Y--Dexter NFH Aquatic Research Building Addition

This contract opportunity, under solicitation number 140FGA26R0039, is a pre-solicitation notice for a Design-Build construction project at the Southwestern Native Aquatic Resources and Recovery Center in Dexter, New Mexico, aimed at adding approximately 3,400 square feet of space adjacent to an existing research building to support U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service mission needs. The project is exclusively reserved for small businesses as defined by the NAICS code 236220, with a size standard of $45 million, and the estimated contract value falls between $1 million and $5 million. The design and construction must integrate with the existing pre-engineered metal building and its utilities, including plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems, utilizing the existing slab-on-grade foundation and emergency generator infrastructure, with the contractor responsible for field verification of inaccurate as-built drawings. The project requires compliance with federal and state codes including the International Building Code, NFPA 101, National Electric Code, National Plumbing Code, and the Architectural Barriers Act, with all architectural features matching the existing structure and insulation meeting New Mexico Energy Code standards. Deliverables include phased design documents at 35%, 65%, 90%, and 100% completion, final AutoCAD drawings with plot files, and a final Schedule of Values used for progress payments. The contractor must also adhere to Facility Security Level II requirements, which mandate specific exterior lighting uniformity, non-removable hinges on perimeter doors, high-security locks, automatic closers and monitored exit hardware on emergency doors, and must include a Project Manager, Civil Engineer, and Architect on-site throughout the project, with the Designer of Record available for submittal reviews and RFIs. The contract will be awarded as a Firm Fixed Price agreement using a best-value methodology under FAR Part 15, requiring a 20% bid bond, and 100% payment and performance bonds. The work must be completed within 360 calendar days after award, with initial scheduling due 15 days after notice to proceed, and all construction must commence within 10 days of notice. Value Engineering must be performed throughout the design and construction phases per FAR 52.248-3, and a design charette will be held shortly after notice to proceed to align project requirements. All submissions for this pre-solicitation phase must be sent via email with the reference number in the subject line by