How to bid on water tank upgrades at FCI Texarkana for the Department of Justice

What the agency is buying and why it matters

The Department of Justice, specifically the Federal Bureau of Prisons, is seeking a contractor to rehabilitate and modernize the water storage and distribution system at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Texarkana in Texas. This project involves the complete overhaul of a 1,000,000-gallon ground water tank and a 150,000-gallon elevated water tower. The work includes replacing all pumps, piping, valves, and hardwired control panels, as well as installing a new analog monitoring system.

This is a firm-fixed-price construction contract with an estimated value between $1 million and $5 million. The selected contractor will be responsible for all materials, labor, and equipment, and must complete the project within 336 calendar days from the notice to proceed. The work requires adherence to various industry standards and federal security requirements, followed by comprehensive testing, certification, and a five-year system warranty. This is a significant opportunity for small businesses specializing in water infrastructure projects.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This solicitation was published on September 11, 2026. A crucial organized site visit is scheduled for Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 9:00 AM local time at FCI Texarkana. Attending the site visit is highly recommended to understand the scope and conditions firsthand.

The deadline for submitting offers is October 13, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET. All offers must be submitted by this time. No separate written solicitation will be issued, as this announcement constitutes the only solicitation.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is a 100% small business set-aside, making it exclusively available to eligible small businesses. The applicable North American Industrial Classification System (NAICS) code is 237110, which covers Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction, with a small business size standard of $45 million. Your firm must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) under this NAICS code and meet the small business size standard to be considered.

Firms with expertise in large-scale water tank rehabilitation, pump and piping system replacement, and control system installation, particularly those familiar with federal security requirements and industry standards like AWWA, NFPA, OSHA, and NEC, are well-suited for this project.

How to respond to this solicitation

To access the solicitation documents, you must go to the Contract Opportunity website on SAM.gov. The solicitation will be distributed solely through this website, and hard copies will not be made available. You will need an active SAM vendor registration to obtain access to the secure/locked documents, and you must have a valid Marketing Partner Identification Number (MPIN) from SAM.gov.

If your firm does not have the required NAICS code listed in your SAM.gov registration, an email may be sent to you requesting an explanation for access. It is essential to ensure your SAM.gov registration is current and accurate, especially regarding your business size metrics, as the government will review this to confirm compliance with the small business size standard. All future information and amendments will also be posted on this website, so continuous monitoring is necessary.

Practical tips for a competitive response

Given the technical nature of this project, thoroughly review the Statement of Work and Drawings. Pay close attention to all specified standards (AWWA, NFPA, OSHA, NEC) and federal security requirements. Your proposal should clearly demonstrate your firm's capability to meet these specific requirements.

Attend the organized site visit on September 23, 2026. This is a critical opportunity to gain a clear understanding of the existing conditions, potential challenges, and overall scope, which can inform a more accurate and competitive bid. Take detailed notes and ask any clarifying questions during the visit.

Ensure your SAM.gov registration is completely up-to-date, including your NAICS code and small business size metrics. Any discrepancies could lead to your offer being deemed non-responsive. Clearly articulate your firm's experience with similar projects, particularly those involving large water infrastructure, pump systems, and control panel installations, and highlight your ability to provide the required five-year warranty and certifications.