GAOA Iargo Springs Interpretive Site Stair and Boardwalk Renovation

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service is soliciting competitive bids for site improvements at the Iargo Springs Interpretive Site under solicitation number 12445526B0002, issued as an Invitation for Bids for commercial construction items. The primary scope includes removal and replacement of approximately 300 wood stairs descending from the upper parking area to the lower boardwalk, removal and replacement of upper observation platform decking and railings, removal of a lower stairway and landing near the dam with installation of a new railing, and optional boardwalk maintenance work. All contractors must price all line items in the Schedule of Items to be considered responsive, and the government will award the contract to the lowest-priced, responsible offeror who meets all solicitation requirements. Bids must be submitted by email to debra.brinn@usda.gov and paul.boucher@usda.gov by 2:00 P.M. Eastern Time on March 5, 2026, with a mandatory pre-bid meeting and site visit held on February 10, 2026, at 1:00 P.M. Eastern Time at the Huron Shores Ranger Station in Oscoda, Michigan. Bids with a subtotal exceeding $150,000 must include a bid bond on Standard Form 24 equal to 20 percent of the bid amount or $400,000, whichever is greater, with all bid pricing firm for 90 calendar days from the bid receipt date. A public bid opening will be conducted via Microsoft Teams on March 10, 2026, at 1:00 P.M. Eastern Time.

This acquisition is designated as a Total Small Business Set-Aside with a size standard of $45,000,000, meaning only certified small business concerns are eligible for award, though all responsible sources may submit bids for consideration. No incumbent contractors are identified in the solicitation materials. The government estimates the total contract value for all base and optional items combined will range between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000. The contractor must complete all work within 545 consecutive days following the Notice to Proceed, with work expected to progress continuously during the construction season, though winter work is permitted if conducted safely. The project is located at the Iargo Springs Interpretive Site in Iosco County, Oscoda Township, Michigan, within the Huron-Manistee National Forests, featuring steep slopes with elevations leading to the Au Sable River. The contract period of performance extends from March 16, 2026, through September 13, 2027, and all work must comply with Davis-Bacon prevailing wage requirements for Iosco County, Michigan, along with Buy American Act requirements for steel components and other specified materials.