Amistad Reservoir Plugging of Penstock #4

The United States Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) is issuing a Solicitation (sealed bid) for the purpose of permanently plugging of Penstock #4 to eliminate the need for continued maintenance of penstock and irrigation gates. Most work takes place 190 feet below Amistad Dam's service deck. Contractor must manage the confined space and any water infiltrations.

The major construction efforts include, but not limited to, the following tasks:

• Installation of bulkhead


• Removal and storage of irrigation gate


• Installation of manlift and unwatering system


• Lock out/tag out of penstock gate


• Unwatering of the work area and verification of penstock gate seating


• Installation of concrete forms, grouting tubes, and bypass pipe


• Installation of concrete for penstock plug


• Repair of penstock invert slab and removal of orifice structure


• Grouting of penstock plug


• Removal of upstream penstock form


• Epoxy grouting of penstock plug, if required


• Removal of manlift and unwatering system


• Removal and storage of penstock gate


• Reinstallation of hoists or other equipment moved to facilitate work

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 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. The Contractor must move it via mobile crane. Use of the bulkhead must be coordinated with Amistad Field Office Area Operations Manager through the COR. 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 Contractor requires to begin work prior to the port of entry opening or after closing, this must be coordinated with the Amistad Field Office 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 shall be completed within three hundred (300) calendar days after the Notice to Proceed.

• One hundred and eighty (180) calendar days are allotted 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 three hundred (300) calendar days. The time stated for completion shall include final cleanup of the premises.

The Solicitation, plans, and specifications are expected to be posted on or about May 30, 2026 (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 plans and specifications. All responsible sources may submit a bid to be considered by the Agency.