Attach 1. Solicitation_Terms and Agreement_Veterans Point Trail.pdf

VETERANS POINT TRAIL REHABILIATION PROJECT

Solicitation Number: 1240LT26Q0015

Attachment 1 - Solicitation Terms and Conditions

Description - This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items prepared in accordance with the format in FAR Part 12. This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; offers are being requested, and a separate written solicitation will not be issued.

Solicitation Number 1240LT26Q0015: Veterans Point Trail is an asphalt trail with metal railing and timber retaining walls that provide access from the parking area to fishing piers and viewpoints at Pactola Reservoir. As the trail switchbacks its way to from the parking area to the shoreline, the contractor should be aware of the steep slopes and limited working area. The asphalt trail is deteriorating, with severe oxidation, cracks, heaving, and undercutting in the asphalt. The retaining walls are leaning and no longer keep material off the Trail. This project will fill and seal the cracks, reconstruction select sections, stabilize eroding areas, and apply a seal coat to the asphalt. Timber retaining walls will be removed and reconstructed with segmental concrete block retaining walls. The pipe railing is damaged in some areas. This project will also repair the damaged sections of railing and eliminate sections where the railing is not needed. The Project will also construct reinforcement with gabion (wire rock baskets) to repair eroded sections at the trails edge and bridge abutments. Existing timber retaining walls will be removed. New larger retaining walls will be constructed. An overlook near water’s edge will be eliminated. Tables, benches, and pedestal fire grills will be removed (though new tables and benches are planned for the site as separate work). From the Bridge, a 1,014 ft loop provides access to an inlet. This Loop is referenced in this project as “Lakeshore Loop”. Work on this loop is in the OPTIONAL Bid Items and includes crack sealing, asphalt seal coat, and 620 square feet of segmental retaining wall. The Trail is approximately 2,959 feet long, with a descent of approximately 50 feet from the parking lot to the lowest point. It is a paved trail on the North side of Pactola Reservoir Dam, providing access to the water’s edge. Veterans Point Trail is located on Highway 385, just North of Pactola Reservoir, Pennington County, South Dakota. The Latitude and Longitude coordinates for the Trailhead are: 44° 4'55.88"N, 103°29'37.09"W. The elevation of the site is approximately 4,580 feet above mean sea level. The site generally experiences moderate snowfalls beginning in October and November and ending in April. The average temperatures are approximately 79° F in July and 37° F in January.

Magnitude of Construction is between $250,000 and $500,000

Bid Bond/Offer Guarantee (FAR 52.228-1): 20% of your total is required for quote/offer submission.

Performance & Payment Bonds (FAR 52.228-15): Both required 100% of original contract award price. Due 10 days after an award. Irrevocable letter or credit or Payment Bond form SF-25A & Performance Bond Form SF-25 are allowed per FAR 52.228-13.

Estimated Period of Performance: March 1, 2026, through May 20, 2027.

This acquisition is set-aside for small business concerns. This solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses by reference. The full text of provisions and clauses may be accessed electronically at www.acquisition.gov.

http://www.acquisition.gov/

The applicable North American Industry Classification Standard Code is 237310 - Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction. The small business size standard is $45M This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. All responsible sources may submit a quotation which will be considered by the agency.

See “Attachment 1 - Solicitation Terms and Conditions” for applicable clauses, instructions, and evaluation criteria.

Statement of Requirement - The following documents are included as attachments to this solicitation and can be accessed via the “Attachments/Links” section of the SAM.gov posting.

Solicitation Attachments

• Attachment 2 – Statement of Work - Veterans Point Trail Rehabilitation

• Attachment 3 – Schedule of Items - Veterans Point Trail Rehabilitation

• Attachment 4 – Specifications - Veterans Point Trail Rehabilitation

• Attachment 5 – Final Drawings – 01.27.2026

• Attachment 6 – Wage Determination_SD20260032 dated 01.02.2026

Solicitation notices posted for construction contracts must include a statement that, Definitization of Equitable Adjustments for Change Orders - Pursuant to FAR 36.101-4(b), information regarding USDA’s definitization of equitable adjustments for change orders under construction contracts may be found at FAR 36.211 | USDA. USDA’s procedures that apply to the definitization of equitable adjustments for change orders under construction contracts may be found in 443.304 -70.

52.243-4 Changes (JUN 2025)

(a) The Contracting Officer may, at any time, without notice to the sureties, if any, by written order designated or indicated to be a change order, make changes in the work within the general scope of the contract, including changes-

(1) In the specifications (including drawings and designs);

(2) In the method or manner of performance of the work;

(3) In the Government-furnished property or services; or

(4) Directing acceleration in the performance of the work.

(b) Any other written or oral order (which, as used in this paragraph (b), includes direction, instruction, interpretation, or determination) from the Contracting Officer that causes a change shall be treated as a change order under this clause; Provided that the Contractor gives the Contracting Officer written notice stating-https://www.usda.gov/da/ocp/ppd/policies-regulations/far

(1) The date, circumstances, and source of the order; and

(2) That the Contractor regards the order as a change order.

(c) Except as provided in this clause, no order, statement, or conduct of the Contracting Officer shall be treated as a change under this clause or entitle the Contractor to an equitable adjustment.

(d) If any change under this clause causes an increase or decrease in the Contractor’s cost of, or the time required for, the performance of any part of the work under this contract, whether or not changed by any such order, the Contracting Officer shall make an equitable adjustment and modify the contract in writing. However, except for an adjustment based on defective specifications, no adjustment for any change under paragraph (b) of this clause shall be made for any costs incurred more than 20 days before the Contractor gives written notice as required. In the case of defective specifications for which the Government is responsible, the equitable adjustment shall include any increased cost reasonably incurred by the Contractor in attempting to comply with the defective specifications.

(e) The Contractor must assert its right to an adjustment under this clause within 30 days after (1) receipt of a written change order under paragraph (a) of this clause or (2) the furnishing of a written notice under paragraph (b) of this clause, by submitting to the Contracting Officer a written statement describing the general nature and amount of the proposal, unless this period is extended by the Government. The statement of proposal for adjustment may be included in the notice under paragraph (b) of this clause.

(f) No proposal by the Contractor for an equitable adjustment shall be allowed if asserted after final payment under this contract.

Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and United States Department of Aquiculture Acquisition Regulation (AGAR) Clauses and Provisions:

The clauses and provisions contained herein are applicable to any order awarded as a result of this solicitation. The terms and conditions set forth herein supersede all other terms and conditions.

Acceptance of the order in accordance with (IAW) FAR 12.201-1(b)(2) constitutes acceptance of all terms and conditions contained herein.

As part of the Revolutionary FAR Overhaul (RFO), system updates may lag policy updates. The System for Award Management (SAM) may continue to require entities to complete representations based on provisions that are not included in this solicitation. Contracting officers will rely on representations from offers based on provisions in the solicitation. Entities are not required to, nor are they able to, update their entity registration to remove these representations in SAM.

52.252-2 Clauses Incorporated by Reference Feb 1998

This solicitation incorporates one or more clauses by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. Also the full text of the clause may be accessed electronically at Internet address https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52

52.212-4 Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025)

This is a commercial construction acquisition. FAR 52.212-4 is amended as follows:

(b) Inspection/Acceptance. Inspection and Acceptance will be conducted in accordance with FAR 52.246-12, Inspection of Construction (Aug 1996).

(d) Changes. Changes will be handled in accordance with the following FAR clause(s):

☒ FAR 52.243-4, Changes (Nov 2025)

(o) FAR 52.246-21, Warranty of Construction is applicable to this contract.

52.203-17 Contractor Employee Whistleblower Rights (Nov 2023) 52.203-19 Prohibition on Requiring Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements (Jan 2017) 52.222-50 Combating Trafficking in Persons (Nov 2025) 52.226-8 Encouraging Contractor Policies to Ban Text Messaging While Driving (May 2024) 52.232-40 Providing Accelerated Payments to Small Business Subcontractors (Mar 2023) 52.233-3 Protest After Award (Sep 2025) 52.233-4 Applicable Law for Breach of Contract Claim (Sep 2025)

52.240-91 Security Prohibitions and Exclusions (Nov 2025) 52.244-6 Subcontracts for Commercial Products and Commercial Services (Nov 2025)

The following clauses are applicable if checked:

☒ 52.203-6 Restrictions on Subcontractor Sales to the Government (Jun 2020) with Alternate I (Nov 2021) of 52.203-6 ☒ 52.204-13 System for Award Management—Maintenance (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.209-6 Protecting the Government’s Interest When Subcontracting with Contractors Debarred, Suspended, or Proposed for Debarment (Sep 2025) ☒ 52.209-9 Updates of Publicly Available Information Regarding Responsibility Matters (Sep 2025) ☒ 52.209-10 Prohibition on Contracting with Inverted Domestic Corporations (Sep 2025) ☒ 52.217-8 Option to Extend Services (Nov 1999) ☒ 52.219-6 Notice of Total Small Business Aside (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.219-8 Utilization of Small Business Concerns (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.222-3 Convict Labor (June 2003) https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52

☒ 52.222-19 Child Labor—Cooperation with Authorities and Remedies (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.222-35 Equal Opportunity for Veterans (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.222-36 Equal Opportunity for Workers with Disabilities (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.222-37 Employment Reports on Veterans (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.222-54 Employment Eligibility Verification (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.222-62 Paid Sick Leave Under Executive Order 13706 (Jan 2022) ☒ 52.223-23 Sustainable Products and Services ☒ 52.225-1 Buy American-Supplies (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.232-33 Payment by Electronic Funds Transfer— System for Award Management (Oct 2018) ☒ 52.240-93 Basic Safeguarding of Covered Contractor Information Systems (No 2025)

The Contractor shall comply with the following FAR Clauses for Commercial Construction.

52.222-6 Construction Wage Rate Requirements 52.222-7 Withholding of Funds 52.222-8 Payrolls and Basic Records 52.222-9 Apprentices and Trainees 52.222-10 Compliance with Copeland Act Requirements 52.222-11 Subcontracts (Labor Standards) 52.222-12 Contract Termination-Debarment 52.222-13 Compliance with Construction Wage Rate Requirements and Related Regulations.

52.222-14 Disputes Concerning Labor Standards 52.222-15 Certificate of Eligibility 52.236-5 Material and Workmanship

The following clauses are applicable when checked:

☒ 52.222-30 Construction Wage Rate Requirements-Price Adjustment (None or Separately Specified Pricing Method (Aug 2018) ☒ 52.222-55 Minimum Wages for Construction Workers under Executive Order 14026 (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.223-2 Reporting of Biobased Products under Service and Construction Contracts (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.225-9 Buy American-Construction Materials (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.228-2 Additional Bond Security (Oct 1997) ☒ 52.228-5 Insurance-Work on Government Installation (Jan 1997) ☒ 52.228-11 Individual Surety-Pledge of Assets (Feb 2021) ☒ 52.228-14 Irrevocable Letter of Credit (Nov 2014) ☒ 52.228-15 Performance and Payment Bonds-Construction (Jun 2020) ☒ 52.228-17 Individual Surety-Pledge of Assets (Bid Guarantee) (Feb 2021) ☒ 52.236-2 Differing Site Conditions (Jul 2025) ☒ 52.236-3 Site Investigation and Conditions Affecting the Work (Jul 2025)

☒ 52.236-6 Superintendent by the Contractor (Jul 2025) ☒ 52.236-7 Permits and Responsibilities (Jul 2025) ☒ 52.236-8 Other Contracts (Jul 2025) ☒ 52.236-9 Protection of Existing Vegetation, Structures, Equipment, Utilities, and Improvements (Jul 2025) ☒ 52.336-10 Operations and Storage Areas (Jul 2025) ☒ 52.236-11 Use and Possession Prior to Completion (Jul 2025) ☒ 52.236-12 Cleaning Up (Jul 2025) ☒ 52.236-13 Accident Prevention (Jul 2025) ☒ Alternate I (Nov 1991) of 52.236-13 ☒ 52.236-14 Availability and Use of Utility Services (Jul 2025) ☒ 52.236-15 Schedules for Construction Contracts (Jul 2025) ☒ 52.236-17 Layout of Work (Jul 2025) ☒ 52.236-21 Specifications and Drawings for Construction (Jul 2025) ☒ 52.242-14 Suspension of Work (Apr 1984) ☒ 52.248-3 Value Engineering (Oct 2025)

AGAR Clauses

452.204–70 Modification for Contract Closeout (Nov 2025)

(a) If unliquidated funds in the amount of $1000 or less remain on the contract, the Contracting Officer (Contracting Officer) shall issue a unilateral modification for deobligation. The contractor will receive a copy of the modification but will not be required to provide a signature. The Contracting Officer shall immediately proceed with contract closeout upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.

(b) Upon contract closeout for contracts utilizing SAP: if unliquidated funds of more than $1000 remain on the contract, the Contracting Officer shall issue a bilateral modification for deobligation.

The contractor will receive a copy of the modification and will be required to provide a signature.

(The Contracting Officer may also request a “Contractor Release of Claims” be completed by the contractor, although not required for contracts and orders using SAP.) If the bilateral modification and Release of Claims are not returned to the Contracting Officer within 60 days, the Contracting Officer shall release the modification as unilateral and proceed with contract close-out upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.

(c) Upon contract closeout for contracts utilizing anything other than cost reimbursement, if unliquidated funds of more than $1000 remain on the contract, the Contracting Officer shall issue a bilateral modification for de-obligation. The contractor will receive a copy of the modification and a ‘‘Contractor Release of Claims’’ and will be required to provide a signature on both forms. If the bilateral modification and Release of Claims are not returned to the Contracting Officer within 120 days, the Contracting Officer shall release the modification as unilateral and proceed with contract closeout upon completion of the period of performance, receipt and acceptance of supplies or services, and final payment.

(End of Clause)

452.203-71 Anti-Discrimination and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Compliance (Dec 2025)

(a) By entering into this contract, the Contractor certifies that:

(1) It is compliant with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws and the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution, and it will remain compliant for the duration of the contract.

(2) Neither it nor any subcontractor or teaming partner operates or funds any program, policy, or initiative that promotes DEI in a manner that violates any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws, including but not limited to Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, or the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution, and the Contractor and any subcontractor or teaming partner will not do so for the duration of the contract.

(b) If the Contractor participates in, facilitates, or funds programs that implicate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, including but not limited to grants to or for schools, colleges, universities, 4-H programs, non-governmental organization (NGO) programs, sports programs, and education-related grants to prisons or other detention facilities, the Contractor certifies that it will remain compliant with those laws, including the requirements set forth in Executive Order 14168, Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, and Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.

(c) The Contractor affirms that the above requirements are conditions of payment that go to the essence of the contract and are therefore material terms of the contract. Payments under the contract are predicated on compliance with the above requirements, and therefore the Contractor is not eligible for funding under the contract or to retain any funding under the contract absent compliance with the above requirements.

(d) This certification reflects a change in the Government’s position regarding the materiality of the foregoing requirements and therefore any prior payment of similar claims does not reflect the materiality of the foregoing requirements to this contract.

(e) Submission of a knowing false statement relating to Contractor’s compliance with the above requirements and/or eligibility for the contract may subject the Contractor to liability under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729, and/or criminal liability, including under 18 U.S.C. §§ 287 and 1001.

(f) The Contractor must include the provisions of this clause in all subcontract solicitations.

(g) Failure on the part of the Contractor or its subcontractors to comply with the terms of this clause may be grounds for the Contracting Officer to terminate this contract for default.

(End of Clause)

452.232-71 Progress Payments for Commercial Construction Contracts (Dec 2025)

(a) Contractor entitlement to progress payments. The Contractor may request progress payments monthly as the work proceeds, or at more frequent intervals as determined by the Contracting Officer, on estimates of work accomplished that meets the standards of quality established under the contract, as approved by the Contracting Officer.

(b) Computation of amounts. Progress payments will be authorized when the payment requested is properly due in accordance with this contract; the work will be performed in accordance with the contract; and there has been no impairment or diminution of the Government’s security under this contract. The Contracting Officer may authorize consideration of:

(3) Materials delivered on site and preparatory work;

(4) Materials delivered to the Contractor at locations other than the site, if:

i. Specifically authorized by the contract; and

ii. The Contractor provides satisfactory evidence of title and intended use in the contract.

(c) Contractor request for progress payments. The Contractor’s request for progress payments shall include the following:

(1) An itemization of the amounts requested, related to the various elements of work required by the contract;

(2) A listing of the amount included for work performed by each subcontractor;

(3) A listing of the total amount of each subcontract;

(4) A listing of the amounts previously paid to each subcontractor; and

(5) Additional supporting data in a form and detail required by the Contracting Officer.

(d) Contractor Certification. Each request for progress payment shall be accompanied by the following certification:

I hereby certify, to the best of my knowledge and belief, that—

(1) The amounts requested are only for performance in accordance with the specifications, terms, and conditions of the contract;

(2) All payments due to subcontractors and suppliers from previous payments received under the contract have been made, and timely payments will be made from the proceeds of the payment covered by this certification, in accordance with subcontract agreements and the requirements of Chapter 39 of Title 31, United States Code;

(3) This request for progress payments does not include any amounts which the prime contractor intends to withhold or retain from a subcontractor or supplier in accordance with the terms and conditions of the subcontract; and

(4) This certification is not to be construed as final acceptance of a subcontractor’s performance.

________________________________________________(name) ________________________________________________(title)

________________________________________________(date)

(e) Access for verification of payment entitlement. To verify the Contractor’s entitlement to progress payments under this contract, the Contractor shall provide the Government, upon request and during normal business hours, access to the following:

(1) Records and Documentation:

(i) Certified progress payment requests and supporting documentation;

(ii) Subcontractor and supplier invoices, payment records, and lien waivers;

(iii)Updated schedule of values and progress schedules;

(iv) Quality assurance and inspection reports;

(v) Payroll records, if applicable under labor provisions.

(2) Facilities and Worksite Access:

(i) Physical access to the construction site for inspection of work progress;

(ii) Access to off-site storage locations for materials billed but not yet incorporated into the work; or (iii)Access to any fabrication facilities where contract-related work is being performed.

(3) Access to electronic invoicing or project management systems used to track progress and payments, if such systems are used in contract performance.

(f) Dates for payment. A progress payment under this clause is a contract progress payment under the Prompt Payment clause of this contract, and except as provided in paragraph (g) of this clause, approved requests shall be paid within 30 days of submittal of a proper request for payment.

(g) Liquidation of progress payments. Progress payments shall be liquidated by deducting from the payment of each item the total unliquidated amount of progress payments made for that separately priced unit of that line item. The liquidation amounts for each line item shall be clearly delineated in each request for progress payment submitted by the Contractor.

(h) Security for progress payments. In the event the Contractor fails to provide adequate security as required in this contract, no progress payment shall be made under this contract. Upon receipt of adequate security, progress payments shall be made, including all previous payments to which the Contractor is entitled, in accordance with the terms of the contract. If at any time the Contracting Officer determines that the security provided by the Contractor is insufficient, the Contractor shall promptly provide such additional security as the Contracting Officer determines necessary. In the event the Contractor fails to provide such additional security, the Contracting Officer may collect or liquidate such security that has been provided, and suspend further payments to the Contractor; the Contractor shall repay to the Government the amount of unliquidated progress payments as the Contracting Officer at his sole discretion deems repayable.

(i) Special terms regarding termination for cause. If this contract is terminated for cause, the Contractor shall, on demand, repay to the Government the amount of unliquidated progress payments. The Government shall be liable for no payment except as provided by the Termination for Cause paragraph of the clause at Federal Acquisition Regulation 52.212-4, Contract Terms and Conditions—Commercial Products and Commercial Services.

(j) Reservation of rights.

(1) No payment, vesting of title under this clause, or other action taken by the Government under this clause shall-

(i) Excuse the Contractor from performance of obligations under this contract; or

(ii) Constitute a waiver of any of the rights or remedies of the parties under the contract.

(2) The Government’s rights and remedies under this clause-

(i) Shall not be exclusive, but rather shall be in addition to any other rights and remedies provided by law or this contract; and

(ii) Shall not be affected by delayed, partial, or omitted exercise of any right, remedy, power, or privilege, nor shall such exercise or any single exercise preclude or impair any further exercise under this clause or the exercise of any other right, power, or privilege of the Government.

(k) Refund of unearned amounts. If the Contractor, after making a certified request for progress payments, discovers that a portion or all of such request constitutes a payment for performance by the Contractor that fails to conform to the specifications, terms, and conditions of this contract (hereinafter referred to as the "unearned amount"), the Contractor shall-

(1) Notify the Contracting Officer of such performance deficiency; and

(2) Be obligated to pay the Government an amount (computed by the Contracting Officer in the manner provided in paragraph (j) of this clause) equal to interest on the unearned amount from the 8th day after the date of receipt of the unearned amount until-

(i) The date the Contractor notifies the Contracting Officer that the performance deficiency has been corrected; or

(ii) The date the Contractor reduces the amount of any subsequent certified request for progress payments by an amount equal to the unearned amount.

(l) Retainage. If the Contracting Officer finds that satisfactory progress was achieved during any period for which a progress payment is to be made, the Contracting Officer shall authorize payment to be made in full. However, if satisfactory progress has not been made, the Contracting Officer may retain a maximum of 10 percent of the amount of the payment until satisfactory progress is achieved. When the work is substantially complete, the Contracting Officer may retain from previously withheld funds and future progress payments that amount the Contracting Officer considers adequate for protection of the Government and shall release to the Contractor all the remaining withheld funds. Also, on completion and acceptance of each separate building, public work, or other division of the contract, for which the price is stated separately in the contract, payment shall be made for the completed work without retention of a percentage.

(m) Title, liability, and reservation of rights. All material and work covered by progress payments made shall, at the time of payment, become the sole property of the Government, but this shall not be construed as-

(1) Relieving the Contractor from the sole responsibility for all material and work upon which payments have been made or the restoration of any damaged work; or

(2) Waiving the right of the Government to require the fulfillment of all the terms of the contract.

(3) The Government’s rights and remedies under this clause-

(i) Shall not be exclusive, but rather shall be in addition to any other rights and remedies provided by law or this contract; and

(ii) Shall not be affected by delayed, partial, or omitted exercise of any right, remedy, power, or privilege, nor shall such exercise or any single exercise preclude or impair any further exercise under this clause or the exercise of any other right, power, or privilege of the Government.

(n) Reimbursement for bond premiums. In making these progress payments, the Government shall, upon request, reimburse the Contractor for the amount of premiums paid for performance and payment bonds (including coinsurance and reinsurance agreements, when applicable) after the Contractor has furnished evidence of full payment to the surety. The retainage provisions in paragraph (l) of this clause shall not apply to that portion of progress payments attributable to bond premiums.

(o) Final payment. The Government shall pay the amount due the Contractor under this contract after-

(1) Completion and acceptance of all work;

(2) Presentation of a properly executed voucher; and

(3) Presentation of release of all claims against the Government arising by virtue of this contract, other than claims, in stated amounts, that the Contractor has specifically excepted from the operation of the release. A release may also be required of the assignee if the Contractor’s claim to amounts payable under this contract has been assigned under the Assignment of Claims Act of1940 ( 31 U.S.C.3727 and 41 U.S.C. 6305).

(p) Limitation because of undefinitized work. Notwithstanding any provision of this contract, progress payments shall not exceed 80 percent on work accomplished on undefinitized contract actions. A "contract action" is any action resulting in a contract, as defined in FAR subpart 2.1, including contract modifications for additional supplies or services, but not including contract modifications that are within the scope and under the terms of the contract, such as contract modifications issued pursuant to the Changes clause, or funding and other administrative changes.

(End of clause)

Solicitation Information:

52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors - Commercial Products & Commercial Services (Nov 2025)

Period for acceptance of offers The Offeror agrees to hold the prices in its offer firm for 60 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers.

http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title31-section3727&num=0&edition=prelim http://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title41-section6305&num=0&edition=prelim

Registration on www.Sam.gov Contractors must be registered on the www.Sam.gov website at time of quote submission.

Questions:

Questions shall be submitted via email to Janice King at janice.king@usda.gov no later than February 10, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Central Time. This will ensure enough time to respond before the solicitation period ends. Please include the solicitation’s name and number as the subject line of the email: Veterans Point Trail Rehabilitation Quote – 1240LT26Q0015.

Please submit the following documents with your quote no later than 9:00 a.m. Central Time on February 24, 2026:

1. Technical Approach documentation

2. Past Performance documentation

3. Pricing documentation – Use the Schedule of Items (Attachment 3) to input pricing for the Base and Optional Items, if Optional Items are included in this project.)

4. Bid Guarantee

Email addresses for submission of quote: Janice King, Contract Specialist, at janice.king@usda.gov and Lucas Dahlman, Contracting Officer, at lucas.dahlman@usda.gov

In the submission of your quote, include in the email’s subject line: Veterans Point Trail Rehabilitation Quote – 1240LT26Q0015.

Quotes shall be no more than 10 pages, including the Schedule of Items. Offerors shall use Times New Roman Font on 8 x 11 size paper. Documentation submitted for the Bid Guarantee will not be included in the 10 page document criterion.

Award Type It is anticipated that a Firm Fixed Price Contract will be awarded as a result of this synopsis/solicitation. The Government intends to make one award from this solicitation. Therefore, to be considered responsive, contractors must submit pricing for all items.

Evaluation and Basis for Award The provision at FAR 52.212-2, Evaluation—Commercial Products and Commercial Services is not applicable to this solicitation. In lieu of this provision, quotes will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 12.203 based on the criteria listed below. Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government.

Quote Evaluation Method http://www.sam.gov/ http://www.sam.gov/ mailto:lisa.rakich@usda.gov mailto:janice.king@usda.gov mailto:lucas.dahlman@usda.gov

The Government intends to evaluate quotations using a comparative evaluation methodology. This means quotations will be compared against one another to determine which provides the best value to the Government, based on the evaluation factors outlined in this solicitation. The Government may consider quotations that exceed minimum requirements and offer additional value or benefits, even if they are not the lowest priced. However, formal trade-off procedures will not be conducted.

Evaluation Factors The Government will evaluate the content of the offeror’s submitted documentation to assess the reasonableness of the contractor’s Technical Approach and Past Performance for which a confidence rating will be assigned to the offeror’s capability to perform the required work. The following factors will be considered:

Factor 1 - Technical Approach and Understanding of the Project:

The technical approach will evaluate the ability of the offeror to provide a sound, compliant, approach that meets all requirements and shows a thorough understanding of the work. It is the contractor's responsibility to ensure that their quotation clearly demonstrates their capability to meet the requirement. All offerors must provide the following, minimum, information and documentation with their quotations to be considered responsive and have their offers evaluated:

• A detailed 2- 4 page explanation of the offeror’s approach to complete the project in the Statement of Work, to include the delivery requirements. A simple statement of capabilities will not suffice. The offeror must address how it will accomplish the requirements of the SOW addressing key tasks and demonstrating a thorough understanding of the project.

• Offerors shall include a Construction Schedule (such as a Gantt Chart) illustrating the project’s schedule for the work to be completed within the estimated Period of Performance for this contract.

Factor 2 - Past Performance:

The offeror shall briefly describe, in no more than 3 pages (8 ½ x 11 inches), previous contract experience (either as a prime or subcontractor) completed within the last 5 years that is similar in scope and complexity to work listed in the Statement of Work (SOW), especially for federal, state, local government(s) or commercial customers. Highlight actual work performed by your company for each project and how it relates to the project in question; quality of work; timeliness of performance; contract management including paperwork processing and quality control effectiveness; customer satisfaction; cost control; oversight of project resources including subcontractors and suppliers; and compliance with contract requirements, regulatory, labor, and safety standards as it relates to each project.

For each project, the contractor shall provide a Reference List with the following:

• CPARS Reviews (if federal), Customer Reviews, or any other relevant recommendations,

• Contract Number (if federal),

• Location of the project,

• Description of work performed,

• Size of the project (include the dollar value of the project),

• Key personnel and major subcontractors utilized,

• Customer contacts (must provide telephone numbers and emails),

• Quality of service/customer satisfaction/business relationships with customers,

• If problems were encountered, describe them and any corrective actions taken to prevent a recurrence.

Offerors without relevant past performance will not be rated favorably or unfavorably but will receive a Neutral Confidence rating.

Past Performance will be evaluated using the following rating system:

• Acceptable: The contractor shows a demonstrated ability to meet contract requirements in prior or current contracts, including quality of work, timeliness, cost control, business relations, and adherence to contract terms.

• Neutral: Offeror does not have a past performance record.

• Unacceptable: The contractor has a documented history of failing to meet contract requirements, including poor quality, missed deadlines, cost overruns, lack of responsiveness, or unethical behavior.

Confidence Assessment: Based on the offeror’s technical approach along with the recency, relevancy, and the quality of past performance, the Government will assign one of the following confidence ratings:

• High Confidence – Government has a high expectation of successful performance.

• Some Confidence – Government has a reasonable expectation of success.

• Low Confidence – Government has concerns about successful performance.

• Neutral Confidence – No relevant past performance available; no positive or negative inference will be made.

Factor 3 - Price:

The offeror shall provide pricing as requested in the attached spreadsheet titled “Attachment 3 – Schedule of Items.” Any quantity price discounts and discounts for prompt payment should be included in this section. Total price evaluation will be for the base period, all optional items, and periods. Failure to propose pricing for the base items and optional items on individual line items may result in a quotation being excluded from further consideration. The offeror’s quotation will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 12.204, to determine if it is fair and reasonable.

Qualification Requirements Offerors and/or their subcontractors must supply all equipment and possess the knowledge, skill, and ability to commence work through its completion as detailed in the SOW, SOI, and Specifications in a manner that is deemed satisfactory to the Government.

52.252-1 Solicitation Provisions Incorporated by Reference Feb 1998 This solicitation incorporates one or more solicitation provisions by reference, with the same force and effect as if they were given in full text. Upon request, the Contracting Officer will make their full text available. The offeror is cautioned that the listed provisions may include blocks that must be completed by the offeror and submitted with its quotation or offer. In lieu of submitting the full text of those provisions, the offeror may identify the provision by paragraph identifier and provide the appropriate information with its quotation or offer. Also, the full text of a solicitation provision may be accessed electronically at this/these address(es): https://www.acquisition.gov/far-overhaul/far-part-deviation-guide/far-overhaul-part-52

52.203-18 Prohibition on Contracting with Entities that Require Certain Internal Confidentiality Agreements or Statements-Representation (Jan 2017) 52.240-90 Security Prohibitions and Exclusions Representations and Certifications (Nov 2025)

The following provisions are applicable if checked:

☒ 52.203-11 Certification and Disclosure Regarding Payments to Influence Certain Federal Transactions (Sep 2024) ☒ 52.204-7 System for Award Management—Registration (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.217-5 Evaluation of Options (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.225-2 Buy American Certificate (Oct 2022) ☒ 52.225-10 Notice of Buy American Requirement - Construction Materials (May 2014) ☒ 52.233-2 Service of Protest (Sep 2025)

When checked, the Contractor shall comply with the following FAR Clauses for Commercial Construction.

☒ 52.222-5 Construction Wage Requirements, Secondary Site of the Work (Nov 2025) ☒ 52.225-10 Notice of Buy American Requirement- Construction Materials (May 2014) ☒ 52.225-12 Notice of Buy American Requirement-Construction Materials under Trade Agreements (May 2014) ☒ 52.228-1 Bid Guarantee (Sep 1996)

AGAR Provisions

452.203-70 Anti-Discrimination & Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Certification (Dec 2025)

(a) By submission of its offer, the offeror certifies that:

(1) It is compliant with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws and the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution.

(2) Neither it nor any proposed subcontractor or teaming partner operates or funds any program, policy, or initiative that promotes DEI in a manner that violates any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws, including but not limited to Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, or the Equal Protection principles of the U.S. Constitution.

(b) If the offeror participates in, facilitates, or funds programs that implicate Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended, including but not limited to grants to or for schools, colleges, universities, 4-H programs, non-governmental organization (NGO) programs, sports programs, and education-related grants to prisons or other detention facilities, by submission of its offer, the offeror certifies that it is compliant with those laws, including the requirements set forth in Executive Order 14168, Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government, and Executive Order 14173, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity.

(c) The offeror affirms that the above requirements are conditions of payment that go to the essence of the contract and are therefore material terms of the contract. Payments under the contract are predicated on compliance with the above requirements, and therefore the offeror will not be eligible for funding under the contract or to retain any funding under the contract absent compliance with the above requirements.

(d) This certification reflects a change in the Government’s position regarding the materiality of the foregoing requirements and therefore any prior payment of similar claims does not reflect the materiality of the foregoing requirements to this contract.

(e) Submission of a knowing false statement relating to offeror’s compliance with the above requirements and/or eligibility for the contract may subject the offeror to liability under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. § 3729, and/or criminal liability, including under 18 U.S.C. §§ 287 and 1001.

(f) Failure on the part of the offeror or its subcontractors to comply with the terms of this clause may be grounds for the Contracting Officer to terminate the contract for default.

(End of Provision)

NOTICE FOR FILING AGENCY PROTESTS

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Ombudsman Program

The USDA is committed to issuing solicitations and awarding contracts in a fair and prompt manner.

The Ombudsman Program for Agency Protests (OPAP) was established to address protest issues within the agency, providing an alternative to costly and time-consuming litigation. Operating independently, OPAP offers relief comparable to that granted by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Interested parties are encouraged to resolve concerns through USDA’s internal Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process before pursuing external forums such as the GAO.

Concerns may be addressed informally or through a formal agency protest filed with either the Contracting Officer or the Ombudsman.

Informal Forum with the Ombudsman

1. Initial Point of Contact: Interested parties who believe a specific USDA procurement is unfair or otherwise defective should first direct their concerns to the applicable Contracting Officer.

2. Escalation: If the Contracting Officer is unable to address their concerns, interested parties are encouraged to contact the USDA Ombudsman for Agency Protests. Under this informal process, the agency is not required to suspend contract award performance. Utilization of the informal forum does not suspend any time requirement for filing a formal protest with the agency or other forums.

3. Required Information: To ensure a timely response, interested parties should provide the following information to the Ombudsman: solicitation/contract number, contracting office, Contracting Officer, and solicitation closing date (if applicable).

Formal Agency Protest with the Ombudsman

1. Effort to Resolve: Prior to submitting a formal agency protest, protesters must first use their best efforts to resolve their concerns with the Contracting Officer through open and frank discussions.

2. Independent Review: If the protester’s concerns remain unresolved, an Independent Review is available by the Ombudsman. The protester may file a formal agency protest with either the Contracting Officer who awarded or, alternatively, with the Ombudsman under the OPAP program. Contract awards or performance will be suspended during the protest period unless justified in writing for urgent and compelling reasons or determined in writing to be in the best interest of the Government.

3. Resolution Timeline: The agency’s goal is to resolve protests within 35 calendar days from the date of filing.

4. Required Information: Protests shall include the information set forth in FAR 33.104(a)(3).

Failure to submit the required information may result in a delay or dismissal of the protest.

5. Timeliness: Protests must be filed within the timeframes specified in FAR 33.104.

6. Submission: Formal protests under the OPAP program should be submitted electronically to SPE.inquiry@usda.gov and the Contracting Officer.

Election of Forum. By initiating a protest with the USDA, the protester agrees not to pursue the same matter with the Government Accountability Office (GAO) or any other external forum while the agency protest is pending. If a protest is filed externally, the agency protest will be dismissed.

mailto:SPE.inquiry@usda.gov