Atch 1_SOW High Game Fence Construction.docx

VS CFTEP Construction for High-Game Fencing, Zapata, Willacy and Cameron Counties, TX Statement of Work for Contractor Services June 2023

1.0 TITLE: Construction of High-Game Fencing

2.0 LOCATION: Various Locations in Cameron, Willacy, and Zapata Counties in Texas

3.0 PROJECT BACKGROUND: The Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program (CFTEP) is charged with controlling the spread of the Cattle Fever Ticks (CFT) that can infect cattle with bovine babesiosis. This infection can lead to a negative impact on the cattle business and result in an infestation of local ranches. CFT are not exclusive to cattle. These ticks have also found suitable hosts in white-tailed deer and several exotic ungulates including nilgai antelope.

APHIS is concerned about the role of white-tailed deer and nilgai antelope in spreading ticks in the area. Deer can serve as an effective cattle fever tick host and distribute engorged female ticks within their core areas and home ranges. (Pound et al., 2010; Anderson et al., 2010) In one study, home ranges of whitetail deer, males and females in the western plains of South Texas, were measured to be approximately 264 and 189 hectares (652 and 467 acres), respectively. (Fulbright and Ortega-S, 2006) Note: one square mile equals 640 acres. Hunter-killed white-tailed deer, infested with southern cattle ticks, were located on properties that had been vacant of cattle for about 10 years. (Pound et al., 2010). Nilgai are also hosts of the cattle fever ticks free ranging in Cameron County. (Lohmeyer et al. 2018) Nilgai have large home ranges, up to 75,000 acres for young cows. (Foley et al. 2017)

CFTEP seeks construction of game fencing on private and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) refuge property located in rural areas of Cameron, Willacy, and Zapata Counties in Texas. Fence will be a minimum of 8-feet high and installed in areas to prevent access of CFT host wildlife (whitetail deer and nilgai) in tick-free areas. The high-game fence will not obstruct public or private access roads or driveways, nor will it be installed through township areas, or across water resources, such as streams and arroyos.

4.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The construction corridor referenced herein (limits of the topographic survey) is defined as the area impacted by construction of the high-game and/or pasture fencing and as noted by the surveying and staking documents provided under Contract #12639523C0063. Each county will have separate requirements as indicated in the respective sections below.

4.1 Contractor shall meet with the Government [e.g., Contracting Officer (CO), Project Manager (PM), etc.] to ascertain a clear understanding of the project scope; address any items that may not be clearly defined in the SOW, establish survey/project boundaries, locations of ranch gates, and address any site security concerns and protocols. Tasks that are unclear or deviations to the scope shall be confirmed with the CO prior to incurring costs. Contractor shall provide services as identified in the SOW. Note: The word “provide(s)” as mentioned in this SOW means to provide and install.

4.2 Contractor shall furnish all plant, labor, materials (i.e., woven wire fences, gates, posts, braces, fittings, concrete, bonding jumpers, etc.), services, software, equipment/supplies, etc., necessary to effectuate completion of this project.

4.3 Submit Requests for Information (RFI) to the Government for review and acceptance prior to construction. All RFIs shall have a tracking number. Government will have a minimum of 14 days to review and/or respond to each request. Requests received after 2 p.m. EST/EDT are considered as received the next business day.

4.4 Provide typical cut sheets of material recommended for installation. Contractor will use professional judgment in determining that enough information is included in the submittals for a quality deliverable and Government acceptance.

4.5 Maintain Safety Data Sheets (SDS) of all glues, sealants, paints, sprays, etc. used during the installation process. Submit SDS to the Government at contract closeout.

The Contractor shall be solely responsible for locating all existing utility installations above and below ground in advance of the project by contacting their respective owners. All costs related to crossing existing utilities, exploratory excavation, and other methods of locating existing utilities are incidental and shall not be paid separately but shall be considered incidental to the applicable bid items. Not all utilities are identified on site plans.

A federal law now in effect states that any person who engages in excavation activities without first using an available one-call notification system to determine locations of underground facilities; or without heeding location information or markings and subsequent damages a pipeline facility shall be subject to a fine, imprisonment, or both. http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/PLAW-109publ468/html/PLAW-109publ468.htm

4.7 Provide a Safety Plan and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Plan for Government review and acceptance. QA/QC plan should also address project phasing to minimize impact to the owners’ operations and preventative measures for excessive noise pollution.

4.8 Provide drawings/sketches and specifications of high-game fence, gates, and pasture fence installation/construction requirements for Government review and acceptance. Reference Exhibits for typical installations. Reference paragraph 10.9 for drawing requirements.

4.9 Construction corridor path is outlined below. Exact locations for the new fencing have been established per the survey and staking process performed under the referenced contract identified in section 4.0. Note: Associated figures (1-6) in this SOW are for reference only.

4.9.1 ZAPATA COUNTY INFORMATION: Install high-game fencing along the proposed construction corridor/fence path as outlined below. Total construction corridor is approximately 7.8 miles.

a. Zapata County - Reference Figure 1 (All locations).

b. Zapata County - Reference Figure 2 (Los Cristales/Martinez County Line Pasture, Villarreal Pasture, East San Andres Ranch, (3) East Viduarri Pastures, Herbst East Pasture).

Los Cristales/Martinez County Line Pasture (0.30 miles)

Start of fence

End of fence

Villarreal Pasture (0.10 miles)

Start of fence

End of fence

East San Andres Ranch (0.20 miles)

Start of fence

End of fence

East Viduarri Pasture (0.50 miles)

Start of fence

End of fence

East Vidaurri Pasture (0.60 miles)

Start of fence

End of fence

Herbst East Pasture (1.20 miles)

Start of fence

End of fence

East Vidaurri Pasture (1.90 miles)

Start of fence

End of fence

c. Zapata County - Reference Figure 3 (Los Corralitos Ranch).

Los Corralitos Ranch (3.0 miles)

Start of fence

End of fence

d. Zapata County – Ashy Dogweed, a Threatened and Endangered (T&E) species, has been identified within the proposed construction corridor. Locations of the plants are documented, and the affected corridor is noted below. Reference Figures 4a through 4d.

Plants have been collected and relocated by the University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley. Area is clear to proceed.

Ashy Dogweed (1.25 miles)

Start of fence

End of fence

4.9.2 WILLACY COUNTY INFORMATION: Install high-game fencing along the proposed construction corridor/fence path as outlined below. Total construction corridor is approximately 4.92 miles.

a. Willacy County - Reference Figure 5.

Port Mansfield Fence Section (2.47 miles)

Start of fence

Corner 1:

Corner 2:

End of Fence:

El Sauz Section 1 (0.84 miles)

Start of fence

End of fence

Floodway – El Toro (0.94 miles)

Start of fence

End of fence

Floodway Section (0.67 miles)

Start of fence

Corner 1:

Corner 2:

End of Fence:

4.9.3 CAMERON COUNTY INFORMATION: Install high-game fencing along the proposed construction corridor/fence path as outlined below. Total construction corridor is approximately 5.13 miles.

a. Cameron County - Reference Figure 6.

Trans American Aquaculture LLC (3.63 miles)

Start of fence

End of fence

Jorge Luis & Minerva Castillo (1.5 miles)

Start of fence

Corner:

End of fence

High-Game Fencing Requirements

The following general requirements shall apply as applicable. Several private and public parcel holders are impacted during construction of the high-game fence. Note: It is imperative that all contact with private parcel holders along the proposed route is by a CFTEP representative. Access property from designated roadways and any approved excursions off the road. Utilize the same paths for both ingress and egress to minimize any negative environmental impacts. Contractor shall ensure passages for property owner access. Reference Attachment 2 for technical requirements for high-game fencing.

High-Tensile Rolls

4.10 High-tensile roll of 330 feet x 96 inches with 3-inch x 3-inch squares of tight lock fixed-knot grid pattern wire pasture fence. Fence shall be a minimum of 8 feet (96 inches) high, galvanized and 12.5 gauge. Bottom strand shall be at ground level.

4.11 Reinforce fencing every 15 feet with concrete anchored 2-7/8-inch upset oil field tubing. If used upset oil field pipe is used the new piping should not be thinner than 3/16 inches thick. Install four 10-foot hot-dip galvanized T-posts (1.33 lb per ft) between the 2-7/8-inch upset oil field tubing pipe. (Exhibit B)

a. All galvanized pipes shall be buried a minimum of four feet below grade in 12-inch diameter concrete foundation.

b. A single two-barbed wire shall run across the top of all newly erected high-game fence 3 inches from the top of the high-tensile wire. (Exhibit H)

c. Construct cattle fencing of net wire with wires spaced far enough apart to allow ocelot, jaguarundi, and tortoises to pass through. Cut all offsets and “H-Braces” to a uniform length/size.

4.12 Construction materials require hot-dipped galvanized T-Posts.

a. Prime with a galvanized rust inhibitor, paint, and cap all vertical pipes to reduce rust and corrosion.

b. Weld a metal plate to the top of vertical pipes to minimize moisture infiltration.

4.13 Entrances to individual properties shall be corner braced appropriately in accordance with industry best practices; and local, state, and federal regulations. (Exhibit C) Install a minimum of 16 feet x 8 feet high-game proof gate. (Exhibit F)

4.14 Corners are at 90-degree angles with H-Brace structures and a 15-foot Deadman. Offsets are less than 90-degrees and similarly structured/constructed the same way as corners. (Exhibit C)

4.15 As required per code, ensure fence is properly grounded for lightning protection.

4.16 For visibility to mark long runs of fence quickly and easily, use “undersill” or trim strips of white vinyl siding cut into 3-inch pieces. Snap strips randomly onto barbed-wire fence.

4.17 High-tensile rolls of 660 feet with 12-inch squares of galvanized King Ranch Wire. King Ranch wire shall have 6 gauge on the top and bottom strand and 9 gauge on the filler strands in between. Fence shall be a minimum of four feet (48 inches) high, hinged-jointed with a grid-like pattern. Install the bottom of the fence at least 6 inches to 8 inches off the ground to allow grazing of the fence line.

4.18 Utilize 50-lb (pound) Tie-N-Lock releasable cable ties along fencing.

Line Fencing

4.19 Reinforce fencing every 20 feet with 8-1/2 feet x 5 inches treated wooden fence posts. Install four 6-1/2 feet galvanized T-posts between the 8-1/2 feet treated wooden fence posts. (Exhibit B) (For example: Wooden fence post 20 feet, T-post 20 feet, T-post 20 feet, T-post 20 feet, etc….every 20 feet.)

a. Bury all treated wooden posts a minimum of 3 feet below grade.

b. Install 8-feet double H-Braces every 1320 feet. (Exhibit G)

c. Install a single 2-barbed wire across the top of all newly erected pasture fence 3 inches from the top of the high-tensile wire. (Exhibit H)

d. Construct pasture fencing of net wire with wires spaced far enough apart (12-inches wide x 4-inches tall) to allow ocelot, jaguarundi, and tortoises to pass through.

e. Cut all offsets and H-Braces to a uniform length/size.

f. Any change of direction will require an 8-feet H-Brace with a Deadman. (Exhibits G and I)

Corner Fencing

4.20 Corner posts shall be 9 feet x 6 inches treated wooden posts buried at a minimum depth of four feet below grade and ground tamped with two 8-feet spaced H-Braces and an 8-foot Deadman. (Exhibits G and I)

4.21 Entrances to individual properties shall be corner braced appropriately in accordance with industry best practices; and local, state, and federal regulations. (Exhibits C and F)

4.22 Install a minimum of 16 feet x 4 feet high game proof gates with 8-feet double H-Braces and an 8-foot Deadman (24 feet on each side of the gate). (Exhibits G, H, and I)

Additional Contractor Requirements

4.25 Tasks shall include but not be limited to the following:

a. Identify ingress and egress to properties.

b. Identify site utilities in the construction corridor.

c. Clear and grade constructing corridor.

d. Install high-game fencing, pasture fencing, and gates specific to fence proposal requirements.

b. Contractor, at his own expense, is responsible for site security. Equipment shall be brought into and out of the work site(s) daily and not left at a work site overnight or unattended for an extended period.

4.27 Contractor will notify the designated USDA liaison who will then notify the USFWS immediately if a Threatened and Endangered (T&E) animal or plant species is seen in the project vicinity. Reference paragraph 5.2 regarding T&E species.

4.28 All employees working on the construction sites shall receive mandatory environmental training before proceeding to the work sites. Government will provide the required materials. Contractor shall minimize impact to existing flora and fauna as far as brush removal.

4.29 Based on historic data and local landowner approval, Contractor may need to prep, clear, and level an area between 6 feet and 20 feet wide prior to installing the fencing to allow for vehicle traffic and equipment access. Contractor shall ensure minimum impact to the environment.

a. Existing fence will remain in place. Install new fencing adjacent to existing fencing. (Exhibit E)

b. Utilize a forestry drum mulcher attached to a skid steer to clear area. Due to swampy area on some sections and the possibility of bees on trees, a tracked skid steer with enclosed cabin is recommend, but it is ultimately the contractor’s responsibility to determine feasibility.

c. Drum mulcher should handle the vegetation found in the local area. Mulched organic and other vegetation matter uprooted will remain on the property.

4.30 Repair graded/disturbed areas impacted by this project located in developed/occupied areas only. Backfill and grade before applying topsoil for finished landscaping disturbed by this contract. Apply topsoil to a minimum depth of four inches in all areas to be seeded. If topsoil is not available, import additional topsoil as necessary.

a. Reseed and fertilize landscaped areas impacted during the construction process with grass native to the area. Contractor shall provide means to maintain reseeding until grass has taken firm root and the ground is stabilized.

b. Furnish subsoil and topsoil material from a single source throughout the project. Submit name and all pertinent information for material suppliers including material resource certificates.

4.31 Any equipment (e.g., earth moving equipment, bulldozers, shredders, augers, tractors, brush cutters, etc.) removed from a controlled CFT quarantine/infested premise or eradication control zone must be cleaned and disinfected. If the equipment is moved but remains elsewhere in an infested area, no cleaning and disinfection (C&D) is required until the equipment is moved off the premises (infested land) permanently. Contact CFTEP to help arrange a storage location with the landowner. C&D is a regulatory requirement and will be performed by CFTEP personnel. CFTEP will also provide the permethrin (insecticide) at no cost. It is imperative that the Contractor contact CFTEP to arrange for C&D services.

4.32 Ensure field crew is familiar with all data to ascertain rights-of-way and to identify various privately owned parcels. As much as possible, fencing shall get installed within existing and/or proposed rights of way or easements.

4.33 Ensure the field crew is equipped with the proper personal protective equipment i.e., hard hat, safety vests, leather gloves, eye protection, etc.

4.34 Locate staging sites for construction equipment and supplies on privately owned properties of landowners where the fencing is located.

a. Identify areas for staging that are not greatly impacted by the work activities for fence installation.

b. Contractor shall coordinate with the PM and COR for a safe and accessible staging area. Restore staging areas and access roads to their original condition before final acceptance of the work.

c. To comply with environmental laws and other environmental review considerations, locate staging sites in previously cleared areas, roads, or driveways so as not to impact federally listed T&E species or migratory birds. Sites will be determined on a case-by-case basis, depending upon the location of the fencing and an agreement between APHIS and the concurring landowner.

4.35 Contractor shall maintain daily and/or weekly reports and a photo journal for project duration. Submit documents as required by the Government. Document via a photo journal potential conflicts or anomalies. Notify the CO and PM for concurrence of a resolution approach prior to starting any construction.

4.36 Coordinate with the PM prior to performing any welding or work requiring hot permits. Weld connections shall have smooth transitions with no sharp or extensive projections. Contractor shall be aware of environmental conditions that may impact the ability to perform welding i.e., wind, etc. Provide the necessary fire watch.

4.37 Submit proposed fence line stakeout and gate locations inclusive of pictures, maps and/or drawings to the CFTEP for review and acceptance.

a. Upon approval of the proposed fence line locations, the route/path shall be permanently staked in 50 feet intervals with all safety hazards identified.

b. Fence gates shall be 10 feet wide.

c. Private parcel holder access points within the proposed layouts shall be identified and surveyed. Note: It is imperative that all contact with private parcel holders along the proposed routes are by a CFTEP representative.

d. Access property from designated roadways and any approved excursions off the road. Utilize the same paths for both ingress and egress to minimize any negative environmental impacts.

4.38 Ensure construction sites are clean and remain free of all construction debris and personal trash generated by the Contractor. Contractor is responsible for waste disposal.

5.0 CFTEP REQUIREMENTS: Tasks shall include but not be limited to the following:

a. CFTEP will identify all properties.

b. CFTEP will prepare Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and acquire landowner signatures.

c. Identify meets and bounds (property line) to place a high game fence and 10-feet-wide ranch gates on the property location of several landowner properties.

d. Provide an aerial map of various properties. Include Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates in the documentation package.

5.1 CFTEP will provide personnel to serve as liaison between USFWS, Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge authorities, and private landowner(s). Liaison will confirm contractor access to the land areas to perform the survey work and staking. Liaison will notify Contractor in writing of access approval and any work restrictions.

5.2 CFTEP shall be responsible for instructing contractor personnel of their duties and responsibilities under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 and the requirements of a Biological Opinion (BO) issued by the USFWS on October 25, 2013.

a. Federal agencies (i.e., USDA) are directed, under consultation with the USFWS, to ensure that their actions (and actions of their contracted agents) do not jeopardize the continued existence of T&E species (plants and/or animals) or destroy or adversely modify designated critical habitat.

b. Ensure survey and staking activities will take place in Cameron County within known travel corridors for both the ocelot and jaguarundi (both considered T&E animals).

c. In accordance with the ESA, USDA consulted with the USFWS on proposed survey and staking activities and their potential effects on T&E plants and animal species found in the designated fence areas. The USFWS has determined that survey and staking activities will not place T&E plants and animals in jeopardy if the activities abide by the terms and conditions set forth in the BO. T&E animals, other than potential CFT vectors, will not be harmed or harassed and will be allowed to leave on their own volition. Contractor will notify the designated USDA liaison who will then notify the USFSW immediately if a T&E animal is seen in the project vicinity.

d. Instructional material shall be provided to the Contractor so he can conduct the mandatory environmental training prior to work crews commencing work on the project. In the event new employees are brought in to work on the survey and staking project, they must also receive the mandatory environmental training before proceeding to the work site.

6.0 PROJECT DATA: As applicable, the following information and design criteria are available for the Contractor’s use to ensure compliance. Version identified may or may not be the latest. Contractor to confirm and reference the latest version prior to incorporating into design documents. Not all project data provided is applicable to this project.

· 29 CFR Part 1910 Occupational Safety and Health Standards

· 29 CFR Part 1926 Safety and Health Regulations for Construction

7.0 EXHIBITS TO THE SOW:

· Exhibit A. Permanent Quarantine Zone and the Texas Counties Involved.

· Exhibit B. Example of Game Fence Showing Braced Corners and Entrances using 2-7/8” Pipe for Additional Strength and Stability with 4” Pipe at Corners and Entrances

· Exhibit C. Corners and Offsets. Diagram and Example of Corner H-Brace for Fence with 15-ft Deadman

· Exhibit D. Two Examples of Single Barbed Wire Across the Top of Fence

· Exhibit E. Existing Fence Example with High-Game Fence Erected Behind Existing Fence

· Exhibit F. Example of Existing and New Gate Entrance

· Exhibit G. Example of Double H-Brace

· Exhibit H. Example of Single 2-Barbed Wire

· Exhibit I. 8-ft Deadman

· Exhibit J. Double H Brace with Deadman Braces

Figures (for reference only)

· Figure 1. Zapata County - All Locations Combined

· Figure 2. Zapata County - All Zapata County locations except for the Los Corralitos Ranch

· Figure 3. Zapata County - Los Corralitos Ranch

· Figure 4. Zapata County – Ashy Dogweed (sheets a through d)

· Figure 5. Willacy County – All Locations Combined

· Figure 6. Cameron County – All Locations Combined

8.0 PROJECT CONTACTS:

8.1 APHIS Contracting Officer (CO)

Jim Roloff USDA APHIS MRPBS Acquisition Branch 250 Marquette Avenue, Suite 410 Minneapolis, MN 55401-2329 Tel. No.: 612-590-7603 Email: James.G.Roloff@usda.gov

8.2 APHIS Field Operations – CFTEP/Program Manager/COR

John Picanso 903 San Jacinto Blvd, STE 220 Austin, TX 78701 Cell No.: (301) 887-7068 Email: John.Picanso@usda.gov

8.3 APHIS CFTEP Field Operations

Teofilo Vela CFTEP Field Operations Supervisor (North) Zapata County Office 120 Carla St.

Zapata, Texas 78573 Cell No.: (956) 763-2666 Email: Teofilo.Vela@usda.gov

8.4 APHIS CFTEP Field Operations

Douglas Anderson CFTEP Field Operations Supervisor (South) Hidalgo County Office 211 Schuerbach Rd.

Mission, Texas 78573 Cell No.: (956) 443-9020 Email: Douglas.Anderson@usda.gov

8.5 APHIS CFTEP Cameron County Field Operations

Jesus (Jesse) Coy CFTEP Cameron County Supervisor

8000 US 281

Brownsville, Texas 78520 Cell No.: (956) 371-3188 Email: Jesus.Coy@usda.gov

8.6 APHIS Engineering Project Manager (EPM)

Rheta R. Johnson

USDA APHIS MRP AAMD ESB

Room 3A-03.40 4700 River Road, Unit 115 Riverdale, MD 20737 Tel. No.: (301) 851-2638 Cell No.: (301) 440-1623 Email: Rheta.R.Johnson@usda.gov

8.7 APHIS Safety and Health Branch Acting Branch Chief

Timothy Snidow

USDA APHIS MRP ESSD

4700 River Road Riverdale, MD 20737 Tel. No.: (301) 904-0916 Cell No.: (443) 772-4862 Email: Timothy.Snidow@usda.gov

8.8 APHIS Security Chief

Jeffrey Zimmerman

USDA APHIS MRP EMSSD

4700 River Road Riverdale, MD 20737 Tel. No.: (301) 436-3144 Cell No.: (919) 338-3259 Email: Jeffrey.Zimmerman@usda.gov

8.9 Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) Field Operations

Eli Benavidez Supervising Inspector 25833 Zinnia County Road Raymondville, Texas 78580 Cell No.: (956) 229-2761 Email: Eli.Benavidez@tahc.texas.gov

8.10 APHIS CFTEP Field Operations

Troy Trevino Management Analyst CFTEP Director’s Office 120 San Francisco Ave.

Laredo, Texas 78040 Cell No.:

Email: Troy.Trevino@usda.gov

9.0 OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

9.1 Construction drawings and/or sketches should show all proposed work items. Submittals shall meet the requirements of section 11.0 “Document Submittals.” All document submittals must be signed and sealed by a Professional Engineer registered in the State of Texas and the Surveyor’s license/certification.

9.2 The Contractor shall comply with the latest editions of national codes and regulations including federal, state, and local laws. Contractor shall pull permits as required and as denoted in the SOW. Codes and regulations include, but are not limited to, the following:

· International Building Code (IBC)

· National Life Safety Code

· Occupational Safety and Health Administration Regulations (OSHA)

· Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

· Trade practices:

1. American Congress on Surveying and Mapping (ACSM) Land Title Surveys

2. National Society of Professional Surveyors (NSPS)

3. American Land Title Association (ALTA). Minimum Standard Detail Requirements

· Texas Department of Transportation Survey Manual

· Texas Administrative Codes

9.3 Cost Proposal and Schedule: Based upon this SOW, the Contractor shall prepare an itemized fee proposal and schedule of values for services required to complete the aforementioned project. Fee proposal shall show tasks, the disciplines required, number of hours for each discipline, labor costs for each discipline/trade, material costs, travel costs, etc. A cover letter shall set forth all assumptions and exemptions made in the development of the fee proposal and indicate the costs for each task. A lump sum proposal without the required breakout is unacceptable.

9.4 Field Investigation and Site Survey: The Contractor shall coordinate with the PM and inform the CO to schedule and conduct all site investigations. Contractor shall investigate the proposed construction corridor to ascertain site conditions prior to commencing work.

9.5 Texas Survey Requirements. Contractor shall adhere to the TxDOT Survey Manual: Standards and other applicable standards as required by the Texas Administrative Code for Professional Land Surveyors. http://onlinemanuals.txdot.gov/txdotmanuals/ess/units__and_datum.htm

9.6 Compliance with Building Codes: In accordance with Public Law 100-678, federal agencies must comply with national building codes, local building codes, and zoning ordinances. The Contractor shall comply with the appropriate statutes governing the signing and sealing of engineering reports and drawings.

9.7 Compliance with Local Building Officials: Public Law 100-678 requires federal agencies to offer local building officials the opportunity to review projects for code conformance. The design effort must include coordination efforts with the local building officials. The federal Government will not pay for reviews. If the code authority declines to review the project without payment, the Contractor shall document the effort was made to coordinate with the code authority, but that they declined the offer. If the code authority chooses to review design without payment, the Contractor shall coordinate all project submissions with the local code authorities.

9.8 Cost Estimates: Construction costs shall be presented based on CSI Master Format 2020 in sufficient detail to facilitate a review and verification of all quantities and cost assumptions. The construction cost estimates shall include all associated parts of the construction such as subcontractor overhead and profit, contingencies, general requirements, travel costs, unit costs, labor hours, bonding, soft costs (i.e., environmental assessment, permitting, inspection services/contract administration and designer of record services), etc. to ensure all aspects of the construction are included. Please ensure proposal is broken out and detailed enough for the Government to make an informed decision regarding associated tasks and costs. A lump sum proposal that is not detailed (broken out) will not be accepted. Reference paragraph 9.3.

9.10 Electronic Files/Final Turnover: Drawings related to this effort will be prepared using computer aided design and drafting (CADD), AutoCAD for Windows, and will be in .PDF files. Contractor shall ensure that all survey data is in an electronic format readable by ESRI ArcGIS version 10.2 or later software. Electronic and hard copy formats of the drawings and specifications will be provided to the Government. Final drawings shall be signed and sealed by a Professional Engineer registered in Texas and the Surveyor’s license/certification.

11.0 DOCUMENT SUBMITTALS:

11.1 Contractor to submit drawings and reports in accordance with the submittal schedule. Contractor shall ensure that submittals are identified with the appropriate date, revision number and submittal identifier to avoid confusion. The Contractor shall comply with the appropriate statutes governing the signing and sealing of engineering reports and drawings. It is expected that the Contractor will use professional judgment in determining that enough information is included in each submittal for an effective review and to ensure project execution.

11.2 Project submittal schedule: Upon receipt of the Notice to Proceed, the Contractor, at the direction of the CO, shall provide in writing a work schedule that encompasses the performance period and all tasks as provided by the Government. Submit schedule in Gantt chart format or equal. Schedule should identify critical path elements and indicate project requirements for each submission and review stage. Schedule is provided for negotiation with the Contractor when setting contract time requirements for meeting contract submissions and construction deadlines. The number of days indicates the time duration to complete a task upon completion of the preceding task. A minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days for review time will be required by the Government. The duration of the contract shall not exceed 60 days from issuance of the Notice to Proceed.

11.3 Submittal Distribution: The Contractor shall send copies of submittals directly to the following individuals. A copy of the Contractor’s transmittal letter shall be provided to the CO and EPM. Deliver submittals by Federal Express, United Parcel Service (UPS) or courier. Reference section 8.0 “Project Contact Persons” for respective contact information. Drawing size listed is architectural C-size unless otherwise noted.

Fee Proposal/Cost Estimate

Electronic .pdf and hardcopies submittals

12.0 FINAL DOCUMENT TURNOVER:

Final drawing submission shall incorporate and address actual site conditions. Final drawings including any reports shall be signed and sealed by a Professional Engineer registered in Texas and the Surveyor’s license/certification. Include all project documents on either CD or thumb drive (TD). Please categorize appropriately. Coordinate with the EPM closeout document requirements. Closeout documents shall be submitted no later than 20 days upon completion of the project.

References:

Foley, A. M., J. A. Goolsby, J. A. Ortega-S., Jr., J. A. Ortega-S., A. Pérez de León, N. K. Singh, A. Schwartz, D. Ellis, D. G. Hewitt, and T. A. Campbell. 2017. Movement patterns of nilgai antelope in South Texas: implications for cattle fever tick management. Preventive Veterinary Medicine 146:166–172.

Lohmeyer, K. H., M. A. May, D. B. Thomas, and A. A. Pérez de León. 2018. Implication of nilgai antelope (Artiodactyla: Bovidae) in reinfestations of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) in south Texas: a review and update. Journal of Medical Entomology 55:515–522.

Pound, J. M., George, J. E., Kammlah, D. M., Lohmeyer, K. H., and Davey, R. B. (2010). Evidence for the role of white-tailed deer (Artiodactyla:Cervidae) in the epidemiology of cattle ticks and southern cattle ticks (Acari:Ixodidae) in reinfestations along the Texas/Mexico border in South Texas – A review and update. J. Econ. Entomol. 103, 211–218.

Anderson, D. P., Hagerman, A. D., Teel, P. D., Wagner, G. G., Outlaw, J. L., and Herbst, B. K. (2010). Economic Impact of Expanded Fever Tick Range. Research Report 10-2. College Station, TX: Agricultural and Food Policy Center, Texas AgriLife Research.

Fulbright, Timothy Edward and Ortega-Santos, Jose’ Alfonso (2006 and 2013). White-Tailed Deer Habitat Ecology and Management on Rangelands. Texas A.M. University Press.

EXHIBITS

EXHIBIT A

Permanent Quarantine Zone and the Texas Counties Involved

EXHIBIT B

Example of Game Fence Showing Braced Corners and Entrances using 2-7/8” Pipe for Additional Strength and Stability with 4” Pipe at Corners and Entrances

EXHIBIT C

EXHIBIT C

OFFSETS

Diagram and Example of Corner H-Brace for Fence with 15-ft Deadman

High-Game and Pasture Fencing, Cameron, Willacy, and Zapata Counties, TX Attachment 1

EXHIBIT D

Two Examples of Single Barbed Wire Across the Top of Fence

EXHIBIT E

Existing Fence Example with High-Game Fence Erected Behind Existing Fence

EXHIBIT F

Example of Existing Gate Entrance

Example of New Gate Entrance

EXHIBIT G

Example of Double H-Brace

EXHIBIT H

Example of Single 2-Barbed Wire

EXHIBIT I

8-ft Deadman

EXHIBIT J

Double H Brace with Deadman Braces

Figures 1 through 6 (For Reference Only)

Place of Performance: Zapata County - All Locations Combined

Figure 1

Place of Performance: Zapata County (All Zapata County locations except for the Los Corralitos Ranch)

Figure 2

Place of Performance: Zapata County - Los Corralitos Ranch

Figure 3

Place of Performance: Zapata County – Ashy Dogweed

Figure 4a

Figure 4b

Figure 4c

Figure 4d

Place of Performance: Willacy County

Figure 5

Place of Performance: Cameron County

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