CUP PLA Market Research.docx

SAM.gov Sources Sought Notice

1. Notice Type: Sources Sought / Market Research

2. Title: Market Research – Project Labor Agreement (PLA) Applicability for NIST CUP Modernization

3. Classification: Unrestricted

4. Synopsis The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is conducting market research to determine the feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and competitive impact of requiring a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) for the design-build construction of the Central Utility Plant (CUP) Modernization at NIST Gaithersburg, MD.

This notice is issued solely for market research purposes in accordance with Executive Order 14063, FAR Subpart 22.5, and OMB Memorandum M-25-29.

This is NOT a solicitation. No proposals will be requested or accepted. No contract will be awarded under this notice. Responses will be used to assess whether a PLA is practicable or whether an exception is warranted.

5. NAICS Code: 236220 – Commercial and Institutional Building Construction

6. Size Standard: $39.5M

7. Project Overview The CUP Modernization involves the modernization, replacement, and expansion of the NIST Gaithersburg campus Central Utility Plant Complex, including:

· Building 302: Steam and chilled water systems

· Buildings 305/317: Cooling towers

· Electrical service buildings: 305V, 306, 316 The campus will remain fully operational throughout construction, requiring phased work.

Program of Requirements (FY24) Highlights:

· Capacity Expansion: +3,500 tons cooling capacity, boiler replacement, secondary chilled water pump upgrades

· Infrastructure Replacement: Cooling towers, condenser water systems, switchgear, motor control centers, low-voltage panels

· Facilities & Operations: New Command Center, warehouse/document storage, employee facilities

· Systems: Automation, control system upgrades, plumbing/HVAC updates

8. Regulatory and Policy Considerations

· Agencies are directed to require a PLA when practicable and cost-effective.

· Exceptions may apply if a PLA:

1. Substantially reduces competition, preventing fair and reasonable pricing, or

2. Increases project costs by more than 10% relative to estimates or interest without a PLA.

NIST is requesting feedback to determine if either exception is relevant for this project.

9. Requested Information Respondents are requested to provide a response not exceeding ten (10) pages addressing the following. Where available, please provide specific examples or data from past projects, particularly regarding cost impacts of PLAs.

A. Cost and Budget Impact

1. Anticipated Cost Impact: Based on your knowledge of the local labor market and this project’s scope, would a PLA requirement be expected to increase your proposed price?

2. Budget Threshold Analysis: Would a PLA requirement reasonably be expected to increase your proposal by 10 percent or more compared to a proposal without a PLA?

· If available, provide examples from prior projects where a PLA affected cost, including rough order of magnitude estimates (e.g., 10–15%, >20%) and primary cost drivers (e.g., fringe benefit harmonization, pension contributions, administrative burden, shift differentials).

3. Economy and Efficiency Considerations: Identify specific reasons why a PLA would or would not advance the Government’s interest in economy and efficiency, including potential impacts on productivity, scheduling, or risk. Provide examples where possible.

B. Impact on Competition

· Participation interest, subcontractor availability, and fair and reasonable pricing considerations. Provide past examples if a PLA influenced these factors.

C. Labor Market and Project Experience

· Skilled labor availability (mechanical, electrical, high-pressure steam fitters) and prior experience with similar projects under a PLA. Include specific project examples noting cost impacts, schedule, and labor outcomes where available.

D. Administrative, Scheduling, and Small Business Considerations

· Additional time/resources required for proposal preparation or PLA negotiation (per FAR 52.222-33).

· Impacts on small business or open-shop contractor participation.

· Any other relevant factors, with supporting examples where possible.

10. Submission Instructions

· Point of Contact: Brandon Butler – Brandon.Butler@nist.gov

· Submission Deadline: 1:00 PM EST, January 21, 2026

· Format: Email, PDF preferred Confidentiality: All information will be held in confidence and used solely for Government planning purposes.

11. Set-Aside: Unrestricted / Open to all qualified offerors