CUSTER GALLATIN NATIONAL FOREST - Sweet Trunk Trail #274

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service seeks construction of approximately 18.4 miles of 36-inch stock trail through very rough terrain in the Custer Gallatin National Forest, with quotes due July 13, 2026, at 12:00 PM Mountain Time (amended from July 1) and questions due June 24 at 12:00 PM Mountain Time. This is a 100% small business set-aside RFQ issued under FAR Part 12 commercial items procedures; solicitation number 1240LU26Q0084.

Place of performance is the Big Timber Ranger District, Custer Gallatin National Forest, northwest of Big Timber, Montana, extending from the Half Moon campground trailhead at Big Timber Canyon to Sweet Grass Creek. Work must begin within 10 calendar days of award and be completed by October 16, 2028—a 1,600 calendar day performance window. The working season runs approximately June 1 through October 15, subject to weather and snowpack conditions.

Scope includes clearing and grubbing of 96,153 linear feet of new trail, 1,000 linear feet of new trail in rock terrain (requiring blasting or hydraulic hammering), 100 drain dips, 25 switchbacks, rock retaining walls from native on-site materials at 24-inch width, 15 sediment trap ditches, two rock retainer turnpikes, one 15-inch by 15-foot PE culvert, approximately 35 posts, natural fords, and stream crossings. Equipment is restricted to a maximum 42-inch width unless approved by the Contracting Officer Representative; 42-inch rubber tracked mini excavators are recommended for the steep, rocky terrain. The contractor bears all blasting and permitting responsibility.

Project magnitude is estimated between $500,000 and $1,000,000. NAICS is 237990, with small business size standard of $45.0 million. Bid Bond (20% if quote exceeds $150,000) and Performance and Payment Bonds (both at 100% of contract price if exceeding $150,000) are required, due within 10 days of award. Payment protection (irrevocable letter of credit or payment bond) is required for contracts between $35,000 and $150,000, due within 10 days of award. Prevailing wage rates apply per Department of Labor General Decision Number MT20260077. Quoters must submit a Schedule of Items, documentation of relevant experience and past performance within the preceding five years demonstrating capability on similar mountain terrain projects, and bid guarantee if required. Award will be made to the offeror representing best value based on experience, past performance, and price. Offers must remain firm for 90 calendar days. Amendment 002 extended the response deadline to July 13, 2026; Amendment 001 updated the project maps. All work items are base items with no options; quantity modifications may require contract amendments.