How to bid on Dock and Deck Plate Repair for the Department of Veterans Affairs

What the VA is buying and why it matters

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is seeking a contractor to perform dock and deck plate replacement, along with related concrete, structural, and safety improvements, at Buildings 14 and 15 of the Salem VA Medical Center in Salem, Virginia.

This project involves significant concrete work, including a new concrete truck approach and retaining wall at Building 14, and the installation of a new hydraulic pit leveler and concrete infill at Building 15. The work must be completed within 120 days after the Notice to Proceed, with careful coordination with VA staff and 48-hour notice for any activities that might affect medical center operations. This is an opportunity for construction firms with experience in commercial concrete and structural repairs.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This Request for Proposal (RFP) was published on September 03, 2026. The deadline for submitting your proposal is September 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. All proposals must be received by this exact time. Late submissions are generally not accepted, so plan to submit well in advance of the deadline.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for construction companies, particularly those with a strong background in concrete work, structural repairs, and commercial dock installations. Firms experienced in working on government or institutional sites, where coordination and adherence to strict safety and operational protocols are essential, will be well-suited. The project falls under the construction category.

How to respond to this solicitation

To access the full solicitation details, click the “View original source” link provided on the portal. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid. You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all associated documents, though for some bids, this is not required.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Carefully review the Statement of Work (SOW) to ensure your proposal addresses all specified requirements for both Building 14 and Building 15. Pay close attention to the detailed scope, including specific dimensions for concrete pours, types of materials, and installation of new equipment like the hydraulic pit leveler.

Highlight your firm's experience with similar projects, especially those involving concrete demolition, pouring, and structural modifications. Emphasize your ability to coordinate schedules with active facility operations and adhere to strict safety (OSHA) and environmental regulations. Provide a clear and realistic project schedule that demonstrates how you will complete the work within the 120-day period of performance, including how you will provide 48-hour notices for operational impacts.