Sam Houston Trail Hardening MUT, Lake Loop Section
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, Region 3, intends to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a firm-fixed-price Design-Build construction contract for trail hardening and associated drainage and structure improvements on the Lake Loop Section of the Multi-Use Trail (MUT) within the Sam Houston National Forest, Texas. This procurement is 100 percent set aside for Small Business concerns. The RFP, under number 127EAV26R0009, is anticipated to be posted to SAM.gov in February 2026 (third or fourth week).
Scope of Work
The successful Offeror will provide all labor, materials, equipment, supplies, supervision, and construction. Key tasks include:
- Trail hardening, drainage improvements, and maintenance of existing trail structures.
- Surface blading and shaping for positive drainage.
- Spot placement of aggregate base (ABC TX-DOT 111-Super Flex Base) and oversized rock (Oversized Rock TX-DOT 005-3x5-Hard Stone).
- Installation, maintenance, or removal of drainage structures such as culverts and drainage dips.
- Trail mowing, clearing, and corridor maintenance to specific widths and heights.
- Seeding and fertilization of disturbed areas according to provided tables.
- Maintenance and repair of miscellaneous trail structures, including concrete planked crossings and cattle guards/gates. All work must comply with the Statement of Work, project plans, Forest Service specifications, and FP-14 requirements. A site visit is advised, and no utilities are available at the project site.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price Design-Build construction contract.
- Procurement Method: Competitive negotiation under FAR Part 15, in accordance with FAR Part 36.
- Set-Aside: 100% Total Small Business Set-Aside.
- NAICS Code: 237990 – Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction.
- Place of Performance: Sam Houston National Forest, Lufkin, TX 75904.
- RFP Release: Expected February 2026 (third or fourth week).
- Published Date: February 9, 2026.
Evaluation
The Government intends to award a single contract based on a Best Value Tradeoff approach, considering factors such as Technical Approach, Technical Qualifications, Past Performance, and Price. Davis-Bacon wage rates will apply, and performance and payment bonds may be required. The Government reserves the right to award without discussions.
Additional Notes
This is a presolicitation notice and does not constitute an RFP, RFQ, or invitation for bid. No specifications or drawings are available at this time. All interested firms must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) to be eligible for award. Offerors are responsible for monitoring SAM.gov for the official RFP and any amendments. Contact: David Watson, david.l.watson@usda.gov, (480) 204-9319.