Hidalgo County — CSJ 0861-01-071 — June 2026 Letting — State-Let Construction

The contract pertains to a state-let construction project in Hidalgo County, Texas, under solicitation number 0861-01-071 for a roadway widening initiative on FM 491, with a letting scheduled for June 2026. The work involves expanding a rural two-lane highway to include paved shoulders and improved horizontal alignment, accompanied by earthwork, subgrade stabilization using lime or cement, full-depth asphalt paving, drainage ditch reconstruction, and installation of sign supports across a total disturbed area of 27.75 acres. All construction must adhere to TxDOT specifications and referenced industry standards including ASTM D2241, ASTM A123, and MUTCD, with material requirements such as MS-7110 for aluminum sign blanks and DMS-7210 for composite blockouts. The project follows a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) award process, with bids evaluated based on technical compliance and price, requiring precise bid formatting, mathematical accuracy, and adherence to certification obligations. Contractors must meet stringent regulatory and procedural requirements including compliance with the Cargo Preference Act, mandating that at least half of all ocean-shipped materials be transported via U.S.-flag vessels with proper bill of lading documentation submitted within 20–30 days of loading. EEO requirements are enforced through mandatory nondiscrimination certification, submission of EEO-1 reports, and participation in an on-the-job training program for minorities, women, and economically disadvantaged individuals, with pay rates tied to journeyworker wages at 60%, 75%, and 90% across training phases and reimbursement for training hours. The prime contractor must self-perform at least 30% of the contract value using its own workforce, excluding specialty items, while ensuring all subcontractors adhere to nondiscrimination policies and include appropriate EEO clauses. Additional requirements include submission of Form 1295 for interested parties, a conflict of interest certification per Texas state law, safety compliance with OSHA and 23 CFR Part 635, and a $100,000 bid bond. The estimated contract value ranges between $228,000 and $380,000, based on bid schedule estimates and final quantities, though actual pricing is submitted in “DOLLARS and CENTS” without fixed unit rates. Proposals must be electronically submitted with supporting financial and experience documentation filed at least ten days before