NIST Shuttle Services
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 National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) is soliciting proposals for Shuttle Services at its Gaithersburg Campus in Maryland. This is a Full and Open Competition for a Firm-Fixed Price, Performance-Based Service Contract to provide transportation to local hubs and for specific programs. Proposals are due March 9, 2026, by 2 PM EST.
Scope of Work
NIST requires comprehensive shuttle services, including:
- Metro Shuttle and MARC Shuttle services to transportation hubs.
- Transportation for the SURF Program, NIST Center for Neutron Research (NCNR) Summer School, and the NIST Cybersecurity Risk Management Conference.
- General Transportation Services, requiring three days' notice for standard requests and immediate response for emergencies.
Contractor requirements include providing a minimum of six CDL-licensed drivers (3+ years experience, no recent traffic violations) and a dispatcher (3+ years experience). The contractor must own at least four vehicles, with two capable of transporting 36-40 passengers (no yellow school buses). All vehicles must be licensed, registered, inspected, and road-worthy. Personnel will require NIST identification badges. Bidders must submit a Quality Control Plan (QCP), safety plan, and fleet maintenance plan. A Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP) will be used by the Government to monitor performance, with potential payment reductions for non-compliance.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price, Performance-Based Service Contract
- NAICS Code: 485999 (All Other Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation), Size Standard $19 Million
- Set-Aside: Full and Open Competition
- Period of Performance: A base period from April 5, 2026, through March 31, 2027, with four (4) one-year option periods, plus a FAR 52.217-8 extension option (up to 6 months).
- Incumbent: K & V Limousine Service LLC (Contract 1333ND21CNB190019)
Evaluation & Submission
Award will be made on a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) basis. Proposals must include two volumes: Volume 1 (Price Proposal - SF 1449) and Volume 2 (Technical Proposal - Non-Price Evaluation Factors). Past Performance is a key evaluation factor, requiring submission of a Past Performance Questionnaire (PPQ). The Government intends to evaluate offers without discussions. Bidders must adhere to Wage Determination WD 2015-4269, Revision No. 31, for labor costs.
Key Dates & Contacts
- Questions Due: February 26, 2026, 10 AM EST
- Proposal Due Date: March 9, 2026, 2 PM EST
- Award Anticipated: On or about April 1, 2026
- Services Start: April 5, 2026
- Submission: Electronically via email to helen.wesley@nist.gov and tony.schmidt@nist.gov.
- Primary Contact: Helen Wesley (helen.wesley@nist.gov)
- Secondary Contact: Tony Schmidt (tony.schmidt@nist.gov)