PKAA, Cottonwood Mine Closure Project

The Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS) is requesting bids on the Cottonwood Mine Closure Project involving mine-feature closures and maintenance across Clear Creek and Gilpin Counties, with bids due by 4:00 p.m. MT on August 20, 2026 (bid opening same day) and a mandatory virtual pre-bid meeting held August 4, 2026 with registration closing July 31, 2026. A 5% preference applies to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses with proper certification.

The scope encompasses closure of twelve new mine features (six guaranteed, four non-guaranteed closures, and two additional non-guaranteed) and maintenance of six existing features using machine backfill, corrugated steel pipe installations (including bat-gate alternatives with specialized bat cupola grating), native rock bulkheads, shaft grates, and adit/panel door repairs. Work includes mobilization, project safety planning, sediment control (250 linear feet of excelsior wattles), and revegetation of disturbed areas. Features are distributed across Clear Creek and Gilpin Counties with UTM NAD83 coordinates; closure methods are referenced against detailed specification sections and standard drawings. All employees must complete Part 48 mining safety training, read and sign a Safety, Health, and Environmental Action Plan (SHEAP), and implement White-Nose Syndrome decontamination protocols for mine work per U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service guidelines. Construction occurs October 5 through December 11, 2026 (68 calendar days allowed, including 10 days mobilization time). Contractors bidding $150,000 or greater must provide 100% Performance and Labor and Material Bonds. A 5% retainage applies for projects exceeding $150,000; liquidated damages are $400 per day for schedule delays.

Bids must be submitted electronically through Colorado Vendor Self Service (ColoradoVSS) and must include a completed Bid Schedule, List of Equipment Offered, and SDVOSB Certification if applicable. Amendment No. 01 (August 13, 2026) revised sediment control to 250 linear feet, added polyurethane foam and monument installation requirements, removed two features due to landownership issues, and clarified fire-restriction protocols for hot work in both counties. Written inquiries were due August 6, 2026.

The project is federally funded through the Department of Interior/Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (Assistance Listing 15.252), the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service (Assistance Listing 10.693), and State of Colorado Severance Tax. Davis-Bacon wage requirements apply (e.g., electricians $46.80/hour plus $19.53 fringe, plumbers $50.68/hour plus $20.15 fringe in Clear Creek and Gilpin Counties). Build America Buy America Act and Buy Clean Colorado Act provisions are mandatory for eligible materials. Insurance requirements: $1 million Commercial General Liability, $1 million Automobile Liability, and Pollution Liability coverage with the State named additional insured.