Statement_of_Work_for_Mobile_Fencing_Raleigh_ESFO.pdf

United States Department of the Interior

FWS RALEIGH ESFO

601 Refuge Road

Pantego, NC 27860

Statement of Work

Mobile Fencing for Red Wolf Acclimation Pens

Purpose/End Application

Due to extremely low population numbers of red wolves (less than 20) within the North Carolina

Nonessential Experimental Population (NC NEP), the only wild population of red wolves in the world, there is a need to release captive-born red wolves. As part of that process, the preferred method of release for captive-born red wolves is to place them in acclimation pens within the area of desired release for a period of time (typically two months) to acclimate them to each other and to their new surroundings. Various types of acclimation pens have been used over the 34 years since reintroduction of red wolves into eastern North Carolina. For a variety of reasons, the desire at this time is to obtain chain-link, mobile fencing with the specifications listed below that can be placed within the NC NEP to be used as an acclimation pen for captive-born red wolves until their release into the wild. USFWS personnel would be present during the initial set up to assist and to observe how it is done. The pen would be used for a period of time in the original location, then in the future USFWS personnel would move it to different areas to be re-used for the same purpose.

Location

The acclimation pen will originally be set up on Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. Specific location to be disclosed when awarded.

Specifications

- Fence panels constructed of 9 gauge, 2 inch chain link mesh securely fastened on 1 5/8 to 2 inch metal pipes on all four sides of the panel, along with horizontal and vertical bracing (if needed for panel strength).

- Enough fence panels to create approximately one (1) 100 feet by 100 feet enclosure with one panel containing a door or two (2) completely separate 50 feet by 50 feet enclosures, each with a panel containing a door with minimal gaps around door(s).

- Each panel should be 6 feet long.

- The vertical height of each panel should be 8 feet tall and the addition of a 3 feet wide overhang, of the same specifications as the vertical fence, which is slanted inward at a 45 degree angle, including at the corners (8 corners needed in total).

- System for providing stability such as base or feet at the bottom of each panel that also allows the bottom bar of each panel to be as close to ground as possible and no more than a 2 inch gap. No dig barrier.

- System for securing panels together with minimal gap in between panels.

- Contract bids to include cost for first set up of the panels on a natural ground surface.

Performance Period

Based on the ecological parameters of red wolves, the timing of the placement and use of the pens is important. As a consequence, the hope is to have the fencing in place on the landscape as close to

October 1, 2022, as possible.

Other Information

A site visit with the selected contractor to the location where the acclimation pen location will be set up prior to commencing would likely be beneficial for both parties.