UNICOR Elevator Modernization Project

The Department of Justice, Federal Prison Industries (UNICOR) seeks modernization of three passenger elevators and one freight elevator at its central office in Washington, DC, with proposals due August 28, 2026. The procurement is a competitive 8(a) small business set-aside, foreclosing competition outside that pool.

Place of performance is 400 First Street, NW, Washington, DC 20534. The scope includes replacement of gearless and geared AC machines, VVVF drives, controllers, governors, safeties, car and hoistway doors, door operators, cab interiors, emergency communication systems, and associated structural modifications. The contractor must close the current entrance from the engineer's room and construct an outside entry door with stairs to create a separate motor room entrance in compliance with current building codes. Additional work encompasses asbestos and lead-based paint removal, concrete and masonry repairs, exterior door and stair installations, metal fabrications, firestopping, HVAC system installation for equipment rooms, electrical and lighting alterations, fire alarm system modifications, and chain-link partition replacement. The contract is firm fixed-price construction with a 370 business day completion period from award and includes a one-year elevator maintenance and warranty period. At least one elevator must remain functional during construction; multiple elevators may be modernized concurrently.

Estimated contract value is between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000. The District of Columbia holds jurisdiction for elevator permitting and final inspections; contractors must identify all permits, plan reviews, inspections, testing, and associated fees in their bids. A mandatory site visit occurred July 24, 2026. Written questions were due July 31, 2026. A bid bond equal to 20% of the offer price is required for offers exceeding $100,000; performance and payment bonds at 100% of contract price are required within 10 calendar days of award. General Liability Insurance of at least $500,000 per occurrence, Automobile Liability Insurance of at least $200,000 per person/$500,000 per occurrence, and Workers' Compensation/Employer's Liability Insurance of at least $100,000 are required. Davis-Bacon wage rates apply. Work requires security clearance and photo identification verification. Evaluation weighs technical factors, key resumes, schedule, and past performance significantly more than price. NAICS code is 236220, Commercial and Institutional Building Construction; PSC is Z2AA, Repair Or Alteration Of Office Buildings. Amendment 01 (July 24) added a site visit sign-in sheet and building drawings accessible through SAM.gov. Amendment 02 (August 3) provided clarifications on project requirements, contractor responsibilities for hazardous materials discovery, third-party asbestos air monitoring, and electrical system capacity.