Replacement of Hydraulic System for Penstock #5

The United States Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) is issuing a Solicitation (IFB) for the replacement of the hydraulic system for Penstock #5 in Amistad Dam. This penstock has not been functional in several years. The successful Offeror will fully inspect system and structures and replace hydraulic system to fully restore Penstock #5 to full functionality.

The Construction includes, but is not limited to site preparation, inspection of all systems and structures, replacement of Penstock #5 hydraulic system, disposal of debris and construction waste, quality control testing, and if awarded, the manufacturer of a new penstock bulkhead.

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 and it is moved via mobile crane. Only 1 penstock can be bulk headed at a time for servicing work 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 Contractor must provide a crane 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 Contractor 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 four hundred and eighty five (485) calendar days after the Notice to Proceed.

• 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 four hundred and eighty five (485) calendar days. The time stated for completion shall include final cleanup of the premises.

The Solicitation will be issued pursuant to FAR Part 14.

The Solicitation is expected to be posted on or about April 4, 2025 (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.