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), Central Federal Lands Highway Division, in coordination with the National Park Service, is soliciting bids for road improvements within the Mojave National Preserve, San Bernardino County, CA. This Invitation for Bid (IFB), estimated between $80,000,000 and $120,000,000, covers approximately 56.5 miles of roads. Bids are due May 19, 2026.
Scope of Work
The project involves comprehensive improvements to Kelso-Cima Road (19.3 miles), South Kelbaker Road (22.3 miles), and Morningstar Mine Road (14.9 miles). Work primarily includes resurfacing, restoration, and rehabilitation. Key tasks for Kelso-Cima and South Kelbaker Roads involve full depth reclamation of existing pavement, placement of new asphalt, 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 improvements consist of full depth reclamation and placement of surface-course aggregate.
Principle 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 and 2,400 linear feet of tortoise crossing structures
- 12,000 cubic yards of rip rap
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Invitation for Bid (IFB), Firm Fixed Price with Economic Price Adjustment
- Estimated Value: $80,000,000 - $120,000,000
- Set-Aside: Full and Open Competition with HUBZone Price Preference (10% price evaluation factor for non-HUBZone offers). Small business goals are 43.02%.
- NAICS: 237310 (Highway, Street & Bridge Construction), $45 million size standard
- Response Due: May 19, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET
- Anticipated NTP: July 20, 2026
- Project Duration: Estimated 2.5 working years
Special Considerations
The project is located in a natural resource sensitive area, requiring strict adherence to environmental constraints, particularly concerning desert tortoises (USFWS-Authorized Biologist required March 1st to October 31st). A Project Labor Agreement (PLA) is required. Work within 25 feet of Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) tracks necessitates railroad-approved flagmen and UPRR Right of Entry Agreements. Temporary asphalt plants are not permitted within the Mojave National Preserve. Noxious weed removal is a subsidiary obligation. Prior experience on projects of similar magnitude is required.
Amendments & Submission
Multiple amendments (A001, A002, A003, A004) have been issued, extending deadlines, updating bid schedules, and clarifying technical specifications. Bidders must acknowledge all amendments and use the latest bid schedules. Electronic bids are encouraged, but hard copies are also accepted prior to the bid opening.
Contact Information
For inquiries, contact Jorey Deml at cflcontracts@dot.gov.