Custer Gallatin NF - Fairy Lake Phase 2 Road & Recreation Improvements

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for the Fairy Lake Phase 2 Road and Recreation Improvements project. The work is located on the Bozeman Ranger District of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. The project includes excavation, drainage, road reconditioning, surface stabilization, trail reconditioning and surfacing, installation of new turnouts, vault toilets, aggregate, and 2 AOP culverts. The work will be performed in accordance with FP-24, Forest Service Supplemental Specifications, and project-specific requirements.

• Excavation

• Drainage

• Road reconditioning

• Surface stabilization

• Trail reconditioning and surfacing

• Installation of new turnouts

• Installation of vault toilets

• Aggregate installation

• Installation of 2 AOP culverts

• The estimated magnitude of construction is between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000.

• The anticipated start of work is following Phase 1, expected to be completed by September 2026.

• Work under this contract is planned for completion by October 2027.

• The performance period is 395 calendar days after receiving notice to proceed.

• It is anticipated that a firm fixed price contract will be awarded.

• Offers are due by April 15, 2026, at 4:00 PM Mountain Time.

• Questions are due by April 8, 2026, at 4:00 PM Mountain Time via email to lisa.rakich@usda.gov.

• Offerors must submit pricing for all items to be considered responsive.

• Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government, based on a comparative evaluation methodology.

• Evaluation factors include: Relevant Experience, Past Performance, and Price.

• Offerors must submit written documentation of Relevant Experience and Past Performance for five (5) relevant contracts completed within the last five (5) year period.

• Bid Guarantee/Bond is required at 20% of the total price.

• Offers will be held firm for 60 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers.

• This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• All responsible small businesses may submit a quotation.

• The applicable North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) Code is 237310 (Highway, Street & Bridge Construction) with a small business size standard of $45 million.

• Technical data and supporting documentation, including SOW, Specifications, Plans & Drawings, and Area Map, are available as attachments.

• The solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses by reference, accessible at www.acquisition.gov.

• Performance and Payment Bonds are required, 100% of the original contract award price, due 10 days after award.

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

This document outlines the scope of work for the Fairy Lake Road and Recreation Improvement Project Phase 2, aimed at improving infrastructure within the Custer Gallatin National Forest.

• Project Location: Bozeman Ranger District, Custer Gallatin National Forest, Gallatin County, Montana.
• Work Description: Includes excavation, drainage, road reconditioning, surface stabilization, trailhead and campground improvements, trail restoration and surfacing, and installation of new trail turnouts and vault toilet(s).
• Specifics: Installation of 2 AOP culverts. Work to be performed in accordance with FP-24, Forest Service Supplemental Specifications, and project-specific requirements.
• Phasing: Work will commence following Phase 1, anticipated to be completed in September 2026.

Not explicitly detailed in this section, but work must conform to specified standards and project requirements.

• Estimated Start: On or before October 15th, 2026.

• Commencement: Within 7 calendar days of Notice to Proceed.

• Completion: No later than October 30th, 2027.

• Biobased Product Utilization: Contractor must comply with the Agricultural Act of 2014 and related regulations, utilizing biobased products where possible. A list of potential products and requirements for submitting a biobased product list and Operation Plan are detailed.

• Noxious Weed Control: Construction equipment entering the National Forest must be cleaned to prevent the spread of noxious weeds.

• Fire Safety: Minimum requirements for fire extinguishers, shovels/pulkaski, and spark arresters on vehicles and equipment.

• Contractor Responsibilities: Compliance with all applicable laws, ordinances, safety codes, and responsibility for damages.

• Work Schedule: A schedule must be supplied before starting, with 48-hour notice for changes. Work is generally Monday-Friday during daylight hours.

• Use of Roads: Authorized use of Forest Service roads, subject to limitations and coordination with other contractors.

• Traffic Control and Safety: Sole responsibility of the Contractor, adhering to MUTCD standards. Road closures require CO approval.

• Security and Protection: Contractor is responsible for protecting all equipment and supplies.

• Existing Utilities: Contractor must locate all utilities before ground disturbance.

• Safety Plan: A safety plan must be submitted to the CO prior to starting work.

• Erosion and Sediment Control: Requires CO approval of a Dewatering and Erosion Control Plan.

• Stream Permits: Forest Service will obtain necessary permits; Contractor must comply.

• Submittals: Work Schedule, Materials specifications, and Safety Plan due one week prior to work start.

• Staging, Storage and Stockpiling: Must occur at CO-approved locations.

• Salvage Rights: Merchantable timber is Government Property; specific procedures for handling are outlined.

• Protection of Improvements and Resources: Contractor must prevent damage and confine operations to authorized areas, complying with environmental regulations and protecting specific resources like Whitebark Pine trees.

• Water: No potable water available; Contractor responsible for all water needs.

• Camping: Not permitted unless approved by CO.

• Food Storage: Strict requirements for storing food and attractants to prevent animal encounters.

• Toilet Facilities: Contractor must supply portable toilets.

• Cleanup and Disposal: Contractor responsible for solid waste disposal and site cleanup.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a General Decision Number (GDN) for highway construction projects in Montana, issued by the U.S. Department of Labor. It establishes the prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits for various construction crafts and laborers in Montana Statewide.

• Classifications: Lists specific job titles (e.g., Carpenter, Cement Mason, Diver, Electrician, Ironworker, Laborer, Truck Driver, Welder).
• Wage Rates: Provides the hourly base wage for each classification.
• Fringes: Details the hourly fringe benefit amount for each classification.
• Laborer Groups: Defines four groups of laborers with specific tasks assigned to each.
• Power Equipment Operator Groups: Defines seven groups of power equipment operators with specific equipment assigned to each.
• Notes: Includes information on Executive Orders 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and 13658 (Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors), and the process for wage determination appeals.

This document is crucial for bidders on federal highway construction projects in Montana. It dictates the minimum wage and fringe benefits that must be paid to laborers and mechanics employed on the project, directly impacting labor costs and proposal pricing. Bidders must ensure their proposed wages meet or exceed these determined rates to comply with labor standards.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains construction plans for the Fairy Lake Road & Recreation Improvement Project Phase 2. It details various aspects of the project, including road and trail work, culvert installations, site plans for trailheads and campgrounds, and specific construction details for various features.

• Sheet Index: Provides a comprehensive list of all drawings included in the plan set, organized by sheet number and title.
• Project Location Maps: Includes Montana Index Map and Area Map showing the project's general location.
• Plan and Profile Views: Detailed drawings of road segments showing existing and proposed grades, alignments, culverts, and earthwork quantities.
• Typical Sections: Illustrates standard road and trail cross-sections, including details on base course, surfacing, and slope treatments.
• Specific Feature Details: Includes drawings for culverts, guardrails, underdrain systems, riprap, grade control structures, trailheads, campgrounds, toilets, bulletin boards, picnic tables, sewer tanks, pump wells, signs, and erosion control measures (BMPs).
• Worklist: A detailed breakdown of tasks, quantities, and specifications for various trail improvements.
• Standard Trail Terms: Defines standard terminology and construction methods for trail work.

This document is critical for potential bidders as it outlines the full scope of work for the "Fairy Lake Road & Recreation Improvement Project Phase 2." It provides all necessary technical specifications, design details, and quantities required to understand the project's requirements and prepare a bid. Bidders must review these plans to assess the complexity, materials, and labor involved in the road and trail improvements, as well as the associated infrastructure development.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a map illustrating the "Fairy Lake Road Project CIM & AOP LRT Permanent Repairs" within the Bozeman Ranger District of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. It serves to visually define the project area and associated routes.

• Geographic Area: The map covers the Fairy Lake area, including surrounding peaks like Hardscrabble Peak, Sacagawea Peak, Naya Nuki Peak, Ross Peak, and Nixon Peak.
• Roads and Trails: Key roads and trails are highlighted, including those designated as "Road Work Areas" (indicated by pink lines), and numbered routes such as 74, 500, 513, 518, 526, 534, 631, 632, 974, 1774, 6607, 6983, 7411, and 1171. Trailheads (TH) are also marked.
• Topographical Features: Contour lines, bodies of water (Fairy Lake, Nixon Creek, etc.), and creeks are depicted.
• Project Title: "Fairy Lake Road Project CIM & AOP LRT Permanent Repairs" is clearly stated, along with the administering district and forest.
• Inset Map: A smaller map of Montana shows the "Area of Interest" relative to major cities.
• Scale and Legend: A map scale in miles and a legend for "Road Work Areas" are provided.

This map is crucial for bidders to understand the physical location and scope of the proposed permanent repairs. It helps in visualizing the terrain, access routes, and specific areas where road work will be conducted, aiding in project planning, site assessment, and bid preparation.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document appears to be a set of supplemental specifications and modifications to a base document (likely FP-24) for the construction of National Forest System Roads. It details numerous changes and additions to various sections of the original specifications, covering aspects from definitions and contract terms to specific construction methods and materials.

• Clearing and Grubbing: Specific requirements for cutting stumps, falling and bucking merchantable material, and disposal of debris. Includes detailed utilization standards for different tree species.

• Excavation and Embankment: Procedures for rock cuts, earth cuts, drainage features, and compaction methods using various roller types. Defines construction tolerances for roadbed width, subgrade elevation, horizontal and vertical alignment, and slopes.

• Structure Excavation and Backfill: Specifies material requirements for bedding and backfill for pipe culverts, including size, compaction, and evaluation criteria.

• Aggregate Courses: Details requirements for untreated and crushed aggregate, including material properties, mixing, spreading, compacting, and surface tolerances. Includes extensive tables for aggregate gradation and sampling/testing requirements.

• Concrete Septic Holding Tank and Vault Toilets: Outlines specifications for providing, transporting, and installing precast concrete sewage holding tanks and vault toilets, including excavation, bedding, installation, water tightness testing, and backfilling.

• Rock Retaining Walls: Specifies the construction of rock retaining wall structures using cement mortar, including material composition, durability, and application requirements.

• The document references modifications to "FP-24" and "Forest Service Supplemental Specifications (FSSS)".

• It details numerous changes to sections such as 101 (Terms, Format, and Definitions), 102 (Bid, Award, and Execution of Contract), 103 (Scope of Work), 104 (Control of Work), 105 (Control of Material), 106 (Acceptance of Work), 108 (Prosecution and Progress), 109 (Measurement and Payment), 153 (Contractor Quality Control), and various construction sections (201-204, 301-303, 642-643, 703, 705, 935).

• The document focuses on technical specifications and requirements rather than proposal submission instructions or evaluation criteria. Bidders must adhere to the detailed specifications outlined for each construction element.

• No specific set-aside or eligibility requirements are detailed within this document. These would likely be found in the main solicitation document.

• This document is a compilation of modifications and supplemental specifications, indicating it is an amendment or part of a larger solicitation package. Bidders must ensure they have the complete set of specifications.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document appears to be a detailed pricing schedule or bill of materials for the "Fairy Lake Road Phase 2-Road and Trailhead Items" and "Fairy and Cache Ck AOP" projects. It outlines various construction and material items, their estimated quantities, units of measure, and unit prices, leading to a total cost for each item and the overall project.

• Road and Trailhead Items: Includes items such as mobilization, erosion control, excavation, embankment, culverts, subbase and surfacing aggregate, guardrails, traffic control, and various fixtures like picnic tables and vault toilets.
• Fairy and Cache Ck AOP (Area of Operations): Details items like mobilization, soil erosion control, clearing and grubbing, culvert removal, imported borrow, rip rap, grade control structures, and equipment rental.
• Trail Construction and Restoration: Lists items for constructing and restoring trails of different classes and types, including turnouts and retaining walls.
• Units of Measure: Quantities are specified in units such as Cubic Yards (CY), Linear Feet (LF), Each (EA), Miles (MILE), Square Yards (SQYD), and Lump Sum (LS).
• Pricing: Provides columns for Unit Price and Total cost for each line item, with a Project Total at the end.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the cost breakdown of the proposed work. It allows them to:

• Estimate their own costs for materials and labor.
• Prepare a competitive bid by understanding the pricing structure.
• Identify specific materials and quantities required for the project.
• Assess the scope and scale of the construction and restoration activities involved.