CUSTER GALLATIN NATIONAL FOREST - Sweet Trunk Trail #274

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the construction of approximately 18.4 miles of 36" stock trail through very rough terrain in the Crazy Mountain range, Northwest of Big Timber, MT. The project is located on the Big Timber Ranger District, Custer Gallatin National Forest.

• Clearing and new trail construction.

• Construction of switchbacks and rock walls.

• Installation of drainage structures, posts, and signs.

• Installation of culverts and turnpike construction.

• Miscellaneous trail work, including potential blasting or hammering for surface rock.

• Work includes clearing and new trail construction, construction of switchbacks and rock wall, installation of drainage structures, post and sign installation, gate installation, culvert installation, turnpike construction, and other miscellaneous trail work. Numerous sections of surface rock may need blasting or hammering.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price.

• Estimated Magnitude: Between $500,000 - $1,000,000.

• Period of Performance: Work to begin upon award and receipt of bonds/notice to proceed, to be completed by October 16, 2028.

• Questions Due: June 24, 2026, 12:00 PM MT.

• Quotes Due: July 1, 2026, 4:00 PM MT.

• Submission Method: Email proposals to alisha.knaub@usda.gov.

• Offer Acceptance Period: 90 calendar days.

• Evaluation Criteria: Best value to the Government, considering Experience and Past Performance. Formal tradeoff procedures will not be conducted.

• NAICS Code: 237990 (Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction).

• Size Standard: $45,000,000.

• Set-Aside: 100% for small business participation.

• An offer guarantee (Bid Bond) is required if the quote is greater than $150,000.

• Performance and Payment Bonds will be required of the successful offeror.

• No formal site visit is scheduled; contractors are encouraged to visit the site.

• Attachments include Work Items List, Standard Drawings, Maps, and Wage Determination.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This document outlines the work items and specifications for the "Sweet Trunk Trail #274" project, managed by the Custer Gallatin National Forest.

The project involves various trail construction and maintenance activities along Sweet Trunk Trail #274, including:

• Construction of switchbacks with specific radius, grade, and approach lengths.

• Unclassified excavation, clearing, and grubbing, with provisions for rock hammering or blasting.

• Construction of drain dips and sediment trap ditches.

• Installation of posts, fence, swing gates, and culverts.

• Trail clearing and marking.

• Specific work items are detailed by beginning and ending station markers along the trail.

• Switchbacks are to have a maximum 8% grade.

• Rock Walls are to be incorporated where staked, with specified slope percentages.

• Ditching for culverts is to daylight.

• Sediment traps are to be constructed at specified intervals and dimensions.

• The work spans a significant portion of the Sweet Trunk Trail, from station 0+00 to 971+53.

• Specific locations include the trailhead parking near Half Moon campground, various points along the trail, intersections with other trails (CAT trail, Cave Lake trail), and stream crossings.

• Some work is noted as being on private property or involving natural fords.

• Blasting or hammering may be required for sections with surface rock.

• Rock Walls are to be incorporated as specified.

• "NO WORK" is indicated for certain stream crossings and sections.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides standard drawings for trail construction and maintenance, specifically for the Sweet Trunk Trail #274 within the Custer Gallatin National Forest, Big Timber Ranger District. It serves as a reference for various trail structures and features.

• Illustration of Terms: Defines terminology used in trail construction.
• Clearing Limits: Specifies dimensions for clearing vegetation.
• Typical Trail Cross Sections: Details standard trailbed widths and slopes.
• Trailbed and Slope Finish: Outlines requirements for finishing the trailbed and slopes.
• Drain Dip: Illustrates the construction of drainage dips.
• Turnpike Type II: Details a specific type of trail construction for water management.
• Switchback Type I: Provides design for switchbacks.
• Existing Trail Reconditioning: Shows methods for restoring existing trails.
• Culvert Without Headwalls: Details installation of culverts.
• Natural Ford Structure: Illustrates methods for creating natural stream crossings.
• Rock Retaining Wall: Provides specifications for building retaining walls.
• Sign and Post Installation: Details how to install trail signs and posts.
• Trail Obliteration: Outlines methods for removing or restoring old trails.

These drawings are critical for any bidder involved in trail construction, maintenance, or reconditioning projects within this forest. They define the specific technical standards, dimensions, materials, and construction methods that must be followed. Understanding these drawings is essential for accurate bidding and successful project execution.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a map attachment, likely providing geographical context for a SAM.gov opportunity. It displays topographical features, roads, trails, bodies of water, and potentially land management boundaries.

• Topographical contour lines indicating elevation.
• Roads and trails, including named routes like "SWEET TRUNK TRAIL 274" and "Big Timber Canyon Rd."
• Water features such as lakes (e.g., "Cascade Lake") and creeks.
• Named geographical locations (e.g., "BIG TIMBER", "Cascade Lake", "Black Butte").
• Grid system for spatial reference.

This map is crucial for bidders to understand the physical environment related to the opportunity. It may be relevant for:

• Assessing logistical challenges or requirements for site visits or performance.
• Understanding the terrain for any services involving land access, maintenance, or navigation.
• Identifying potential access points or limitations.
• Visualizing the geographic scope of work if the opportunity involves a specific area.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a General Decision Number (GDN) for wage rates in Montana, specifically for heavy construction. It lists various labor classifications, including electricians, power equipment operators, ironworkers, operators (loader, grader, backhoe, etc.), laborers, carpenters, truck drivers, and welders. For each classification, it provides base pay rates and fringe benefits. The document also details zone definitions for power equipment operators, which determine applicable hourly rates based on mileage from specified county seats. It includes information on Executive Orders related to paid sick leave and minimum wage for federal contractors, as well as the process for appealing wage determinations.

This document is crucial for any bidder on a federal construction project in Montana that falls under the Davis-Bacon Act. It establishes the minimum prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits that must be paid to laborers and mechanics employed on the project. Bidders must use these rates to accurately calculate their labor costs when preparing their proposals. Understanding the zone definitions for power equipment operators is also important for accurate cost estimation, as rates can vary based on project location within the specified counties.