How to bid on the MPF Grant Creek Culvert Replacement for the Forest Service

What the Forest Service is buying

The US Forest Service is seeking a small business to replace a culvert at Grant Creek on the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. This project is valued between $500,000 and $1,000,000.

The work includes tasks such as staking, clearing and grubbing, structure excavation, dewatering, riprap placement, concrete barrier installation, conserved topsoil placement, mulching and seeding, erosion control, signing, and streambed simulation. The awarded contractor will perform services according to the specifications, terms, and conditions outlined in the solicitation.

Key dates and deadlines

This solicitation was published on July 15, 2026. A site visit will be held on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at 9:00 AM CDT. The meet-up address for the site visit is 30239 South State Route 53 Wilmington, IL 60481. To attend, you must contact the Contracting Officer, Matthew Killian, via email at [email protected].

The deadline for submitting your quotation is August 12, 2026, at 6:00 PM ET. Late quotations or those that do not comply with the instructions may be considered non-responsive and eliminated from award consideration.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is set aside 100% for small business entities. It is suitable for firms specializing in construction, specifically under NAICS code 237310, Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction, which has a size standard of $45 million.

Businesses with experience in culvert replacement, excavation, erosion control, and related civil construction work in natural environments would be well-suited for this project.

How to respond

To access the solicitation, click “View original source” above. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view documents, though for many bids this is not required.

This is a Request for Quotation (RFQ), and a separate written solicitation will not be issued beyond this announcement. All interested parties must review all solicitation materials in full, including all instructions to offerors, before submitting a quotation. The solicitation number is 12445526Q0087.

Tips for a competitive response

Carefully read all parts of the solicitation, especially the instructions to offerors and any attachments, to ensure full compliance. Pay close attention to the scope of work, including specific requirements for staking, clearing, excavation, dewatering, and environmental controls like mulching and seeding.

Attending the site visit is highly recommended. This allows you to gain a clearer understanding of the project location, site conditions, and potential challenges, which can help you prepare a more accurate and competitive quotation. Remember to contact the Contracting Officer to confirm your attendance.

Since this is a small business set-aside, ensure your company meets the small business size standard for NAICS 237310. Clearly demonstrate your firm's experience with similar construction projects, particularly those involving culvert replacement or work in sensitive natural areas.