Negrito Well Install

The USDA Forest Service Region 3-Southwestern Region is soliciting proposals for the construction of a new water well at the Negrito Fire Base to replace an irreparable existing well system. The contractor must drill to approximately 1,000 feet depth, install surface and interior casing, and connect the new well to the existing distribution system in full compliance with New Mexico Environment Department standards and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Key requirements include mobilization and demobilization, completion of all drilling and installation work, provision of materials and casing components, and submission of required permits and documentation within seven calendar days of project start. The Government will evaluate proposals on a firm fixed-price basis using a lowest-price technically acceptable approach, with evaluation criteria including technical acceptability on a go/no-go basis covering drilling methodology and NMED compliance, project schedule and mobilization plan, key personnel qualifications, past performance based on up to three relevant projects within the past five years, and price reasonableness. Offerors must submit proposals by February 23, 2026, at 4:00 PM Mountain Time, with questions due by February 18, 2026, at 12:00 PM Mountain Time submitted to david.l.watson@usda.gov.

This solicitation is a 100 percent small business set-aside under NAICS code 237110 with a $39.50 size standard, and it replaces a prior canceled solicitation following the original awardee's withdrawal. The work is scheduled to occur between March 2, 2026, and April 2, 2026, at the performance location in Reserve, New Mexico 87830. Offerors must provide a 10 percent bid guarantee in the form of a bid bond with their technical proposal, past performance, and price proposal submissions, and successful awardees will be required to furnish performance and payment bonds, each equal to 100 percent of the contract price, within ten calendar days of award notice. The contract incorporates standard FAR and USDA AGAR clauses applicable to federal construction contracts, including labor standards, safety, and anti-discrimination provisions, with a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan providing for 100 percent surveillance of contractor performance throughout the contract period.