How to bid on Miter Gate Strut Arm Assembly Fabrication for the DEPT of Defense

What the agency is buying and why it matters

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is looking for a contractor to fabricate strut arm assemblies for miter gates. These gates are used at locks on the Upper Mississippi River. The assemblies are 18 feet, 4 inches long and made from various steel castings and machined components. This work is important for maintaining critical river infrastructure.

The fabricated strut arm assemblies must be delivered to the USACE Service Base in Fountain City, Wisconsin, by March 30, 2028.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This solicitation was published on July 31, 2026. The deadline for submitting bids is September 02, 2026, at 2:30 PM ET. All bids must be submitted through the PIEE module.

It is important to submit your bid well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues. Questions about the solicitation should also be submitted via the Q and A tab in PIEE.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is a 100% small business set-aside under NAICS code 332312, which has a 500-employee size standard. It is suitable for firms specializing in fabricated structural metal manufacturing.

Bidders must have specific AISC certifications: IBR (Certified Bridge Fabricator – Intermediate with fracture critical endorsement), ABR (Certified Bridge Fabricator – Advanced with fracture critical endorsement), or HYD (Certified Hydraulic Steel Structures Fabricator, which includes fracture critical endorsement). Additionally, the fabricator must be certified under the AISC Quality Certification Program with an endorsement for applying sophisticated paint systems (SPS) in Category P1, P2, or P3.

How to respond to this solicitation

To access the solicitation documents, you will need to click on the 'PIEE Solicitation Module Link for W912ES26BA020' found in the Attachments/Links section of the opportunity. You may need to click the link twice if the first click takes you to the portal's homepage. A free account may be required to view documents.

All bids must be submitted electronically through the PIEE module. No bid bonds are required for this solicitation. Ensure your company is fully registered in the System for Award Management (SAM), including all FAR and DFARS Representations and Certifications, to be eligible for federal government contracts.

Practical tips for a competitive response

Carefully review all solicitation documents to understand the full scope of work, technical specifications, and quality assurance requirements. Pay close attention to the detailed requirements for steel grades, machining, and painting.

Highlight your firm's relevant experience with similar fabrication projects, especially those involving fracture critical components and sophisticated paint systems. Clearly demonstrate how your AISC certifications meet or exceed the specified requirements. Provide specific examples of your quality control and quality assurance processes for casting, machining, and painting.

Ensure your SAM registration is current and complete, as this is a mandatory eligibility requirement. Submit any questions you have about the solicitation through the PIEE Q and A tab well in advance of the deadline to allow time for a response.