NMAH: 2027 Install Emergency Generator

The Smithsonian Institution (“Smithsonian”) is providing this Notice of a Pending Solicitation for the installation of emergency generator at National Museum of American History (NMAH) 1300 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, D.C., 20560.

Note: This is a revised RFP. Do not use previous posted documents from SOL# 33330226RF0010007. 

The applicable North American Industry Classification Codes (“NAICS”) are: 236220 - Commercial and Institutional Building Construction size standard is $45.0 million.

238210 – Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors size standard is $19.0 million.

Construction Budget: Over $10M.

Project Information: The purpose of the NMAH: Install Emergency Generator project is to replace an aging 300 kW diesel-fueled generator located on the museum’s lower level, which has exceeded its operational lifespan. This will be accomplished by furnishing and installing two (2) new 500kW natural gas-fueled generators, on the roof adjacent to the existing emergency generator. The project also includes all necessary work to support the installation, including routing a new natural gas line through the building, and performing all associated structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, security, hazardous material abatement, and architectural modifications required to ensure full functionality, seamless integration with existing systems, and future serviceability and maintenance.

Specifically, work under this project includes but is not limited to:

a.         Install two (2) new natural gas powered 500kW generators with integral paralleling gear on a new rooftop structural steel platform. Convert existing collections storage space (Room 4606) to a new Emergency Electrical Room to contain a new switchboard, ATS’s, transformers and panelboards. Decommission and remove existing Diesel generator on lower level. 

b.         Coordination between complex existing building which will remain fully operational and open to the public during the duration of the work and new electrical and gas service pathways throughout.

c.         Existing conditions documentation early in the construction phase for implementation into BIM models.

d.         Development of coordination and construction BIM models early in the construction phase that depict existing conditions and proposed service pathways to enable the short circuit Study. 

e.         A short circuit study of the proposed project prior to equipment submittals.

f.          Protection of existing finishes in the areas of work.

g.         Installation of a new gas line throughout the building to the roof to serve the new generators, including a quality control in situ mock-up.

h.         Installation of new conduit, MI cabling, panelboards, and pull-boxes throughout the building. Removal of existing conduit, panelboards, and pull-boxes throughout the building. 

i.          Working around existing IT/Fiber Optic within the 4th floor corridors to allow for new conduit installation.

j.          Two switchover events: One from existing to temporary emergency power supplies and one for temporary to new emergency power supplies.

k.         Reinforcement of existing structure to support the new generators.

l.          Removal of the existing diesel generator in the lower level.

m.        Testing for lead and asbestos on existing piping at new points of connection.

n.         Mechanical work in the lower level to provide new fuel oil pumps.

o.         Work within and adjacent to sensitive Collection Storage areas that will have access restrictions and will require security escort.

p.         Work within and adjacent to sensitive 5th floor spaces including the Library and the Director’s Suite.

q.         All work is within an operational Museum with both staff and the public present.

r.          Ceiling removals and installation on the 4th and 5th floors.

s.         Hot-work required to weld the gas and containment pipe sections, cutting of existing pipe, and heat producing hot applied roofing membrane.

t.          Erection of temporary construction safety barriers, dust and debris air filtration and localized welding fume extraction.

u.         Integration and coordination of new mechanical and generator control systems into existing Siemens BAS.

v.         Initial testing, commissioning and black start of new electrical emergency generator systems.

The museum will be open to visitors, and area adjacent to the construction site may remain open to visitors and staff. 

Construction Schedule:  Total period of performance allowed for construction is 680 calendar days from the Notice to Proceed.

This is not the requst for Proposals.  The full solicitation, request for proposals and supporting documents will be released on or about beginning of December 2026; however, there is no guarantee or implication of a guarantee this this project will be solicited. Electronic copies will be uploaded to SAM.gov site.  This notice does not oblige the Government to award a contract or otherwise pay for the information provided in response.

THIS IS NOT A REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL.  DO NOT SUBMIT ANY DOCUMENTS.