Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest Gipsy Lake Day Use Improvements
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 USDA Forest Service is soliciting proposals for Gipsy Lake Day Use Improvements on the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest, Townsend Ranger District, MT. This Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity involves constructing new parking and living areas. Quotes are due March 06, 2026, by 12:00 PM Mountain Time.
Scope of Work
This project consists of constructing new parking and living areas at the Gipsy Lake Day Use site. Work requires excavation and grading to integrate naturally into the landscape, along with the installation of new furnishings. The scope includes:
- Base Bid – Site 1: Constructing a double-wide parking area with two living areas and removing four large trees.
- Option 01 – Site 2: Constructing a single-wide parking area with one living area, installing two new culverts, and constructing a new ditch.
- Option 02 – Site 3: Constructing a single-wide parking area with one living area and installing government-furnished barrier rocks. The contractor is responsible for all labor, materials, tools, and equipment. Detailed plans, maps, pictures, and specifications are provided in Attachment 3.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price (anticipated).
- Set-Aside: 100% Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5).
- NAICS Code: 237990 (Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction) with a $45.0 Million size standard.
- Place of Performance: Gipsy Lake Day Use Site, Townsend Ranger District, Meagher County, MT.
- Period of Performance: Work must commence within 10 days of Notice to Proceed (NTP) and be completed within 30 calendar days, ready for use no later than September 30, 2026.
- Estimated Value: Between $25,000 and $100,000. Bid/payment bonds are required for contracts over $150,000.
- Wage Determination: General Decision Number MT20260075 applies for heavy construction in specified Montana counties.
Submission & Evaluation
- Questions Due Date: February 27, 2026, by 12:00 PM Mountain Time.
- Quote Due Date: March 06, 2026, by 12:00 PM Mountain Time.
- Submission Method: Email quotes 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 five relevant projects.
- Price: Evaluated for base items to determine if fair and reasonable.
Additional Notes
This is a combined synopsis/solicitation; no separate written solicitation will be issued. No site visit is scheduled. Applicable FAR and AGAR clauses are detailed in Attachment 1.