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

What the agency is buying and why a vendor would care

The Indian Health Service is seeking a contractor to extend a water line at three sites in Binger, Oklahoma. This project will serve Caddo County Rural Water District No. 3.

The work involves installing 10,940 feet of 2-inch HDPE water main, 870 feet of casing, and service lines and meters for four homes. It also includes directional boring, open cut crossings, pressure testing, disinfection, and connecting to the existing water district.

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

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

The solicitation was published on July 28, 2026. The deadline for proposals is August 19, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. All dates are subject to change, so check the official solicitation documents.

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.

At the deadline, all submitted proposals will be evaluated based on the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) criteria. This means the contract will likely be awarded to the responsible offeror whose proposal is technically acceptable and offers the lowest price.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is specifically set aside for Indian Small Business Economic Enterprises (ISBEE) under the Buy Indian Act. Firms must meet this designation to be eligible.

The project falls under NAICS code 237110, Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction, with an associated size standard of $45 million. This indicates it is suitable for construction firms specializing in water infrastructure.

Vendors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database to be considered for award. It is recommended to complete SAM registration as soon as possible.

How to respond

To access the solicitation documents, click “View original source” on the portal. If the first click takes you to the homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid.

You may need a free account on the portal to view all documents, though some bids do not require an account. It is the contractor's responsibility to frequently check the portal for any amendments or changes to the solicitation.

Hard copy documents will not be available; all information will be provided electronically through the portal.

Practical tips for preparing a competitive response

Given the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) evaluation criteria, ensure your proposal clearly demonstrates technical acceptability while offering a competitive price. Pay close attention to all technical requirements outlined in the scope of work.

Thoroughly review the full scope of work, plans, specifications, and the Construction Wage Determination included in the solicitation documents. This will help you accurately estimate costs and ensure compliance.

Consider attending the scheduled site visit. This provides an opportunity to assess the project location, understand potential challenges, and ask clarifying questions directly to the agency, which can inform a more accurate and competitive bid.

Double-check all required registrations, especially your SAM registration, to ensure it is active and up-to-date. The government may not delay award for registration issues.