Switchgear Replacement and Upgrades Project for BLDG 49

The National Institutes of Health seeks design-build services to replace and upgrade emergency electrical equipment in Building 49, with proposals due August 10, 2026. The procurement is a Total Small Business set-aside, and attendance at a mandatory site visit on July 20 is a material requirement for proposal acceptance.

Place of performance is Bethesda, Maryland. The scope replaces a 1500 kilowatt diesel generator with a new 1500 kilowatt unit (Caterpillar, Cummins, MTU, or Kohler); installs a new 3000-ampere, 480-volt generator docking station; replaces two automatic transfer switches with upgraded 2000-ampere and 800-ampere units; replaces the existing 3000-ampere emergency switchgear with new metal-enclosed switchgear; upgrades the 2000-ampere emergency switchboard and 600-ampere distribution panel; installs temporary equipment during switchover; replaces grounding systems, light fixtures, and unit heaters; and integrates SCADA/NESS work. The contractor must provide complete design services, independent certified commissioning, arc-flash and short-circuit studies, BIM modeling in Revit, operator training, and a two-year warranty. A full-time Project Manager, Construction Superintendent, and Quality Control Manager must remain on-site throughout construction. Performance period runs from August 11, 2026 through January 26, 2027 (168 days). Estimated project magnitude is between five million and ten million dollars.

Evaluation uses Lowest Price Technically Acceptable methodology, weighing technical acceptability of relevant experience, qualified key personnel, and feasible construction methodology before price. Davis-Bacon wage rates and performance and payment bonds are required. Questions are due July 22 and site visit registration is due July 17. NAICS code is 236220, Commercial and Institutional Building Construction.