648-23-100 CON Fire Alarm to Voice
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 Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), specifically the Network Contracting Office 20, has issued a Solicitation for the 648-23-100 CON Fire Alarm to Voice project. This construction opportunity involves upgrading the existing fire alarm system at the VA Portland Healthcare System's Vancouver Campus in Vancouver, WA, to a modern voice-enabled Emergency Voice/Alarm Communication (EVAC) system. This project is a 100% Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Set-Aside with an estimated magnitude between $6,000,000.00 and $8,000,000.00. Proposals are due February 27, 2026, by 4:00 PM PST.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide all labor, materials, equipment, and services to upgrade the existing Edwards EST-3 Fire Alarm system to an EST-4* or equivalent system with voice capabilities. The comprehensive scope includes:
- Site investigation, construction, programming, training, commissioning, and scheduling.
- Installation of new initiating devices and smoke detection per NFPA 72-2022 in areas lacking coverage.
- Upgrading the campus fiber loop, main control equipment, Fire Alarm Control Panels (FACPs) with integrated Network Voice Command, FireWorks* Station Computer, monitors, printer, cellular digital alarm transmitter, and new annunciator panels.
- Installation of new power supply circuits, local disconnects, distribution panels, and strobe power control equipment.
- Campus-wide synchronization and sequential migration of buildings, ensuring a working fire alarm system is maintained throughout construction.
- The project aims to transition from a temporal horn notification system to a speaker-based voice control system across almost every building on the Vancouver campus.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price.
- Period of Performance: 365 days from the Notice to Proceed.
- Set-Aside: 100% Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB).
- NAICS Code: 238210 (Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors).
- Magnitude: Between $6,000,000.00 and $8,000,000.00.
- Bonds: A bid guarantee (SF 24) of at least 20% of the bid price (not to exceed $3,000,000.00) is required. The selected contractor must also furnish Payment (SF 25A) and Performance (SF 25) Bonds.
- Subcontracting Limitations: Offerors must certify compliance with VAAR 852.219-75, limiting subcontracting to non-VIP-listed SDVOSBs/VOSBs (e.g., not more than 85% for general construction, excluding materials).
Submission & Evaluation
- Questions Deadline: February 10, 2026, by 4:00 PM PST. Submit via email.
- Site Visit: A site visit is scheduled for February 4, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Bldg. 4, Portland VAMC Vancouver Campus.
- Proposal Submission: Proposals are due February 27, 2026, by 4:00 PM PST. Submissions must be sent via email to Colleen.nicholson@va.gov and kabir.saka@va.gov.
- Format: Proposals must be submitted in two volumes: Volume 1 (Technical Proposal and Past Performance) and Volume II (Price/Cost Proposal).
- Evaluation Factors: Award will be based on Technical Experience (most important), Past Performance, and Price. Technical Experience is significantly more important than Past Performance, and both combined are significantly more important than price.
- Technical Experience Requirements: Offerors must demonstrate experience with EST-3 or EST-4 fire alarm systems or equivalent.
- Past Performance Requirements: Submit a minimum of two and a maximum of five relevant projects, each with a minimum contract value of $2,000,000.00 and at least 50% complete. The provided Past Performance Questionnaire (Attachment 3) must be completed by clients.
- Compliance: Offerors must ensure their annual representations and certifications are current in SAM.gov and acknowledge all solicitation amendments. Wage rates are governed by the provided wage determination (Attachment 5).
Place of Performance
VA Portland Healthcare System, Vancouver campus, 1601 E Fourth Plain Blvd, Vancouver, Washington 98661, United States.
Contacts
- Primary: Colleen M Nicholson (Colleen.nicholson@va.gov, 360-553-7650)
- Secondary: Kabir Saka (kabir.saka@va.gov)