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 permanent ADA-compliant handrail systems to meet 2010 ADA Standards and OSHA requirements, while also improving snow removal functionality. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Proposals are due Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
Purpose & Scope of Work
The primary goal is to bring existing handrail infrastructure into full compliance with the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design and applicable OSHA requirements. The project also aims to improve functionality for snow removal by removing lower railings and installing compliant middle rails.
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 (e.g., 34-38 inches height, 12-inch horizontal extensions).
- Installation of handrails on both sides of all stairs and ramps.
- Specific work locations include 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 Details
- Contract Type: Solicitation (Negotiated RFP)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- NAICS: 236220 (Commercial and Institutional Building Construction)
- Period of Performance: 90 days from the issuance of the Notice to Proceed.
- Place of Performance: NIST Boulder Campus, 325 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80305.
Key Dates
- Site Visit: Thursday, April 23, 2026, 1:30 PM (Reference Instructions to Offerors, Rev. 1 for details).
- Questions Due: Monday, April 27, 2026.
- Proposals Due: Wednesday, May 6, 2026, 5:00 PM MT.
Submission & Evaluation
Offerors must submit proposals by the due date and acknowledge receipt of all amendments. The "Instructions to Offerors, Rev. 1" document, superseded by Amendment 0001, must be used for proposal submissions. Evaluation will prioritize:
- Technical Approach
- Schedule
- Price Factors 1 and 2 are approximately equal in importance and combined are more important than Factor 3.
Important Notes
A pre-proposal site visit is highly recommended. 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. Award is subject to City of Boulder Sales/Use Tax.
Contacts: Lauren Lopez (lauren.lopez@nist.gov) or Travis Zoellner (travis.zoellner@nist.gov).