Attachment 4 - Performance Work Statement.pdf

US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Performance Work Statement

Contents Project Title

General Information

1.0 Background and Purpose

Contractor Requirements

2.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

3.0 Deliverable / Schedule

4.0 Travel

5.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel

6.0 Special Contract Requirements

Project Title ECRD Range Fence Construction (Falls Whiskey Sand Fires)

General Information

1.0 Background and Purpose

This contract covers construction and/or reconstruction of Range Fences on Malheur National Forest;

Emigrant Creek Ranger District. Items included are: 4 strand barbed wire fence, removal/Disposal of damaged or unusable fence, clearing of fence-line Right of Way (ROW), and providing new fencing materials.

Fences will be built to Forest Service specifications. The contractor will be responsible for transporting all the necessary material to the project site. The contractor will be responsible for disposing of all leftover pieces of metal, flagging, other construction debris and associated garbage.

Contractor Requirements

2.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

2.1 EXISTING FENCE REMOVAL

All existing fence and associated materials shall be removed. All metal wire, staples, and metal T-post will be completely removed and hauled off-site by the contractor and disposed of in accordance with all local, state, and federal requirements. Any untreated wood posts or trees used as part of existing fence can be left on site to degrade naturally. Questions related to removal or leaving should be directed to the CO or COR.

2.2 FENCE CORRIDOR CLEARING

The fence line corridor shall be cleared to an approximate width of 12 feet, measuring 6 feet on each side of fence centerline, and 8 feet above ground. All live woody vegetation greater than 24 inches in height is to be removed, except any live tree 8 inches or greater at diameter breast height (DBH) (4.5 feet above ground).

Those trees stay. Stumps shall be cut no higher than 12 inches above the ground. Small diameter brush does not need to be cleared. Large diameter bushes containing stems greater than 1-inch basal diameter shall be cleared. All dead down trees that are within the fence line corridor shall be dragged away from the fence line ROW. Down trees greater than 20 inches in diameter may be left on the outside of the center of the fence line. All dead standing trees that are within 6 feet of the fence centerline (fence line corridor) shall be removed from the ROW. Stumps shall be cut no higher than 12 inches above the ground. Slash created by clearing fence line will be scattered outside of the fence line corridor, and not in any ditch or roadway. Limited additional clearing may also be necessary as the fence is constructed to meet clearing specifications, as approved by the CO or COR.

2.3 FENCE CONSTRUCTION

All fences shall be 4 strand fence. All fences shall be constructed with all new, “like-in-kind” materials. Metal stays will be replaced with wooden stays. Use of metal stays will not be permitted. “Salvage” or “re-use” of wooden stays will not be permitted. Heavy equipment use will be limited to tracked equipment with ground pressure rating of no more than 6.2 PSI and can operate within the 12’ ROW spacing. Rubber tracks will be required for use on paved road surfaces. All equipment (heavy equipment, ATVs/UTVs, pickups) may not travel outside of the fence ROW without prior approval from the CO or COR. No soil boring reports are available. New fences should be constructed as close to the original fence location as possible. Changes to the locations of fences shall be approved by the CO or COR. The government has not flagged out fence locations but can be performed prior to construction of new fences and can be coordinated with the COR.

2.3.1 WILDLIFE FRIENDLY FENCE SPECIFICATIONS

Avoid enclosing dispersed campsites where feasible.

Ensure proposed fencing does not block or restrict access to any authorized special use improvements.

Fences are often used to protect critical fish habitat from impacts caused by livestock. Those miles of fence protecting critical fish habitats can also create hazards and barriers for wildlife, from big game to birds. By tailoring fence design and placement, injuries to wildlife and damage to fence can be reduced. Fencing should allow relatively easy passage for animals to jump over or crawl under and be highly visible for both ungulates and birds. The following field tested design recommendation have been shown to control livestock in most situations and allow for easier wildlife passage. These design modifications shall be used for barb wire fence construction to reduce wildlife injuries and decrease damage to fences:

o Prior to fence construction, range, wildlife, and aquatics will conduct a field visit to identify the most appropriate location and passage modification to allow for wildlife passage. Wildlife-friendly wire spacing, materials, and other specifications shall be planned for and implemented regardless of the implementation mechanism.

The top wire or rail should be no more than 40 inches above the ground and absolutely no more than 42 inches. This should include adjustments for slope. (

Figure 3)

There should be a minimum of 12 inches between the top two wires. (Figure 4)

There should be at least 18 inches between the bottom wire or rail and the ground.

(Figure 4)

Smooth wire (double twisted) or rail should be used for the top and smooth wire should be used for the bottom. When the top wire is barbed, the second wire from the top should be constructed with smooth wire.

If stays are necessary, wooden, stiff plastic, or composite stays will be used. No metal stays or other material that can easily bend and cause three-dimensional hazards shall be used.

T-posts should be placed at 16.5 foot intervals.

When possible, reduce the number of wires to three. No more than 4 wires shall be used without consulting the district wildlife biologist.

Remove old fences that are in disrepair and those that are no longer in use or functioning. Bale and carry away wire and dispose of or recycle it properly.

Wildlife-friendly spacing specifications will be maintained during maintenance over the life of the fence. (Figure 5) o The following additional passage modification shall be used around riparian habitats, water holes, stream corridors, and other high quality habitats:

Install gates, drop downs and/or drop down rails, adjustable wire fence, lay-down fence, elk jumps or other passages modifications preferably where wildlife concentrate and cross (i.e. trails, known migration routes, etc.). Passage modifications will be placed at a minimum of every 0.25 miles.

When adjustable wire fence or lay-down fence is used to create wildlife passage, sections will be a minimum of 33 feet in length.

If an exclosure is less than 0.25 miles, one or more passage modifications will be used to allow wildlife passage in and out of the exclosure. Passages shall be placed directly opposite one another on each side of the exclosure.

Jumps, drop downs, or other modifications should not be placed under trees or brush that would make the modification impassable by big game or antelope.

PVC pipe modification on top and/or bottom wire for big game and pronghorn passage should also be considered.

Modifications to increase visibility (i.e. high-vis/white ploy-coated wire, markers, etc.)

should be considered in these important habitats for birds and other wildlife species.

When possible, fence should be constructed entirely of smooth wire around riparian habitats and stream corridors.

Fence placement will be sited on the ground outside the channel migration zone.

o The following passage modification shall be used around areas where wildlife are known to move or migrate, and along swales, gullies, and ridges:

Install gates, drop downs and/or drop down rails, adjustable wire fence, or other passage modifications preferably where wildlife concentrate and cross (i.e. trails, migration routes etc.).

If areas of wildlife use are not obvious or known, crossing will be placed at a minimum every 0.25 miles. If fence is less than 0.25 miles in length per side, one or more passage modifications will be used to allow wildlife passage in and out of the exclosure.

Lay-down fence should be considered and let down when the pasture is not in use by cattle. (Figure 1) o The following passage modifications shall be used to adjust for slopes or along ditches or road edges that increase fence height above 42 inches for more than 0.25 consecutive miles:

On steep slopes, the top wire height should be adjusted to account for slope. (

Figure 3)

Install jumps, drop downs, or other passage modifications a minimum of every 0.25 miles, preferably where wildlife concentrate and cross.

Where possible, lay-down fence or adjustable wire fence design should be considered on terrain with steep slopes over longer distances. This will allow for easy passage for wildlife during migration periods when livestock are not present.

Adjustable wire design: drop the top wire to the level of the second wire, either in sections or along an entire run of fence, to allow wildlife to jump over easily.

Raise the lowest wire in the same way to allow wildlife to crawl under. (

Figure 2) o Fence will be let-down, adjusted, and gates secured open by the permittee as part of their permit conditions when livestock are not present and fences will be put up and gates closed each year before livestock are turned out.

o Flag newly constructed fence in known wildlife migration corridors immediately after construction to protect the fence until wildlife and livestock become accustomed to the new barrier.

o All modifications shall have a GPS point taken which will be shared with wildlife following construction for effectiveness monitoring.

o Fence will be constructed of high quality materials to reduce sagging and broken wires that create hazards for wildlife and livestock and to reduce time and costs associated with maintenance. The following fence materials are recommended:

Wire

Will be new

Will consist of two twisted strands of 12.5-gauge steel wire with Class 3 galvanizing and minimum tensile strength of 170,000 PSI.

Fasteners

Staples should be nine gauge or heavier galvanized or stainless steel, with a minimum length of one inch for close-grained hardwoods.

Staples shall be driven diagonally to the wood’s grain at a slight downward angle, (or upward if the tension is upward) to avoid splitting the post and loosening the staples.

Space should be left between the inside crown of the staple and the post to permit free movement of high tensile barbed wire.

Barbed staples shall be used for wooden posts. (Figure 6)

Manufacturer’s clips or 14-gauge Class 3 galvanized fasteners should be used.

(Figure 7)

Steel Posts

Steel line posts shall have the standard “T” section, with nominal dimensions of 1 3/8 inches by 1 3/8 inches by 1/8 inch with an anchor plate.

The posts shall be rolled from high carbon steel, weigh at least 1.33 pounds per foot of length and shall be hot-dip galvanized (best), enameled and baked, or painted with a weather resistant paint for steel.

Posts should be studded to aid in wire attachment.

Figures

Passage Modifications

Figure 1. Lay-Down modification allowing passage for wildlife where and when livestock are not present (Hanophy 2009).

Figure 2. Adjustable fence to allow for wildlife passage around high quality habitats, on steep slopes, swales, gullies, ridges and/or when livestock are not present (Hanophy 2009).

Figure 3. Influence of slope on fence height (Hanophy 2009).

75”

50 % slope

62”

42”

30 % slope 0 % slope

Figure 4. Wire fence with wildlife friendly fencing specifications (flat ground) (Hanophy 2009).

Figure 5. Wildlife jump or gates made of corral poles stacked parallel to the ground. Vertical poles should not be less than 12 feet apart. One or more poles can be removed to allow for easy passage (Hanophy 2009).

Fastening Mechanisms for Adjustable Wire Fence

Figure 6. Staple lock. Simple and effective on wood posts. Holds wire tight if standard fence staples are used.

Figure 7. Metal Clip. Excellent on either wood or steel posts. Easy to install, no maintenance and allows fastest wire adjustment. Existing fences easy to modify with this clip. Variations of clip available for both adjustable and/or lay-down.

12”

40-42”

16-18” Smooth bottom wire bottom or PVC pipe

Smooth (Increase visibility with a PVC cover, high-visibility wire, flagging, or a top rail.)

2.3.2 ADDITIONAL FENCE CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS

Posts T-post spacing identified above may be slightly closer to keep the bottom wire at an acceptable height above the ground line. Live trees or line jacks may be used in lieu of steel posts. If live trees are used, they must be located within two feet of the established line (a fence line offset brace must be used to maintain the stretch line), be a minimum of 8" DBH and must have a nailer ("scab") (see photos in Section J). Steel posts shall be driven into the ground, past the top of the flange plate. It is acceptable to pre-drill post holes in rocky ground to permit the use of posts in these conditions. If this method is used, the flange may be knocked off prior to pounding; however, the post must be secure in the hole with no wobbling. Steel posts shall be relieved of upward pull of wires by use of deadman rock anchors and tie-downs. Tie downs can be secured using a large rock or a T-post driven at a 45-degree angle parallel to the fence (no more than 18 inches of post can remain out of the ground.)

Gates The locations of the gates will be flagged by the Forest Service and/or permittee. Gates shall be 14 feet wide and constructed with 4 strands of barbed wire. The bottom wire on the gate will be at 16 inches above ground with the next two spaced 8 inches apart and the top wire spaced at 10 inches. Ends of the gate shall be attached to trees, rock jacks, rock cribs or H-braces.

Wire Stretching Wire will be tightened adequately to set the wire twists and remove factory kinks. It is, however, important to refrain from stretching the wire excessively. Excessive tension will weaken the barbed wire by removing the capacity for it to stretch. Location of stretch points will be determined by topography and the availability of tie-trees.

Splicing Splices in the wire shall be made by wrapping the ends of the wire back around the wire three times, thereby forming an eye at the end of the wire. The other wire end is then placed through the eye and wrapped back around itself at least three times. All wraps shall lie directly adjacent to each other, thus forming neat, tight wraps.

Rock Jacks/Line Jacks Rock jacks or line jacks will be placed at the top and bottom of all abrupt breaks in slopes. Rock Jacks will also be used to anchor both sides of gates, stream crossings and fence end points. Tree-ties or H-braces may be substituted for rock jacks.

Trees Solid live trees over 8 inches DBH may be used in place of posts, provided they are located not over 2 feet out of line. Tree branches shall be removed completely around the fence, to a height of 8 feet. A scab shall be securely nailed, with 6" helix nails to the tree at three points: top, center, and bottom.

Stapling Staples shall be driven at a slant to the grain of the wood to prevent the wood from splitting and will not be driven so deep as to nick the galvanizing on the wire. Staples should be driven to allow movement of the wire between the wire and post/tree scab to prevent the wire from pulling into the scab.

Water Gaps/Stream Crossings Stream crossings shall be constructed to allow the flow of high water and provide a barrier for livestock.

Cattleguards Fence lines shall be tied into the wings of cattleguards whenever present. If wings are not present on the cattleguard

3.0 Deliverable / Schedule

SEE ATTACHED SCHEDULE OF ITEMS

The Government reserves the right to prioritize the order in which items are completed.

Item Priority Delivery Schedule:

On or before 06/01/2026:

Item 1.0: MyrtleSagehen, MyrtleSilvies, SilviesCrooked, MyrtleWestMyrtle, ScottyWestMyrtle, CrookedMyrtle, LonesomeWestWyrtle

Item 2.0: DonellyBlueCreek, SnowBlue, SnowIzee, BlueIzee, IzeeSawtooth, LonesomeIzee

On or before 12/31/2026:

Item 3.0: SmokyLonesome, ScottyLonesome, SmokeyScotty, LonesomeRainbow

Item 4.0: WestMyrtleRainbow, RainbowMyrtle, MyrtleCatfield, SawtoothRainbow, YellowjacketAdmin

Item 5.0: HugetSawtooth, BlueCreekSawtooth, HughetBlueCreek, LonesomeSawtooth

Item 6.0: WestMyrtle, BigSagehen, Myrtle

Item 7.0: Rainbow

Item 8.0: Lonesome, Smoky, Scotty Creek

Item 9.0: Blue Creek

Item 10.0: Sawtooth, Izee

4.0 Travel

Most work areas may be reached by a standard two-wheel or four-wheel drive pickup during normal operating seasons. Some areas, however, may require alternate off-road capable vehicles such as ATVs, UTVs, stock or foot travel.

No vehicles shall be permitted to operate off roads or cross-country without approval of the Contracting Officer or designated representative.

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. If road is not accessible, the Government may, under the Changes Clause (1) provide an alternate access route; (2) delete the inaccessible unit(s) or; (3) substitute similar unit(s) or (4) negotiate a cost adjustment for change in access.

Where roads are recently thawed, very wet or saturated due to runoff or unseasonable weather conditions, road conditions may dictate the need to delay use of some road segments in order to ensure no damage to the road, drainage structures or the adjacent environment.

The Contractor(s) may prepare applications for entry on cooperative road closures, (green dot), or other road closures that are available through the appropriate Ranger District office, prior to entry to closed roads.

Approval for use of closed roads in the project(s) area will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the District Ranger.

5.0 Contractor’s Key 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. There shall be one representative per crew.

6.0 Special Contract Requirements

6.1 USE OF PREMISES

(a) Before any camp or storage is opened or operated on USDA land or lands administered by the USDA, the Contractor shall obtain written permission from the Contracting Officer. A camp is interpreted to include a campsite or trailer parking area of any employee working on the project for the Contractor.

(b) Unless excepted elsewhere in the contract, the Contractor shall (i) provide and maintain sanitation facilities for the work force at the site and (ii) dispose of solid waste in accordance with applicable Federal, State and local regulations.

6.2 ARCHAEOLOGICAL OR HISTORIC SITES

If a previously unidentified archaeological or historic site(s) is encountered, the Contractor shall discontinue work in the general area of the site(s) and notify the Contracting Officer immediately.

6.3 CONTROL OF EROSION, SEDIMENTATION, AND POLLUTION

(a) Operations shall be scheduled and conducted to minimize erosion of soils and to prevent silting and muddying of streams, rivers, irrigation systems, and impoundments (lakes, reservoirs, etc.).

(b) Pollutants such as fuels, lubricants, bitumens, raw sewage, and other harmful materials shall not be discharged on the ground; into or nearby rivers, streams, or impoundments; or into natural or man-made channels. Wash water or waste from concrete or aggregate operations shall not be allowed to enter live streams prior to treatment by filtration, settling, or other means sufficient to reduce the sediment content to not more than that of the stream into which it is discharged.

(c) Mechanized equipment shall not be operated in flowing streams without written approval by the Contracting Officer.

6.4 POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARDS

(a) Data and information furnished or referred to below is for the Contractor's information. The Government shall not be responsible for any interpretation of or conclusion drawn from the data or information by the Contractor. This list shall not be deemed to be all-inclusive. The Contractor shall bear the sole responsibility for taking all appropriate actions necessary to prevent accidents and injuries to individuals at the worksite.

(b) The following checked activities have been identified by the Government as potential safety hazards.

[X] Tree falling [X] Heavy equipment operation [X] Fire hazards [X] Hydraulic and/or pneumatic and/or other high pressure hazards [X] Mechanical hazards such as pulleys, springs, etc.

[X] Other: Chainsaws; Fuel for equipment; Barbed Wire

6.5 LANDSCAPE PRESERVATION

(a) The Contractor shall not remove, deface, injure, or destroy trees, shrubs, lawn, or natural features not designated for treatment. The Contractor shall confine operations to within the clearing limits or other areas designated in the contract documents, and prevent the depositing of rocks, excavated materials, stumps, or other debris outside of these limits. Material which falls outside of these limits shall be retrieved, disposed of, or incorporated in the work as directed by the Contracting Officer.

(b) Prevention of Oil Spills. If the Contractor maintains storage facilities for oil or oil products on site, appropriate preventive measures shall be taken to ensure that any spill of such oil or oil products does not enter any stream or other waters of the United States or any of the individual states. If a spill of petroleum product should occur in water, the Contractor shall take immediate action to clean up or contain the spill and immediately notify:

1) The COR and Contracting Officer

2) Oregon Emergency Response System (1-800-452-0311 or 1-503-378-4124) AND 3)The National Response Center (1-800-424-8802)

Oil absorbing mats are required under all stationary equipment, or equipment being serviced while on Government land to prevent leaking or spilled petroleum base products from contaminating soil and water resources. Such material will be furnished by Contactor and approved by Contracting Officer. Equipment shall be furnished on a fully operational basis, of modern design and in good operating condition with no fuel or oil leaks. Repairs and move-in/move-out are the Contractor’s responsibility. All equipment shall be power washed and shall be clean prior to entering Government Land.

(c) No objectionable material (i.e. gasoline, oil and hydraulic fluids) shall be allowed to enter any stream, river, lake, or other body of water. Material which falls in these areas shall be retrieved and disposed of, or incorporated in the work as directed by the Contracting Officer, and damage to vegetation or structures outside the project limits shall be repaired as directed by the Contracting Officer.

(d) The Contractor shall not operate equipment or otherwise disturb the natural vegetation and soil beyond the fence ROW.

(e) The Contractor will make every reasonable attempt to preserve the scenic and natural environment along this construction project.

6.6 FINAL CLEANUP

Contractor shall remove and dispose of all its own trash and refuse from the contract area. Material to be removed includes, but is not limited to camp refuse such as tin cans, aluminum foil, glass, paper, garbage, used engine oil, oil filters, oil cans, grease cartridges, etc. The Contractor shall also remove and dispose of upon completion of the fence construction, all stakes, flagging, and similar debris within the project area. This Cleanup is a subsidiary item for which no special payment will be made. If a forest has a food storage order in place for bears, the contractor will comply with that order. All debris shall be disposed of off National Forest Land and in accordance with State and Local disposal requirements.