LOLO NATIONAL FOREST - Ninemile Water & Wastewater and St. Regis Wastewater Improvements

Amendment / Modification

• Extends the response date for offers to March 6, 2026.

• Designates February 27, 2026 as the final day to submit questions.

• The response date for offers has been extended.

• The deadline for submitting questions has been set.

• Bidders now have until March 6, 2026, to submit their offers.

• Bidders must submit any questions by February 27, 2026.

Amendment / Modification

• This amendment (002) modifies solicitation 1240LU2600010, originally dated 01/27/2026.

• It adds the FAR clause 52.246-21, "Warranty of Construction (MAR 1994)".

• The subject matter pertains to Ninemile Water & Wastewater and St. Regis Wastewater Improvements at the Lolo National Forest.

• The amendment adds a new FAR clause.

• The hour and date for receipt of offers is extended. The amendment does not specify the new deadline, but requires offers to acknowledge receipt of this amendment prior to the original or amended hour and date specified for receipt of offers.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the Ninemile Water & Wastewater and St. Regis Wastewater Improvements solicitation (1240LU26Q0010).

• Insurance Requirements: Contractors must comply with state laws governing insurance, as detailed in solicitation clause 52.236-7.
• Liquidated Damages: No liquidated damages are associated with this contract.
• Contract Performance Period: Work can begin upon award and notice to proceed, with all work to be completed by October 1, 2027. No specific milestone deadlines are set, but systems must remain functional throughout the contract, with limited exceptions for pre-approved, short interruptions requiring Contracting Officer permission.
• Warranty Period: The warranty will follow FAR 52.212-4 (r) Order of precedence, aligning with FAR 52.246-21.
• DBE Requirements: There are no Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation goals or reporting requirements for this procurement.
• Dispute Resolution: The contract will be administered under the Contract Disputes Act and applicable FAR clauses, as per 52.212-4 (e) Disputes.
• Experience and Qualification Submittals: Five project narratives are required with the quotation. Additional contractor and subcontractor qualifications will be requested after award.
• Bid Bond Form: The bid bond should be submitted using the FAR Standard Form 24 (SF 24).
• Contractual Hierarchy: In case of inconsistencies between FAR Part 12 and the Montana Public Works Standard Specifications, FAR 52.212-4 (r) Order of precedence will be followed.
• CAD Files: CAD files for the project will not be supplied during the solicitation phase but may be provided after award to the successful company.

These clarifications provide specific details on contract terms, submission requirements, and performance expectations, which may influence a bidder's proposal strategy and understanding of the project.

Amendment / Modification

• Amendment 001 adds a formal site visit for the Ninemile Water & Wastewater and St. Regis Wastewater Improvements project.

• The site visit will be held at the Ninemile Ranger District on February 18, 2026, at 9:00 am.

• The address for the site visit is 20325 Remount Road, Huson, MT.

• The main point of contact for the site visit is Catina Mclean at 406-499-4842.

• No site visit is planned for the St. Regis Work Center; contractors may view this site on their own time between 8 am and 6 pm.

• This amendment modifies the original solicitation (1240LU26Q0010) dated 01/27/2026.

• The amendment does not explicitly state changes to offer submission deadlines or evaluation factors, but bidders should note the added site visit information.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a General Decision Number (GDN) for heavy construction projects in specific Montana counties (Lake, Lincoln, Mineral, Ravalli, and Sanders). It provides prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits for various construction classifications, including Electrician, Power Equipment Operator (with detailed rates for different crane sizes and types), Ironworker, Carpenter, Laborer, Operator (Backhoe, Bobcat/Skid Steer, Excavator, Grader/Blade, Loader), and Truck Driver. It also includes definitions for power equipment operator zones based on mileage from specific towns and notes on Executive Orders related to paid sick leave and minimum wage for federal contractors.

This document is crucial for bidders on federal or federally-assisted 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 project. Bidders must use this information to accurately calculate labor costs in their proposals and ensure compliance with labor standards, including Executive Orders 13706 and 13658, if applicable. The document also outlines the process for appealing wage determinations.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is Attachment 2 to the solicitation, providing a detailed Schedule of Items/Price Schedule for the Ninemile Water & Wastewater and St. Regis Wastewater Improvements project. It outlines the base items and optional items for both locations, which bidders must use to submit their pricing.

• Ninemile Water & Wastewater System Improvements (Base Items): Includes items such as mobilization, construction surveying, surface restoration, clearing and grubbing, transmission main work, gate valves, reducers, curb valves, hydrants, water main connections, HDPE water transmission line, sewer force main, PVC sewer main, sewer cleanouts, manholes, and fencing.
• Ninemile Water & Wastewater System Improvements (Option Item 1): Includes a bypass system for tanks, telemetry controls, hardwire/alarm panels, electrical for control, conduit, and trenching for hardwire.
• St. Regis Wastewater System Improvements (Base Items): Includes mobilization, construction surveying, septic tank abandonment and pumping, surface restoration, clearing and grubbing, grinder pumps, HDPE sewer force main, PVC sewer main, sewer cleanouts, manholes, and RV pad connections.
• St. Regis Wastewater System Improvements (Base Items - continued): Includes septic systems, child safety baskets, and drain fields.
• Schedule Notes: Clarifies that optional items are not required but may be exercised by the government. It also states the government intends to make one award and requires pricing for all items to be considered responsive. Bond payments are to be included under Mobilization.

This document is critical for bidders as it provides the specific line items, quantities, and units for which pricing is required. Bidders must carefully review this schedule to accurately prepare their proposals and understand the scope of work for both base and optional items at both the Ninemile and St. Regis locations.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains the "Project Manual" which serves as a comprehensive guide for the "Ninemile Remount Depot and Ranger Station Water and Sewer Improvements" project. It details the technical specifications, general requirements, site construction, equipment, electrical systems, and various other aspects of the project.

• Divisions: The manual is organized into divisions covering Special Provisions, General Requirements, Site Construction, Equipment, Electrical, and various other technical specifications.
• Special Provisions: Includes details on incorporation of MPWSS, contractor qualifications, subsurface conditions, site restoration, traffic control, and more.
• General Requirements: Outlines the summary of work, contract documents, work sequence, and contractor use of premises.
• Site Construction: Covers trench excavation, plowing, site clearing, earthwork, and water distribution systems.
• Equipment: Details subsurface treatment systems, including septic tanks, dosing systems, drainfields, and related components.
• Electrical: Encompasses general electrical requirements, grounding and bonding, hangers and supports, identification, conductors and cables, raceway and boxes, equipment wiring connections, and enclosed switches.
• Appendices: Includes a soils investigation report.

This manual is critical for bidders as it contains the detailed technical specifications and requirements for the entire project. It outlines the scope of work, materials, installation procedures, testing requirements, and measurement and payment details. Bidders must thoroughly review this document to understand the full scope and requirements of the "Ninemile Remount Depot and Ranger Station Water and Sewer Improvements" opportunity to prepare an accurate and compliant bid.

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

This project involves improvements to the water and wastewater systems at the St. Regis Work Center, located in the USDA Forest Service Region One, Lolo National Forest, St. Regis Ranger District, Mineral County, Montana.

• Water System: Replacement of the existing water main, including installation of new valves, fittings, and blowoff hydrants.
• Wastewater System: Installation of new sewer collection mains, manholes, and service connections. This includes a new wastewater treatment system with a new septic tank and a new pressure dosed drainfield. Existing septic tanks and lift station will be abandoned.

St. Regis Work Center, USDA Forest Service Region One, Lolo National Forest, St. Regis Ranger District, Mineral County, Montana. The project documentation is dated October 2024.

Detailed technical specifications are provided for General Requirements, Site Construction, Equipment, and Electrical. Specific requirements cover trench excavation, backfill, pipe bedding, detectable warning tape, site clearing, earthwork, grinder pumps, temporary by-pass pumping systems, water distribution systems, contract closeout procedures, grounding and bonding, hangers and supports, firestopping, low-voltage electrical power conductors and cables, raceway and boxes, equipment wiring connections, enclosed switches, and soil profiles. Wastewater system specifics include 6000-gallon precast concrete septic and dosing tanks, control panels, submersible pumps, alarm systems, E/One W Series grinder pump stations, drainfield layouts with pressure-distributed laterals, infiltration trenches, utility connections, RV pad connections, and electrical details for control panels and pumps.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, serving as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for the replacement of the water distribution system and wastewater collection system at the Ninemile Ranger Station and the replacement of the wastewater collection system at the St. Regis Work Center. It includes one potential option item.

• Replacement of water distribution system at Ninemile Ranger Station.

• Replacement of wastewater collection system at Ninemile Ranger Station.

• Replacement of wastewater collection system at St. Regis Work Center.

• Technical specifications and construction plans for Ninemile and St. Regis are provided as attachments.

• Anticipated contract type: Firm Fixed Price.

• Period of Performance: Not explicitly stated, but implied to cover the described replacements.

• Estimated Value: Not stated.

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

• Submission: Quotes should be sent to Forest Service, Property and Procurement Services, Intermountain Zone, CSA #9, Attn: Alisha Knaub, via email to alisha.knaub@usda.gov.

• Evaluation: Quotes will be evaluated using a comparative methodology, considering the best value to the Government. Factors include:

  • Experience: Demonstrated relevant experience in scope, size, and complexity.
  • Past Performance: Narrative of five (5) relevant contracts within the last five years, evaluated on recency, relevancy, and quality.
  • Price: Quantity price discounts and prompt payment discounts are to be included. Total price evaluation will consider base and option items.

• Evaluation Method: Comparative evaluation, not lowest priced. Formal tradeoff procedures will not be conducted.

• NAICS Code: 237110 (Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction), Size Standard $45.0 M.

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

• Bid Bond/Offer Guarantee: 20% required if quote/offer exceeds $150,000.

• Performance & Payment Bonds: Required at 100% of original contract price if value exceeds $150,000 (due 10 days after award). Payment protections required for contracts exceeding $35,000 but not exceeding $150,000.

• This is a combined synopsis/solicitation; no separate written solicitation will be issued.

• Numerous FAR and AGAR clauses are incorporated by reference and are applicable.

• Bidders must submit a document demonstrating recent and relevant experience and past performance (see pages 12-14 for details).

• Questions regarding the solicitation should be directed to Alisha Knaub at (406)438-2981 or alisha.knaub@usda.gov.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains detailed construction plans, engineering drawings, and specifications for the Ninemile Ranger Station Water and Wastewater System Improvements project. It serves as the primary reference for bidders to understand the scope of work, materials, layout, and technical requirements for the construction and installation of various system components.

• Sheet Index: Lists all included drawings.
• Location Maps: Provides project location context.
• Site Plans: Detailed views of the existing site and proposed improvements for water and wastewater systems.
• System Layouts: Specific plans for sanitary sewer, water transmission main, drainfield, and valve replacements.
• Details and Specifications: Includes information on manhole details (standard cast iron rings and covers, sanitary sewer, dosing station), tank details (6000-gallon septic tanks, dosing tanks), drainfield layouts (primary and replacement, lateral placement, trench construction), lateral details (pressure dose infiltration trenches, gravel-less leaching chambers), general construction details, wood railing and fence details, flow meter details, water and surfacing details (hydrants, tracer wire, utility trenches), pressure clean-out details, and electrical site plans and details.
• Quantities: An estimated quantities list for various project components is provided on Sheet 3.
• Control Point Coordinate Table: Lists survey control points.
• Photos: Images of existing conditions and site elements.

This document is critical for bidders to accurately estimate costs, plan construction methods, and ensure compliance with all technical specifications. It outlines the exact materials, dimensions, installation procedures, and performance standards required for the water and wastewater system improvements. Bidders must thoroughly review these drawings to understand the full scope of work, including all components of the water and wastewater systems, drainfields, and associated electrical infrastructure. The estimated quantities are particularly important for pricing.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document comprises construction plans and detailed drawings for the St. Regis Work Center Water and Wastewater System Improvements project. It includes various site plans, system layouts, and specific component details.

• Sheet Index: Provides an overview of all included sheets, covering site plans, sewer systems, water systems, details, and electrical plans.
• Site Plans: Detailed layouts for proposed sanitary sewer systems, including new grinder pumps, force mains, gravity sewers, and drainfields. Aerial, location, and vicinity maps offer geographical context.
• Water System Plans: Illustrates proposed water mains, fire hydrants, and well locations. However, a critical note explicitly states that the water system is NOT included in this contract and will be advertised separately.
• Wastewater System Details: Includes specifications and drawings for septic tanks, dosing tanks, grinder pump stations, drainfield systems, manholes, and related infrastructure.
• Component Details: Specific drawings for manhole construction, septic and dosing tanks, dose stations, grinder pumps, and drainfield layouts.
• Electrical Plans: Outlines electrical requirements for the system improvements, including site plans and riser diagrams for grinder pumps and dosing stations.
• General and Utility Details: Provides information on water service, pressure clean-outs, trench construction, and RV hook-up configurations for water and sewer.
• Photographic Documentation: Includes photos of existing conditions such as lift stations, cesspools, and RV sites.

This document is essential for bidders to understand the scope of work, required materials, and installation methods for the wastewater system improvements. Bidders must carefully review the plans and details to prepare an accurate bid. It is critical to note that only the wastewater system improvements are part of this solicitation; the water system is excluded and will be procured at a later date. Bidders should focus on the sewer system details presented in the relevant sheets.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a "General Decision Number" (MT20260067) dated 01/02/2026, which supersedes MT20250067. It establishes prevailing wage rates for heavy construction projects in Missoula County, Montana. The document lists various labor classifications (e.g., Boilermaker, Carpenter, Electrician, Power Equipment Operator, Ironworker, Plumber, Truck Driver, Laborer, Operator, Painter, Welder) along with their corresponding hourly rates and fringe benefits.

It also includes zone definitions that determine applicable hourly rates based on the distance from specified towns to the project site. Additionally, it provides notes regarding Executive Order (EO) 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and EO 13658 (minimum wage for federal contractors), outlining their applicability and requirements for contractors.

The document also details the process for appealing wage determinations.

This document is crucial for bidders on federal construction projects in Missoula County, Montana, as it specifies the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits that must be paid to various laborers and mechanics. Understanding these rates is essential for accurate cost estimation and proposal development to ensure compliance with labor standards.