CA NP MOJA 11(2) 10(2) KELBAKER, KELSO-CIMA, CIMA and MORNING STAR MINE ROADS

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the "CA NP MOJA 11(2) 10(2) Kelso-Cima and Kelbaker Roads" solicitation (Solicitation No. 6982AF25B000013).

• Bid Opening Date Extension: The bid opening date will be extended by 14 days, and NTP/completion dates will be updated in Amendment A001.
• Project Schedule: The anticipated NTP is June 22, 2026, with planning, submittals, and approvals taking approximately 60 days. The project is estimated to take 2.5 working years to complete.
• Road Closures: Morning Star Mine Road will remain open to public traffic but closed to through traffic after project completion.
• Material Reuse: Section 301 Aggregate Base items will be deleted and added to Section 302 items, allowing for the reuse of existing asphalt and aggregate.
• CAD Files: LandXML files are provided and can be converted to DGN/DWG CAD files.
• Shrinkage Calculations: Grading summaries use an assumed shrinkage/swell value of 1.0, which will be clarified in Amendment A001.
• Monument Removal: Bid Item 20301-1800 refers to the Mojave Road Monument, located at Kelso-Cima Road Sta. 4406+53 Lt. Disposal of material is in accordance with FP-24 Subsection 203.07.
• Temporary Asphalt Plant: A temporary asphalt plant cannot be set up within Mojave National Preserve.
• UPRR Flagging: UPRR flagging is required within 25 feet of UPRR tracks, and UPRR Right of Entry Agreements are needed for all work within UPRR ROW.
• Tortoise Fence: Tortoise fence needs to be installed prior to other ground disturbing activities in specific areas.
• Bid Submission: Electronic bids are encouraged, and hard copy bids can be hand-delivered prior to bid opening.
• Small Business Goals: The solicitation's table for FHWA small business goals is applicable, not the SBA website figures.
• Asphalt Lifts: Two equal 1.5 inch lifts of asphalt concrete pavement are required.
• Office Trailer: A Section 637 bid item will be added for an office trailer.

Several clarifications will be incorporated into upcoming Amendment A001, including bid date extensions, NTP/completion date updates, material quantity adjustments, and clarification on tortoise fence installation. Bidders should review these changes when they are issued.

Amendment / Modification

This document, Amendment A001 dated April 17, 2026, provides updated bid schedules for the KELSO CIMA & KELBAKER ROADS project (Project No: CA NP MOJA 11(2) 10(2)). It includes revisions to the base bid schedule (Schedule A) and two option schedules (Schedule X and Schedule Y).

Key changes involve the detailed pay items, quantities, units, and descriptions within each schedule. The "Bid Schedule Instructions" sheet provides guidance on preparing bids, emphasizing the need for unit prices to be quoted to the nearest cent, and outlining how extensions and totals will be calculated. It also specifies that "LPSM" (Lump Sum) should be used for certain items.

• Schedule A (Base Bid Schedule)
• Schedule X (Option Schedule)
• Schedule Y (Option Schedule)
• Bid Schedule Instructions

Bidders must use the updated schedules provided in this amendment to prepare and submit their bids. The instructions for pricing and calculation have been clarified. The "Bid Schedule Summary" indicates that all schedules (A, X, Y) currently have a Bid Total of $0.00, pending bidder input.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (A001) modifies the solicitation by extending deadlines and replacing several pages and sheets, alongside numerous technical specification updates.

Deadline Extensions:

• Technical questions deadline extended to May 1, 2026.
• Bid opening deadline extended to May 14, 2026.
• Notice to Proceed (NTP) deadline extended to July 20, 2026.

Page and Sheet Replacements/Additions:

• Bid Schedule: Pages A-6 through A-16 replaced with new pages E1-E83.
• Plans: Various sheets (A2, A24, B1-B3, B15, B44, B56, B63, C32, C33, T12, T14-T16, T28, T39, T41) replaced with updated versions (e.g., B44-A, T13-A, T14-A, T41-A, T44, T64-T68).
• New sheets added for Caltrans wayfinding signs (T44, T64-T68).
• Plan sheets C32 & C33 updated with a boring location symbol.

Technical Specification Updates:

• Verification Procedures: Updates for Hveem stabilometer, AASHTO T 283, and bulk specific gravity of aggregate.
• Equipment: Mandated use of material transfer vehicle (MTV) and paver with safety edge device.
• Pavement: Revisions to longitudinal joint placement, curve widening, transverse joint formation, roughness measurement, pay factors (Tables 401-8, 401-9), and localized roughness.
• Asphalt Concrete: Updates to aggregate grading, antistrip additive, and asphalt binder grade.
• Warranties: New sections for Asphalt Concrete Pavement Warranty (Section 431) and Concrete Pavement Warranty (Section 510) with 1-year periods.
• Materials: Specifics on polymer-coated steel pipe for culverts, curing material for curb/gutter, detectable warning surfaces, concrete barriers (32 inches), topsoil preparation, sign posts (wood and steel), hardware, HDPE conduit, weathering agents, and tortoise crossing structures.
• Traffic Control & Markings: Updates to permanent traffic control (sign posts, rumble strips), permanent pavement markings (glass beads, waterborne markings), and temporary traffic control.
• Electrical & Lighting: Requirements for structure excavation, backfill, sand, conduit installation, and pullbox placement.
• Facilities: Revisions to field office facilities, storage, internet service, and telephone requirements.
• Wood Posts: Detailed specifications for wood grade, species, and grading rules (Tables 718-50, 718-51, 718-52).

Numerous sections are affected, including but not limited to Pages A-iv, A-1, A-3, A-6 through A-16, E1-E83, and specification sections 401, 402, 431, 501, 510, 602, 609, 610, 618, 623, 624, 633, 634, 635, 636, 637, 646, 647, 701, 702, 703, 704, 705, 711, 713, 714, 718, 721, and 725. Plan sheets T12, T13-A, T14, T14-A, T15, T16, T28, T39, T41, T41-A, T44, T64-T68 are also updated or added.

Bidders must acknowledge receipt of this amendment. Failure to do so may result in bid rejection. Bidders must review all modified sections, specifications, tables, and drawings to ensure their proposals and subsequent work comply with the updated requirements. Key impacts include new equipment mandates, revised pavement pay factors, updated warranty requirements, and detailed specifications for various construction materials and methods, affecting material selection, construction procedures, and quality control.

Other / Unclassified

This document is an "Interested Vendors List" dated April 13, 2026. It lists five companies that have expressed interest in the opportunity. The list includes contact information (name, email, phone number), Unique Entity ID (SAM), CAGE Code, and address for each interested vendor.

This list can help potential bidders identify competitors or potential partners who have already shown interest in this opportunity. It provides contact details for these vendors, which may be useful for market research or networking, though direct contact with listed vendors regarding this opportunity should be approached cautiously and in accordance with any stated solicitation rules.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions submitted during the advertisement period for the CA NP MOJA 11(2) 10(2) Kelso-Cima and Kelbaker Roads project.

• Bid Opening Date: The bid opening date will be extended by 14 days via an upcoming Amendment A001.

• NTP and Completion Dates: The Notice to Proceed (NTP) and contract completion dates will be updated in an upcoming Amendment A001.

• Morning Star Mine Road Closure: The road will remain open to public traffic but closed to through traffic after project completion. The 90-day closure mentioned in Section 156.06 pertains to reclamation.

• Grading Quantities: Fill quantities are raw and do not include shrinkage. Note 5 on relevant plan sheets will be revised to clarify that "Waste quantity calculated using volumes unadjusted for shrink/swell."

• Mojave Road Monument: Bid Item 20301-1800 refers to the removal of the Mojave Road Monument, located at Kelso-Cima Road Sta. 4406+53 Lt. Disposal of material must comply with FP-24 Subsection 203.07.

• Temporary Asphalt Plant: A temporary asphalt plant cannot be set up within the Mojave National Preserve.

• The bid opening date and NTP/completion dates are subject to change via Amendment A001.

• Clarifications have been provided regarding road closures, grading calculations, and specific bid items. Bidders should review these responses carefully as they may impact their understanding of project requirements and costs.

Solicitation

This Invitation for Bid (IFB) solicits proposals for the construction and rehabilitation of roads and bridges on Federal Highway Projects (FP-24) within the Mojave National Preserve in San Bernardino County, California. The project aims to improve safety, reduce vehicle accidents, and enhance environmental protection, particularly for desert tortoises.

• Rehabilitation of approximately 56.5 miles of roads, including Kelso-Cima Road, South Kelbaker Road, and Morning Star Mine Road.

• Road reconstruction and rehabilitation, including realignment, resurfacing, restoration, and widening shoulders.

• Paving with asphalt concrete and aggregate base.

• Full depth reclamation.

• Permanent signing and pavement markings.

• Installation of rumble strips.

• Construction of tortoise crossing structures, wildlife escape ramps, and exclusion fencing for desert tortoises.

• Installation of low-water crossing features and armoring degraded streams with riprap.

• Compliance with stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPP) and Waste Discharge Requirements (WDR).

• Development and implementation of traffic control plans compliant with the California MUTCD 2014.

• Submission of as-built plans upon completion.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price with Economic Price Adjustment.

• Estimated Price Range: $80,000,000 to $120,000,000.

• Period of Performance: Estimated completion date of June 22, 2026.

• Bid Opening Date: April 30, 2026.

• Proposals must be submitted electronically to CFLContracts@dot.gov or as hard copies.

• Evaluation Criteria: Full and Open Competition with HUBZone Price Preference (a 10% price evaluation factor will be applied to non-HUBZone offers).

• A pre-job meeting with the assigned Caltrans Representative is required at least 7 days prior to the start of any work.

• Solicitation Type: Full & Open Competition with HUBZone Price Preference.

• NAICS Code: 237310 (Highway, Street & Bridge Construction) with a small business size standard of $45 million.

• HUBZone small business concerns may elect to waive the evaluation preference.

• A Bid Guarantee is required.

• Offerors must have an active Federal Government contracts registration in SAM.

• The project involves work within the Mojave National Preserve and requires adherence to specific environmental regulations, including those related to desert tortoises and nesting birds.

• A Project Labor Agreement (PLA) is required.

• The project involves work within Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way, requiring compliance with their specific terms and conditions.

• Direct temporary and permanent impacts to waters of the state are anticipated, with compensatory mitigation involving purchasing stream credits from the Mojave Desert Tortoise Umbrella Conservation Bank Site 6.

• Standard Specifications for Construction of Roads and Bridges on Federal Highway Projects, FP-24, are cited, along with Special Contract Requirements (SCRs).

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains cross-section sheets (Schedules A) for the Kelso-Cima and Kelbaker Roads project. These sheets provide detailed graphical representations of the proposed road design, including existing ground elevations, designed grades, and subgrade elevations at various stations along the route.

• Cross-Sectional Views: Each sheet displays multiple cross-sections at specific stations (e.g., 4088+00.00, 4087+64.00).
• Elevation Data: For each cross-section, the document shows:
  • Design Grade
  • Subgrade elevation
  • Original Ground elevation
• Horizontal and Vertical Scales: The sheets include scales to interpret the graphical data.
• Project Information: Identifies the project as "CA NP MOJA 11(2) 10(2) KELSO-CIMA AND KELBAKER ROADS" and "KELSO-CIMA ROAD SCHEDULE A."

These cross-section sheets are critical for bidders to understand the proposed earthwork, grading, and final surface elevations required for the project. They provide the necessary geometric information to estimate quantities, plan construction methods, and ensure compliance with the design specifications. Bidders will use this data to prepare detailed cost proposals and construction plans.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains cross-section drawings for the "CA NP MOJA 11(2) 10(2) KELSO-CIMA AND KELBAKER ROADS" project. It provides detailed cross-sectional views of the proposed road construction, including mainline and approach roads, at various station points.

• Sheet Index: Lists all sheets included in the document, detailing the range of stationing and description for each.
• Cross Section Drawings: Each sheet displays cross-sections of the road at specific stations, showing:
  • Designed grade and subgrade elevations.
  • Original ground elevations.
  • Roadway width and typical cross-slopes.
  • Existing pavement edges.
• Notes: Provides important context regarding approach road end conditions, riprap configurations at low water crossings, and omitted slope labels.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the geometric design and earthwork requirements of the project. It details the proposed roadway profile, width, and cross-slopes, which are essential for accurate cost estimation, material take-offs, and construction planning. Bidders must review these cross-sections to ensure their proposals accurately reflect the project's physical specifications.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains cross-section drawings for the Kelso-Cima and Kelbaker Roads project, specifically for the Kelbaker Road segment. These drawings illustrate the proposed grade, subgrade, and original ground elevations at various stations along the road.

• Cross-Sectional Views: Each page displays a cross-section of the roadway at a specific station (e.g., 2288+50.00, 2289+00.00, etc.).
• Elevation Data: For each cross-section, the "Des Grade" (Design Grade), "Subgrade," and "Original Grnd" (Original Ground) elevations are provided.
• Horizontal and Vertical Scales: The drawings include horizontal and vertical scales, with horizontal distances indicated by stationing and vertical elevations shown on the y-axis.
• Roadway Features: Existing pavement edges and proposed grades (indicated by percentages) are depicted.

These cross-section drawings are crucial for bidders to understand the proposed earthwork, grading, and final surface elevations required for the project. They provide detailed information on the existing terrain and the planned modifications, which is essential for accurate cost estimation, material quantity calculations, and construction planning.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains cross-section (XS) drawings for the "KELSO-CIMA AND KELBAKER ROADS" project, specifically for the "KELSO-CIMA ROAD" segment. These drawings illustrate the proposed design grades, subgrade elevations, and original ground elevations at various stations along the road.

• Sheet Number: X1077 through X1377 (indicating a comprehensive set of cross-sections).
• Project Identification: CA NP MOJA 11(2) 10(2), KELSO-CIMA AND KELBAKER ROADS, KELSO-CIMA ROAD.
• Cross-Sectional Data: Each cross-section displays:
  • Stationing (e.g., 3451+50.00).
  • Designed Grade (Des Grade).
  • Subgrade elevation.
  • Original Ground elevation.
  • Horizontal and vertical scales.
  • Roadway width indicators (e.g., "Edge of Ex Pav.", "RR R/W").
  • Grade percentages (e.g., -2.0%, +2.0%).

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the proposed earthwork, grading, and final surface elevations required for the project. It provides detailed visual information on the road's cross-sectional design at numerous points, enabling accurate quantity take-offs and cost estimations for excavation, fill, and subgrade preparation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains cross-section drawings for the Kelso-Cima and Kelbaker Roads project, specifically for "Option X" of the Kelbaker Road. These drawings illustrate the proposed grade, subgrade, and original ground elevations at various stations along the road.

• Stationing: Cross-sections are provided at regular intervals (e.g., 50-foot stations) and at specific points along the road, indicated by station numbers (e.g., 1551+50.00).
• Elevations: For each station, the drawings show the design grade, subgrade, and original ground elevations.
• Cross-Sectional View: Each drawing depicts a cross-section of the roadway, indicating horizontal and vertical scales, and showing the existing and proposed road profiles.
• Project Information: The drawings are part of the "CA NP MOJA 11(2) 10(2)" project, with NPS PMIS No. 310980.

These cross-section drawings are critical for bidders to understand the existing terrain and the proposed earthwork required for the project. They provide detailed information on the vertical alignment and cut/fill requirements at numerous points along the roadway, which is essential for accurate cost estimation and construction planning.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document contains cross-section drawings for various road segments, including Kelso-Cima Road, Kelso Dunes Road, UPRR Access Roads, and Morning Star Mine Road. Each cross-section displays the original ground elevation, proposed subgrade elevation, and designed grade.

• Stationing: Identifies specific points along the road segments (e.g., 4807+50.00, 266+25.00).
• Design Grade: The target elevation for the road surface at that station.
• Subgrade: The elevation of the prepared base layer beneath the final road surface.
• Original Ground: The existing elevation of the terrain before construction.
• Cross-Sectional View: Visual representation of the road's width and depth at each station, including existing right-of-way and proposed slopes.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the proposed earthwork, grading, and final road profiles. It provides detailed information on the required excavation and fill, the geometry of the roadbed, and the existing terrain, which are essential for accurate bidding and project planning.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Final Pavement Report" for the "CA NP MOJA 11(2) 10(2) Kelso-Cima and Kelbaker Roads" project in Mojave National Preserve, San Bernardino County, California. It was prepared for HDR, Inc. by GeoEngineers, Inc. and dated February 27, 2024.

This report details the geotechnical engineering evaluation for the rehabilitation or reconstruction of existing asphalt concrete pavement on the Kelso-Cima Road (approx. 19 miles) and South Kelbaker Road (approx. 23 miles).

Key elements include:

• Site Conditions: Surface and subsurface conditions, including pavement condition surveys (fatigue cracking, block cracking, edge cracking, longitudinal cracking, transverse cracking, potholes/patching), subsurface exploration (borings, pavement cores, DCP tests), laboratory testing, existing pavement thickness, subgrade soil characteristics, groundwater conditions, and climate data.
• Conclusions and Recommendations: Pavement design alternatives (full-depth reconstruction, full-depth reclamation with cement, full-depth reclamation without cement), analysis methods (AASHTO 1993 Pavement Design Guide), recommended pavement rehabilitation treatments, and life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA).
• Materials: Recommendations for asphalt binder (PG 70-10) and suggested pay items for the proposed structural section.
• General Considerations: Paving and construction considerations, drainage, and corrosion considerations.
• Appendices: Include field explorations, laboratory test results, pavement core photographs, pavement design calculations, and report limitations.

This report provides critical geotechnical data and pavement design recommendations that will inform potential bidders about the existing conditions, proposed rehabilitation alternatives, material specifications, and construction considerations for the Kelso-Cima and Kelbaker Roads project. It details the pavement structure, subgrade soil properties, and recommended rehabilitation treatments, which are essential for developing accurate bids and understanding project requirements.

Other / Unclassified

This memorandum provides recommendations for the rehabilitation of the 15.0-mile Morning Star Mine Road within the Mojave National Preserve, San Bernardino County, California. The existing asphalt pavement, applied in 2015, is beyond its design life and is to be converted to a gravel road. This conversion is intended to reduce traffic speeds and mitigate tortoise mortality within critical desert tortoise habitat.

The document details a pavement assessment conducted in November 2019, which found the asphalt to be approximately 22 feet wide with oxidized pavement and various forms of cracking. Subsequent investigations for nearby roads (Cima Road and Kelso-Cima Road) in 2020 and 2023 provided subgrade soil data (silty and clayey sands) with average R-Values of 54.

The recommended surfacing is 6 inches of Aggregate Base over Full Depth Reclamation (FDR) of the existing asphalt, pulverized to 1-inch below the pavement. This design is based on the South Dakota Catalog Method for a "high" subgrade support condition and low daily truck traffic.

Recommended pay items include Aggregate Surface Course Grading H (TON) and Full Depth Reclamation, Method 2 (MILE).

This document outlines the proposed rehabilitation strategy for Morning Star Mine Road, including the conversion from asphalt to gravel. It provides context on the road's condition, the project's objective (reducing tortoise mortality), and the recommended construction method (FDR with aggregate base). Bidders can use this information to understand the scope of work, the materials involved, and the rationale behind the proposed solution. The document also references attached site maps and photos, which would be crucial for site assessment and bid preparation.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This collection of documents comprises detailed engineering plans, specifications, and summaries for the "CA NP MOJA 11(2) 10(2) Kelso-Cima and Kelbaker Roads" project within the Mojave National Preserve. It includes comprehensive information on road construction, pavement markings, signage, and environmental considerations, serving as a critical technical reference for bidders.

• Roadway Plans: Detailed plan and profile sheets for mainline and access roads, including alignment, grading, stationing, offsets, elevations, and curve data. Specific features like Union Pacific Railway right-of-way, tortoise crossing structures, and pullouts are indicated.
• Structural & Pavement Details: Specifications for culverts (metal pipe, arch), concrete pavement, driveways, curbs, gutters, barriers (concrete, tortoise), full-depth reclamation, asphalt overlays, pavement transitions, and mumble strips.
• Signage: Detailed designs, dimensions, and placement specifications for various permanent and temporary signs, including MUTCD references, letter/object tables, and specific project signage summaries (e.g., Schedule A - Permanent Sign Summary). This includes requirements for "Special Signs" and traffic control devices.
• Pavement Markings: Summary schedule detailing quantities, locations (station to station), types (edge lines, centerlines, stop bars, symbols), and funding sources for pavement markings.
• Environmental & Safety Features: Designs for tortoise crossing structures, small wildlife escape ramps, and riprap placement.
• Traffic Control: Temporary traffic control layouts for road closures, including sign spacing and buffer zones.
• Materials: Specifications for riprap, soil topping, concrete, and steel components.

These documents are essential for bidders to understand the full scope of work, technical specifications, material requirements, and construction methods. They provide the detailed information necessary for accurate cost estimation, proposal development, and compliant project execution. Key elements for bidding include the summaries of quantities for various construction options (Schedule A, Option X, Y, Z), specific pavement marking requirements, and detailed signage specifications. The plans also highlight site-specific features and environmental considerations that will impact construction planning and execution.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document contains the Bid Schedule, which outlines the pay items, quantities, units, and instructions for bidders to provide their unit prices and calculate the total bid amount for the KELSO CIMA & KELBAKER ROADS project. It includes a base schedule (Schedule A) and two option schedules (Option X and Option Y).

• Bid Schedule Instructions: Bidders must insert unit bid prices (to the nearest cent) for each pay item with a quantity. The government will multiply unit prices by quantities to determine the amount bid. Mathematical errors in extensions will be corrected by the government, with the corrected unit price extension governing.
• Schedule A (Base): Details 89 pay items for the base contract, including mobilization, survey and staking, clearing and grubbing, excavation, paving, concrete work, fencing, equipment rental, labor, and environmental design. Quantities and units are specified for most items, with some designated as Lump Sum (LPSM).
• Schedule X (Option): Details 53 pay items for an optional contract period, mirroring many items from Schedule A but with different quantities.
• Schedule Y (Option): Details 39 pay items for a second optional contract period, also mirroring items from Schedule A with varying quantities.
• Bid Alternate Item: A note indicates a bid alternate item for "CONTRACTOR TESTING (Government-Furnished Lab)" is included, referencing page A-4 for details.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the scope of work, the specific pay items required, and the quantities involved for both the base contract and potential option periods. Bidders must use this schedule to prepare their pricing proposals accurately. The instructions clarify how pricing should be entered and how extensions will be calculated and verified by the government.