Z--GAOA SOAP GULCH ROAD

Supplemental Specifications

This document provides supplemental specifications for the "Soap Gulch Road Re-Surfacing and Re-Construction" project, which involves approximately 9 miles of road maintenance on BLM Roads 0105 Soap Gulch and 0115 Soap Gulch Spur. The work includes clearing and grubbing, road reconstruction, widening, drainage improvements, dip construction, culvert installation, and turnout construction.

• Period of Performance: From date of award through August 31, 2026, and January 1, 2027 through August 31, 2027. All work must be completed within 90 calendar days of Notice to Proceed.

• Applicable Standards: Federal Highway Administration's "Standard Specifications for Construction of Roads and Bridges on Federal Highway Projects, FP-14, U.S. Customary Units" are applicable, as modified by these supplemental specifications and contract clauses.

• Purpose of Supplemental Specifications: To adapt the standard FP-14 specifications for BLM's low-volume roads, often simplifying requirements, reducing testing, and loosening tolerances.

• Pay item numbers correlate to FP-14 section numbers.

• Supplemental Specifications modify or supplement FP-14. If a section is listed in the Supplemental Specifications, it supersedes the corresponding FP-14 section. If no section is listed, the FP-14 specification is used in its entirety.

• Section 101 (Terms, Format, and Definitions): Updates to abbreviations and definitions.

• Section 102 (Bid, Award, and Execution of Contract): Deleted in its entirety.

• Section 103 (Scope of Work): All deleted except Subsection 103.01.

• Section 104 (Control of Work): Subsections 104.01, 104.02, and 104.04 deleted. Modifications to "As-built drawings" and addition of "Submittals" and "Use of Roads by Contractor."

• Section 105 (Control of Material): Modifications to "Use of Material Found in the Work."

• Section 106 (Acceptance of Work): Subsection 106.01 replaced with "Conformity with Contract Requirements." Subsection 106.02 replaced with "Visual Inspection."

• Section 107 (Legal Relations and Responsibility to the Public): Several subsections deleted, and "Environmental Protection" added.

• Section 108 (Prosecution and Progress): Deleted in its entirety.

• Section 109 (Measurement and Payment): Modifications to measurement and payment procedures, including decimal accuracy for final payment.

• Section 151 (Mobilization): Payment terms modified.

• Section 152 (Construction Survey and Staking): Section replaced with detailed requirements for surveying, staking, and tolerances.

• Section 153 (Contractor Quality Control): Qualifications for QCM and testers updated.

• Section 156 (Public Traffic): Section replaced with detailed requirements for traffic control, including temporary closures and specific road segment information.

• Section 201 (Clearing and Grubbing): Section replaced with detailed requirements.

• Section 202 (Additional Clearing, Grubbing and Roadside Brushing): Section replaced with detailed requirements.

• Section 203 (Removal of Structures and Obstructions): Additions to "Disposing of Material."

• Section 204 (Excavation and Embankment): Section replaced with detailed requirements for excavation, embankment construction, compaction methods, and tolerances.

• Section 209 (Structure Excavation and Backfill): Additions and modifications to dewatering, foundation preparation, backfill, and compaction.

• Section 301 (Untreated Aggregate Courses): Compaction methods specified.

• Section 303 (Road Reconditioning): Section replaced with detailed requirements for reconditioning ditches, shoulders, roadbeds, and aggregate surfaces.

• Section 601 (Minor Concrete Structures): Composition concrete requirements updated.

• Section 602 (Culverts and Drains): Additions for stream realignment, channel reclamation, and metal pipe laying.

• Section 619 (Fences, Gates, Cattle Guards and Bollard Posts): Buck and Pole Fence and concrete foundation requirements updated.

• Section 622 (Rental Equipment): Description of work added.

• Section 646 (Roadside Development): Construction of a government-furnished kiosk detailed.

• Section 703 (Aggregate): Surface course aggregate requirements updated.

• Section 716 (Material for Timber Structures): Open Top Culvert material specified.

• Section 713 (Roadside Improvement Material): Seed requirements updated.

• Bidders must carefully review all modified and added sections to understand the specific requirements for this project.

• The FP-14 standard specifications are essential and must be obtained by the contractor.

• Pay close attention to the definitions and measurement/payment sections as they have been significantly modified.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment makes the following changes to the solicitation:

• The requirement for retaining wall construction has been removed entirely.

• Attachment 1 (Supplemental Specs) has been updated. A new attachment is provided.

• Attachment 2 (Drawings) has been updated. A new attachment is provided.

• The Price Schedule has been updated.

• Section M, Factor 2 (Prior Demonstrated Experience) has been updated. Projects involving retaining wall construction or repair will no longer be evaluated more favorably.

• Project scope (retaining wall requirement removed)

• Supplemental Specifications (Attachment 1 updated)

• Drawings (Attachment 2 updated)

• Price Schedule

• Section M, Factor 2 (Evaluation Criteria)

• The period of performance has been updated to 07/01/2026 to 08/31/2027.

• Bidders must acknowledge receipt of this amendment as detailed in Block 11 of the Standard Form 30.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains detailed drawings and specifications for the "Soap Gulch Road Re-Surfacing and Re-Construction" project. It serves as a critical reference for bidders to understand the scope, technical requirements, and construction details.

• General Engineering Notes: Outlines contractor responsibilities, compliance with laws, site condition verification, utility coordination, and safety.
• Project Location Maps: Provides state and vicinity maps to identify the project area.
• Sheet List: Indexes all included drawings.
• Roadway Sections: Details typical cross-sections for single-lane and two-lane roadways, including variations with and without ditches, and turnout areas.
• Drainage Structures: Illustrates typical installations for culverts, catch basins, water bars, rolling drain dips, and rock fill fords.
• Specific Features: Includes details for clearing and grubbing, riprap installation, cattle guards (including pre-cast bases), buck and pole fences, bypass gates, and kiosks.
• Signing Details: Provides installation details for road signing, including object markers.
• Worklist: A comprehensive list of pay items, descriptions, quantities, units of measure, and locations for all project tasks.

This document is essential for bidders to accurately estimate costs, develop a construction plan, and understand the specific technical requirements for the Soap Gulch Road project. It details the exact nature of the work, materials, and methods required for successful execution.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment incorporates questions received from interested offerors and the Government's answers. It also provides clarification on the period of performance.

• The period of performance is stated as 07/01/2026 to 08/31/2027.

• Questions and Answers address various aspects of the project, including:

  • Discrepancies in quantities for culverts and CMP pipe.
  • Clarification on the type and dimensions of arch CMP pipe to be used.
  • Details regarding the sign package, specifically object markers for cattle guards.
  • Explanation of "Embankment Native + Imported fill" for retaining walls, including breakdown of native soil, imported fill, and imported rock.
  • Confirmation that onsite shale is not acceptable backfill for welded wire retaining walls; suitable excavated fill and locally available aggregate are acceptable.
  • Confirmation that the BLM will provide survey control points.
  • Clarification on roadway width requirements and reconditioning.
  • Confirmation of concrete work for kiosk installation.
  • Information regarding private landowner access during road closures.
  • Requirement for a stream diversion plan submittal.
  • Clarification on measurement for offsite fill materials (measured compacted in place).
  • Details on ditch lengths and payment.
  • Information on riprap quantities and specifications for rock fords.
  • Specifications for welded wire retaining wall reinforcement mats.
  • Rejection of uphill gabion basket retaining walls as an alternative to fill slope welded wire retaining walls.
  • Clarification on permanent piping of streams.
  • Discussion regarding permanent stream rerouting.
  • Specifications for acceptable riprap angularity.
  • Guidance on widening existing roadways.
  • Identification of the cattle guard to be replaced.
  • Confirmation that contractors can camp on site.
  • Explanation of hourly equipment rates and their relation to pay items.
  • Guidance on accounting for overhead costs for equipment.

• Offerors must acknowledge receipt of this amendment. The method for acknowledgment is detailed in Block 11 of the Standard Form 30. Failure to acknowledge properly may result in offer rejection. If an offer has already been submitted, changes can be made via letter or electronic communication referencing the solicitation and amendment, provided it is received before the opening hour and date.

Amendment / Modification

• The solicitation has been extended. The new due date for offers is June 22, 2026, at 1:00 PM MDT.

• The Period of Performance for the contract has been established as July 1, 2026, to August 31, 2027.

• Solicitation due date

• Period of Performance

• The deadline for submitting offers has been extended to June 22, 2026, 1:00 PM MDT.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment incorporates the following changes to the solicitation:

• Extends the solicitation due date to June 22, 2026, 1:00 PM Mountain Time.

• Extends the question due date to June 15, 2026, 1:00 PM Mountain Time.

• Includes the sign-in sheet from the site visit.

• Provides Questions received from interested offerors and the associated Answers.

• Solicitation due date

• Question due date

• Site Visit Sign-In Sheet

• Questions and Answers

• The proposal submission deadline has been extended to June 22, 2026.

• The deadline for submitting questions has been extended to June 15, 2026.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the "Soap Gulch Road Re-Surfacing and Re-Construction" project located in Silver Bow County, Montana. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is seeking quotes for approximately 9 miles of road maintenance, including clearing and grubbing, road reconstruction, widening, drainage improvements, dip construction, culvert installation, and turnout construction. The project aims to correct drainage deficiencies and improve road width for better long-term performance and access.

• Road maintenance including clearing and grubbing (brushing).

• Road reconstruction and widening to meet required standards.

• Drainage improvements, dip construction, culvert installation, and turnout construction.

• Correction of existing drainage deficiencies.

• Ensuring compliance with road width requirements.

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

• Estimated Magnitude: Between $250,000 and $350,000.

• NAICS Code: 237310 (Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction).

• Small Business Size Standard: $45 Million.

• Period of Performance: Overall period from award through August 31, 2027. Construction work is restricted between August 31, 2026, and January 1, 2027.

• Quote Submission Deadline: May 20, 2026, by 1300 (hour) local time.

• Questions Due Date: May 15, 2026, at 1:00 pm, Mountain Time.

• Evaluation Factors: Award will be made to the responsible firm whose quote is most advantageous to the Government, considering price and other factors. Prior Demonstrated Experience is significantly more important than cost or price.

• Submission Instructions: Quotes must be submitted electronically to jorge_alvarez@ios.doi.gov. Three volumes are required: Required Documentation, Prior Demonstrated Experience, and Pricing.

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

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

• Contact for inquiries: Jorge Alvarez, Contract Specialist.

• A site visit is strongly urged. An organized site visit is scheduled for May 12, 2026.

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

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a General Decision Number (GDN) for wage determination, specifically for Highway Construction Projects in Montana Statewide. It outlines the prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits required for various labor classifications on federal or federally funded construction projects in the specified area.

• Labor Classifications: Details wage rates and fringes for specific trades such as Carpenter, Cement Mason/Concrete Finisher, Diver, Electrician, Ironworker, Laborer (with detailed group descriptions), Line Construction, Painter, and Power Equipment Operator (with detailed group descriptions).
• Executive Orders: Includes notes on Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and Executive Order 13658 (Establishing a Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors), outlining requirements for federal contractors.
• Wage Determination Identifiers: Explains the meaning of various identifiers used in wage determinations (Union Rate, Union Average Rate, Survey Rate, State Adopted Rate).
• Appeals Process: Provides information on the process for appealing wage determination decisions.

Bidders must use this document to understand the minimum wage and fringe benefit requirements for laborers and mechanics employed on the project. This information is crucial for accurately calculating labor costs in their proposals and ensuring compliance with federal labor laws. Failure to adhere to these wage determinations can lead to contract violations.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document contains detailed drawings and specifications for the "Soap Gulch Road Re-surfacing and Re-construction" project. It serves as a critical reference for bidders to understand the physical scope, design elements, and construction requirements.

• General Notes: Outlines contractor responsibilities, compliance with laws, verification of site conditions, utility locations, and coordination requirements. It also specifies a 90-calendar day completion period.
• Project Location: Maps and directions to the project site in Silver Bow County, Montana.
• Sheet List: An index of all included drawings and their content.
• Roadway Sections: Details typical cross-sections for single-lane and two-lane roadways, including variations with and without ditches, and turnout areas.
• Drainage Structures: Drawings and specifications for culverts (various sizes and types), open-top surface water deflectors, rolling drain dips, water bars, and rock fill fords.
• Retaining Walls: Detailed instructions for the construction of mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls using welded wire.
• Fencing: Specifications for buck and pole fences.
• Cattle Guards & Kiosks: Details for cattle guard installation, pre-cast bases, bypass gates, and government-furnished kiosk installation.
• Signing: Typical installation details for road signing.
• Work Lists & Quantities: Detailed breakdowns of pay items, quantities, and specific tasks for both Road 0105 and Road 0115.

This document is essential for bidders to accurately estimate costs, develop a construction plan, and understand the technical requirements of the project. It details the specific types of work, materials, and construction methods required for the road re-surfacing and re-construction, including drainage, grading, structural elements, and safety features.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document, "Supplemental Specifications to FP-14 For Soap Gulch Road Re-Surfacing and Re-Construction," modifies and supplements the Federal Highway Administration's "Standard Specifications for Construction of Roads and Bridges on Federal Highway Projects, FP-14, U.S. Customary Units." These supplemental specifications are intended to make the FP-14 specifications more applicable to BLM's low or very low volume roads and rural construction environments, often by reducing complexity, limiting testing, and loosening tolerances.

• Applicability: The document details changes to the standard FP-14 specifications. Bidders must use these supplemental specifications in conjunction with the FP-14 and the contract's bid schedule.
• Usage Guidance: It explains how to use the FP-14 specifications with the supplemental specifications, noting that if a section is listed in the supplemental specifications, it modifies or replaces the FP-14 section. If a section is not listed, the FP-14 specification applies in its entirety.
• Specific Modifications: The document outlines numerous changes and replacements to various sections of the FP-14 specifications, covering topics such as:
  • Definitions (e.g., Bid, Bidder, Contract Time, Notice to Proceed)
  • Control of Work (e.g., submittals for riprap and kiosks)
  • Control of Material (e.g., use of material found in the work)
  • Acceptance of Work (e.g., conformity with contract requirements, visual inspection)
  • Measurement and Payment (e.g., decimal accuracy of quantities, mobilization payment)
  • Construction Survey and Staking (detailed requirements and tolerances)
  • Contractor Quality Control (qualifications for QCM and testers)
  • Soil Erosion and Sediment Control
  • Public Traffic (temporary closures, traffic control devices)
  • Clearing and Grubbing, Excavation and Embankment, Structure Excavation and Backfill
  • Compaction methods and tolerances
  • Mechanically Stabilized Earth Walls
  • Aggregate specifications
  • Roadside Improvement Material

This document is critical for bidders as it details the specific modifications and requirements that supersede or supplement the standard FP-14 specifications. Understanding these changes is essential for accurately estimating costs, developing a compliant technical proposal, and executing the work according to the contract's precise terms. Bidders must carefully review all modified sections to ensure full compliance.