How to bid on Ash Creek Helispot Construction for the Department of Agriculture

What the agency is buying

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking a small business contractor for the construction of the Ash Creek Helispot. This project is identified under solicitation number 127EAW26Q0050. The work involves construction services related to a helispot, which is a designated area for helicopters to land and take off.

This opportunity is a total small business set-aside, meaning only small businesses are eligible to submit proposals. Recent amendments to the solicitation include responses to Requests for Information (RFIs) and a corrected schedule of items. Vendors must use these revised documents when preparing their proposals.

Key dates and deadlines

The solicitation was published on August 04, 2026. If you have questions, Requests for Information (RFIs) must be submitted by July 31, 2026, at 10:00 AM Pacific Time. No questions will be accepted after this deadline.

All quotes are due by August 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM Pacific Time. Proposals submitted after this time will not be considered. All submissions must be emailed to the Contracting Officer.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is specifically for small businesses in the construction sector. Firms with experience in site preparation, land clearing, or similar civil construction projects would be well-suited. Given the nature of a helispot, experience with specific grading, surfacing, or safety considerations for aviation facilities could be beneficial.

The project location is McCloud, CA. Contractors familiar with working in this geographic area or similar rural environments may find this advantageous.

How to respond

To access the solicitation documents, click “View original source” on the portal. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need to create a free account to view all documents, though some bids allow document viewing without an account.

Once you have reviewed the solicitation, prepare your quote using the revised documents, including the RFI Log and the corrected Schedule of Items. Ensure you include all documents listed in the "Required Quote Submission Documents" section of the solicitation. Email your complete quote to the Contracting Officer, [email protected], by the August 13, 2026, 10:00 AM Pacific Time deadline.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Carefully review all amendments, especially the RFI responses and the revised Schedule of Items. Failure to use the most current documents can result in your proposal being deemed non-responsive. Pay close attention to the specific requirements outlined in the Schedule of Items.

Although there will not be an organized site visit, the project locations are open to the public. It is highly recommended that prospective offerors visit the site to understand the conditions and scope of work firsthand. This can help you develop a more accurate and competitive quote. Failure to inspect the site will not be grounds for a claim after contract award.

Ensure your RFI submissions are clear and concise, addressing any ambiguities you find in the solicitation. Submit them well before the July 31, 2026, deadline to allow time for agency response. Finally, double-check that all required documents are included in your submission and that your email is sent before the final quote deadline.