Cisco Branch Ontonagon River Bridge Replacement
AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OF.FOREST SERVICE.USDA-FS, CSA EAST 13 · Response deadline: Mon, 26 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
The U.S. Forest Service is soliciting a contractor to replace the Cisco Branch Ontonagon River Bridge in Michigan's Ottawa National Forest. This is a bridge construction project involving heavy and civil engineering construction, as classified under NAICS code 237310. This NAICS code covers establishments primarily engaged in the construction of highways, streets, bridges, tunnels, and other related structures.
Bridge replacement projects of this type typically include demolition of the existing structure, foundation work, substructure and superstructure construction, and related site work such as approach construction, drainage, and erosion control. Given the location in a national forest, the work may also involve environmental compliance measures, temporary traffic control, and coordination with Forest Service resource specialists to minimize impacts to the surrounding ecosystem.
The project is designated as a total small business set-aside, meaning only eligible small businesses under the applicable size standard may compete for this contract. For NAICS 237310, the Small Business Administration size standard is defined by average annual receipts over the past five years—see the solicitation for the current threshold.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of Agriculture, Forest Service (USDA-FS, CSA East 13) |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | 12445527Q0001 |
| NAICS | 237310 (Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction) |
| Set-aside | Small Business Set Aside – Total |
| Response deadline | October 26, 2026, 1:00 PM EDT |
| Place of performance | Watersmeet, Michigan |
Who can bid
This opportunity is restricted to small business concerns that qualify under the size standard for NAICS 237310. To be eligible, your business must:
- Be independently owned and operated
- Not be dominant in its field of operation
- Meet the applicable size standard (based on average annual receipts)
You do not need to hold any specific socioeconomic certification (such as 8(a), HUBZone, or service-disabled veteran-owned status) to bid—this is a general small business set-aside open to all qualified small businesses.
If you plan to compete as a joint venture, ensure the venture meets SBA's requirements for small business set-aside eligibility. Mentor-protégé arrangements may also be permissible if structured correctly.
How to put together a competitive bid
Verify your SAM registration and size status. Confirm your SAM.gov profile is active and accurately reflects your NAICS 237310 designation and small business size status. Registration must be current to bid.
Obtain the full solicitation package. This combined synopsis/solicitation indicates proposal instructions, technical specifications, and evaluation criteria are available through the SAM.gov notice. Download all attachments to understand the bridge design requirements, site conditions, and material specifications.
Assess bonding capacity. Bridge construction typically requires performance and payment bonds. Contact your surety early to ensure adequate bonding capacity for the anticipated contract value. See the solicitation for specific bond requirements.
Evaluate site conditions. The Watersmeet, Michigan location experiences significant winter weather. Factor in seasonal construction limitations, material delivery logistics, and potential mobilization costs for remote forest access.
Develop your technical approach. Forest Service bridge projects often emphasize minimizing environmental disturbance, accommodating recreational traffic during construction, and using durable materials suited to northern climates. Address these priorities in your technical proposal.
Price strategically. Review wage determinations for the applicable Davis-Bacon Act classifications in Gogebic County or applicable locality. Ensure your labor rates comply with prevailing wage requirements.
Submit through the designated method. Follow the solicitation's instructions for electronic or hard copy submission, confirming the deadline of October 26, 2026 at 1:00 PM EDT.
Next steps
Access the full solicitation immediately on SAM.gov using solicitation number 12445527Q0001 or searching for "Cisco Branch Ontonagon River Bridge Replacement."
Review all proposal requirements, specifications, and evaluation factors in the complete solicitation package—this page summarizes only official metadata.
Calendar the deadline: October 26, 2026, 1:00 PM EDT. Allow buffer time for submission technical issues.
Contact the contracting officer listed in the SAM.gov notice with any questions about requirements or eligibility.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →