Sam Houston Trail Bridge Replacement

Amendment / Modification

This amendment modifies the solicitation with the following changes:

• Responses to Questions: Provides updated and responses to vendor questions.

• Solicitation Extension: The solicitation period has been extended.

• Bids Due Date: Changed from April 17, 2026, to May 29, 2026.

• Solicitation Due Time: Changed from 13:00 PM to 14:00 PM.

• Solicitation Due Time Zone: Changed from Pacific Time (PT) to Central Standard Time (CST).

• Date Distributed: Changed from March 26, 2026, to April 10, 2026.

Bidders are advised of the extended due date and adjusted time and time zone for submission. All other terms and conditions of the original solicitation remain in effect.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains responses to questions raised during the pre-bid meeting for the Sam Houston Trail Bridge Replacement project (Solicitation 127EAV26R0009).

• Contract Separation: There are two separate contracts: one for trail bridges (this contract) and another for trail tread rehabilitation. It is unknown if there will be a separate site meeting for trail tread repair.

• Contract Sequencing: The bridge contract will be completed before the trail hardening contract.

• Work Overlap: Some concurrent work may occur. Damage to the trail tread from hauling materials for bridge construction is possible.

• Fixed Price Bid: The bridge contract is a firm fixed-price contract. Trail construction, rerouting, and hardening are included in the fixed price. The contractor is responsible for developing a plan for each bridge.

• Design Submittal: A full design is not required in the bid submittal. A design narrative explaining assumptions, proposed design type, foundations, and materials is sufficient. The narrative should demonstrate why the proposed design is the best value.

• Bid Period Extension: The bid period has been extended to May 29th due to contractor requests for a 4-6 week extension to adequately develop proposals.

• Bridge Relocation: Bridges can be relocated on a case-by-case basis, with environmental and heritage clearances approved within a 200' wide corridor along the trail.

• Trail Accessibility: While some trail sections are closed, most are open. The Forest Service can provide access authorization. Offerors may obtain gate keys for contract duration.

• Historical Information: Previously referenced historical data is now irrelevant as all heritage clearances within the 200' corridor have been completed.

• Access Points & Maps: A map showing access points has been provided with this amendment. Georeferenced PDF maps and KML files are also available.

• The bid period has been extended to May 29th.

• Clarifications have been provided regarding contract scope, design requirements, and site access, which may influence bidder proposals.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a map titled "Sam Houston Trails." It displays various trails, roads, pipelines, and powerlines within the Sam Houston National Forest area. It serves as a visual reference for the geographical layout of these features.

• Legend: Identifies different types of trails (Lone Star Hiking Trail, Cagle Trails, RRT Equestrian Trail), roads (FM, US, TX designations), pipelines, powerlines, and points of interest like trailheads and the SHNF District Office.
• Map Features: Depicts numerous named and numbered trails, roads, bodies of water (e.g., Lake Conroe), and general terrain.
• Scale: Includes a bar scale indicating distances in miles.

This map is relevant to bidders as it visually defines the geographical scope and locations of trails and related infrastructure within the Sam Houston National Forest. It can help bidders understand the physical environment where services related to these trails might be required, aiding in the assessment of logistical challenges, site accessibility, and the overall scope of potential work.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to solicitation 127EAV26R0009, dated March 16, 2026, makes the following changes:

• Site Visit/Pre-Bid Meeting Update: The site visit/pre-bid meeting is now scheduled for Friday, April 3, 2026, at 9:00 AM Central Time. The location is the Sam Houston National Forest Ranger Station, 394 FM 1375 West, New Waverly, TX 77358.

• New Clause Added: Clause 52.223-23 Sustainable Products and Services (MAY 2024) (DEVIATION FEB 2025) has been added.

• The date and time for the site visit/pre-bid meeting has been updated.

• A new clause has been incorporated into the solicitation.

• The amendment does not explicitly state if the proposal deadline has been extended. Offerors should confirm if this amendment impacts their submission timeline.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the design and construction of replacement trail bridges on the Multi-Use Trail (MUT) within the Sam Houston National Forest, west of New Waverly, TX. The project aims to address multiple failed or failing trail bridges due to recent storm events and erosion. The estimated magnitude of construction is between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000.

• Design and construction of approximately 18 trail bridges.

• Includes site investigation, analysis, design document preparation, removal of existing infrastructure, construction of new crossings, and trail approach connections.

• Bridges require a minimum deck width of 72 inches, increased spans, and freeboard.

• Design considerations include modular/field-constructable designs, elevated boardwalk structures for shallow streams, and tread hardening.

• Specific design standards include a minimum 500-year storm interval with 30% debris blocking and 18" freeboard.

• The project requires compliance with various federal regulations, including those related to labor, safety, environmental protection, and the Buy American Act.

• Contract type: Firm-fixed-price construction contract.

• Period of Performance: 390 calendar days after receipt of Notice to Proceed (NTP).

• Estimated Magnitude: $1,000,000 - $5,000,000.

• Proposals are due by 04/17/2026 at 1300 local time.

• Proposals must be submitted electronically via email to david.l.watson@usda.gov.

• Proposals are to be organized into two volumes: Technical Proposal and Price Proposal.

• Evaluation will be based on a tradeoff process, considering Technical Approach, Relevant Experience, Key Personnel, Past Performance, and Price. Non-price factors combined are approximately equal to price.

• Key personnel required include a Project Manager, Design Engineer, and Construction Superintendent.

• NAICS Code: 237310 – Highway, Street, and Bridge construction.

• Small Business Size Standard: $45 million.

• Offerors are strongly encouraged to visit the project site.

• Performance and payment bonds are required.

• The solicitation includes numerous Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) clauses and USDA Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) clauses.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides detailed information regarding various bridge structures, including their location, condition, key dimensions, geomorphological context, and recommended actions. It appears to be a technical assessment or inventory of bridge assets, likely intended to inform future repair, replacement, or maintenance contracts.

• Overview: Lists bridge numbers/names, associated trail numbers/names, geographic coordinates, and a brief description of the bridge's condition and observed issues (e.g., superstructure damage, bridge failure, undermining, erosion).
• Key Dimensions: Provides measurements for each bridge, including overall length, structure width, clear height, active channel width, and floodplain width.
• Geomorphology: Describes channel characteristics, potential concerns (e.g., bank erosion, headcuts, scour), and soil descriptions for each bridge location.
• Recommendations: Outlines proposed actions for streams, structures, and trails/alignments, including specific bridge replacements (e.g., Trail Bridge - TB, boardwalk systems), relocation suggestions, and approach hardening.
• Abbreviations: Defines common abbreviations used throughout the document.

This document is highly relevant for bidders interested in infrastructure projects, particularly those involving bridge repair, replacement, or maintenance. It provides critical site-specific data on existing conditions, environmental factors, and recommended solutions, which are essential for understanding the scope, challenges, and potential technical requirements of related opportunities. Bidders can use this information to assess project feasibility, estimate costs, and develop technical proposals.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides vicinity maps and specific bridge locations within the Sam Houston National Forest. It is intended to visually represent areas of interest, particularly those related to bridge infrastructure.

• Page 1: An overview map of the Sam Houston National Forest, highlighting major roads, water bodies (like Lake Conroe), and general areas. It includes a "Bridge Location" legend.
• Page 2 & 3: Detailed maps focusing on specific areas east of Lake Conroe, showing topographic contours, roads, streams, and numbered "Bridge Locations." These pages also indicate "Closed Trails."

This document is relevant for bidders who need to understand the geographical context and specific locations of potential work sites within the Sam Houston National Forest, particularly if the opportunity involves infrastructure, maintenance, or access in these areas. The detailed maps help in visualizing the terrain and proximity of bridges to roads and trails.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is an Excel spreadsheet containing a detailed breakdown of line items for a project, likely related to bridge construction and design. It appears to be a pricing sheet or a detailed scope of work with associated cost categories.

• Item: A sequential numbering of tasks or components.
• Description: Details the specific work item, such as "Phase 1: Site Investigation & Analysis," "Phase 2: Bridge 1 Design," and "Phase 3: Bridge 1 Construction." The items cover design and construction phases for multiple bridges (Bridges 1, 4, 6, 8, 8-A, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 37, 38, 39).
• Unit: Indicates the unit of measure, which is 'LS' (Lump Sum) for all listed items.
• Cost: This column is left blank, suggesting that bidders are expected to fill in the cost for each line item.

This spreadsheet is crucial for bidders as it outlines the specific tasks and phases for which they need to provide pricing. Bidders must carefully review each item to understand the scope of work for design and construction across various bridges and provide accurate, comprehensive cost proposals in the designated 'Cost' column.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a map of the Sam Houston National Forest Recreational Area, specifically labeled as 'Map_WFL1'. It serves as a visual aid to understand the geographical layout and identify various features within the forest.

• Symbology: The map includes a legend that defines different markers and their meanings:
  • High Priority Bridges (red marker)
  • Low Priority Bridges (yellow marker)
  • Moderate Priority Bridges (orange marker)
  • Closed Trails (red line)
• Geographical Features: The map displays roads (e.g., Highway 75, Highway 150), bodies of water (Lake Conroe), forest boundaries (green outline), and named areas (e.g., Little Lake Creek Wilderness, Sam Houston).

This map is relevant for bidders by providing a visual context for any potential work or services related to the Sam Houston National Forest. It helps in understanding the location of assets like bridges and trails, which may be part of a Statement of Work or a solicitation. Bidders can use this map to assess the geographical scope and potential logistical considerations for an opportunity within this area.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a presolicitation notice from the USDA Forest Service, Region 3, announcing their intent to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a firm-fixed-price Design-Build construction contract. The project involves trail hardening, drainage improvements, and maintenance of existing trail structures on the Lake Loop Section of the Multi-Use Trail (MUT) within the Sam Houston National Forest, Texas.

• Trail hardening

• Drainage improvements

• Maintenance of existing trail structures

• Surface blading and shaping for proper drainage

• Spot placement of aggregate base and oversized rock

• Installation, maintenance, or removal of drainage structures (culverts, drainage dips)

• Trail mowing, clearing, and corridor maintenance

• Seeding and fertilization of disturbed areas

• Maintenance and repair of miscellaneous trail structures (concrete planked crossings, FRP bridge decking)

• Work must comply with the Statement of Work, Forest Service specifications, and FP-14 requirements.

• Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price Design-Build

• Procurement Method: Competitive negotiation under FAR Part 15

• Award Basis: Best Value Tradeoff (considering Technical Approach, Technical Qualifications, Past Performance, and Price)

• Davis-Bacon wage rates apply.

• Performance and payment bonds may be required.

• The RFP is expected to be posted to SAM.gov in February 2026 (third or fourth week).

• The Government intends to award without discussions but reserves the right to conduct them.

• A site visit may be conducted; details will be provided in the solicitation.

• This procurement is set aside 100 percent for Small Business concerns.

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

• All interested firms must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) to be eligible for award.

• This notice is not a Request for Proposal, Quote, or Invitation for Bid. No specifications or drawings are available at this time.

• The solicitation and all amendments will be posted on SAM.gov. Offerors are responsible for monitoring the site for updates.

• Hard copies of the solicitation will not be provided.

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

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

This Statement of Work outlines the requirements for trail hardening and maintenance activities on the 0813 Trail Hardening MUT, Lake Loop Section within the Sam Houston National Forest.

• The contractor shall supply all necessary materials, labor, tools, equipment, supplies, and supervision to complete the project.

• Work includes shaping sites for positive drainage, seeding, fertilizing, and potentially installing precast concrete planked sections, drain dips, gravel placement, and pipe placement.

• Specific activities include surface blading (Activity 1020) for trail maintenance, spot surface course placement (Activity 1040), and maintenance/installation of drainage structures (Activity 1040).

• Trail mowing and clearing (Activity 4020) to remove vegetative growth within trail limits is also required.

• Maintenance of miscellaneous structures such as cattle guards and gates (Activity 6020) is included.

• All work must be done in accordance with the document, project plans, and FP-14.

• Trash, debris, and refuse not incorporated into the work must be removed daily.

• Equipment must be washed and free of soil, weeds, and seeds before inspection.

• Specific seeding seasons, species, and fertilizer rates are provided in Tables 1 and 2.

• Specifications for culvert crossings and drainage dips are detailed.

• Trail corridor clearing requirements include specific widths and heights.

• The project is located in the Sam Houston National Forest, Texas.

• The document is dated July 25, 2025, suggesting a potential start date around this time.

• Contractors are advised to visit the project site prior to submitting a proposal.

• No utilities are available at the project site.

• Contractor must verify clearance for ground disturbing activity prior to starting work.

• Material stockpile locations and equipment require advance approval from the Contracting Officer (CO).

• Specific aggregate products (Oversized Rock TX-DOT 005-3x5-Hard Stone, ABC TX-DOT 111-Super Flex Base) are specified for surface course placement.

• Detailed specifications for concrete planked crossings (FP-14) are provided, including subgrade preparation, geo-textile use, and compaction methods.