Trail Hardening MUT, Lake Loop Section

Amendment / Modification

• The solicitation period has been extended.

• Solicitation period (Item 11 and Item 14)

• The deadline for receipt of offers has been extended from April 17, 2026, 15:00 MT to May 8, 2026, 12:00 PM PST.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for "Trail Hardening MUT, Lake Loop Section" located in the Sam Houston National Forest, Texas. The project involves trail hardening, drainage improvements, surface placement, vegetation clearing, and miscellaneous structures. The estimated magnitude of this construction project is between $500,000 and $1,000,000.

• Trail hardening activities.

• Drainage improvements, including shaping for positive drainage, installation of drain dips, culverts, and lead-off ditches.

• Surface course placement using specified aggregate materials (TX-DOT 005-3x5-Hard Stone and TX-DOT 111-Super Flex Base).

• Trail mowing and clearing of brush and vegetative growth.

• Seeding, including ground preparation, seed, fertilizer, and mulch application.

• Maintenance and/or installation of miscellaneous structures such as cattle guards, gates, and bridge decking.

• Removal of all trash, debris, and refuse not incorporated into the work.

• Contractor shall supply all material, labor, tools, equipment, supplies, incidentals, and supervision.

• Contractor must verify necessary material quantities and is encouraged to visit the project site.

• No utilities are available at the project site.

• Contract type: Firm-Fixed-Price construction contract.

• Period of Performance: 365 calendar days after receipt of the Notice to Proceed (NTP).

• Estimated Magnitude: $500,000 - $1,000,000.

• Proposals are due by 04/17/2026.

• Proposals must be submitted in three volumes: Technical Capability (max 10 pages), Past Performance (max 5 pages), and Price Proposal.

• Award will be made to the responsible offeror whose proposal represents the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA).

• Evaluation factors include Technical Capability, Past Performance, and Price.

• Offerors are strongly encouraged to visit the project site.

• Proposals shall remain valid for 30 calendar days after the proposal due date.

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

• Small business size standard: $45 million.

• Notice of Total Small Business Set-Aside (NOV 2020) is included.

• Bonding Requirements: Performance and payment bonds in the amount of 100 percent of the contract price are required within 10 calendar days after receipt of the notice of award.

• Differing Site Conditions clause is incorporated.

• Buy American Act-Construction Materials clause is applicable.

• The government will provide staking for specific items like precast concrete planked sections of trail, drain dips, gravel placement, and pipe placement.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a map titled "Sam Houston National Forest Recreational Map_WFL1". It serves as a visual aid to identify various locations and features within the Sam Houston National Forest, likely related to an opportunity concerning recreational activities or infrastructure within the forest.

• Symbology: The map includes a legend that defines the meaning of different markers:
  • High Priority Bridges (red marker)
  • Low Priority Bridges (yellow marker)
  • Moderate Priority Bridges (orange marker)
  • Closed Trails (purple line)
• Geographic Features: The map displays roads, bodies of water (Lake Conroe), towns (Sam Houston, New Waverly, Willis, Montgomery), and the boundaries of the Sam Houston National Forest.

This map is relevant to bidders as it visually delineates the operational area and highlights specific points of interest or concern, such as bridges of varying priority and closed trails. This information is crucial for understanding the physical scope and potential challenges or requirements associated with any opportunity located within or affecting this region.

Forms / Attachments / Pricing Sheets

This document is a Schedule of Items (SOI) and detailed work breakdown for the "Lake Loop" project, likely a trail maintenance or construction effort. It outlines specific activities, quantities, units, and estimated costs associated with various trail work items.

• Surface Blading: Includes surface blading using a dozer over 14.6 miles.
• Surface Course Placement: Details quantities for different stone and base materials, including spot placement and select fill for culverts.
• Drainage Structures: Lists quantities for drain dips, furrow ditches, and culverts of various diameters.
• Trail Mowing and Clearing: Specifies acreage for mowing and clearing.
• Seeding: Includes acreage for seeding at culvert locations.
• Miscellaneous Structures: Lists items such as replacing stop signs, installing FRP bridge decking, and planked LWC concrete.
• Traffic Control: Includes trail closure and traffic control measures.
• Detailed Work Breakdown (TR 833 sheets): Provides station-by-station details for various tasks including surfacing, ditching, culvert work, and ballast placement along the trail.

This document provides a detailed breakdown of the anticipated work, quantities, and materials required for the Lake Loop project. Bidders can use this information to understand the scope of work, estimate their costs, and prepare their proposals. The detailed work breakdown sheets (TR 833) offer granular information on the specific locations and types of work to be performed, which is crucial for accurate bidding.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment_02_Design Build General Requirements DRAFT.pdf", outlines the general requirements for performing design/build services for the Department of the Interior and Forest Service. It is intended to supplement project-specific Statements of Work (SOWs) issued with individual task orders.

• Scope: Defines the general requirements for design/build services.
• Principal Performance Requirements: Details the contractor's responsibility to provide labor, equipment, and materials to design and construct a complete, safe, integrated, and maintainable project of high quality.
• Definitions: Provides definitions for terms such as Architect-Engineer (A-E), Construction Documents (CDs), Commissioning, Construction, Contracting Officer (CO), COR, Contractor, DOI, FS, Estimated Cost of Construction (ECC), Government, and LEED.
• Project Location & Access: States that project locations will be specified in the project-specific SOW.
• Alternative Technical Concepts (ATCs): Outlines the process for submitting and evaluating ATCs, which are proposed modifications to basic configurations or contract requirements. ATCs must provide a project that is "equal or better" overall and cannot simply delete scope or lower performance requirements. The document details the required elements for an ATC submittal and the government's review process.
• General Obligations of the Design-Builder: Includes obtaining governmental and third-party approvals, and responsibility for costs associated with approved ATCs.
• Project Execution: Covers general project work, including task order awards as firm-fixed-price contracts, site visits, and post-award submittals.
• Technical Procedures: Details requirements for general compliance, drawing number assignment, drafting standards, land ownership and boundary surveying, topographic surveys, construction layout, accessibility, energy conservation (LEED), safety, permit applications, and noxious weed/species/pathogen control.
• Construction Waste: Requirements for minimizing waste and developing a Waste Management Plan.
• Record Drawings: Mandates maintaining and recording as-constructed conditions.
• Material & Equipment Transportation, Handling, and Storage: Outlines contractor responsibilities for deliveries, storage, and handling.
• Housing and Temporary Facilities: Specifies that housing and campsites are generally not provided.
• Work Hours & Progress Schedule: Defines work hours and schedule submission requirements.
• Commissioning & Training: Requirements for system commissioning and training government staff.
• Final Walk Through: Process for final inspection and acceptance.
• Closeout Documents: Specifies requirements for Operation and Maintenance Manuals, LEED documentation, regulatory clearances, Release of Claims, and Record Drawings.

This document is crucial for bidders as it establishes the overarching requirements and standards that will apply to any design/build project undertaken for the Department of the Interior and Forest Service under this framework. It details the expectations for project execution, technical procedures, safety, quality control, and closeout, providing a comprehensive understanding of the government's general expectations for design-build services. Bidders must carefully review these general requirements to assess their ability to meet them and to inform their proposal development, particularly concerning ATCs and overall project planning.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the full design and construction of eighteen (18) Trail Bridges on the Multi-Use Trail (MUT) within the Sam Houston National Forest near New Waverly, TX. The project aims to replace failing or failed existing bridges due to soil erosion and storm events.

• Phase A: Site Investigation and Analysis (including geotechnical analysis, surveys, site access assessments).

• Phase B: Design and Construction Document Preparation (conceptual, preliminary, and final designs).

• Phase C: Removal of existing structures, construction of new crossings, and trail approach construction.

• Minimum deck width of 72 inches.

• Increased spans and freeboard compared to existing structures.

• Deep foundations for channel changes and uplift/shear resistance.

• Modular and field-constructable designs.

• Elevated multi-span boardwalks for shallow gradient streams.

• Tread hardening at trail approaches.

• Design must consider a minimum 500-year storm interval with 30% debris blocking and 18" freeboard, but also account for recent storm impacts.

• Designs should conform to "LRFD Guide Specifications for the Design of FRP Pedestrian Bridges" (Second Edition).

• Coordination with Forest Service for cultural and wildlife (Red-cockaded Woodpecker) restrictions is required.

• Hydrological permitting through USACE is not anticipated.

• All disturbed areas must be reseeded with Forest Service approved mix.

• The contract involves three phases: Site Investigation & Analysis, Bridge Design, and Bridge Construction.

• Technical Approach: Max 2 pages, no detailed design.

• Technical Qualifications: Assess specialized experience, capabilities, and Key Personnel qualifications (Professional Engineer registered in TX required for design supervision/signing).

• Past Performance: Evaluation of previous customer satisfaction, compliance, timely completion, and project management on similar projects.

• Alternative Technical Concepts (ATCs): May be considered if they provide an equal or better project outcome.

• Not specified in this document.

• Detailed site characteristics, inspection reports, and GIS data are provided.

• Forest Service design considerations (FSH 7709.56b) are discussed as recommendations.

• Seasonal restrictions for wildlife protection (April 1st – July 31st) apply.

• Deliverables include a Project Schedule, QA/QC Plans (Design & Construction), Engineering Report, various design submittals (35%, 65%, 90%, 100%), Construction Schedule, SWPPP, Progress Reports, Testing Results, and As-Built Drawings.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment_02_Design Build General Requirements.pdf," outlines the general requirements for performing design/build services for the Department of the Interior and Forest Service. It supplements project-specific Statements of Work (SOWs) for individual task orders.

• Scope: Defines the general requirements for design/build services and notes that these are supplemented by project-specific SOWs.
• Principal Performance Requirements: The contractor must provide all labor, equipment, and materials to plan, design, and construct a complete project that meets programmatic needs, is safe, integrated, easy to operate and maintain, and of high quality.
• Inquiries: All questions must be directed in writing to the Task Order Contracting Officer.
• Definitions: Provides definitions for key terms such as Architect-Engineer (A-E), Construction Documents (CDs), Commissioning, Construction, and Contracting Officer (CO).
• Alternative Technical Concepts (ATCs): Details the process for submitting and evaluating ATCs, which are concepts proposed by Offerors to modify basic configurations or contract requirements. ATCs must be "equal or better" than the proposed project without the ATC and cannot simply delete scope or lower performance requirements. The submission requires a brief description, detailed description, usage, proposed RFP modifications, design deviations, and an analysis.
• Project Execution: Outlines general requirements for project execution, including task order awards as firm-fixed-price contracts, Davis-Bacon wage rates, construction payment bonds, and performance bonds.
• Scoping Visit: Recommends contractors attend a site visit for information gathering.
• Technical Procedures: Covers general compliance, drawing number assignment, drafting standards, land ownership and boundary surveying, topographic surveys, construction layout, accessibility (ABA), and energy conservation (LEED).
• Safety: Details requirements for construction safety, including compliance with OSHA, DOI policies, and other applicable safety standards. It also outlines the need for a health and safety program, barricades, and warning devices.
• Compliance Documentation: Requires contractors to furnish information and provide facilities for obtaining information related to the project.
• Construction Quality Control (CQC): Mandates a designated person for CQC, contractor responsibility for quality control, and outlines proactive quality control processes.
• Noxious Weed / Species / Pathogen Control: Specifies requirements for equipment washing and decontamination.
• Environmental Protection: Requires compliance with environmental laws and regulations, including hazardous materials handling, erosion control, spill containment, and the use of vegetable-based hydraulic fluids where applicable.
• Work Limits & Clearing Limits: Defines the boundaries for construction equipment, disturbance, and vegetation removal.
• Cleanup: Outlines requirements for site cleanup, debris removal, and restoration of disturbed areas.
• Construction Waste: Requires minimization of waste and development of a Waste Management Plan.
• Record Drawings: Mandates the maintenance of as-constructed drawings.
• Material & Equipment Transportation, Handling, and Storage: Sets requirements for receiving, transporting, handling, and storing materials and equipment.
• Housing and Temporary Facilities: Specifies contractor responsibility for furnishing temporary facilities and utilities.
• Work Hours & Progress Schedule: Defines on-site work hours and the requirement for a detailed project schedule.
• Commissioning & Training: Outlines requirements for system commissioning and training of government staff.
• Final Walk Through: Details the process for final inspection and acceptance.
• Closeout Documents: Lists required closeout documents, including Operation and Maintenance Manuals, LEED documentation, and Record Drawings.

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the general requirements that will apply to any design/build task order issued under this solicitation. Bidders must understand these requirements to accurately prepare their proposals, including technical approaches, cost estimates, and compliance plans. Key areas of focus for bidders include the ATC process, safety protocols, environmental compliance, quality control, and submission requirements for various project phases and closeout. The document also clarifies definitions and procedures for inquiries and site visits, which are crucial for understanding the project scope and government expectations.

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

This project requires the full design and construction of 18 trail bridges on the Multi-Use Trail (MUT) within the Sam Houston National Forest, west of New Waverly, TX. The goal is to replace failed or failing bridges due to erosion and storm events.

• Phase A: Site Investigation and Analysis

• Phase B: Design and Construction Document Preparation

• Phase C: Removal and disposal of existing crossing infrastructure, construction of new crossings, and connecting trail approaches.

• The contractor may adopt a phased approach for construction.

• The MUT trail is a Class 3 All-Terrain Vehicle/Off-Highway Vehicle trail used by hikers, mountain bikers, horse riders, ATVs, and off-road motorcycles.

• Design Criteria: Minimum 500-year storm interval with 30% debris blocking and 18" freeboard. Consideration for recent storm data and flood extents is crucial.

• Bridge Design: May conform to "LRFD Guide Specifications for the Design of FRP Pedestrian Bridges".

• Deliverables: Includes proposal, project schedule, engineering report, conceptual and preliminary designs, final working drawings, specifications, construction schedule, QA/QC plans, and as-built drawings.

• Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC): Contractor must submit a detailed QA/QC plan for design and construction.

• Not explicitly stated, but site investigation is noted for May 2025.

• Site Characteristics: Highly erodible soils (sand and mottled clay), potential for increased storm intensity and recurrence intervals.

• Design Considerations: Minimum deck width of 72", increased spans and freeboard, deep foundations, modular designs for remote sites, elevated boardwalks where feasible, tread hardening with ABC at approaches, and appropriate wearing surfaces.

• Resource Coordination: SHPO consultation is in progress. Seasonal restrictions apply for work near Red-cockaded Woodpecker trees (April 1st - July 31st).

• Access: Equipment access through watercourses should be minimized and perpendicular.

• Environmental: Disturbed areas must be seeded with a Forest Service approved mix.

• Government Furnished Tasks: Site inspections, photos, GIS data, SHPO consultation, and identification of woodpecker trees.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a pre-solicitation notice for a Design-Build construction procurement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Region 3, PPS. The project involves the replacement of trail bridges on the Sam Houston Multi-Use Trail (MUT) located west of New Waverly, TX. The MUT is rated as a Class 3 All-Terrain Vehicle/Off-Highway Vehicle trail, open to various users including hikers, bikers, horse riders, ATVs, and off-road motorcycles, with motorcycles comprising the majority of use.

• Design and construction of eighteen (18) Trail Bridges on the MUT.

• Work includes Phase A: Site Investigation and Analysis, Phase B: Design and Construction Document Preparation, and Phase C: Removal and disposal of existing crossing infrastructure, construction of new crossings, and connecting trail approaches.

• The contractor will be responsible for all labor, materials, equipment, supplies, supervision, professional engineering services, and construction.

• Architect-Engineer services are incidental to construction.

• The contractor must ensure design documents are sealed by a licensed Professional Engineer registered in the state where the work is performed.

• Existing trails are approximately 60 inches wide, native surfaced, with some hardened tread and concrete pavers.

• Procurement will be conducted under FAR Part 36, using competitive negotiation procedures under FAR Part 15.

• A single, firm-fixed-price Design-Build contract is intended.

• Davis-Bacon wage rates apply to construction activities.

• Performance and payment bonds will be required.

• The anticipated RFP number is 127EAV26R0010.

• The RFP is expected to be posted to Contract Opportunities at www.sam.gov in February 2026 (third or fourth week).

• Award will be made on a Best Value Tradeoff basis, considering Technical Approach, Technical Qualifications, Past Performance, and Price.

• Alternative Technical Concepts (ATCs) may be considered.

• The Government intends to award without discussions but reserves the right to conduct discussions if deemed in the Government's best interest.

• This procurement is a 100 percent Small Business set-aside.

• The applicable North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 237990, Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction.

• Site visit is not applicable (N/A).

• All interested firms must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database to be eligible for award. Failure to register will make an Offeror ineligible.

• Hard copies of the solicitation will not be provided; Offerors are responsible for checking www.sam.gov daily for updates and amendments.

• Points of Contact: David Watson (David.l.watson@usda.gov, (602) 225-5350).