How to bid on epoxy paint and grout work for USDA manholes

What the agency is buying

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) needs a contractor to apply epoxy paint and grout in manholes at the Red River Work Center. This project is set aside for small businesses, with an estimated value between $100,000 and $250,000. This is a good opportunity for small businesses specializing in specialty trade contracting.

The work falls under NAICS code 238990, 'All Other Specialty Trade Contractors', with a size standard of $19.0 million. This indicates the USDA is looking for firms with experience in diverse construction-related services.

Key dates and deadlines

The deadline for submitting your quote is September 21, 2026, at 5:00 PM HAST. All questions about the solicitation must be submitted by September 18, 2026, at 12:00 PM Mountain Time. Site visits are strongly encouraged and can be scheduled the week of September 14th between 9 AM and 2 PM local time.

If your quote exceeds $150,000, a bid guarantee of 20% is required. For contracts over $150,000, both performance and payment bonds at 100% of the contract price are required within 10 days of award. For contracts between $35,000 and $150,000, payment protections (irrevocable letter of credit or payment bond) are required within 10 days of award.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is a 100% small business set-aside, making it ideal for small businesses in the construction and specialty trade sectors. Firms with experience in applying epoxy paint, grouting, or similar infrastructure maintenance projects will be well-suited. The project magnitude suggests it is suitable for businesses capable of handling projects in the $100,000 to $250,000 range.

How to respond

To respond, you must submit your quote by the deadline to Paul Larsen, Contracting Officer, at [email protected]. The required documents for evaluation include a Schedule of Items, a narrative demonstrating recent and relevant experience and past performance, and a bid guarantee if your quote is over $150,000. You must also acknowledge any amendments to the solicitation.

To access the solicitation documents, 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.

Tips for a competitive response

Ensure your narrative clearly highlights your firm's experience with similar projects, focusing on the size and scope of this specific work. Provide concrete examples of past performance that demonstrate your capability in epoxy application, grouting, or manhole maintenance. Pay close attention to all instructions for submitting your quote and required documents.

Given the encouragement for site visits, consider scheduling one to gain a better understanding of the project scope and conditions. This can help you prepare a more accurate and competitive quote. Also, submit any questions you have well before the September 18 deadline to ensure you receive timely clarification.