AREA1RX26073-Replacing old outdoor lights and outdated exterior electrical wiring

BACKGROUND

The Mexican Fruit Fly (Mexfly) remains one of the most destructive agricultural pests in North America, threatening over 50 varieties of fruit and vegetable crops, including citrus, mango, and avocado. To combat this threat, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) operates an Emergence and Release Facility (ERF)—commonly referred to as an eclosion center—in Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico, where sterilized fruit flies in their pupal stage are received, emerged, packed and released over Northern Mexico. The Preventive Release Programs (PRP) are the first line of defense against invasive pests before they enter the U.S. The PRP is the release of sterile male fruit flies throughout an area so that they mate with any introduced non-sterile females and prevent the establishment of a wild fruit fly population by biologically breaking the life cycle.

This facility is a critical component of the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) program. It supports the release of approximately 165 million sterile Mexican fruit flies per week across the border region to suppress wild populations and protect the U.S. and Mexican agricultural economies. Given the facility’s strategic importance and its location in a high-traffic border region, operational security and safety are paramount. The Regional Security Office (RSO) of the U.S. Consulate General in Matamoros, which oversees security protocols for U.S. government assets in this jurisdiction, has identified a critical requirement for enhanced exterior lighting. High-quality lighting is essential to:

• Ensure Personnel Safety: Provide adequate visibility for staff during 24-hour operations, particularly during nighttime shifts and early morning sterile fly releases.

• Deter Security Threats: Mitigate risks related to unauthorized access or criminal activity in an area where operations have previously been suspended due to security concerns.

• Enhance Surveillance: Facilitate effective monitoring by security personnel and camera systems, ensuring the integrity of the sensitive biological materials housed within the eclosion center.

Scope of Work: Exterior Electrical & Lighting Infrastructure Replacement

Project ID: AREA1RX26073 Location: USDA Facility (Area 1, Reynosa Mexican Fruit Fly Eclosion Center)

1. Objective

The Contractor shall provide all labor, materials, equipment, and supervision required to replace outdated exterior electrical wiring and old outdoor light fixtures. The goal is to restore reliable power supply and illumination to the facility’s exterior areas.

12639526Q0140, Attachment 1 https://www.google.com/search?q=mexican+fruit+fly+(mexfly)&kgmid=/m/0crfb3z&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjN0YS7rvCTAxXkBrwBHWnDIm0Q3egRegQIBBAC

2. Detailed Task Descriptions

Task A: Aerial Cable Replacement (Power Supply)

• Removal: Safely remove and dispose of approximately 500 meters of existing damaged or outdated aerial cable. at a height of 9.5 meters.

• Supply & Installation: Supply and install 500 meters of new aerial aluminum cable (Type 2+1, Figure-8 configuration).

• Equipment: Contractor must utilize a hydraulic bucket truck to perform work at a height of 9.5 meters.

• Testing: Perform continuity and insulation testing to ensure the cable is fully operational and safely secured for outdoor lighting power supply.

Task B: Light Fixture Installation

• Removal: Remove existing burnt-out or non-functional light fixtures from poles.

• Supply & Installation: Supply and install new 100W light fixtures onto existing 9-meter high arm poles.

• Components: Work includes the fixture, arm connection, and all necessary mounting hardware.

• Connection: Ensure all electrical connections are weather-sealed and meet National Electrical Code (NEC) standards.

Task C: Distribution Wiring and Connectors

• Secondary Wiring: Supply, install, and test 10-gauge and 12-gauge copper/aluminum conductors (as specified) for final power distribution to fixtures at a height of 9 meters.

• Connectors: Use exclusively Burndy USD aluminum connectors.

• Corrosion Protection: Apply high-quality anti-corrosion paste to all connections to prevent oxidation, loose connections, or arcing.

3. Contractor Requirements

• Safety: Contractor must comply with all OSHA and USDA safety regulations, including fall protection and electrical lockout/tagout procedures.

• Equipment: The contractor is responsible for providing their own hydraulic bucket truck, tools, and testing equipment.

• Cleanup: The contractor must remove all debris, old wires, and discarded fixtures from the site daily.

4. Place Of Performance

USDA APHIS IS Reynosa

Carretera Reynosa a Matamoros KM79, Brecha 102

Reynosa

4. Period of Performance

The work shall be completed within [30] business days from the date of the Notice to Proceed

(NTP).