Bid guide
How to bid on Small Business Participation Goals- John Day Overhead Lifting Devices Repair for DEPT of Defense
What the agency is buying and why a vendor would care
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Portland District, is conducting market research for an upcoming project to repair five below-the-hook lifting devices at the John Day powerhouse in Rufus, Oregon. This is not a contract opportunity, but an invitation for industry to provide feedback on proposed small business subcontracting goals.
The work involves picking up the devices, removing and disposing of lead paint, performing weld repairs off-site, painting, conducting 125% load testing, and returning the devices. The estimated construction value for this future project is between $1 million and $5 million. Your input will help the government set realistic subcontracting goals for the eventual solicitation.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This Request for Information (RFI) was published on September 01, 2026. Responses are due by September 15, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET. This is a firm deadline for submitting your feedback.
At the deadline, the government will stop accepting responses. The information gathered will be used for acquisition planning and to develop subcontracting goals for a future solicitation. No contract will be awarded from this RFI, and participation is voluntary.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for firms in the construction sector, specifically those categorized under NAICS Code 238290, Other Building Equipment Contractors, with a small business size standard of $22 million. This includes businesses that can perform or subcontract specialized repair work on heavy equipment.
Both prime contractors and subcontractors with experience in lead paint removal, welding, fabrication, painting, and load testing of lifting devices should consider responding. The agency is particularly interested in feedback from small businesses regarding the achievability of the proposed subcontracting goals.
How to respond
To access the full details and respond, you will need to view the original source on the portal. Click the "View original source" link. If you land on the portal's homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid.
You may need to create a free account to view documents, though this is not always required for every bid. Once you have accessed the RFI, follow the instructions provided to submit your feedback on the suggested small business subcontracting goals.
Practical tips for preparing a competitive response
When responding to an RFI like this, focus on providing clear, concise, and well-supported feedback. Address each specific question asked by the agency, such as your intended role (prime or subcontractor) and the achievability of the suggested goals.
If you recommend alternative subcontracting goals, provide a strong rationale. Include details about the availability of qualified subcontractors, the specialized nature of the work, safety requirements, and any market constraints. This demonstrates your understanding of the project and helps the agency make informed decisions for the eventual solicitation.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from DEPT of the Army; the original posting controls.