Nationwide A&E IDIQ For Dam Safety

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is soliciting qualifications for a Nationwide Architect and Engineering (A&E) Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract to support its Dam Safety Program. This Special Notice was posted on March 10, 2026, and represents a request for qualifications from firms capable of providing comprehensive engineering and architectural services nationwide. The government anticipates awarding four firm-fixed-price IDIQ contracts with a five-year ordering period, a maximum contract value of $20 million per award, and a $500 minimum guarantee. Two contracts will be unrestricted and two will be set aside exclusively for small businesses under NAICS Code 541330 (Engineering Services) with a size standard of $25.5 million. This opportunity covers services across the Continental United States, Hawaii, and U.S. territories for the USFWS dam portfolio.

The purpose of this solicitation is to establish a roster of qualified A&E firms to provide technical support for the USFWS dam safety program, which encompasses approximately 305 earthen embankment and concrete dam structures, including 16 classified as high or significant hazard facilities. Key deadlines include a March 31, 2026 deadline for submitting technical questions and an April 10, 2026 deadline at 12:00 PM EST for submitting SF 330 proposals to sanford_carson@fws.gov. Firms must demonstrate qualifications in specialized disciplines including civil, structural, geotechnical, hydraulic, and water resources engineers, along with environmental scientists, hydrologists, archaeologists, surveyors, and cost estimators. Services required include Safety Evaluation of Existing Dams (SEED) inspections, design and construction management across all Title phases, risk analysis, NEPA compliance, permitting, and emergency action planning. The evaluation process involves a two-stage approach where 4-6 firms will be selected for Microsoft Teams interviews, after which the top four finalists will be invited to submit labor category rates and subcontracting plans, leading to negotiations and final awards.