Installation of Predator Fence

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the "More RFIs and Responses" opportunity, clarifying details about ditch crossings, electric fencing, and terrain.

• Ditch Crossings:
  • Landowners are responsible for constructing culvert crossings for larger ditches.
  • The "Break-away fence" will be constructed identically to the main fence (using posts and components) but will be isolated to minimize damage during severe flooding.
• 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 is expected to have very little rock, primarily clay, suggesting drilling will not be a significant requirement.

These clarifications do not appear to alter any requirements, due dates, or submission rules mentioned in the original solicitation. Bidders should incorporate this information into their understanding of the project scope and site conditions.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the "Ditch crossings" and "Electric fence" sections of the solicitation.

• 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 requiring them.
  • The "Break Away" fence is a stand-alone section and will follow the main fence installation specifications, but it is not physically connected to the main fence.
• Electric Fence:
  • The Contractor is responsible for supplying the charger.
  • The standard recommendation is 3 joules of output per mile of high tensile fence.
  • Both projects will utilize AC powered energizers.
• Terrain:
  • There is no anticipated rock drilling required for either project.

These clarifications provide specific details on responsibilities for site preparation, fence construction, and equipment specifications, which may impact contractor planning and pricing.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, issued as a Request for Quotations (RFQ). The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Wildlife Services, requires the installation of a high-tensile woven wire fence for wolf abatement in Ashland County, Wisconsin. The project is located at 47923 Hwy 112, Ashland, WI 54806.

• Installation of a high-tensile woven wire fence.

• The project requires commencement within five calendar days after the Notice to Proceed and completion within 60 days of the Notice to Proceed.

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

• Anticipated contract type is not specified.

• Estimated magnitude of the project is between $25,000 and $100,000.

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

• The applicable Department of Labor wage determination for construction applies.

• Quotes must be submitted by June 5, 2026, at noon CT to james.g.roloff@usda.gov.

• Required quote package includes: this page, demonstration of relevant experience, and past performance information.

• Quotes will be evaluated based on the lowest price, technically acceptable approach. Only the lowest priced quote will be evaluated for technical acceptability. If it's not acceptable, the next lowest priced quote will be evaluated, and so on.

• Key evaluation factors: Price (including realism analysis), Technical Acceptability (relevant experience with similar fence work), and Past Performance.

• The government intends to award without negotiations; omissions may lead to technical unacceptability.

• All responsible sources may submit a quotation.

• Specific small business set-aside information is not detailed.

• Questions are due by May 29, 2026, at noon CT, submitted to james.g.roloff@usda.gov.

• A site visit is scheduled for May 20, 2026, at 10 a.m. CT.

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

• USDA is exempt from sales tax.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides the General Decision Number for Wisconsin construction projects, detailing prevailing wage rates for various labor classifications across numerous counties. It is intended to inform bidders of the minimum wage requirements for laborers and mechanics employed on federal or federally funded construction projects.

• General Decision Number: WI20260011, effective 01/02/2026.
• Construction Type: Building (excluding residential construction up to 4 stories).
• Geographic Coverage: Specifies counties within Wisconsin, including Adams, Ashland, Barron, Bayfield, Buffalo, Burnett, Clark, Columbia, Crawford, Dodge, Door, Dunn, Florence, Fond du Lac, Forest, Grant, Green, Green Lake, Iowa, Iron, Jackson, Jefferson, Juneau, Kewaunee, Lafayette, Langlade, Lincoln, Manitowoc, Marinette, Marquette, Menominee, Monroe, Oconto, Oneida, Pepin, Polk, Portage, Price, Richland, Rusk, Sauk, Sawyer, Shawano, Taylor, Trempealeau, Vernon, Vilas, Walworth, Washburn, Waupaca, Waushara, and Wood.
• Labor Classifications: Lists specific trades (e.g., Asbestos Workers/Insulator, Boilermaker, Bricklayer, Carpenter, Electrician, Ironworker, Laborer, Plumber/Pipefitter, Sheet Metal Worker, Truck Driver) with their corresponding hourly wage rates and fringe benefits.
• Executive Orders: Includes notes on Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and Executive Order 13658 (Minimum Wage), outlining contractor obligations.

Bidders must review these prevailing wage rates to accurately estimate labor costs for their proposals. Failure to comply with these wage requirements can lead to contract violations. The document is crucial for understanding labor cost components and ensuring compliance with federal regulations for construction projects in the specified Wisconsin counties.

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

This document outlines the specifications for the construction of a permanent woven wire fence designed for wolf/livestock conflict abatement at a specific location in Ashland, WI.

• Materials Specifications: Details requirements for both wooden and galvanized metal products.

  • Wooden Products: Must be straight, free from cracks, dry, and meet specific diameter and length requirements for various post types (gate, corner, brace, line). Treatment and penetration specifications for preservatives (pentachlorophenol, CCA, ACZA, ACQ) are provided. A signed statement warranting compliance is required.
  • Galvanized Products: Must be Class III galvanized steel, meeting specific tensile strength and breaking load requirements for woven wire, vertical fence, horizontal apron, brace wires, and staples. Specifics on wire gauge, mesh spacing, knot types, and graduation of horizontal wires are detailed.

• Installation Specifications: Outlines the binding requirements for fence construction.

  • General: Includes safety warnings, building tips, and requirements for cement stabilization of posts.
  • Site Preparation: Requires clearing of the fence line and site preparation using methods like discing and dragging.
  • Post Installation: Details the installation of corner, end, gate, and line posts, including depth, spacing, and the use of "double H" construction for gate and corner assemblies.
  • Wire Installation: Covers woven wire installation, tensioning, and attachment, as well as interior electric fence installation with specific insulator and wire requirements.
  • Special Features: Addresses break-away fence installation for drainage crossings, ditch crossings, and the use of aluminum products for interior electric fence.

• Materials must meet or exceed specified tensile strength, breaking load, and gauge requirements.

• Wire crossings must be knotted with a no-slip knot.

• Mesh spacing and wire graduation are precisely defined.

• Posts must be set to specified depths and heights.

• Installation must adhere strictly to the provided specifications; deviations require written approval.

• Materials not meeting specifications will be rejected.

• The location is specified as 47923 Hwy 112, Ashland, WI 54806.

• The period of performance is not explicitly stated but implied to be for the construction of the fence.

• A signed statement from the supplier is required for wooden and galvanized products.

• Cement is to be provided and included in installation costs for post stabilization.

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

• Companies providing installation may be required to provide a written warranty.

• Inspection of installation is required, and failure to comply may result in non-payment.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Attachment 2, an aerial photograph with annotations, providing a visual representation of the property and proposed fencing for the opportunity. It serves as a supplementary visual aid to understand the scope and location of the work.

• Aerial view of the property with overlaid proposed fence lines (yellow) and existing features.
• Annotations indicating property corners, gate sizes and locations, fence lengths, and property boundaries.
• Labels for "ILLNESS LAVASSEUR CATASTROPHIC TRUST" and "REVOCABLE AVASSEUR TRUST" and "ZIFKO DARREN & ZIFKO LONNIE".
• A diagram illustrating the design of a "Break-Away Fence" with a top-view perspective and indication of water flow.
• Measurements for various fence segments and gate openings.

This attachment is crucial for bidders to visualize the physical layout of the project area, understand the proposed fencing plan, and identify specific locations for gates and fence lines. The break-away fence design details are particularly important for understanding specialized requirements. Bidders should use this visual information to assess the scope of work, potential challenges, and to inform their proposal preparation.