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

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to Solicitation 47PB5126R0003 for the BOTA LPOE Modernization Project provides a "Chart of Questions and Answers." Key points from the Q&A include:

• Past Performance Criteria: The solicitation's requirement for all past performance projects to be design-build has been revised. Offerors can now include projects delivered via other methods (like D-B-B or CMAR) to demonstrate experience with LPOE complexity and scale, with the stipulation that at least one project must have been design-build.
• Project Size Threshold: For projects to be considered similar in size, they must have exceeded $200,000,000.00 in costs (design and construction), had a construction schedule over two years, and been completed within the last ten years.
• Project Submission: A project where the design is 100 percent complete and construction is at least 75 percent complete is not sufficient for Phase 1 submission.
• Favorable Consideration: Additional favorable consideration is specifically for projects aligning with the unique operational challenges of a Southern Border LPOE, not other complex secure federal infrastructure projects.
• Lead Designer Criteria: An A/E firm with a lead designer responsible for programming, concept design, bridging, construction documents, and commissioning meets the criteria for developing detailed design and construction documents.
• PDS Information: Project Development Study (PDS) information will be released in the Phase 2 RFP. Public information, including the NEPA EIS, is available on www.gsa.gov/bota.
• Draft Watermark: The "DRAFT" watermark on the Phase 2 Draft Document will be corrected for better visibility.
• Proprietary Information Agreement: This is a sample agreement for the offeror to execute with their consultant, not with GSA.
• Tangible Evidence: Certificates, awards, or peer recognition for Lead Designers are excluded from the proposal page count.
• Project Director Update: Gareth Montgomery is no longer the Project Director and should be removed from page 15 of 31.

Primarily affects Section II.C.1 (Technical Qualifications) regarding past performance criteria and project types. Also clarifies requirements for Lead Designer evidence and the Proprietary Information Agreement. Information regarding PDS and Phase 2 RFP details are also addressed.

Offerors must acknowledge receipt of this amendment. The proposal due date of March 23, 2026, at 2:00 pm CT remains unchanged. All other items remain unchanged.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for Design-Build Services for the Bridge of the Americas (BOTA) Land Port of Entry (LPOE) Modernization Project in El Paso, Texas. The project aims to replace existing facilities with a new, modernized port of entry to accommodate increased traffic and address outdated infrastructure. The estimated design and construction cost range is between $400,000,000.00 and $460,000,000.00.

• Design and construction of new facilities, including an administration building, non-commercial vehicle inspection space, outbound inspection space, kennel, parking garage, and other ancillary spaces.

• Demolition of existing facilities.

• Phased construction to maintain continuous operation of the LPOE.

• Compliance with 2025 PBS Core Building Standards, CBP Land Port of Entry Design Standard 2023, and other applicable codes and regulations.

• High-Performance facility as defined by the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.

• Design for a 50-year service life with an expected roof service life of 20 years.

• Integration of art in architecture.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) Design-Build.

• Period of Performance: To be determined, with an estimated award date of April 15, 2026, and substantial completion by April 15, 2031.

• Options: Video Surveillance and Infrastructure, Access Control and Alarm System, Communication and IT Data Systems, Public Address System, FF&E, Port Runner system, and Digital Signage.

• Proposals will be evaluated based on a best value tradeoff concept.

• Evaluation Factors:

  • Quality of Design Concept (45%)
  • Qualifications, Experience and Past Performance of Key Personnel (25%)
  • Management and Technical Approach (25%)
  • Small Business (5%)

• Proposals must be submitted electronically by the date and time specified.

• Key deadlines: Pre-Proposal Conference (TBD), Proposal Submission (TBD).

• GSA is committed to supporting the Small Business Program.

• Specific subcontracting goals for HUBZone, SB, SDB, WOSB, VOSB, and SDVOSB firms are outlined.

• This is a draft solicitation; documents are for informational purposes only and will be updated and finalized in the next phase.

• 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.

• A Pre-Proposal Conference will be held (Date, Time, Location TBD).

• Bid Guarantee required (FAR 52.228-1).

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for a Design Build Contract for the Bridge of the Americas (BOTA) Land Port of Entry (LPOE) Modernization Project in El Paso, Texas. The project aims to replace the existing LPOE with a new, modernized facility to accommodate increasing traffic and correct deficiencies in the current outdated infrastructure. The project will be conducted in two phases: Phase 1 for qualifications and Phase 2 for proposals. The estimated project range is $400,000,000.00 - $460,000,000.00. The procurement is a negotiated, best value process, funded primarily by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).

• Design and construction of a new LPOE facility.

• Includes construction of an administration building, expanded pedestrian inspection area, primary and secondary passenger vehicle inspection facilities, outside vehicle parking expansion, seized vehicle processing area, a kennel, canopies, outbound inspection facilities, outbound support office building, new paving, and bus inspection facilities for FMCSA.

• Demolition of existing facilities, including abatement.

• Related services include site planning, utility relocation, testing, inspection, and commissioning.

• The current LPOE must remain in continuous operation during construction, requiring phased construction.

• Contract Type: Design-Build.

• Period of Performance: 10 calendar days to begin performance after award, with completion within 1610 calendar days.

• A Bid Bond (Phase 2 requirement), Performance Bond, and Payment Bond (after award) are required.

• Phase 1: Submission of qualifications proposals.

  • Deadline: March 23, 2026, by 2:00 PM CST.
  • Submission Method: Electronic via email to marsha.howard@gsa.gov.
  • Evaluation Criteria (Weight): Technical Qualifications (40%), Approach to Design-Build (20%), Lead Designer (25%), Past Performance of the Offeror's Team (15%).
  • A maximum of 3 firms will be shortlisted for Phase 2.

• Phase 2: Submission of proposals by shortlisted firms (details to be issued later).

• Questions Deadline: February 18, 2026.

• NAICS Code: 236220.

• All responsible sources may submit a Phase 1 proposal.

• No pre-proposal conference for Phase 1.

• Offerors must have an active SAM registration.

• GACA account required for access to documents over 25MB.