Oconaluftee Waterline Replacement
AGRICULTURE, DEPARTMENT OF.FOREST SERVICE.USDA FOREST SERVICE-SPOC EAST · Response deadline: Fri, 30 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
The U.S. Forest Service is procuring work for the Oconaluftee Waterline Replacement in the Great Smoky Mountains region of North Carolina. This is a water and sewer line construction project falling under NAICS 237110, which covers Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction. This type of work typically involves excavation, pipe installation, backfilling, pressure testing, site restoration, and connection to existing water distribution systems.
Given the location in Cherokee, NC—within the boundaries of the Qualla Boundary and near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park—this project likely serves tribal communities, Forest Service facilities, or public recreation areas. Waterline replacement projects in this region often address aging infrastructure, improve fire suppression capabilities, or ensure safe drinking water for residents and visitors.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | USDA Forest Service |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | 12441926Q0040 |
| NAICS | 237110 (Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction) |
| Set-aside | Small Business Set Aside - Total |
| Response deadline | October 30, 2026, 12:00 PM ET |
| Place of performance | Cherokee, NC |
Who can bid
This opportunity is 100% set aside for small businesses, meaning only certified small business concerns under NAICS 237110's size standard may submit offers. The size standard for this NAICS is typically based on average annual receipts; see the solicitation for the applicable threshold.
Eligible bidders should have:
- Active SAM.gov registration current through contract award
- Appropriate NAICS code in SAM profile
- Relevant experience in waterline construction, utility installation, or civil infrastructure work
- Capacity to perform in Cherokee, NC, including knowledge of local soil conditions, permitting requirements, and potential tribal coordination
- Required contractor licenses, bonding capacity, and insurance for public works in North Carolina
No specific certifications beyond small business status are indicated in the metadata.
How to put together a competitive bid
For waterline construction set-asides, focus on these elements:
Demonstrate relevant project history. Highlight completed waterline replacements, particularly in mountainous terrain, federally managed lands, or environmentally sensitive areas. Include performance metrics on schedule adherence and water service continuity during construction.
Address site-specific challenges. Cherokee's location in western North Carolina involves steep topography, potential rocky excavation, high seasonal rainfall, and possible coordination with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians or National Park Service. Outline your equipment capabilities, erosion control plans, and experience working near protected watersheds.
Emphasize small business advantages. As a total small business set-aside, highlight your firm's direct control of work, key personnel qualifications, and subcontracting approach. Limit subcontracting to other small businesses where possible; any subcontracting plan must comply with FAR limitations.
Technical precision matters. See the solicitation for required pipe materials, depth specifications, pressure ratings, and connection standards. Waterline projects typically require detailed method statements for dewatering, trench safety, traffic control, and bacteriological testing.
Price strategically. Combined synopsis/solicitation notices often use simplified acquisition procedures. Ensure your pricing includes all mobilization, permitting, testing, and restoration costs for remote mountain work.
Next steps
- Read the full solicitation immediately at SAM.gov using solicitation number 12441926Q0040 or keyword "Oconaluftee Waterline Replacement"
- Confirm your small business status matches NAICS 237110 requirements
- Note the deadline: October 30, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern—allow buffer time for SAM.gov portal submission
- Attend any site visits or pre-bid conferences if offered; mountain waterline projects benefit from firsthand terrain assessment
- Prepare bonding and insurance documentation early, as public utility work often requires specific coverage levels
View the official notice on SAM.gov →