Cattle dip vat and holding pen 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 USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), through its Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program (CFTEP), is seeking contractors for cattle dip vat and holding pen repairs and construction in Brownsville, TX. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity, with an anticipated firm-fixed-price contract valued between $250,000 and $500,000. Quotations are due by May 27, 2026, at noon CT.
Scope of Work
This project involves comprehensive repair and construction services for existing and new cattle pens and dipping vats. Key tasks include:
- General Repairs & Construction: Furnishing all labor, materials, and equipment for repairs and new construction, with contractor verification of all measurements.
- Surface Treatment: Sandblasting, priming, and painting (oil-based, tan) all repaired and newly constructed structures within the vat boundary fence enclosure.
- Site Maintenance: Ensuring clean construction sites and proper waste disposal.
- Specific Construction Areas: Extensive work on the vat/drying pen roof (new 30’ x 104’ roof), scratching chute alley (new concrete slabs and 6.5’ tall scratch alley), drying pens (new concrete slabs, 8-inch concrete lip, new pens and gates), dipping vat entrance (new cut gates and sliding gate), vat off-loading/loading pen (new structure, gates, and loading chute), scratching chute access alley, and four 50’x 25’ cattle holding pens (with square tubing, galvanized rails, and concrete water troughs).
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price
- Estimated Magnitude: $250,000 - $500,000
- Period of Performance: Not to exceed 6 months from Notice to Proceed; work must commence within 5 calendar days of Notice to Proceed.
- Bonds: Payment and Performance Bonds are required within 10 days of award. A bid bond is not required.
- Place of Performance: CFTEP Office, 8000 US Hwy 281, Brownsville, TX 78520.
Set-Aside & Eligibility
This opportunity is a Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5). All responsible sources may submit a quotation. Relevant experience with structural metal, metal fencing and gates, painting, and concrete is required.
Submission & Evaluation
- Submission Deadline: May 27, 2026, at noon CT.
- Questions Deadline: May 21, 2026, at noon CT.
- Submission Method: Email to james.g.roloff@usda.gov.
- Submission Package: Must include the quote page, demonstration of relevant experience, and past performance information.
- Evaluation Criteria: Quotes will be evaluated on a highest technically rated basis with a fair and reasonable price. Technical acceptability (relevant experience) and past performance are key factors; no tradeoffs between price and non-price factors will be considered.
Key Dates & Contacts
- Published Date: April 27, 2026
- Response Date: May 27, 2026, 5:00 PM ET
- Site Visit: Scheduled for May 13, 2026, at 1 p.m. CT. Attendance is strongly advised.
- Primary Contact: Jim Roloff, james.g.roloff@usda.gov, 612-590-7603.
Additional Notes
Bidders must comply with Federal Construction Wage Rates for Cameron County, TX (Attachment 2) and all applicable federal, state, and local laws and codes (including IBC, OSHA). The contractor must coordinate with Government contacts and verify all work. USDA is exempt from sales tax.