Hopewell Recreation Site Improvements on the Carson National Forest

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding Solicitation 127EAX26Q0008 Amendment 0001 for Hopewell Campsite Recreation Improvements in Carson National Forest, New Mexico.

• Contract Type: This is a new requirement, not an incumbent contract.
• Soils Testing: No soils testing has been conducted; bidders should adhere to bedding/backfill requirements for utility lines.
• Well Information: Details provided include total well depth (500 ft), static water level (58 ft), pump depth (248 ft), casing type (5-inch PVC), and production test results (approx. 6 gpm with adequate power, 1-2 gpm with existing solar).
• Site Inspection: The Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) will be the on-site inspector.
• Enclosure: No insulation is required for the enclosure. The specifications indicate a double door entry for the fiberglass enclosure (Model ME-1-72-2681-L1-MG).
• Signage: The Federal Government will not provide signage for installation under this contract; requirements are specified in the drawings and contract sections.
• Site Closure: The entire site will be closed during construction, with an exemption for a private landowner with easement access. The awardee must submit a construction schedule.
• Domestic Requirements: Buy American-Construction Materials requirements apply (FAR 52.225-9 and 52.225-10). American Iron and Steel (AIS) and Build American Buy American Act (BABAA) do not apply.

This document clarifies several aspects of the solicitation, including technical details about the well and enclosure, site access during construction, and specific regulatory requirements. Bidders should review these responses to ensure their proposals accurately address the project's needs and constraints.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment to Solicitation 127EAX26Q0008 makes the following changes:

• Responds to Request for Information (RFI): Includes RFI questions and Government responses as an attachment.

• Extends Quote Submission Deadline: The deadline has been extended by five (5) calendar days, from Friday, May 8, 2026, to Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 12:00 PM Noon Mountain Time.

• Quote Validity Period: Quotes must be valid for sixty (60) days after the RFQ submission period closes. Offers with less than 60 days validity will be rejected.

• Incorporates FAR Clauses by Reference: The following FAR clauses are now incorporated:

  • FAR 52.219-8 Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Nov 2025)
  • FAR 52.222-90 Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors (Apr 2026)
  • FAR 52.223-1 Biobased Product Certification
  • FAR 52.223-2 Reporting of Biobased Products Under Service and Construction Contracts

• Incorporates FAR Clause in Full Text: FAR 52.229-10 State of New Mexico Gross Receipts and Compensating Tax is now included in full.

• Incorporates AGAR Clause in Full Text: 452.203-72 Unenforceable Supplier Terms (Apr 2026) is now included in full.

• The due date for quote submission has been changed.

• Requirements regarding quote validity have been added.

• Several FAR and AGAR clauses have been added or incorporated.

The proposal deadline has been extended to May 13, 2026. Bidders must ensure their quotes are valid for at least 60 days. New FAR and AGAR clauses have been added that may affect proposal preparation and contract terms.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains detailed drawings and specifications for the "Hopewell Recreation Site Improvements" project. It serves as a critical reference for bidders to understand the physical scope, design, and construction requirements of the proposed improvements.

• Site Plans (S1-S6): Illustrate the layout of proposed improvements including roads, parking areas, campgrounds, day-use areas, trailheads, and group sites.
• Roadway and Parking Sections (D18-D19): Provide detailed cross-sections and typical construction methods for various road and parking areas.
• Utility Details (W1-W12, E1-E2, WW1): Cover waterlines, hydrants, drain outlets, sewer lines, holding tanks, electrical systems, solar arrays, and control systems.
• Site Furnishings and Appurtenances (D1-D17): Include details for signs, gates, barrier rocks, curb stops, fee tubes, bulletin boards, fire rings, picnic tables, camping spurs, and culverts.
• Estimates of Quantities (G3): Lists base and option pay items with estimated quantities for materials and labor.
• Project Location and Vicinity Maps: Provide context for the project site within Carson National Forest, New Mexico.

This comprehensive set of drawings is essential for bidders to accurately assess the scope of work, develop detailed proposals, and understand the technical specifications required for the Hopewell Recreation Site Improvements. It details all aspects of the construction, from earthwork and grading to utility installation and site furnishings.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a General Decision Number (GDN) for heavy construction projects in New Mexico, specifically detailing prevailing wage rates for various labor classifications. It serves as a reference for contractors to ensure compliance with minimum wage requirements on federal or federally funded construction projects.

• General Decision Number: NM20260011, effective 01/02/2026.
• Construction Type: Heavy.
• Geographic Area: Counties of Cibola, Colfax, Guadalupe, Harding, Los Alamos, McKinley, Mora, Quay, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, and Union in New Mexico.
• Labor Classifications and Rates: Includes prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits for Electricians (with different zones based on mileage from specific towns), Ironworkers (Structural and Reinforcing), Carpenters, Laborers (Common/General and Flagger), Operators (Backhoe, Grader/Blade, Loader, Scraper), Plumbers, and Truck Drivers (Dump Truck, Water Truck).
• Executive Orders: Notes applicability of Executive Order (EO) 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and Executive Order 13658 (Minimum Wage) for federal contractors.
• Appeals Process: Outlines the procedure for appealing wage determination decisions.

Bidders must use this document to determine the minimum wages they are required to pay laborers and mechanics on the project. Failure to comply with these wage determinations can result in contract violations and penalties. This information is critical for accurate cost estimation and proposal development.

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

This document outlines the scope of work for site improvements at Hopewell Lake.

• Construction of a new site entrance roundabout, campground entrance road, trailhead parking lot, and modified parking lot at the group area.

• Installation of a new waterline and hydrants for the site.

• Construction of a new campground host site.

• Installation of new site furnishings.

• Clearing and grubbing of areas for new roads and parking areas.

• Installation of new bulletin boards, aggregate surfaced roadways, signs, barrier rocks, curb stops, and culverts.

• Quantities for these items are detailed in the Schedule of Items.

• Project Location: Tres Piedras Ranger District of the Carson National Forest, Rio Arriba County, New Mexico.

• Access: Via State Highway 64.

• Start Date: Summer 2026.

• Contract Time: 365 Calendar Days for the Base Bid.

• Construction sites will be closed to the public; Forest Service will issue closure order.

• Contractor responsible for signing and limiting public access.

• Contractor must provide materials and labor to protect streams, wet or dry, during construction.

• Contractor must submit an erosion control plan for approval.

• All construction equipment must be pressure washed before entering National Forest System lands to prevent weed transportation.

• Utilities are not available on-site for construction purposes.

• Contractor must provide temporary toilet facilities (porta-potty).

• Contractor must locate all existing utilities before ground-disturbing activities.

• Contractor is responsible for sourcing construction materials that blend with the surrounding landscape.

• Traffic control and construction signing must conform to MUTCD.

• Traffic Control Plan must include temporary signage to re-route pedestrian traffic using the Continental Divide Trail.

• Contractor must comply with Forest Service Outdoor Recreation Accessibility Guidelines (FSORAG), Forest Service Trail Accessibility Guidelines (FSTAG), and Architectural Barriers Act (ABA).

• Areas for staging operations and storage of materials require CO approval.

• Contractor acknowledges they have ascertained the nature and location of work and investigated all conditions affecting work or cost.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Schedule of Items" for the Hopewell Lake Site Improvements project, likely an attachment to a solicitation (RFQ# 127EAX26Q0008 and RFQ# 127EAX26Q0006 for Option A). It details the various materials, components, and labor required for the project, along with their units of measure and quantities.

• Construction Staking & Mobilization: Lump sum items.
• Site Work: Includes removal of existing structures, fire rings, picnic tables, fee tubes, clearing and grubbing, site preparation, and grading.
• Utilities: Waterlines (2" and 3" HDPE), daylight drain outlets, septic tanks, trailer sewer service hookups, and water hydrants.
• Drainage & Stabilization: Riprap (Class 1 and 2).
• Roads & Paths: Crushed aggregate base and surface courses for roadways, parking areas, and gathering areas; 5-foot wide aggregate surface paths.
• Site Amenities: Bulletin boards, signs, family unit pads, tent pads, barrier rocks, road closure gates.
• Structures: Chlorinator building plumbing.
• Culverts: 24-inch galvanized corrugated metal pipe.
• Seeding: For restoration.
• Option A (Waterline to Group Site): Includes specific quantities for waterline, drain, valves, and hydrants.

This schedule provides potential bidders with a detailed breakdown of the quantities and types of work and materials needed for the Hopewell Lake Site Improvements. It is crucial for developing accurate cost estimates and understanding the scope of the project. Bidders will need to use these quantities to price their proposals. The inclusion of an "Option A" suggests a potential for phased work or additional scope.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ) for the Hopewell Recreation Site Improvements project on the Carson National Forest in New Mexico. The project involves construction and improvements at the Hopewell Lake Campground.

• New Site Entrance Roundabout

• New Campground Entrance Road

• New Trailhead Parking Lot

• Modified Parking Lot at Group Area

• New Waterline and Hydrants

• New Campground Host Site

• New Site Furnishings

• Clearing and grubbing of areas for new roads and parking.

• Installation of bulletin boards, aggregate surfaced roadways, signs, barrier rocks, curb stops, and culverts.

• Work is described in detail in Attachment 2 (Specifications and Statement of Work).

• Anticipated contract type: Firm-fixed price.

• Period of Performance: 10 days after Notice to Proceed (NTP) to commence work, with completion no later than 365 days after NTP. This includes final cleanup.

• Submission Deadline: May 8, 2026, by 12:00 PM MST.

• Questions Deadline: April 28, 2026, by 12:00 PM MST (submit via email to melissa.heckenlaible@usda.gov).

• Site Visit: April 22, 2026, at 11:00 AM Mountain Time at Hopewell Lake Campground.

• Offerors must submit pricing for all items, including optional items, to be considered responsive.

• Evaluation Criteria: Technical Approach, Price, and Past Performance.

• Technical Approach: Evaluates the offeror's ability to provide a sound and compliant approach, including detailed explanations of capabilities, subcontracting plans, and NEC/State approved electrical skills.

• Price: Will be evaluated for fairness and reasonableness.

• Past Performance: Will be assessed as Acceptable or Neutral.

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

• Applicable NAICS Code: 238990.

• Small business size standard: $19 million.

• All communication, questions, and price quotes should be directed to Melissa Heckenlaible at melissa.heckenlaible@usda.gov.

• Offerors must hold prices firm for 90 calendar days from the offer due date.

• Relevant attachments include: Attachment 1 (Schedule of Items), Attachment 2 (Specifications and Statement of Work), Attachment 3 (Drawings and Diagrams), and Attachment 4 (Wage Determination).