical to the vertical stay.

Contractor shall attach the strainer board with two chains to a vehicle, tree, boulder, or other stretch point and begin pulling the fence up gradually against the line posts while easing the fence around any corners. Contractor shall then install the woven wire at or within 3 inches of ground level. Contractor shall then stretch the fence by pulling on the strainer board until the tension curves in the line wires are reduced to half their original depth, or about 220 to 250 pounds on each line wire. Contractor shall then drive double staples through the woven wire to the double H-brace.

Clips and Staples Staples shall be barbed and 2” long. There shall be at least 5 clips attached to each T-post and at least 4 staples attached to each stay/ in-line or corner jack. Staples shall be driven at a slant to the grain of the wood to prevent splitting of the posts and causing the staples to pull out. Contractor shall leave 0.125 to 0.25 inch gaps between the inner edges of the staples and the wire to permit movement of the wire. Wires shall not be stapled tightly to the posts. Contractor shall position the staples on a post, so that they are not in one vertical line. Only every other wire on a given post shall be stapled (at least 4 per wooden stay or post). The line wires that are stapled shall be alternated from post to post.

Install Barbed Wire One strand of high-tensile barbed wire shall be installed at the top of the five foot woven wire. Wire shall be stretched along the top with no gap between the barbed wire and the woven wire fence. Contractor shall use clips to attach both the top wire of the woven wire fence and the barbed wire together at the top height of woven wire fence and wrap #9 smooth wire along the length of the barbed wire in at least 2 places between steel posts (see Figure 11 from big-game photo exhibit). When splicing is necessary, Contractor shall use a double-eye splice with same specifications as described from 4-wire splicing section.

Contractor shall staple the wire with barbed staples at the appropriate height prior to stretching. A gap shall be left between the staples and the barbed wire, as with the woven wire. Avoid knicking the wire, as it will decrease its tensile strength. The barbed wire shall be stretched with in-line strainers.

Gates The locations of the wire gates shall be determined by the Contractor, but shall generally face away from any associated road. Gates shall be8-16 feet in width. Ends of the gate shall be attached to trees, rock jacks, rock cribs, or H-braces. Gates shall be constructed with woven wire, similar in fashion to a gate constructed for barbed wire fences. The gates shall latch securely without sagging (see photos of gates). Where gates are installed, woven wire shall be attached securely and if using a tree, shall wrap around the tree for a strong anchor point (see photo of woven wire gate exhibit).

Group Exclosure Fence Construction Specifications for Items 4A-4I and 5A-5G only The construction of the group exclosures will be precisely like that of the big-game exclosure fence specifications will the exceptions noted below. Woven wire material shall be the same type and kind of that for the big-game fences.

1) No gates need be installed

2) No barbed wire affixed to the top of the woven wire fence will be required.

3) H-braces not required

4) Only steel T-posts shall be used (except where rock jacks or corner jacks are needed) and wooden stays on in-line trees.

5) In-line trees can be 6” DBH or greater (wood shall be affixed for attachment of woven wire fence).

Clearing The layout of the fence will be marked on the ground by black and white or yellow and black flagging, spray paint, and/or pin flags. Contractor shall construct the fence as close to the marked line as possible. Deviations from the flagged line of more than 10 feet will need prior approval from the Forest Service.

Contractor shall clear a 12 foot ROW (6 feet on each side of the fence). This includes rocks and debris along the ROW to allow better clearance of drilling post holes or pounding posts. Contractor shall remove trees beyond the ROW that are likely to fall on the fence if left. Tree stumps that fall in line with the fence shall be cut so that the fence can be installed within 3” of the ground. Tree limbs from in-line trees shall be removed to at least a six foot height. Live trees less than two feet from the proposed fence line and at least six inches DBH may be used as line posts. If a live tree is used as a line post, it needs to have a stay attached to it upon which the fence can be affixed.

Fence Construction Set Fence Posts T-posts shall be heavy duty steel (T-133) and shall be at least seven feet long. T-posts shall be installed every 12 feet for increased stability. On rocky or steep ground, rock jacks shall be constructed instead of setting posts.

In suitable soils and moisture content, steel posts shall be set at least one foot into the ground. If Contractor is unable to pound T-posts into the ground, offset slightly and re-attempt. If this does not work, a rock jack shall be constructed. Rock jack material (for corners or inline) shall be of sufficient height and construction to adequately anchor the fence.

Install Woven Wire High-tensile five foot (60”) woven-wire fence shall be adequately stretched and affixed to all T-posts and in-line trees as to prevent sagging of the wire. The fence shall be stretched tight using strainer boards or by other appropriate means. The fence shall be installed on the outside of in-line trees and T-posts. Stretching of woven wire shall be done incrementally to ensure a tight (non-sagging fence).

Contractor shall lay out a roll of fencing near the posts, keeping the more closely spaced wires at the base of the posts. Anchoring of woven wire shall occur at the in-line trees, while woven wire is then stretched and anchored along other in-line trees or corners. The woven wire fence shall then be affixed to the T-posts using at least three clips and to the wooden stays, on in-line trees if present, with barbed staples.

When splicing rolls, if necessary, always make the joint where two vertical stays meet and fasten with sufficient looping for a strong and durable connection. Contractor shall attach the end of the last roll to the strainer board, leaving ample room (about three feet) for splicing to the next roll or tying off on the brace post. Contractor shall keep the strainer board vertical to the vertical stay.

Contractor shall attach the strainer board with two chains to a vehicle, tree, boulder, or other stretch point and begin pulling the fence up gradually against the line posts while easing the fence around any corners. Contractor shall then install the woven wire at or within 3 inches of ground level. Contractor shall then stretch the fence by pulling on the strainer board until the tension curves in the line wires are reduced to half their original depth, or about 220 to 250 pounds on each line wire. A “come along” has worked well in the past. The fence shall be pulled tight so that no sagging occurs. Contractor shall then drive double staples through the woven wire to the double H-brace.

The staples used for attaching the fence to any wooden portion (rock jacks and or inline trees with stays) will be barbed and 2” long. Drive the staples at a slant to the grain of the wood to prevent splitting of the posts and causing the staples to pull out. Leave .125 to .25 inch gaps between the inner edges of the staples and the wire to permit movement of the wire. Wires should not be stapled tightly to the posts.

Clips and Staples Staples shall be barbed and 2” long. There shall be at least 5 clips attached to each T-post and at least 4 staples attached to each stay/ in-line or corner jack. Staples shall be driven at a slant to the grain of the wood to prevent splitting of the posts and causing the staples to pull out. Contractor shall leave 0.125 to 0.25 inch gaps between the inner edges of the staples and the wire to permit movement of the wire. Wires shall not be stapled tightly to the posts. Contractor shall position the staples on a post, so that they are not in one vertical line. Only every other wire on a given post shall be stapled (at least 4 per wooden stay or post). The line wires that are stapled shall be alternated from post to post.

Buck and Pole Fence Specifications for Items 6A and 6B Fence Line Location The layout of the fence will be marked on the ground by black and white or yellow and black flagging, spray paint, and/or pin flags. Contractor shall construct the fence as close to the marked line as possible. Deviations from the flagged line of more than 10 feet will need prior approval from the Forest Service.

Clearing The fence shall be located in the center of a 12 foot cleared ROW. A six foot ROW on each side of the fence is to be cleared of logs and trees. Limbs on trees shall be removed to a height of eight feet on trees used as posts in the fence. Limbs and brush removed from the ROW shall be scattered off the ROW. All slash shall be kept at least 20 feet from any game or livestock trails. All stumps on the ROW shall not be higher than four inches from the ground.

Hazard Trees All dead trees within 25 feet of the fence line shall be felled. Any large snags that are likely to fall towards the fence line if left shall be felled prior to construction of the fence. Any tree in question will have to be approved by the Forest Service prior to leaving it. The felled hazard trees shall be bucked up to a distance of six feet on either side of the fence and the material removed from the 6 foot ROW on each side of the fence. The remainder of the felled hazard trees need not be limbed or bucked. If there is a question as to the necessity of felling a specific tree, the Contractor shall consult the Forest Service.

Fence Construction The buck and pole fences shall be at least five feet high with five poles spanning the front (outside) of each section. The bucks shall be constructed at a 60 degree angle. One pole shall span the back side (inside) of every other section for support. To ensure consistent construction an A-frame pattern will facilitate the correct angle and notch of buck pieces (see Buck and Pole Diagrams- Figure 1).

Poles Poles shall vary in length and diameter depending upon potential snow load. Five poles shall be spaced as follows: The bottom pole shall be a maximum of 12 inches from ground level; the remaining poles shall be spaced equally with the top pole approximately 52 inches resting in the notch created by the bucks (see Buck and Pole Diagrams – Figure 3). There shall be five poles spaced out as per Figure 3 with each pole spaced between 9” and 12”. The poles shall be hung on the outer perimeter of the fence to prevent livestock/wildlife from pressing the poles off of the fence. In addition, and in order to increase strength, every alternating section shall have a pole nailed to the bottom as in the Buck and Pole Diagrams – Figure 3. However, when there is a turn in the fence the back horizontal pole shall be attached diagonally to increase torsion strength.

Use of green or seasoned poles will be determined by the Forest Service if materials are gathered on site. Lodgepole pine or western larch poles are the preferred material. Treated pole material may be substituted for native material.

Bucks Buck diameter shall be no less than five inches and buck length shall be six feet unless otherwise specified. Assembly of bucks shall use a framing horse to ensure consistency in mortise angle (see Buck and Pole Diagrams- Figures 1 and 2). Both legs of each buck shall use the same diameter material. Mortise cuts shall be made to allow for 6-12 inches of material to make up the “V” notch in the top of the buck. Contractor shall cut notches at a 60 degree angle. Mortise notches shall be at least 1/3 and no more than ½ of the diameter of the buck material. The notch shall be determined by the diameter of the buck material and must be cut to fit tight. For steep hillsides, a longer leg is needed for the low side of the hill to maintain the stability of the fence. Two 60d nails at opposing angles shall be used to secure the bucks. A reinforcing tie/cross piece shall be used on all bucks to keep the legs from spreading and to prevent the fence from sinking into soft soils (see Buck and Pole Diagrams – Figure 3). This tie shall be placed no more than 12 inches above the ground surface. Lodgepole pine or western larch is the preferred material. Treated buck material may be substituted for native material.

Assembly Poles shall be attached to the bucks using 60d nails, one per buck. Three inches of nail shall penetrate the buck leg to ensure a secure attachment, longer nails may be required if large diameter poles are used. Buck legs shall be notched slightly to prevent the pole from leveraging out during heavy snowfall or animals or people climbing over the fence. Poles may need notching also to allow enough nail to penetrate the buck leg. The top pole shall lie in the “V” notch of each buck. The poles shall be arranged so that all large ends of the poles are oriented in the same direction. At least six inches of overlap shall be left for each pole. A double pole “X” brace shall be placed on every 5th buck set. When facing a slope, diagonal braces shall be placed against the slope angle. A single pole shall be placed diagonally on the back of every other buck set to provide rigidity.

Gates The locations of the gates will be determined by the Contractor, but should point away from any associated road. Gates shall be constructed by placing poles on top of the poles which terminate at a gate point and securing both ends with No. 9 wire. A 60d nail may be used to further support the gate poles. An “X” brace shall be used on each buck set on each side of a gate.

SECTION D - Packaging and Marking

For this Solicitation and resultant contract, there are NO clauses in this Section.

SECTION E - Inspection and Acceptance

E-1 FAR 52.246-12 Inspection of Construction (AUG 1996)

(a) Definition. “Work” includes, but is not limited to, materials, workmanship, and manufacture and fabrication of components.

(b) The Contractor shall maintain an adequate inspection system and perform such inspections as will ensure that the work performed under the contract conforms to contract requirements. The Contractor shall maintain complete inspection records and make them available to the Government. All work shall be conducted under the general direction of the Contracting Officer and is subject to Government inspection and test at all places and at all reasonable times before acceptance to ensure strict compliance with the terms of the contract.

(c) Government inspections and tests are for the sole benefit of the Government and do not—

(1) Relieve the Contractor of responsibility for providing adequate quality control measures;

(2) Relieve the Contractor of responsibility for damage to or loss of the material before acceptance;

(3) Constitute or imply acceptance; or

(4) Affect the continuing rights of the Government after acceptance of the completed work under paragraph (i) of this section.

(d) The presence or absence of a Government inspector does not relieve the Contractor from any contract requirement, nor is the inspector authorized to change any term or condition of the specification without the Contracting Officer’s written authorization.

(e) The Contractor shall promptly furnish, at no increase in contract price, all facilities, labor, and material reasonably needed for performing such safe and convenient inspections and tests as may be required by the Contracting Officer. The Government may charge to the Contractor any additional cost of inspection or test when work is not ready at the time specified by the Contractor for inspection or test, or when prior rejection makes re-inspection or retest necessary. The Government shall perform all inspections and tests in a manner that will not unnecessarily delay the work. Special, full size, and performance tests shall be performed as described in the contract.

(f) The Contractor shall, without charge, replace or correct work found by the Government not to conform to contract requirements, unless in the public interest the Government consents to accept the work with an appropriate adjustment in contract price. The Contractor shall promptly segregate and remove rejected material from the premises.

(g) If the Contractor does not promptly replace or correct rejected work, the Government may—

(1) By contract or otherwise, replace or correct the work and charge the cost to the Contractor; or

(2) Terminate for default the Contractor’s right to proceed.

(h) If, before acceptance of the entire work, the Government decides to examine already completed work by removing it or tearing it out, the Contractor, on request, shall promptly furnish all necessary facilities, labor, and material. If the work is found to be defective or nonconforming in any material respect due to the fault of the Contractor or its subcontractors, the Contractor shall defray the expenses of the examination and of satisfactory reconstruction. However, if the work is found to meet contract requirements, the Contracting Officer shall make an equitable adjustment for the additional services involved in the examination and reconstruction, including, if completion of the work was thereby delayed, an extension of time.

(i) Unless otherwise specified in the contract, the Government shall accept, as promptly as practicable after completion and inspection, all work required by the contract or that portion of the work the Contracting Officer determines can be accepted separately. Acceptance shall be final and conclusive except for latent defects, fraud, gross mistakes amounting to fraud, or the Government’s rights under any warranty or guarantee.

E-2 Inspection Procedures Inspection for acceptance of work will be accomplished by a 100 percent visual inspection and will be based on adherence to the specifications. In the event visual inspection finds less than satisfactory work is being performed, re-work will be required. Areas not adhering to specifications will be flagged, identified to the contractor and documented in the daily diary. In the event damage to previously inspected portions of the fence is found, whether from natural events or manmade, the contractor will be responsible for re-work to repair the damage before final payment is made.

Compliance Inspection The Contracting Officer or Inspector will, by formal inspection, determine if the specified progress or methods of work are being carried out. Failure to comply with specified work standards may be cause for termination of the Contractors right to proceed, in accordance with Clause 52.249-08.

Contract Personnel If the Contractor is absent from the project area, a Contractor’s representative (designated in writing) shall be available for communication on a daily basis while work is in progress.

Inspection of Work Periodic inspection of work shall be made by the Forest Service to ensure compliance with contract specifications. Periodic field inspections will be made by Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) or the COR's designated inspector. Work not completed to contract specifications shall be reworked without additional compensation to the Contractor.

Determination of Acceptable Work Inspection as stated above shall be performed by the Forest Service for evaluation of contract specification compliance. The Contractor will be notified in writing the fence items not meeting contract specifications. Portions of fence which do not meet contract specification will be reconstructed by the Contractor and the identified items will be brought up to the required standard before the fence will be considered acceptable.

Unacceptable Work If any portion of the project that is found to be unacceptable, the Contractor shall reconstruct the unacceptable portion to comply with the specifications. Upon completion of the reconstructed portion of the project, the Forest Service will re-inspect to determine compliance. If more than two inspections are needed for repeated deficiencies, the Contractor may be charged inspector’s time and vehicle use.

Reinspection Upon Contractor Request If the original inspection results are not acceptable to the Contractor, a reinspection may be requested in writing up to 7 days after being notified of the unacceptable work. The original inspection will be re-examined by a different inspector accompanied by the Contractor. If the reinspection confirms the original inspection as not meeting standards, the Contractor shall reimburse the Government the actual costs incurred in making the reinspection. If the inspection indicates that work meets acceptable standards, the Government assumes the cost of reinspection and payment will be made for the fence.

E-3 Final Cleanup Before final acceptance, all areas occupied by the Contractor in connection with the work shall be cleaned of all Contractor's rubbish, excess materials, temporary structures, and equipment, and all parts of the work area shall be left in a neat and presentable condition.

SECTION F - Deliveries or Performance

F-1 FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference. (FEB 1998) This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

http://www.acquisition.gov/far/ http://www.dm.usda.gov/procurement/policy/agar.html

FAR 52.242-14 Suspension of Work. (APR 1984)

F-2 FAR 52.211-10 Commencement, Prosecution, and Completion of Work. (APR 1984) The Contractor shall be required to (a) commence work under this contract within 10 calendar days after the date the Contractor receives the notice to proceed, (b) prosecute the work diligently, and (c) complete the entire work ready for use within 365 calendar days after the date the Contractor receives the notice to proceed. The time stated for completion shall include final cleanup of the premises.

The estimated start work date is September 23, 2013.

SECTION G - Contract Administration Data

G-1 FAR 52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference. (FEB 1998) This contract incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also, the full text of a clause may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es):

http://www.acquisition.gov/far/

FAR 52.236-6 Superintendence by the Contractor. (APR 1984)

G-2 AGAR 452.215-73 Postaward Conference. (NOV 1996) A post award conference with the successful offeror is required. It will be scheduled within 5 days after the date of contract award. The conference will be held at the Malheur National Forest Supervisor’s Office; 431 Patterson Bridge Road; John Day, OR 97845 or at some other mutually agreed upon location.

G-3 FAR 52.236-27 Site Visit (Construction). (FEB 1995)

(a) The clauses at 52.236-2, Differing Site Conditions, and 52.236-3, Site Investigations and Conditions Affecting the Work, will be…