How to bid on the NIWTP Biosolids Sludge Dryer Alternative Building D/B for USIBWC

What the agency is buying

The International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC) is seeking a contractor to design and build a new sludge dryer building at the Nogales International Wastewater Treatment Plant in Rio Rico, Arizona. This project is a design-build contract, meaning the selected firm will be responsible for both the design and construction phases.

The work involves demolishing existing belt filter presses and polymer equipment, relocating an existing metal structure, and installing all necessary utilities and systems. The goal is to deliver a fully operational, code-compliant, and ready-to-use facility. This opportunity is anticipated to be a small business set-aside, with an estimated value between $1 million and $5 million.

Key dates and deadlines

The solicitation was published on July 17, 2026. A site visit is scheduled for July 24, 2026, at 10:00 AM local time. To attend, you must submit an NDA (IBWC Form 358) and the names of attendees by July 22, 2026, at 3:00 PM MDT. Personal protective equipment (hard hat, safety shoes, vest) is required for the site visit.

Questions regarding the solicitation are due by July 29, 2026, at 3:00 PM MDT. Proposals must be submitted by August 14, 2026, at 3:00 PM MDT. The period of performance for the project is 365 calendar days after the Notice to Proceed.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for small businesses with experience in design-build projects, particularly those involving wastewater treatment facilities, industrial building construction, and demolition. Firms with expertise in civil engineering, mechanical systems installation, and utility infrastructure will find this relevant.

The project's scope, including site preparation, demolition, construction of a new building, and installation of various systems, requires a contractor capable of managing complex construction and design tasks. The anticipated small business set-aside makes this a targeted opportunity for eligible firms in the construction category.

How to respond

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

Interested offerors will need to submit qualifications and relevant experience, a technical approach and project management plan, past performance information, and a price proposal. Ensure your company is registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) with an active Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) to be eligible for award.

Tips for a competitive response

Given this is a design-build project, clearly articulate your firm's capabilities in both design and construction. Highlight past projects where your team successfully integrated these two phases, especially those involving similar facility types or complexities.

Pay close attention to the site visit requirements, including the NDA and PPE. Attending the site visit can provide valuable insights into the existing conditions and help you formulate a more accurate and competitive proposal. Ensure your proposal addresses all compliance requirements, including federal, state, and local codes, and clearly outlines your plan for obtaining necessary permits.

Since this is a two-phase selection procedure, focus on presenting strong technical qualifications and capability in Phase One. For Phase Two, ensure your technical proposal is detailed and your price proposal is competitive and well-justified.