CA-merced NWR-qtrs septic system

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is soliciting quotations for the replacement of a sewage pump vault at Merced National Wildlife Refuge in Merced, California under Solicitation 140FC326Q0015. The scope of work involves abandoning an existing unsafe in-ground sewage pump vault and installing a new above-grade sewage pump vault with a pumping system and control panel featuring audible and visible alarm indicators. Contractors must submit quotations electronically by March 30, 2026 at 4:00 PM MDT, with a written questions deadline of March 16, 2026 at 4:00 PM MDT. A mandatory site visit was scheduled for March 12, 2026 at 9:00 AM PST, and based on the amendment documentation, only one contractor (Living Water Initiatives LLC) attended. Key contract requirements include compliance with Davis-Bacon wage requirements, Buy American construction materials standards, and OSHA safety regulations, with work hours limited to Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM unless otherwise approved by the Refuge Manager.

This solicitation is designated as a total small business set-aside with a project magnitude of less than $25,000. The period of performance runs from April 6, 2026 through August 15, 2026, allowing approximately four and one-half months for project completion. Specific technical requirements include a 500-gallon capacity vault, a single horsepower pump system, an 18-28 inch invert depth from the house, and approximately 35-50 feet distance to the septic leach field with 2-3 feet elevation change. Contractors are responsible for field verification and total dynamic head calculations, with provisions for temporary bypass pumping if service maintenance becomes necessary during construction. The work will be performed at the Merced National Wildlife Refuge in Merced, California, with contract administration handled by the FWS Construction A/E Team located at 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, Virginia.