RFQ Nez Perce-Clearwater NF Salmon River Seed Orchard Well Drilling (2026)

The USDA Forest Service, Intermountain Zone (Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest) is requesting quotes for well drilling and potable water infrastructure at the Salmon River Seed Orchard in White Bird, Idaho, with quotes due May 15, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. Mountain Time. This procurement is a Total Small Business Set-Aside under NAICS 237110 (Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction) with a $45 million small-business size standard; only small businesses are eligible to compete.

The scope covers drilling a potable water well to supply the nursery facility in accordance with Forest-provided plans and specifications. The solicitation includes two contingency options: if the first well does not meet specifications, Option 1 decommissions it and funds a second well; if the second well fails, Option 2 decommissions it and funds a third well. The contractor must begin work within 10 days of receiving notice to proceed and complete all work within 180 calendar days.

Performance runs June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027. Quotes will be evaluated on experience with similar projects, past performance on relevant contracts within the preceding five years, and price. The contract will be awarded as a firm fixed-price agreement. For contracts exceeding $150,000, bid guarantees of 20 percent and performance and payment bonds at 100 percent of the original contract price (due within 10 days of award) are required; for contracts exceeding $35,000 but not exceeding $150,000, only payment protections are required. Construction wage-rate requirements and federal compliance clauses apply. Questions are due May 4, 2026, directed to Daniel Franco at daniel.franco@usda.gov. No site visit or bidders' conference is scheduled.