USFWS-swanquarter NWR, NC bell-isle pier repair

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is soliciting proposals for the repair of approximately 960 linear feet of a timber pier located at the Bell Isle area of Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge in North Carolina. The project involves deconstruction of existing wood decking and rails, followed by installation of new decking materials, stringers, blocking, braces, and railing components to restore full functionality to the pier structure. Bidders must demonstrate experience with marine-related projects or dock and deck building, with a minimum of two relevant projects completed within the last five years, each valued at $250,000 or more. The contract will be awarded using a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) evaluation method, with technical factors including project approach, progress schedule, and past performance. The proposal deadline is November 24, 2025, following Amendment 5, which reopened the solicitation for seven days to allow resubmission of bids. Technical proposals are limited to 20 pages, and offerors must acknowledge receipt of all amendments prior to the submission deadline.

This solicitation is designated as a Total Small Business set-aside, limiting competition to qualified small business concerns. The contract is structured as a firm-fixed-price construction award with a base bid for pier repair and optional line items for TREX decking and galvanized fasteners as alternatives to the specified 316 stainless steel hardware. The performance period is 180 calendar days after notice to proceed, with work scheduled to occur between September 1, 2025, and May 1, 2026, limited to daylight hours and subject to environmental restrictions. The contractor must obtain necessary federal, state, and local permits, including a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nationwide Permit and a Federal Consistency Determination. The work is located at Swanquarter National Wildlife Refuge in North Carolina, and Davis-Bacon wage rates apply to this construction project, with minimum hourly rates established for various trade classifications in accordance with Executive Orders 14026 and 13658.