Forest Service - Disaster, Bush Loop Accessible Paved Trail Reconstruction

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service is seeking a contractor to reconstruct the Bush Loop Accessible Paved Trail in Sequoia National Forest, California, following damage from the 2020 Castle Fire. The project involves reconstructing 0.46 miles of handicapped-accessible trail, including widening the trail from 5 feet to 6 feet, removing and replacing existing drainage pipes, repaving with hot mix asphalt, installing an asphalt berm, and constructing an accessible parking space. The contract requires completion within 90 calendar days, with work beginning within 10 calendar days of the notice to proceed and restricted to non-holiday weekdays from 0700-1900 hours. The Forest Service will use a tradeoff source selection method, evaluating proposals based on past performance, work plan, key personnel, performance schedule, and price to determine the best overall value. All requests for information must be submitted to Contract Specialist Tanya Torres by 10:00 AM PDT on August 5, 2025, with final proposals due by 1:00 PM PDT on August 18, 2025.

This procurement is designated as a total small business set-aside under NAICS code 237310 for Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction, with no incumbent contractor identified in the solicitation documents. The project value is estimated between $250,000 and $500,000, with work scheduled to begin in September 2025 and complete within the 90-day performance period. The trail reconstruction spans 2,490 feet and requires specialized work including 3-inch thick asphalt pavement, new metal pipe arches with rock headwalls, and 6-inch drainage breaks every 30 feet in the downslope asphalt berm. Performance will take place in Tulare County, California, within the Sequoia National Forest, with the trailhead accessible via Forest Service roads near Johnsondale. Contractors must comply with Davis-Bacon wage determinations, fire prevention protocols, and various environmental restrictions while providing all necessary equipment, labor, and materials for the project.