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The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Veterinary Services, houses bison year-round in two locations in Gardiner, MT. The fence needs upgrading. Currently, there are double fences around the perimeter with the interior fence comprised of electric high-tensile on wood posts. The government is upgrading the high tensile interior fences to steel continuous panel.

The solicitation and federal construction wage rates are posted below.

Two aerial photos of the sites are attached below.

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Questions & answers:

Qs: The current PDF states "and 'some' welding at joints" in reference to installation of continuous panels. We are seeking clarification on where welds are expected throughout the installation. Often the continuous panels are secured to post with a specialty bracket that fits the 1 5/8" steel.

We understand that the project area is an existing hay field, and would like to keep any welding to a minimum.

Is there no specified panel length, and we would intend to use 20' panels. We assume this would suffice.

A: We will want some tack welds at the joints that do not end at a post/bracket. Bison can push those joints apart too easily. The hayfield is irrigated, and if starting in June should not be a fire hazard. Pivot will likely keep it very wet. 20’ panels were assumed as industry standard.

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Additional questions and answers:

1. Are we allowed to turn off the electrification on the top wires while working on the fence below? Yes fence will be off.

2. Are the bison going to be the same area work is being performed? Yes, potentially they will be in the area.

3. Do areas where fence is removed have to be closed up by the end of that same day? Yes, if bison are present, we are happy to work with you to facilitate this.

4. Is there a staging area for storing new/remove materials before trucking them away? Yes

5. What exactly is the existing type fence being removed? Is it the same as the fence going back up? The existing fence is high tensile wire or commercial light cattle panel, 20’ long we believe.

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