127EAW26Q0049 - Loves Falls Bridge Repair

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service seeks repair of the Loves Falls Trail Bridge over the North Yuba River near Sierra City, California, with quotes due August 11, 2026 at 10:00 AM Pacific Time. This is a Total Small Business Set Aside (NAICS 237310, Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction; small business size standard $45 million), Firm Fixed Price contract with one anticipated award.

Work involves cutting out and welding replacement steel tubing segments, replacing two damaged railing steel posts, replacing affected wooden decking on the 124-foot steel arched bridge, and site remediation. The bridge sustained damage from a fallen tree. Contractors must commence work within 10 calendar days of Notice to Proceed and complete all work within 60 calendar days. Work is limited to Monday through Friday, 0700–1900 hours on non-holiday weekdays. Materials and equipment must be walked 0.25 miles down the Pacific Crest Trail to the bridge site.

Place of performance is Sierra City, CA 96125 (approximately 1.5 hours from Nevada City, 1 hour from Truckee, accessible via Highway 49). Contractors must hold an active California Class A General Engineering Contractor license at quote submission and throughout performance. Performance and payment bonds are required within 10 calendar days of award. Davis-Bacon Act prevailing wage rates apply (General Decision CA20260007, effective May 18, 2026).

Key specifications include AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specifications (9th edition, 2020); FP-24 paint specification (amended August 3 from FP-14); power tool cleaning (SSPC-SP 11) acceptable for surface preparation; MPI #23 primer and MPI #15 intermediate and finish coats (or contractor-proposed alternatives with compatibility verification); treated timber materials per ASTM Grade 36 structural steel, hot-dipped galvanized hardware, and Douglas Fir-Larch No. 2 or better. Lead-based paint exceeding 0.06 percent lead by weight is prohibited. A Fire Plan applies during the Fire Precautionary Period (April 1–December 1), requiring fire supervisor designation, specified equipment, and compliance with Project Activity Levels determined by the Saddleback RAWS fire weather station.

Quotes must include completed Schedule of Items with unit and total pricing (six line items: Mobilization, Removal of Structures, Structural Steel, Bridge Railing and Timber, Structural Timber and Lumber with Treatment and Decking, Painting of Steel Structure), technical approach documentation (work plan, key personnel, performance schedule), active contractor's license copy, past performance references on similar projects completed within three years, and bid guarantees (SF 24 or cashier's check). Proposed prices must remain firm for 60 calendar days from quote due date. Questions are due July 30, 2026 at 10:00 AM Pacific Time using the RFI Form; RFI responses were posted August 3, 2026 as Amendment A00001. Award is made to the highest technically rated offeror provided price is fair and reasonable and past performance is acceptable or neutral. Evaluation criteria include technical approach soundness and compliance, key personnel qualifications, performance schedule realism, contractor licensing, and past performance. A post-award conference is required within 10 days of award, conducted virtually. All invoices must be submitted electronically through the Invoice Processing Platform system.