How to bid on the Texas Voluntary Marginal Conventional Well Plugging Program with TCEQ

What the agency is buying

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is seeking contractors to plug old oil and gas wells across Texas. This effort is part of the Texas Voluntary Marginal Conventional Well Plugging Program (TxMCW) and the Methane Emissions Reductions Program (MERP). The goal is to reduce methane emissions by permanently plugging and abandoning marginal conventional oil and gas wells.

This is a significant opportunity, with an estimated value of $134 million. The project is funded by the Inflation Reduction Act and must be completed by September 30, 2028. Contractors will perform plugging and abandonment tasks and will subcontract for pre-plugging and post-plugging methane measurements. Well sites will be identified through a separate grant program, TxMCW Request for Grant Applications (RFGA) 582-27-70000-MW, which also includes required site remediation.

Key dates and deadlines

This solicitation was published on July 02, 2026. The deadline for submitting your response is August 31, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET. All work for this project must be completed by September 30, 2028.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for construction firms specializing in oil and gas well plugging and abandonment services. Small businesses that meet specific criteria are encouraged to bid. Contractors must be prepared to adhere to specific contractual requirements and potentially subcontract for methane measurement services. The work involves projects throughout the State of Texas.

How to respond

To access the full solicitation documents and instructions on how to respond, you need to view the original posting on the Texas Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD). The solicitation number is 582-26-00333-2. Viewing the posting and its document list is public and does not require an account. You must submit your response as directed in the posting before the August 31, 2026, deadline.

Practical tips for preparing a competitive response

Given the nature and scale of this project, ensure your proposal clearly demonstrates your firm's experience and capabilities in oil and gas well plugging and abandonment. Highlight any relevant past projects, especially those involving environmental remediation or methane emission reduction.

Pay close attention to the specific criteria and contractual requirements mentioned in the solicitation. Detail your approach to subcontracting for methane measurements and how you will manage these partnerships effectively. Since the project has a firm completion date, outline a realistic timeline and resource allocation plan to meet the September 30, 2028, deadline. Clearly articulate your understanding of the project's scope, including site remediation, and how your team will address these aspects.