Trail Replacement

The National Park Service, Interior Regions 3/4/5, seeks replacement of approximately 1,500 linear feet of boardwalks and 43 staircases at the West Beach Succession Trail in Indiana Dunes National Park (Gary, Indiana), with proposals due June 16, 2026. The procurement is a 100% Total Small Business set-aside under NAICS code 237990, foreclosing competition outside that pool.

Place of performance is Indiana Dunes National Park, Porter County, Indiana. Work consists of removal and demolition of existing trail structures constructed in 2006 and replacement with new 6-foot-wide galvanized modular boardwalks using Wickcraft or approved equal systems with 2x6-inch Trex Transend composite decking, new staircases with 7-inch risers and 11-inch treads, and associated infrastructure. The project requires installation of approximately 440 helical piles at 20-foot depth and 50 helical posts at 7-foot depth; approximately 114 steel plates for foundations; anti-slip treads (minimum 48 inches by 3.75 inches) on each stair step positioned one inch from the nose edge and on every ramp board; nine benches and two signs per drawing specifications; and temporary ground protection mats throughout the work area. All structures must comply with the 2024 International Building Code and support 100 pounds per square foot pedestrian loads. Construction is limited to 12-foot total width due to protected plant species, and only light equipment is permitted. Work cannot commence until after Labor Day 2026 due to park visitation restrictions. The contractor must transport backfill sand from Mount Baldy, Michigan City, approximately 18.7 miles away, and is responsible for removing one designated tree (15 diameter at breast height) and clearing shrubs at specified locations; tree removal is permitted only between October 1 and March 31.

The estimated project magnitude is between one million and three million dollars. The contract is firm-fixed-price with performance expected to begin in August/September 2026 and complete within 270 calendar days from Notice to Proceed; award is anticipated July/August 2026. Construction Wage Rate Requirements for Porter County, Indiana apply. The contractor must be registered in SAM.gov as an active small business at bid submission, award, and throughout performance, and must furnish performance and payment bonds within ten days of award. A bid guarantee of at least 20 percent of bid price is required. An organized site visit occurred May 19, 2026. Amendments posted June 1 and June 10 added questions/answers, revised specifications, and technical addenda; bidders must acknowledge all amendments.