GAOA Kading Cabin Water System Repair, Helena-Lewis & Clark National Forest

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides answers to vendor questions regarding the opportunity, offering clarification on various aspects of the project.

• Rock Encountered During Trenching: Rock may be present, but blasting is not anticipated.
• Road Access to Cabin: The road is a typical mountain surface road, generally in good condition. The last four miles are single lane with pullouts. The site is accessible for large trailers, and a loop is available for semi-trucks with lowboys.
• Onsite Camping: Onsite camping is permitted, but a camper must be hauled in as the cabin will not be available. No fee is required for camping.
• Liner and Borrow Material: Sheets 7 and 8 are for informational purposes only; the installation of the liner and import of borrow material are not part of this project.

All other terms and conditions of the original solicitation remain unchanged.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the GAOA Kading Cabin Water System Repair project, located at the Helena Ranger District, Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, Powell County, MT. The work involves removing and reconstructing the existing valve box, replacing all piping, valves, vent, and fittings, and replacing and relocating the yard hydrant. A splash pad will also be constructed.

• Removal and reconstruction of the existing valve box.

• Replacement of all piping, valves, vent, and fittings.

• Replacement and relocation of the yard hydrant (within 30 feet of its existing location).

• Construction of a splash pad.

• Contractor is responsible for all labor, materials, tools, and equipment.

• Work must comply with the "Buy American Act" for construction materials.

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed price.

• Estimated Value: Less than $25,000.

• Period of Performance: May 18, 2026, to September 30, 2026.

• The contractor shall commence work within 10 calendar days of notice to proceed.

• Proposals must be submitted electronically via email to PPS.proposals@usda.gov by April 22, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. MDT.

• Quotes must include pricing for all items listed in Attachment 2 – Schedule of Items (SOI).

• Evaluation will be based on a comparative methodology, considering Technical Approach, Experience, Past Performance, and Price Quote.

• Award will be made to the contractor offering the best value to the Government.

• Quotes must be held firm for 60 calendar days.

• Not explicitly stated, but FAR 52.219-6 "Notice of Total Small Business Aside" is applicable.

• A site visit is not organized; prospective quoters are responsible for visiting the site.

• Questions are due by April 13, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. MDT, and should be submitted via email to Judith.martin@usda.gov.

• Attachments include Schedule of Items (SOI) and Final Plan/Drawing Set.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a General Decision Number (GDN) for building construction projects in Powell County, Montana. It establishes the prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits required for various construction trades on federal or federally funded projects in the specified county. Bidders must use these rates to ensure compliance with labor standards.

• General Decision Number: MT20260048
• State and County: Montana, Powell County
• Construction Type: Building Construction Projects (excluding single-family homes and apartments up to 4 stories).
• Trades Covered: Includes rates for Heat and Frost Insulator, Boilermaker, Bricklayer, Carpenter (specific tasks listed), Electrician (including low voltage wiring), Elevator Mechanic, Ironworker, Laborer (Mason Tender-Brick), Pipefitter, Plumber, Sprinkler Fitter, Sheet Metal Worker, Cement Mason/Concrete Finisher, Glazier, Painter, Roofer, Truck Driver, and Welders.
• Zone Definitions: Provides definitions for travel zones based on mileage from county courthouses, which affect applicable hourly rates.
• Executive Orders: Notes applicability of Executive Order (EO) 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and EO 13658 (Minimum Wage).
• Appeals Process: Outlines the process for appealing wage determination decisions.

This document is critical for bidders to accurately estimate labor costs for any construction project in Powell County, Montana, that is subject to Davis-Bacon Act prevailing wage requirements. Failure to comply with these wage rates can lead to contract violations and penalties. Bidders must ensure their proposals reflect these mandated rates and fringe benefits.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains the drawings and specifications for the Kading Cabin Water System Repair project. It details the existing conditions, demolition plans, new water system layout, and specific construction details.

• Cover Sheet (Sheet 01): Provides project title, location maps (Forest Location Map and Project Location Map), and an index of all drawing sheets.
• Summary of Quantities (Sheet 02): Lists the base bid items for the water system repair, including mobilization, water distribution piping and fittings, frost-free hydrant, splash pad, curb stop valve, water distribution vent, excavation and fill, and valve box. It also includes general notes regarding traffic control, material stockpiling, on-site camping, debris removal, utility location, and quantity verification.
• Site Plan: Existing (Sheet 03): Illustrates the current layout of the water system, including the supply line from the spring box, lateral to the cabin hydrant, and water line to the campground.
• Demolition Plan (Sheet 04): Outlines the existing components to be removed, including the valve box, piping, and ball valves.
• New Water System (Sheet 05): Details the proposed new water system components, including new piping, a new hydrant and splash pad, and connections to existing infrastructure.
• Details (Sheet 06): Provides specific construction details for the water hydrant profile, valve box piping, and a grate detail.
• 1995 Site Plan (Sheet 07): Shows the existing water system for the Kading Cabin and Kading Campground, noting that work was completed in 1996 and is assumed to represent existing conditions.
• 1995 Spring Box (Sheet 08): Details the existing spring box, including cover details and liner information.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the scope of work, existing conditions, and specific requirements for the Kading Cabin Water System Repair. It provides the technical details necessary for preparing an accurate bid, including the materials, layout, and demolition/installation procedures.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Schedule of Items (SOI) for the Kading Cabin Water System Repair solicitation (SOLICITATION NO. 1240LU26Q0060). It outlines the specific items and estimated quantities required for the repair project.

• Items: Includes mobilization, water distribution piping and fittings, frost-free hydrants, hydrant splash pads, curb stop valves, water distribution vents, excavation and fill, and valve boxes.

• Quantities: Estimated quantities are provided for each item, with most listed as 1 unit.

• Pricing: Bidders are required to input their Unit Prices and the system will auto-calculate the Total. The total for all items is currently listed as 0.0.

• Pricing Input: Contractors must submit pricing for all listed items. The unit prices provided by the contractor will govern in case of extension errors.

• Commitment: Submission of a signed SOI represents a contractor's commitment to the data provided.

• Verification: Contractors are responsible for verifying that all pricing data, including auto-calculated cells, accurately reflects their intended prices.

• Award: One award will be made from this solicitation.