AFD Visitor Center Remodel
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Aerial Fire Depot is soliciting proposals for the AFD Visitor Center Remodel project in Missoula, Montana. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside for a Firm Fixed-Price contract, with an estimated magnitude between $500,000 and $1,000,000. The project involves comprehensive renovation of the visitor center, including deconstruction of a fire lookout, extensive interior and exterior remodeling, and associated site work. Quotes are due by March 18, 2026.
Scope of Work
The project entails a complete remodel of the Aerial Fire Depot's Visitor Center. Key tasks include:
- Deconstruction and storage of the existing fire lookout (an option item).
- Exterior landscaping, including irrigation system installation and plant work.
- Interior, exterior, bathroom, and basement remodeling, addressing walls, lighting, and accessibility.
- Installation of an entry sign (an option item).
- All associated electrical, mechanical, and plumbing tasks.
- Structural fixes for column bases and concrete work (e.g., NE walk removal).
- Asbestos-containing materials (ACBM) have been identified, requiring abatement prior to demolition/renovation.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price.
- Magnitude: Between $500,000 and $1,000,000.
- NAICS Code: 236220 Commercial and Institutional Building Construction (Small Business Size Standard: $45.0M).
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside. General Contractors MUST be a small business concern.
- Bonds: 20% Bid Bond/Offer Guarantee required; 100% Performance & Payment Bonds required within 10 days of award.
- Period of Performance: Construction period is 6 months. Notice to Proceed is expected in early June, with construction starting in early October. Completion is targeted for March 31, 2027.
Submission & Evaluation
- Quotes Due: March 18, 2026, via email to paula.sales@usda.gov.
- Offer Acceptance Period: 90 calendar days.
- Evaluation Criteria: Award will be based on best value, considering:
- Relevant Experience: Demonstrated capability in similar scope, size, and complexity.
- Past Performance: Five relevant contracts within the last five years (using Attachment 8).
- Technical Approach: Assessment of proposed approach, timeline, skills, and logistics.
- Price: Fair and reasonable evaluation.
- Questions Due: The deadline for questions was March 11, 2026.
Important Notes & Clarifications
- Amendments: Amendment 1 updated Attachments 2 (Schedule of Items) and 6 (Drawings), and incorporated Attachments 10-14. Amendment 2 incorporated Attachment 15 (Stone Masonry Veneer). Bidders must use the UPDATED 9 March Schedule of Items.
- Asbestos: An inspection report (Attachment 14) identifies ACBMs that require removal by an accredited abatement contractor.
- Wage Determination: Attachment 7 provides prevailing wage rates for Missoula County, MT, which must be adhered to.
- Exhibits: Existing exhibits will be removed and replaced by the USFS; contractors should not include this in their quotes.
- Subcontractors: Do not need to be listed with bid submission but are required via SF 1413 after award.
- Insurance: Refer to FAR 28.307-2 for liability, workers' compensation, and automobile liability insurance requirements.
- Site Visit: A site visit was held on February 27, 2026.