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 improvements within the Mojave National Preserve, San Bernardino County, CA. This project, titled "CA NP MOJA 11(2) 10(2) KELBAKER, KELSO-CIMA, CIMA and MORNING STAR MINE ROADS," aims to enhance safety and visitor access across approximately 56.5 miles of roads. The estimated cost is between $80,000,000 and $120,000,000. This is an Invitation for Bid (IFB) under Full and Open Competition with HUBZone Price Preference. Bids are due by May 14, 2026.
Scope of Work
The project involves resurfacing, restoration, and rehabilitation of Kelso-Cima Road (19.3 miles), South Kelbaker Road (22.3 miles), and Morningstar Mine Road (14.9 miles).
- Kelso-Cima & South Kelbaker Roads: Full depth reclamation, new asphalt pavement (two equal 1.5-inch lifts), increasing roadway width to 26 feet, minor realignment, reinforcing 48 low water crossings, and improving safety with mumble strips, signing, pavement markings, and paved pullouts.
- Morningstar Mine Road: Full depth reclamation and placement of surface-course aggregate, converting it to a gravel road to mitigate tortoise mortality. This also includes realignment at the Cima Road/Morningstar Mine Road intersection.
- Key Work Items: Include 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.
- Environmental Considerations: The work is in a natural resource-sensitive area, requiring attention to environmental constraints, particularly concerning desert tortoises (barrier fence installation prior to ground-disturbing activities) and nesting birds. A temporary asphalt plant is not permitted within the Preserve.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price with Economic Price Adjustment (Invitation for Bid).
- Estimated Value: $80,000,000 - $120,000,000.
- Bid Opening Date: May 14, 2026, at 20:00:00Z.
- Anticipated Notice to Proceed (NTP): July 20, 2026.
- Period of Performance: Estimated 2.5 working years.
- Published Date: May 11, 2026.
- Amendments: Multiple amendments (A001, A002, A003) have been issued, updating bid schedules, plans, technical specifications, and extending deadlines. Bidders must acknowledge all amendments.
Eligibility & Evaluation
- Set-Aside: Full and Open Competition with HUBZone Price Preference. A 10% price evaluation factor will be applied to non-HUBZone offers. The solicitation's small business goals are 43.02%.
- NAICS Code: 237310 (Highway, Street & Bridge Construction) with a $45 million small business size standard.
- Submission: Electronic bids are encouraged via CFLContracts@dot.gov, or hard copies can be hand-delivered. A Bid Guarantee is required.
- Evaluation: Award will be based on competitive bids. Offerors must have an active Federal Government contracts registration in SAM.
Additional Notes
Prior experience on projects of similar magnitude is required. The project necessitates compliance with stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPP), Waste Discharge Requirements (WDR), and traffic control plans per California MUTCD 2014. A Project Labor Agreement (PLA) is required. Work within Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) right-of-way requires railroad-approved flagmen and UPRR Right of Entry Agreements. Liquid anti-strip additive is not allowed in asphalt concrete mix; lime must be used.