High Game Fence Installation, Cameron and Starr Counties, TX

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides clarifications and answers to questions submitted by potential bidders regarding the high game fence project.

• Schedule & Phasing: Work is permitted concurrently in Cameron and Starr Counties. No seasonal restrictions due to ESA species corridors, but potential landowner blackouts during fall hunting seasons (reduced work hours).
• Survey & Layout: Government will mulch and clear approximately 10 feet on each side of the fenceline. Tree removal will be determined based on landowner wishes.
• Environmental / ESA: Stop work immediately if a critical species is observed and report to the COR. No migratory bird nesting restrictions.
• Utility Investigation: GPR is required anywhere ground will be broken. Unidentified utilities encountered will qualify as a Differing Site Condition. Utility investigation costs are incidental.
• Fence Materials: "Statite 50 High Game Fence" is the requirement; substitutions are not considered. All pipe posts must be cemented as per the SOW, regardless of soil conditions.
• Gates & Access: No gates will require cattle guards. Landowners provide padlocks.
• Landowner Coordination: MOUs are confirmed as fully executed prior to NTP. Government will facilitate, but not assume responsibility for, access disputes or delays.
• Payment & Administration: Stored materials are eligible for payment if stored in a secure location. Monthly progress meetings are virtual.
• Access & Staging: Staging areas will be pre-approved. Equipment may remain onsite if secured and landowner agrees. Contractor will restore any damaged access roads.
• Quantities & Measurement: Payment will be based on measured installed LF. Award will be lump sum, with no separate CLINs for Cameron vs. Starr.
• Personnel: A superintendent can be a dual-hat for SSHO and QA/QC requirements, but only if they are a non-working superintendent.
• Proposal: Tax should not be included in proposals. Initial environmental training should be no more than four hours.
• Materials Procurement: Materials may be staged at a supplier's secured yard at the contractor's expense. Billing for secured off-site materials is permitted if documented. Mobilization and early material purchases are not eligible for advance payment.
• Coordinates: Provided GPS coordinates for Starr County have been field verified and will be fully verified and marked/staked by survey crews.

This Q&A document clarifies several requirements and specifications. Bidders should review these responses carefully to ensure their proposals accurately reflect the project's needs. The bid date will not be extended.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment modifies the solicitation to provide specific details on the gates required for the Starr County portion of the project. The required gates are:

• 40 pieces of 16' x 8' High Game Galvanized Tubing Gates with wire mesh.
• 4 pieces of 12' x 8' High Game Galvanized Tubing Gates with wire mesh.
• 4 pieces of 10' x 8' High Game Galvanized Tubing Gates with wire mesh.

Of the total 48 gates, 8 will require an inset installation, and the remaining 40 will be installed in a straight line with the fencing.

This amendment provides information related to the project's scope and deliverables, specifically concerning the gates.

This amendment does not appear to modify proposal deadlines or submission requirements, but bidders should incorporate these gate specifications into their proposals.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the fencing project, clarifying details about gates, fence materials, pipe specifications, and site access.

• Gate Size: Standard gate size is 16 feet wide by 8 feet high, specifically for the Dulaney Tract (8 gates, 16’ galvanized tubular configuration, suitable for 48”-50” low fence applications). Refer to amendment 0003 for specific gate sizes.
• Entrance Insets: Account for an additional +/- 700 linear feet for entrances requiring insets.
• Fence Product: Statite 50 Game Fence is specified as 6” vertical spacing (clarified from previous solicitation referencing 12” spacing).
• Pipe Material: Standard 2-7/8” OD, sch. 40 galvanized pipe cannot be used; primed and painted oilfield pipe is required. The priming and painting specification is oil-based primer (gray) and oil-based outdoor enamel (brown or black).
• Domestic Production: Yes, fence materials must be domestically produced due to Buy American clauses.
• Topsoil/Reseeding: Not required for this project.
• Starr County Details: Gate count, corner count, and location map/coordinates for the Starr County high-game fence segment are in amendment 0003.
• Attachment References: Exhibits B-H are referenced in amendment 0002.
• Woven Wire Attachment: #9 tie wire on pipe posts is the approved method for attaching woven wire.
• Concrete Cure Time: Minimum 24 hours before tensioning fence wire on pipe posts.
• Water Source: Contractor must provide their own water; no potable water sources are provided along the Starr County fence corridor.

These clarifications refine requirements for materials, dimensions, and installation methods. Bidders should review amendment 0002 and 0003 for comprehensive details on gate sizes and Starr County specifics. The clarifications do not appear to alter submission deadlines but are critical for accurate quoting and proposal preparation.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a sign-in sheet for a "High Game Fence Installation" meeting, identified by the solicitation number 12639526Q0027. It lists attendees, their company affiliations, phone numbers, and email addresses.

This document is relevant to bidders as it provides a list of companies and individuals who attended a meeting related to the "High Game Fence Installation" opportunity. This information can be useful for understanding potential competition, identifying key stakeholders, and potentially for networking or partnership opportunities within the context of this solicitation.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding solicitation 12639526Q0027, clarifying various aspects of the project requirements and submission process.

• Aerial Maps: No aerial maps showing proposed fence lines and gate locations are available. Quoters will have the opportunity to view construction locations during the site visit.
• Construction Means and Methods: Drawings or examples are not provided. Construction means and methods are described in the Statement of Work. Refer to Exhibits B-H for typical installations (e.g., welded vs. wood posts).
• Section 4.8 Drawings: Refer to Amendment 0002 for clarification regarding drawings/sketches and specifications for fence installation.
• Site Supervisor: A prime or subcontractor site supervisor is required at all times.
• QC Representative: QC and safety roles can be combined (e.g., superintendent), but this individual cannot be a working superintendent.
• Safety Officer: The on-site supervisor may assume the role of safety officer. Basic safety training is required.
• Self-Performance Goal: The self-performance goal for this project is 15%.
• Number of Gates: The number of gates will be determined during the site visit.
• FAR 22.18: FAR 22.1802-2 (Employment Eligibility Verification) applies to this solicitation and contracts exceeding $150,000, unless exceptions apply.

Several clarifications address potential ambiguities in the original solicitation, particularly concerning site visit information, construction details, and personnel requirements. Amendment 0002 is specifically referenced for drawing requirements. The applicability of FAR 22.18 is confirmed.

Amendment / Modification

• This amendment replaces page 3 of the original statement of work with page 2 of this amendment.

• It includes updated information regarding high-game fencing requirements for Cameron and Starr Counties.

• Specific details include:

  • A federal law concerning excavation activities and underground facilities.
  • Requirements for a Safety Plan and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Plan.
  • Provision of drawings/sketches and specifications for fence installation.
  • Outlined construction corridor paths for high-game and pasture fencing in Cameron County (approx. 13.5 miles total, including 3.5 miles of high-game fence and 9.75 miles of pasture fence).
  • Outlined construction corridor path for high-game fencing in Starr County (approx. 7.6 miles).

• Page 3 of the Statement of Work has been replaced.

• Sections 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, and 4.10 have been updated or added.

• The amendment does not explicitly state a change to proposal deadlines or submission requirements. However, bidders should review the updated Statement of Work for any impact on their proposal preparation.

Amendment / Modification

• Corrected coordinates for the "Cameron Dulaney Tract" within the GPS Workbook (Attachment 2). The coordinates provided on page 2 of this amendment supersede the incorrect ones.

• Extended the contract period of performance from a maximum of 60 days to a maximum of 365 days from the issuance of the Notice to Proceed, as stated in paragraph 12.2 of the Statement of Work (Attachment 1).

• GPS Workbook (Attachment 2) - "Cameron Dulaney Tract" tab

• Statement of Work (Attachment 1), paragraph 12.2

• Proposal deadlines and submission requirements are not explicitly stated as being affected by these changes, but bidders should note the updated period of performance.

Statement of Work (SOW)

To procure contractor services for the construction of high-game proof and pasture fencing in various locations within Cameron and Starr Counties, Texas. The primary goal is to control the spread of Cattle Fever Ticks (CFT) by preventing access of CFT host wildlife (white-tailed deer and nilgai antelope) into tick-free areas.

• High-Game Fencing: Minimum 8-feet high, installed in areas needing to prevent wildlife access. Specific materials include high-tensile woven wire (96 inches, 12.5 gauge), treated wood posts, galvanized T-posts, and tubular galvanized gates (minimum 16 feet wide).

• Pasture Fencing (Cameron County - Dulaney Tract): Approximately 5-feet tall, 5-strand high-tensile barbed wire fence.

• Locations: Approximately 13.5 miles in Cameron County (3.5 miles high-game, 9.75 miles pasture) and approximately 7.6 miles in Starr County (high-game).

• Tasks: Includes meeting with government representatives, furnishing all labor, materials, and equipment, submitting Requests for Information (RFIs), providing Safety and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) plans, and installing fencing and gates according to specified requirements.

• Fencing must meet specific height, material, and installation standards (e.g., post depth, brace construction, gate size).

• Contractor must submit RFIs prior to construction and provide material cut sheets and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).

• Contractor is responsible for locating utilities, repairing any damaged existing structures, and maintaining site cleanliness.

• Daily/weekly reports and a photo journal are required.

• Place: Various locations in Cameron and Starr Counties, Texas.

• Period: Contract duration shall not exceed 60 days from the Notice to Proceed.

• Environmental: Mandatory environmental training for all employees. Minimize impact to flora and fauna. Special procedures for equipment cleaning and disinfection if moved from infested premises. Adherence to Endangered Species Act (ESA) requirements, including notification if Threatened and Endangered (T&E) species are encountered.

• Safety: Contractor is responsible for site security and conducting work during daylight hours. Compliance with OSHA standards.

• Coordination: Contractor must coordinate with CFTEP representatives for contact with private landowners. All work must comply with federal, state, and local laws and codes.

• Submittals: Drawings and reports must be signed and sealed by a Professional Engineer registered in Texas and a Surveyor. Submittals include fee proposals, schedules, drawings, and final turnover documents.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Atch 2_GPS Workbook 1-8-2026.xlsx", contains proposed fencing details for various locations within Starr County and Cameron County, Texas. It appears to be a data attachment providing specific geographic coordinates and lengths for proposed fencing projects.

• Starr County: Details proposed fencing for multiple pastures and traps, including start, corner, and end GPS coordinates, and the approximate length of each fence segment (e.g., R&A Ramirez Pasture - 0.17 Miles, J GARCIA TRAP - 0.11 Miles).
• Cameron County: Outlines proposed fencing for several entities, including La Cuesta Partners LTD, Laguna Encantada LP, and others, with start and end GPS coordinates and lengths.
• Cameron - Dulaney Tract: Specifically details proposed fencing for the USFWS - Dulaney Tract, listing numerous coordinates and noting "Low Pasture Fence - Barbed Wire."

This attachment provides critical spatial data for potential bidders involved in fencing projects. It outlines the specific locations, routes, and lengths of proposed fences, which are essential for understanding the scope of work, estimating costs, and preparing detailed proposals for any related contracting opportunities.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Attachment 4, a Federal Construction Wage Rates determination for Starr, Uvalde, Willacy, Zapata, and Zavala Counties in Texas. It specifies the prevailing wage rates for various building construction trades.

• Lists specific trades (e.g., Asbestos Worker, Boilermaker, Ironworker, Laborer, Carpenter, Electrician, Painter, Plumber, etc.).
• Provides prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits for each trade.
• Includes information on different types of wage rate identifiers (Union, Survey, State Adopted).
• Details the applicability of Executive Orders 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and 13658 (Minimum Wage) for federal contractors.
• Outlines the process for appealing wage determination decisions.

Bidders must use these wage rates to ensure compliance with labor standards for any construction work performed under this opportunity in the specified counties. This directly impacts labor costs and proposal pricing. It also informs bidders about federal contractor requirements regarding paid sick leave and minimum wage.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides the prevailing wage rates for building construction projects in Cameron County, Texas, as required by the Davis-Bacon Act. It specifies the minimum hourly wage and fringe benefits for various construction trades.

• General Decision Number: TX20260236
• Effective Date: January 2, 2026 (Modification 0)
• County: Cameron County, Texas
• Construction Type: Building Construction Projects (excluding single-family homes and apartments up to 4 stories).
• Trade Classifications: Lists specific trades (e.g., Boilermaker, Carpenter, Electrician, Plumber, Operator, Laborer) with their corresponding prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits.
• Executive Order Notes: Includes information on Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and Executive Order 13658 (Minimum Wage), which may apply to federal contracts.
• Appeals Process: Outlines the procedure for appealing wage determination decisions.

Bidders must use these wage rates to accurately estimate labor costs for their proposals on federal construction projects in Cameron County. Compliance with these rates is mandatory for covered contracts. The document also informs bidders about potential additional requirements related to paid sick leave and minimum wage under federal executive orders.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, issued as a Request for Quotations (RFQ). The government is procuring construction services for high-game fencing along a proposed corridor in Cameron and Starr counties, Texas. Award will be made on Standard Form 1442.

• Construction of high-game fencing at various locations in Cameron and Starr counties, Texas.

• The construction corridor is defined by provided surveying and staking documents.

• The project has a 12-month performance period after the Notice to Proceed.

• Estimated magnitude of the project is between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000.

• Award will be made as a firm-fixed-price contract.

• Work must commence within 10 calendar days after the Notice to Proceed and be completed within one year of the Notice to Proceed.

• Quotes must be submitted by February 25, 2026, at 12 p.m. CT to james.g.roloff@usda.gov.

• Complete quote packages must include the solicitation page, a breakdown of pricing, demonstration of relevant experience, and past performance information.

• Award will be made to the lowest priced, technically acceptable approach.

• Evaluation factors include Price, Technical Capability (relevant experience and technical approach), and Past Performance.

• A mandatory site visit is scheduled for February 12, 2026, at 9 a.m. CT at 4909 E Grimes St, Suite 116, Harlingen, Texas. Attendance is required for quote consideration.

• All responsible Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) may submit a quotation.

• The applicable North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) code and small business size standard are not specified in this document.

• Questions must be submitted by February 18, 2026, at 12 p.m. CT to james.g.roloff@usda.gov.

• Applicable Department of Labor wage determination for construction applies.

• Attachments include: Statement of Work, GPS Workbook, and Federal Construction Wage Rates for Cameron and Starr Counties.