New Mexico Forest Engineering and Road Maintenance (FERM)

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for New Mexico Forest Engineering and Road Maintenance (FERM) Construction and Disaster Recovery services. The government intends to establish multiple Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) for road maintenance work. The solicitation is "Open and Continuous" to allow for vendors to be added over time.

• The solicitation covers various work activities including Surface Maintenance, Vegetation Management, Construction, Rock Crushing, and Equipment Rates.

• Specific tasks include blading, load/haul/place materials, drainage system maintenance, cattleguard maintenance, constructing earthen barricades, vegetation maintenance, hazard/obstruction removal, constructing drain dips, installing cattleguards, installing CMP, pothole patching, installing steel gates, and installing corrugated metal spillways.

• Utilization of Service Contract Act and Construction Wage Rates is required.

• Vendors must provide commercial "shelf" rates for evaluation.

• Biobased products are required in accordance with the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act of 2002 and related Executive Orders.

• Multiple Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) will be awarded.

• Construction projects estimated at $2,000 or less, and service projects estimated at $2,500 or less, may be negotiated and awarded without competition.

• Work may be performed in 32 counties within the State of New Mexico.

• Proposals must be submitted in two parts: a technical proposal and a price proposal.

• Evaluation will be based on a "Best Value" approach, considering the following factors in descending order of importance: Relevant Past Performance, Equipment Availability, Biobased/BioPreferred Products, and Cost/Price.

• Technical evaluation factors are approximately equal to cost or price when combined.

• Offerors must price all pay items with the exception of line items 2 and 4 to be considered for the award pool. Line items 2 and 4 will be separate award pools.

• Quotes for this agreement may be received for the life of the BPA. Quote packages received after the initial evaluation period will be reviewed at the government's convenience.

• The acquisition is listed as "UNRESTRICTED" with a set-aside option for "SMALL BUSINESS" (100%).

• NAICS Code: 237310 (Highway, Street and Bridge Construction) with a Size Standard of $39.5 million.

• The solicitation includes FAR clauses related to commercial items, representations and certifications, biobased product certification, and responsibility matters.

• Vendors must indicate their proposed areas of coverage by geographic zone.

• Mobilization is incidental and shall be captured within the hourly rates, with a base mobilization on a total of 200 miles round trip.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides technical details and specifications for constructing an "Earthen Barrier-G3-4". It serves as a visual guide for bidders on the required construction methods and dimensions for creating earthen barriers.

• Isometric and Profile Views: Illustrates the construction of the earthen barrier, including its placement relative to existing roads (either to remain or to be closed).
• Dimensions: Specifies variable lengths of 15'-30', a height of 14" for the ditch/mound, and notes on slope ratios and heights.
• Notes:
  1. Details the construction of a ditch line or small earth mound across closed road entrances to define the edge of the remaining road.
  2. Requires the slope excavation area to drain.
  3. Defines two types of slopes: Type A (1V:1.5H with 5-foot height) and Type B (1V:3H with 4-foot height).

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the physical requirements for constructing the specified earthen barriers. It informs the scope of work, material estimation, and labor needed for this aspect of the opportunity.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment modifies the solicitation for the New Mexico Forest Engineering and Road Maintenance (FERM) opportunity. Key changes include:

• Revisions to Solicitation Pages: Specific pages (5, 10, 12, and 17) of the original solicitation have been revised. These revisions include adding "Coronado National Forest and Kiowa National Grass Land" and specifying requirements for weed-free equipment to prevent the spread of noxious weeds on Federal Lands. Definitions for noxious weeds are also clarified.

• Addition to Zone 3: A small segment of Coronado NF has been added to Zone 3.

• Pre-Bid Inquiries (PBI's) and Requests for Information (RFI's): The deadline for submitting PBI's and RFI's for contract bidding has been extended to November 21, 2022.

• Clarifications on Specific Line Items: Several PBI's address specific line items in the solicitation, including:

  • Earthen barricade drawings.
  • Clarification that drain dips are for new construction, with existing or stockpile material to be used.
  • Details on cattle guard installations, confirming they are new installations with government-furnished material.
  • Pothole patching procedures and asphalt temperature considerations.
  • Steel grate installation, confirming it can be for cattle guard decks or roadway armoring.
  • Confirmation that most materials are Government Furnished (GFM) for this solicitation, with future call orders to specify GFM or FS material sources.
  • Clarification on the estimated number of BPAs (approximately 20, but flexible) to foster competition.
  • Explanation of rate escalations for BPAs, stating initial pricing is based on current market conditions and future call orders will reflect current market pricing at the time of issuance.
  • Confirmation that a total contract budget is not provided, as funding is dependent on Disaster Recovery support for recent fires and the number of projects.

• Pages 5, 10, 12, and 17 of the original solicitation.

• Specific line items related to construction and materials as detailed in the PBI responses.

• The deadline for submitting Pre-Bid Inquiries (PBI's) and Requests for Information (RFI's) has been extended to November 21, 2022.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides construction details for an "Overside Drain Installation," specifically illustrating the "Actual Overside Drain Type May Vary." It details the installation of a spillway inlet assembly and half-round flume, likely for erosion control or water management on Forest Service land.

• Spillway Inlet Assembly (Cleveland Half-Round): Details the components and placement of the inlet structure.
• Flume Installation: Shows how the half-round flume is laid on the fill slope and secured.
• Riprap Installation: Specifies the use of Riprap Class 2 on overside drains.
• Anchor Stakes: Details the type and installation of anchor stakes for securing the flume.
• Dimensions and Slopes: Provides specific measurements for various components, including fill slope, flume dimensions, and anchor stake length.
• Notes: Includes important instructions regarding clearing around the structure, the type of anchor stakes, and the potential variation in overside drain types.

This drawing is crucial for bidders to understand the physical requirements and construction methods for installing overside drains. It provides the technical specifications necessary for accurate bidding, material estimation, and on-site execution of the work. Bidders must pay close attention to the dimensions, materials (e.g., galvanized steel, riprap), and installation procedures outlined to ensure compliance with Forest Service standards.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation seeks proposals for New Mexico Forest Engineering and Road Maintenance (FERM) Construction and Disaster Recovery services. The government intends to establish multiple Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) for road maintenance work, which will be competed through BPA Calls. The services are generally firm fixed-price, with potential for more complex work requirements. The work will be performed in various counties within New Mexico.

• Road maintenance activities including Surface Maintenance, Vegetation Management, Construction, and Rock Crushing.

• Specific tasks include blading, material hauling, drainage system maintenance, cattleguard maintenance, vegetation management, hazard removal, drain dip construction, cattleguard installation, CMP installation, pothole patching, steel gate installation, and corrugated metal spillway installation.

• Equipment rates for various machinery (motor grader, backhoe, dump truck, excavator, water truck, skidsteer, mini excavator) with operators are also requested.

• Vendors must comply with the BioPreferred program, utilizing biobased products where possible.

• Utilization of Service Contract Act and Construction Wage Rates will be required.

• Multiple Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) will be awarded.

• The solicitation is "Open and Continuous" to add vendors.

• Construction projects estimated at $2,000 or less, and service projects estimated at $2,500 or less, may be negotiated and awarded without competition.

• Proposals must be submitted in two parts: a technical proposal and a price proposal.

• Evaluation will be based on the following factors in descending order of importance: Relevant Past Performance, Equipment Availability, Biobased/BioPreferred Products, and Cost/Price.

• Technical evaluation factors combined are approximately equal to cost or price.

• Quotes for this agreement may be received for the life of the BPA.

• Quotes must include commercial "shelf" rates for evaluation.

• Vendors must bid all line items with the exception of line items 2 and 4 to be considered for the award pool. Line items 2 and 4 will be separate award pools.

• Key deadlines are not explicitly stated for the initial submission, as the solicitation is "Open and Continuous."

• The acquisition is currently set as "UNRESTRICTED."

• NAICS Code: 237310 (Highway, Street and Bridge Construction) with a Size Standard of $39.5 Million.

• Vendors must indicate the forest zone(s) they are interested in providing coverage.

• Mobilization is incidental and shall be captured within the hourly rates, based on a total of 200 miles round trip.

• FAR clauses related to representations and certifications, biobased products, and recovered materials are included.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides construction details for the fabrication and installation of an "Overside Drain Inlet" and "Spillway Inlet Assembly" using the "Cleveland Half-Round" system. It serves as a technical guide for contractors.

• Fabrication Details (Sheet 1): Specifies materials (16 gauge galvanized sheet metal, 16 gauge galvanized corrugated half-round pipe), dimensions for the inlet and wings, and provides side and front views.
• Installation Details (Sheet 2): Details the spillway inlet assembly, including anchor stakes (Type 1 and Type 2), riprap installation (Class 2, approximately 1 C.Y.), and general notes on clearing requirements (2 ft minimum to each side, 4 ft minimum above structure).
• Materials: Primarily 0.064" (16 gauge) galvanized sheet metal and corrugated half-round pipe, with galvanized machine bolts for assembly.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the specific construction methods, materials, and dimensions required for the fabrication and installation of drainage structures associated with the opportunity. It directly impacts material procurement, labor estimation, and the technical approach for any work involving these drainage components.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for road maintenance and construction work within the New Mexico National Forests (Carson, Cibola, Gila, Lincoln, Santa Fe, and Kiowa Forests). The resulting Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs) may incorporate service, construction, emergency work, and other complex work requirements. The work is generally confined to existing traveled ways, adjacent ditches, shoulders, and cut/fill slopes, or under road prisms for stream crossing improvements or road stabilization. The solicitation is "Open and Continuous" to add vendors as needed.

Typical Service Activities include, but are not limited to:

• Sign Maintenance
• Work Area Management (traffic control)
• Bridge maintenance
• Surface Maintenance (Blading, Compaction, Watering)
• Drainage Maintenance (Slide & Slough Removal, Ditch Cleaning, Culvert Inlet/Outlet Cleaning, Cross-drain installation and maintenance, Ditch and Catch Basin Buttressing)
• Shoulder maintenance
• Fill slope Armoring
• Hazard Removal (Danger Tree Falling, Rock Fall and Debris Removal)
• Vegetation Management (seeding, brushing)
• Road Closure Device Maintenance or Construction
• Rock Crushing and Stockpiling
• Dust Abatement
• Minor and Major Flood Repair and Water Diversion
• Road Demolition
• Emergency Relief for Federally Owned Roads (ERFO), Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER), Fire Suppression Rehabilitation, Infrastructure BIL, and Stream Restoration.

Typical Construction Activities include, but are not limited to:

• Surveying/Staking of Work Activities
• Clearing
• Earthwork and realignment
• Drainage (surface, subsurface, drain dips, corrugated metal pipe, under drains)
• Aquatic Passage Work activities (small bridges or prefabricated structures)
• Aggregate Placement (base, surface, pit-run, riprap)
• Erosion Control (seeding)
• Shoulder, cut and fill slope reconstruction
• Asphalt Placement, Asphalt Restoration (grinding, overlays, pothole patching, skin patching, crack sealing, chip sealing)
• Cut/Fill Slope Stabilization
• Aquatic Passage Construction
• Cattle guard Installation
• Installing Closure Devices (gates, earthen barriers, guardrails)
• Fence and Gate construction
• ERFO, BAER, Fire Suppression Rehabilitation, Infrastructure BIL, Stream Restoration, and specialty projects.

Other Requirements:

• Compliance with Service Contract Act and Construction Wage Rates.

• Use of biobased products is required.

• Equipment must be cleaned and free of invasive species.

• A job-specific safety plan is required.

• The solicitation aims to establish multiple Blanket Purchase Agreements (BPAs).

• Construction projects estimated at $2,000 or less, and service projects estimated at $2,500 or less, may be negotiated and awarded without competition.

• BPA calls will be issued from date of award through December 31, 2032.

• Offers must be submitted by the date and time specified in the solicitation.

• Proposals must be submitted in two parts: a technical proposal and a price proposal.

• Evaluation will be based on the following factors in descending order of importance: Relevant Past Performance, Equipment Availability, Biobased/BioPreferred Products, and Cost/Price.

• Past performance will be evaluated based on quality, customer satisfaction, timeliness, and business relations.

• Equipment availability will be evaluated based on suitability and capability.

• Biobased/BioPreferred products will be evaluated based on the use of biobased products.

• Cost/Price will be evaluated based on the degree of importance relative to other factors.

• The NAICS code is 237310 (Highway, Street and Bridge Construction) with a size standard of $39.5 Million.

• Various small business set-asides are indicated in the solicitation.

• Work may be in one or more of the 32 counties in the State of New Mexico.

• A post-award conference is required for each successful offeror.

• The solicitation includes numerous FAR and AGAR clauses related to contract terms, conditions, and requirements.

Specifications / Other

This document, titled "Specifications for Maintenance of Roads," outlines the detailed requirements for various road maintenance activities. It serves as a comprehensive guide for contractors performing work on roads managed by the USDA Forest Service.

• Typicals: Illustrative examples of road maintenance terms and specific features like drainage dips, cross ditches, and hazard removal.
• Contract Information: Definitions of terms, abbreviations, and quantity measurement terms relevant to the contract.
• Specifications: Detailed requirements for specific maintenance tasks, including:
  • Snow Removal
  • Mobilization / Equipment Moving
  • Equipment Rental
  • Work Area Management (Traffic Control)
  • Blading (Surface, Native, Pit Run, Smooth)
  • Dust Abatement (Lignin Sulfonate, Magnesium Chloride)
  • Spot Surfacing
  • Asphalt Pavement Patching
  • Paved Surface Cleaning
  • Unpaved Shoulder Maintenance
  • Asphalt Crack Cleaning and Sealing
  • Ditch Maintenance
  • Remove and End Haul Materials
  • Drainage Structure Maintenance (Culverts, Catch Basins)
  • Roadway Drainage Maintenance
  • Road Decommissioning
  • Drainage Dip Maintenance
  • Maintenance for Limited Use Roads
  • Restore Drainage Function
  • Corrugated Metal Spillways and Flume Maintenance
  • Vegetation Establishment
  • Cutting Roadway Vegetation
  • Logging Out Trees
  • Hazard Removal and Cleanup
  • Cattleguard Maintenance
  • Traffic Gate Maintenance
  • Sign Maintenance
  • Water Supply and Watering
  • Bituminous Products (Asphalt Cements, Liquid Asphalts, Emulsified Asphalts, Bituminous Dust)
  • Aggregate (for various uses like bituminous plant-mix, road mix, spot surfacing, etc.)

This document is crucial for any bidder interested in road maintenance contracts with the USDA Forest Service. It details the specific tasks, materials, equipment, measurement methods, and payment structures for a wide range of road upkeep activities. Understanding these specifications is essential for accurately estimating costs, developing proposals, and successfully executing awarded contracts.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the "Fire Plan" requirements for contractors, detailing responsibilities and procedures related to fire prevention, execution, and suppression during contract performance. It serves as a critical attachment to the solicitation, ensuring contractors are aware of and prepared for fire safety protocols.

• Contractor Responsibility: The contractor is responsible for the cost of suppressing fires caused by their operations and reimbursing the USDA Forest Service for suppression costs.
• Fire Prevention: Requirements must be met during contract performance.
• Execution of Fire Plan: Requires coordination with the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR), designation of a fire plan representative, inclusion in subcontracts, and informing all contract employees.
• Compliance Inspection: The Forest Service will inspect for compliance, with deficiencies to be corrected within 24 hours. Activities posing fire risk may be halted until corrections are approved.
• Fire Presuppression Requirements: Includes furnishing and maintaining a fire toolbox with specific tools (shovels, axes, pulaskis, canteens) based on workforce size, and replenishing it after fire use.
• Equipment Requirements: Powered equipment must have fire extinguishers and shovels. Internal combustion engines require approved spark arresters. Powersaws require a shovel and a small extinguisher.
• Operational Restrictions: Specifies restrictions for fueling, blasting, smoking, storage of flammable products, debris burning, warming fires, stoves, and welding, particularly during periods of high fire danger or specific fire precaution plans (A, B, C, D).
• Fire Suppression: Contractors must take independent action for fire suppression within a 1/2 mile vicinity of operations.
• Historical Data: Provides historical fire season data and predicted manning classes for fire danger rating areas.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the safety and operational constraints related to fire management. It details specific equipment, procedures, and potential work stoppages that could impact project timelines, costs, and overall execution. Bidders must assess their capability to meet these stringent fire plan requirements.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Wage Determination (WD) issued under the Service Contract Act (SCA). It establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits that must be paid to various occupations employed on contracts for forestry and land management services in New Mexico.

• Applicable Executive Orders: Details minimum wage requirements under Executive Order 14026 (effective Jan 30, 2022) and Executive Order 13658 (effective Jan 30, 2022).
• Occupational Listing: Provides specific wage rates for various forestry and land management occupations (e.g., Brush/Precommercial Thinner, Forestry Equipment Operator, Tree Planter).
• Fringe Benefits: Outlines required fringe benefits, including Health & Welfare rates and Paid Sick Leave provisions under Executive Order 13706.
• Uniform Allowance: Specifies requirements for uniform provision and maintenance.
• Conformance Process: Describes the procedure for requesting additional classifications and wage rates if an occupation is not listed.

Bidders must use this wage determination to accurately calculate labor costs for their proposals. It ensures that all covered employees are paid at least the specified minimum wage rates and receive the required fringe benefits. Failure to comply can lead to contract violations. The document also outlines the process for proposing new classifications if needed.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "General Decision Number" wage determination for highway construction projects in Santa Fe County, New Mexico. It specifies the prevailing minimum wage rates and fringe benefits that must be paid to various laborers and mechanics employed on covered federal or federally-assisted construction contracts.

• Applicable Executive Orders: Details the applicability of Executive Order 14026 (effective Jan 30, 2022) and Executive Order 13658 (effective Jan 1, 2015 - Jan 29, 2022) regarding minimum wage rates.
• Wage Rates: Lists specific hourly wage rates and fringe benefits for various job classifications, including Electrician, Carpenter, Cement Mason/Concrete Finisher, Ironworker, Laborer (various types), Power Equipment Operator (various types), and Truck Driver.
• Identifiers: Explains the meaning of "SU" (survey rate) and "UAVG" (union average rate) identifiers used in the determination.
• Appeals Process: Outlines the procedure for appealing wage determination decisions.

Bidders must use this wage determination to understand the labor costs associated with the opportunity. It is crucial for accurately estimating proposal pricing and ensuring compliance with federal labor laws. Failure to adhere to these wage rates can lead to contract violations. The document also provides contact information for inquiries and appeals related to wage determinations.