Request for Information/Market Intelligence Notice: Use of Progressive Design Build (PDB) with Other Transaction Authority (OTA) - Fort Hunter-Liggett Water System Improvements

REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI) / MARKET INTELLIGENCE NOTICE

This is a Request for Information (RFI) for market intelligence and for informational purposes only. This announcement does not constitute a Solicitation or a Request for Proposal (RFP), and no solicitation is currently available. Participation in this RFI is strictly voluntary. The Government will not be obligated to award any agreement or contract because of this RFI, nor will it reimburse respondents for any costs associated with the preparation or submission of information. Submitting a response will not affect a firm’s ability to submit a proposal should formal solicitation be issued in the future.

NAICS Code: 237110 – Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction

(Note: While Other Transaction Authority is not subject to FAR-based small businesIntells regulations, this NAICS code is provided for market research to help the Government understand the size and demographics of the interested industrial base.)

Small Business Size Standard: $45 Million

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Louisville District, has a requirement for the design and construction of a project to restore and modernize the potable water system and wastewater collection system throughout the Fort Hunter Liggett Installation. The scope of work consists of furnishing all necessary design services, equipment, materials, labor, construction management, supervision, quality control, and supplies to deliver a fully functional and modernized potable water and wastewater systems on the Installation.  

The Fort Hunter Liggett water distribution system dates back to the 1950’s with a few areas believed to be even older and includes a three (3) well configuration that has sufficient pumping capacity to serve current supply demands, however, the water transmission system is undersized to satisfy the demand of the system.

While the current water system storage may be sufficient for normal operation, it cannot sustain the system for more than one day in the event of a pump outage and/or fire flow event during maximum day conditions; therefore, additional system storage is necessary. A new Tank Farm with adequate storage capacity (estimated to be a minimum of 2 million gallons) to be determined and validated in accordance with NSPC, UFC, and NFPA criteria, should be in vicinity of security fence gate 10 (Lat: 35.997638° , Long: -121.224355°).

Currently the primary storage tank for the potable water system is on the opposite side of the cantonment from the wells and the transmission main and distribution are combined causing significant pressure variations far in excess of industry standard, causing accelerated deterioration of system components. 

Many pipelines, valves, and hydrants within the distribution system have currently exceeded their useful life expectancy and have failed or failing. High operating pressures place additional strain on this aging system, requiring operational improvements as well as rehabilitation/replacement of existing assets.

Modernizing SCADA components are necessary to increase efficiency and updated to cover any system revisions and future improvements. SCADA infrastructure improvements shall integrate into the existing SCADA infrastructure.

Fort Hunter Liggett’s wastewater collection system was installed around the same time as the water potable system. Due to the age of the system and deterioration, replacement and rehabilitation of sanitary sewer lines, manholes, and the waste treatment plant lagoon are needed to return the system to be fully functional and code compliant. The wastewater treatment plant relies on a series of lagoons to treat sewage. There are lagoons that have operational deficiencies and require the replacement of the impermeable liner. In addition, the lagoon currently lacks baffles, which are essential for directing the flow of wastewater in a way that maximizes treatment time and prevents "short circuiting".

Estimated Acquisition Magnitude: $70-$80M

PRIMARY ACQUISITION STRATEGY UNDER EVALUATION: Progressive Design Build (PDB) via Other Transaction Authority (OTA).

The Louisville District is evaluating a Progressive Design Build (PDB) strategy utilizing an Other Transaction (OT) Agreement under the authority of 10 U.S.C. § 2808a. This authority authorizes transactions other than standard contracts to carry out facility repair and construction projects – including planning, design, engineering, piloting and execution – enabling early contractor involvement, commercial pricing transparency, and schedule and cost efficiencies.

Currently, the Government has advanced a conceptual design for the following potable water system features below. 

• New transmission main to connect the existing well field to the main distribution system within the cantonment area.
• New storage infrastructure as required to satisfy requirements for fire safety, emergency needs, and operational storage.

• Upgrades to existing water supply wells to enhance water-supply reliability and redundancy.

A Technical Assessment Report of the condition of Fort Hunter Liggett’s utilities systems and modernization recommendations of the water and sanitary sewer systems was completed in June 2024. The onsite assessments used in developing the Technical Assessment Report were conducted November 28-December 7, 2023.

Therefore, the Government is utilizing this RFI to assess industry capability, interest, and the advantages of utilizing PDB utilizing an OT Agreement under the authority of 10 U.S.C. § 2808a.

The PDB Course of Action (10 U.S.C. § 2808a):

The evaluation process for selection of the most highly qualified design-builder would be qualifications based. A streamlined, two-step Qualifications-Based Selection would occur: Step 1: White Papers/Statement of Qualifications submission. Step 2: Down selected design builders would be invited to Pitch Meetings/Presentations. Most highly qualified firm following pitch meetings would be selected to enter into negotiations. 

The OT Award would be two phases:

Phase 1 (Design & Pre-Construction): The Government team will negotiate the price of Agreement Phase I – Design and Pre-Construction Services with the selected design-builder. work collaboratively to advance the design, conduct open-book cost estimating, and mitigate project risks.

Phase 2 (Construction): Upon reaching an agreed-upon level of design (e.g., 60% to 90%), the Awardee will propose a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP). If the GMP is accepted, the Government will exercise Phase 2 for construction execution. If a GMP cannot be agreed upon, the Government retains an "off-ramp" to complete the design and construct the facility via alternative methods

INFORMATION REQUESTED

Interested parties are requested to respond to the following questions to help shape the final acquisition strategy. Responses shall be made using the link or QR code in the attachment:

Company Profile:

Q1. Firm Name

Q2. Address

Q3. Point of Contact (Name, Title)

Q4. Phone Number

Q5. Email Address

Q6. Unique Entity ID

Q7. CAGE code

Q8. Socioeconomic Status (Other Than Small, Small, 8(a), SDVOSB, etc.)

Q9. Participating Role (Prime Contractor, Subcontractor, Design Firm, Other)

Other Transaction Authority (OTA) & Collaborative Delivery Experience:

Q10. OTA Experience: Describe your firm's previous experience (if any) executing projects utilizing OTA.

Q11. Collaborative Delivery Experience: Describe your experience executing Construction Management at Risk (CM@Risk), Progressive Design Build (PDB), Integrated Design and Construction (IDAC), Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) or other highly collaborative delivery methods.

Fort Hunter Liggett Waterline

Q12. Describe your experience/expertise with water and wastewater utility construction.

Q13. What are the greatest supply chain, scheduling, or technical risks you foresee on a project of this type at Fort Hunter Liggett, and how could the PDB delivery method help mitigate?

Feedback on the Acquisition Strategy & Alternatives:

Q14. What project characteristics make PDB particularly advantageous or disadvantageous for this requirement? 

Q15. Does the proposed PDB-OTA strategy incentivize your firm to participate? Why or why not?

Q16. Are there alternative acquisition strategies, phasing approaches, or commercial practices the Government has not considered that would yield a better facility, faster delivery, or lower cost?

Q17. Differentiating Evaluation Criteria: To differentiate high-performing collaborative design builders from traditional low-bid general contractors, what evaluation criteria (e.g., past collaborative-delivery, technical approach, key personnel/superintendent experience, trade-partner/subcontractor open-book engagement strategy, or proposed General Conditions fees) should carry the greatest weight in the Government's evaluation?

Bonding Capability:

Q18. Project Bonding Capacity: Specify your maximum bonding (Single and Aggregate) as a Sole Prime Contractor and/or as a Joint Venture.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Submission Requirement: The only authorized transmission method of responses is via filling out the survey form. No other transmission method will be accepted. Please limit your capability statement to the space provided within the form. The Market Intelligence Response Form can be accessed at:

https://forms.osi.apps.mil/r/Lmjbdft8rU or via the QR Code provided in the attachment. 

Please submit your responses by 03 November 2026 at 1:00 PM Eastern Time.

The questionnaire is the Government's primary mechanism for obtaining detailed market intelligence and addresses industry capability, experience, technical capabilities, construction considerations, and recommended OTA and commercial practices.

The Government welcomes candid industry feedback and recommendations regarding commercial practices, agreement terms, project phasing, risk sharing, governance, pricing approaches, and other considerations that could improve successful execution of this project under 10 U.S.C. § 2808a.

Interested firms are encouraged to add themselves to the Interested Vendors List associated with this announcement on SAM.gov to receive future updates.

Note: Do not submit proprietary trade secrets, protected technologies, or classified information in your response.  All feedback received will be handled as public market research to shape the Government's final acquisition approach.