CA NP MOJA 11(2) 10(2) KELBAKER, KELSO-CIMA, CIMA and MORNING STAR MINE ROADS
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 Federal Highway Administration (FHWA-CFLHD), in coordination with the National Park Service, is soliciting bids for extensive road construction and rehabilitation within the Mojave National Preserve in San Bernardino County, CA. This Invitation for Bid (IFB) covers approximately 56.5 miles of roads, including Kelso-Cima, South Kelbaker, and Morningstar Mine Roads, with an estimated value between $80,000,000 and $120,000,000. The project aims to improve safety, visitor access, and environmental protection, particularly for desert tortoises. Bids are due April 30, 2026.
Scope of Work
The project involves comprehensive improvements:
- Kelso-Cima and South Kelbaker Roads (41.6 miles): Full depth reclamation, new asphalt pavement, widening to a consistent 26 feet, minor horizontal/vertical realignment, reinforcing 48 low water crossings, and improving safety with mumble strips, signing, pavement markings, and paved pullouts.
- Morningstar Mine Road (14.9 miles): Full depth reclamation and placement of surface-course aggregate. This segment will be converted from asphalt to gravel to reduce traffic speeds and mitigate desert tortoise mortality.
- Environmental & Safety: Installation of tortoise crossing structures, wildlife escape ramps, and exclusion fencing. Compliance with stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPP) and Waste Discharge Requirements (WDR) is mandatory. Traffic control plans must comply with the California MUTCD 2014.
Key work items include 110,000 tons of asphalt concrete, 133,000 tons of roadway aggregate, 49 miles of full depth reclamation, 44 miles of tortoise barrier fence, and 2,400 linear feet of tortoise crossing structures.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price with Economic Price Adjustment.
- Estimated Value: $80,000,000 - $120,000,000.
- Period of Performance: Estimated completion by June 22, 2026.
- Set-Aside: Full and Open Competition with HUBZone Price Preference. A 10% price evaluation factor will be applied to non-HUBZone offers. The NAICS Code is 237310 (Highway, Street & Bridge Construction) with a $45 million small business size standard.
Submission & Evaluation
- Bid Opening Date: April 30, 2026.
- Submission: Electronically to CFLContracts@dot.gov or as hard copies.
- Requirements: A Bid Guarantee is required, and offerors must have an active Federal Government contracts registration in SAM. A Project Labor Agreement (PLA) is also required. Prior experience on projects of similar magnitude is essential.
Key Considerations
This project is located within a natural resource sensitive area, requiring strict adherence to environmental regulations concerning desert tortoises and nesting birds. Work within the Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way necessitates compliance with their specific terms. Compensatory mitigation for impacts to waters of the state, involving purchasing stream credits, is anticipated.