Bid guide
How to bid on Mendota Pool Bypass and Reach 2B Improvements for the Dept. of Interior
What the agency is buying and why it matters
The Department of the Interior, through the Bureau of Reclamation, is seeking input for the Mendota Pool bypass channel and Reach 2B improvements in California. This project involves significant channel and structural improvements to ensure the conveyance of at least 4,500 cubic feet per second downstream to Reach 3.
This work is required by a legal settlement and authorized by the San Joaquin River Restoration Settlement Act. The estimated construction value for this project is between $225 million and $300 million. This is a substantial opportunity for construction firms.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
Responses to this Request for Information (RFI) are due by September 16, 2026, at 5:00 PM PDT. Questions regarding this RFI were due on September 4, 2026. The agency has provided answers to submitted questions.
The deadline is for submitting your response to the RFI. This is an information-gathering stage, not a final bid submission, but your input can help shape future solicitations.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for large construction firms with experience in major water infrastructure projects, particularly those involving channel improvements, bypass channels, and structural modifications for water conveyance. Firms specializing in large-scale civil engineering and environmental restoration projects would find this relevant.
The project falls under the construction category, specifically large-scale water management and infrastructure development.
How to respond
To access the full details and documents for this opportunity, you need to view the original source on the portal. Click the “View original source” link. 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 for many bids, this is not required.
Tips for preparing a competitive response
Even though this is an RFI, provide thorough and well-reasoned responses. Focus on demonstrating your firm's capabilities and experience relevant to projects of this scale and complexity. Highlight any specific expertise in river restoration, bypass channel construction, or large-volume water conveyance systems.
Ensure your response addresses the technical aspects of conveying 4,500 cubic feet per second and any innovative approaches you might suggest for such a project. Review the provided answers to questions to understand the agency's current thinking and priorities.
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 Bureau of Reclamation; the original posting controls.