Y--EAST CANAL EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENTS
INTERIOR, DEPARTMENT OF THE.BUREAU OF RECLAMATION.UPPER COLORADO REGIONAL OFFICE · Response deadline: Fri, 20 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The Bureau of Reclamation's Upper Colorado Regional Office is soliciting bids for East Canal Efficiency Improvements. Based on the title and NAICS code 237110 (Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction), this is a construction project focused on upgrading or rehabilitating canal infrastructure to reduce water loss and improve conveyance efficiency.
Canal efficiency projects typically involve lining earthen canals with concrete or other materials, repairing existing structures, installing flow measurement devices, or replacing deteriorated sections to minimize seepage and operational losses. These improvements are common in Bureau of Reclamation systems throughout the Western United States, where water conservation is critical for meeting contractual obligations to water users and maintaining ecological flows.
As a Small Business Set-Aside, this contract is reserved entirely for qualified small business concerns. The bureau expects competition exclusively among small businesses that can perform heavy civil construction work in the water resources sector.
Key facts
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation, Upper Colorado Regional Office |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | 140R4026R0025 |
| NAICS | 237110 (Water and Sewer Line and Related Structures Construction) |
| Set-aside | Small Business Set-Aside – Total |
| Response deadline | November 20, 2026 at 1:00 PM Mountain Time |
| Place of performance | Not specified in metadata; see the solicitation |
Who can bid
This opportunity is open only to small business concerns as defined by SBA size standards for NAICS 237110. The general size standard for this code is average annual receipts of $47.5 million over the past three years, though verification against current SBA Table of Size Standards is essential.
Eligible bidders must be registered in SAM.gov and hold active status. Given the nature of water infrastructure construction, successful bidders typically demonstrate:
- Experience with federal heavy civil construction contracts, particularly those involving water conveyance systems
- Past performance on canal lining, concrete placement, or earthen structure rehabilitation
- Capability to work within Reclamation safety and environmental compliance frameworks
- Bonding capacity appropriate for the project scope (see the solicitation for specific requirements)
- Relevant licenses for the state where work will occur
Joint ventures and mentor-protégé arrangements may be permissible under SBA rules, but structure them carefully to maintain small business eligibility.
How to put together a competitive bid
Understand the site conditions. Canal efficiency projects present unique challenges: confined work areas, active water deliveries requiring flow maintenance, seasonal construction windows, and potential coordination with agricultural operations. Request a site visit if offered, and factor mobilization costs for potentially remote Western locations.
Emphasize water management expertise. Reclamation evaluators value contractors who understand canal hydraulics, seepage control methods (concrete lining, geomembrane installation, soil-cement), and construction sequencing that minimizes service disruption. Highlight relevant past projects with quantified efficiency improvements.
Address environmental and cultural resources. Reclamation projects often trigger NEPA compliance and Section 106 cultural resource reviews. Propose concrete mitigation for identified sensitivities and demonstrate familiarity with Reclamation's environmental coordination process.
Price strategically for small business competition. Total small business set-asides in water construction can attract aggressive pricing. Analyze historical Reclamation awards in this region for pricing intelligence. Consider teaming with specialized subcontractors for lining technologies or instrumentation if that strengthens technical approach without compromising small business status.
Verify bonding and equipment requirements early. Heavy civil work may require substantial performance and payment bonds. Confirm your surety relationship can support the anticipated contract value.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number 140R4026R0025. The posted date was October 30, 2026.
Confirm your small business status for NAICS 237110 and verify SAM.gov registration is current through the anticipated award period.
Note the firm deadline: November 20, 2026 at 1:00 PM Mountain Time. Reclamation typically enforces late submissions strictly.
Request clarifications early if the place of performance, site access, or technical specifications require additional information to prepare your proposal.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →