Bid guide
How to bid on geophysical monitoring station infrastructure for USGS
What the agency is buying and why it matters
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) needs a contractor to build and upgrade infrastructure for geophysical monitoring stations across California. These stations are crucial for systems like ShakeAlert Earthquake Early Warning, National Volcano Early Warning, and Induced Seismicity hazard monitoring, which are vital for public safety.
The initial work involves 15 seismic stations in volcanic areas, 15 ShakeAlert stations, and wildfire mitigation at 9 stations. The contract is expected to be an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a five-year ordering period, meaning more work may be assigned over time. This offers a long-term opportunity for the right contractor.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This is a Request for Information (RFI) notice, published on July 29, 2026. The deadline for responses to this RFI is August 10, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET. While you are not required to respond to this pre-solicitation notice, any responses must be submitted in writing via email to the Contracting Officer.
The actual solicitation, 140G0326Q0184, is expected to be released on SAM.gov around August 12, 2026. The estimated start date for the contract is September 15, 2026.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for construction firms specializing in site preparation and general construction. The work involves demolition, excavation, concrete, electrical (specifically DC and solar), and landscaping/site restoration. Experience with installing equipment vaults, DC power systems, grounding systems, telemetry infrastructure, and drainage systems is highly relevant.
The primary NAICS code for this work is 238910, Site Preparation Contractors, with a size standard of $45 million. The PSC code is Y1PZ, Construction of Other Non-Building Facilities. Businesses meeting these criteria and with relevant experience in California are encouraged to consider this bid.
How to respond to this RFI
To respond to this pre-solicitation notice, you must submit your response in writing by email to the Contracting Officer, Victor Nuno, at [email protected]. Remember, responding to this RFI is not mandatory, but it's an opportunity to provide input before the formal solicitation is released.
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Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
Even though this is an RFI, start preparing now. Review the scope of work carefully, especially the specific construction tasks mentioned like installing equipment vaults, solar arrays, and grounding systems. Highlight your firm's direct experience with these types of projects, particularly those involving sensitive scientific or monitoring equipment.
Given the focus on geophysical monitoring stations, emphasize any past work in remote locations, projects requiring specialized electrical or solar power solutions, or experience with site restoration in environmentally sensitive areas. Detail your firm's capabilities in managing projects with a five-year ordering period, demonstrating your capacity for sustained performance and flexibility.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from Interior, Department of the; the original posting controls.