Amendment 1-Solicitation - CUP - Two-Phase Design-Build Acquisition for Modernization and Expansion of Central Utility Plant

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is soliciting sealed bids for a Two-Phase Design-Build Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity Single Award Task Order Contract (SATOC) to modernize and expand the Central Utility Plant (CUP) at its Gaithersburg, Maryland campus. The procurement encompasses comprehensive design and construction services for renovation, expansion, and modernization of the CUP complex, including steam generation and distribution systems, chilled water systems, electrical infrastructure, mechanical systems, and automation/control systems. Key requirements include compliance with FIPS 199 Moderate security standards and NIST SP 800-53 cybersecurity requirements, achievement of LEED Gold certification minimum, net-zero emissions goals per Executive Order 14057, and maintenance of continuous campus operations during phased construction. The contract mandates performance and payment bonds with $575.2 million in aggregate bonding capacity, prevailing wage compliance, small business subcontracting plans, and E-Verify employment eligibility verification. Proposals are limited to 60 pages and must be submitted by 1:00 p.m. EST on March 16, 2026, with no extensions granted due to programmatic requirements and the Government's need to secure contract award within Fiscal Year 2026. Phase 1 evaluation will assess technical merit and past performance as equally weighted factors.

This solicitation carries no set-aside designation and is not restricted to small businesses or other categories. NIST has identified certain firms that prepared the Program of Requirements and Master Planning Documents as subject to Limitation of Future Contracting provisions and ineligible to participate in the construction contract unless expressly approved by the head of the contracting agency. The estimated construction costs total approximately $326.78 million across all phases, with Phase 1 covering steam plant modernization ($56 million), chiller plant upgrades ($260 million), electrical systems ($2.58 million), and operations spaces ($8.2 million). The contract period of performance extends 10 years and 6 months from October 1, 2026, through March 31, 2037, with a base ordering period of five years and three optional extension periods. All work will be performed at the NIST Gaithersburg campus in Maryland, where the contractor must coordinate with the concurrent Underground Utilities Replacement Project, implement phased construction to minimize campus disruption, and comply with historic district requirements and all applicable federal, state, and local safety, environmental, and labor standards.