How to bid on the Sentinel Utility Corridor project at Malmstrom Air Force Base, DEPT of Defense

What the agency is buying and why it matters

The Department of Defense is seeking industry input for a large-scale Sentinel Utility Corridor project at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana. This is an opportunity for businesses to provide feedback on a project estimated to be between $1.4 billion and $2.0 billion.

The project will use a progressive design-build approach, managed through an Other Transaction Authority agreement. This initial announcement is a 'Sources Sought' notice, which means the government is gathering information from potential vendors to help shape the final solicitation.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

The deadline for responding to this Sources Sought notice is September 24, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET. Your response must be submitted by this time.

A virtual Industry Day was held on September 4, 2026, from noon to 1:00 PM Central. While the Industry Day has passed, the information gathered from the Sources Sought responses will help the agency understand industry capabilities and inform their acquisition strategy for this significant project.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for construction firms, particularly those with experience in large-scale utility corridor projects or progressive design-build contracts. Given the estimated magnitude, it may also interest joint ventures or larger firms capable of handling projects in the multi-billion dollar range.

Firms familiar with Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements or those willing to learn about this acquisition process will find this relevant. The agency has provided a Progressive Design-Build (PDB) with Other Transaction Authority (OTA) Playbook and Placemat to help vendors understand the process.

How to respond

To access the opportunity, click 'View original source' on the portal. If you land on the homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view all documents, though this is not always required.

Once you have accessed the opportunity, locate the attached Sources Sought document. This document will provide specific instructions on how to submit your response. There is also a link to a Questionnaire provided in the full description that you should complete as part of your submission.

Practical tips for preparing a competitive response

For a Sources Sought notice, focus on clearly demonstrating your firm's capabilities and relevant experience. Highlight past projects that are similar in scope, size, or complexity to the Sentinel Utility Corridor.

Pay close attention to any specific questions or areas of interest outlined in the Sources Sought document and the accompanying Questionnaire. Tailor your responses to directly address these points. If the agency has provided a Playbook or Placemat, review these documents thoroughly to understand their preferred acquisition process and terminology.

Even though this is an information-gathering stage, a well-prepared and thoughtful response can help position your firm favorably for future stages of this large project. Ensure your submission is professional, concise, and clearly articulates your value proposition.