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Contract Delivery Service (CDS) HCR 961A6 ALTURAS, CA - H002, CA

POSTAL SERVICE.POSTAL SERVICE.SUPPLIES MATERIAL MGMT · Response deadline: Fri, 06 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

The U.S. Postal Service is soliciting bids for a Contract Delivery Service (CDS) route in Alturas, California. Contract Delivery Service is a long-standing USPS program where private contractors transport mail and parcels between post offices, carrier facilities, and other postal facilities using their own vehicles. Contractors typically drive assigned routes on scheduled runs, handling bulk mail that moves outside the final-mile delivery network.

This specific route is designated HCR 961A6 with identification code H002, serving the Alturas, CA area. Contract Delivery Service work generally involves highway contract routes—regularly scheduled transportation services rather than on-demand courier work. Contractors are responsible for providing and maintaining suitable vehicles, fuel, insurance, and drivers to meet USPS schedules and service standards.

Key facts

Who can bid

This solicitation is full and open competition with no set-aside program, meaning any qualified business—regardless of size or socioeconomic status—may submit a bid. There is no small business preference, HUBZone, SDVOSB, or other restricted competition applied to this opportunity.

Given the NAICS code 491110 (Postal Service), this is classified under a category that covers postal and express delivery services. Bidders should have or be able to obtain appropriate operating authority, commercial vehicle insurance, and meet USPS contractor qualification requirements. The Postal Service typically requires contractors to pass background checks, have acceptable driving records, and maintain DOT-compliant vehicles and operations. See the solicitation for specific eligibility and bonding requirements.

How to put together a competitive bid

For Contract Delivery Service routes, competitive bids typically balance per-mile or per-trip pricing against reliability and operational credibility. Consider these factors:

• Vehicle costs and specifications: USPS highway contract routes require specific vehicle types—often step vans, straight trucks, or tractor-trailers depending on route volume and postal facility requirements. Calculate total cost of ownership including purchase or lease, fuel, maintenance, and replacement timelines for the contract period.

• Labor and driver management: Factor in driver wages, benefits, training, backup coverage for sick days and vacations, and compliance with hours-of-service regulations. USPS service standards are strict; missed runs can trigger penalties or termination.

• Insurance and liability: Commercial auto, cargo, and general liability coverage for postal service work carries specific requirements. Obtain quotes early as this affects pricing significantly.

• Route knowledge: If possible, familiarize yourself with the Alturas area route topography, weather patterns (notably winter conditions in this northeastern California location near the Oregon border), and fuel availability.

• Rate structure analysis: USPS CDS contracts may use various payment structures—per-mile, per-trip, or flat annual rates. See the solicitation for the applicable method and build escalation assumptions if multi-year.

Next steps

Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number 810-101-27. The complete document will specify vehicle requirements, performance schedules, payment terms, insurance minimums, and evaluation criteria. Pay close attention to any pre-bid conference, site visit opportunities, or required registrations with the Postal Service's supplier systems.

Note the deadline: November 6, 2026 at 10:00 AM Pacific Time. USPS solicitations typically require timely delivery; late submissions are generally not accepted. Allow adequate time for any required registrations, bonding, or questions to the contracting officer.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →