C--GEOTECHNICAL ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEER SERVICES IN
INTERIOR, DEPARTMENT OF THE.DEPARTMENTAL OFFICES.OSM CONTRACTING ACTIVITY · Response deadline: Sat, 21 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The Department of the Interior is soliciting geotechnical architecture and engineering services. This type of work typically involves assessing soil conditions, foundation stability, slope integrity, and other subsurface characteristics to support the design and construction of structures or earthworks. Geotechnical engineering is a specialized sub-discipline within civil engineering that informs safe, cost-effective construction decisions for buildings, dams, roads, bridges, and environmental remediation projects. Specific project scopes, locations, and deliverable requirements for this solicitation are not included in the available metadata; see the solicitation.
Key facts
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of the Interior, OSM Contracting Activity |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | 140SS127R0001 |
| NAICS | 541330 |
| Set-aside | None (full and open competition) |
| Response deadline | November 21, 2026 at 2:00 PM ET |
| Place of performance | Not specified in metadata; see the solicitation |
Who can bid
This solicitation is full and open competition with no small business set-aside, meaning any responsible offeror—large or small—may bid. However, firms classified under NAICS 541330 (Engineering Services) remain the target pool. Small businesses should note they will compete directly against large engineering firms with established federal contracting track records.
To qualify, your firm generally needs:
- Active SAM.gov registration and Unique Entity ID
- Relevant professional engineering licenses for the states where work may occur
- Past performance in geotechnical investigations, laboratory testing, or engineering report preparation
- Appropriate bonding and insurance capacity
Since the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE) is the contracting activity within Interior, familiarity with mining-related geotechnical challenges—abandoned mine lands, reclamation sites, or slurry impoundments—may strengthen your competitive position.
How to put together a competitive bid
Demonstrate technical capability. Geotechnical A&E contracts are evaluated heavily on technical approach. Detail your drilling equipment, in-situ testing capabilities, laboratory accreditation (AASHTO, ASTM), and software for analysis (e.g., PLAXIS, GeoStudio, gINT). Name your registered professional engineers and their specific project experience.
Address risk and uncertainty. Emphasize your protocols for handling unknown subsurface conditions—change order triggers, alternative foundation recommendations, and constructability reviews. Federal agencies value proactive risk identification over optimistic fixed assumptions.
Show relevant past performance. Prior Interior, USACE, EPA, or state DOT contracts in similar terrain or environmental contexts carry weight. Include performance ratings, completion metrics, and client contact information.
Price strategically. Without set-aside protection, efficiency matters. Consider joint venturing with a geological surveyor or specialty lab if your firm lacks vertical integration. Evaluate whether an energy marketing partnership or a mentor-protégé arrangement with a large firm could strengthen your proposal without sacrificing small business identity.
Comply precisely with solicitation format. A&E solicitations often require SF 330 (Architect-Engineer Qualifications) or similar technical proposal structures. Missing forms or page limits commonly trigger elimination.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation at SAM.gov using solicitation number 140SS127R0001. The response deadline is November 21, 2026 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time—plan for system upload time and potential last-minute SAM.gov congestion. Confirm the place or places of performance, any security clearance requirements, and whether the contract derives from indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) vehicle access. Questions to the contracting officer should be submitted per the solicitation's instructions with adequate time for response before deadline.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →