Camas Prairie Fence

Amendment / Modification

This amendment provides clarifications and answers to questions received regarding the solicitation.

Key points include:

• Staging Location: Easiest access to the northeast fence section is via FS Road 2120-240. Trail access to the west end is via FS Road 2130-240.

• Access: No gates block access to the corral area. Trails run parallel to most of the fence line.

• Item 0003 (New Construction): Fence will generally follow wildlife-friendly specifications (Attachment 1, p.21) with 3 strands of barbed wire and a 4th smooth wire on the bottom.

• Item 0006 (Repair): Existing 4-strand wire fence (approx. 2 miles) will be repaired to meet wildlife-friendly specifications (Attachment 1, p.21) and other Forest Service specifications (Attachments 2-4). Corner/H-braces must follow designs in technical references.

• Item 0004 (Gate): Gate required to be 14' wide with wood or wire stays and a cheater bar. Design must meet attached technical references.

• Skid Steer Use: Allowed where ground is not too wet. Trees > 8" DBH are not to be removed. Skid steer use may be difficult along the fence line; side-by-side and skid steer access is available on parallel trails, but not on the west side.

• Wood Chippers: Not allowed due to noise and fire concerns.

• Vegetation Removal: Live woody vegetation > 24" height to be removed, except live trees 8" DBH or greater. Stumps cut to 12" height. Large diameter brushes (>1" basal diameter) to be cleared.

• Wire Replacement: Smooth top wire strands on existing fence will be replaced with barbed wire to meet Forest Service specifications for cattle exclusion fencing.

• Clarifications pertain to various items (0003, 0004, 0006) and general site conditions.

• References to Attachment 1 (p.21), Attachments 2-4, and the Statement of Work are updated or clarified.

No changes to proposal deadlines or submission requirements are indicated. Bidders should review the clarifications to ensure their proposals accurately reflect the project requirements.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for the redesign and replacement of an existing fence to effectively exclude cattle and meet Forest Service design recommendations for barbed wire fence. The project is located in the Camas Prairie, within the White River grazing allotment on the Mt. Hood National Forest, Wasco County, Oregon. The goal is to protect sensitive biological resources, including an endangered frog species, from trampling and grazing by cattle.

• Land Line Boundary Clearing (5,280 feet)

• Removal of Buck and Pole Fence (5,280 feet)

• Construction of new 4-strand fence (5,280 feet)

• Construction of a 14-foot wide gate (1 each)

• Construction of a Let Down Fence (33 feet)

• Repair of existing Barbed Wire Fence (10,560 feet)

• Contractor shall furnish all necessary personnel, material, equipment, and services.

• Compliance with "Buy American Act" for construction materials.

• Adherence to specific submittal requirements (date/revision, project name, contract number, names of parties, specifications section, field dimensions, applicable standards, review/verification).

• Compliance with insurance requirements (Workers Compensation, General Liability, Automobile Liability).

• Adherence to safety regulations and identification of potential hazards.

• Special equipment cleaning requirements to prevent the spread of noxious weeds.

• Landscape preservation measures, including spill prevention and response.

• Protection of cultural resources.

• Estimated contract value: $25,000 - $100,000.

• Period of Performance: Estimated start date no earlier than April 27, 2026, with completion by June 1, 2026.

• Quotations due by close of business on January 16, 2026, 1600 PD.

• Offers will be evaluated using a best value approach, considering technical factors and price.

• Technical evaluation factors include: Previous Experience in Building Wildlife Fences in Remote Areas, Technical Approach, and Commitment to Recruiting, Training, and Hiring Local Residents.

• Price will be evaluated for reasonableness and weighed with technical factors.

• Proposals must include a signed Standard Form 18, completed Section B (Schedule of Items), and completed Section K (Representations and Certifications).

• Technical proposals should address the evaluation criteria.

• Price and technical proposals must be submitted as separate documents.

• NAICS code: 238990.

• Small business size standard: $19.0M.

• Offerors must have an active entity registration in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• This is an Amendment 2 Re-Issue.

• Site visits are encouraged and can be arranged by contacting Eamonn Mazur.

• Contact for technical questions: Eamonn Mazur.

Amendment / Modification

• The due date for quotes has been extended to January 16, 2026, at 1600 Pacific Standard Time.

• The previous version of the solicitation is removed and replaced with a new document titled "Solicitation-Amendment2."

• Any quotes submitted under the previous version will not be considered and must be resubmitted under the new version.

• Answers to vendor questions received during a government shutdown are provided (continued from previous amendment).

• Solicitation due date.

• The entire solicitation document itself (replaced by "Solicitation-Amendment2").

• Proposal deadlines are extended.

• Vendors must resubmit their quotes under the new solicitation version.

Amendment / Modification

• The due date for offers in response to solicitation 1240BH25Q0032 has been extended indefinitely.

• The Government will release a future amendment to establish a new solicitation closing date and time.

• No other changes have been made to the solicitation by this amendment.

• Solicitation closing date and time.

• The deadline for submitting offers is no longer fixed and will be communicated via a future amendment.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines "Fire Protection and Suppression" requirements for operations within the USDA Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Region. It details specific measures and precautions contractors must adhere to during the fire period and closed season.

• Fire Period and Closed Season: April 1 to October 31 annually, subject to change by the Forest Service.
• Fire Plan: Contractors must prepare and cooperate on a fire plan with the Contracting Officer.
• Fire Precautions: Specific measures include restrictions on smoking and open fires, requirements for fire extinguishers and equipment on vehicles (e.g., extinguishers, shovels, axes), and specifications for spark arresters and mufflers on internal combustion engines.
• Industrial Fire Precaution Levels (IFPL): Details various levels (Closed Season, Partial Hootowl, Partial Shutdown, General Shutdown) that dictate operational restrictions based on fire danger. Definitions for terms like "Cable Yarding Systems," "Closed Season," and "Contracting Officer" are provided.
• Fire Tools: Mandates specific fire fighting tools to be kept in a secured, red "Fire Tools" box.
• Fire Security: Requires a designated person for fire security services when IFPL is "I" or higher.
• Blasting: Outlines precautions for blasting operations, including the need for a fire security person.
• Tank Truck: Requires a tank truck or trailer with a minimum of 300 gallons of water for specific operations, detailing equipment specifications.
• Communications: Requires adequate two-way communication facilities for reporting fires within 15 minutes.

This document is critical for any bidder whose operations may involve activities within the USDA Forest Service Pacific Northwest Region during the fire period. It specifies mandatory safety equipment, operational restrictions based on fire danger levels, and reporting requirements. Understanding and complying with these fire protection and suppression measures will be essential for contract performance and safety.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "General Decision Number" which specifies the prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits required for various labor classifications on heavy construction projects in Wasco County, Oregon. It serves as a mandatory attachment for solicitations and contracts to ensure compliance with labor standards.

• General Decision Number: OR20250079 (Superseded by OR20240079)
• State and County: Oregon, Wasco County
• Construction Type: Heavy
• Applicable Executive Orders: Details requirements for Executive Order 14026 and Executive Order 13658 regarding minimum wage rates.
• Wage Rates and Fringes: Lists specific hourly rates and fringe benefits for numerous job classifications, including:
  • Millwright
  • Carpenter (Excluding Form Work)
  • Electrician
  • Power Equipment Operator (with detailed classifications and rates for Groups 1-6)
  • Ironworker (Reinforcing and Structural)
  • Laborers (Mason Tender-Cement/Concrete, General, Fence Erection, Flagger, Pipelayer)
  • Plumbers and Pipefitters
  • Carpenter (Form Work Only)
  • Cement Mason/Concrete Finisher
  • Line Construction (Groundman)
  • Operators (Backhoe, Bobcat/Skid Steer, Broom/Sweeper, Excavator, Loader, Paver)
  • Truck Drivers (Dump Truck, Off the Road, Water Truck)
• Zone Differentials: Specifies additional pay rates for Zone 2 ($3.00) and Zone 3 ($6.00) based on geographic location within metropolitan counties.
• Paid Sick Leave: References Executive Order 13706 regarding paid sick leave for federal contractors.
• Wage Determination Appeals Process: Outlines the procedures for appealing wage determination decisions.

Bidders must use these wage rates to accurately calculate labor costs for their proposals. Failure to comply with these prevailing wage requirements can lead to contract non-compliance. The document also highlights the applicability of Executive Orders related to minimum wage and paid sick leave, which are critical for understanding overall labor cost and compliance obligations.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Specifications for Structural Range Improvements," provides detailed construction specifications and illustrations for various range improvement structures. It is intended for use by ranchers, contractors, resource managers, and others involved in planning, installing, and maintaining structural improvements on rangelands.

• Fences: Detailed specifications for barbed-wire fences (standard post-and-wire, let-down, suspension, rock-jack, figure-4), woven-wire fences, electric fences, and buck-and-pole fences.
• Gates: Specifications for various types of gates, including standard wire gates, pole-wing gates, and buck-and-pole gates.
• Cattle Guards: Information on the design and construction of cattle guards.
• Stiles: Specifications for stiles or fence ladders.
• Water Developments: Details on spring developments, storage tanks, water troughs, trick tanks, guzzlers, and livestock access trails.
• Materials and Equipment: Lists of materials and equipment needed for each type of improvement.
• Construction Procedures: Step-by-step guidance for various construction tasks.

This document serves as a comprehensive technical guide for any bidder involved in constructing range improvements. It outlines the specific standards, materials, and methods required for a wide range of structures, which would be essential for developing proposals, cost estimates, and execution plans for related government contracts. Bidders can use this as a reference to ensure their proposed solutions meet established specifications for quality, durability, and functionality in range management contexts.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, titled "Fences," is a handbook providing detailed information on various types of fences, their components, construction methods, and considerations for their use. It is intended for use by private, federal, and state range land managers.

• Planning and Site Analysis: Covers factors such as soil type, topography, snow conditions, water, accessibility, boundaries, visual impact, vegetation, and animal considerations.
• Fence Designs: Summarizes various fence types, including barbed wire, woven wire, electric, wood, and specialty fences, detailing their advantages, disadvantages, and costs.
• Components: Discusses braces, posts, gates, cattleguards, and materials.
• Construction Techniques: Provides step-by-step instructions for laying out fences, clearing rights-of-way, installing posts and braces, stringing wires, grounding, and splicing.
• Safety Precautions: Outlines essential safety measures for fence construction and maintenance.
• Tools: Lists and illustrates common tools used in fence construction.
• Specific Fence Types: Includes detailed designs and specifications for various fences, such as anti-deer fences, coyote-deterrent fences, wildlife exclosures, utility cages, and flood gates.

This document serves as a comprehensive technical reference for understanding the requirements and specifications related to fencing. Bidders can use this information to understand the types of fencing materials, construction standards, and design considerations that may be relevant to opportunities involving fence construction or maintenance. It provides detailed insights into the practical aspects of building and maintaining fences, which can inform proposal development and execution strategies.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides a map detailing the proposed fence perimeter for the Camas Prairie area, including specific sections for buck-and-pole fencing, proposed gates, and proposed lay-down sections. It also includes a vicinity map showing the Camas Prairie location within the National Forest administrative boundary.

• Fence Perimeter: Outlines the boundary for the new fence.
• Buck-n-Pole Section: Identifies specific areas designated for this type of fencing.
• Proposed Gate: Indicates locations where gates are planned.
• Proposed Lay-Down Section: Marks areas for material staging or other purposes.
• Vicinity Map: Shows the broader geographical context of Camas Prairie.
• Coordinate System: GCS WGS 1984.

This map is crucial for bidders to understand the physical scope and location of the fencing project. It provides visual context for the work required, including the extent of the fence line, specific fencing types, and gate placements, which will inform project planning, resource allocation, and cost estimation.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To replace and repair approximately 3 miles of existing fence along the Camas Prairie on the Mt. Hood National Forest. The goal is to effectively exclude cattle, protect sensitive biological resources (including an endangered frog species), and improve grazing operations. The project aims to create a uniform fence type for more efficient maintenance.

• Clear a 4-foot right-of-way along approximately 1 mile of fence line.

• Remove approximately 1 mile of old buck-n-pole and barbed wire fence.

• Construct approximately 1 mile of new 4-strand barbed wire fence.

• Construct an approximately 14-foot wide gate.

• Construct approximately 33 feet of let-down fence.

• Repair approximately 2 miles of existing 4-strand barbed wire fence.

• Remove and dispose of old fence materials and debris.

• Fence line corridor cleared to 8 feet width (4 feet on each side of centerline), 8 feet above ground.

• Live woody vegetation greater than 24 inches in height to be removed, except live trees 8 inches or greater DBH.

• Stumps to be cut no higher than 12 inches above ground.

• Specific materials and construction methods for posts, barbed wire, smooth wire, fasteners, stays, drainageways, gates, and laydown fence are detailed.

• Spacing and height specifications for 4-strand barbed wire fence are provided in Table 2.

• Fence line shall be reasonably straight, not deviating more than 12 inches between corner/gate/brace assemblies.

• Post depth requirements are specified (2.5 feet for line posts, 3 feet for gate/corner/brace posts).

• Post spacing intervals are defined based on the presence of stays.

• Line braces required at corners, gates, and abrupt changes in topography, and at intervals up to 1300 feet on straight reaches.

• Work must be completed prior to June 1, 2026.

• Project area is accessed by Forest Service Road 2120-240 in Township 5 South, Range 10 East, Sections 16 and 17.

• Travel to work sites may involve cross-country and off-trail travel on foot.

• Contractor personnel must have experience building wildland fences in remote areas and be physically fit.

• Contractor is responsible for adhering to Forest Service travel management plans and seasonal closures.

• Salvageable material will be made available to the contractor on a salvage rights basis.

• Government will furnish topographic and project maps.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "A Landowner's Guide to Wildlife Friendly Fences: How to Build Fence with Wildlife in Mind," is a comprehensive guide providing information and recommendations for constructing and modifying fences to minimize negative impacts on wildlife while still serving their purpose for livestock management and property boundaries.

• Problem Fences: Details how various fence designs can harm wildlife through entanglement, injury, or by creating barriers to movement.
• Wildlife Friendly Fences: Offers guidance on designing and placing fences with wildlife in mind, considering factors like topography, species present, and wildlife movement patterns.
• Friendly Designs: Presents various fence designs, including ideal fence characteristics, visibility enhancements, and specific designs for different livestock use scenarios (low/seasonal, high/continuous).
• Remedies for Existing Fences: Provides practical modifications and maintenance tips to make existing fences more wildlife-friendly.
• Fence Alternatives: Discusses options like hedgerows and barrier posts as alternatives to traditional fencing.
• Exclusion Fences: Outlines methods for excluding wildlife from specific areas when necessary, such as for gardens or haystacks.
• Deterring Large Predators: Offers electric fencing strategies for deterring predators like bears and wolves.
• Getting Help: Lists resources and agencies that can provide assistance and support for wildlife-friendly fencing projects.

This guide is highly relevant for any bidder involved in projects requiring fencing, especially those that may impact wildlife habitats or corridors. It provides practical, actionable information on how to design, construct, or modify fences to be compatible with wildlife, which could be a requirement or a consideration in project proposals. Understanding these principles can help bidders propose solutions that meet both human and wildlife needs, potentially leading to more sustainable and environmentally conscious project outcomes.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides specifications for building an all-metal fence. It is supplemental to the interagency document titled "Fences" (second printing, February 1999) and references the Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks Department's "Landowners Guide to Wildlife Friendly Fences" for wire spacing information.

• H-braces:
  • Posts: 7' to 8' in length, set 3' in the ground, with a minimum of 46" above ground.
  • Spacing between posts: 7' to 10' depending on soil.
  • Uprights: 2 7/8” diameter metal pipe.
  • Cross bracing: 2 7/8" or 2 3/8" diameter pipe.
  • Welding preferred, but drilling and clamping is acceptable.
• T-posts:
  • Heavy-duty, installed every 16'.
  • Minimum 5 1/2' post length.
• Inline Metal Posts:
  • Used every 10th t-post or 160'.
  • Diameter: 2 3/8” or 2 7/8” pipe.
  • Metal or wood stays are not required.
• Wire Spacing (measured from ground):
  • Three (3) wire: 18", 28", 42"
  • Four (4) wire: 18", 24", 30", 42"
  • Top wire: barbed; Bottom wire: smooth.

This document details the specific materials and construction methods required for building the fence. Bidders must ensure their proposals and proposed fence construction adhere to these specifications.