Buffalo Gap Campground water line repairs

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides answers to vendor questions regarding the "Questions and Answers.docx" attachment for an unspecified SAM.gov opportunity.

• Excavation Depth: Excavation around curb stops is complete. Current curb stops are buried at a minimum of 6', likely closer to 7' to comply with North Dakota (ND) code.
• Seeding: No seeding is required.
• Pipe Type: The plans specify PE (Polyethylene) pipe, not IPS or CTS.
• Water Type: The water is potable. There are no cross-contamination issues for this location, and the work will comply with DEQ and EPA codes.
• Trenching vs. Boring: The area is a "work" area that has been backfilled. Excavation is required to expose the line, valves, and vents for repair as described in the plans; boring is not an acceptable alternative in this specific location.
• Water Shut-off: The water is currently shut off and will remain shut off during work.

These clarifications address specific technical details about the water system, excavation, and materials, which may impact how bidders plan and price their proposals. No changes to deadlines or submission rules were indicated.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, serving as the sole solicitation for the "Buffalo Gap Campground water line repairs" project. It is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) under FAR Part 12.

• The primary requirement is the repair of water lines at the Buffalo Gap Campground.

• The work involves "BGAP WAERLINE REPAIR" as indicated in the continuation sheet.

• Specific details regarding the scope of work are provided in Attachment 3 - Statement of Work.

• Plans and drawings are available as Attachment 4.

• Award Type: Anticipated to be a firm fixed price contract.

• Period of Performance: 05/15/2026 to 06/15/2026.

• Delivery Location: USDA Forest Service, Medora Ranger District, Dickinson, ND.

• Quotations are due on or before 05/12/2026 by 1500 local time.

• Submission Email: john.curry@usda.gov

• Questions are due no later than May 07, 2026.

• Evaluation Method: Comparative analysis to determine the best value to the Government.

• Evaluation Factors: Relevant Experience, Technical Approach, and Price.

• Offerors must submit pricing for all items to be considered responsive.

• Offers will be held firm for 30 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers.

• This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• Applicable NAICS Code: 237110 (Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Constructions).

• Small Business Size Standard: $39.5 million.

• This solicitation incorporates numerous FAR clauses by reference, including those related to construction, changes, warranty, whistleblower rights, and Buy American requirements.

• Attachment 1: Solicitation (Buffalo Gap Campground water line repairs)

• Attachment 2: Schedule of Items/Pricing

• Attachment 5: Davis Bacon Wage Determination

• Attachment 6: Past Performance Questionnaire

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, titled "SCHEDULE OF ITEMS," outlines the specific items and services required for the "MEDORA RANGER DISTRICT / DAKOTA PRAIRIE GRASSLANDS BUFFALO GAP CAMPGROUND WATER VALVE REPAIR" project. It serves as a pricing and quantity breakdown for potential bidders.

• Item Number: 0001 (MOBILIZATION), 0002 (FURNISH & INSTALL CURB STOP VALVES, INCLUDES 3 - 1-IN. BALL VALVES AND 3 VALVE BOXES EXTENSION, ON A 6 FT. BURY).
• Pay Unit: LS (Lump Sum) for both items.
• Estimated Quantity: 1 for both items.
• Period of Performance: 05/15/2026 - 06/15/2026.
• Anticipated Delivery Date: 6/15/2026.

This schedule details the core components of the work to be performed. Bidders should use this information to prepare their pricing proposals. The "LS - Lump Sum" designation indicates that pricing should be provided as a total for each item. The anticipated contract type is firm fixed price.

Statement of Work (SOW)

This Statement of Work details the requirements for replacing three (3) 1-inch curb stops and removing historical waterline vent features at the Buffalo Gap Campground.

• Replace three (3) 1-inch curb stops, with two "T"ing off the mainline for flush toilets and shower house isolation, and the third isolating the hydrant at the parking loop.

• Remove existing waterline vent features.

• Install a new segment of 1-inch PE waterline.

• Furnish and install curb stops and adjustable standpipes with pentagon bolt caps.

• Excavate the work area to expose main lines and items for replacement/removal.

• Backfill excavations with washed sand and drainage rock for curb stops.

• Ensure no damage to existing sidewalks and curbs.

• Location: Buffalo Gap Campground, Dakota Prairie Grasslands, Medora Ranger District, approximately 7 miles west of Medora, North Dakota.

• Contractor Requirements: Must be licensed and follow North Dakota One Call protocol (811).

• Excavation: Adhere to OSHA excavation standards, including trench boxes, sloping, or shoring for excavations over 5 feet deep. Prevent surface water from entering excavations and manage water disposal appropriately. Excavated material is unclassified. Specific depths and widths for excavation are detailed, with provisions for unstable material and minimum cover requirements for the new HDPE water line.

• Over-Excavation: Unauthorized over-excavation must be backfilled at the Contractor's expense with Type 2 Bedding Material.

• Backfilling: The line must be pressure tested before backfilling. Backfill involves placing washed sand, followed by compacted lifts of excavated material. Specific lift depths and compaction requirements are outlined.

• Materials: Curb stops must conform to AWWA C800 standards and be of approved manufacturers (Mueller, Ford, or equal). Curb boxes must be cast iron extension type, compatible with curb stops. All direct bury cast iron ductile iron pipe and fittings must be wrapped in polyethylene encasement.

• Removal and Disposal: Existing vent standpipes, curb stops, and associated mainline PE pipe designated for removal must be disposed of in accordance with local, state, and federal statutes at an approved landfill.

• Measurement and Payment: Work performed under Excavation & Backfilling is incidental to Valve Installation; no separate payment will be made for this section.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a site plan detailing the "Buffalo Gap Campground Water Valve Repair" project. It illustrates the proposed work, including the removal and replacement of existing curb stops and the installation of new curb stop/ball valves and piping. It also shows the location of existing and proposed water lines, septic tanks, and drainfields.

• Diagrams: Provides a plan view of the campground area showing the layout of water lines, septic systems, and comfort stations.
• Detail Views: Includes a detailed drawing of a new curb stop installation, specifying materials such as 1-inch PE pipe, cast iron curb boxes, and washed rock.
• Notes: Contains specific instructions for the removal of existing curb stops, installation of new ones, and material specifications.
• Project Information: Identifies the project as "Buffalo Gap Campground Water Valve Repair" and indicates it is for the Northern Region, USDA Forest Service.

This attachment provides critical visual and technical information for potential bidders regarding the scope and specifics of the water valve repair work. It outlines the exact locations and types of components to be replaced or installed, which is essential for understanding the labor, materials, and complexity involved in the project. Bidders should use this plan to accurately estimate costs and develop their proposals.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides the prevailing wage determinations for various construction crafts and laborers in North Dakota, specifically for heavy construction projects in Adams, Billings, Bowman, Divide, Golden Valley, Hettinger, and Slope Counties. This information is crucial for contractors to understand the minimum wage and fringe benefit rates required for laborers and mechanics employed on federal or federally funded construction projects subject to the Davis-Bacon Act.

• General Decision Number: ND20260045, effective 01/16/2026.
• Construction Type: Heavy Construction Projects.
• Geographic Area: Adams, Billings, Bowman, Divide, Golden Valley, Hettinger, and Slope Counties in North Dakota.
• Craft Classifications and Rates: Includes specific hourly rates and fringe benefits for various trades such as Carpenters, Electricians, Power Equipment Operators, Ironworkers, Laborers (Common, Pipeline), Cement Masons/Concrete Finishers, and Truck Drivers.
• Executive Order (EO) 13706: Mandates paid sick leave for federal contractors, requiring 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, up to 56 hours annually.
• Executive Order 13658: Addresses minimum wage for federal contractors, with specific rates applicable to contracts awarded between January 1, 2015, and January 29, 2022.
• Appeals Process: Outlines the procedure for appealing wage determination decisions.

Bidders must review these wage determinations to accurately estimate labor costs for their proposals. Failure to comply with these prevailing wage requirements can lead to contract non-compliance and penalties. The document also highlights requirements related to paid sick leave and minimum wage for federal contractors, which must be factored into labor cost calculations and workforce management plans.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Experience Questionnaire required by the USDA Forest Service. It is designed to gather information from potential contractors regarding their past performance and capabilities to assess their suitability for an upcoming project.

• Contractor Information: Name, email, address, and phone number.
• Business Details: Business type (Company, Corporation, Individual, Co-Partnership, Non-profit Organization) and years of experience in the relevant line of work.
• Project History: A table to list projects completed or in progress within the last three years, including contract amount, type of project, date completed, and a contact person for verification.
• Past Performance: Questions regarding failure to complete work and whether work was completed by performance bond.
• Resource Availability: Information on the minimum and maximum number of employees available, whether employees are on payroll, and available equipment.
• Key Personnel Experience: A section to list principal individuals, their positions, years of experience, and the magnitude/type of work performed.
• Certification: A statement by the certifying official attesting to the accuracy of the information provided.

Bidders must complete this questionnaire accurately and thoroughly. The information provided will be used by the Forest Service to evaluate the bidder's experience and capability to perform the work contemplated by the solicitation. Failure to provide complete information may impact the evaluation of the proposal.