Sam Houston Trail Bridge Replacement

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service Region 3 is seeking a design-build contractor to provide comprehensive services for the Sam Houston Trail Bridge Replacement project west of New Waverly, Texas. The procurement encompasses full design and construction of 18 trail bridges on the Multi-Use Trail system, including site investigation and analysis (Phase A), design and construction document preparation (Phase B), and removal of existing structures with construction of new crossings and trail approaches (Phase C). Key requirements include designs conforming to LRFD Guide Specifications for FRP Pedestrian Bridges with minimum 72-inch deck width, 500-year storm protection with 30% debris blocking and 18-inch freeboard, deep foundations, modular field-constructable designs, and Professional Engineer certification by Texas-registered engineers. The Government will evaluate proposals based on Technical Approach, Technical Qualifications (including specialized experience with similar projects and key personnel capabilities), Past Performance, and Price using a Best Value Tradeoff methodology. The RFP is expected to be posted to sam.gov in late February 2026, with responses due by February 23, 2026, and award anticipated on a single firm fixed-price contract basis.

This procurement is designated as a 100 percent Total Small Business set-aside under NAICS code 237990 (Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction), making it available only to certified small businesses. No incumbent contractor information is identified in the presolicitation notice, and specific award values or budget ranges are not disclosed in the available documentation. The project encompasses 18 bridge sites with varied locations and crossing types, allowing contractors to propose a phased approach to project completion. Davis-Bacon wage rates will apply to all construction activities, and both Performance and Payment bonds will be required as directed by the Contracting Officer. Contractors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) prior to award eligibility. The Government intends to award without discussions but reserves the right to conduct discussions if deemed beneficial, with the primary point of contact being David Watson at David.l.watson@usda.gov or (602) 225-5350.