Y--Design Build Service New Headquarters

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to questions received from potential bidders regarding the solicitation for the SAN BERNADINO NWR project. It clarifies requirements related to building size, features, utilities, and proposal submission.

• Building Size: The correct required floor area is 45'x45', with a lab measuring 12'x30'. This is a design-build project, and drawings in the SOW are conceptual.
• Exterior Canopy: An exterior canopy, shown in Appendices 5 and 6, is to be included, despite not being explicitly mentioned in paragraph 1.1.2.
• Floor Drain: Floor drains will daylight above ground; no drain field is required.
• Interior Walls: Walls must be washable, durable, and resistant to detergents/disinfectants, requiring a washable, water-resistant liner system.
• Water/Power Connection: Water and power will be tapped into existing lines approximately 150 feet from the proposed building location.
• Proposal Submission: This is a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) design-build project requiring both Phase I and Phase II proposals. A CPAR cannot substitute for a Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ). Proposal requirements will be specified in Section M, not Section L.

This document clarifies key aspects of the project scope and requirements, and specifies the proposal submission process, including the need for a PPQ and the two-phase submission approach. Bidders should incorporate these clarifications into their proposals.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to solicitation 140FC126R0006, originally dated 03/18/2026, serves the following purposes:

• To provide the Site Visit Schedule and time.

• To incorporate RFIs (Request for Information) responses.

• A site visit is scheduled for 04/10/2026 at 10:00 AM CST.

• RFIs responses are attached.

• The effective date of this amendment is 03/30/2026.

• Bidders must acknowledge receipt of this amendment. Failure to do so may result in offer rejection.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for a Design Build New Headquarters Fish Laboratory located at the San Bernadino National Wildlife Refuge in Douglas, AZ. The project involves commercial and institutional building construction.

• Design and build a new headquarters fish laboratory.

• Performance period is 180 calendar days after notice to proceed.

• Requires performance and payment bonds.

• Estimated magnitude for the project is between $250,000 and $500,000.

• Period of Performance: March 1, 2026, to March 1, 2027.

• Delivery: March 1, 2027.

• Proposal Due Date: April 17, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern via electronic submission.

• Questions and requests for clarification must be submitted in writing via email to Joann_mallory@fws.gov no later than five (5) calendar days prior to the proposal closing date.

• Offers must be valid for 90 calendar days.

• NAICS Code: 236220 (Commercial and Institutional Building Commercial Contractors).

• Size Standard: $45 Million.

• A pre-proposal site visit is scheduled for March 30, 2026, at 10:00 AM.

• The solicitation references standard FAR clauses for Bid Guarantee, Performance Bond, Payment Bond, and Insurance.

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

This document outlines the scope of work for the design and construction of a new Fish Laboratory Building and associated site development at the San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge in Cochise County, Arizona. The primary purpose of the building is for fisheries management and conservation, including housing of biology equipment, tools, and supplies for research and studies.

• Design and preparation of construction plans and specifications for a new laboratory building and site development.

• Demolition of the existing fish laboratory.

• Construction of a new building with a total required floor area of approximately 45'x45'.

• Specific lab areas required include: aquatic holding (wet labs), dry laboratory, microbiology/pathology lab, preparation rooms, quarantine area, equipment rooms, administrative/office space, and storage areas.

• Water systems and quality management, including well water source and treatment requirements.

• Environmental and HVAC systems, including temperature control and ventilation.

• Lighting requirements.

• Materials and construction specifications, including flooring, walls, ceilings, casework, benches, and doors.

• Integration of equipment such as shelving units, work bench tables, desks, bookshelves, filing cabinets, and large specimen cabinets.

• Safety features including eyewash stations and fire extinguishers.

• Location: San Bernadino National Wildlife Refuge, Headquarters Site, Douglas, AZ.

• Period of Performance: Design Phase - 60 Calendar Days; Construction Phase - 120 Calendar Days, totaling 180 days.

• Design must meet applicable local, state, and federal codes, including International Building Code, Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, Electrical Code, NFPA 101, SMACNA, NEC-2017, ADA Guidelines, and LEED standards.

• Energy efficiency design must be 30% better than ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2013.

• Contractor is responsible for obtaining all necessary permits.

• Adherence to Green Building Considerations, including waste and pollution prevention, water and energy conservation, and use of recycled materials.

• Geotechnical recommendations for foundation design, site preparation, fill and backfill, utilities installation, slabs-on-grade, and pavement design must be followed.

• Specific requirements for safety, work hours, protections, and closeout procedures are detailed.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Bid Schedule for the New Fish Laboratory project, providing a breakdown of estimated costs for direct and indirect items. It is intended for bidders to use in preparing their proposals.

Direct Costs:

• Earthwork
• Demolition (Old Fish Lab)
• Concrete (slab, footing, aprons) including doors, windows and canopy
• Metal Building Erection
• Interior Partitions (including doors)
• Walls and Roof Insulation
• Electrical (power & lighting)
• Mechanical
• Uninstall, relocate and re-install Fish Laboratory Equipment (Including 2 RAS Tanks) from the current lab to the new lab

Indirect Costs:

• Mobilization & Demobilization
• Unknown and Rural Area Factor
• Overhead Cost
• Architectural & Engineering Services
• Insurance, Payment & Performance bond
• Profit

This schedule details the specific cost categories and estimated quantities that bidders must consider when developing their pricing. Bidders will need to provide Unit Prices and calculate the total AMOUNT for each line item, as well as subtotal direct and indirect costs, to arrive at a Total Base Award Price.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Department of Labor (DOL) Wage Determination for Building Construction Projects in Cochise County, Arizona. It establishes the prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits that must be paid to various laborers and mechanics employed on federal or federally funded construction projects covered by the Davis-Bacon Act. This wage determination is crucial for bidders to understand labor costs associated with the opportunity.

• General Decision Number: AZ20260038, dated 01/02/2026.
• Superseded Decision Number: AZ20250038.
• Construction Type: Building (excluding single-family homes or apartments up to 4 stories).
• Geographic Area: Cochise County, Arizona.
• Classifications and Rates: Lists specific trades (e.g., Bricklayer, Carpenter, Electrician, Ironworker, Pipefitter, Sheet Metal Worker, Laborer, Operator) with their corresponding hourly wage rates and fringe benefit amounts.
• Executive Orders: Notes applicability of Executive Order (EO) 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and EO 13658 (Minimum Wage for Federal Contractors), outlining requirements for paid sick leave and minimum wage rates.
• Appeals Process: Provides information on how to appeal wage determination decisions.

Bidders must use these prevailing wage rates to accurately estimate labor costs for their proposals. Failure to comply with these wage requirements can lead to contract non-compliance. The document also highlights important labor standards related to paid sick leave and minimum wage, which must be incorporated into the contractor's labor practices.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Past Performance Questionnaire intended for offerors to send to their references. Its purpose is to gather feedback on the offeror's past performance, which will be used as an evaluation factor for a Department of the Interior (DOI) contract.

• Contractor Information: Fields for the offeror to complete regarding their company and the specific contract being referenced (Company Name, POC, Project Title, Contract Number, Description of Work, Role of Contractor).
• Instructions to Offeror: Guidance on preparing and sending the questionnaire package, including a sample transmittal letter and the need for a cover letter and pre-addressed, stamped envelope.
• Instructions to Reference Contact: Guidance for the reference contact on how to complete and return the questionnaire, including the deadline and submission email address.
• Respondent Information: Fields for the reference contact to complete regarding their company and contact details.
• Performance Information: A rating scale (0-5) for various aspects of performance, including Quality, Management & Workmanship, Timeliness, Business Practices, Customer Relationship, Compliance & Safety, and Infection Control. Space is provided for remarks and an overall rating.
• Overall Customer Satisfaction: Questions regarding cost proposals for modifications and whether the reference would award another contract.

This document is crucial for bidders as it outlines the specific information the government requires from their past performance references. Bidders must ensure they provide this questionnaire to appropriate references and follow the instructions carefully to facilitate the collection of this critical evaluation data. The deadline for submission by the reference contact is Friday, April 17, 2026, at 2:00 pm EST. The preferred method of submission is via email to Joann_mallory@ios.doi.gov.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for a Design-Build New Headquarters Fish Laboratory located at the San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge in Douglas, AZ. The estimated magnitude for the project is between $250,000 and $500,000.

• Design and build a new headquarters fish laboratory.

• Project location: San Bernadino National Wildlife Refuge, 7628 North Highway 191, Douglas, AZ. 85607.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price.

• Period of Performance: To be determined, but the site visit is scheduled for March 30, 2026, at 10:00 AM.

• Estimated Magnitude: $250,000 - $500,000.

• NAICS Code: 236220 (Commercial and Institutional Building Contractors).

• Size Standard: $45 Million.

• Proposal Due Date: April 17, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern.

• Submission Method: Electronic submission only.

• Questions/Clarifications Deadline: Five (5) calendar days prior to the proposal closing date, submitted via email to Joann Mallory at Joann_mallory@fws.gov.

• Evaluation Basis: Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA).

• Evaluation Factors:

  • Technical Approach (Max 3 pages)
  • Recent, Relevant Experience (Max 5 pages)
  • Key Personnel (Max 5 pages)
  • Design Build team organization (Max 3 pages)
  • Technical Solution (Max 5 pages)
  • Past Performance (Max 8 pages)
  • Price

• Not explicitly stated as a set-aside, but small business concerns are mentioned in various clauses.

• A pre-proposal site visit is scheduled for March 30, 2026, at 10:00 AM.

• Performance bonds and payment bonds are required within 10 calendar days after award.

• Offers must be valid for 180 calendar days after receipt.

• The contract performance period is 10 calendar days after notice to proceed and completion within 180 calendar days after award.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a pre-solicitation notice for a Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by the Department of Interior. The project involves the design and build of a new fisheries laboratory and the demolition of an existing fish laboratory at the San Bernardino National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Arizona. This procurement is designated as a Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• Design and construction of a new fisheries laboratory.

• Demolition of the existing fish laboratory.

• Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price (FFP).

• Award will be based on the best value determined by evaluation criteria.

• The solicitation package, including the Solicitation Form (SF1442), Statement of Work, and other necessary attachments, will be posted on SAM.gov on March 18, 2026.

• Evaluation Criteria:

  • Design Phase I: Technical Approach, Recent Relevant Experience.
  • Construction Phase II: Key Personnel, Design Build Team Organization, Technical Solution, Past Performance, Price.

• Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• NAICS Code: 236220 (Commercial and Institutional Building Construction).

• Size Standard: $45M.

• Procurement Method: FAR 15.101-2 Lowest Price Technical Acceptable (LPTA).

• Contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) to participate.

• Contracting Officer: JoAnn Mallory (joann_mallory@fws.gov).

• All inquiries and questions must be submitted in writing.