NV Upper Carson Slough Backcountry Trail System

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service originally sought design-build services for the Upper Carson Slough Backcountry Trail System at Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Nevada. The procurement involved a two-phase selection process for constructing pedestrian trails, gravel parking areas, accessible trails and parking, interpretive design elements, and overlooks at multiple locations including Peterson Reservoir, Rogers Spring, and Longstreet Springs. Contractors were required to complete design documents at 65%, 90%, and final stages while participating in tribal partner workshops and coordinating with cultural and biological monitors during construction. The evaluation criteria included technical approach, past performance, technical capability/key personnel, work schedule, and price, with non-price factors approximately equal to price in importance. Phase one proposals were originally due January 17, 2025, with up to five contractors selected to proceed to phase two proposals due February 26, 2025, but the solicitation was ultimately cancelled on June 9, 2025.

This procurement was designated as a total small business set-aside under NAICS code 237990 (Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction) with a size standard of $45.0 million. The estimated contract value ranged between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000, with a performance period of 270 calendar days from notice to proceed. Work was scheduled to begin within 10 calendar days of receiving notice to proceed, with construction activities required to occur outside the migratory bird breeding season (March 15-August 15). The project location was Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge in Amargosa Valley, Nevada, and performance and payment bonds were required within 10 days of award. Site visit attendees during the procurement process included representatives from Cutting Edge Construction, Aventus, GES, Dofine Sprinkler Rebuilders, HCF Corp NV, and Herback, indicating the level of industry interest before the solicitation's cancellation.