Gaoa bar island DAM reconstruction

The Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management seeks reconstruction of Bar Island Dam in Phillips County, Montana, with proposals due June 8 at 2:00 PM MDT. This is a total small business set-aside under NAICS 237990 (Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction), with a firm fixed-price contract estimated between $1 million and $5 million.

Place of performance is Bar Island Dam, Phillips County, Montana, approximately 59 miles southwest of Malta. The project involves complete dam reconstruction including demolition of existing outlet works risers, installation of a new 36-inch reinforced concrete pipe outlet conduit with concrete tower and appurtenant structures, spillway improvements with erosion protection matting, toe drain installation, stilling basin construction with riprap outlet protection, and site restoration. Work must commence within 10 calendar days of notice to proceed (assumed July 13, 2026) and complete by November 30, 2027, during regular business hours (7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays). Construction activity and surface disturbance are prohibited December 1 through July 15 annually to protect sage grouse and migratory birds.

Key technical requirements include compacted embankment at 97 percent of maximum dry density per ASTM D698; concrete design strength of 4,500 psi with Type V cement for high sulfate exposure; geotextile filter fabric (Mirafi 180N) and stabilization fabric (Mirafi HP370); riprap materials meeting specific gravity and durability standards; and lime-amended soil treatment (minimum 3 percent by dry weight with 7-day curing) to address dispersive clay. Prevailing wage determinations apply per Montana General Decision effective May 18, 2026, covering 16 Montana counties with hourly rates ranging from approximately $15 to $43 plus fringe benefits of $1.30 to $25.38. The contractor must perform at least 25 percent of contract costs with its own employees, excluding material costs. Performance and payment bonds equal to 100 percent of contract price are required within 10 days of award. Proposals are evaluated on four equally weighted factors: Experience (demonstrated heavy civil construction within past five years via up to five project data sheets), Schedule (feasibility with Gantt chart identifying critical path and milestones), Past Performance (via CPARS reports or questionnaires), and Price. A bid guarantee (Standard Form 24) of 20 percent of bid price or $3 million, whichever is less, is required. Electronic submission in PDF format with 20 MB maximum per email to lisa_mckeon@ios.doi.gov.