How to bid on McAlpine Locks and Dam Life Safety and Canal Entrance Sign Installation for the DEPT of Defense

What the agency is buying

The Department of Defense needs a contractor to remove an existing canal entrance sign and install two new government-furnished signs at McAlpine Locks and Dam in Louisville, Kentucky. The work includes providing new posts, framing, and foundations for the signs. The contractor will be responsible for all labor, equipment, and site cleanup.

This opportunity is a 100% small business set-aside. One award will be made to the lowest-priced offer. Bid and payment bonds are required for this project. Work must start within 30 calendar days of receiving the notice to proceed and is scheduled for 365 business days.

Key dates and deadlines

The solicitation was published on September 3, 2026. Quotes are due by September 22, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time. All quotes must be submitted electronically through the PIEE system.

A site visit is highly encouraged and scheduled for September 10, 2026, at 10:00 AM Eastern Time. Attendees must bring and wear appropriate personal protective equipment, including hard hats, safety glasses, and steel-toe work boots. Technical questions about the project must be posted to ProjNet at least five days before the quote due date.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for small businesses specializing in facilities construction and installation services. The NAICS code for this procurement is 238990, which covers All Other Specialty Trade Contractors, with a size standard of $19 million.

Firms with experience in sign installation, foundation work, and site preparation, particularly in a government or industrial setting, would be a good fit. The requirement for bid and payment bonds means that financially stable businesses with access to bonding capacity are preferred.

How to respond

To access the solicitation, click “View original source” on the portal. If you land on the homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view all documents.

Quotes must be submitted electronically through the PIEE system. Instructions for submission are attached to the solicitation. Fax, telephone, or mailed submissions will not be accepted. Ensure your company is registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) before submitting your quote, as this is a mandatory requirement for all federal contractors.

Practical tips for a competitive response

Attend the highly encouraged site visit on September 10, 2026. This will allow you to assess the work site complexities, verify existing conditions, and take exact measurements, which can help you develop a more accurate and competitive bid.

Since the award will be based on the lowest price, focus on submitting a lean and efficient quote. Carefully review the Scope of Work and specifications to ensure your pricing includes all necessary components, such as mobilization, demobilization, fuel, labor, materials, and equipment, to avoid any omissions that could lead to unexpected costs.

Ensure all required documentation, including bid and payment bonds, is prepared and ready for submission with your quote. Double-check that your SAM.gov registration is active and up-to-date, as an inactive registration can delay or prevent contract awards.