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 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Cattle Fever Tick Eradication Program (CFTEP) is soliciting proposals for cattle dip vat and holding pen repairs and construction in Brownsville, TX. This is a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (RFQ) issued under FAR Part 12, designated as a Total Small Business Set-Aside. The anticipated contract is a firm-fixed-price award, estimated between $250,000 and $500,000. Proposals are due May 27, 2026, at noon CT.
Purpose & Context
The CFTEP monitors the southern Texas border to control cattle fever ticks, requiring routine transport of livestock to holding pens for diagnostic testing and management. The required repairs and construction are critical to maintaining these operations within the Permanent Quarantine Zone, which spans over 600 miles and seven county offices.
Scope of Work
The contractor will furnish all labor, materials, and equipment to repair and construct cattle pens and dipping vats at the CFTEP Office in Brownsville, TX. Key tasks include:
- General Repairs: Sandblasting, priming, and painting existing and newly constructed structures within the vat boundary fence.
- Vat/Drying Pen Roof: Removal of existing roof and supports, and construction of a new 30’ x 104’ roof with specific iron and tubing supports and galvanized R panels.
- Scratching Chute Alley: Removal of existing chute and concrete, installation of new 4” concrete slabs, and construction of a new 6.5’ tall scratch alley using oilfield tubing with grooved concrete for traction.
- Drying Pens (17’ x 15’): Removal of existing structures, replacement of concrete slabs with drains and grooved surfaces, construction of new pens with oilfield tubing, and installation of new gates.
- Dipping Vat Entrance: Installation of new 6’ long cut gates and a new sliding gate.
- Vat Off-Loading/Loading Pen (25’x14’): Construction of a new loading pen with oilfield tubing, new gates, and a loading chute.
- Scratching Chute Access Alley: Construction of a 3’ wide alley with oilfield tubing and gates.
- Cattle Holding Pens: Construction of four 50’x 25’ pens using square tubing uprights and galvanized bridge/guard rails, including 10’ gates with slam and chain latches, and two concrete water troughs.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price.
- Estimated Magnitude: $250,000 - $500,000.
- Period of Performance: Work must commence within five calendar days after Notice to Proceed and be completed no later than six months after 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.
Eligibility & Set-Aside
This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5). All responsible sources may submit a quotation. The applicable NAICS code and small business size standard are not specified in the solicitation document.
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 (structural metal, metal fencing/gates, painting, concrete), and past performance information.
- Evaluation Criteria: Quotes will be evaluated on a highest technically rated basis with a fair and reasonable price. No tradeoffs between price and non-price factors will be considered. Technical acceptability and past performance are key factors.
Key Requirements & Notes
- Compliance with Federal Construction Wage Rates (Attachment 2) for Cameron County is mandatory.
- A site visit was scheduled for May 13, 2026, at 1 p.m. CT, and attendance was strongly advised.
- Contractor must coordinate with government contacts and verify all measurements. Oilfield piping must be a minimum of Schedule 40. Visual references for double slam latches and grooved concrete are provided in attachments.
- USDA is exempt from sales tax.
Contact Information
Primary Point of Contact: Jim Roloff, james.g.roloff@usda.gov, 612-590-7603.