SD-sand lake NWR-rehab SL fire tower

The Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking a contractor to rehabilitate the historic fire tower at Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Columbia, South Dakota. The comprehensive project involves removing lead-based paint from both interior and exterior surfaces of the 107-foot tall observation tower, repairing damaged glazing, repainting with non-lead-based paint including application of the USFWS "blue goose" design, and removing retired communication antennae. Contractors must demonstrate experience with similar observation or fire tower repair projects completed within the past five years and submit a technical approach narrative, past performance documentation, and Standard Form 1442. The solicitation will be evaluated using a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) methodology considering price, technical approach, and past performance. An organized site visit is scheduled for July 24, 2025, from 9am-10am CST, and all proposals must be submitted electronically by August 18, 2025.

This opportunity is set aside exclusively for small business concerns under the Total Small Business set-aside program, with an estimated contract value ranging between $100,000 and $250,000. The project involves significant environmental remediation work, as lead-based paint testing revealed contamination levels of 50,000 ppm on interior walls and 190,000 ppm on exterior surfaces, far exceeding EPA guidelines. Performance must begin within 10 calendar days of contract award and be completed within 180 calendar days. The work will be performed at the Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge fire tower, which stands approximately 108 feet tall and requires compliance with the 2021 International Building Code as well as EPA and South Dakota Department of Environmental Quality regulations for lead-based paint handling and disposal. The project falls under NAICS code 236220 for Commercial and Institutional Building Construction and is classified as repair or alteration of non-building facilities.