Y--Santa Ana NWR Design Build Shade Structure

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0003) to solicitation 140FC126Q0007 makes the following changes:

• Bid Guarantee Emphasis: Emphasizes the requirement for a bid guarantee in accordance with FAR 52.228-1. Failure to submit a bid guarantee with the pricing submission may result in the quote being deemed nonresponsive and ineligible for award.

• Response Date Extension: Extends the solicitation response due date from March 2, 2026, to March 9, 2026.

• Solicitation Amendment 1 Updates: Incorporates updates from a previous amendment (Amendment 1):

  • Corrects an error in Section B that improperly referenced Kenai NWR.
  • Adds Attachment 4, "Questions and Answers," dated February 24, 2026.
  • States that the Government does not anticipate answering further questions upon issuance of this amendment.

• Section B (corrected).

• Attachment 4 (added).

• The proposal submission deadline has been extended to March 9, 2026.

• A bid guarantee is now explicitly emphasized as a requirement for submission.

• The original solicitation is for the demolition, incidental design, and construction of new shade structures at the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge in Hidalgo County, Texas.

• The acquisition is a 100% Small Business Set-Aside using Simplified Acquisition Procedures and is a Firm-Fixed-Price contract.

• The evaluation methodology is Lowest-Priced Technically Acceptable (LPTA).

• A site visit is strongly encouraged. Contact Adam Graham at adam_graham@fws.gov for questions.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0002) to the solicitation makes the following changes:

• Extends the response due date from March 2, 2026, to March 9, 2026.

• Updates Section B to correct an error that improperly referenced Kenai NWR.

• Adds Attachment 4, "Questions and Answers dated 24 February 26," to the solicitation.

• Notifies offerors that the Government does not anticipate answering further questions upon issuance of this amendment.

• Section B (corrected)

• Solicitation Amendment 1 Attachment 4 (added)

• The proposal due date has been extended to March 9, 2026.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to Solicitation 140FC126Q0007, effective 02/09/2026, makes the following changes:

• Correction: Section B of the solicitation has been corrected to remove an erroneous reference to Kenai NWR.
• Addition: Attachment B09, Solicitation Amendment 1 Questions and Answers, dated 24 February 2026, has been added.
• Clarification: The government will not be answering any further questions after the issuance of this amendment.

All other terms and conditions of the original solicitation remain unchanged.

• Section B (corrected)

• Attachment B09 (added)

• The amendment does not appear to change the proposal deadline or submission requirements, but bidders should review the added Q&A document for any clarifications impacting their proposals.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding solicitation 140FC126Q0007, dated February 24, 2026.

• Insurance Requirements: Independent Contractor Agreements alone do not satisfy the solicitation's insurance requirements (FAR 52.228-5, DIAR 1452.228-70). Contractors must maintain liability insurance covering work on the Government installation, naming both the contractor and the U.S. Government as insured. A Certificate of Insurance (COI) is required before work begins.
• Bid Guarantee: The bid guarantee (FAR 52.228-1) is required regardless of the billing method (e.g., full payment upon completion).
• Irrigation System: The solicitation does not require a sprinkler/irrigation system. A mention of an irrigation system in a Statement of Work (SOW) is to inform the contractor that the shade structure will be installed over an existing irrigation system, which is not part of this solicitation.
• Site Visit: The organized site visit proceeded as scheduled and was not canceled.
• Wage Rates: Wage rates were provided in B08 Solicitation Attachment 2, Wage Determination #TX20260255, dated January 2, 2026.
• Shade Structures: This is a design-build requirement with no additional government specifications provided. Vendors must meet the stated specifications.
• Technical Feasibility: The Government cannot provide advice or pre-evaluation feedback on whether a specific product or solution is technically feasible. Vendors are responsible for determining if their proposed solution meets the stated requirements. Clarifications should be sought through the Contracting Officer.

This document clarifies existing requirements and confirms that no new specifications for shade structures have been provided. It emphasizes vendor responsibility for meeting all stated requirements and seeking clarification through official channels.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment to Solicitation 140FC126Q0007 makes the following changes:

• Correction of Error: Section B has been updated to remove an error that improperly referenced Kenai NWR.

• Inclusion of Q&A: Attachment 4, "Questions and Answers," dated February 24, 2026, has been added.

• Clarification on Questions: The Government states that it does not anticipate answering any further questions upon the issuance of this amendment.

• Section B (error correction)

• Attachment 4 (newly added)

• The amendment does not explicitly state changes to proposal deadlines or evaluation factors. However, the inclusion of the Q&A document may provide further clarification relevant to proposal preparation.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

To design and construct shade structures for up to 200,000 plant seedlings at the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge. The purpose is to support the Fish and Wildlife Service's efforts to restore native habitat in the Rio Grande Valley.

• Demolition of existing shade structures and related infrastructure.

• Construction of two new shade structures, each approximately 7000 square feet, with manually operated retractable shade panels.

• Structures will be approximately 8' in height and must meet International Building Code, ASCE-7, and local codes for wind and other loads.

• Shade structures will be suspended between aircraft cables and secured for support and retraction.

• Integration of a sprinkler system for growing and staging areas.

• Provision of all necessary drawings, sketches, parts lists, and proposed work details for future maintenance.

• The total design and construction period shall not exceed 150 days after the Notice to Proceed.

• Construction site is at the Marinoff Reveg Facility.

• Design and materials must be of high quality, durable, and easily maintained.

• Use of energy-efficient equipment is required.

• The Design-Builder (DB) must be licensed in Texas and responsible for all design, permitting, construction, and related services.

• Adherence to all applicable local, state, and federal codes, including International Building Code, International Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code, International Electrical Code, National Electrical Code NEC, Clean Water Act, and NPDES permits.

• Designers must hold a current license to practice in Texas.

• Specifications to be developed using Masterspec+ or Microsoft Word.

• The DB is solely responsible for obtaining and paying for all necessary permits.

• Project safety is the ultimate responsibility of the DB.

• Work hours are 7 AM – 4 PM weekdays, excluding Federal holidays, unless otherwise approved.

• Deliverables include: Design/Build Management Plan, Design Development documents (65%), Construction Documents (100%), Operation and Maintenance Manuals, spare parts, maintenance materials, and as-constructed drawings.

• Government-furnished water and electricity will be available at the construction site.

• A pre-proposal site visit is strongly encouraged.

• Contractor submittals include a Design/Build Management Plan within 10 days of Notice of Award.

• Design phase milestones include a Design Kickoff Meeting, a 65% Design Development review, and a 99/100% Final Documents review.

• Construction progress payments will be made monthly based on the approved Schedule of Values.

• Retainage will not be implemented unless quality is unsatisfactory.

• The Government will cooperate with the DB and perform its responsibilities in a timely manner.

• Government will provide timely reviews and approvals of submissions, with a 10-working day turnaround for approvals.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a General Decision for wage determination, specifically for Building Construction Projects in Hidalgo County, Texas. It outlines the prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits required for various construction trades. This information is crucial for contractors to understand labor costs when bidding on federal or federally-assisted construction projects.

• General Decision Number: TX20260255
• State: Texas
• County: Hidalgo County
• Construction Type: Building (excluding single-family homes and apartments up to 4 stories).
• Effective Date: 01/02/2026
• Trades and Rates: Lists specific wage rates and fringe benefits for numerous construction trades, including Boilermaker, Power Equipment Operator, Ironworker, Plumber, Bricklayer, Carpenter, Electrician, Laborer, Operator (various types), Painter, Pipefitter, Roofer, Sheet Metal Worker, Tile Finisher, Tile Setter, and Truck Driver.
• Executive Orders: Notes applicability of Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and Executive Order 13658 (Minimum Wage) for federal contractors.
• Appeals Process: Outlines the procedure for appealing wage determination decisions.

Bidders must use these prevailing wage rates to accurately estimate labor costs for their proposals. Failure to comply with these wage requirements can lead to bid disqualification or contract violations. The document specifies the minimum wages and benefits that must be paid to laborers and mechanics employed on covered construction projects.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a "Bid" Sheet for proposal pricing, dated May 8, 2025, from the United States Department of the Interior, Fish & Wildlife Service. It provides a template for bidders to submit their pricing for various line items.

• Item Numbers: 0001, 0002, 0003, 0004
• Descriptions: Mobilization & Demobilization, Demolition, Design, Build/Construction
• Pricing Fields: Unit Price, Total Price
• Total Field: For summing up the total bid price.

Bidders must use this sheet to provide their proposed pricing for the listed items. The document also notes that the award may be consolidated into a single lump sum line item, or potentially two line items (Build/Construction including CLINs 1, 2, and 4, followed by Design). This information is crucial for accurate proposal preparation and understanding potential contract structure.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the design and build of two new shade structures at the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge in Hidalgo County, Texas. The purpose is to provide shading for up to 200,000 plant seedlings to support native habitat restoration efforts in the Rio Grande Valley. The project includes demolition of existing structures and construction of new, permanent shade structures.

• Design and construct two new shade structures, each approximately 7,000 sq ft and 8 ft high.

• Structures must feature manually operated retractable shade panels suspended by aircraft cable.

• Provide design documentation, including drawings, sketches, parts lists, and detailed plans.

• Demolition of existing shade structures (fabric, poles, wire).

• Site preparation.

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price.

• Period of Performance: 150 calendar days after notice to proceed.

• Estimated Value: Not specified.

• Wage Determination: TX20260255, dated January 2, 2026.

• Quotations are due by 10:00 AM local time on March 2, 2026.

• Evaluation Methodology: Lowest-Priced Technically Acceptable (LPTA).

• Award will be made to the responsible offeror with the lowest evaluated price that is technically acceptable, meets all solicitation requirements, and is deemed responsible.

• Proposals must be submitted in two volumes: Pricing and Technical.

• Technical Volume must demonstrate understanding of requirements, a credible construction approach, relevant experience, a feasible project schedule, and compliance.

• Offer Acceptance and Validity Period: 90 calendar days from the date submitted.

• This acquisition is a 100% Small Business Set-Aside.

• Uses Simplified Acquisition Procedures under FAR Part 13.

• A site visit is scheduled for February 18, 2026, at 10 AM local time at the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center.

• Prospective offerors are strongly encouraged to attend the site visit.

• All questions and offer submissions must be in writing via email to Adam Graham (adam_graham@fws.gov).

• A bid guarantee is required (amount to be at least 20% of the bid price or $3,000,000, whichever is less).