Sam Houston Trail Bridge Replacement
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, Southwestern Regional Office, Region 3 is soliciting proposals for the Sam Houston Trail Bridge Replacement project. This Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity involves the design and construction of approximately 18 replacement trail bridges on the Multi-Use Trail (MUT) within the Sam Houston National Forest, west of New Waverly, TX. The project addresses bridges damaged by recent storms and erosion. The estimated magnitude of construction is between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000. Proposals are due April 17, 2026.
Scope of Work
The project requires comprehensive design and construction services, including:
- Site investigation and analysis.
- Preparation of design and construction documents.
- Removal and disposal of existing crossing infrastructure.
- Construction of new crossings and connecting trail approaches. Bridges must have a minimum deck width of 72 inches, increased spans, and freeboard. Design considerations include modular/field-constructable designs, elevated boardwalk structures for shallow streams, and tread hardening, adhering to a 500-year storm interval with 30% debris blocking and 18" freeboard. Compliance with federal regulations (labor, safety, environmental, Buy American Act) is mandatory.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm-fixed-price construction contract.
- Magnitude: $1,000,000 - $5,000,000.
- Period of Performance: 390 calendar days after receipt of Notice to Proceed (NTP).
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5).
- NAICS Code: 237310 - Highway, Street, and Bridge construction (Size Standard: $45 million).
- Place of Performance: Sam Houston National Forest, Lufkin, TX.
Submission & Evaluation
- Proposals Due: April 17, 2026, by 1300 local time.
- Submission Method: Electronically via email to david.l.watson@usda.gov.
- Proposal Structure: Two volumes: Technical Proposal and Price Proposal.
- Evaluation Basis: Best Value Tradeoff, considering Technical Approach, Relevant Experience, Key Personnel (Project Manager, Design Engineer, Construction Superintendent), Past Performance, and Price. Non-price factors combined are approximately equal to price. The Government reserves the right to award without discussions.
- Questions Due: April 2, 2026.
Important Notes
Offerors are strongly encouraged to visit the project site to familiarize themselves with local conditions. Performance and payment bonds (100% of contract price) are required within 10 calendar days of award notice.