Retamal Dam Building and Generator

The International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) is requesting sealed bids for the design-build of an emergency generator and building at Retamal Dam in Mercedes, Texas, under a total small business set-aside with bids due July 21, 2026 and a mandatory site visit on June 30 at 10:30 a.m. CST.

This is a total small business set-aside requiring a minimum of 23 percent of contract dollars directed to small businesses, with additional participation goals of 5 percent women-owned small businesses, 5 percent socially disadvantaged small businesses, 3 percent service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, and 3 percent HUBZone small businesses.

The scope is the complete design-build of an emergency generator housed in a metal building installed on a new concrete pad with a modern diesel fuel tank. The contractor furnishes all labor, material, and equipment necessary for project completion. Work must commence within 10 calendar days of notice to proceed and be completed within 485 calendar days, with closeout documents and final paperwork due within 120 calendar days. Liquidated damages are assessed at $1,349.49 daily for construction and $403.64 daily for closeout. Performance and payment bonds equal to 100 percent of the contract price are required within 10 calendar days of award. The contractor shall work only during IBWC facility hours of 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays, and coordinate site access with the Contracting Officer's Representative Heriberto Cantu.

The estimated project value is between $5 million and $10 million under NAICS Code 236220. General liability insurance with minimum limits of $500,000 per occurrence and $1 million aggregate, automobile liability insurance of $250,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence, workers' compensation insurance, and builder's risk insurance at 100 percent of completed project value are required within 10 calendar days of award.

Requests for information must be submitted in writing by 2:00 p.m. MST on July 7, 2026.