Y--CAVE 332397 REPLACE MAIN WATER DISTRIBUT

The contract pertains to the replacement of the aged and failing water distribution system at Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico, identified by PMIS number 332397, under solicitation 140P2026R0007 issued by the Department of the Interior’s DSC Contracting Services Division. The project scope includes replacing water mains and service lines, installing a master meter pit, relocating a lift station, and replacing an 8-inch water transmission line, with all work required to be completed within 390 calendar days after notice to proceed, beginning no later than 10 days after that notice. The contract is structured as a sealed bid solicitation valued over $10 million, with performance occurring entirely on-site at the park and subject to strict environmental, archaeological, and geotechnical controls informed by detailed geophysical surveys conducted between 2020 and 2022, which mapped subsurface voids, karst features, and existing utility locations. Compliance with the Davis-Bacon Act is mandated through Wage Determination NM20250012, which establishes prevailing wage rates for construction trades in New Mexico, and contractors must adhere to specific packaging, preservation, and labeling standards aligned with ASTM D5834 and ANSI A13.1 to ensure sustainability and safety. The solicitation requires detailed technical proposals and business pricing submissions electronically via email, with no hard copies accepted, and mandates adherence to a multi-volume submission format with strict file size limits. The contract includes several options for additional work that may be exercised independently, and all proposals must demonstrate project experience, technical and management approach, schedule realism, key personnel qualifications, past performance, and small business participation—all evaluated as equal factors to price in a best-value trade-off analysis, meaning selection is not based solely on lowest cost. Bonding requirements are specified under deviation clauses for performance and payment bonds, and contractors must comply with Federal Acquisition Regulation provisions covering anti-kickback procedures, whistleblower rights, subcontracting limitations, and ethical conduct standards. The government will conduct final inspections and acceptance at the work site, with the contractor responsible for maintaining quality control systems compliant with ASTM E 329 and other recognized standards. Invoicing must be submitted exclusively through the Invoice Processing Platform (IPP), and contractors are prohibited from using all-terrain vehicles during performance. Site visits are mandatory for potential bidders, with a second visit scheduled for December 17, 202