How to bid on constructing a new water storage facility for the VA

What the VA is buying and why it matters

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) needs a contractor to build a new water storage facility and demolish existing facilities at the Veterans’ Health Care System of the Ozarks in Fayetteville, Arkansas. This project, valued between $10 million and $20 million, involves comprehensive construction work including civil, structural, architectural, fire protection, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, security, electronics, and demolition.

The selected contractor will have 330 calendar days to complete the work after receiving the Notice to Proceed. This is a significant opportunity for eligible businesses to contribute to essential infrastructure for veteran healthcare facilities.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

The proposal deadline for this solicitation is August 20, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET. This date was extended by Amendment 1, posted on July 21, 2026. All proposals must be submitted by this time.

A bid bond is required with your proposal. If awarded the contract, performance and payment bonds will also be necessary. Offerors should also note that a 90-day proposal acceptance period will be required.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is a 100% set-aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB). To be eligible, your firm must be verified in the SBA VetCert program and registered with the NAICS code 237110 (Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction), which has a small business size standard of $45 million in average annual receipts.

The work requires expertise across multiple construction disciplines, including specialized construction, labor, and supervision for civil, structural, architectural, fire protection, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, security, electronics, and demolition. Firms with a strong background in complex construction projects, particularly those involving critical infrastructure, are well-suited.

How to respond

To access the solicitation, click the “View original source” link. If you land on the portal’s homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view all documents, though this is not always the case.

Offerors are responsible for downloading the Request for Proposal (RFP) and all associated documents and attachments from the SAM.gov website. It is crucial to check SAM.gov frequently for any amendments to the RFP, as you are responsible for acknowledging all changes, including those posted up to the bid due date.

Practical tips for a competitive response

Ensure your firm is fully registered and verified. You must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) database with complete Representations and Certifications, and your SDVOSB status must be verified in SBA VetCert under the assigned NAICS code 237110. Proposals from firms not verified in VetCert will not be considered.

Carefully review all construction documents, drawings, and specifications. The project requires adherence to the latest VA Specifications, VA Standards, and various federal and industry regulations. Your proposal should clearly demonstrate your understanding of these requirements and your plan to meet them without disrupting medical center operations.

Since a bid bond is required, make sure you have established relationships with surety providers. Also, be prepared to secure performance and payment bonds if you are awarded the contract. This demonstrates your financial capability and commitment to the project.