How to bid on the Drainage Pipe Replacement Project at Alchesay NFH for the Department of the Interior

What the agency is buying

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service needs to replace about 305 linear feet of 30-inch PVC pipe at the Alchesay National Fish Hatchery in Whiteriver, Arizona. The project also includes video-scoping two existing pipe sections, one approximately 200 linear feet and another about 225 linear feet. This is a firm-fixed-price contract.

This project is estimated to be below $350,000 and is set aside for small businesses. Vendors will need to provide 100% payment and performance bonds.

Key dates and deadlines

This is currently a Synopsis/Pre-Solicitation notice. The full solicitation is expected to be posted around August 12, 2026. The deadline for responses is September 18, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. All questions must be submitted in writing to Justine Coleman at [email protected].

A site visit is scheduled for August 19, 2026, at 10:00 AM local time. More details about the site visit will be included in the full solicitation.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is specifically for small businesses. The relevant NAICS code is 237110, Water and Sewer Line Related Structures Construction, which has a size standard of $45 million. Firms with experience in pipe replacement, video inspection of pipelines, and general water and sewer line construction will find this relevant.

How to respond

The complete solicitation will be posted on SAM.gov under Contract Opportunities. To access the opportunity, click the "View original source" link. If you land on the portal's homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view documents, though for some bids this is not required.

Interested contractors must be registered in SAM.gov (System for Award Management) and complete their Online Representations and Certifications.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Since this is a firm-fixed-price contract awarded based on the lowest price technically acceptable, focus on submitting a clear, compliant proposal that meets all technical requirements at a competitive price. Ensure your pricing is accurate and accounts for all project components, including materials, labor, and bonding costs.

Attend the scheduled site visit on August 19, 2026, if possible. This will provide valuable insights into the project site and help you understand the scope of work more thoroughly, which can inform your technical approach and pricing. Carefully review all sections of the upcoming solicitation once it is released, paying close attention to any specific instructions for proposal submission and evaluation criteria. Double-check that your SAM.gov registration is active and up-to-date, including your Online Representations and Certifications, as this is a mandatory requirement for all bidders.