Zavala Office & Work Center Water System Premise Plumbing
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 the Zavala Office & Work Center Water System Premise Plumbing project in Zavalla, TX. This Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity involves designing, constructing, and commissioning new premise plumbing to ensure clean running water for 31-40 employees, complying with Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) regulations. Proposals are due February 13, 2026, by 1300 local time.
Scope of Work
This project requires the design, construction, and commissioning of new premise plumbing, including the replacement of main supply pipes and all fixtures in each building. Specific tasks include repiping bathrooms, replacing fixtures (toilets, sinks, water fountains, faucets, mop sinks), and installing new hot water heaters, expansion tanks, and booster pumps. The contractor will also perform pressure testing, disinfection, and bacteriological sampling to confirm water quality. All work must comply with attached Project Specifications, ANSI/NSF 61, Forest Service Handbook 7409.11, International Building Code (IBC) 2024, International Plumbing Code (IPC), Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), and Section 1417 of the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Key Clarifications & Requirements
Recent clarifications address several bidder questions:
- Pipe Material: While Type K copper is specified for replacement lines, Type M is currently in the building. Bidders must submit product submittals for proposed pipe, fixtures, and equipment for approval.
- ADA Compliance: ADA trap covers are required, and millwork/kitchen upgrades imply ADA compliance for these elements.
- Plumbing Routing: The contractor will determine the best placement for plumbing, submitting narrative descriptions, shop drawings, and details for approval. Running pipe on the surface of block walls from the attic is permissible if recommended and included in the submittal.
- Ancillary Repairs: Costs for drywall and cabinet repairs must be included in the bid item.
- Engineer Stamp: An engineer stamp is not required on plans; new pipe routing on as-builts and sizing per industry standards will be reviewed by COR and engineering staff.
- Abandoned Piping: Existing piping may be capped and abandoned in place if it does not interfere with new construction.
- Sales Tax: The project is tax exempt.
- Certified Payroll: The correct certified payroll rate sheet for Angelina County has been provided.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price.
- Period of Performance: 90 days after Notice to Proceed.
- NAICS: 238220 (Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors) with a $19M small business size standard.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside.
- Submission Deadline: February 13, 2026, by 1300 local time.
- Offer Validity: Offers must be held firm for 90 calendar days.
- Published Date: February 6, 2026.
Evaluation
Award will be made to the lowest-priced responsive offer representing the best value to the Government.
Important Notes for Bidders
Bidders must account for prevailing wage rates detailed in the "General Decision" document for residential construction projects in Texas, which specifies rates for various trades and includes requirements for Executive Orders 13706 and 13658 regarding Paid Sick Leave. No drawings, specifications, or schematics are available from the agency; bidders must rely on the provided attachments. For inquiries, contact Richard Huffman at richard.huffman@usda.gov or 501-431-7084.