How to bid on the Stephenson Taylor Water Line Extension for the Indian Health Service

What the agency is buying

The Indian Health Service (IHS) is seeking a contractor to extend a water line for Caddo County Rural Water District No. 3. This project involves installing 10,940 feet of 2-inch HDPE water main and 870 feet of casing at three sites in Binger, Oklahoma.

The work includes directional boring, open-cut crossings, installing four home connections with water main taps, meters, and service lines. It also requires furnishing and installing various appurtenances like gate valves, flush hydrants, air relief valves, and tracer wire. The contractor will be responsible for pressure testing, disinfection, and bacteriological testing of the completed water main, and connecting it to the existing water district system.

The project has an anticipated value between $250,000 and $500,000, with a performance period of 90 calendar days from the notice to proceed.

Key dates and deadlines

The solicitation was published on July 20, 2026. All proposals must be submitted by August 19, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. It is important to submit your proposal before this deadline.

A site visit is scheduled for July 24, 2026, at 10:00 AM Central Time. Attending the site visit can provide valuable insights into the project requirements and conditions. All dates are subject to change, so always refer to the official solicitation for the most current information.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is a 100% set-aside for Indian Small Business Economic Enterprises (ISBEE) under the Buy Indian Act. Firms specializing in Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction (NAICS code 237110) with a size standard of $45 million are suitable for this bid.

The project requires experience in installing HDPE water mains, directional boring, open-cut methods, and connecting to existing water systems. Contractors with a proven track record in similar municipal or rural water infrastructure projects would be well-suited.

How to respond

To access the full 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.

The Indian Health Service intends to award a single Firm Fixed Price (FFP) contract. This is a Request for Proposal (RFP) and will be evaluated using the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) criteria. Ensure your firm is registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database, as this is mandatory for award consideration. The government will not delay award for SAM registration issues.

Practical tips for a competitive response

Carefully review the full scope of work, plans, and specifications included in the solicitation documents. Pay close attention to the specific requirements for materials, installation methods, and testing procedures, such as the 24-hour apart negative test results for bacteriological testing.

Given the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable evaluation criteria, ensure your proposal meets all technical requirements precisely while offering a competitive price. Document your technical approach clearly to demonstrate full compliance.

If you attend the site visit, take detailed notes and ask clarifying questions. This can help you understand any unique site conditions or challenges that might impact your bid. Also, remember to check the portal frequently for any amendments or changes to the solicitation.