R--BIHO CRM UTILITIES SURVEY

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to questions and clarifications that supplement the Request for Quotes for the CRM Utilities Survey at Big Hole National Battlefield (BIHO). It may contain information that differs from the original Request for Quotes, requiring bidders to make pen and ink changes.

• Drone Work: Drone work is not acceptable for this contract.
• Period of Performance & Schedule Adjustment: The period of performance is 120 days after contract award, with all work to be completed by June 20, 2026. The schedule can be adjusted to accommodate weather (e.g., snow, frozen ground) and ground cover considerations.
• Shapefiles: The National Park Service (NPS) will provide shapefiles for the survey area.
• Test Units for Pricing: The exact number of test pits is still being determined through a consultation process. Up to 15 test units at 2m deep and 6 test units at 1m deep may be required.

Bidders should note these clarifications and make necessary amendments to their proposals based on the information provided. Specifically, the unacceptability of drone work and the potential number of test units for pricing are key considerations.

Amendment / Modification

• Amendment 0001 has been issued for solicitation 140P8326Q0013.

• Responses to vendor questions have been added as "Attachment 5 Q&A 140P832600013".

• No other changes have been made to the solicitation.

• The solicitation itself is amended to include the Q&A attachment.

• Offerors are instructed to complete and sign boxes 15A-15C of this amendment and return it with their quote.

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

The National Park Service (NPS) requires a third-party contractor to conduct cultural resources surveys (Class I and Class III) at Big Hole National Battlefield (BIHO) in preparation for utility demolition, repair, and installation.

• Site Visit: Conduct an initial site visit to discuss project expectations with NPS archaeologists.

• Class I Survey: Identify, locate, and review existing cultural resources documentation held by the Montana State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and Nez Perce National Historical Park.

• Class III Survey: Perform an intensive pedestrian survey of approximately 20 acres within the proposed project area. This includes:

  • Shovel tests and test pits (up to 2 meters deep) to assess potential subsurface cultural materials in areas of planned waterline disturbance.
  • Adherence to the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for cultural resources investigations and documentation.
  • Compliance with Montana SHPO methodology and reporting requirements.

• Documentation: Thoroughly document all Class I and Class III survey results, including:

  • Photographs of the project area, work in progress, completed tests, identified cultural materials, and archaeological sites.
  • Illustrations of diagnostic cultural items, unique stratigraphy, and cultural features.
  • A complete GIS dataset of the survey area, test locations, features, resources, and site boundaries.
  • National Register of Historic Places evaluations for identified features and sites.

• Reporting: Submit a final report detailing methodologies, findings, and cultural resources identified. The report must meet Montana SHPO standards and include:

  • Digital PDF of the final report.
  • Two bound paper copies of the final report.
  • Digital copies of all geospatial data compatible with ArcGIS Pro.

• Location: Big Hole National Battlefield, Wisdom, MT.

• Deadline: All compliance work is expected to be completed by June 30, 2026.

• Survey area terrain is varied, with elevations around 6,500 feet. Summer weather is variable, with potential for significant temperature drops and early snowstorms after August.

• Contractor must provide all necessary equipment and tools; limited services are available nearby.

• NPS will provide engineering specifications for the proposed project, access to the battlefield, prior archaeological reports, and archived materials at Nez Perce National Historical Park.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items, specifically a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for CRM Utilities Survey services at Big Hole National Battlefield. The National Park Service is seeking a third party to conduct a Class I and Class III cultural resources survey in an area being considered for utility demolition, repair, and installation.

• Conduct a Class I and Class III cultural resources survey.

• The survey area is related to utility demolition, repair, and installation.

• Deliverables include a Scope of Work, Map and Specifications, Relevant Experience and Past Performance Form, and Wage Determination.

• Type of Contract: Firm Fixed Price.

• Period of Performance: 120 days after award.

• Estimated value is not explicitly stated, but it is a Total Small Business set aside under NAICS code 541370 (Surveying and Mapping) with a size standard of $19 million.

• Submission Deadline: Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 1:00 PM PST.

• Submission Method: Email to Sue_Mayo@nps.gov with the subject line "Quote 140P8326Q0013, BIHO CRM Utilities Survey".

• Questions Deadline: Tuesday, February 24, 2026, by 1:00 PM PST via email to Sue Mayo.

• Evaluation Factors:

  1. Technical Capability (including experience, work plan, crew size, methods, equipment).
  2. Past Performance (at least 3 similar projects within the last 5 years).
  3. Price.

• Required Submittals: Completed SF 1449, signed amendments (if any), completed provisions, Technical Capability details, Past Performance details, and Price Schedule.

• This procurement is a Total Small Business set aside.

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• A written solicitation will not be issued separately.

• FAR clauses and provisions are incorporated by reference and available online.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains detailed engineering drawings and specifications for the "Replace Pump Station and Drainfield" project at Big Hole National Battlefield. It serves as a critical attachment for potential bidders to understand the scope, design, and technical requirements of the project.

• Site Plans and Maps: Overall layout of the project area, including existing infrastructure and proposed work.
• Demolition Plan: Details on the removal of existing pump station and related components.
• Survey Control and Existing Site Plan: Provides baseline data and existing conditions.
• Force Main Plans and Profiles: Detailed routing, elevations, and specifications for the new 3-inch PVC sanitary sewer force main.
• Drainfield Plans and Details: Design and layout of the new drainfield system, including graveless chambers and dosing mechanisms.
• Details: Specific construction details for utility trenches, pump stations, valves, and other components.
• General Notes, Legend, and Abbreviations: Provides essential context, definitions, and construction guidelines.

This document is essential for bidders to accurately assess the project's complexity, estimate costs, develop a technical approach, and prepare a compliant proposal. It outlines the specific materials, dimensions, and construction methods required for the replacement of the pump station and drainfield system.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a form for bidders to submit required information regarding their business, proposed team, relevant experience, and past performance. It serves as a template for organizing and presenting this critical data to the government.

• Quoter Information: Requires business name, point of contact, address, UEI, CAGE, phone, and email.
• Contractor's Proposed Team: Inquires about self-performance and the use of subcontractors, requesting details for any proposed subcontractors including their company name, POC, address, email, phone, and the key trade they will be assigned.
• Self-Performed Work: If subcontractors are used, bidders must describe the work activities they plan to self-perform.
• Relevant Experience & Past Performance (Prime Contractor): Requires details for up to three projects, including Project Title, Contract #, Agency/Owner, $ Amount, Performance Period, a description of how the project is similar to the current requirement, and past performance reference contact information.
• Relevant Experience & Past Performance (Subcontractor): Requires similar details for up to three subcontractor projects.

Bidders must complete this form accurately and thoroughly to provide the government with essential information about their company, their proposed team structure, and their demonstrated capability to perform the work. Failure to provide complete information may impact the evaluation of the quotation package.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Register of Wage Determinations Under the Service Contract Act" for the state of Montana. It lists various occupational classifications and their corresponding minimum hourly wage rates and fringe benefits required for federal contracts.

• Occupational Codes and Titles: A comprehensive list of job titles across various sectors (e.g., Administrative Support, Health Occupations, Technical Occupations).
• Wage Rates: The minimum hourly wage required for each listed occupation.
• Fringe Benefits: Indicates that fringe benefits are required and follow the occupational listing, with specific details provided later in the document.
• Executive Orders: Notes the applicability of Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and Executive Order 13658 (Minimum Wage) for federal contractors.
• Health & Welfare Benefits: Specifies the required hourly rates for health and welfare benefits.

This document is crucial for bidders as it establishes the minimum wage and benefit standards that must be paid to service employees working on a federal contract. Bidders must ensure their proposed labor costs align with these wage determinations to be compliant and competitive. It helps in accurately estimating labor costs for proposals.