Installation of Predator Fence

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the solicitation.

• Ditch Crossings:
  • The landowner is responsible for constructing culvert crossings for larger ditches.
  • Break-away fence sections will be constructed identically to the main fence, using posts and components, but will be isolated to minimize flood damage.
• Electric Fence:
  • The Contractor is responsible for supplying the charger.
  • The charger should provide 3 joules of output per mile of high tensile fence.
  • The power source will be AC, not solar.
• Terrain:
  • The site in Ashland County has very little rock, primarily clay.

These clarifications provide specific details on landowner responsibilities for culverts, the construction of break-away fence sections, and requirements for electric fence chargers. The terrain information confirms the expected soil conditions.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the "RFIs and Responses" for an unspecified opportunity.

• Ditch Crossings:
  • There are no large ditch crossings outside of the Break-away fence.
  • The property owner is responsible for site preparation, including culvert installation for any ditches.
  • The "Break Away" fence section is a stand-alone component and will follow the main fence build guidelines, not be connected to it.
• Electric Fence:
  • The Contractor is responsible for supplying the charger.
  • Standard practice is 3 joules of output per mile of high tensile fence.
  • Energizers will be AC powered for both projects.
• Terrain:
  • No rock drilling is anticipated for either project.

These clarifications provide specific details on site conditions, contractor responsibilities for fencing components, and equipment specifications, which may influence bidder understanding of scope and cost.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides the General Decision Number for prevailing wage rates applicable to building construction projects in Wisconsin. It is intended to inform bidders of the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits required for various labor classifications on federal or federally funded construction projects.

• Geographic Scope: Covers numerous counties across Wisconsin.
• Construction Type: Building construction (excluding residential construction up to 4 stories).
• Labor Classifications: Lists specific trades such as Asbestos Workers, Boilermakers, Bricklayers, Carpenters, Electricians, Ironworkers, Laborers, Plumbers, Sheet Metal Workers, and Truck Drivers.
• Wage Rates & Fringes: Details the hourly base wage and fringe benefit rates for each classification, varying by county or region.
• Effective Dates: Specifies the effective dates for the listed rates, generally in 2024 or 2025.
• Executive Orders: Includes notes on Executive Orders 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and 13658 (Minimum Wage), outlining contractor obligations.
• Appeals Process: Outlines the procedure for appealing wage determination decisions.

Bidders must use these prevailing wage rates to accurately estimate labor costs for their proposals. Failure to comply with these wage requirements can lead to contract non-compliance and potential penalties. Understanding these rates is crucial for developing a competitive and compliant bid.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 1: Driessen Fence Proposal Map," provides a visual representation and detailed breakdown of proposed fencing, gates, and corners for a project. It serves as a critical component for bidders to understand the scope and physical requirements of the fencing work.

• Map Overview: Depicts the proposed fence line, including various gate openings and corner points, with measurements indicated in feet.
• Gate Details: Specifies different types and sizes of gates, including:
  • Eight gate openings in total.
  • Five gate openings with a total gate length of 16' each.
  • Three of these five are single 16' gates to be paid for by the owner.
  • Two openings consist of two 8' gates each (total of four 8' gates).
  • Three gate openings with 20' gates each.
• Corner Details: Indicates 11 corners for the proposed fence.
• Proposed Fence Length: 8,313.6 lineal feet of fence is proposed.
• Landowner Funded Gates: Identifies specific gates that are funded by the landowner.
• Inset Maps: Includes detailed views of specific sections, such as the "Driessen NW Corner Inset" and "Driessen Fence Detail 1."

This attachment is crucial for bidders to accurately estimate costs, plan logistics, and understand the physical scope of the fencing project. It details the exact locations, lengths, and types of gates and fence lines, directly impacting material and labor requirements for proposals.

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

This document outlines the technical specifications for constructing a wolf/livestock conflict abatement fence. The primary goal is to provide a robust and effective barrier to prevent wolves from entering livestock areas.

• Materials Specifications: Details requirements for wooden posts (straight, cured, pressure-treated, specific dimensions) and galvanized metal products (Class III galvanized steel, specific tensile strength, breaking load, wire gauge, mesh spacing, and knot types for woven wire and vertical fence).

• Installation Specifications: Outlines the procedures for site preparation, corner and gate assembly construction (double H design), line post installation, brace wire installation, woven wire installation, gate installation, and interior electric fence installation (for cattle operations).

• Special Considerations: Addresses ditch crossings, topographic backfill, and specific requirements for livestock containment and culvert installation.

• Posts must meet specified diameter and treatment standards.

• Woven wire must meet minimum tensile strength, breaking load, and mesh spacing requirements.

• Installation must adhere strictly to the provided specifications to ensure effectiveness and prevent non-payment.

• Materials delivered that do not meet specifications will be rejected.

• Not explicitly stated in this document, but the location is identified as 85950 Lenawee Rd, Herbster, WI 54844.

• All materials must be Class III galvanized steel or pressure-treated wood meeting specific standards.

• Cement stabilization is required for posts set in augured holes.

• A signed statement warranting product compliance is required for wooden and galvanized products.

• The USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services does not endorse specific brands, companies, or installers.

• The selected contractor is responsible for all material purchases.

• Site preparation includes clearing a 16' swath and discing/dragging the area.

• Specific instructions are provided for gate construction, including apron installation to prevent predator access.

• An interior electric fence is required for cattle operations, with detailed specifications for wire, insulators, strainers, and grounding.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, issued as a Request for Quotations (RFQ) by the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Wildlife Services. The agency requires the installation of a high-tensile woven wire fence for wolf abatement in Bayfield County, Wisconsin.

• Installation of a high-tensile woven wire fence.

• Project Location: 85950 Lenawee Road, Herbster, WI 54844.

• Applicable wage determination for construction applies (See Attachment 3).

• Anticipated contract type: Not specified, but award will be made on Standard Form 1442.

• Period of Performance: Work to commence within five calendar days after Notice to Proceed and be completed within 60 days of Notice to Proceed.

• Estimated Magnitude: Between $25,000 and $100,000.

• A payment bond will be required within 10 days of award; a bid bond is not required.

• Quotes must be submitted by May 28, 2026, at noon CT to james.g.roloff@usda.gov.

• Quote package must include the RFQ page, demonstration of relevant experience, and past performance information.

• Evaluation Criteria: Lowest price, technically acceptable approach. Only the lowest priced quote will be evaluated for technical acceptability. If unacceptable, the next lowest priced quote will be evaluated, and so on.

• Key Deadlines:

  • Site Visit: May 13, 2026, at 11 a.m. CT.
  • Questions Due: May 26, 2026, at noon CT.
  • Quotes Due: May 28, 2026, at noon CT.

• All responsible sources may submit a quotation.

• North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) code and small business size standard are not specified in the provided text.

• Attachments include: Statement of Work, Aerial Photos, and Federal Construction Wage Rates for Bayfield County.

• USDA is exempt from sales tax.

• Quoters are advised that the USDA intends to award without negotiations; omissions may result in a technically unacceptable quote.