GAOA Gibb Wash Bridge Replacement, Coronado National Forest

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the "GAOA Gibb Wash Bridge Replacement" project, located in the Coronado National Forest, Pima County, Arizona. The project involves the removal of an existing timber bridge and the installation of a new steel structural plate arch bridge, along with associated work such as embankment construction, road realignment, culvert installation, guardrail installation, stream channel reconstruction, and obliteration of the existing approach road.

• Removal of existing 24' timber bridge.

• Installation of a 28'-1” span, 9'-6” rise, and 28' long steel structural plate arch bridge with welded wire headwalls.

• Embankment construction with mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall.

• Realignment of 550 feet of approach road.

• Installation of a 24" diameter CMP culvert.

• Installation of guardrails.

• Reconstruction of stream channel.

• Obliteration of the existing approach road.

• Compliance with "Standard Specifications for Construction of Roads and Bridges on Federal Highway Projects, FP-14" and Supplemental Project Specifications.

• Equipment must be cleaned and inspected prior to arrival on site.

• Operations must minimize erosion and prevent silting of streams.

• A site superintendent must be present.

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed price.

• Period of Performance: Estimated start date October 1, 2026. Work must commence within 10 calendar days of notice to proceed and be completed by June 14, 2027. No work may occur from June 15 - September 30 due to wildlife breeding seasons.

• In-Stream Work Window: October 1st – December 15th and March 1st – June 14th.

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but a bid guarantee of 20% is required if the quote exceeds $150,000.

• Quotes are due by May 15, 2026, at 1700 local time.

• Submission Method: Email to PPS.proposals@usda.gov.

• Evaluation Factors: Award will be made to the contractor representing the best value to the Government, based on a comparative evaluation of:

  • Technical Proposal (Technical Approach, Project Management & Oversight)
  • Experience
  • Past Performance
  • Price Quote (Reasonableness, Price Competition, Price Consistency)

• Site Visit: An organized site visit is scheduled for April 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. MDT at the Gibb Wash Bridge.

• All contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) at the time of quote submission.

• Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2025) is applicable.

• This solicitation incorporates numerous FAR clauses by reference. Offerors are cautioned to review these carefully.

• Key attachments include Schedule of Items (Attachment 2), Statement of Work (Attachment 3), and Project Specifications (Attachment 4).

Statement of Work (SOW)

This document outlines the scope of work for the Gibb Wash Bridge Replacement project located on the Santa Catalina Ranger District, Coronado National Forest, Arizona.

• Removal of an existing 24' single-lane timber bridge.

• Installation of a 28'-1" span, 9'-6" rise, 28' long steel structural plate arch with welded wire headwalls.

• Embankment construction with mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) wall.

• Realignment of 550 feet of approach road.

• Installation of a 24" diameter CMP culvert.

• Installation of guardrails.

• Reconstruction of the stream channel.

• Obliteration of the existing approach road.

• Provide bridge load rating following installation of the structural arch, signed by a Registered Professional Engineer.

• The project is located approximately 20 miles northeast of Tucson, Arizona, on National Forest System Road (NFSR) 38.

• In-stream work is limited to between October 1st and June 15th.

Construction must adhere to codes, regulations, standards, and guidelines from: U.S. Customary Units FP-14 (2014 Edition), Forest Service Supplemental Specifications (FSSS), AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications, ACI Manual 318, ASTM, SSPC, ANSI, OSHA, and MUTCD.

Options for Grade G surfacing aggregate include obtaining it from Ridge Mine, sourcing commercially available aggregate, or processing native material from a Forest Service pit. The COR will determine the final quantity and blending process.

The project is divided into four phases with specific traffic control measures. Full road closure is permitted for a maximum of four consecutive days, with 10 days advance notification required for any closure period. All measures must adhere to MUTCD guidance.

Contractors shall store equipment and stockpiled materials in a designated staging area.

• Gibb Wash Bridge Replacement Plans (June 2021)
• Gibb Wash Bridge Replacement Forest Service Supplemental Specifications (June 2021)
• Four surveyed control points

A pre-construction meeting is required. A schedule for all work must be submitted and approved prior to construction. Deliverables include, but are not limited to: Schedule, As-Built Plans, Material Certifications, Permits and Agreements, various plans (SPCC, Traffic Control, Erosion & Sediment Control, Dewatering, Cofferdam), Quality Control Plans, Sampling & Testing Results, Mix Design, Installation Drawings, and Production Certifications.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains the engineering drawings and details for the Gibb Wash Bridge Replacement project. It provides the technical specifications and visual representations necessary for the construction of the bridge and associated roadwork.

• Cover Sheet (C-01): Project identification, location, and index of sheets.
• Notes and Quantities (C-02): General notes, specifications, and a summary of quantities for various pay items.
• Traffic Phasing (C-03): Details on traffic control during construction, including phased closures and detours.
• Existing Conditions and Demolition Plan (C-04): Outlines existing site conditions and the plan for demolishing the current bridge and related structures.
• Road Plan and Profile (C-05): Shows the proposed alignment, grades, and elevations for the new road.
• Typical Road Sections (C-06): Illustrates the cross-sections of the road construction, including surfacing, borrow, and slopes.
• Road Details (C-07): Provides specific details for pipe culverts, ditch dams, catch basins, and road obliteration.
• Road Sections (C-08, C-09): Detailed cross-sections and earthwork quantities along the road alignment.
• Culvert Plan and Details (C-10): Specifics for the new structural plate low profile arch culvert, including its plan view, section, and associated headwalls.
• Culvert Details (C-11): Foundation layout and profile details for the culvert abutments.
• Foundation Details (C-12): Anchor plans and details for the culvert foundation.
• Headwall Plan and Details (C-13): Design for the Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) walls and headwalls, including rock facing details.
• Headwall Elevations (C-14): Elevations for the upstream and downstream headwalls.
• Stream Plan and Details (C-15): Plan for stream restoration, typical stream section, and section at the existing bridge.
• Guardrail Details (C-16, C-17, C-18): Specifications and details for the installation of W-beam guardrails, including tangent terminals and installation in rock.

These drawings are critical for bidders to understand the full scope of work, including the design of the new bridge structure, road modifications, drainage systems, stream restoration, and safety features. They provide the precise dimensions, materials, and construction methods required, forming the basis for cost estimation and construction planning.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a General Decision Number (GDN) for highway construction projects in Pima County, Arizona. It provides prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits for various labor classifications, as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor. This information is crucial for contractors bidding on federal or federally-assisted highway construction projects to ensure compliance with labor standards.

• General Decision Number: AZ20260047, effective 01/02/2026.
• Geographic Area: Pima County, Arizona.
• Construction Type: Highway.
• Classifications: Lists specific job titles (e.g., Bulldozer Operator, Carpenter, Laborer, Electrician, Truck Driver) along with their corresponding prevailing hourly wage rates and fringe benefits.
• Identifiers: Explains various rate identifiers (e.g., SU, UAVG, SA) and their meanings.
• Executive Order 13706: Notes the applicability of paid sick leave for federal contractors.
• Appeals Process: Outlines the procedure for appealing wage determination decisions.

Bidders must use these prevailing wage rates to accurately calculate labor costs for their proposals. Failure to comply with these wage requirements can lead to contract violations and penalties. The document specifies the minimum wages and benefits that must be paid to laborers and mechanics employed on the covered construction work.

Amendment / Modification

This document details numerous changes and deletions to various sections of the "GIBB WASH BRIDGE REPLACEMENT" specifications. Key modifications include:

• Preface: Revised to adopt FP-14 for National Forest System Roads.
• Terms, Format, and Definitions (Section 101): Added references to TAR, updated abbreviations, and redefined terms like "Bid Schedule," "Bridge," "Contractor," "Culvert," "Drawings," "Notice to Proceed," "Right-of-Way," and "Solicitation." New definitions for "Adjustment in Contract Price," "Change," "Forest Service," "Neat Line," "Pioneer Road," and "Purchaser" were added.
• Bid, Award, and Execution of Contract (Section 102): Entire section deleted.
• Scope of Work (Section 103): All subsections deleted except 103.01 "Intent of Contract."
• Control of Work (Section 104): Subsections 104.01, 104.02, and 104.04 deleted. Subsection 104.06 "Use of Roads by Contractor" was added, authorizing contractor use of Forest Service roads under specific conditions.
• Control of Material (Section 105): Added requirements for contractor-located sources to be weed-free and specified procedures for their inspection and approval. Modified "Use of Material Found in the Work" to address excess government land materials.
• Acceptance of Work (Section 106): Subsection 106.01 "Conformity with Contract Requirements" was revised to include FAR Clause 52.246-12 and detailed procedures for disputing government test results and alternatives to removing non-conforming work. Subsection 106.02 "Visual Inspection" was revised to emphasize visual inspection and industry standards.
• Legal Relations and Responsibility to the Public (Section 107): Added a restriction to "Protection and Restoration of Property and Landscape" prohibiting work within the wetted perimeter of streams between July 1 and September 15. Subsection 107.05 was deleted.
• Prosecution and Progress (Section 108): Entire section deleted.
• Measurement and Payment (Section 109): Subsections 109.06, 109.07, 109.08, and 109.09 deleted. The third paragraph and Table 109-1 of Subsection 109.01 were replaced to specify decimal accuracy for final payment. A sentence was added to Subsection 109.02(b) regarding contract quantity adjustments.
• Construction Survey and Staking (Section 152): Added material requirements for stakes and lath. Subsection 152.05(d)(2) "Conventional survey methods" was replaced, and Subsection 152.05(e) "Clearing and grubbing limits" was added. Table 152-1 was replaced with updated construction survey and staking tolerances.
• Contractor Quality Control (Section 153): Subsection 153.02 "Qualifications" was revised to detail requirements for QCM and testers. A paragraph was added to 153.03(b) regarding alternate test methods. Subsection 153.07 "Records and control charts" was revised.
• Schedules for Construction Contracts (Section 155): Entire section deleted.
• Public Traffic (Section 156): Entire section deleted and replaced with new content detailing work, materials, construction requirements (including traffic control plans, temporary closures), acceptance, and measurement/payment for public traffic control.
• Soil Erosion and Sediment Control (Section 157): Subsection 157.04 "General" was revised to require a written plan and permits 30 days prior to construction.
• Removal of Structures and Obstructions (Section 203): Added detailed methods for disposing of construction slash (windrowing, scattering, chipping, debris mat, decking, removal to designated locations, piling).
• Excavation and Embankment (Section 204): Entire section deleted and replaced with new content covering definitions, materials, construction requirements (preparation, roadway excavation, conserved topsoil, subexcavation, borrow excavation, embankment construction, compaction methods), drainage features, sloping/shaping/finishing, disposal of unsuitable material, acceptance, measurement, and payment. Several tables (204-1, 204-2) were included or replaced.
• Structure Excavation and Backfill for Selected Major Structures (Section 208): Added requirements for dewatering plans.
• Structure Excavation and Backfill (Section 209): Changes were made to 209.09 "Backfill" regarding general requirements and pipe culverts. Subsection 209.10 "Compacting" was deleted and replaced with detailed compaction methods.
• Rock Bolts and Dowels (Section 260): Entire section deleted and replaced with new content covering description, material, construction requirements (general, drilling, installation, acceptance), measurement, and payment.
• Untreated Aggregate Courses (Section 301): Added general requirements for aggregate placement. Subsection 301.05 "Compacting" was deleted and replaced with detailed compaction methods.
• Painting (Section 563): Added details for reactive colorant finishes, weathering agents, and submittals. Protection of work and acceptance criteria were also updated.
• Culverts and Drains (Section 602): Added requirements for laying metal pipe, including standard connecting bands and pipe positioning.
• Structural Plate Structures (Section 603): Added details for general requirements, including load resistance factor rating and design load checks. Changes were made to erecting procedures, including bolt torque and assembly instructions.
• Turf Establishment (Section 625): Entire section deleted and replaced with new content covering description, material, construction requirements (general, seedbed preparation, watering, fertilizing, seeding methods, mulching, protection and care), acceptance, measurement, and payment. Specific seed types and quantities are listed.
• Permanent Traffic Control (Section 633): Revisions were made to material and general requirements, including crashworthy devices and sign panel layout approval. Fabrication details for protective overlay film and edge film were added.
• Stream Simulation (Section 648): A new section was added detailing stream simulation work, including description, material, construction requirements (general, equipment operations/limitations, excavation, dewatering, blasting, placed streambed simulation material, rock bedforms, bank construction, log and root wad structures), acceptance, measurement, and payment.
• Aggregate (Section 703): Subsection 703.05(c)(3) was replaced. Subsection 703.05 was deleted and replaced with new content for subbase, base, surface course, and screened aggregate, including updated tables for gradation requirements. Tables 703-2 and 703-3 were deleted and replaced. Table 703-13 was added.
• Rock (Section 705): Class to Table 705-1 was added. Subsection 705.08 "Streambed Simulation Rock" was added, including tables for gradation requirements for simulation material and channel rock.
• Miscellaneous Material (Section 725): Subsection 725.19 "Miscellaneous Material" was added, detailing requirements for a weathering agent.

This document affects nearly all sections of the original specifications, including but not limited to Sections 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 152, 153, 155, 156, 157, 203, 204, 208, 209, 260, 301, 563, 602, 603, 625, 633, 648, 703, 705, and 725.

These changes significantly alter the technical requirements, procedures, and specifications for the "GIBB WASH BRIDGE REPLACEMENT" project. Bidders must review all modified sections carefully to understand the updated scope of work, material requirements, construction methods, quality control, and acceptance criteria. The extensive revisions may impact cost estimates and project timelines.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Coronado Fire Plan," outlines the fire prevention and suppression requirements that a contractor must adhere to during contract performance. It details responsibilities for fire suppression costs, compliance inspections, and specific equipment and operational procedures to mitigate fire risks.

• Fire Prevention: Contractor responsibility for fire prevention during contract performance.
• Execution of Fire Plan: Designation of a fire plan representative, inclusion of requirements in subcontracts, and informing employees.
• Compliance Inspection: Forest Service inspections for compliance, with a 24-hour window for deficiency correction.
• Fire Repression Requirements:
  • Fire Tool Box: Specific tools (shovels, axes, Pulaski, McLeod, brush hooks) and quantities required per five personnel, to be maintained at the contractor's expense.
  • Work Hours: Restrictions on operations based on emergency fire precaution schedules, with daily notifications from the Forest Service.
  • Blasting & Welding: Restrictions and requirements for blasting and welding operations, including fire guards and cleared areas.
  • Fire Guard: Designation of trained personnel to prevent, detect, and suppress fires, equipped with specific tools and vehicles.
• Fire Suppression: Contractor's independent action on fires within a 1/4 mile vicinity of operations and reporting requirements.
• Equipment Requirements: Mandates for spark arresters on all gasoline and diesel equipment, inspection of internal combustion engines, serviceable mufflers, cleared service areas, and specific equipment for fuel trucks, service trucks, and work camps (shovels, axes, extinguishers).
• Smoking and Fires: Regulations on smoking (restricted while traveling and working) and prohibitions on warming, burning debris, or cooking fires during high fire danger periods without written permission.
• Violations: Consequences for violations, including criminal action and suspension of operations.
• Historical Data: Provided for contractor information, including fire season dates and average days for different fire precaution plans.
• Emergency Fire Precaution Schedule: Details different Industrial Fire Precaution Plans (A, B, C, D) and their associated restrictions on operations, smoking, and fires.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the significant safety and operational requirements related to fire prevention and suppression. It outlines specific equipment, personnel, and procedural obligations that will impact operational costs, planning, and execution. Bidders must assess their capacity to meet these stringent requirements, as violations can lead to suspension of operations or default termination.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Schedule of Items (SOI) for the Gibb Wash Bridge Replacement project. It details the various pay items, descriptions, quantities, and units of measurement required for the construction project. Bidders are expected to use this schedule to input their unit prices and calculate total costs.

• Item No.: Unique identifier for each pay item.
• Description: Specific task or material to be provided (e.g., Mobilization, Clearing and grubbing, Structural concrete, Pipe culvert).
• Method of Measurement: Indicates how the quantity is measured (LSQ - Lump Sum Quantity, AQ - Actual Quantities, DQ - Designated Quantities).
• Quantity: The amount of work or material required.
• Pay Unit: The unit for payment (e.g., LSQ, CY, SF, EA, LF).
• Unit Price: To be filled in by the contractor.
• Total: Calculated by multiplying Quantity by Unit Price.

This SOI is critical for bidders to understand the scope of work and to prepare their pricing proposals. Bidders must verify all values, including auto-calculated cells, to ensure their submitted prices accurately reflect their intended costs. Note 3 explicitly states that the contractor is responsible for verifying all data and that the government is not liable for calculation or pricing errors. Payment for bond premiums may be included under Mobilization (Note 4).