How to bid on sewer cleanout installation for Bitterroot National Forest

What the Forest Service is buying

The U.S. Forest Service, part of the Department of Agriculture, is looking for a small business to install two-way sewer cleanouts at residential locations within the Bitterroot National Forest. This work is needed in the Sula and West Fork areas of Montana. The project is estimated to be between $25,000 and $100,000, making it a significant opportunity for a qualified small business.

This is a 100% small business set-aside, meaning only small businesses are eligible to bid. The solicitation is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) and is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items.

Key dates and deadlines

The deadline for submitting your quotation is September 16, 2026, at 12:00 PM Mountain Time. This is a firm deadline, and late submissions may not be considered.

Before the final submission, there are important dates to note: Questions about the solicitation are due by September 11, 2026, at 12:00 PM Mountain Time. A site visit is scheduled for September 10, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Sula Work Center. You must RSVP to the contracting officer by close of business on September 9, 2026, if you plan to attend the site visit.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is specifically for small businesses in the construction sector. The relevant North American Industry Classification (NAICS) code is 237110, which covers Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction. The size standard for this NAICS code is $45 million.

Firms with recent and relevant experience in installing sewer systems or related infrastructure, particularly in residential or remote settings, would be well-suited for this project.

How to respond

To respond, you must submit your quotation via email to Alisha Knaub at [email protected]. Ensure your email includes the solicitation name and number in the subject line.

Your submission must include a Schedule of Items, an experience questionnaire or documentation of recent and relevant experience and past performance, and a bid guarantee if your quote exceeds $150,000. If applicable, acknowledge any amendments to the solicitation. For contracts exceeding $35,000 but not $150,000, payment protections like an irrevocable letter of credit or payment bond are required within 10 days of award.

Tips for a competitive response

Carefully review all provided documents, including any amendments and the questions and answers posted. Pay close attention to pages 20-22 for specific information required regarding experience and past performance.

Attending the site visit on September 10th is highly recommended. This will provide valuable insight into the project's scope and site conditions, which can help you prepare a more accurate and competitive quote. Remember to RSVP by September 9th.

Ensure your experience questionnaire or documentation clearly demonstrates your firm's capability to handle a project of this size and scope. Highlight any past projects that are similar in nature or complexity to the installation of two-way sewer cleanouts in residential areas.