How to bid on Project 528A7-25-502 Replace Trench Drains for the VA

What the VA is buying and why it matters

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) plans to replace trench drains and a sump box at the Syracuse VA Medical Center in Syracuse, New York. This project also includes installing a solar security light, performing drainage and concrete work, asphalt maintenance, pavement striping, traffic control, and site restoration.

This opportunity is for construction firms. The project is expected to be a 100% Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-aside. The estimated value is between $100,000 and $250,000, with a completion timeframe of 120 calendar days from the Notice to Proceed.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This is a pre-solicitation notice, meaning the official request for bids is not yet available. The solicitation is anticipated to be posted on SAM.gov around August 10, 2026. The deadline for responses to the future solicitation is August 24, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET. All required documents and submission instructions will be provided when the official solicitation is released.

At the deadline, all offers must be submitted according to the instructions in the solicitation. Late submissions may not be considered.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for construction firms, specifically those verified as Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB). The work involves general construction, including excavation, demolition, concrete work, drainage modifications, asphalt maintenance, and site restoration.

The applicable NAICS Code is 237990, which covers Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction, with a small business size standard of $45.0 million.

How to respond

The official solicitation is expected to be posted on SAM.gov around August 10, 2026. At that time, all solicitation documents, including the Statement of Work, drawings, specifications, and proposal submission instructions, will be made available.

To access the opportunity, click “View original source” on the portal. If you land on the 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.

All prospective offerors must be currently registered in SAM.gov and Duns and Bradstreet (dnb.com). You must also be registered and verified as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) in the SBA certifications portal (search.certifications.sba.gov) at the time of offer submission and before any award.

Practical tips for preparing a competitive response

Since this is a 100% SDVOSB set-aside, ensure your firm's SDVOSB verification is current and active in the SBA certifications portal. This is a mandatory requirement for eligibility.

Carefully review all solicitation documents once they are released, including the Statement of Work, drawings, and specifications. Pay close attention to the scope of work for replacing trench drains, installing the solar light, and all associated site work.

Develop a detailed project plan that addresses all aspects of the work, from demolition and excavation to concrete placement, drainage tie-ins, asphalt maintenance, and site restoration. Clearly demonstrate your firm's capability to complete the project within the 120-calendar-day timeframe. Provide a realistic cost proposal that reflects all labor, materials, equipment, and incidentals.