How to bid on fire suppression system installation for USDA APHIS

What the agency is buying

The Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) needs a contractor to design and install a complete wet fire suppression system. This is for Building 6418 at Moore Air Base in Edinburg, Texas. The project requires a turnkey solution, including all design and as-built drawings, and all necessary installation for a fully operational system. The new system must be capable of connecting to a future fire alarm panel, though monitoring is not required at this time.

Key dates and deadlines

This solicitation was published on July 24, 2026. All responses are due by August 07, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET. It is important to submit your proposal before this deadline, as late submissions are typically not accepted.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for construction firms with expertise in fire suppression system design and installation. Specifically, companies experienced in retrofitting existing buildings with new wet fire suppression systems will be well-suited. The project involves a complete design-build approach for a fully functioning system.

Vendors should be familiar with relevant building codes and fire safety standards for such installations. Experience with government contracts, particularly with the Department of Agriculture, could also be beneficial.

How to respond

To access the solicitation documents, click “View original source” 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 to create a free account on the portal to view all documents, though this is not always required.

A site visit is available. If you plan to attend, you must provide your name in advance. Attendees are required to bring a valid driver’s license or state ID for entry.

Tips for a competitive response

Carefully review all solicitation documents, including any amendments, to ensure full understanding of the scope and requirements. Pay close attention to the specific needs for design and as-built drawings, and the turnkey nature of the project.

If you attend the site visit, use the opportunity to gather detailed information and ask clarifying questions. This can help you develop a more accurate and competitive proposal. Ensure your proposal clearly addresses the requirement for future connection to a fire alarm panel, even though monitoring is not currently needed.

Provide a clear and concise proposal that demonstrates your firm's experience with similar projects and your technical approach to meeting all specified requirements. Highlight your ability to deliver a complete, fully functioning system.