FORT HOWES WATER STORAGE TANK

Specifications

This document outlines the specifications for the GAOA - Fort Howes Water Storage Tank Replacement project. The project involves the demolition and replacement of an existing 19,000-gallon buried concrete storage tank with a new 20,000-gallon storage tank. It also includes disinfecting and commissioning the existing potable water system. The project will be constructed under a single prime contract.

Fort Howes Fire Station, 18 Fort Howes Road, Ashland, Montana. Access is via State Highway 484, approximately 22 miles south-southeast of Ashland.

• Demolition: Removal of the existing 19,000-gallon buried concrete storage tank, including ancillary overflow, fill line, outlet and drain lines, and existing valves.

• Installation: Furnishing and installation of a new 20,000-gallon storage tank and associated ancillary piping and valves.

• System Commissioning: Disinfection and commissioning of the existing potable water system.

• Site Access: Work site accessed by state and local highways. Construction must ensure minimal public inconvenience. Road closures require Contracting Officer approval.

• Environmental Considerations: Preservation of plant life and natural features. Any surface damage outside the staked area must be corrected at the contractor's expense. Damage to roads used for material transport also requires contractor expense for repair.

• Permits: Contractor must obtain and adhere to all necessary permits.

• Indemnification: Contractor indemnifies the United States against liability for damages arising from occupancy or use of public lands.

• Existing Improvements: Disturbance of existing improvements (fences, roads, watering facilities) must be minimized and restored to their former state.

• Work Conditions: Project work is authorized only during dry or frozen conditions.

• Cultural/Paleontological Resources: Any discovered resources must be immediately reported, and operations in the area suspended until written authorization to proceed is issued.

• Equipment Cleaning: All construction equipment must be washed prior to being brought on-site to prevent the spread of noxious weeds.

• Safety: Contractor must take all necessary measures to protect the health and safety of all persons involved.

• Weather: Project completion must occur during adequate weather conditions.

• Work Hours: Generally performed during normal business hours (6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday-Friday). Weekend work requires CO approval.

• Construction Timeframe: September 1, 2026, to April 30, 2027.

• Utilities: Contractor is responsible for locating and preventing damage to known utilities. Damage to unknown utilities will be adjusted equitably. Interruptions to existing utilities require advance notification and CO written permission.

• Electronic Submittals: All documents must be in PDF format and transmitted via email.

• Meetings: Preconstruction and progress meetings are required.

• RFIs: Requests for Information must be submitted promptly and follow specific content requirements.

• Submittals: Include product data, shop drawings, construction schedules, test reports, etc., as specified.

• Control of Installation: Monitor quality control, comply with manufacturer instructions, and ensure work is performed by qualified persons.

• Defect Assessment: Work not complying with specified requirements must be replaced.

• Sanitary Facilities: Required and must be maintained daily.

• Barriers: Provided to prevent unauthorized entry and protect areas.

• Security: Required to protect the work and existing facilities.

• Waste Removal: Contractor must develop and follow a Waste Management Plan, minimizing disposal in landfills and maximizing reuse, salvage, or recycling.

• Trenching: Excavation, trenching, and backfilling for tank demolition, replacement, and pipelines.

• Pipe Bedding: Type 1 Pipe Bedding material requirements specified.

• Trench Backfill: Native on-site material to be used, with specific requirements for rock content and compaction.

• Water Utilities: Furnishing and installation of water pipe, fittings, valves, and valve boxes for potable water utilities, meeting AWWA and ASTM standards. Includes disinfection and testing of the water system.

• Tapping: Procedures for tapping new water mains specified.

• Project Record Documents, Operation and Maintenance Data, and Warranties and Bonds are required.

• This document is a detailed specification outlining the technical requirements for the project. Bidders should carefully review all sections to understand the full scope of work and compliance requirements.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the removal and replacement of a water storage tank at the Fort Howes Fire Station near Ashland, Montana. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is issuing this Request for Quotes (RFQ).

• Removal and replacement of a water storage tank.

• Construction Type: Heavy.

• Specifications and Drawings are attached and incorporated by reference.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Priced (FFP), Single Award Contract.

• Estimated Magnitude of Construction: Between $100,000 and $250,000.

• Period of Performance: The contractor shall begin performance within 10 calendar days after receiving notice to proceed and complete the work within 207 calendar days after notice to proceed. The overall period of performance is from award through April 30, 2027.

• Proposal Submission Deadline: July 15, 2026, by 17:00 Mountain Time.

• Questions Due Date: July 8, 2026, by 17:00 Mountain Time.

• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the responsible firm whose quote is most advantageous to the Government, considering price and prior demonstrated experience. Prior Demonstrated Experience is considered more important than cost or price.

• Site Visit: Strongly urged for all quoters on June 29, 2026, at 10:00 AM Mountain Time at Fort Howes Fire Station.

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

• NAICS Code: 237110 (Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction).

• Small Business Size Standard: $45 Million.

• Contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• Payment requests must be submitted electronically through the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).

• A bid guarantee is not required.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a General Decision Number MT20260076, dated May 18, 2026, for heavy construction projects in various Montana counties. It outlines prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits for different labor classifications, including Electricians, Power Equipment Operators, Ironworkers, Truck Drivers, and Laborers. The document specifies different rates based on job classification, experience, and geographic zones within the listed counties. It also includes information on Executive Orders related to paid sick leave for federal contractors and minimum wage requirements.

This document is crucial for bidders on federal construction projects in the specified Montana counties. It establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits that must be paid to laborers and mechanics employed on such projects, as required by the Davis-Bacon Act. Bidders must use these rates to accurately calculate their labor costs when preparing proposals and ensure compliance with federal labor laws if awarded a contract.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document contains the drawings for the Fort Howes Water Storage Tank Replacement project. It details the existing site conditions, demolition plans, site schematic for replacement, installation details, and deadman details for the new tank.

• Cover Sheet (Sheet 1): Project title, location maps, drawing index, and approval signatures.
• Existing Site (Sheet 2): Overview of current facilities, roads, and utilities at the Fort Howes site.
• Enlarged Existing Schematic and Demo Plan (Sheet 3): Detailed plan showing existing structures and pipelines to be demolished, including a legend for existing components.
• Replacement Site Plan Schematic (Sheet 4): Outlines the proposed layout for the new water storage tank, including new waterline connections for inlet, outlet, and overflow/drain.
• Details (Sheet 5): Provides specifications for thrust blocking, gate valve assemblies, and standard utility trenches.
• Storage Tank Requirements (Sheet 6): Specifies the 20,000-gallon FRP tank, its features (manway, ladder, nozzles, vent pipe), and general notes regarding material, certification, installation, and disinfection.
• Tank Installation Details (Sheet 7): Details the backfill requirements, including primary and secondary backfill materials, filter fabric, and compaction standards. It also references OSHA regulations and manufacturer-certified installers.
• Tank Deadman Details (Sheet 8): Illustrates the installation of the deadman system for anchoring the tank, including dimensions and requirements for anchoring cables and components.

These drawings are critical for bidders to understand the scope of work, including demolition of existing infrastructure, installation of a new 20,000-gallon water storage tank, and associated piping and site work. Bidders must review these details to accurately estimate costs, plan construction methods, and ensure compliance with all specified requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Schedule of Values" for the Fort Howes Water Storage Tank Replacement project. It serves as a pricing breakdown for bidders to complete.

• Pay Items:
  • 1 - Mobilization/Demobilization
  • 2 - Demo and Removals
  • 3 - Replacement - Tank and Piping
  • 4 - Drinking Water Disinfection and Testing
• Pay Unit: Lump Sum for all items.
• Unit Cost: Blank fields for bidders to enter their proposed costs for each pay item and a total.
• Bidder Information: Fields for Company Name, Email, Point of Contact, and SAM UEI.

Bidders must complete this schedule of values with their proposed pricing for each line item and provide their company information to be considered for this opportunity. This document is essential for proposal preparation and submission.