656-22-341 Conduct Substation Upgrade
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) is issuing a Presolicitation for a Firm Fixed-Price contract to complete the "Conduct Substation Upgrade" project (Project Number: 656-22-341) at the St. Cloud VA Health Care System in St. Cloud, MN. This opportunity is a TOTAL 100% SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN OWNED SMALL BUSINESS (SDVOSB) SET-ASIDE. An Invitation for Bid (IFB) is anticipated to be issued on or about May 1st, 2026.
Scope of Work
The project requires the contractor to furnish all labor, materials, tools, and equipment for a comprehensive substation upgrade. Key tasks include:
- Removing and replacing two large 5000KVA utility-grade transformers with two 6000 KVA transformers.
- Removing and replacing 16 smaller medium voltage transformers (30 KVA to 750 KVA).
- Providing passive, anti-ram rated bollards in accordance with ASTM F2656 crash rating requirements (minimum M30/P1), installed per Specification Section 34 71 13.
- Replacing transformer pads, where required, with new pads meeting 4000 psi concrete strength and reinforcement per EK501 detail.
- Demolition and removal of existing transformers and concrete, with disposal of all non-reusable equipment and materials from the VA site.
- New construction will focus on the substation area and the vicinity of each replaced transformer.
Expected trades include Electrical, Landscape, and Site Concrete.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed-Price
- Period of Performance: 886 calendar days from Notice to Proceed (NTP).
- Magnitude of Construction: Estimated between $5,000,000.00 and $10,000,000.00.
- Anticipated IFB Issue Date: On or about May 1st, 2026.
- Anticipated Award: Within 90 calendar days from the bid opening date.
- Published Date: March 4, 2026.
Eligibility / Set-Aside
This is a TOTAL 100% SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN OWNED SMALL BUSINESS (SDVOSB) SET-ASIDE. Bidders must be registered and certified as an SDVOSB in the Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) at https://veterans.certify.sba.gov at the time of bid submission. The NAICS Code is 238210 (Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors) with a Small Business Size Standard of $19 million.
Submission & Evaluation
This is a presolicitation notice; it is not a request for bid submission. An Invitation for Bid (IFB) will be issued in accordance with FAR Parts 14 and 36. Further details on dates, events, locations, site visits, and bid due dates will be provided in the solicitation. All questions must be submitted in writing via email to dwayne.brauch@va.gov.
Additional Notes
The IFB documents will be available for download at SAM.gov (https://sam.gov/content/opportunities). Bidders are responsible for obtaining all bidding documents and monitoring the site for amendments. A 60-day window is provided after the Post Award Conference and prior to NTP for badging submission and processing.