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 extensive road improvements within the Mojave National Preserve in San Bernardino County, CA. This project, estimated between $80,000,000 and $120,000,000, aims to enhance safety and visitor access across approximately 56.5 miles of roads. The bid opening date has been extended to May 14, 2026, with an anticipated Notice to Proceed (NTP) on June 22, 2026.
Scope of Work
The project encompasses improvements to Kelso-Cima Road (19.3 miles), South Kelbaker Road (22.3 miles), and Morningstar Mine Road (14.9 miles). Key work items include:
- Resurfacing, Restoration, and Rehabilitation: Full depth reclamation of existing pavement, placement of new asphalt pavement, and surface-course aggregate.
- Roadway Enhancements: Increasing roadway width to 26 feet, minor horizontal/vertical realignment, and reinforcing 48 low water crossings.
- Safety Features: Installation of longitudinal and transverse mumble strips, new signing, pavement markings, and paved pullouts.
- Environmental Protection: Installation of 44 miles of tortoise barrier fence and 2,400 linear feet of tortoise crossing structures, requiring installation prior to other ground-disturbing activities in specific areas. A USFWS-Authorized Biologist is required during the active desert tortoise season (March 1st to October 31st).
- Key Quantities: Approximately 110,000 tons of asphalt concrete pavement, 133,000 tons of roadway aggregate, 81,000 tons of aggregate surface course, and 110,000 cubic yards of roadway excavation.
Contract Details & Timeline
- Contract Type: Invitation for Bid (IFB) – Firm Fixed Price with Economic Price Adjustment.
- Estimated Value: $80,000,000 to $120,000,000.
- Set-Aside: Full and Open Competition with HUBZone Price Preference (10% price evaluation factor for non-HUBZone offers).
- NAICS Code: 237310 (Highway, Street & Bridge Construction).
- Bid Opening Date: May 14, 2026.
- Anticipated NTP: June 22, 2026.
- Project Duration: Estimated 2.5 working years.
- Amendments: Multiple amendments (A001, A002, A003) have been issued, updating bid schedules, plans, technical specifications, and clarifying various aspects. Amendment A003, dated May 4, 2026, provides the latest updated bid schedules.
Key Requirements & Considerations
- Environmental: Work is in a natural resource sensitive area, requiring great attention to detail regarding environmental constraints, traffic control, and visitor relations. A temporary asphalt plant is not permitted within Mojave National Preserve.
- Technical: Two equal 1.5-inch lifts of asphalt concrete pavement are required; a single 3-inch lift is not acceptable. Liquid anti-strip additive is not allowed; lime must be used. LandXML files are provided for CAD conversion. Work within 25 feet of UPRR tracks requires railroad-approved flagmen and Right of Entry Agreements.
- Project Labor Agreement (PLA): Required.
Submission & Contact
Bidders must use the latest updated bid schedules (Amendment A003) and acknowledge all amendments. Electronic bids are encouraged, and hard copy bids can be hand-delivered prior to bid opening. For questions, contact Jorey Deml at cflcontracts@dot.gov.