How to respond to EPA’s National Drinking Water Programs RFI

What EPA is researching

The Environmental Protection Agency is conducting market research for a future recompete supporting national drinking water programs under the Safe Drinking Water Act. The anticipated work includes technical, engineering, and analytical support for EPA’s Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water.

EPA anticipates a multiple-award Blanket Purchase Agreement with up to three vendors, an ordering period of up to five years, and a maximum ordering value of $115 million. This notice is not a request for bids. EPA will use responses for internal market research and will not provide feedback to respondents.

Deadline and what it means

The notice was published October 13, 2026. Responses are due October 30, 2026, at 4:30 PM ET.

This is a deadline to submit capability information, not a bid opening or contract award date. EPA is using the responses to assess the market and whether small-business set-aside opportunities may be appropriate.

Who this opportunity may suit

The notice is relevant to businesses able to provide technical, engineering, and analytical support for Safe Drinking Water Act implementation. EPA is seeking input from both large and small businesses.

The listed NAICS code is 541620, Management and Financial Consulting, with a size standard of $19 million. Respondents are asked to state their size status under that code and whether they hold any of the listed small-business certifications or designations.

How to access the notice and respond

Click “View original source” above to open the opportunity. If the first click takes you to the portal homepage, click it again to go to the bid. A free account may be needed to view documents, though some opportunities do not require one.

Review the attachments for the submission instructions, capability information, questionnaire, and draft Performance Work Statement. The notice encourages vendors to use the questionnaire when providing capability information.

Prepare a focused capability response

Use the draft PWS’s twelve capability areas to organize your response. Explain clearly which areas your firm can perform and provide specific, relevant evidence of its experience and capabilities.

State your NAICS size status and any applicable certifications or designations requested in the notice. If considering a small-business set-aside, account for the notice’s reminder that small businesses must perform at least 50 percent of contract performance costs with their own personnel under a set-aside.

Because this is market research rather than a bid, focus on giving EPA useful, direct information about your firm’s capability. Check the submission instructions in the attachments and allow time to submit before the stated deadline.