How to bid on a Collective Enlisted Training Barracks for the DEPT of the Army

What the Army is buying and why it matters

The Department of the Army is seeking a contractor for the Design-Bid-Build construction of a new Collective Training Enlisted Barracks at Devens Reserve Forces Training Area (RFTA) in Massachusetts. This project involves building a three-story, 46,000-square-foot facility designed to house 300 personnel in open bay sleeping rooms, along with storage, team rooms, laundry, restrooms, and showers.

The scope of work also includes extensive site work, utility connections, lighting, paving, sidewalks, storm drainage, and landscaping. The new barracks will feature physical access control, intrusion detection, a mass notification system, and infrastructure for future closed-circuit television. It will also incorporate sustainability and energy measures, fire protection and alarm systems, and cybersecurity. After the new barracks is completed and accepted by the government, the project requires the demolition of two existing barracks.

This is a significant opportunity for construction firms, with an anticipated value between $25 million and $50 million. The contract duration is 950 calendar days from the Administrative Notice to Proceed.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

The solicitation, W912QR26RA051, was published on July 23, 2026. The deadline for proposals is August 11, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET. All amendments, including Amendment 0006 issued on July 23, 2026, are part of the official solicitation.

At the deadline, all proposals must be submitted. The government intends to award without negotiations but reserves the right to conduct them if deemed in its best interest. It is crucial to submit a complete and compliant proposal by the specified time.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for experienced commercial and institutional building construction firms. The project falls under NAICS code 236220, Commercial and Institutional Building Construction. Given the project's magnitude and complexity, firms with a strong track record in large-scale design-bid-build projects, especially those involving barracks or similar institutional facilities, are well-suited.

The acquisition is an Unrestricted (Full and Open) Procurement, meaning it is open to all eligible businesses. Large businesses will be required to submit a Subcontracting Plan.

How to respond to this solicitation

To access the solicitation documents, click “View original source” to open the opportunity 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 a free account to view some documents.

The official solicitation and any amendments will be available free of charge by electronic posting only on the Contract Opportunities website (sam.gov) and the Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE) Solicitation Module website (piee.eb.mil/sol/). Paper copies will not be issued, and telephone, email, or fax requests will not be honored. It is your responsibility to check these websites periodically for any amendments.

Offerors must have and maintain an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) database at sam.gov to be eligible for a government contract award. If you are a Joint Venture, the JV entity must have a valid SAM registration.

Practical tips for a competitive response

Carefully review all solicitation documents and amendments. The government intends to award based on a Best Value Trade-Off source selection process, evaluating factors such as Prime Contractor Past Performance, Management Plan, Small Business Participation Plan, and Price. All non-price factors combined are approximately equal to cost or price.

Ensure your proposal clearly addresses all required elements. This includes a Subcontracting Plan for large businesses, a Project Labor Agreement (PLA), and Pro Forma Information such as bonding and financial capability. Highlight your firm's experience with similar design-bid-build projects, especially those involving military facilities or complex institutional construction.

Pay close attention to the technical requirements, including the Army Standard for Operational Readiness Training Complex (ORTC), DoD Minimum Antiterrorism for Buildings standards, and Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC 1-200-02) for a 40-year minimum life. Detail your approach to sustainability, energy efficiency, and the required redundancy for heating and cooling systems. Clearly outline your plan for the demolition of existing barracks only after the new facility is fully accepted.