LBNF/DUNE-US South Dakota Scaffolding Services

Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (contracting on behalf of the Department of Energy through Fermi Forward Discovery Group, LLC) seeks temporary scaffolding engineering, rental, delivery, installation, and removal services for the Long-Baseline Neutrino Facility (LBNF) / Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) project at the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead, South Dakota, with proposals due November 24, 2026, and a mandatory pre-proposal meeting on October 28, 2026.

This is an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) subcontract with a minimum guaranteed value of $20,000 and an estimated maximum total value of $3.9 million, spanning award through December 21, 2029 (base year plus two option years). Performance occurs underground at the 4850' and 4910' levels of SURF, with possible surface work. The contract will be awarded on a firm-fixed-price basis with Task or Delivery Orders issued against labor rates and other direct costs from the pricing schedule, allowing escalation between contract years.

Scaffolding must meet OSHA standards (29 CFR 1910 and 1926) and include safety railings, fall protection for heights exceeding 4 feet, guardrails, toe boards, proper footing and anchorage, and access ladders. Subcontractors must employ Qualified Persons to design scaffolding and Competent Persons to build and inspect it, adhering to a single brand and model number per installation. All personnel must complete FFDG-provided orientation training (2.5 hours surface, 1.5 hours underground) and receive Competent Person certification per OSHA scaffolding standards. Work-specific requirements include submission of Job Hazard Analyses, Standard Operating Procedures, and Field Level Risk Assessments for approval prior to commencing work; compliance with 10 CFR 851 (DOE Worker Safety and Health Program) and 10 CFR 835 (Occupational Radiation Protection); and an Experience Modification Rating below 1.0 with three-year safety records at or below 85 percent of Bureau of Labor Statistics benchmarks.

Insurance requirements (Risk Category 4) mandate Commercial General Liability of $1 million per occurrence/$2 million aggregate (with $2 million Products-Completed Operations aggregate maintained 10 years post-completion), Automobile Liability of $1 million combined single limit, Excess Liability of $9 million per occurrence/aggregate, Worker's Compensation at statutory South Dakota limits plus Employer's Liability of $1 million each, and conditional Contractor's Pollution Liability of $10 million per occurrence/aggregate for construction exceeding $50,000 or involving hazardous materials. All insurers must maintain an A.M. Best rating of A-, VII or higher. Subcontractors must name specified Additional Insureds (FFDG, University of Chicago, Universities Research Association Inc., U.S. Government, South Dakota Science and Technology Authority, Barrick Gold Corporation, Homestake Mining Company of California with their respective officers and agents) with primary, non-contributory coverage and waivers of subrogation.

NAICS code is 332323 (Ornamental and Architectural Metal Work Manufacturing); PSC code is 5440 (Scaffolding Equipment and Concrete Forms). Prevailing wage rates apply per Department of Labor Wage Determination 2015-5377 (Revision 32, August 13, 2026) for South Dakota counties including Lawrence County. Evaluation prioritizes cost as significantly more important than technical factors using best-value source selection. Technical evaluation considers staffing and mobilization capability, past experience on similar projects valued at $500,000 or more within the past three years, environmental/safety/health programs, and quality assurance capabilities. Offerors must attend the mandatory pre-proposal meeting (in-person in Lead, South Dakota with underground site tour or virtual option) and submit RSVPs by October 20, 2026. Required submissions include completed representations and certifications, safety documentation (Injury and Illness Data Questionnaire with OSHA 300A logs and Experience Modification Rating documents), a small business subcontracting plan (if applicable), and pricing proposals using two simulated task orders for evaluation purposes only. All work requires compliance with SDSTA Risk Transfer Protocols and flow-down FAR and DEAR clauses addressing property rights, labor standards, procurement integrity, and organizational conflicts of interest. Proposals must be valid for 90 days; failure to attend the pre-proposal conference results in proposal rejection. Anticipated award date is December 22, 2026. Questions should be directed to Brian McKenzie, LBNF Procurement Specialist, at mckenzie@fnal.gov or (785) 320-0868.