NIST Sitewide Handrail Project
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 and Technology (NIST), U.S. Department of Commerce, is seeking a qualified contractor for the NIST Sitewide Handrail Project at its Boulder Campus in Colorado. This Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity involves constructing, modifying, and installing ADA-compliant handrail systems to meet 2010 ADA Standards and OSHA requirements, while also improving snow removal functionality. Proposals are due May 11, 2026.
Scope of Work
The project requires the contractor to provide all labor, materials, equipment, and supervision for the installation of permanent ADA-compliant handrail systems. Key tasks include:
- Verification of field conditions.
- Demolition and replacement of select concrete stairs and curbs.
- Fabrication and installation of handrails meeting specific dimensional, graspability, continuity, and safety standards.
- Removal of existing lower railings and installation of compliant middle rails.
- Installation of handrails on both sides of all stairs and ramps, with specific height and extension requirements.
- Work across various buildings including Building 1 Wing 3 Ramp, Building 1 Annex D, Building 3 Front Entrance, Building 22 East Entryway, and Building 1 Wing 3 and 6 Dock Stairs.
- Coordination with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) for inspections and approvals.
- Adherence to NIST security and access requirements, site-specific safety planning, and weekly progress coordination.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Solicitation / Request for Proposal (RFP)
- Period of Performance: 90 days from the issuance of the Notice to Proceed.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (NAICS 236220, Small Business Size Standard $45.0 Million).
- Proposal Due: Monday, May 11, 2026, by 5:00 PM MT.
- Questions Due: Monday, April 27, 2026.
- Site Visit: Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 1:30 PM (highly recommended).
- Published: May 04, 2026 (latest amendment).
Evaluation
Award will be based on a competitive evaluation of proposals. Factors considered are:
- Factor 1: Technical Approach
- Factor 2: Schedule
- Factor 3: Price Factors 1 and 2 are approximately equal in importance and, combined, are more important than Factor 3.
Additional Notes
Offerors must reference the "Instructions to Offerors, Rev. 1" (superseding previous versions) and Provision 1352.270-71 for site visit details. Amendment 0002 incorporates Questions and Answers #1-30, the site visit sign-in sheet, and FAR Clause 52.222-90, "Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors." A post-award construction meeting is required, and weekly progress meetings will be held on-site. The contractor's Site Specific Safety Plan must be accepted before a Notice to Proceed is issued.