The United States Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) is issuing a Solicitation (negotiated) for the design and construction (design-build) of Penstock #5 in Amistad Dam.  This penstock has not been functional in several years.  The successful Offeror will evaluate the conditions onsite, determine what repairs are required, and fully restore Penstock #5 to full functionality.

The Design Phase includes, but is not limited to, the site investigation, all required designs, lead-based paint testing, production of construction documents (minimum of drawings and technical specifications), production of all project reports, and if awarded, the manufacturer of new penstock bulkhead.  The Construction Phase includes, but is not limited to, site preparation, construction, rehabilitation of penstock and irrigation gates, lead remediation (if required), disposal of debris and construction waste, and all quality control testing

The following site constraints apply:

• The working hours of the adjacent USIBWC facility are 7:00 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday. The Design-Builder, the Construction Contractor, and any subcontractors shall only work onsite during these proposed hours.  USIBWC facilities, including the dam, are closed during all Federal Holidays.
• There is currently only 1 penstock bulkhead, located at Amistad Dam and it is moved via mobile crane. Only 1 penstock can be bulk headed at a time for servicing so design inspections must be coordinated with Amistad Field Office AOM through the COR.  Amistad Field Office does not have a certified crane operator at this time so the Design-Builder must provide a crane an certified operator to perform the relocation of the bulkhead. Several relocations may be required.  The bulkhead is approximately 14.3 feet wide by 24.6 feet tall.  The weight of the bulkhead gate with lifting beam is approximately 33,000 pounds (16.5 Tons).
• Access to the site is made via Texas Spur 349. Texas Spur 349 bridge inventory rating is limited to HS-20. The load capacity of the embankment crest road is 70,000 pounds.
• Workers must pass through the port of entry to access the worksite.  The port of entry is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  DHS may change these hours without notice.  If the Design-Builder requires to begin work prior to the port of entry opening or after closing, this must be coordinated with the Amistad Dam Area Operations Manager.  Workers crossing through the port of entry need to have proper documentation for reentry to the United States.

Per FAR 36.204, the magnitude of the project is estimated between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000.

The work is located in Val Verde County, Texas.  A site visit date will be listed in the Solicitation.  The work will be performed under NAICS Code 237990.  The Contract will be firm-fixed price.

All work is proposed to be completed within eleven hundred forty (1140) calendar days after the Notice to Proceed. 

• Four hundred fifteen (415) calendar days are anticipated for design.
• Three sixty-five (365) calendar days are anticipated for construction.
• The final paperwork for closeout of the Contact shall be completed within one hundred and twenty (120) calendar days of completion of construction.

The time for completion of final paperwork is included in the eleven hundred forty (1140) calendar days.  The time stated for completion shall include final cleanup of the premises.  The final design and construction Contract durations will be negotiated with Offerors during the Phase Two technical proposal evaluations.

The Solicitation will be issued pursuant to FAR Subpart 36.3 - Two-Phase Design-Build Selection Procedures.  Phase One shall include evaluation of technical qualifications and capability to perform and Phase Two shall include evaluation of technical proposal and price.

The Solicitation is expected to be posted on or about July 25, 2023 (this is a target date which may slip or change).  The Solicitation will be available for a minimum of thirty (30) calendar days.

This is a Presolicitation Notice.  The Solicitation will include information on how to obtain the Scope of Work and attachments.  All responsible sources may submit a bid to be considered by the Agency.