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) is seeking a qualified contractor for the NIST Sitewide Handrail Project at its Boulder Campus, CO. This project involves constructing, modifying, and installing ADA-compliant handrail systems to meet 2010 ADA Standards and OSHA requirements, improving accessibility and functionality for snow removal. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Proposals are due May 6, 2026.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide all labor, materials, equipment, and supervision to install permanent ADA-compliant handrail systems across the NIST Boulder Campus. Key tasks include:
- Demolition and Installation: Removal of existing lower railings, grinding surfaces smooth, and installation of new middle railings and handrails on both sides of stairs and ramps.
- Compliance: Ensuring handrails meet specific geometric, graspability, continuity, and safety standards (e.g., 34-38 inches height, 12-inch horizontal extensions, smooth returns).
- Specific Locations: Work will be performed at 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 & Deliverables: Verification of field conditions with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), matching existing exterior paint, and submitting specifications for sleeves, weather-strip treads, and concrete mix design for approval.
- Safety: Adherence to NIST security and access requirements, site-specific safety planning, and weekly progress coordination.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Negotiated (RFP)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- NAICS: 236220 (Commercial and Institutional Building Construction), Small Business Size Standard $45.0 Million.
- Period of Performance: 90 days from the issuance of the Notice to Proceed.
- Place of Performance: NIST Boulder Campus, 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305.
Important Dates
- Site Visit: Thursday, April 23, 2026, 1:30 PM (List of attendees due April 21, 2026).
- Questions Due: Monday, April 27, 2026.
- Proposals Due: Wednesday, May 6, 2026, 5:00 PM MT.
Evaluation Factors
Proposals will be evaluated based on:
- Technical Approach
- Schedule
- Price Factors 1 and 2 are approximately equal in importance and, combined, are more important than Factor 3.
Additional Notes
A pre-proposal site visit is highly recommended. Offerors must acknowledge receipt of any amendments. A post-award construction meeting is required, and the contractor's Site Specific Safety Plan must be accepted before a Notice to Proceed is issued.