← Back to contracts

WaterSMART: Desalination Construction Projects

US Bureau of Reclamation (DOI-BOR) grant open #R26AS00034
Response due Aug 26, 2027 · 00:00 UTC

Summary

The Bureau of Reclamation (DOI-BOR) is soliciting applications under the WaterSMART program for desalination construction projects. This federal grant opportunity supports the planning, design, and/or construction of water desalination infrastructure. The program aims to expand water supplies through desalination technologies, consistent with the WaterSMART initiative's broader goals of stretching and securing water resources across the American West and other water-stressed regions.

What they want

Technical requirements
  • Projects must involve desalination construction activities
  • Opportunity posted as a synopsis — full technical requirements expected in subsequent announcement

How they evaluate

  • Not stated in synopsis — full evaluation criteria expected in subsequent detailed solicitation
Submission: Grants.gov federal grants portal

Risks & flags

  • Extremely long open window (05/14/2026 – 08/26/2027, over 15 months) may allow incumbent or pre-selected applicants to prepare highly tailored applications while discouraging new entrants
  • Limited detail provided in the synopsis — technical requirements, evaluation criteria, and cost-sharing details are not disclosed, making competitive intelligence difficult to assess

Market context

inferred from NAICS
Water & Sewer Line Construction
NAICS 237110
US market size
$58B
Typical award
$250K – $50M
Typical buyers
CitiesWater districtsStates
Commonly required
State contractor licenseMUTCDBonding
Utilities
NAICS 221310
US market size
$430B
Typical award
$250K – $500M
Typical buyers
DOETVABPAUtility districts
Commonly required
NERC CIP

Sector-level estimate — full code lookup not yet in catalog.

WaterSMART: Desalination Construction Proj…
Due Aug 26
Onboard