J--PAIS - Replace Buoys and NAV. Signs

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to Solicitation 140P6026Q0043, originally dated 05/07/2026, is effective 05/27/2026.

• The primary purpose of this amendment is to upload document B12 MISC, which contains Contractor Questions and NPS Responses.

• The amendment does not explicitly state changes to proposal deadlines or submission requirements, but bidders should review the uploaded Q&A document for any potential impact on their proposals.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the solicitation.

• Self-Performance Percentage: The prime contractor must adhere to the 75% self-performance requirement under Limitations on Subcontracting (52.219-14 (e) (4)). Work subcontracted by a similarly situated entity also counts towards this limit.
• Specialty Trade Contractors: Marine installation subcontractors will be considered specialty trade contractors for subcontracting limitation purposes.
• Buoy Fabrication: Prime contractors may subcontract buoy fabrication while self-performing installation work, subject to the 75% limitation.
• SAM.gov Registration: Only the prime contractor is required to be registered in SAM.gov; subcontractors are not.
• Award Date: Anticipated award date is mid to late June.
• Site Visit: Attendance is optional.
• Environmental/Seasonal Restrictions: No restrictions for vessel access or in-water work activities.
• Staging/Storage: Temporary storage areas for materials and vessels can be accommodated onsite (specific spot TBD).
• Buoy Manufacturers/Specifications: No required manufacturers or approved product lists. Material specifications must comply with 33 CFR Part 62 and 33 CFR Part 66.
• Work Hours: Nighttime and weekend work are not permitted.
• Bonding: Only payment protection is required; a performance bond is not.
• Liability Insurance: Clause 1452.228-70 applies only to the prime contractor, though the prime can impose requirements on subcontractors. Subcontractor insurance limits are determined by the prime contractor. Subcontractor coverage under the prime's umbrella policy depends on the prime's policy terms, subcontract agreement, and insurer allowances.

Q&A responses are expected to be released around 5/28/2026.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for the replacement of buoys and navigational (NAV) signs at Padre Island National Seashore. The project aims to ensure the windsurfing area remains clearly marked, safely managed, and effectively maintained.

• Replacement of 18 buoys and navigational signs.

• The work area is designated for windsurfing and is restricted from boat access.

• The project includes the purchase and installation of new buoys.

• Work shall be completed by skilled personnel per industry standards and manufacturer specifications.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price.

• Period of Performance: 90 calendar days from Notice to Proceed.

• Payment Protection: A Payment Bond OR Irrevocable Letter of Credit (ILC) for 100% of the contract price is required within 10 days after award.

• Quotations must be submitted via email to the Contract Specialist, Adam Kircher (adam_kircher@ios.doi.gov).

• The subject line must include the solicitation number and project name.

• Quotes must be in PDF format, with a total email size limit of 25MB per email.

• Offer due date: Quotes must be received no later than the date and time noted in the solicitation, unless changed by amendment.

• Questions must be received in writing via email no later than 3 calendar days following the organized site visit.

• Evaluation Factors: Award will be based on Simplified Acquisition evaluation procedures (FAR Part 13 and FAR Part 12), considering Technical Capability, prior experience, and price. The government will evaluate quotes incrementally by price, starting with the lowest.

• NAICS Code: 237990 (Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction).

• Small Business Size Standard: $45 Million.

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) with an "active" status.

• Firms involved in developing the design or specifications are not eligible for this award.

• A site visit is scheduled for May 20, 2026, at 10:00 AM CT at Padre Island National Seashore. Attendance is urged.

• The quoted price must include all materials, labor, work, and taxes.

• Quotations must be valid for a minimum of 60 days.

• The project is currently funded based upon an independent cost estimate.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a map displaying "Seagrass Absent" areas within Padre Island National Seashore, specifically around Bird Island Basin and the Sun Oil Channel. It includes the location of several buoys, likely related to monitoring or marking specific areas.

• Geographic area: Laguna Madre, Padre Island National Seashore, Bird Island Basin, Sun Oil Channel, ICWW.
• Labeled features: "Seagrass Absent" boundary, "Worldwinds", "BIB Boat Ramp", "Primitive Camping", "614-341A", "614-341B".
• Buoy locations and associated depths (e.g., Buoy 1 (4 Feet), Buoy 2 (4.5 Feet), etc.).
• A scale bar indicating miles.
• National Park Service logo.

This map provides critical spatial information relevant to any opportunity involving work within or near the marked areas of Padre Island National Seashore. Bidders should use this to understand the physical environment, potential work zones, and any environmental considerations (like the absence of seagrass) that may impact operations, planning, or compliance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a site plan for the Bird Island Basin, detailing the proposed locations for buoys and associated infrastructure. It includes geographical coordinates, measured depths, and profile lines relevant to the installation.

• Buoy Locations: Specific coordinates (latitude and longitude) for buoys labeled 01 through 06.
• Measured Depths: Water depth at each buoy location, referenced from Mean Sea Level (MSL).
• Profile Lines: Designated lines indicating survey or installation profiles.
• Reference Points: Identification of key landmarks such as the Bird Island Basin Boat Ramp Parking Lot, the edge of the Bird Island Basin Campground, and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.
• Site Map: An overview map showing the relative positions of Bird Island, South Bird Island, trails, and facilities within the park.
• Tidal Data: Preliminary observed and predicted water level data from NOAA/NOS/CO-OPS for two different dates (April 15, 2025, and October 17, 2024).

This site plan is crucial for bidders to understand the physical layout and environmental conditions at the proposed buoy installation sites. It provides essential spatial data, depth information, and context for any work related to the Bird Island Basin.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "General Decision Number" which serves as a wage determination for heavy construction projects in specific counties of Texas. It outlines the prevailing wage rates and fringes that must be paid to various laborers and mechanics employed on covered federal or federally funded construction projects.

• General Decision Number: TX20260021
• Superseded Number: TX20250021
• State: Texas
• Counties: Nueces and San Patricio Counties
• Construction Type: Heavy (including Sewer and Water Line Construction and Drainage Projects)
• Publication Date: 01/02/2026
• Specific Wage Rates and Fringes: Includes rates for Carpenter, Concrete Finisher, Electrician, Laborers (Common, Utility), and Power equipment operators (Backhoe, Motor Grader).
• Executive Order (EO) 13706: Notes applicability of paid sick leave for federal contractors awarded on or after January 1, 2017.
• Executive Order 13658: Notes applicability to contracts awarded between January 1, 2015, and January 29, 2022, establishing a minimum hourly wage rate.

Bidders must use this wage determination to accurately calculate labor costs for their proposals. It ensures compliance with federal labor laws regarding minimum wages and benefits for construction work performed in the specified geographic area. Failure to adhere to these rates can lead to contract non-compliance.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a template for reporting on the "Limitations on Subcontracting" requirements for contracts and individual task orders. It is designed to help contractors track and report the amounts paid to subcontractors, distinguishing between Similarly Situated Subcontractors (SSS) and Non-Similarly Situated Subcontractors (NSS).

• Contract Information: Fields for Contract Number (PIID), Type of Set Aside, and Total Contract Value/Ceiling.
• Performance Period: Dates for which the report is applicable.
• Payment Tracking: Sections to detail amounts paid to the prime contractor, SSS, and NSS during the performance period.
• Limitation on Subcontracting Calculation: A formula is provided to calculate the Limitation on Subcontracting Percentage: (Total Amount Paid to the Prime - Total Amount Paid to NSS) / Total Amount Paid to the Prime.
• Task Order Specifics: The template includes sections for reporting on individual task orders within a larger contract (IDV), allowing for detailed tracking at the task order level.

Bidders should use this template to understand the reporting requirements related to subcontracting limitations. While this is a template, it indicates the type of financial and subcontracting data that will likely need to be tracked and reported if awarded a contract. It highlights the importance of managing subcontractor relationships and ensuring compliance with subcontracting goals, particularly for set-aside contracts.

Statement of Work (SOW)

To restore and enhance navigational aids and safety zones within Padre Island National Seashore.

• PATONs (Private Aids to Navigation): Demolish and remove eight (8) existing damaged wood pile daybeacons and install eight (8) new treated wood pile replacements at designated positions. This includes ensuring compliance with USCG regulations and minimizing environmental disturbance.

• Windsurfing Buoys: Install seven (7) regulatory buoys in Bird Island Basin. This includes six (6) "No Boats" exclusion zone buoys and one (1) "No Wake" buoy. Installation will utilize eco-friendly helical anchors and comply with USCG and USACE regulations.

• All installations must comply with USCG (33 CFR Parts 62 and 66) and USACE Nationwide Permit (NWP) 1 regulations.

• PATONs must be installed plumb within 0.25 inch/foot and with a 4-inch lateral deviation.

• Buoys must be visible and properly floated at the surface.

• Environmental protection measures, including turbidity curtains and erosion BMPs, are required.

• Equipment must be cleaned to prevent invasive species.

• Place of Performance: Bird Island Basin, Mansfield Channel approach to Boat Basin boat ramp, Padre Island National Seashore (intracoastal waters within park boundary).

• Performance Period: Work to be completed within 90 calendar days of Notice to Proceed.

• Work Window: Preferred work window is November 1 – March 31 to avoid sea turtle nesting. Work outside this window requires an on-site NPS-approved monitor.

• Permitting: Contractor must submit USCG Form CG-2554 and verify NWP 1 requirements.

• Environmental: Minimize environmental disturbance in sensitive coastal habitats and sea turtle critical habitat. Implement an Under-an-Acre Pollution Prevention Plan (UPPP) if needed. Ensure equipment is free of soil, seeds, and other debris.

• Reporting: Provide as-built survey, completion report, and photos. Conduct weekly progress briefings.

• Government Furnished: Access to BIB boat ramp, surveyed buoy depth map, site plan, and profile drawings. No equipment or materials are government-furnished.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides detailed drawings and survey data related to buoys, specifically focusing on their profile and depth measurements adjusted for tidal variations and storm surge. It includes a table with buoy locations (latitude and longitude), surveyed depths, and tidal datums (MLLW, MSL, MHHW), as well as depths adjusted for a 3' storm surge. This information is crucial for understanding the environmental conditions and the physical setup of the buoys.

• Diagrams: Illustrates the components of a regulatory buoy and its helical anchor, including dimensions and connections.
• Buoy Profile: Shows a cross-section of the buoys in relation to the water surface (MSL) and seabed.
• Buoy Depth Table: Lists seven buoys with their coordinates, survey dates and times, surveyed depths, and adjusted depths for various tidal conditions and a storm surge.
• Tidal Datum Information: Explains the reference points used (MSL, MHHW, MLLW) and their relation to the surveyed depths.

This attachment provides critical site-specific data regarding water depths and tidal influences. Bidders should use this information to understand the operational environment, potential challenges related to water levels, and the physical characteristics of the proposed buoy installations. It directly informs any design, installation, or maintenance proposals related to the buoys in Bird Island Basin.