How to respond to the Fort Hunter-Liggett water systems RFI from USACE

What USACE is buying—and why this RFI matters

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Louisville District, is gathering market input for a future project to modernize Fort Hunter-Liggett’s drinking water and wastewater systems in Lockwood, California. Potential work includes water mains and storage, well upgrades, SCADA improvements, and sewer and treatment lagoon repairs or replacement.

The estimated project value is $70–$80 million. This notice is an RFI, not a bid solicitation: there is no current request for proposals or contract award through this notice. USACE is assessing industry interest and capability, including a possible Progressive Design Build approach using an Other Transaction Agreement.

Deadline and what happens next

The RFI deadline is November 3, 2026, at 1:00 PM Eastern Time. The provided notice does not state a submission method or explain what will happen immediately at the deadline.

The RFI is voluntary, and submitting information does not affect a firm’s ability to compete if a formal solicitation is issued later. The Government will not reimburse the cost of preparing or submitting an RFI response.

Who this opportunity may suit

This market research may interest design-build firms and construction businesses with relevant water and sewer infrastructure experience. The notice lists NAICS 237110, Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction, with a $45 million small-business size standard.

The NAICS code is provided for market research. The notice says the contemplated Other Transaction Authority is not subject to FAR-based small-business regulations, so do not treat the code or size standard as a stated set-aside requirement.

How to access the notice

Click “View original source” on the portal to open the opportunity. If the first click takes you to the portal homepage, click it again to go directly to the notice.

A free account may be needed to view documents, though many opportunities can be viewed without one. The provided information does not give separate RFI submission instructions.

Prepare a focused market-input response

Keep your response centered on the questions this RFI is meant to inform: your firm’s relevant capabilities and interest, and the potential advantages or challenges of progressive design-build using an Other Transaction Agreement. The notice describes a possible two-step, qualifications-based process, with white papers or statements of qualifications followed by pitch meetings for firms selected to continue; that is an approach under evaluation, not a current solicitation.

Use concrete examples of comparable water and wastewater work, identify the role your firm could perform, and explain any delivery considerations that could affect cost, schedule, design development, or coordination. Clearly distinguish your experience and informed observations from assumptions about this future project.

Before sending anything, check the original notice for any response instructions or updates. Do not treat this RFI as a request for a price proposal; the notice says no solicitation is currently available.