Statement_of_Work_-_Crescent_Lake_NWR_Fence.pdf

Statement of Work

Project Overview:

This project involves the removal of existing fence approximately 14.8 miles (1.7 miles woven/barbed wire combination, 13.1 miles barbed), and the installation of a new 4 strand barbed wire fence of approximately 13.1 miles. The new fence will primarily consist of wood posts. Calculated length of removal and installation will be close to actual lengths; however the exact quantity of necessary bracing and wood posts will be dictated by site conditions and the following specifications.

Project Location:

The project is located on Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Sections 19, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 T21N., R44W., Section 36 T21N., R45W., Sections 1, 12 T20N., R45W., and Sections 5, 6, 7 T20N R44W Garden County, Nebraska. Lat long 102.448, 41.752 decimal degrees

Contractors are urged to visit the work site and become familiar with existing conditions. Failure of the contractor to ascertain the nature, location, and conditions which will affect the work will not relieve them from the responsibility for successfully performing the work without additional expense to the Government.

Start and End Date:

Work can begin immediately after the Notice to Proceed is issued. However, the issue date will be dependent on weather and will not be issued until the weather will allow for safe and proper installation of the fence.

The work in this contract consists of:

A. Removal of all preexisting fence materials.

1. All removed fence materials will be sorted (wood posts, reusable steel post, non-reusable steel posts, rolled barbed wire, rolled/compacted woven wire) and stockpiled at designated locations on refuge for recycling/disposal by government.

B. The construction of new fence.

1. Construct 3 post corners, 2 & 3 post ends, 3 post stress panels, wire gates w/ closers, wood posts, and 4-strand barbed wire.

The Materials to be used:

A. The primary location for stockpiling of materials will be located at the refuge headquarters located within a range of 2-7 miles of fence construction areas.

Contractor may establish small temporary stockpiles of materials closer to construction sites, with the Government Inspector’s approval.

Erection:

A. Barbed Wire Fence

1. Fence Corners: Corner Construction: Install as specified in the drawings, the task order, and as directed by the station. Wire shall not be stretched around the treated wooden corner posts.

Wires shall be stretched tight at corners and stapled at each change of direction of the wire and on the outside of all treated wood posts. Stapling shall be in accordance with that described in Paragraph C-4 of the Wire Placement section. Smooth-wire support ties shall be installed as shown on drawings.

2. Gates: The gates shall be constructed as shown on the drawings and as directed by the station. Perimeter fence gates will be constructed with four wire and 3.5” wood posts at ends. Each gate will contain 3 wire stays at 5’ spacing.

Latching style mechanical gate closers, provided by government, will be installed on one end.

The specific locations of wire gates will be staked by the government. All gates will be a standard size of 20’ unless otherwise specified by the task order.

3. Stress Panels: Install as specified on the drawings. Set at sharp vertical angles in the line or a maximum of 1,320 feet. Each unit shall consist of a 3 post anchorage, using 5-6" dia. x 8' treated wood posts set in line 8 feet apart, complete with 4-5" dia. x 8' treated wood bracing, brace wire, and other required materials. Wood posts shall be 8 feet minimum length with 3'-6" set in ground. Set horizontal braces 9 inches below tops of posts. Connect to posts by nailing solid with 60d spike. Run diagonal brace wire from 4 inches above ground line on each brace post to 4 inches below top of other brace posts with an extra loop around post at each point of attachment. Staple brace wires to posts, twist until entire assembly is rigid and brace wires singing tight. This is typical for all panel and corner bracing.

4. End Brace: Install as specified on drawings, and as directed by the station. End brace assemblies shall consist of typical 2 & 3 post end brace as shown on the drawings, using 5-6" dia. x 8' treated wood upright posts with a 4-5"dia. x 8' treated wood cross-brace, as shown on the drawing.

Deviations:

A. Line posts may not deviate more than 6 inches on line spacing.

B. All posts may not deviate more than 1 inch from plumb or specified height above ground.

C. Wire spacing may not deviate more than 1 inch from that specified.

D. The center of post shall be not more than 1-1/2 inches out of alignment between quarter-mile stakes set by the Government.

Protection:

A. All permanent property corner and line monuments shall be protected.

B. All care should be taken to minimize damage to the existing landscape and vegetation.

Installation:

A. Properly locate and erect posts along fence lines.

B. Post Placement:

1. Power Driven Wood Posts. Large end of post shall have blunt point to facilitate driving. Replace all damaged or bent posts at no cost to the Government.

2. Excavation and Backfilling. Upon approval, set wood posts by means of an approved excavation and backfill method where terrain and material to be penetrated are suitable. Carry all excavations to required depths regardless of the nature of materials encountered. Post holes, cylindrical in shape and plumb with centers in true alignment with bottoms flat. Set post in center of holes. Deposit of backfill, carefully tamp in layers a maximum of 1-foot thickness. Restore surfaces to existing grade after mounding, tamping, and smoothing off. Dispose of excess waste excavation shall be by scattering or as directed by the Authorized Government Representative.

3. All wood line posts will be placed 1-rod (16.5 feet) apart.

C. Wire Placement

1. Align posts so that new wire for boundary fence can be placed on the boundary line with posts outside. Place wire on side of posts facing livestock.

2. Stretching. Stretch by hand or use suitable equipment to ensure wire will be taut. Use of trucks and tractors for stretching will not be permitted.

Power stretching will not be allowed on line fence.

4. Splicing. Use wrap or telephone-type splice using at least five complete turns in each direction. Do not pull wire around corners. Cut, loop around post, wrap and staple.

5. Staples. Drive crosswise with wood grain at slight downward angle except where pull of wire is upward, then slope staple upward. Wire shall be free to move through staples as it expands and contracts, except on corners and at ends of fence.

6. Stays. NO stays are used in this fencing project, other than those specified in wire gates.

7. Install tie downs and anchors where required in depressed areas and in accordance drawings.

Miscellaneous:

1. Fence Construction areas are actively being grazed by cattle and will require coordination between contractor, grazing cooperator and refuge manager. Removal and replacement will need to be planned and staged to keep livestock contained.

2. All trash and wood/wire scrap material generated by new fence construction will be collected by contractor and placed in appropriate fence removal piles.

3. If necessary for construction, tree and brush removal from fence line will be completed by government.

4. Mowing of fence line for construction will be the responsibility of the contractor.

Certificate and license: The Contractor shall have all certificates and licenses required by law for the execution of the work, and shall comply with all Federal, State, or local laws, ordinances, or rules and regulations relating to the performance of the work.

Safety: The Contractor shall assume full responsibility and liability for compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and local regulations pertaining to the protection of workers, visitors to the site, and persons occupying areas adjacent to the site, including the provisions of 29CFR1910 (OSHA) and 29CFR1926 (Safety and Health Regulations for Construction) of the Code of Federal Regulations. The Contractor shall hold harmless the Government for failure to comply with any applicable safety or health regulation on the part of himself, his employees, or his subcontractors.

Applicable codes, standards and specification: All work shall comply with codes and standards applicable to each type of work and as listed in individual sections of these specifications.

Where a conflict occurs between referenced documents and the Project Specifications, the Project Specifications shall govern. Where a conflict occurs between referenced documents, the document containing the most stringent requirements shall govern. Where referenced documents are not specified by date, the document current at the time of submission of proposals shall apply.

Materials, applications, and tests specified by reference to published standards of a Society, Association, Code, or other published standards, are included in the specification as if written in their entirety.

Conform to all regulations and statutes of the State of Nebraska and to all Federal regulations which apply.

Reference Standards: Following is a list of abbreviations for reference standards that may be used throughout the specifications, and the organization or document represented:

ALSC American Lumber Standards Committee

ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials 1916 Race Street Philadelphia, PA 19103

NBC National Building Code Batterymarch Park Quincy, MA 02269

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administration (U.S. Department of Labor) Government Printing Office Washington, DC 20402

Additional abbreviations will be defined as they appear in the specifications.

Environmental Protection: Pollution control, The Contractor shall abate and control all environmental pollution arising from construction activities by complying with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations concerning environmental pollution control and abatement, as well as the specified requirements in this contract.

Water Pollution: During construction, the Contractor shall comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations concerning the control and abatement of water pollution.

The Contractor’s construction activities shall be performed by methods that will prevent entrance of accidental spillage of solid matter, contaminants, debris, and other objectionable pollutants and wastes into streams flowing or dry watercourses, lakes, ponds, and underground water sources. The Contractor shall dispose of all pollutants such as petroleum products, rubbish, cement, concrete, and objectionable material at a legal, offsite disposal facility.

Air Pollution: The Contractor shall comply with applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations concerning the prevention and control of air pollution. Construction activities shall be performed in such a manner that air pollution is held to a minimum. Burning of materials, trees and brush, combustible construction materials, and rubbish will not be permitted.

Environmental Litigation: Time lost due to work stoppage because of failure of the Contractor to comply with these requirements may not be the subject of a claim for extension of time or for costs or damages.

Fossils and Cultural Materials: Should the Contractor discover any fossils or cultural materials during construction operations, such objects shall become the property of the Government. The Contractor shall cease construction operations in the area of the "find," and immediately notify the Project Manager of such discovery. Construction operations may proceed in other areas not affected by this clause. Care shall be exercised by the Contractor not to damage or collect fossils or cultural materials uncovered during excavation operations.

Failure to comply with this requirement may be considered a violation of the Archeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 as amended. Destruction of historic and prehistoric sites and/or unauthorized collection of cultural materials can result in criminal and/or civil penalties.

Penalties can include fines, prison sentences, and/or confiscation of equipment.

Progress meetings: the Contractor or project superintendent shall be available to meet with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), and/or Site inspector, at the job site or by telephone, periodically during the project to discuss work progress. In the meeting the contractor or superintendent shall give verbal reports of progress on the project, discuss the work schedule, and present all conflicts, discrepancies, or other difficulties for resolution.

Submittals: No formal submittals are required. However, all materials must be approved by the On-site Inspector prior to installation.

Construction Progress Schedules: Submit a construction schedule as a formal submittal within 10 calendar days after the issuance of the Notice to Proceed (NTP), and prior to the start of any contract specified onsite work.

Without exception, approval of the construction schedule must be obtained prior to the start of any on-site work. The schedule shall include the following:

o Breakdown of work activities in categories, as necessary, to allow monitoring of progress of work during construction.

o Sequence of construction by activity with start dates, duration, and finish dates.

Weather protection: Provide necessary protection against weather to keep all materials, equipment, and completed work free from damage during shipment, in storage, or in place.

Utilities: There is no available electrical power on the site. The Contractor shall be responsible for providing temporary electrical service for equipment required to perform the work.

Communication Equipment: The Contractor is required to provide a cellular phone, CB, shortwave radio, or similar reliable means of communication in the event of an emergency (this must be coordinated with the Station prior to performing any on-site work). With the station manager’s permission, the Contractor will be permitted to use the Government telephone at the station headquarters without charge for local calls which are directly related to the performance of the work, provided such use does not interfere with normal Station operations.

Water: The Contractor is responsible for transporting potable water to the work site

Toilets: There are no toilets along the work area. This is a remote work site; contractor will need to provide toilet facilities, if the need is warranted. Provide and maintain facilities in accordance with the requirements of applicable local and State health authorities and OSHA.

When toilet facilities are no longer required, promptly remove them from the site. Disinfect and clean or treat the area as necessary.

Operation and Storage areas: All operations of the Contractor (including storage of materials) upon Government premises will be confined to areas authorized or approved by the Contracting Officer. Government premises adjacent to the construction will be made available, at no cost, for use by the Contractor if such use does not interfere with use by the Government. Other contractors and employees or agents of the Government may, for all necessary purposes, enter upon the work and premises used by the Contractor, and the Contractor will conduct his work so as not to impede unnecessarily any work being done by others on or adjacent to the site. The Contractor will not enter or occupy with personnel, tools, equipment, or material, any ground outside the Government’s property without the written consent of the owner of such ground.

Access Routes and Storage Areas: The Government will designate all access routes to the worksite prior to initiation of the contract work. The designated routes must be strictly adhered to unless specific deviations are authorized by the Government. Observe all laws and regulations imposed by the local County and the State authorities in the use of all public roads and highways for the transportation of materials and equipment in connection with work on the project. Observe all overhead construction, bridges, cables, and the like. Repair damage to roads, highways, overhead construction, and similar off-site items, resulting from operations in connection with this project.

Safety: Provide and maintain a first-aid kit for use of workers. The kit shall be adequate to provide first-aid supplies commensurate with size and type of project, and with items necessary for first-aid treatment of typical injuries encountered in the subject work. Advise all workers of the location of first-aid supplies and advise them in the proper usage of the materials.

Final Inspection: The Contractor shall request a final inspection in writing at least one week (7 calendar days) prior to the anticipated date of completion. Work will not be considered ready for final inspection until all work has been completed and the Contractor has certified that all items are properly installed and in strict compliance with all contract terms and conditions. The Contractor or his project supervisor shall be at the job site during the final inspection

Clean up: All work and storage areas shall be kept clean and free from paper, garbage, and trash.

Such materials shall be removed by the Contractor and disposed of in properly designated areas.

No burning of rubbish on Government premises will be allowed. Fuels, lubricants, petroleum products, chemicals or other waste materials shall be disposed of legally in properly designated areas off Government premises.

Final Payment: The final payment will be made once all designated fences are removed, new fence(s) installed, clean-up and removal of materials is completed and the On-site Inspector has approved the work. A Release of Claims will be required before the Government will release the final payment.

Clearing: The Contractor may, if necessary, clear fence lines of trees, brush, and other obstructions large enough to hinder construction operations. Fence lines may be cleared to a maximum of 4 feet on each side of the fence. On interior fence lines where the Government owns the land on both sides, clearing may be done on either or both sides of the fence. On boundary fence lines where the Government owns land on only one side, clearing may only be done on the Government-owned side. Existing grass, sod, and other vegetation shall be disturbed as little as possible. Debris from fence line clearing shall be disposed of in the immediate vicinity of the fence by scattering, as directed by the Authorized Onsite Government Inspector.

Panel or dead man at minor depression: these shall be installed in accordance to the drawings, or as directed by the Contracting Officer. Dead man shall be constructed of barbless wire bent in two and wound around the three wires in the fence and attached to a full-length steel post. It shall be driven 4 feet underground at a 45 degree angle with 1-1/2 feet extended above ground level. In extreme conditions, two steel posts shall be used and shall be positioned opposite one another to form a 90 degree angle between the two posts for maximum holding power.

Requirements: Access roads will not be constructed; all cross-country travel by wheeled or tracked vehicles will need to be approved by the On-site Inspector.