Grindstone Recreation Area Wastewater Treatment Plant Replacement
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. Forest Service, under the Department of Agriculture, is soliciting bids for the Grindstone Recreation Area Wastewater Treatment Plant Replacement project in Troutdale, VA. This project involves rehabilitating the existing sanitary sewer system, decommissioning the current lagoon system, and constructing a new, compliant wastewater treatment plant. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Bids are due May 1, 2026, at 1200 EST.
Scope of Work
The project requires the rehabilitation of the existing Grindstone Campground sanitary sewer system and the decommissioning of the existing lagoon system. Key tasks include:
- Construction of over 4,300 linear feet of 8-inch gravity sewer, 20+ manholes, and laterals.
- Installation of a new treatment system with a 0.5-acre drip field (Orenco or equivalent).
- Decommissioning and removal of the existing two open-air lagoons (approx. 3 acres), including liners, filling, and site recontouring.
- Removal of approximately 3600 ft of 6" and 2050 ft of 4" cast iron sewer lines.
- The contractor will furnish all materials, personnel, and equipment. The campground will be closed during the 365-calendar day performance period.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price (FFP).
- Estimated Magnitude: Between $6,000,000 and $6,500,000.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (NAICS 237110, $39.5M size standard).
- Period of Performance: 365 calendar days from Notice to Proceed.
- Bonds: Performance and Payment Bonds (100% of contract price) are required within 5 days of award. A Bid Bond is also required.
- Wage Determination: Davis-Bacon Wage Determination VA20260032 (Smyth County, VA, Heavy Construction) applies.
Submission & Evaluation
- Bids Due: May 1, 2026, 1200 EST, submitted electronically to charles.cotton@usda.gov. A virtual bid opening will follow via Microsoft Teams.
- Evaluation: Award will be made to the Lowest Price, Responsive/Responsible bidder.
- Required Submissions: SF-1442, Attachment 01 (SCHEDULE B), Attachment 04 (Past Performance Questionnaire), Attachment 07 (Evaluation Factors worksheet), and Bid Bond.
- Technical Factors: Offerors must confirm capability to provide an On-Site Sewage System Installer (OSSI) with a "Master Alternative" Virginia DPOR license, submit a notional 365-day project schedule, and provide examples of past quality and safety plans. All technical questions must be answered "Yes" for responsiveness.
- Past Performance: Evaluated using CPARS, PPQs, and similar databases, focusing on projects >50% wastewater conveyance/treatment construction within the last eight years.
- Eligibility: Offerors must be registered and ACTIVE in SAM. Subcontractors do not require CAGE codes or SAM registration.
Key Considerations
- Permits: Contractor is responsible for acquiring all applicable permits, including VSMP and VDOT Land Use Permits.
- Site Visit: A non-mandatory pre-bid site visit was held on March 18, 2026. The meeting point was Damascus Trail Center.
- Environmental: Lead-based paint was identified on the green metal doorframe of the existing WWTP building. No asbestos was detected. Bat conservation measures (tree cutting restrictions) and noxious weed control are required.
- Questions: Technical questions were answered and posted.