Statement of Work_CentralSierraRangeFence.pdf

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US Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Statement of Work (SOW)

21 February 2023

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Contents Project General Information

1.0 Scope of Work

2.0 Background

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

4.0 Government Furnished

5.0 Deliverables / Schedule

6.0 Travel

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel

8.0 Security Requirements

Attachments A1: Vicinity Map A2: A Landowner’s Guide to Wildlife Friendly Fence Design A3: USDA/USDI 1999 Interagency Fences document

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Project Central Sierra Zone Rangeland Fence Construction Services Multiple Award Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract

General Information

1.0 Scope of Work

This effort is for construction and/or reconstruction of rangeland fencing across United States Forest Service (USFS) Region 5 Central Sierra Zone, in California. The scope of this requirement includes all supervision, labor, material, equipment, parts, transportation, lodging necessary for rangeland fence construction on the Tahoe National Forest (NF), Plumas NF, and Eldorado NF, Lassen NF, and the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (MU). Work also includes the removal of damaged material and disposing of in accordance with all Federal, State, and local regulations. The bulk of the work under the proposed contract will likely consist of rangeland fence projects and will focus on barbed wire fences, braces, gates, cattle guards, and other related livestock containment structures. Clearing and pruning of vegetation and removal of hazard trees along existing fence lines will be required.

This scope is anticipated for a Multiple Award IDIQ contract allowing specific projects to be added via individual project task orders as they are developed.

Individual projects may include construction and/or reconstruction of livestock, range, wildlife, riparian, and/or recreation fences. Related work may include, but not limited to, the following:

• Construction of 3 or 4 strand barbed wire fence

• Other type of wildlife or riparian fence construction

• Removal/disposal of damaged or unusable fence

• Clearing of fence-line Right of Way

• Providing new fencing materials

The work described herein is designed to be completed in the footprint of previous infrastructure. As such, no analysis is needed as the decision to implement infrastructure has been authorized in previous decisions in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. If new construction is to take place, all implementation work will be compliant to policy and regulations, and infrastructure will be outlined in decisions authorized in accordance with the NEPA requirements.

Methodology for completing these needs will come from a combination of USFS Guidelines and input from FS Resource Specialist and Permittees. The contractor shall provide a short synopsis identifying methodology and any areas of uncertainty resulting from lack of information or direction from the FS. In the event that further clarification is necessary, or changes needed, please contact the USFS Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), to coordinate exchange of information with USFS Resource Specialists prior to any changes being implemented.

1.1 Place of Performance

The work will be performed throughout the USFS Region 5 Central Sierra Zone, and will include the Tahoe NF, Plumas NF, Eldorado NF, Lassen NF, and the Lake Tahoe Basin MU.

1.2 Period of Performance

The period of performance will consist of a 1-year base period with two (2), 1-years option periods. The base period of the contract will be April 1, 2023, through March 31, 2024. The ultimate completion date if all options are exercised will be March 30, 2026.

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2.0 Background

In recent years large scale fires have damaged many miles worth of livestock fencing that is used to control livestock movement, manage herds, and protect other resources such as sensitive plant habitat, compromised riparian areas, and define boundaries, allowing the USFS and partners to manage the resources under our sustainable use model. The purpose of this effort would allow the USFS the means available to call upon contractors when the time is needed to replace fencing that has been damaged by any disturbance to help manage the rangeland resources.

For the projects on the Tahoe NF, Plumas NF, and Eldorado NF, Lassen NF, and the Lake Tahoe Basin MU, the typical terrain is remote, mountainous, and rugged. Certain projects will require livestock packing of equipment and supplies and camping for extended periods in remote, sometimes roadless areas. Most areas have been affected or will be affected during the term of the contract by wildfire that has destroyed or damaged the existing structures. The elevations of project areas may range from approximately 2,500 to 10,000 feet. Terrain can vary from hilly and rocky to steep and rocky. Some areas can present significant stretches of continuous rock or bedrock. There are not likely to be long stretches of relatively flat, smooth terrain.

Contractor Requirements

3.0 Technical Requirements / Tasks

3.1 General.

Fences will be built to USFS specifications (see Attachments 2 - 4). 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.

Individual projects will be packaged with the project-specific details that supplement the standard specifications and terms of the basic contract. These individual project requirements will include detailed payment items, special or supplemental project specifications, drawings, specialized inspection terms, performance period requirements, government-furnished property, government-furnished facilities, or government-furnished services, special contract requirements, exhibits and other detailed requirements applicable to the specific individual project. In the event coordination with private landowners is necessary to access project locations, it will be identified per individual task order.

For each individual project a best-value analysis and source selection will be completed. Project-specific pricing and project-specific technical proposals will be requested as described herein.

If a fair and reasonable price is negotiated through the individual project proposal process, an individual project task order will be prepared for that specific project. The actual contract value is based on the cumulative amounts of these individual project task order and any subsequent modifications to them. If a fair and reasonable price is not reached through the individual project proposal process, that individual project will be withdrawn for acquisition separate from this contract. Pricing of individual projects will be firm-fixed price.

Applicable bonding requirements will be included with each individual project task order and will apply only to that specific individual project task order. There are no separate bonding requirements for the contract as a whole.

The Government reserves the right to determine whether any specific individual project is to be made available under this contract. Numerous projects that also use the standard specifications and terms covered under this contract may be acquired separately from this contract.

3.1.1. Technical Specifications and Construction Requirements

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3.1.1.2 Existing Fence Removal. The existing fence and associated materials shall be removed, where needed.

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 Federal, State, and local 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 ordering COR.

3.1.1.3 Fence Corridor Clearing. The fence line corridor shall be cleared to an approximate width of 8-feet, measuring 4-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 may be left on the outside of the center of the fence line.

All dead standing trees that are within 4-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 COR.

3.1.1.4 Fence Construction. The following fence building specifications (see Section J) will be incorporated in all Individual Project Task Orders:

• A Landowner’s Guide to Wildlife Friendly Fence Design from the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (Attachment 2). Provides examples and specifications on making livestock fencing wildlife friendly in areas where the expectation of wildlife encounters fencing infrastructure.

• USDA/USDI 1999 Interagency Fences document (Attachment 3). Serves as the USFS Official Manual for fence building specifications.

• All Metal Fence Specifications (See 3.1.1.4.1 herein). All Metal Fencing is utilized in areas where fence maintenance is or can be minimal. The all-metal construction allows for greater resistance to disturbance which allows for less time having to spend maintaining and repairing infrastructure.

Additional unit specific specifications may also be added per task order.

The following covers only items not discussed in one of the attached documents. Fence Material Specifications are as follows:

• Barbed wire, 2-point, 12.5-gauge, galvanized, 4" or 5" spacing

• Barbless wire, 12.5-gauge, galvanized

• T-Post, 5.5", studded, Medium or Heavy weight (1.25 or 1.33)

• Oil Field Stem Pipe, 2 3/8”, 2 7/8”, or 3”

POSTS. T-post spacing identified in Section J 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 2-feet of the established line (a fence line offset brace must be used to maintain the stretch line), be a minimum of 8-inches 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

Statement of Work – Central Sierra Zone Rangeland Fence Construction Services | Page 6 of 13 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 USFS 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-inch 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.

3.1.1.4.1. Metal Fence Specifications and Photographs. The following is intended to layout the specifications for building an all-metal fence. This document is supplemental to the interagency document titled Fences second printing February 1999. Any specifications not discussed in this document can be found in the 1999 Fence document. Fence wire spacing information uses the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Department:

Landowners Guide to Wildlife Friendly Fences (pg. 21).

Photographs are provided to show examples of the types of fencing utilized by the USFS, and the typical terrain that the contractors can expect to be working in the Central Sierra Zone. However, no fence is the same and landscapes may differ slightly than what is shown.

H-braces

O Use 7’ to 8’ posts depending on the terrain and slope.

O Posts need to be in the ground 3’ with a minimum of 46” above ground.

O Spacing between posts in the H-brace will be 7’ to 10’ depending on the soil.

O Uprights for braces will be 2 7/8” diameter metal pipe.

O Cross bracing can be either 2 7/8” or 2 3/8” depending on contractor preference.

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O Whenever possible H-braces will be welded together but can be drilled and clamped together when welding is not possible.

T-posts

O Heavy-duty t-posts will be installed every 16’.

O A minimum 5 1/2’ post will be used.

Inline Metal Post

O Inline metal posts will be used every 10th t-post or 160’.

O Inline metal post can be either 2 3/8” or 2 7/8” diameter pipe.

O Metal or wood stays are not needed if using metal inline posts.

Wire Spacing

O Standard wire spacing is measured from the ground.

O Three (3) wire: 18"- 28"- 42" O Four (4) wire: 18"- 24" -30"- 42" O The top wire will be barbed, and the bottom wire will be smooth wire.

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3.2 Contractor Requirements.

To fulfill the requirements of this contract, the contractor shall complete the task listed below. The requirement for this contract is to purchase and install the materials needed to repair and replace the rangeland infrastructure that has been damaged by disturbance and to remove damaged material and dispose of in accordance with all Federal, State, and local regulations. Construction of new infrastructure may be authorized in subsequent task orders. Contractors shall be responsible for the professional and technical accuracy of all work or services rendered. Errors and/or deficiencies resulting from the performance shall be corrected at no additional cost to the USFS. If the contractor determines that that information is provided by the USFS is inaccurate, it is incumbent upon the contractor to notify the USFS immediately. Should the inaccuracy necessitate a change in scope, or level of effort, such change shall be formalized with a bilateral modification to the contract.

As a Federal agency, the USFS must comply with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. § 552 et seq. If the contractor receives a request for records related to this contract, the contractor will forward that request to the Plumas NF FOIA coordinator.

This section specifies the tasks that shall be completed to fulfill the obligations of this contract. Deliverables are due as shown in the 'Schedule' below with delivery of all specified items no later than date to be determined (TBD). Delivery due dates may be extended if the contractor has been delayed in its performance by an act or omission of USFS, and through no fault of the contractor. All such delays must be agreed to in writing by the

USFS.

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All documents for review as deliverables must be posted to a designated site (described in Task 1a) in Microsoft Word format. Any comments, edits, or clarifying remarks shall be made using "track changes" on a designated site. Comments, edits, and other clarifying remarks must be delivered within fifteen (15) calendar days from the date the draft is posted and a request for review is made, unless otherwise stated or mutually agreed by the USFS and the contractor. Required meeting will be held at TBD date. Draft documents shall be posted on a designated site (or other mutually agreed location), the USFS will review, and the contractor shall incorporate the USFS's comments and repost the final version, unless stated otherwise.

The USFS and the contractor shall each provide a single point of contact for leading, coordinating, and providing oversight of work by each respective party. All requests for information, clarification shall be originated and made to these individuals unless otherwise agreed. These project leads shall be identified at the kickoff meeting (described in Task 1 below).

3.2.2. Tasks. Table 1. Rangeland Infrastructure Repair and Replacement Task List

Task Description

1 Meeting and call Attendance/Participation (if needed) 1a Manage a designated site for document transmission, sharing, editing, between the

Forest Service and the contractor.

1b Quality Assurance/Quality Control 2 Implementation 2a Inspection of services rendered 3 Finalize and submit project record

3.2.2.1. Task 1- Meetings and Calls. Required contractor personnel and USFS, will participate in a kickoff meeting, if needed, to be hosted by the USFS, scheduled for TBD (time and location). The purpose of this meeting would be to ensure the proper specifications of materials being purchased and installed are what is needed for the projects. The project leaders from the USFS and the contractor who will be responsible for coordinating, organizing, and leading the purchasing, and installation described within this contract must be identified at, or prior to the kickoff meeting. Coordination and scheduling of the kickoff meeting will be the responsibility of the USFS.

3.2.2.2. Task 1a - SharePoint (a designated site) Management. The contractor and USFS shall work to identify a mutually acceptable SharePoint site (currently established at a designated site) that the contractor and USFS can utilize to share, edit, and transmit documents through the duration of this work. It is anticipated that the contractor will maintain and manage this site through the duration of the project in cooperation with the USFS administrator of the designated site.

3.2.2.3. Task 1b - Quality Assurance/Quality Control for review and acceptance of deliverables. Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC): Contractor is responsible for the quality and accuracy of their work consistent with their approved QA/QC plan. The contractor shall develop a draft QA/QC plan and protocol for review and acceptance of deliverables that must be submitted within fifteen (15) calendar days of the task orders award. This draft QA/QC plan will be reviewed by the USFS, and any issues will be identified. Prior to commencement of implementation this plan must be finalized as mutually agreed upon by the USFS and the contractor. The QA/QC plan must describe the measures that the contractor will take to ensure that the supplies and services rendered to the USFS will be of professional quality. The QA/QC plan must identify all key personnel who will be utilized by the contractor. Substitutions of key personnel must be approved by the USFS in advance and in writing. The QA/QC plan must also include recommendations for USFS inspections, and their frequency; however, unannounced USFS inspections must be included.

3.2.2.4. Task 2- Implementation. The contractor shall purchase and install all material for fencing. The USFS will provide initial data and other documentation in a file structure that the contractor must maintain for the

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3.2.2.5. Task 2a - Inspection of Services Rendered. The USFS will inspect completion and quality of project work to ensure functionality of products and that materials are not damaged and meet installation requirements and regulations.

3.2.2.6. Task 3 - Finalize and Submit Project Record. The contractor shall prepare and assemble a project record and furnish one hard copy and one electronic copy (of electronic documents) on electronic media (e.g., thumb drive) to the USFS within one (1) week of completing Task 2. The project record includes all information of services rendered. A complete project record is the entirety of the information relied upon within the contractor's possession.

3.3. Performance Standards

Performance Standard Acceptable Quality Level Methods of Surveillance Task 1: Meetings and Calls

The contractor shall provide transportation for its personnel to all meetings and site visits and will also provide personal protective equipment and appropriate field equipment for all site visits for their personnel.

Routine inspection of deliverable services.

Task 1a: SharePoint (a designated site) Management

A SharePoint site (a designated) will be developed by the FS within 45 days (or other mutually agreed upon timeframe) and managed by the contractor throughout the duration of the project to allow the contractor and FS to transmit, share, and edit documents.

Routine inspection of deliverable services.

Task 2: Implementation The contractor shall provide project installation dates, times, and verify delivery locations of work to be completed.

Routine inspection of deliverable services.

Task 3: Finalize and submit project record

The project record must be submitted in the file structure prescribed by the FS. An Excel template for project record indexing will be provided to the contractor. The indexed project record is the deliverable under this task. The index file structure for the final project record will be provided to the contractor on a designated site.

Routine inspection of deliverable services.

4.0 Government Furnished

The Government shall furnish USFS geospatial data indicating approximate location and length of fences to be reconstructed to the contractor, for the use of this project. In addition, the USFS and contractor will coordinate project specific data exchange using a format that is mutually accessible.

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5.0 Deliverables / Schedule

The following table identifies the target dates for completion of each task. If a date in this schedule is not met, the USFS and contractor shall develop a mutually agreed upon modified schedule at the next scheduled monthly coordination meeting for this project.

Task Description Complete by

1 Meeting and call Attendance/Participation TBD 1a Manage the designated site for document transmission, sharing, editing, between the Forest Service and the contractor.

TBD

1b Quality Assurance/Quality Control TBD 2 Implementation TBD 2a Inspection of services rendered TBD 3 Finalize and submit project record TBD

6.0 Travel

Contractor will factor mobilization costs into each project at the task order level.

7.0 Contractor’s Key Personnel

The contractor will specify the contractor representative authorized to make business decisions on behalf of the company in accordance with Agriculture Acquisition Regulation 452.237-74 of the solicitation and contract terms. Task specific key personnel authorized to perform at the ordering level will provide that information to the ordering Contracting Officer in response to competed ordering requests.

8.0 Security Requirements

Security requirements will be identified at the task order level as they may differ for each forest, applicable to the specific project.

Attachments A1: Vicinity Map A2: A Landowner’s Guide to Wildlife Friendly Fence Design A3: USDA/USDI 1999 Interagency Fences document A4: All Metal Fence Specifications