Grindstone Recreation Area Wastewater Treatment Plant Replacement

Quick Summary

The USDA Forest Service is soliciting proposals for the Grindstone Recreation Area Wastewater Treatment Plant Replacement project in Troutdale, VA. This Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity involves rehabilitating the existing sanitary sewer system, decommissioning the current lagoon, and constructing a new, compliant wastewater treatment system. The estimated value is between $6,000,000 and $6,500,000. Proposals are due April 21, 2026, at 1200 ET.

Project Overview & Scope

This project aims to replace the inoperable and non-compliant wastewater system at Grindstone Campground. The scope of work includes:

• Decommissioning: Removal of approximately 4,300 linear feet of existing sanitary sewer lines and manholes, and the draining, filling, and regrading of two open-air lagoons.
• Sanitary Sewer Replacement: Installation of over 4,300 linear feet of 8-inch gravity sewer, 20+ manholes, and associated laterals.
• New Treatment System: Construction of a new proprietary wastewater treatment system (e.g., AdvanTex AX100/AX20) with a drip field of approximately 0.5 acres, including all associated site improvements, electrical, and security features.
• The awarded contractor will be responsible for furnishing all necessary materials, personnel, and equipment. Key Contract Line Items (CLINs) include mobilization, WWTP decommissioning, sanitary sewer replacement, and the new WWTP & disposal system, with an optional split rail fence.

Contract Details & Requirements

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price (FFP).
• Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (NAICS 237110).
• Estimated Magnitude: $6,000,000 - $6,500,000.
• Period of Performance: 365 calendar days after Notice to Proceed.
• Bonds: Performance and Payment Bonds (100% of award, due 5 days after award) and a Bid Bond are required.
• Key Personnel & Qualifications: Requires an On-Site Sewage System Installer (OSSI) with a "Master Alternative" Virginia DPOR license (in-house or subcontracted) and a Responsible Land Disturber (RLD) certificate.
• Permits: The contractor is responsible for acquiring all applicable permits, including WWTP Construction, VPDES, VSMP, and VDOT Land Use Permits.
• Environmental Considerations: Includes bat conservation measures and assessment for lead (present in paint on a metal doorframe). Compliance with prevailing wage rates (Davis-Bacon Act) is also required.

Submission & Evaluation

• Proposals Due: April 21, 2026, 1200 ET.
• Submission Method: Electronically via email to charles.cotton@usda.gov. The email subject line must be 12445126B0007_Company Name_Proposal.
• Evaluation Criteria: Award will be made to the Lowest Price, Responsive/Responsible offeror.
  • Technical Factor: Requires confirmation of OSSI license, a notional project schedule, and examples of past quality and safety plans.
  • Past Performance Factor: Evaluated using CPARS, databases, and Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQs) for projects primarily (over 50% scope) in wastewater conveyance or treatment construction, completed within the last eight years.
• Questions Deadline: April 06, 2026. Submit to charles.cotton@usda.gov (cc: steven.alves@usda.gov).
• Site Visit: A non-mandatory pre-bid site visit is scheduled for March 18, 2026, at 1000 ET. RSVP to richard.childs@usda.gov.
• Eligibility: Offerors must be registered and active in the System for Award Management (SAM).

Important Documents

Bidders should review the detailed plans, Statement of Work, evaluation factors, and pricing sheet (Attachment 01Grindstone WWTP SCH B.xlsx) for comprehensive requirements. An amendment (Attachment 05 EO CLAUSE UPDATE INSERT.pdf) updates applicable FAR clauses due to recent Executive Orders.