Sam Houston Trail Bridge Replacement
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The USDA Forest Service is soliciting proposals for a Firm-Fixed-Price Design-Build contract for the Sam Houston Trail Bridge Replacement project. This Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity involves the full design and construction of approximately 18 trail bridges on the Multi-Use Trail (MUT) within the Sam Houston National Forest, west of New Waverly, TX. The estimated magnitude of construction is between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000. Proposals are due April 17, 2026.
Scope of Work
The project encompasses three main phases:
- 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.
Key requirements include designing bridges with a minimum 72-inch deck width, increased spans, and 18-inch freeboard, considering modular/field-constructable designs and elevated boardwalk structures. The contractor may adopt a phased approach due to the number and varied locations of sites. The project also requires compliance with federal regulations, including the Buy American Act.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price Design-Build construction contract.
- Period of Performance: 390 calendar days after receipt of Notice to Proceed (NTP).
- Estimated Magnitude: $1,000,000 - $5,000,000.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5).
- NAICS Code: 237310 – Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction (Size Standard: $45 million).
- Response Due: April 17, 2026, by 1300 local time.
- Questions Due: April 2, 2026.
- Published Date: March 17, 2026.
Submission & Evaluation
Proposals must be submitted electronically via email to david.l.watson@usda.gov and organized into two volumes: Technical Proposal and Price Proposal. Evaluation will be based on a tradeoff process considering Technical Approach, Relevant Experience, Key Personnel (Project Manager, Design Engineer, Construction Superintendent), Past Performance, and Price. Non-price factors combined are approximately equal to price.
Additional Notes
Offerors are strongly encouraged to visit the project site to familiarize themselves with local conditions. Performance and payment bonds (100% of contract price) are required within 10 calendar days of award. The solicitation includes numerous Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and USDA Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) clauses.