Circuit Rider Technical Assistance Program
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Regional Acquisition Division (RAD) is soliciting proposals for Circuit Rider Technical Support Services for the USDA Rural Development Rural Utility Service. This is a Full and Open competitive solicitation for a 5-year Firm-Fixed Price (FFP) contract to provide nationwide technical assistance to rural water systems. Proposals are due March 4, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. ET.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide labor, personnel, supervision, and other necessary items to deliver technical assistance and training to eligible rural water systems across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Key services include:
- Onsite technical assistance for troubleshooting, operations, maintenance, management, financial sustainability, regulatory compliance, facility security, loan applications, disaster assistance, and cybersecurity.
- Annual training for Circuit Riders.
- Reporting and data collection from systems.
- Disaster response support. Circuit Riders must have at least five years of experience in rural/community water system operations/management.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price (FFP)
- Duration: 5 years (12-month base period + four 12-month option periods), anticipated May 1, 2026, to April 30, 2031.
- Set-Aside: Full and Open Competition
- Product Service Code: R425 (Engineering And Technical Services)
Submission & Evaluation
- Proposal Submission Deadline: March 4, 2026, 3:00 p.m. ET. Electronic submissions only.
- Questions Deadline: February 12, 2026, 12:00 p.m. ET, submitted via Exhibit A Questions and Answers Form to gary.brown3@usda.gov.
- Evaluation Factors: Proposals will be evaluated based on Technical/Management (Capability/Experience, Key Personnel, Management/QA/Subcontracting), Past Performance, and Price. Technical/Management and Past Performance are more important than Price. A trade-off approach will be used to determine best value.
- Subcontracting: Small business subcontracting goals are outlined, with a target of up to 22% of total planned subcontracting dollars.
Key Attachments
- Performance Work Statement (PWS): Details the specific requirements and performance standards.
- Pricing Worksheet: Requires detailed pricing for all CLINS across all periods.
- Subcontracting Plan Template: For outlining small business utilization strategies.
- Past Performance Questionnaire: Used to assess contractor performance on previous contracts.