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Guardrail Installation, Mansfield Hollow Lake, Mansfield, CT

DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEPT OF THE ARMY.US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS.ENGINEER DIVISION NORTH ATLANTIC.ENDIST NEW ENGLAND.W2SD ENDIST NEW ENGLAND · Response deadline: Fri, 30 Oct 2026

What the government is buying

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New England District intends to award a contract for guardrail installation work at Mansfield Hollow Lake in Mansfield, Connecticut. This is a construction services procurement under NAICS 237310 (Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction). Guardrail installation is a specialized highway safety construction task typically involving the placement of metal beam rails, posts, and end terminals along roadways or in this case likely near dam infrastructure or recreational access roads at the lake site. The total small business set-aside indicates the government has determined this work is suitable for exclusive competition among small businesses, with no portion reserved for other than small business concerns.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is restricted to small business concerns certified as small under NAICS 237310, which carries a size standard of $47.5 million in average annual receipts. Eligible bidders must be registered in SAM.gov and possess the required construction capabilities. Given the Corps of Engineers' standing requirements for construction work, prospective bidders should also verify their Past Performance Information Retrieval System (PPIRS) or Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS) records are current, as the government typically evaluates past performance for construction solicitations. Firms must demonstrate responsibility, including financial capacity, bonding capability, and relevant experience. See the solicitation for any specific licensing, safety certifications, or security clearance requirements.

How to put together a competitive bid

For highway construction guardrail work, focus on these elements:

Technical approach: Detail your crew qualifications, equipment inventory (post drivers, torque wrenches, survey instrumentation), and familiarity with Federal Highway Administration or state DOT guardrail specifications. The Corps may require compliance with specific design standards—see the solicitation.

Pricing structure: Construction solicitations typically require unit prices for items such as guardrail type (W-beam, thrie-beam), post installation, terminal assemblies, and mobilization. Obtain accurate material quotes from rail manufacturers; steel price volatility can erode margins. Verify whether the solicitation includes a government estimate or bid schedule format.

Bonding: Expect requirements for a bid guarantee (typically 20 percent) and payment/performance bonds. Engage your surety early, particularly if this represents a significant volume relative to your current backlog.

Safety record: Emphasize your Experience Modification Rate (EMR), OSHA recordable rates, and any safety programs specific to roadside work zones. The Corps weights safety heavily in responsibility determinations.

Past performance: Prepare recent, relevant project references for guardrail or comparable highway construction completed for federal, state, or municipal clients.

Next steps

Access the full solicitation package at SAM.gov using solicitation number W912WJ27QA003. Review the statement of work, drawings, specifications, and special contract requirements for precise scope, period of performance, and evaluation criteria. Submit questions through the designated contact in the solicitation if clarifications are needed. Submit your bid no later than October 30, 2026 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time; late submissions are inadmissible. Verify your SAM.gov registration remains active and that any required representations and certifications are complete before the deadline.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →