Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest Gipsy Lake Day Use Improvements

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest Gipsy Lake Day Use Improvements project (Notice ID 1240LU26Q0028).

• Fire Pit and Picnic Table Sources: For the fire pit, Sheet 10 of the plans suggests RJ Thomas MFG. CO. For picnic tables, Glacier Precast Concrete Company has been approved for similar projects.
• Bidder Classification: The opportunity is a 100% small business set-aside. Only businesses classified as small businesses will be considered.
• Material Procurement:
  • Culverts are specified as 18” Galvanized Steel Corrugated Metal Pipe, commonly available at Home and Ranch stores.
  • Specific vendors for all supplies were not provided, but sources for fire pits and picnic tables were indicated.
• Plans Review: Vendors are directed to review the project plans for specific details, including a mockup bid layout.

This Q&A document clarifies material sources and confirms the small business set-aside requirement. Vendors should ensure they meet the small business classification. Specific material details and vendor suggestions are provided, but bidders are still responsible for reviewing the full plans for comprehensive requirements.

Amendment / Modification

• The "Responses Due Date" has been extended from 03/06/2026 by noon MST to 03/13/2026 by noon MST.

• Item 11 (Solicitation Amendments) indicates that the hour and date specified for receipt of offers is extended.

• The proposal submission deadline has been extended to 03/13/2026 by noon MST.

• The Period of Performance remains unchanged: 03/30/2026 to 09/30/2026.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest Gipsy Lake Day Use Improvements project (Notice ID 1240LU26Q0028).

• Fire Pit and Picnic Table Sources: For the fire pit, Sheet 10 of the plans indicates RJ Thomas MFG. CO. as a source. Glacier Precast Concrete Company has been approved for picnic tables in other projects.
• Bidder Classification: The requirement is a 100% small business set-aside. Only quotes from small businesses will be considered.
• Material Procurement:
  • Culverts are specified as 18” Galvanized Steel Corrugated Metal Pipe, available at most Home and Ranch stores.
  • The contractor is responsible for procuring picnic tables and fire rings from specified vendors or approved sources.
• Mockup Bid Layout: Vendors are directed to review the plans for specific layout details.

This amendment clarifies material sources and confirms the small business set-aside requirement, impacting which businesses are eligible to bid and potentially influencing material sourcing strategies for proposals.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items for the Gipsy Lake Day Use Improvements project. The project involves constructing new parking and living areas at the Gipsy Lake Day Use site on the Townsend Ranger District. Construction will include excavation and grading to balance cut and fill for a natural landscape, and all new furnishings as shown in the drawings.

• Construction of new parking and living areas.

• Excavation and grading work to balance cut and fill.

• Installation of new furnishings.

• Submission of a Statement of Work, recent and relevant experience, and past performance documentation.

• Bid guarantee (if applicable).

• Acknowledgment of amendments.

• Anticipated contract type: Firm fixed price.

• Period of Performance: Not explicitly stated, but implied to be for the construction duration.

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but bid/payment bonds are required for contracts over $150,000.

• Quote Due Date: March 06, 2026, by 12:00 PM Mountain Time.

• Questions Due Date: February 27, 2026, by 12:00 PM Mountain Time.

• Submission Method: Email to Daniel.franco@usda.gov.

• Evaluation: Quotes will be evaluated using a comparative methodology to determine the best value to the Government. Evaluation factors include:

  • Experience: Assessed based on relevancy, recency, and quality of past performance. Vendors must submit a narrative of at least 5 relevant projects.
  • Price: Evaluated for base items to determine if fair and reasonable.

• Set Aside: 100% small business set-aside.

• NAICS Code: 237990 (Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction) with a Size Standard of $45.0 M.

• This solicitation constitutes the only solicitation; no separate written solicitation will be issued.

• Applicable clauses and provisions are detailed throughout the document, including FAR and AGAR clauses.

• Attachments include: Schedule of Items/Statement of Work, Maps/Plans/Pictures/Specifications, and Wage Determination.

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

This project involves constructing new parking and living areas at the Gipsy Lake Day Use site on the Townsend Ranger District. The work includes excavation, grading, and installation of furnishings to create a natural fit with the landscape.

• Base Bid - Site 1: Construct a double-wide parking area with two living areas, and remove four large trees for erosion control.
• Option 1 - Site 2: Construct a single-wide parking area with one living area, install two new culverts, and construct a new ditch.
• Option 2 - Site 3: Construct a single-wide parking area with one living area, and install barrier rocks (government furnished).
• The contractor is responsible for all labor, materials, tools, and equipment.

Not explicitly detailed in this section.

• Location: Gipsy Lake Day Use Site, Townsend Ranger District, Meagher County, MT, off Duck Creek/Birch Creek Road (FSR 139).

• Period of Performance: Commence work within 10 days of Notice to Proceed (NTP), complete work within 30 calendar days, and be ready for use no later than 09/30/2026.

• No site visit is scheduled.

• Price Range: Between $25,000 and $100,000.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains the construction and reconstruction plans for specified roads related to the Gipsy Lake Day Use Improvements project. It serves as a detailed guide for contractors, outlining the scope, specifications, and design details for the proposed work.

• Sheet Index: Lists all included drawings and their titles.
• Project Location Maps: Provides context with Montana Index Map, Location Map, and Area Map.
• Estimated Quantities & General Notes: Details the quantities of materials and work required for the Base Bid (Site 01) and two optional sites (Site 02 and Site 03), along with general construction notes and requirements.
• Detailed Drawings: Includes specific plans for site layouts (Base Bid, Option 01, Option 02), road typicals (ditch and spur construction), culvert and post details, site furnishing details (fire rings, picnic tables, wheel stops), and picnic table specifics.
• Specifications: Outlines requirements for site preparation, grading, tree removal, aggregate surfacing, concrete curb stops, barrier rock placement, culverts, and site furnishings.

This document is critical for potential bidders as it defines the exact scope of work, materials, and construction methods required for the Gipsy Lake Day Use Improvements project. It allows bidders to accurately estimate costs, assess project feasibility, and prepare a comprehensive proposal. The inclusion of base bid and optional sites provides flexibility for bidding.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a General Decision Number (GDN) for heavy construction projects in Montana, issued by the U.S. Department of Labor. It specifies prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits for various construction trades.

• General Decision Number: MT20260075
• State: Montana
• Construction Type: Heavy
• Counties Covered: Beaverhead, Broadwater, Deer Lodge, Gallatin, Granite, Jefferson, Lewis And Clark, Madison, Meagher, Powell, Silver Bow, and Yellowstone National Park Counties.
• Trades Included: Bricklayer, Electrician, Lineman, Power Equipment Operator (various crane types), Ironworker, Laborer (Mason Tender, Pipelayer, Common/General, Landscape/Irrigation), Carpenter, Excavator, Grader/Blade, Loader, Dump Truck Driver.
• Wage Rates & Fringes: Specific hourly rates and fringe benefit amounts are listed for each trade and county/zone.
• Executive Orders: Notes on Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and Executive Order 13658 (Minimum Wage) are included, outlining contractor obligations.
• Appeals Process: Information on how to appeal wage determination decisions is provided.

This document is crucial for bidders responding to solicitations for heavy construction projects in the specified Montana counties. It establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits that must be paid to laborers and mechanics employed on the contract, directly impacting labor costs and proposal pricing. Bidders must ensure their proposals comply with these prevailing wage requirements.