Tunnel Expansion Joints Construction

The Architect of the Capitol (AOC) has an upcoming requirement to replace the aging Steam-line Expansion Joints (A-Line) located in the Y Tunnel. The Capitol Power Plant (CPP) provides steam and chilled water service to 23 buildings within the Capitol Complex through a network of underground utility tunnels and piping systems. This Utility Distribution System (UDS) also serves as a pathway for communication and security cabling, spanning around 4 miles in length.

The purpose of this project is to replace the aging Steam-line Expansion Joints (A-Line) in the Y Tunnel, which was built in the early 1930s and supplies steam and chilled water service to various jurisdictions. The A-Line is around 3,300 linear feet long.

The project involves replacing the aging Steam-line Expansions Joints (A-Line) located in the Y Tunnel. The scope includes:

• Removing the aging steam line expansion joints.
• Installing new expansion joints on the high-pressure steam line.
• Repairing, removing, replacing, or updating structural pipe supports at discrete locations.
• Performing any associated concrete work (walls, ceilings, or floors) where pipe supports and other structural steel supporting the steam line infrastructure is embedded.
• Removal of existing expansion joints ( around 25-27) on high pressure steam lines between stations 0+00 and 29+50 on 14” Dia steam lines .
• Replacement of Expansion Joints to accommodate thermal expansion in the same section.
• Includes expansion joint replacements and related structural work, as well as elbow replacements.
• All tasks are to be carried out as per contract drawings and specifications which will be made available early 2025, under the direction of the contracting officer.
• All work is to be completed during the warmer months from May 2025 through September 2025, with the line returned to CPP jurisdiction for recharging no later than September 30, 2025

The Architect of the Capitol plans to solicit this procurement from our Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts. The purpose of the sources sought notice is to provide the IDIQ contractors a list of potentially capably and potentially qualified specialized subcontractors that could perform this work. Specialized subcontractors shall include but are not limited to – Mechanical Subcontractor’s Large Diameter Expansion Joint Replacement Experience, Structural (Concrete & Steel Repair) Subcontractor’s, and/or tunnel utility subcontractor.

Specialized subcontractors shall submit their capability statement no later than October 9, 2024. Before October 9, 2024, specialized subcontractors are allowed to request a 15-minute meeting with the AOC to present their unique qualifications. Highly potentially qualified specialty subcontractors may get be invited to the United States Capitol Power Plant for a site visit with AOC staff and potentially IDIQ contractors.