Project TN ERFO FS CHRKE804 2020-2(1) - Cherokee National Forest

Amendment / Modification

• The Bid Opening date has been extended from Thursday, June 9, 2026, to Thursday, June 23, 2026, at 2:00 pm EDT.

• Responses to questions and clarifications from potential bidders will be provided in a future amendment.

• Bid Opening Date

• The deadline for submitting bids has been extended to June 23, 2026.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is an Invitation for Bids (IFB) for the repair of various damaged sites on Paint Mountain Road (FS 54), Briar Creek Road (FS 188), and Flatwoods Road (FS 87) within the Cherokee National Forest. The project is identified by Disaster Numbers TN2020-1-FS and TN2020-2-FS.

The work includes grading, roadway resurfacing, drain dip construction, replacement of drainage culverts, drainage culvert cleaning, ditch reconditioning, slope stabilization repairs, and other miscellaneous work.

• The contract will be awarded as a Base Contract (Schedule A) with options for Schedules B and C.

• The estimated price range for the entire project is $2,000,000 to $5,000,000.

• The performance period for all schedules combined is 239 calendar days after the Notice to Proceed.

• Individual schedule performance periods are: Schedule A only (107 days), Schedule B (67 days), and Schedule C (105 days).

• Sealed bids from certified HUBZone Small Business Concerns only will be accepted.

• Electronic bids are accepted via email to EFLHD.Contracts@dot.gov. Bids must include a scanned copy of the official bid bond.

• The contract will be awarded to the responsive, responsible bidder with the lowest Evaluation Total Price of Project (Schedule A + Schedule B + Schedule C).

• A bid guarantee of not less than 20 percent of the bid price or $3 million, whichever is less, is required.

• Proposals must be submitted by 06/09/2026 at 1400 local time.

• This project is RESTRICTED: Sealed bids from Certified HUBZone Small Business Concerns only will be accepted.

• All solicitation documents are available for download from the Contract Opportunities website: https://sam.gov/.

• Questions concerning the project should be emailed to eflhd.contracts@dot.gov.

• Bidders are responsible for monitoring the website for changes to the solicitation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the Federal Contractor Veterans' Employment Report (VETS-4212) form. It is a mandatory annual report for nonexempt Federal contractors and subcontractors with contracts or subcontracts of $150,000 or more with any U.S. department or agency. The report collects data on the number of employees and new hires who are protected veterans, categorized by job type.

• Reporting Organization Type: Prime Contractor, Subcontractor, Single Establishment, Multiple Establishment (Headquarters, Hiring Location, State Consolidated).
• Company Identification: NAICS Code, DUNS Number, Employer ID Number (EIN), Company Name, Parent Company Name, Contact Information, and Address.
• Twelve Month Period Ending: Specifies the reporting period.
• Employee Data: Total number of employees and protected veterans by job category (Executive/Senior Level Officials, First/Mid Level Officials, Professionals, Technicians, Sales Workers, Administrative Support, Craft Workers, Operatives, Laborers/Helpers, Service Workers).
• New Hires Data: Total new hires and protected veteran new hires within the previous 12 months, also by job category (optional).
• Maximum/Minimum Employees: Maximum and minimum number of employees on board during the reporting period.

Federal contractors and subcontractors must file this report annually to comply with 38 U.S.C. § 4212(d). The report helps the government track the employment of protected veterans by federal contractors. Bidders may need to be aware of these reporting requirements if they are or will become a federal contractor. The form itself provides specific definitions for 'employee,' 'hiring location,' 'job categories,' and various types of 'protected veterans' (e.g., disabled, recently separated, active duty wartime).

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains the "Plans for Proposed Project" for the "TN ERFO FS CHRKE804 2020-2(1)" project. It details the proposed improvements for repairing various damaged sites on Paint Mountain Road (FS 54), Briar Creek Road (FS 188), and Flatwoods Road (FS 87) within the Unaka and Watauga Ranger Districts of the Cherokee National Forest.

• Project Description: Includes grading, roadway resurfacing, drain dip construction, replacement and cleaning of drainage culverts, ditch reconditioning, and slope stabilization repairs.
• Project Length: Approximately 4.81 miles.
• Roads Involved: Paint Mountain Road (FS 54), Briar Creek Road (FS 188), and Flatwoods Road (FS 87).
• Specifications: "Standard Specifications for Construction of Roads and Bridges on Federal Highway Projects", FP-24.
• Index to Sheets: Lists all included sheets, covering everything from title sheets and symbols to plans, profiles, erosion control, traffic control, standards, and cross-sections.
• Vicinity and Location Maps: Provide geographical context for the project areas.
• Tabulation of Quantities: Details the estimated quantities for various pay items across different schedules (A, B, C) for Briar Creek Road, Paint Mountain Road, and Flatwoods Road.
• Drainage Schedules and Details: Outlines the scope of work for existing and proposed pipes, including removal, replacement, cleaning, and riprap requirements.
• Erosion and Sediment Control Plans and Narrative: Details measures to prevent erosion and control sediment runoff.
• Temporary Traffic Control Plans: Specifies traffic control measures, including road closures and signage.
• Cross Sections: Illustrate typical roadway and MSE wall cross-sections.

This document is crucial for potential bidders as it provides the comprehensive scope of work, detailed project requirements, quantities, and specifications for the road repair project. It outlines the specific locations, types of work, materials, and standards that must be adhered to, enabling bidders to accurately estimate costs and develop their proposals.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a "Report of Geotechnical Exploration" prepared by Stantec for the U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) concerning storm and flood damage repairs in the Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee. The report details geotechnical explorations, laboratory testing, and design recommendations for remediation of slopes in three affected areas: Briar Creek Road (FS 188), Flatwoods Road (FS 87), and Paint Mountain Road (FS 54).

This report provides critical subsurface information that would be essential for any contractor bidding on the repair and remediation of storm and flood damage in the specified areas. It includes detailed findings on:

• Geologic Setting: Description of the Appalachian Ridge and Valley Physiographic Region and the underlying geological formations.
• Subsurface Exploration Program: Details on the 11 test borings conducted, field testing (SPT), and laboratory testing performed (classification, corrosivity, unconfined compressive strength).
• Subsurface Conditions: Specific findings for each location (Briar Creek, Flatwoods, Paint Mountain), including natural deposits, auger refusal depths, rock coring results (RQD), and groundwater observations.
• Analysis and Recommendations: Evaluation of seismic hazards, slope stabilization recommendations (including "hard faced" and "green" options like geocell systems and vegetated MSE wall systems), and specific recommendations for each site (MP 599, MP 633, MP 659, MP 660, MP 590).
• MSE Retaining Walls: Analysis and design considerations for Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) retaining walls planned for MP 633, MP 660, and MP 590.
• Construction Considerations: General guidance on shallow excavations, grading, and wall construction.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the existing ground conditions, potential challenges, and the proposed remediation strategies, which will directly impact their bidding and execution of the work.

Other / Unclassified

This document is the "Standard Specifications for Construction of Roads and Bridges on Federal Highway Projects FP-24" issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Federal Lands Highway. It is cited as "FP-24" and indicates "Federal Project" Standard Specifications issued in 2024.

This document serves as the authoritative reference for construction standards and specifications for roads and bridges on Federal Highway projects administered by the Federal Highway Administration. When designated in a contract, the FP-24 becomes part of the contract and is binding upon all parties. It governs construction contracts of the Federal Highway Administration and is supplemented by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Transportation Acquisition Regulation (TAR).

Key aspects include:

• Units of Measure: U.S. Customary units are used, with Metric units referenced only where standardized testing requires them.
• Divisions: The specifications are divided into 10 Divisions, covering general requirements, project requirements, earthwork, aggregate and base courses, asphalt pavements, rigid pavements, bridge construction, incidental construction, materials, and specific project requirements.
• Material Requirements: Division 700 details material requirements for various construction items.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the technical requirements, material specifications, and construction standards applicable to Federal Highway Administration projects.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Categorical Exclusion Form (NEPA) for the "Repair Storm and Flood Damage on Paint Mountain Road, Briar Creek Road, and Flatwood Road" project. It serves to document the environmental review and determination that the project meets the criteria for a categorical exclusion from further National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis.

• Project Identification: Includes Project Number (FS TN ERFO CHRKE304 2020 2(1)), Project Name, Location (Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee), and Date (7/17/2025).
• CE Category: Identified as 23 CFR 771.117(c)(26), pertaining to modernization of highways.
• Project Description: Details the proposed repairs to aggregate roadways damaged by storms, including reconditioning roadway surfaces, stabilizing slopes with MSE walls, installing/cleaning culverts, reconditioning ditches, and adding fill for rutting.
• Environmental Commitments and Mitigation Measures: Outlines specific measures to minimize environmental impact, such as tree clearing restrictions and notification requirements for dewatering and stream wood removal.
• Endangered Species Act Compliance: Summarizes Section 7 consultation, noting potential adverse effects on Northern Long-eared bats and Tricolored bats, and the use of Incidental Take documents. No effect on threatened/endangered fish is anticipated.
• National Historic Preservation Act Compliance: States that Section 106 consultation has occurred, with no known historic properties affected.
• Other Compliance: Mentions consistency with Clean Water Act silviculture exemption, meaning no permits are required.
• Recommendations and Determinations: Includes recommendations and determinations by an Environmental Protection Specialist and Environmental Team Leader, confirming the project meets categorical exclusion criteria without unusual circumstances.

While this document is primarily for environmental compliance, it provides context on the scope of work, the location of the project, and potential environmental considerations that might influence construction methods or timelines. Bidders should note the specific roads involved (Paint Mountain Road, Briar Creek Road, Flatwood Roads) and the nature of the repairs (aggregate roadway reconditioning, slope stabilization, culvert work).