DRAFT LMTF Program Solicitation 20260512.docx

**DRAFT** PROGRAM SOLICITATION

Little Mountain Testing Facility (LMTF), Hill Air Force Base (HAFB), Utah (UT) W91238-26-9-A001

PROGRAM SOLICITATION OVERVIEW INFORMATION

This announcement, including all stated attachments and any websites incorporated by reference, constitutes the entire solicitation and forms the basis for all content resulting in the OT.

Michelle Spence (Michelle.A.Spence@usace.army.mil)

ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE

Note: This schedule is subject to change at the Government's discretion.

The Government anticipates completing the competitive selection process and making an award within approximately one-hundred twenty (120) days of solicitation release. Companies who are interested in proposing but unable to meet the approximate timeline may be removed from consideration for award.

Attachments:

· Attachment 1 – White Paper Template (Step 1)

· Attachment 2 - Invitation for Pitch Meeting (Step 2) (Interview 1) (Provided to Design Build Team(s) by Invitation only)

· Attachment 3 - Scope of Services (Step 2) (Interview 2) (Provided to Design Build Team by Invitation only)

· Attachment 4 – Model OT Template (Step 2)

1.0 PROGRAM INFORMATION

1.1 The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Sacramento District (SPK), on behalf of the Air Force Nuclear Warfare Center (AFNWC), is seeking to identify a Design-Build team for a new Radiation Research Facility at Little Mountain Test Facility (LMTF), Hill Air Force Base, Utah.

1.2 Project Goals:

1.3 The total funding for this project, including all design, construction, and commissioning activities, may not exceed $111.5M. This affordability cap is a material requirement. Proposals that do not demonstrate a credible path to execution within this constraint may be considered unacceptable.

1.4 The Government intends to utilize a Progressive Design-Build (PDB) project delivery method following Design-Build Institute of America best practices. This approach emphasizes early collaboration, qualifications-based selection, open-book pricing, and shared risk management between the Government and the Design-Builder.

2.0 ACRONYMS AND DEFINITIONS

· A/E (Architect-Engineer): The licensed professional, firm, or team responsible for the planning, design, and technical drawings/specifications for the facility.

· CUI (Controlled Unclassified Information): Information that requires safeguarding or dissemination controls pursuant to and consistent with applicable law, regulations, and government-wide policies, but is not classified under Executive Order 13526 or the Atomic Energy Act, as amended.

· FFP (Firm-Fixed-Price): A pricing structure where the price is not subject to any adjustment on the basis of the contractor's cost experience in performing the contract. This places maximum risk on the contractor and provides full responsibility for all costs and resulting profit or loss.

· GMP (Guaranteed Maximum Price): A pricing structure commonly used in Progressive Design-Build where the parties collaboratively develop the design, scope, and pricing prior to establishing a final construction price. Once negotiated and incorporated into the Agreement through a modification, the GMP functions as a Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) commitment for the defined scope of work. The Design-Builder assumes the risk for completing the work within the negotiated GMP and is generally responsible for cost overruns, except for Government-directed changes, differing site conditions, or other authorized modifications that formally adjust the GMP.

· ICD/ICS (Intelligence Community Directive/Intelligence Community Standard): A system of policy documents that govern the U.S. Intelligence Community. ICD/ICS 705 specifically provides the standards for the secure design, construction, and operation of Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs).

· LMTF (Little Mountain Test Facility): The specific project site, a secure test facility located at Hill Air Force Base, Utah.

· Off-Ramp: If a fair GMP cannot be negotiated, this clause provides for the contractual right to terminate the relationship. Under this method, the Government shall then own the design for use to complete the project with a different contractor or delivery method. Protect the Government from unreasonable pricing and ensure that even if a partnership ends, it does not lose the time and money invested. It shall walk away with a mature, paid-for design that can be used to quickly re-compete the construction portion, preventing a total reset.

· Open Book: A transparent cost estimating methodology used during the Progressive Design-Build process where the Design Builder shares detailed, auditable cost information with the Government. This includes, but is not limited to, direct and indirect costs, subcontractor quotes, and fee structures, for the purpose of collaboratively validating and negotiating a final construction price.

· OT (Other Transaction) Agreement: A legally binding instrument other than a standard contract, grant, or cooperative agreement. OTs are not subject to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and provide significant flexibility in tailoring the procurement process and terms to the needs of a project.

· PDB (Progressive Design-Build): A two-stage project delivery method where the owner selects a Design-Build team based on qualifications. The team then works collaboratively with the owner during "Phase 1" to develop the design and establish a price for "Phase 2" (final design and construction).

· SAM (System for Award Management): The official U.S. government website where all entities must be registered to do business with the federal government.

· SCIF (Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility): An accredited area, room, group of rooms, or installation where sensitive compartmented information (SCI) may be stored, used, discussed, and/or electronically processed.

· Scope of Services (SOS): A document provided by the Government that outlines the specific tasks, requirements, and deliverables for Interview 2 of the Step 2 evaluation phase.

· UEI (Unique Entity Identifier): The 12-character alphanumeric identifier assigned to all entities (public and private companies, individuals, institutions, or organizations) who register to do business with the federal government in the System for Award Management (SAM).

· USACE (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers): The federal agency, acting as the engineering and construction agent for the Department of Defense, responsible for managing this solicitation and the resulting OT.

3.0 THE OT PDB PROCESS

The OT PDB model is a collaborative project delivery approach in which the Government, designer, and constructor work together from the early stages of design to refine scope, reduce risk, and improve cost and schedule certainty. Under this OT, the process will be executed in two parts:

Phase 1: Design and Pre-Construction Services

· Scope: The selected Design-Build team shall collaborate with the Government to advance the design, perform site investigations, validate and refine project requirements, and develop progressively more detailed cost and schedule information.

· Design Advancement: This phase will begin at award with the design at approximately 0 to 15 percent completion and will continue through an agreed-upon design milestone, it is anticipated that it will be an interim submission between 65% and 95% complete.

· Purpose: The purpose of Phase 1 is to de-risk the project, resolve key technical and scope issues, and align the parties on a common path forward before establishing the final construction price.

· Open Book Costing: During Phase 1, the Design-Builder shall develop a transparent, "Open Book" cost estimate, sharing subcontractor quotes, labor, equipment, material, and detailed pricing data to support cost reconciliation and scope validation with the Government to inform the final construction price.

Phase 2: Full Design and Construction

· Scope: Phase 2 consists of the completion of the final design and all physical construction activities required to deliver the fully functional facility.

· Pricing & Negotiation: The price for Phase 2 is not submitted during this solicitation. Instead, it is established through the following process:

1. Upon sufficient design completion in Phase 1 (e.g., 35% or 65%), the Design-Builder will submit a formal Firm-Fixed-Price (FFP) or Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) proposal for Phase 2 based on the "Open Book" cost model.

2. The Agreements Officer will lead a formal negotiation with the Design-Builder to finalize a fair and reasonable price.

· Award: If the parties successfully negotiate a fair and reasonable price, the Government may modify the Phase 1 OT to authorize the awardee to complete the Phase 2 final design and construction activities.

· The Off-Ramp: The Government is not obligated to award Phase 2. The OT includes an off-ramp provision allowing the Government, if unable to reach an agreement on a fair and reasonable price for Phase 2, a lack of sufficient funds, or any other reason determined (in its sole discretion), to use the completed design and associated project information to pursue another acquisition approach, including a competitive solicitation for final design completion and construction.

4.0 OT PROCESS

The Government will conduct a two-phase competitive selection process to identify the most qualified Design-Build Team for this PDB project.

· Step 1: White Paper Submission & Evaluation

· Interested Progressive Design-Build Teams (PDBT) shall submit a White Paper in accordance with Attachment 1. The Government will evaluate these submissions to identify the most qualified Design-Build Teams to advance to the next step.

· Step 2: Pitch Meeting Phase (By Invitation Only)

· The most highly qualified Design-Build Teams from Step 1 will be invited to participate in a two-part Pitch Meeting phase.

· Interview 1 (Pitch Meeting): An interactive oral presentation where PDBT will discuss their capabilities and approach, as detailed in Attachment 2.

· Interview 2 (Scope of Services): An evaluation of the PDBT's detailed technical solutions, including a required Conceptual Design submission, based on the requirements in Attachment 3.

· Award

· Phase 1 (Design & Pre-Construction Services) The selected Design-Build Team will be awarded an OT for Phase 1, no construction efforts will be performed under the Design Effort Phase. This obligation will be fiscally appropriated Funding.

· Phase 2 (Full Design and Construction) will be awarded as a modification to the OT upon successful negotiation of a FFP or GMP at a future design milestone. This will be Military Construction Funds on or around FY28.

5.0 SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Step 1: White Paper

· PDBT shall submit their white paper in accordance with Attachment 1.

· Compliance: The white paper must address all requirements outlined in Attachment 1. Incomplete submissions may be deemed non-conforming and disqualified from further consideration.

Step 2: Invitation for Pitch Meeting (By Invitation Only)

· The Pitch Meeting submission package consists of multiple components. Invited PDBT must refer to the following documents for complete instructions:

· Attachment 2 (Pitch Meeting Invitation) for Interview 1 requirements.

· Attachment 3 (Scope of Services) for Interview 2 requirements, which includes the submission of a Conceptual Design, is required to the Selected Design build team.

· Attachment 4 (Sample Model OT Template) for informational purposes.

· Note: The final Model OT Template will be provided with the pitch invitation, however not formalized until after the Selection from Interview 1.

· Compliance: Incomplete submissions may be deemed non-conforming and disqualified from further consideration.

6.0 EVALUATION CRITERIA (STEP 1)

Company will be evaluated using a qualifications-based selection methodology. Please refer to Attachment 1 and Evaluation Criteria.

Only the most qualified Design-Builder Team(s) identified in Step 1 will be invited to proceed to Step 2. Each participant(s) will receive formal notification of their selection or non-selection.

7.0 COMMUNICATIONS AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

· Bidding Inquiry System: All questions regarding this Program Solicitation must be submitted through the ProjNet Suite Bidder Inquiry System at https://www.projnet.org/projnet.

· Solicitation Number: W91238-26-9-A001

· Bidder Inquiry Key: 569501

· Inquiry Deadline: ProjNet will be closed to new inquiries on see Milestone above.

· The Government will post answers to questions received. Companies are encouraged to monitor ProjNet for updates.

· The Ph2 Bidder Inquiry Key (Individual) is: (Will be provided in Phase II)

· White Paper Submission:

· Due Date: White papers are due no later than the time and date specified in the overview schedule.

· Submission POCs: Natalia Gomez (Natalia.Gomez@usace.army.mil) and Michelle Spence (Michelle.A.Spence@usace.army.mil) via PIEE Solicitation Module. Step-by-Step instructions are posted on the sam.gov. ONLY PIEE Submissions will be accepted for each step.

· File Formats: Only .pptx, .pdf, .doc, .docx, .xlsx, or .xls attachments are permitted. Files ending in .zip or .exe will not be accepted.

NOTE: Submissions that are generic, boilerplate, or fail to demonstrate project-specific understanding may be assessed with lower confidence. Greater consideration will be given to Companies that demonstrate proven success in DB Processes, collaborative Progressive Design-Build (PDB) delivery, and experience with complex, secure, or mission-critical facilities.

8.0 SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

8.1 Governing Documents and Registration

This announcement, its stated attachments, and any websites incorporated by reference constitute the entire solicitation. In the event of a discrepancy between the announcement, the attachments, or the websites, this main solicitation announcement shall take precedence.

All PDBT must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) at www.sam.gov and possess a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) to be eligible for award. PDBT must also ensure that team members who currently possess security clearances applicable for a project of this nature are maintained. The selected Design-Builder shall maintain an active SAM registration during contract performance and through final payment of the OT.

As of the time of publication of this solicitation, all proposal submissions are anticipated to be unclassified.

8.2 Cybersecurity Requirements

(a) Authority & Applicability: The Department of War (DoW) has established the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) program, as codified in 32 CFR Part 170, to ensure that entities handling government information implement appropriate cybersecurity standards. As a matter of DoW policy, the principles of the CMMC program are applicable to the OT resulting from this solicitation. Performance under the resulting Agreement will require the handling of Federal Contract Information (FCI).

(b) Required Level & Scope: The Government has determined that this project requires the implementation of cybersecurity practices equivalent to CMMC Level 1. The CMMC Level 1 requirements apply to all information systems owned or operated by the Design-Builder (and its subcontractors) that will process, store, or transmit FCI in the performance of the OT.

(c) Security Controls: At a minimum, the Design-Builder must implement the 15 basic cybersecurity controls that constitute CMMC Level 1. These controls focus on safeguarding information through access control, identification and authentication, media protection, physical protection, and system and information integrity. The final OT will list these specific controls.

(d) Self-Assessment and Attestation (Condition of Award): Prior to the award of the OT, the successful Design-Builder must conduct a self-assessment of their information systems against the CMMC Level 1 security controls. The Design-Builder shall provide a signed attestation affirming that they have successfully implemented all CMMC Level 1 controls. A completed positive self-assessment and attestation are required to be eligible for the OT award. The Government may request additional information regarding the assessment at its discretion.

(e) Flow-Down to Subcontractors: The successful Design-Builder will be responsible for ensuring that any subcontractor, teaming partner, or vendor handling FCI in support of this project also meets the CMMC Level 1 requirements.

8.3 Government-Provided Resources for Cybersecurity and Contracting The U.S. Government provides several no-cost resources to assist businesses in navigating the federal marketplace and strengthening their cybersecurity posture. PDBT are encouraged to explore these programs.

· APEX Accelerators (Government Contracting Assistance): APEX Accelerators (formerly PTAP) offer free, expert guidance to businesses seeking to enter or expand their work within the government sector. Their mission is to help build a strong U.S. supply chain through confidential, one-on-one coaching (e.g., SAM.gov registration, finding opportunities, proposal processes). Find you your local APEX Accelerator: https://www.apexaccelerators.us/#/

· Project Spectrum (Cybersecurity Compliance Support): Project Spectrum is a DoD-funded, vendor-neutral initiative dedicated to helping businesses in the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) improve cybersecurity readiness. They provide tools, training, and individualized dashboards to help small and medium-sized businesses meet DoD requirements, including CMMC. Access resources: https://www.projectspectrum.io/#/

8.4 Project-Specific Terms and Conditions

(a) Congressional Authorization Limitation: Construction under any resulting OT is contingent upon statutory authorization and appropriation of funds. No construction activities shall be initiated unless and until the project is authorized in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and funded through applicable appropriations. Initial performance will be limited to planning and design activities (Phase 1), which may proceed using MILCON Design funds following Congressional notification. Transition to construction (Phase 2) is contingent upon satisfaction of these requirements. The Government is not obligated to proceed with construction, and performance of Phase 1 shall not be construed as a commitment to do so.

(b) Performance and Payment Bonds: The successful Design-Builder must provide Performance and Payment Bonds, each equal to 100% of the negotiated Construction Price (or GMP) for Phase 2, or Government-approved alternative security, prior to issuance of the construction Notice to Proceed (NTP).

(c) Commitment to Small Business Participation: Small business participation is encouraged, but not required for award eligibility under 10 U.S.C. § 2808a. Progressive Design-Build Teams have full flexibility to structure their teams in a manner that best supports successful project performance. If a Progressive Design-Build Team identifies a small business partner, the partner’s role should be clearly described and may be incorporated into the resulting Agreement, as applicable.

(d) Site Visit: USACE will not reimburse PDBT for costs associated with the Site Visit. Site visit information and logistics will be provided exclusively to the PDBT invited to Step 2 (Pitch Meetings).

(e) PDB Approach (Step 1 and 2): This requirement will be executed using a PDB model under OT pursuant to 10 U.S.C. § 2808a. The Government intends to establish a collaborative, integrated team environment where the selected Design-Builder works closely with the Government to refine requirements, advance the design, and align scope, cost, and schedule within the established affordability constraints. Progression to construction is not guaranteed and is subject to Government determination that the design, cost, and schedule are sufficiently defined and aligned, and that required approvals and funding are in place. The Government will maintain overall decision authority and will actively participate in project governance to ensure timely and effective decision-making.

(f) INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY / REFERENCE ONLY SPECS/DRAWS/REPORTS ATTACHMENTS:

Division 01: LMTF_RRF_HILL_AFB_FINAL_DIV01_Specs_01MAY2026 (DRAFT) Hill Air Force Base Design Guide: The public Installation Facility Standards off of WBDG. You can download it here. https://www.wbdg.org/airforce/ifs/hill-afb-ifs

INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY / REFERENCE ONLY:

- LMTF RF Final PCR I Report 12 18 2025

- Appendix D – LMTF RF 35 Topo Survey

- Appendix F – LMTF RF 35 Geotechnical Report Final

- LMTF RF 35_Drawings 12 18 2025

9.0 WHITE PAPER CONTENT

Attachment 1 – White Paper Template (Step 1) White Papers that do not include all required and applicable elements may be considered non-conforming and removed from consideration.

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