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 in Brownsville, TX. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ) for a firm-fixed-price contract. The estimated magnitude of this construction project is between $250,000 and $500,000. Quotes are due by May 27, 2026, at noon CT.
Purpose & Context
The CFTEP monitors the southern border of Texas to control cattle fever ticks, requiring functional facilities for diagnostic testing, dipping, and holding stray livestock. This opportunity ensures the continued operational capability of these critical facilities located in Cameron County, TX.
Scope of Work
The contractor will furnish all labor, materials, and equipment to repair existing and construct new cattle pens and dipping vats. Key tasks include:
- Roof Construction: Remove existing roof and supports, construct a new 30’ x 104’ roof for the vat/drying pen using C channel iron, square tubing, and galvanized R panels.
- Chute & Pen Repairs: Remove existing structures and install new concrete slabs with grooved surfaces for the Scratching Chute Alley, construct new 6.5’ tall scratch alleys, and replace/construct Drying Pens (17’x15’) with new concrete and oilfield tubing.
- Gate & Loading Area: Install new cut gates and a sliding gate at the Dipping Vat Entrance, and construct a new Vat Off-Loading/Loading Pen (25’x14’) with a loading chute.
- Holding Pens: Construct four new 50’x25’ cattle holding pens using square tubing and galvanized guard rails, including 10’ gates with heavy-duty latches and two modified concrete water troughs.
- Surface Treatment: Sandblast, prime, and paint (oil-based, tan) all existing and newly constructed structures within the vat boundary fence enclosure, excluding galvanized components.
- Compliance: Adherence to federal, state, and local laws, including IBC and OSHA codes, is required. Weekly progress reports with photographs must be submitted.
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 (NTP) and be completed no later than six months after NTP.
- Bonds: Payment and Performance bonds are required within 10 days of award; a bid bond is not required.
- Wage Rates: Federal Construction Wage Rates for Cameron County, TX (General Decision Number TX20260236, effective January 2, 2026) apply.
Submission & Evaluation
- Submission Deadline: May 27, 2026, at noon CT.
- Questions Deadline: May 21, 2026, at noon CT.
- Submission Method: Email quotes to james.g.roloff@usda.gov.
- Submission Package: Must include a 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. Technical acceptability (relevant experience) and past performance are key factors; no tradeoffs between price and non-price factors will be considered.
Site Visit & Contact
A site visit is strongly advised and scheduled for May 13, 2026, at 1 p.m. CT. The primary point of contact is Jim Roloff, Contracting Officer, at james.g.roloff@usda.gov or 612-590-7603.