Bid guide
How to bid on a tent structure supply and installation for the Dept of Defense
What the agency is buying and why it matters
The Department of Defense needs one engineered 80-foot by 112-foot tensioned-fabric tent structure. This structure will be supplied and installed at Volk Field Air National Guard Base in Camp Douglas, Wisconsin. The contractor must provide all materials, engineering, transportation, labor, and installation.
The structure needs to be a clear-span design with at least 12 feet of interior clearance. It must be built to withstand severe northern-tier weather, including heavy snow, high winds, extreme cold, hail, and freeze-thaw conditions. This is a chance for small businesses to work with the Department of Defense on a significant construction and supply project.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
The solicitation was published on July 30, 2026. If you have questions, they must be submitted via email by August 20, 2026, at 1:00 PM CDT. A site visit is scheduled for August 13, 2026, at 9:00 AM CDT; you must contact the contracting office by August 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM CDT to attend.
Offers are due by email on August 31, 2026, at 1:00 PM CDT. Late offers will not be considered. The government will not make an award until funds are available.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is set aside 100% for small businesses. The relevant North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code is 332311, which covers prefabricated metal building and component manufacturing, with a size standard of 750 employees. Firms specializing in engineered fabric structures, large tent installations, or pre-engineered building construction, especially those with experience in challenging weather conditions, would be well-suited.
All qualified small businesses registered under this NAICS code are encouraged to submit quotations. You must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) database at the time of quote submission.
How to respond
To access the solicitation, click "View original source" on the portal. If you land on the homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view documents, though this is not always required.
You must return the attached Standard Form 1449 Solicitation, W50S9H26QA034, signed and filled in. Include any additional information required by FAR 52.212-1 Instructions to Offerors Addenda and any other fill-in provisions. Offers must be submitted via email only to the contracting office contact information provided in the solicitation. Ensure your offer includes all necessary technical specifications for the government to review and determine technical acceptability; incomplete documentation may lead to your offer being deemed unacceptable.
Tips for a competitive response
Carefully review the Statement of Work (SOW) and SF 1449 for all details and requirements. Pay close attention to the specific environmental conditions mentioned, such as heavy snow loads, high winds, and extreme cold, and ensure your proposed solution explicitly addresses these challenges.
Since technical specifications are crucial, provide clear, detailed documentation that demonstrates your proposed tent structure meets or exceeds all specified dimensions, clearances, and resilience requirements. Highlight your firm's experience with similar projects, especially those involving engineered fabric structures in demanding climates. Double-check that your SAM registration is active and up-to-date before submitting your offer.
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 Defense; the original posting controls.