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, Central Federal Lands Highway Division (FHWA-CFLHD), in coordination with the National Park Service, is soliciting bids for road rehabilitation and construction within the Mojave National Preserve, San Bernardino County, CA. This project, estimated between $80,000,000 and $120,000,000, aims to improve safety and visitor access across approximately 56.5 miles of roads, including Kelso-Cima, South Kelbaker, and Morningstar Mine Roads. The solicitation is Full and Open Competition with HUBZone Price Preference. Bids are due May 14, 2026.
Scope of Work
The project involves comprehensive improvements to 19.3 miles of Kelso-Cima Road, 22.3 miles of South Kelbaker Road, and 14.9 miles of Morningstar Mine Road. Key tasks include:
- Kelso-Cima & South Kelbaker Roads: Full depth reclamation of existing pavement, placement of new asphalt pavement, widening to a consistent 26 feet, minor horizontal/vertical realignment, and reinforcing 48 low water crossings. Safety enhancements include longitudinal/transverse mumble strips, signing, pavement markings, and paved pullouts. Two equal 1.5-inch lifts of asphalt concrete pavement are required.
- Morningstar Mine Road: Full depth reclamation of existing pavement and placement of surface-course aggregate. This segment also includes realignment of Kelso-Cima Road at the Cima Road/Morningstar Mine Road intersection, converting the road 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).
- Major Quantities: Approximately 110,000 tons of asphalt concrete pavement, 133,000 tons of roadway aggregate, 81,000 tons of aggregate surface course, 110,000 cubic yards of roadway excavation, 49 miles of full depth reclamation, 17,000 linear feet of concrete barrier, 44 miles of tortoise barrier fence, 2,400 linear feet of tortoise crossing structure, and 12,000 cubic yards of rip rap.
- Mandated Equipment: Use of a material transfer vehicle (MTV) and paver with a safety edge device is required.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Invitation for Bid (IFB), Firm Fixed Price with Economic Price Adjustment.
- Estimated Value: $80,000,000 to $120,000,000.
- Period of Performance: Estimated completion by June 22, 2026, with an anticipated Notice to Proceed (NTP) by July 20, 2026. The project is estimated to take 2.5 working years.
- Set-Aside: Full and Open Competition with HUBZone Price Preference. A 10% price evaluation factor will be applied to non-HUBZone offers. HUBZone small business concerns may elect to waive this preference.
- NAICS Code: 237310 (Highway, Street & Bridge Construction) with a small business size standard of $45 million.
- Key Requirements: A Bid Guarantee is required. Offerors must have an active Federal Government contracts registration in SAM. A Project Labor Agreement (PLA) is required. Work within the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) right-of-way requires compliance with their specific terms and conditions, including UPRR flagging. A temporary asphalt plant is not permitted within the Mojave National Preserve.
Submission & Evaluation
- Bid Opening Date: May 14, 2026.
- Submission: Proposals must be submitted electronically to cflcontracts@dot.gov or as hard copies. Electronic bids are encouraged.
- Evaluation Criteria: Award will be based on Full and Open Competition, with a 10% price evaluation preference for HUBZone firms.
- Amendments: Bidders must acknowledge receipt of all amendments (A001, A002) and utilize the most recently updated bid schedules (Amendment A002 BidSchedule.xlsx) for proposal preparation. Failure to acknowledge amendments may result in bid rejection.
Additional Notes
The project is located in a natural resource-sensitive area, requiring great attention to environmental details, particularly concerning desert tortoises and nesting birds. Tortoise barrier fence installation must precede other ground-disturbing activities in specific areas. Compensatory mitigation for impacts to waters of the state involves purchasing stream credits. A pre-job meeting with the assigned Caltrans Representative is required at least 7 days prior to work commencement.