Lenel access control modernization and infastructure upgrade services

The Washington Convention and Sports Authority, operating as Events DC, is soliciting proposals for Lenel Access Control Modernization and Infrastructure Upgrade Services at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center through a firm-fixed-price Request for Proposal released January 22, 2026. The project encompasses complete replacement, upgrade, and modernization of the existing Lenel OnGuard Access Control System throughout the 2.3 million square foot facility, including migration from legacy 7.x components to Lenel OnGuard 8.3 or newer, deployment of new intelligent controllers, network infrastructure, HID iClass SEOS credentialing systems, and CAD-based as-built documentation across five vertical levels spanning three city blocks. The work is structured in six phases: server and network infrastructure, system migration, South Building implementation, Middle Building implementation, North Building implementation, and project closeout. Qualified contractors must be certified Lenel OnGuard Value-Added Resellers with a minimum of ten years of enterprise-level experience, possess at least six years with Lenel OnGuard 7.x or higher, provide a Lead Technician with Lenel Certified Professional (LCP) or Lenel Certified Expert (LCE) credentials, and demonstrate a Project Manager with ten years of relevant experience managing projects exceeding $1 million. Technical evaluation comprises 65 points (key personnel qualifications at 20 points, specialized experience and references at 25 points, and technical approach at 20 points), price evaluation at 35 points, and CBE preference points up to 12 points for a total maximum score of 112 points. Critical deadlines include a pre-proposal conference and site visit on February 9, 2026, at 12:00 PM EST, written questions due February 12, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST, and proposals due February 26, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST. The base contract term extends from the date of award through September 30, 2028, with four one-year renewal options available at Events DC's discretion.

This procurement includes a 35 percent set-aside for Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs) as mandated under the Small and Certified Business Enterprise Development and Assistance Amendment Act of 2014, restricting the competition to qualified CBE firms. For contracts exceeding $250,000, contractors must award at least 35 percent of annual contract value to certified Small Business Enterprises or CBEs through a preliminary subcontracting plan, and for contracts exceeding $300,000, must comply with First Source Employment requirements ensuring 51 percent of hired personnel are District of Columbia residents. The project requires compliance with D.C. prevailing wage determinations and comprehensive insurance coverage including $1 million general liability, $5 million umbrella liability, and $1 million cyber liability. No specific incumbent vendor or current contractor is identified; however, the project requires integration with existing Lenel OnGuard 7.x components and migration to the newer 8.3 version with HID iClass SEOS credentialing infrastructure. While no specific budget range or award value is disclosed in the solicitation documents, the project's scope—encompassing a 2.3 million square foot facility, six implementation phases, and a multi-year contract term with renewal options—indicates a substantial contract valued well above the $300,000 threshold triggering First Source Employment and subcontracting requirements.