Federal Contract Alert: 12--FL CALOOSAHATCHEE/ALARM PANELS DING DAR — INTERIOR, DEPARTMENT OF THE.US FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE.FWS SAT TEAM 3
Understanding the Caloosahatchee/Alarm Panels DING DAR Opportunity
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has posted a Total Small Business Set-Aside contract for alarm panel services and maintenance at the Caloosahatchee National Wildlife Refuge in Florida. This is a competitive opportunity designed specifically for eligible small businesses to provide detection, installation, and maintenance (DING DAR) services for security alarm systems protecting federal wildlife infrastructure.
The contract supports USFWS operations by ensuring reliable alarm monitoring, response coordination, and system upkeep. This is a recurring service requirement typical of federal facility management, meaning strong past performance can lead to renewals and expand your government footprint.
Who Is Eligible to Bid
Set-Aside Status
This opportunity is reserved under Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5). Only businesses certified as small by the Small Business Administration (SBA) may submit proposals. If you hold an active SBA 8(a), HUBZone, Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), or Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) certification, you are eligible. Even if you don't hold a special designation, a standard small business designation based on your NAICS code is sufficient.
NAICS Code Requirement
The contract is classified under NAICS 561621 (Security Systems Services). Ensure your business registration in SAM.gov matches or clearly aligns with this code. This classification covers businesses providing installation, monitoring, and maintenance of alarm and security detection systems.
Critical Deadline & Key Dates
Proposal Due Date: July 20, 2026, 3:00 PM ET
This is a firm deadline. Plan to submit at least 2–4 hours early to account for SAM.gov system delays. Posted on July 13, 2026, you have approximately one week to prepare and submit your response. Begin gathering past performance documentation, pricing schedules, and compliance certifications immediately.
How to Respond: Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Verify Your SAM.gov Registration
Log into SAM.gov and confirm your business profile, NAICS code, and small business status are current and accurate. Update your capabilities statement and past performance records.
Step 2: Download the Full Solicitation
Access the complete Request for Proposal (RFP) from the opportunity link on SAM.gov. Review all attachments, including statement of work (SOW), security requirements, and evaluation criteria.
Step 3: Build Your Technical Proposal
Develop a clear response addressing alarm system expertise, local Florida operations capability, response times, and staff certifications (e.g., alarm installer licenses). Highlight relevant past performance on federal contracts.
Step 4: Prepare Your Pricing Proposal
Create a detailed labor rate table, parts pricing, and service-level cost estimates. Reference comparable federal contracts using GovWin IQ (https://iq.govwin.com) and Bloomberg Government (https://about.bgov.com) to benchmark your rates.
Step 5: Submit Before Deadline
Upload all documents to SAM.gov well before 3:00 PM ET on July 20, 2026. Retain proof of submission.
Competitive Intelligence Takeaway
Use GovWin IQ and Bloomberg Government to identify past USFWS security contracts and their award amounts. This intel helps you price competitively and understand USFWS's technical expectations. Search for "alarm panel" and "wildlife refuge" contracts awarded in Florida to refine your strategy.
3 Actionable Tips
Tip 1: Emphasize Local Presence
If you operate in Florida, highlight your ability to provide rapid on-site response. Federal agencies value local expertise and fast turnaround for facility security.
Tip 2: Document Certifications
Include copies of your state alarm installer license, any UL certifications, and past federal security contract awards. This builds credibility with evaluators.
Tip 3: Provide Clear Past Performance
Submit at least three references from similar federal or state facility contracts, including contract values, dates, and security system types you've managed.
Next Steps
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