Pre-Solicitation Synopsis_Monrovia.pdf

Pre-Solicitation Synopsis

19AQMM26N0150

Department of State 2026 Design-Build Construction Contract for

Utility Optimization Improvement in Monrovia, Liberia

This is a Pre-Solicitation Notice – interested companies do NOT need to submit any documentation at this time. The solicitation for qualification packages will be posted on SAM.gov at a later date, please see below for further information.

The U.S. Department of State (DOS), Bureau of Global Acquisitions, on behalf of the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO), has a requirement for Design-Build (D/B) Construction Services for a Utility Optimization Improvement project at the Existing New Embassy Compound in Monrovia, Liberia. The Project is described below. OBO seeks to commission our nation’s top constructors to produce facilities of outstanding quality and value.

This acquisition is small business set aside subject to the Omnibus Diplomatic Security and Antiterrorism Act of 1986, as amended, 2025 NDAA § 7214, (Public Law 118-159) (“Omnibus Act”). This solicitation will consist of two phases:

Phase I – Minimum Mandatory Requirements (MMRs) Phase 1 Proposal Request from Offerors for Eligibility Determination (see below); and

Phase II – Request for Phase 2 Proposals (Technical and Price) from Eligible or Conditionally Eligible Offerors.

This will be set aside for small businesses (SB).

Project Description:

Design-Build Construction Services for a Utility Optimization Improvements project at the New Embassy Compound (NEC). The project property address is 502 Benson Street in Monrovia, Liberia. The project is located on approximately 12 acres in the Mamba Point neighborhood in the city of Monrovia, Liberia. The site is developed. The site is bounded along its perimeter by Benson Street to the North, and private property to the West, and South.

Summary of Project Scope:

The project scope includes work at the Office Building Chancery (OBC), Marine Security Guard Residence (MSGR), Utility Building (UTL), Warehouse (WHE), Main Compound Access Control (MCAC), Service Compound Access Control (SCAC), Consular Compound Access Control (CCAC), Staff and Visitor Parking Lots (PKL) at the New Embassy Compound (NEC).

Anticipated Facilities and Areas: New Embassy Compound (NEC)

Compound Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems

Provide new solar photovoltaic systems. The Contractor must provide design and construction services for a total of 1.6MWh STC DC as follows:

1.) Staff PKL – Provide new parking canopy structures with 450kW STC DC roof 2.) NEC East – Provide new ground mounted 800kW STC DC 3.) Official PKL – Replace existing PV modules, wires, inverters, and components with a new 300kW STC DC system on the existing concrete and metal joist structure.

4.) MCAC to OBC Walkway – Provide new pedestrian canopy structures with 18kW STC DC roof

Provide solar photovoltaic (PV) renewable power generation systems with microgrid control system for power control. Provide new power interconnection and power feed to UTL. These areas and capacities are assumed to be achievable based on USG evaluation and must be confirmed and verified by Contractor at the beginning of Design phase. PV output must be integrated to serve the NEC electrical systems and overall facility loads. PV is not intended to serve a dedicated load panel unless identified during design.

Compound Site Lighting:

The contractor must provide for the design and installation of LED site and exterior building lighting at the NEC site. All existing exterior luminaires must be removed and replaced with LED technology; existing raceways, foundations, and poles in serviceable condition may be reused at Contractor risk, subject to verification and code compliance. The contractor must provide for a complete designed system that meets the OBO requirements for site security lighting and for aesthetic lighting for the representational areas. (One for One replacement is not mandated). The installation will include lighting, poles/bollards/other means of mounting, new or extended power cabling, new or extended control cabling, and provide a new control system within Embassy Guard Post One (Post 1) in compliance with OBO specifications. The site lighting is inclusive of security lighting, building egress lighting, site circulation path lighting, architectural accent lighting, and landscape lighting (including up-lights for the flagpole). The lighting design must employ only LED technology and must have coordinated color temperature across the site. Site lighting design must meet the requirements outlined in the design standards and must meet the lighting illumination levels upon completed installation. Installation must be in accordance with IZC appendix B, 2013 for LED exterior lighting (265600 Exterior Lighting, 2026, Parts 1-3; J.2.3 OPR 22 Electrical, 2026).

Compound BESS:

The contractor must design and install a commercial, containerized battery energy storage system (BESS) integrated with the PV system and generator-backed compound distribution to maximize PV utilization, improve power stability, and reduce diesel fuel consumption. The capacity of the BESS system must be 9500 kWh. The BESS must be designed and commissioned as an integrated system with defined operating modes, protective functions, and a safe generator-only fallback mode. (263313.13 Energy Storage Systems OVER 600kWh, 2026, Parts 1-3; J.2.3 OPR 22 Electrical, 2026).

The contractor must provide a fully functional and remote monitored and encrypted controlled microgrid system for the PV system as well as BESS, compound load, and generator monitoring/ATS control.

Compound Building Automation System (BAS) Integration:

The Contractor shall provide services to integrate all new equipment into the existing BAS. At minimum:

The Contractor shall evaluate all affected existing HVAC systems & equipment sequence of operation and update the sequence of operations as necessary.

The Contractor shall connect the new HVAC equipment and controllers to the existing BAS and update the BAS graphics as necessary to show new equipment and any other associated new work. All new equipment shall contain Native BACnet controllers. All sequences shall be tested to ensure full functionality within the BAS. Sequences shall be demonstrated to the FM, COR and local technical staff. The Contractor shall ensure that, from the front-end BAS computer, the user can control all BAS set-points as shown on existing drawings for all equipment. This includes, but is not limited to, the ability to enable/disable equipment, change all set points, manage time of day scheduling, view equipment status, manage supply and return chilled water temperatures, manage airflows and leaving air temperatures, view the number of compressors running, track compressor run time, and receive alarms.

The Contractor shall confirm that all BAS trends are actively setup and trending data. A full description of BAS trends that are required is listed in OBO Specification 230905.

Office Building Chancery (OBC) HVAC & Lighting:

The Contractor shall demolish and remove from site the existing outdoor air section of AHU-9, which shall include all materials between the outdoor air louver and the filter section of AHU-9 and shall include the existing outdoor air damper. All associated chilled water piping, filter section, coil section, and fan section shall remain.

The Contractor shall provide a new outdoor air section to AHU-9 while maintaining the same overall dimensions as the existing unit. The existing AHU has an outdoor air section that is roughly 2085 mm H x 2436 mm W x 780 mm L (contractor to field-verify dimensions). All internal materials and components for this new section shall be 316 stainless steel. The existing duct connection between the outdoor air louver and the AHU shall also be replaced with 316 stainless steel ductwork. Any contact between the new stainless steel in this section and other dissimilar metals shall be separated with a dielectric material to prevent the formation of galvanic corrosion. At a minimum, this dielectric separation shall be included between the new section and the existing galvanized steel for the remaining AHU sections.

The new outdoor air damper in this section shall be increased in size to 1180 mm H x 1750 mm W (existing damper to be removed is roughly 340 mm H x 1750 W; contractor to confirm existing and final sizing). The new damper shall include a damper end switch, and the damper actuator shall be located outside of the air stream (current location of the actuator is acceptable). Any existing sensor and associated controls wiring in this section shall be replaced. Replacement of sensors shall not exceed the inclusion outdoor air flow sensor, temperature sensor, and humidity sensor (three (3) total sensors; contractor to confirm and match existing condition).

Replace existing AHU-9 fan motor with similar high-efficiency inverter-duty motor that is appropriate for variable-speed operation. Replace the existing variable speed drive (VFD), all associated electrical connections, and all associated controls wiring associated with the fan motor. Existing motor is 20 HP, 400 V, 50 Hz, 2910 RPM, TEFC motor with a frame size of

256T and insulation class H. Contractor to verify with AHU-9 manufacturer that newly-selected motor is appropriate for AHU prior to purchase of motor. In addition to the newly-installed motor, provide one spare motor that may be stored on site for future replacement.

Replace existing fan impeller with new airfoil fan impeller at increased size for additional external static pressure. Contractor to confirm with existing AHU manufacturer the maximum size of impeller that may be used within the existing AHU fan section.

Contractor to reconnect all equipment, sensors, dampers, etc. to the compound building automation system. Follow the original compound sequence of operation for the control of this equipment. Contractor to ensure that all graphics, trending points, and sequences are included.

See BAS Integration Section below for additional requirements. Contractor to perform on-site pressure testing of new outdoor air section and full AHU after installation. Testing to be performed per AHRI standards and OBO requirements.

The scope also includes interior lighting upgrades. Complete interior lighting upgrades are needed across the NEC to reduce electrical load, improve lighting quality, and improve maintainability. The Contractor must field-verify existing interior lighting types, quantities, mounting conditions, circuits, controls, and panelboard capacity, and must provide a complete replacement and modernization of interior luminaires, controls, and associated electrical distribution as required for a functional, code-compliant system.

Marine Security Guard Residence (MSGR) HVAC & Lighting:

The Contractor shall demolish and remove from site the existing MSGQ condensing unit (M- CU-1) and all associated refrigerant piping, supports, associated AHU cooling coil, and appurtenances.

The Contractor shall design and install a replacement CU system in place of the existing equipment. CU, refrigerant piping, condenser piping, controls wiring, electrical power connection, cooling coil, and all associated equipment shall be replaced. The existing CU is nominally sized for a cooling capacity of 30 tons. The new unit shall match this existing capacity. The current unit uses R-410A refrigerant. Equipment of this type is no longer commercially available. Contractor to confirm with the existing AHU’s manufacturer that the new refrigerant type is compatible with the existing equipment. If manufacturer requires additional space for the new cooling coil associated with the updated refrigerant, contractor to perform work on the existing AHU to allow for new coil section size. Contractor to also confirm with Post that a replacement supply of the new refrigerant type is available locally for purchase. After installation of new coil, AHU to be pressure tested as per AHRI standards and OBO requirements. Ensure that all equipment, piping, electrical connections, controls wiring, etc., are appropriately selected for the extreme marine climate in this location, including all necessary coatings for condenser units, shielding on piping and conduit, etc. Please see section 31: Corrosion Mitigation in this document and OBO IBC ICS Appendix W for additional requirements.

The Contractor shall replace all outdoor air ductwork and accessories in the AHU mechanical room between the outdoor air louver and the AHU inlet. Note that the short run of duct downstream of the outdoor air VAV box and upstream of the AHU shall be included. New outdoor air ductwork and fittings to be 316 Stainless Steel. All stainless steel ductwork and accessories that connects to another metal type shall have a dielectric separation between the dissimilar metals. Replacement shall include outdoor air damper with end switch, outdoor air VAV box, outdoor air temperature sensor, outdoor air humidity sensor, and any additional equipment, sensors, or accessories located in this section of duct. Ensure that outdoor air damper actuator is located outside of the air stream.

Contractor to reconnect all equipment, sensors, dampers, etc. to the compound building automation system. Follow the original compound sequence of operation for the control of this equipment. Contractor to ensure that all graphics, trending points, and sequences are included.

See BAS Integration Section below for additional requirements.

The scope also includes interior lighting upgrades. Complete interior lighting upgrades are needed across the NEC to reduce electrical load, improve lighting quality, and improve maintainability. The Contractor must field-verify existing interior lighting types, quantities, mounting conditions, circuits, controls, and panelboard capacity, and must provide a complete replacement and modernization of interior luminaires, controls, and associated electrical distribution as required for a functional, code-compliant system.

Warehouse (WHE) HVAC & Lighting:

The Contractor shall design and install a replacement variable speed CU system in place of the existing equipment. CU, refrigerant piping, condenser piping, controls wiring, electrical power connection, cooling coil, and all associated equipment shall be replaced. The existing CU is nominally sized for a cooling capacity of 35 tons. The new unit shall match this existing capacity. The current unit uses R-410A refrigerant. Equipment of this type is no longer commercially available. Contractor to confirm with the existing AHU’s manufacturer that the new refrigerant type is compatible with the existing equipment. If manufacturer requires additional space for the new cooling coil associated with the updated refrigerant, contractor to perform work on the existing AHU to allow for new coil section size. Contractor to also confirm with Post that a replacement supply of the new refrigerant type is available locally for purchase. After installation of new coil, AHU to be pressure tested as per AHRI standards and OBO requirements. Contractor to ensure that the new variable speed condenser unit modulates in conjunction with the operation of the new variable-speed fan in order to avoid damage to the cooling coil (such as coil freezing). Ensure that all equipment, piping, electrical connections, controls wiring, etc., is appropriately selected for the extreme marine climate in this location, including all necessary coatings for condenser units, shielding on piping and conduit, etc.

Please see section 31: Corrosion Mitigation in this document and OBO IBC ICS Appendix W for additional requirements.

The Contractor shall replace all outdoor air ductwork and accessories in the AHU mechanical room between the outdoor air intake at roof level and the AHU inlet. New outdoor air ductwork and fittings to be 316 Stainless Steel. All stainless steel ductwork and accessories that connects to another metal type shall have a dielectric separation between the dissimilar metals. Replacement shall include outdoor air and return air dampers with end switches for both, outdoor air temperature sensor, outdoor air humidity sensor, and any additional equipment, sensors, or accessories located in this section of duct. Ensure that outdoor air damper and return air damper actuators are located outside of the air stream.

Contractor to replace the existing constant-speed AHU fan motor with a new, similarly sized high-efficiency inverter-duty motor that is appropriate for variable-speed operation. Replace the existing motor starter with a variable speed drive (VFD), replace all associated electrical connections, and all associated controls wiring associated with the fan motor. Existing motor is 10 HP, 380 V, and 50 Hz. Contractor to verify with AHU manufacturer that newly-selected motor is appropriate for AHU prior to purchase of motor. Provide controls that allow fan speed to be modulated at the BAS. Ensure that the new variable speed condenser unit modulates in conjunction with the operation of this fan in order to avoid damage to the cooling coil (such as coil freezing). In addition to the newly-installed motor, provide one spare motor that may be stored on site for future replacement.

Contractor to install a fully-modulating (0% – 100% open) mechanical damper with end switch in the 750 x 300 supply ductwork that provides air to the main warehouse space. Preferred location for this damper is in room W101. Provide removable access panel in ductwork for damper maintenance. Locate damper actuator outside of the air stream. Ensure that duct is fully insulated to match existing.

The Contractor shall determine the best method for removing and replacing any indoor HVAC components in the mezzanine (removing/replacing metal roof vs. removing/replacing drywall), as the only existing access is through a small floor opening with a ladder.

The Contractor shall provide a variable refrigerant flow (VRF) cooling system, to supplement the cooling provided by the newly installed AHU to maintain indoor air conditions. Provide a minimum of eight (8) 2-ton indoor evaporator units connected to a minimum of two (2) 8-ton outdoor condenser units. Confirm final location of outdoor condenser units in writing with Post (include RSO, Facilities, MGT, and architectural reviews). Final locations of indoor units shall be coordinated with OBO/PDCS/DE/ME. VRF system will replace the existing split system units that are currently providing supplemental cooling within the space. Demolish and remove the existing split system units.

The Contractor shall provide a total of three (3) high-volume, low-speed (HVLS) fans with a minimum blade diameter of 3 meters for improved circulation throughout the warehouse.

HVLS fans shall be mounted to the roof structure and shall be coordinated with all other HVAC, plumbing, power, lighting and fire protection systems. Contractor to coordinate with structural engineer to ensure proper supports for HVLS fans. HVLS system shall come with variable frequency drives installed in the mechanical mezzanine.

Contractor to reconnect all equipment, sensors, dampers, etc. to the compound building automation system. Follow the original compound sequence of operation for the control of this equipment. Contractor to ensure that all graphics, trending points, and sequences are included.

See BAS Integration Section below for additional requirements.

The scope also includes interior lighting upgrades. Complete interior lighting upgrades are needed across the NEC to reduce electrical load, improve lighting quality, and improve maintainability. The Contractor must field-verify existing interior lighting types, quantities, mounting conditions, circuits, controls, and panelboard capacity, and must provide a complete replacement and modernization of interior luminaires, controls, and associated electrical distribution as required for a functional, code-compliant system.

Utility Building (UTL) Lighting:

Scope of work for UTL includes, but is not limited to, interior lighting upgrades. Complete interior lighting upgrades are needed across the NEC to reduce electrical load, improve lighting quality, and improve maintainability. The Contractor must field-verify existing interior lighting types, quantities, mounting conditions, circuits, controls, and panelboard capacity, and must provide a complete replacement and modernization of interior luminaires, controls, and associated electrical distribution as required for a functional, code-compliant system.

Support Annex (SPX) Lighting:

Scope of work for SPX includes, but is not limited to, interior lighting upgrades. Complete interior lighting upgrades are needed across the NEC to reduce electrical load, improve lighting quality, and improve maintainability. The Contractor must field-verify existing interior lighting types, quantities, mounting conditions, circuits, controls, and panelboard capacity, and must provide a complete replacement and modernization of interior luminaires, controls, and associated electrical distribution as required for a functional, code-compliant system.

Main Compound Access Control (MCAC) Lighting:

Scope of work for MCAC includes, but is not limited to, interior lighting upgrades. Complete interior lighting upgrades are needed across the NEC to reduce electrical load, improve lighting quality, and improve maintainability. The Contractor must field-verify existing interior lighting types, quantities, mounting conditions, circuits, controls, and panelboard capacity, and must provide a complete replacement and modernization of interior luminaires, controls, and associated electrical distribution as required for a functional, code-compliant system.

Service Compound Access Control (SCAC) Lighting:

Scope of work for SCAC includes, but is not limited to, interior lighting upgrades. Complete interior lighting upgrades are needed across the NEC to reduce electrical load, improve lighting quality, and improve maintainability. The Contractor must field-verify existing interior lighting types, quantities, mounting conditions, circuits, controls, and panelboard capacity, and must provide a complete replacement and modernization of interior luminaires, controls, and associated electrical distribution as required for a functional, code-compliant system.

Consular Compound Access Control (CCAC) Lighting:

Scope of work for CCAC includes, but is not limited to, interior lighting upgrades. Complete interior lighting upgrades are needed across the NEC to reduce electrical load, improve lighting quality, and improve maintainability. The Contractor must field-verify existing interior lighting types, quantities, mounting conditions, circuits, controls, and panelboard capacity, and must provide a complete replacement and modernization of interior luminaires, controls, and associated electrical distribution as required for a functional, code-compliant system.

Estimated Design/Build Construction Cost: $25 million - $35 million

Solicitation Process:

The project solicitation will consist of two phases.

Phase I – Minimum Mandatory Requirements (MMRs) of Offerors

The solicitation of MMR proposals is Phase I. Offerors submitting proposals for Phase I shall address the criteria set forth in the Phase I solicitation. The Department of State (DOS) will evaluate the eligibility of Offerors based on the evaluation criteria set forth in the Phase I solicitation. Only Offerors determined to be eligible or conditionally eligible in Phase I are eligible for participation in subsequent Phases and/or for award. The structure of the Offeror (prime or joint venture) must remain the same throughout each subsequent Phase.

Definitions:

“Eligible” – An offeror that meets all Phase I minimum mandatory requirements and is deemed eligible for participation in Phae II and for consideration of award.

“Conditionally eligible" - An offeror that may meet all Phase I minimum mandatory requirements prior to contract award without the need for discussions and/or proposal revision (e.g. with respect to the Omnibus requirements, the offeror will reach substantial completion of similar projects by award and/or meet the incorporation deadlines per Certification 2 in the Omnibus Statement of Qualifications; and/or may meet the security clearance MMR). NOTE:

The Department is not obligated to extent the acquisition timeframe or delay the contract award to accommodate an Offeror’s ability to become fully eligible.

Offerors that are not determined “eligible” or “conditionally eligible” at Phase I will not be eligible for participation in Phase 2. Note: An Offeror must be determined to fully meet all MMRs to be eligible for award.

Phase II – Requests for Proposals from Eligible or Conditionally Eligible Offerors

Those Offerors determined to be eligible or conditionally eligible in Phase I in accordance with this notice will be issued a formal Phase II Request for Proposal (RFP) for the project and invited to participate in a site visit and to submit technical and pricing proposals in Phase II. Phase II proposals will provide pricing for the design-build construction.

The resulting contract will be “firm fixed-price.” Construction services will include, but are not limited to, providing construction labor and materials to execute the design; on-site organization with management to ensure overall project coordination; and overall control throughout the life of the project. Required services include preparation of construction documents, quality control plans, safety plans, project schedules and project close-out activities.

The eligible or conditionally eligible Offerors participating in Phase II will be required to attend a pre-proposal conference virtually and a site visit at the project site, anticipated to be within 10 to 15 days after the issuance of the Phase II RFP depending on travel and access restrictions.

The selected D/B Contractor’s Architect/Engineer will be the “Designer of Record” and responsible for completing the construction drawings and specifications in accordance with the solicitation documentation provided in Phase II.

The types of design services to be provided may include: architecture; civil, structural, geo-technical, seismic, blast, mechanical, electrical, telecommunication, and fire protection engineering; sustainable design, energy conservation, energy modeling, pollution prevention, and use of recovered materials; space planning, interior design, systems furniture design and integration, and signage; physical and technical security; vertical transportation; lighting design;

landscape design; design and construction scheduling; cost estimating; value engineering; and administrative coordination of the various disciplines involved. Additionally, the successful offeror may be required to have an approved local design consultant.

The RFP will include bridging level design documents. The RFP and resulting contract will require the D/B contractor to complete all design and engineering documents based on the project specific design specification that will be provided in the RFP design requirements.

Active SAM.gov Registration Requirement

Offerors, including any offeror organized as a joint venture, must have an Active SAM.gov registration at the time of Phase I proposal submission and throughout the procurement process.

A proposal from any offeror whose registration is not Active in SAM.gov at the time of Phase I proposal submission will not be evaluated and excluded from the process. If the offeror proposes as a Joint Venture, the Joint Venture itself must be registered in SAM.

Facility Clearance Requirement:

In order to be eligible to receive the award and perform under this contract, the successful offeror(s) must possess, or be eligible to obtain, a Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) Secret Facility Clearance (FCL), without safeguarding, issued in accordance with the National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual, DOD 5220.22-M. The Government will not be obligated to extend the date set for proposal submissions if any of the sponsored firms have not been issued the required clearance prior to the release of the classified construction documents as applicable to the pre-qualified firms for their use in preparing their offers. The Government will not award the contract to a firm not having been issued an FCL.

If an uncleared offeror from Phase I is determined to be eligible or conditionally eligible, the Department of State will sponsor the uncleared firm for an FCL. Joint venture offerors must also comply with the above FCL requirements. Sponsorship does not guarantee that the firm will receive the clearance.

Foreign firms are not eligible for FCLs. Only U.S. firms organized and operating in the U.S. or Puerto Rico, or a U.S. possession or trust territory, are eligible for facility clearances. A U.S.

firm which is determined to be under Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) is not eligible for an FCL unless actions (as directed and approved by DCSA) can be taken to effectively negate associated FOCI risks or reduce them to an acceptable level.

Estimated schedule:

The solicitation, Phase I – Minimum Mandatory Requirements, is planned for release on SAM.gov on/about May 25, 2026.

Phase II – Requests for Proposals from Eligible or Conditionally Eligible Offerors