Replace Water Softener and Water Heaters at FCI Mendota
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 Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP), specifically the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Mendota, is conducting market research through a Sources Sought notice to identify qualified small businesses for a project to replace water softeners and water heaters at its Mendota, California facility. This is not a solicitation, but a request for information to inform a future contract action. Responses to the Market Research Questionnaire are due by March 24, 2026, at 2:00 PM PST.
Scope of Work
The project requires a contractor to provide all necessary equipment, labor, materials, and incidentals to install a new water softener and replace existing damaged domestic water heaters with tankless systems. FCI Mendota currently lacks a water softener, and its housing unit water heaters are damaged. The estimated magnitude of this construction project, per FAR 36.204, is between $500,000 and $1,000,000.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought / Market Research
- NAICS Code: 238220 (Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors) with a small business size standard of $19 million.
- Set-Aside: The FBOP is specifically seeking small business contractors for this project.
- Response Due: March 24, 2026, 2:00 PM PST
- Published: March 17, 2026
Purpose & Action Items
This notice is for market research purposes only to gauge industry capability and determine potential small business participation. Interested small business contractors must be registered in SAM.gov and are requested to:
- Add their business name to the Interested Vendors List on SAM.gov.
- Complete the attached Market Research Questionnaire and return it via email to kxsua@bop.gov.
Responses will help the FBOP assess vendor capabilities, suitability of the 122-calendar day performance period, bonding capacity, and experience. A formal solicitation will be posted at a later date, and interested bidders should continuously monitor SAM.gov for updates.