333302-26-RF0010007 Install Emergency Generator at National Museum of American History (NMAH)
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The Smithsonian Institution is soliciting proposals for the installation of an emergency generator at the National Museum of American History (NMAH) in Washington, D.C. This multi-year construction project, with a budget exceeding $10 million, involves replacing an aging 300 kW diesel generator with two new 500kW natural gas-fueled units. Proposals are due June 16, 2026, by 3:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
The project entails the furnishing and installation of two 500kW natural gas-fueled generators on the NMAH roof, including a new structural steel platform. Key tasks include converting existing collections storage space into a new Emergency Electrical Room, decommissioning and removing the existing lower-level diesel generator, and routing a new natural gas line through the building. The scope also covers all necessary structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, security, hazardous material abatement, and architectural modifications. Work must be coordinated within an operational museum, requiring protection of finishes, relocation of collections, and adherence to strict safety protocols. Development of BIM models and a short circuit study are also required.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed-Price multi-year construction contract.
- Period of Performance: 669 calendar days from Notice to Proceed.
- Estimated Value: Over $10M total, with up to $5M identified for the first fiscal year (FY26). Future obligations are contingent upon appropriated funds, and offerors must include a termination cost in their proposal.
- NAICS Codes: 236220 (Commercial and Institutional Building Construction, $45.0M size standard) and 238210 (Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors, $19.0M size standard).
- Subcontracting Plan: A Small Business Subcontracting Plan is required, with goals of 40% minimum to small business concerns and 7% to service-disabled Veteran owned small business (SDVOSB) concerns.
- Wage Rates: Davis-Bacon Act wage determinations for the District of Columbia apply.
Submission & Evaluation
- Proposal Due Date: June 16, 2026, by 3:00 PM ET. Submissions must be uploaded via Dropbox as two separate files: "Technical" and "Cost."
- Questions Due Date: May 12, 2026, by 3:00 PM ET, submitted in Word format to grantca@si.edu.
- Site Tour: April 28, 2026. Contact Christine Grant at grantca@si.edu to schedule.
- Evaluation: Best value determination, with technical factors weighted more heavily than cost. Criteria include Plan of Accomplishment, Key Personnel and Subcontractors, Past Performance, and Cost.
Key Documents
Bidders should review the comprehensive RFP, Specifications (Volumes 1 & 2), Construction Drawings, Bid Schedule, Multi-Year Funding Document, Asbestos Analysis, and Davis-Bacon Wage Determinations to understand the full scope and requirements.