Construct Resilience Improvements to Santa Barbara Island Wharf

The National Park Service is conducting market research for a competitive solicitation to construct resilience improvements to Santa Barbara Island Wharf, with a Sources Sought Notice response deadline of July 24, 2026. The government anticipates issuing a Request for Proposals in Fall/Winter 2026 and awarding a single Firm-Fixed-Price contract; final determination of a small business or other socio-economic set-aside will follow analysis of market responses.

Work is located at Santa Barbara Island, approximately 38 miles offshore in Channel Islands National Park near Ventura County, California. The scope includes replacing eight timber fender piles, installing two steel breasting piles, constructing a two-level lower landing area with access ladders and guardrails, installing two timber bearing piles, repairing pile hardware and bracing, and replacing approximately 220 square feet of upper-level decking. Performance is anticipated at 388 calendar days, potentially spanning two seasons with in-water work constrained to June through September for ocean conditions and seasonal shutdowns for environmental protection of nesting seabirds and pinniped pups.

The project requires specialized marine construction expertise including underwater structural welding, drilling, anchoring, carpentry, and metal fabrication; prime contractor experience on federal construction projects of similar scope and magnitude performing in logistically challenging coastal environments; proven capability offloading materials from barges or helicopters; and compliance with NPS biosecurity protocols and environmental requirements. Contractors must demonstrate capacity to secure bid, performance, and payment bonds and hold California local construction licensing. NAICS 237990 applies, with a $45 million size standard. Staging is limited to upland areas accessible by helicopter, with housing for up to eight personnel and eight primitive campsites at nominal cost. Respondents must submit completed questionnaires to Contracting Officer Rachel Dyer (Rachel_dyer@ios.doi.gov) by July 24, 2026, at 9:00 AM Mountain Time and identify applicable SBA certifications and percentage of work to be self-performed.