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Fernan Ranger Station lift station electrical repair

AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OF.FOREST SERVICE.IDAHO PANHANDLE NATIONAL FOREST · Response deadline: Thu, 22 Oct 2026

What the government is buying

The USDA Forest Service, Idaho Panhandle National Forest is procuring electrical repair work for a lift station at the Fernan Ranger Station. Lift stations are facilities that pump wastewater from lower elevations to higher points in a sewer system, and electrical repairs to these systems typically involve work on controls, pumps, wiring, and related electrical infrastructure. Given the NAICS code, this contract falls under the electrical contracting industry, which encompasses installation, servicing, and repair of electrical wiring, fixtures, and equipment.

The work will take place at a Forest Service facility near Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, suggesting the need for electrical troubleshooting and restoration of pumping infrastructure in a remote government facility setting. See the solicitation for the specific scope of repairs, material requirements, and any performance specifications.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is reserved for small businesses under a total small business set-aside. To qualify, your business must:

• Meet the Small Business Administration's size standard for NAICS 238210 (currently $16.5 million average annual receipts for electrical contractors)
• Be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) with active status
• Hold any required electrical licensing for Idaho or be able to obtain it
• Have the technical capability to perform lift station electrical repair work

No specific socioeconomic set-aside (such as 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB) applies, so the competition is open to all certified small businesses meeting the basic qualifications.

How to put together a competitive bid

For electrical repair work on wastewater infrastructure, focus your proposal on these elements:

Technical approach: Demonstrate experience with lift stations or comparable pumping systems. Describe your diagnostic methodology, repair sequencing, and how you'll minimize downtime for an active facility. Forest Service ranger stations operate continuously, so emphasize your plan to maintain operations during repairs.

Personnel qualifications: Highlight licensed journeyman or master electricians on your team. Any experience with variable frequency drives, pump control panels, or SCADA-adjacent systems relevant to lift stations strengthens your bid.

Past performance: Include references for similar electrical repair contracts, particularly for federal agencies, utilities, or remote facilities. The Forest Service values contractors familiar with federal work environments and safety protocols.

Pricing structure: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation notices often use simplified acquisition procedures. Review whether this falls under the SAT threshold and whether the agency expects itemized line items or lump-sum pricing. See the solicitation for the exact pricing format and any government-furnished equipment or materials.

Safety and environmental compliance: Address hazardous energy control (lockout/tagout), confined space considerations if pump wells are involved, and any Idaho Department of Environmental Quality requirements for wastewater system work.

Next steps

1. Access the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number 1240LU26Q0125 or by searching for "Fernan Ranger Station lift station electrical repair"

2. Note the deadline: Proposals are due October 22, 2026 at 3:00 PM Mountain Time—approximately a two-week response window from posting

3. Review attachments carefully for the scope of work, evaluation criteria, and any site visit or pre-bid conference requirements

4. Verify your SAM registration is active and includes the correct NAICS code

5. Submit questions through the SAM.gov messaging function if clarification is needed, allowing adequate time for agency response before the deadline

View the official notice on SAM.gov →