Matagorda island unit of aransas NWR berm repairs, matagorda island, texas

The Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program, Inc. (CBBEP) is soliciting sealed bids for berm repairs at the Matagorda Island Unit of Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in Matagorda Island, Texas, with bids due September 18, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. A non-mandatory pre-bid conference was held virtually on August 27, 2026, and a site visit occurred on August 28, 2026; questions are due September 11, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

The scope encompasses rebuilding two breached berm sections, installation of 36-inch HDPE culverts with subsidiary materials, riprap shoreline protection, and access road improvements. A registered Texas professional land surveyor is required for initial, interim, and final surveys. CBBEP will furnish approximately 1,020 cubic yards of R-150 graded riprap, 45 cubic yards of bedding stone, 4,200 cubic yards of sand fill (harvested on-site), 300 cubic yards of oyster shell and recycled runway mix, and concrete debris. Contractors must begin mobilization before December 1, 2026, and complete all on-island work by February 28, 2027.

The project site presents substantial logistical constraints: equipment and material access routes through a 25-mile unimproved access road via U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service dock in Port O'Connor, with no water access to work areas. Work is restricted within 1,000 feet of whooping cranes starting November 1, 2026, generally limited to daylight hours; contractors may claim compensation for documented standby costs and schedule adjustments if work is suspended for crane conservation. Scheduled hunts occur in November and December 2026, and concurrent oil and gas decommissioning activities are underway.

Payment is structured as per-linear-foot for levee cap work and lump-sum percentage-of-completion for all other items. Bid documents are available digitally at no cost from HDR Engineering; printed copies cost $75.00 (half-size plans included) with full-size plans available for an additional $25.00 per set. Contact Julie Morris at (361) 696-3331 or julie.morris@hdrinc.com. Bids will be publicly opened at HDR's office at 555 N. Carancahua St., Suite 1600, Corpus Christi, Texas 78401.