B01-Source_Sought_Market_Research_1.pdf

SOURCE SOUGHT NOTICE (SSN) –

MARKET RESEARCH ONLY

United States Department of Interior – Design–Build: Boardwalk Replacements – Centennial Trail, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, Gulf Shores, Alabama

This Sources Sought Notice (SSN) is issued solely for market research purposes by the U.S. Department of Interior. The notice is not a request for proposals, invitation for bid, or a commitment by the Government to issue solicitation or award a contract. Responses to this notice are not considered offers and will not form a binding contract. The Government will not provide reimbursement for costs associated with responding to this notice.

1. Purpose The DOI is performing market research to identify qualified Design–Build (D/B) firms capable of delivering low-maintenance and resilient boardwalk replacements on the Centennial Trail within Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge (BSNWR), located in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The required work includes complete architectural and engineering (A/E) design, construction, surveys, geotechnical investigation, permitting support, and, optionally, demolition or removal of an existing wetland boardwalk segment.

2. Anticipated Scope (Summary) The Government anticipates awarding a single contract to a D/B firm for the design and construction of multiple boardwalk segments totaling approximately 990 linear feet. Field verification is required. The boardwalks must be simple, low-maintenance, durable, comply with ABA/ADA requirements (curbs are desired, handrails are not required), and be designed for the saltwater/acidic coastal environment and wetland soils along the trail corridor.

2.1 Key Technical Requirements

• Boardwalk Geometry & Use: Clear width must be between 6.5 and 7 feet; finished deck must be 24–30 inches above grade (not to exceed 30 inches to avoid handrails and to meet ADA/ABA requirements); must support a utility vehicle (such as Kubota

RTV X1140) for prescribed burns/wildfire support. Curbs should enable easy cleaning, such as curbs mounted on 3.5" blocks.

• Materials:

• Fasteners: Stainless steel ASTM 316.

• Ledgers/stringers/support beams: Minimum 0.80 CCA (UC4C).

• Decking/curbs: Low-maintenance and easy to clear of debris.

Design Standards: Must comply with all relevant Federal, State, and Local codes, including IBC, NFPA 101, NEC, ADA/ABA, OSHA, environmental statutes (such as the Clean Water Act), and AASHTO where applicable. CAD deliverables (dwg/pdf) and project specifications should be provided according to USFWS standards.

Surveys/Geotechnical: Employ a Registered Land Surveyor (AL) for topographic and existing conditions, and a Registered Geotechnical Engineer (AL) for soils investigation. Include USDA Web Soil Survey reports.

Permitting: The D/B firm is responsible for obtaining and paying for permits, licenses, and inspection fees. USFWS will assist as needed through the Endangered Species and Historic Preservation Acts. Authorization to repair, remove, or replace existing boardwalks is verified by a USACE Nationwide Permit (File SAM-2025-00562-JEB).

Quality, Safety, and Records: Implement construction quality control, independent materials testing, OSHA compliance, RFI/Submittal protocols, record drawings/as-builts, O&M manuals, training, and closeout deliverables as outlined in the Statement of Work

(SOW).

2.2 Boardwalk Locations (Approximate)

• Former BW1: approximately 594 ft

• Former BW2: approximately 50 ft

• Former BW3: approximately 200 ft

• Former BW4: approximately 60 ft

• Former BW5: approximately 86 ft

Exact start/end points and staging areas are shown in the SOW figures. Contractors must survey and verify field conditions.

2.3 Base and Tasks (For Market Research)

• Base Bid: Composite piles with composite decking and curb.

• Task Item 1: Composite piles with treated wood decking/curbs (≥0.6 CCA or ACQ, UC4B, or equivalent).

• Task Item 2: 2.5 CCA (UC5C) marine grade piles with composite decking/curbs.

• Task Item 3: 2.5 CCA (UC5C) marine grade piles with treated wood decking/curbs (≥

0.6 CCA or ACQ, UC4B, or equivalent).

• Task Item 4: Demolition and removal (no replacement) of Wetland Boardwalk (BWW), with piles completely removed.

3. Place of Performance The place of performance is Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge (NWR), Gulf Shores, Baldwin County, Alabama, specifically along the Centennial Trail corridor. Refer to SOW figures for vicinity and staging areas.

4. Anticipated Contract Type & Magnitude

• Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) Design–Build; one award is anticipated.

• Magnitude: Between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000.

• Period of Performance: 365 Calendar days from Notice to Proceed (NTP); contractor should propose schedule considering Refuge access windows/closures and long-lead items.

5. NAICS / PSC

• NAICS (anticipated): 237990 – Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction (or alternative NAICS as preferred).

• Small Business Size Standard: $45 Million.

• PSC: Y1PZ for construction of other non-building facilities

Respondents may suggest alternative NAICS/PSC codes with rationale based on their experience delivering similar boardwalk structures in coastal or refuge environments.

6. Submission Instructions Interested firms are invited to submit a Capability Statement (no more than 10 pages, excluding cover page, firm profile sheet, and resumes) addressing the following items:

6.1 Required Content

• Company Information: Name; UEI; CAGE; address; website; point of contact and email/phone.

• Socioeconomic Status: Indicate Small Business, 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, WOSB, EDWOSB, VOSB, Tribal/ANC, ISBEE.

• Licensing: Alabama General Contractor license (if required) and availability of

Alabama Registered Land Surveyor/Registered Geotechnical Engineer (in-house or through subcontract).

• Design–Build Experience: Provide details of 3–5 recent and relevant coastal/wetland boardwalk or similar elevated pedestrian structure D/B projects completed within the last 7 years, including client, location, scope, materials (composite vs. CCA/ACQ treated lumber; stainless fasteners), environmental conditions, ADA/ABA compliance, load and width criteria, contract value, schedule, and contact references. Emphasize features related to low maintenance and resiliency.

• Technical Approach (high-level):

• Survey and geotechnical methods for Hyde/Bayboro/Muck soils; approach to surface muck variability (∼18″–74″) and intermittent flooding.

• Foundation/pile concepts (composite vs. UC5C marine grade), corrosion resistance, and deck/curb cleaning design (e.g., curb blocks).

• ADA/ABA compliance strategy without handrails (≤30″ deck height).

• Constructability in refuge conditions, including staging, access, and vegetation trimming (≤2′ beyond footprint).

• Quality Control/Testing plan; independent lab accreditation; record drawings/as-builts; O&M manuals.

Safety & Environmental: OSHA programs (29 CFR 1926/1910), traffic control (MUTCD) if needed, erosion/silt control, cultural resources stop-work protocol, and NEPA/permit coordination under the SOW framework (USACE NWP reference).

Capacity & Bonding: Current bonding capacity (single/aggregate); average annual revenue;

staffing and subcontractor strategy (including survey, geotechnical, structural, landscape/civil).

Schedule: Preliminary construction schedule, identification of long-lead items (>3 weeks), and proposed site visit cadence for design consultants.

GMP/Estimating: Familiarity with CSI Uniformat/Master Format and Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) practices at 95% construction documents (CDs); ability to provide line-item unit pricing and contingencies throughout design phases (35/65/95/100%).

Comments on Base/Tasks: Brief observations regarding feasibility, risk, and maintenance implications for the Base and Tasks 1–4, including Wetland Boardwalk (BWW) removal.

6.2 Format & Delivery

• Page Limit: 10 pages for capability content (see Section 6.1); additional appendices for licenses and bond letters are permitted.

• File Format: Single PDF or Word (docx); 8.5" × 11"; minimum 11-point font.

• Email Subject: “Design Build Centennial Trail Boardwalks Replacement – [Your

Company Name]”.

• Due Date/Time: April 02, 2026 & 2:00 PM, Eastern Time Zone.

• Submission Email: joann_mallory@ios.doi.gov.

• Questions: Direct to JoAnn Mallory, Email joann_mallory@ios.doi.gov.

Late responses may not be considered in market research findings.

7. Anticipated Design Submittal Phases (for context) Respondents should confirm their capability to deliver phased design (35% Schematic Design, 65% Design Development, 95% Construction Documents, 100% Final) including required calculations, cost estimates, CAD and specification deliverables, and Government review cycles (approximately 21 days at 95%), as well as as-built drawings and closeout documentation.

8. Disclaimers

• The Government will not reimburse any costs incurred in responding to this SSN.

• Responses will be used to determine set-aside feasibility and acquisition strategy.

• Do not include proprietary, classified, or competition-sensitive information.

• The Government reserves the right to adjust scope, tasks, and requirements in any future solicitation.

9. Points of Contact

• Contracting Officer (CO): JoAnn Mallory and joann_mallory@ios.doi.gov

Attachment I (Reference for Respondents) A04 – Statement of Work (SOW) – Design–Build Services – Centennial Trail Boardwalks – February 2026. This document includes scope, standards, base/tasks, permitting context, and figures.