How to bid on the Reed Coulee Pipeline Repair for the Bureau of Land Management

What the agency is buying and why it matters

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) needs excavation and site restoration services for the Reed Coulee Pipeline Repair project in Fergus County, Montana. The existing 2-inch water pipeline is exposed due to erosion and at risk of failure. The goal is to permanently relocate the pipeline beneath the coulee with at least six feet of cover to prevent future erosion and ensure water service.

Your firm would be responsible for excavating a new trench, exposing the existing pipeline at tie-in points, providing a safe excavation for government personnel, backfilling the trench, and restoring the site. BLM personnel will install the new pipe. This is a construction opportunity with an estimated value between $10,000 and $25,000, set aside for small businesses.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

Questions about this solicitation are due by August 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Mountain Time. Questions submitted after this time may not be answered. All questions must be sent in writing via email to Jorge Alvarez.

The deadline for submitting your quote is listed in Block 13 of Standard Form 1442, "Solicitation, Offer, and Award (Construction, Alteration, or Repair). The solicitation was published on August 6, 2026, and the quote deadline is August 28, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET. It is important to submit your complete quote by this time.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for small businesses specializing in heavy construction, specifically water and sewer line and related structures construction. The NAICS code for this project is 237110. Firms with experience in excavation, trenching, backfilling, and site restoration will be well-suited.

The project is located in Fergus County, Montana, so local firms or those with established operations in the region may find this particularly appealing due to the nature of the work and the need for site restoration.

How to respond to this solicitation

To access the solicitation documents, click "View original source" 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.

All correspondence and questions must be directed to the Contract Specialist, Jorge Alvarez, via email. Do not contact other government employees associated with this work. Your quote submission details and required documents will be outlined in Section L of the solicitation.

Practical tips for a competitive response

Carefully review all sections of the solicitation, especially Section L, which provides instructions, conditions, and notices to offerors, and lists required documents. Ensure your quote addresses all requirements precisely.

The government strongly urges quoters to inspect the site to understand the work requirements and local conditions. Failure to inspect the site will not be grounds for a claim after award. This site visit is crucial for developing an accurate and competitive bid.

Since this is a firm fixed-price contract, ensure your pricing accurately reflects all costs, including labor, equipment, and materials, considering the scope of excavation, backfilling, and site restoration. Clearly demonstrate your firm's capability to perform the required heavy construction work and adhere to OSHA safety standards for excavations.