Z--USFWS Creston National Fish Hatchery - Well 2 Plumbing repairs
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 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) intends to award a firm fixed-price sole source contract to Mountain Trades Contracting, LLC for urgent plumbing repairs at the Creston National Fish Hatchery in Kalispell, MT. This action is justified under FAR 6.302-1 due to only one responsible source. The repairs are critical to prevent further loss of fish inventory and maintain hatchery operations.
Scope of Work
The requirement involves essential repairs to the hatchery's water system. This includes the replacement of approximately 150 feet of existing 10-inch water line with new pipe and fittings. The repairs are necessary to address a leak threatening the hatchery building, aeration water tower, and associated equipment. The water line also supplies the geothermal heat pump for the hatchery building's heating and cooling system.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Firm Fixed-Price Sole Source
- NAICS Code: 237110 (Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction)
- Size Standard: $45 million
- Set-Aside: None (Sole Source Intent)
- Published: May 29, 2026
Justification & Rationale
This sole source award is justified by the urgent need to repair a critical water supply line leak. The leak poses a significant risk to nearly 500,000 Westslope Cutthroat Trout, with a 20% mortality increase already observed due to temporary relocation. Failure to repair the line also impacts the hatchery building's geothermal heat pump, potentially leading to unbearable office temperatures. While market research identified 22 local small businesses, the extreme urgency and specific location constraints made a competitive solicitation impractical for timely completion. Mountain Trades Contracting, LLC was selected due to their prior experience at the hatchery and qualification under the relevant NAICS code.
Response Information
This is a Notice of Intent to Award a Sole Source Contract and not a request for competitive quotes. However, any interested party believing they can meet this urgent requirement may submit a written statement of capabilities. This statement must provide clear and convincing evidence that competition would be advantageous to the Government.
- Submission Method: Email ONLY as a Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF attachment.
- Submission Email:
thomas_ikner@ios.doi.gov - Contact: Ikner, Thomas (
thomas_ikner@fws.gov)