Lake Alva Campground Improvements
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, Lolo National Forest, is soliciting proposals for Lake Alva Campground Improvements in Seeley Lake, Montana. This project involves replacing the existing water system, electrical system, and repaving a campground loop. The estimated magnitude is between $500,000 and $1,000,000. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Quotations are due by June 8, 2026, at 1500 MDT.
Scope of Work
The project entails comprehensive upgrades to the Lake Alva Campground. Key tasks include:
- Water System Replacement: Installation of a new 2" HDPE water main throughout the campground, abandonment of the existing main, and replacement of all water system components in the well pumphouse (pressure tanks, flow meter, valves).
- Electrical System Upgrades: Demolition of existing equipment, installation of new grounding, low-voltage power conductors, cable conduit, box connectors, power outlet pedestals, and circuit breakers.
- Pavement Improvements: Repaving sections of the campground asphalt road, patching areas where the new water main intersects, and replacing existing wheel stops (Optional Item #1).
- Detailed construction plans (Attachment 4) and technical specifications (Attachment 5) provide specific requirements for site construction, concrete, electrical, and water distribution systems.
Contract Details & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price (Combined Synopsis/Solicitation - RFQ).
- Period of Performance: July 1, 2026 – December 1, 2027.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business (NAICS 237110, $45M size standard).
- Submission Deadline: June 8, 2026, at 1500 MDT.
- Site Visit: A site visit was scheduled for May 13, 2026, at 10 am at the Seeley Lake Ranger District. Questions can be directed to Brian Story at (406) 529-8534.
- Bonds: A 20% Bid Bond/Offer Guarantee is required. 100% Performance and Payment Bonds are required within 10 days of award.
Submission Requirements & Evaluation
Quotations must be emailed to john.curry@usda.gov and include:
- Price Schedule (Attachment 2)
- Past Performance/Experience Questionnaire (Attachment 7)
- Written Technical Approach/Performance Schedule
- Bid Guarantee Evaluation will be based on a comparative analysis for best value, considering Relevant Experience, Past Performance, Technical Approach, and Price. Offerors must hold prices firm for 90 calendar days.
Key Clarifications & Important Notes
Recent Q&As (posted May 28, 2026) clarify:
- Logging Overlap: The Richmond Sale is active until October 2028, with operations between September 15th and May 21st, which may complicate simultaneous water system work.
- Material Handling: Unburnable material (root balls, tree trunks) must be removed; burnable material may be left. A waste area within ten miles can be designated.
- Construction Methods: Socket fusion is an acceptable pipe joining method. Native soil can be used for backfill if it meets specifications. Salvaging and reapplying topsoil is acceptable.
- Campground Closure: Contractors can close camping loops starting August 1st, with specific notification requirements to the Forest Service for 2026 and 2027 closures.
- Wage Determinations: Bidders must adhere to the prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits specified in Attachment 6 (MT20260067) for Missoula County, Montana, as required by the Davis-Bacon Act.
Contact John Curry at john.curry@usda.gov or 6056739216 for further information.