How to bid on water tank replacement at FCC Oakdale for Department of Justice

What the agency is buying and why it matters

The Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons, is seeking a contractor to remove two existing 500,000-gallon water tanks and install two new 948,131-gallon ground-mounted water tanks at the Federal Correctional Complex (FCC) Oakdale in Oakdale, Louisiana. This project is valued between $5 million and $10 million, with a performance period of 336 calendar days.

This is a significant construction opportunity for small businesses, as it is a 100% small business set-aside. The work will be performed outside the secure perimeter of the prison, which means pricing should reflect ordinary industry rates.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

The solicitation was published on July 31, 2026. A site visit is scheduled for August 14, 2026, at 9:00 AM CST. Attendees must submit NCIC information to Mr. Keyes at [email protected] by August 13, 2026, at 1:00 PM CST. While attendance is not mandatory, it is highly advised.

Quotes are due by email to [email protected] no later than August 31, 2026, at 1:00 PM CST. All quotes will be evaluated based on price and past performance.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is specifically for small businesses in the construction sector. The applicable North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code is 237110, Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction, with a small business size standard of $45.0 million in average annual receipts.

Firms with experience in large-scale water tank removal and installation, particularly ground-mounted tanks, are well-suited for this project. Your firm must be registered in SAM.gov as a small business under this NAICS code.

How to respond

To access the solicitation documents, you must visit the Contract Opportunity website at sam.gov. Hard copies will not be provided. You will need an active SAM vendor registration and a valid Marketing Partner Identification Number (MPIN) to gain access to the secure documents.

All quotes must be submitted electronically via email to [email protected]. Ensure your submission includes all pages of the written attached solicitation with your complete quotation, and a complete copy of your Offeror Representations and Certifications-Commercial Products and Commercial Services.

Tips for a competitive response

Carefully review the entire solicitation document, including all provisions and clauses, to ensure full compliance with all requirements. Pay close attention to FAR Provision 52.219-1 regarding small business representations and certifications.

Since quotes will be evaluated on price and past performance, ensure your pricing is competitive and clearly demonstrate your firm's relevant past performance. Provide specific examples of similar projects, highlighting successful outcomes and client satisfaction.

If you plan to attend the site visit, submit your NCIC information by the deadline. The site visit offers a valuable opportunity to understand the project scope and site conditions firsthand, which can inform a more accurate and competitive bid.