Grindstone Recreation Area Wastewater Treatment Plant Replacement

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial construction items, specifically for the rehabilitation of the existing Grindstone Campground sanitary sewer system and the decommissioning of the existing lagoon system. The project involves constructing over 4,300 linear feet of 8-inch gravity sewer, approximately 20 manholes, and laterals. A new treatment system with a drip field and associated site improvements will replace the current lagoon system. The awarded contractor will be responsible for furnishing all necessary materials, personnel, and equipment.

• Rehabilitation of existing sanitary sewer system.

• Decommissioning of existing lagoon system.

• Construction of replacement gravity sewer (4,300+ LF of 8-inch).

• Installation of new manholes and laterals.

• Construction of a new treatment system with drip field and site improvements.

• Furnishing all materials, personnel, and equipment.

• Performance and Payment Bonds are required (100% of original contract award price, due 5 days after award).

• Bid Bond is required.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price (FFP).

• Award Basis: Lowest Price, Responsive/Responsible evaluation.

• Estimated Magnitude: Between $6,000,000 and $6,500,000.

• Period of Performance: 365 calendar days after Notice to Proceed.

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

• Small Business Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• Proposals must be submitted electronically via email to charles.cotton@usda.gov.

• Email Subject Line: 12445126B0007_Company Name_Proposal.

• Bids Deadline: April 21, 2026, 1200 ET.

• Evaluation Criteria: Lowest Price, Responsive, and Responsible.

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

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

• Site Visit: March 18, 2026, 1000 ET. RSVP to richard.childs@usda.gov.

• Questions Deadline: April 06, 2026. Submit questions via email to charles.cotton@usda.gov (cc: steven.alves@usda.gov).

• Late bids will not be accepted.

• Applicable FAR provisions and clauses are incorporated by reference or full text.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

This SOW details the requirements for the rehabilitation of the existing Grindstone Campground sanitary sewer system and the decommissioning of the existing lagoon system. The goal is to replace the inoperable and non-compliant existing system with a new, compliant wastewater treatment system.

• Decommissioning: Remove and dispose of approximately 4,300 LF of existing sanitary sewer lines and manholes. Drain, fill, and regrade the existing two open-air lagoons.

• Sanitary Sewer Line Replacement: Install new sanitary sewer lines, laterals, manholes, and related components, including site clearing and grubbing.

• New Wastewater Treatment System Installation: Install a new proprietary wastewater treatment system with a drip field of approximately 0.5 acres, including site clearing and grubbing.

• The contractor shall furnish all materials, personnel, and equipment.

• Period of Performance: 365 calendar days from the Notice to Proceed.

• Project Location: Grindstone Campground, 1946 Laurel Valley Rd, Troutdale, VA 24378.

• Operational Hours: Monday-Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. EDT, excluding Federal holidays, unless otherwise approved.

• Construction Schedule: A GANTT chart schedule must be submitted within 10 days of contract award.

• Key Personnel: The contractor must identify key personnel (e.g., Site Superintendent, Quality Control Manager, Site Safety Manager, On-Site Sewage System Installer) and provide written delegated authority.

• Permits: The contractor is responsible for acquiring all applicable permits, including but not limited to: Wastewater Treatment System Construction Permit, Virginia Pollution Discharge Elimination System (VPDES) Permit for lagoon decommissioning, Virginia Stormwater Management Permit (VSMP), and VDOT Land Use Permit.

• Site Closure: The campground will be closed to the public during construction.

• Noxious Weeds: Equipment must be free of soil, seeds, and debris before entering National Forest land.

• Environmental Control Measures: Includes bat conservation measures (tree cutting restrictions) and assessment of asbestos/lead (lead present in paint on a metal doorframe).

• Temporary Facilities: Contractor to arrange for exterior material stockpiling, subject to CO approval. Temporary utilities (limited water, electricity, phone) are available on-site.

• Required Personnel Qualifications: On-Site Sewage System Installer (OSSI) must be licensed in Virginia as "Master Alternative" with at least 2 years of relevant experience. A Responsible Land Disturber (RLD) certificate is also required. Sub-contracting of required personnel is accepted.

A non-mandatory pre-bid site visit is scheduled for March 18, 2026, at 1000ET. Offerors are highly encouraged to attend. RSVP is required 24 hours in advance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains detailed plans and specifications for the USDA-FS Grindstone WWTP Wastewater System Replacement project. It includes a Plan Submission Checklist, Solar Specific Requirements, Sanitary Sewer Details, Treatment System Details, and Electrical Details.

• Plan Submission Checklist: Outlines required information and certifications for plan approval, covering aspects like project information, erosion control, stormwater management, and geotechnical data.
• Solar Specific Requirements: Addresses how solar panels are classified for project requirements.
• Sanitary Sewer Details: Provides specific construction methods and materials for the sanitary sewer system, including trenching, backfill, pipe culverts, pavement replacement, fencing, and manhole/pipe abandonment.
• Treatment System Details: Includes schematics and technical data for wastewater treatment units (AdvanTex AX100/AX20), septic tanks, flow equalization tanks, anoxic tanks, discharge tanks, pump vaults, and drip tubing distribution systems.
• Electrical Details: Specifies requirements for wiring, panelboards, grounding, excavations, surge protection, control panels, and site lighting.
• Sheet Index: Lists all included plan sheets by category.

This document is critical for bidders to understand the comprehensive design and construction requirements for the project. It details the specific data, calculations, certifications, materials, and technical specifications necessary for accurate bidding and successful execution of the sanitary sewer system, wastewater treatment components, drainage, and electrical infrastructure.

Amendment / Modification

This document updates a Task Order, Call, or Contract by modifying the inclusion or exclusion of specific Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses and provisions. The changes are driven by recent Executive Orders:

• Executive Order 14148 (dated January 20, 2025): Revoked Executive Order 14057, impacting sustainability initiatives.
• Executive Order 14208 (dated February 10, 2025): Directs agencies to eliminate policies disfavoring plastic straws.
• Executive Order 14173 (dated January 20, 2025): Revoked E.O. 11246, "Equal Employment Opportunity," leading to inconsistencies with some FAR provisions.

Key changes include:

1. Exclusions for New Solicitations/Contracts: Several provisions and clauses are no longer to be included, such as:

   • Paragraph (c) of 52.222-9 (Apprentices and Trainees)
   • Various clauses related to representations and certifications (e.g., 52.204-8, 52.212-3, 52.212-5, 52.213-4) with specific dates.
   • Clauses related to Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action (e.g., 52.222-21 through 52.222-27).
   • Clauses related to biobased products, waste reduction, and environmental management systems (e.g., 52.223-1, 52.223-2, 52.223-10, 52.223-19, 52.223-22, 52.223-23).

2. Inclusions for New Solicitations/Contracts: Several updated provisions and clauses are now to be included, often with a "Deviation FEB 2025" designation:

   • 52.204-8, Annual Representations and Certifications
   • 52.212-3, Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Products and Commercial Services
   • 52.212-5, Contract Terms and Conditions Required To Implement Statutes or Executive Orders-Commercial Products and Commercial Services
   • 52.213-4, Terms and Conditions-Simplified Acquisitions
   • 52.223-1, Biobased Product Certification
   • 52.223-2, Reporting of Biobased Products Under Service and Construction Contracts
   • 52.223-10, Waste Reduction Program
   • 52.223-23, Sustainable Products and Services
   • 52.244-6, Subcontracts for Commercial Products and Commercial Services

3. Notice for New Solicitations: A notice is to be included regarding potential discrepancies between System for Award Management (SAM) updates and policy updates. It clarifies that while SAM may still prompt for certain representations (like 52.222-25 and paragraph (d) of 52.212-3), contracting officers will not consider or enforce these if they are not included in agency solicitations. Entities are not required to remove these from their SAM registration.

Additional Information:

• The document also lists specific FAR clauses (Table 1) that contracting officers must insert in solicitations and contracts for fixed-price construction or dismantling/demolition contracts expected to exceed the simplified acquisition threshold. These include clauses related to site conditions, superintendence, other contracts, protection of existing vegetation, operations, cleaning up, material and workmanship, accident prevention, and schedules.

• FAR Clauses and Provisions related to sustainability, equal opportunity, apprenticeships, biobased products, and representations/certifications.

• Specific clauses for construction contracts.

• Bidders should review the updated list of required and excluded clauses when preparing proposals for new solicitations. The notice regarding SAM discrepancies is important for understanding how representations will be handled during award decisions.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a General Decision for Heavy Dredging construction projects in Virginia, excluding hopper dredging. It establishes prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits for various classifications of workers involved in dredging operations.

• Classifications: Lists specific job roles such as Deck Captain, Dredge Operator, Engineer, Deckhand, Oiler, etc., categorized by the type of dredging equipment (e.g., Clamshell Dredges, Hydraulic Dredges).
• Rates and Fringes: Provides hourly wage rates and fringe benefit information for each classification.
• Incentive Pay: Details additional pay for specific certifications or roles (e.g., NCCCO License, USCG Master of Towing Vessels).
• Footnotes: Explains paid holidays and vacation accrual.
• Executive Orders: References Executive Orders 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and 13658 (Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors) and their applicability.
• Appeals Process: Outlines the procedure for appealing wage determinations.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the labor costs associated with heavy dredging projects in Virginia. It dictates the minimum wage and fringe benefits that must be paid to laborers and mechanics employed on federal or federally funded construction projects covered by the Davis-Bacon Act. Bidders must factor these wage rates into their cost proposals to ensure compliance and accurate bidding.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the technical and past performance evaluation factors for the Grindstone Recreation Area Wastewater Treatment Plant Replacement solicitation. It details the requirements for bidders to demonstrate their capability, quality, safety, and experience.

Factor 01 Technical:

• Requires firms to confirm they can provide an On-Site Sewage System Installer with a "Master Alternative" Virginia DPOR license (in-house or subcontracted).
• Requires a notional project schedule (365 calendar days) in accordance with FAR 52.236-15, reflecting capacity, permitting, and qualified personnel.
• Requires an example of a past quality plan for a similar project.
• Requires an example of a past safety plan for a similar project.
• All questions must be answered "Yes" for the bid to be considered responsive.

Factor 02 Past Performance and Experience:

• Past performance will be evaluated using CPARS, similar databases, and Past Performance Questionnaires (PPQ).
• Bidders must confirm completion of projects primarily (over 50% scope) for wastewater conveyance or treatment construction, alteration, or renovation.
• Projects must have been completed within the last eight years.
• The government will evaluate documentation to demonstrate the offeror's ability to successfully perform, coordinate, and complete the work.

CLINs (Contract Line Items):

• 001: Mobilization
• 002: WWTP Decommissioning
• 003: Sanitary Sewer Replacement
• 004: New WWTP & Disposal System
• 005 (Option): Split Rail Fence

Price Evaluation Summary:

• Award will be made using a Lowest Price, responsive/responsible evaluation.

This document is crucial for bidders as it defines the specific technical capabilities, past performance requirements, and the breakdown of work items (CLINs) for the project. It also clarifies the evaluation methodology, emphasizing technical compliance, quality and safety examples, relevant experience, and price. Bidders must carefully address each requirement to ensure their proposal is responsive and competitive.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Exhibit B, a Performance Relevancy Questionnaire. It is designed to gather information from offerors regarding their past and current projects, as well as their specialized experience, to assess their capability to perform the work contemplated by the solicitation.

• Contractor Information: Requires contractor name, address, and telephone number.
• Experience: Asks for the number of years the firm has been in the line of work and years of experience as a prime contractor and/or sub-contractor.
• Part 1 - Past / Current Projects: Requires listing up to five projects completed within the last 8 years similar in scope to the solicitation, including contract amount, type of project, date completed, and contact information for project references. It also requires listing concurrent contractual commitments.
• Performance History: Inquires about any uncompleted work awards or work completed under a performance bond.
• Part 2 - Specialized Experience: Requires a separate sheet to describe specific elements of work performed, subcontractors used, unique technical relevance to the solicitation, and a point of contact for the owner/government agency.
• Certification: A statement certifying the accuracy of the provided information and authorization for the Forest Service to verify capabilities.

Bidders must complete and submit this questionnaire as part of their proposal. The information provided will be used to evaluate the offeror's past performance and specialized experience, which are likely key factors in the overall evaluation of their proposal.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Excel spreadsheet containing a detailed breakdown of estimated quantities and line items for the Grindstone Recreation Area WWTP Replacement project. It serves as a pricing sheet or bill of materials to assist bidders in developing their proposals.

• Base Items (CLIN 001-004): Includes mobilization, WWTP decommissioning, sanitary sewer replacement, and new WWTP & disposal system components. Specific tasks include fence removal, sewer and water system component removal, excavation, pipe installation (DI and PVC), manhole installation, pavement restoration, and the installation of an Advantex system, septic tanks, and associated electrical and security features.
• Bid Option Item #1: Includes split rail fencing.
• Estimated Quantities: Provides estimated quantities for various components (e.g., LF for pipe, EA for manholes, CY for excavation, SY for pavement restoration, LS for lump sum items).
• Pay Units: Specifies the unit of measure for payment (e.g., LS, EA, LF, SY, CY).

This document is critical for bidders to understand the scope of work and to prepare accurate cost estimates. It outlines the specific materials, quantities, and tasks involved in the project, directly impacting proposal development and pricing strategies.