Design-Build Services for the Bridge of the Americas (BOTA) Land Port of Entry (LPOE) Modernization Project, El Paso, Texas

Quick Summary

The General Services Administration (GSA) Public Buildings Service is seeking Design-Build Services for the Bridge of the Americas (BOTA) Land Port of Entry (LPOE) Modernization Project in El Paso, Texas. This project involves replacing the existing, outdated LPOE with a new, modernized facility to accommodate increasing traffic. The estimated design and construction cost range is $400,000,000.00 to $460,000,000.00. This is a two-phase procurement, with Phase 1 qualifications proposals due March 23, 2026.

Scope of Work

The project requires comprehensive design and construction services for a new LPOE, including:

• New Facilities: An administration building with expanded pedestrian inspection, primary and secondary passenger vehicle inspection, outside vehicle parking expansion, seized vehicle processing area, kennel, canopies, outbound inspection for pedestrians/vehicles/buses, outbound support office, and new paving. It also includes bus inspection facilities for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
• Demolition: Abatement and demolition of existing facilities.
• Related Services: Site planning, utility relocation, testing, inspection, commissioning, and potential additional site analysis.
• Operational Requirement: The current LPOE must remain in continuous operation, necessitating phased construction. Commercial traffic will be permanently redirected to nearby LPOEs at the start of construction.
• Standards: Compliance with 2025 PBS Core Building Standards, CBP Land Port of Entry Design Standard 2023, and other applicable codes. Design for a 50-year service life, 20-year roof service life, and integration of art in architecture. High-Performance facility as defined by Energy Policy Act of 2005 and Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.

Contract & Timeline

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) Design-Build, utilizing a two-phase selection procedure (FAR 36.101-2) and competitive proposals (FAR 15, trade-off methodology).
• Estimated Duration: Approximately 1,610 calendar days (4.4 years) for completion after award. Estimated award date of April 15, 2026, with substantial completion by April 15, 2031.
• Cost Range: $400,000,000.00 - $460,000,000.00.
• Set-Aside: Unrestricted and open to all large and small business concerns. GSA is committed to supporting the Small Business Program, with specific subcontracting goals outlined for HUBZone, SB, SDB, WOSB, VOSB, and SDVOSB firms.
• NAICS: 236220 (Size Standard: $45.0 million).
• PSC: Z2AZ (Repair Or Alteration Of Other Administrative Facilities And Service Buildings).

Submission & Evaluation

This is a two-phase procurement:

• Phase 1 (Qualifications):
  • Deadline: March 23, 2026, by 2:00 PM CST.
  • Submission: Electronically via email to marsha.howard@gsa.gov.
  • Evaluation Factors: Technical Qualifications (40%), Approach to Design-Build (20%), Lead Designer (25%), Past Performance of the Offeror's Team (15%).
  • A maximum of three firms will be shortlisted for Phase 2.
• Phase 2 (Proposals): Shortlisted firms will submit proposals, evaluated based on a best value tradeoff concept. Factors include Quality of Design Concept (45%), Qualifications, Experience and Past Performance of Key Personnel (25%), Management and Technical Approach (25%), and Small Business (5%).
• Questions Deadline: February 18, 2026.

Additional Notes

• This procurement is funded primarily by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
• A stipend of $240,000.00 may be paid to Offerors not selected for award for the preparation of a technical proposal including design concept in Phase 2.
• A Bid Bond (Phase 2 requirement), Performance Bond, and Payment Bond (after award) are required.
• Offerors must have an active SAM registration. Monitor www.sam.gov for amendments.