What they should consider is dividing the border into say 5 segments and award contracts to 5 different primes. Then you give an incentive of say $100 million to the first to complete $50 million to the second, $25 million to the third and the other two get nothing. Wall would be built faster than anyone can imagine and it would save the Mexicans some pesos when Trump makes them pay.
Prior to retirement, I used to deal with FBO construction solicitations like this all the time.
This is a Pre-Solicitation Notice. It is to give interested Design/Build companies the heads-up that documents will come out on the 6th of next month and to have bid team members ready to prepare a complicated submission. The interested bidders will submit a large written proposal and plans on March 10th (just four days later) which will have a concept design for a large section of The Wall designed in a way they would propose to meet the Government requirements. If their concept proves worthwhile to review — then and only then — those chosen for Step 2 will submit full pricing and preliminary design documents on the 24th (two weeks).
They are saying that Awards will be made to multiple firms for bid portions of the wall and that Selected design build contractors may be awarded additional segments based upon performance and evaluation.
Probably they will show an segment — say 120 Miles — and you will present a price per mile for additional miles that you will perform if requested for an additional price.
You will have a 100 % Performance and Payment Bond and a Small Business Participation Plan showing how you will utilize XX target percentages of Small and Disadvantaged Business.
You will probably submit ten copies of a proposal that is limited to about 150 pages.
I don’t want the same issues as what occurred for the bay bridge in San fran to be completed “on time”. Do it right the first time or we’ll pay for it later.