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 soliciting proposals for a 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 Monday, May 11, 2026, at 5:00 PM MT.
Purpose & Scope
NIST seeks a qualified contractor to provide all labor, materials, equipment, and supervision for the project. 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. Work includes verification of field conditions, demolition and replacement of select concrete stairs and curbs, and fabrication and installation of handrails.
Key Requirements
The contractor will:
- Construct, modify, and install permanent ADA-compliant handrail systems across the NIST Boulder Campus.
- Remove existing bottom guardrails and grind surfaces smooth.
- Install handrails on both sides of all stairs and ramps, meeting specific geometric, graspability, continuity, and safety standards (e.g., 34-38 inches height, 12-inch horizontal extensions, smooth return ends).
- Perform work at specific locations 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.
- Match existing exterior paint scheme.
- Submit sleeve specifications, weather-strip tread specifications, and concrete mix design/compaction test results for COR/NIST approval.
- Adhere to NIST security and access requirements, conduct weekly progress coordination, and submit required deliverables.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Negotiated (RFP)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- NAICS Code: 236220 (Repair Or Alteration Of Restoration Of Real Property)
- Small Business Size Standard: $45.0 Million
- Period of Performance: 90 days from the issuance of the Notice to Proceed.
Submission & Evaluation
Offers will be evaluated based on three factors: Factor 1: Technical Approach, Factor 2: Schedule, and Factor 3: Price. Factors 1 and 2 are approximately equal in importance and, combined, are more important than Factor 3. Offerors must acknowledge receipt of all amendments.
Important Dates
- Site Visit: Thursday, April 23, 2026, 1:30 PM (highly recommended)
- Questions Due: Monday, April 27, 2026
- Proposals Due: Monday, May 11, 2026, 5:00 PM MT
Additional 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 must confirm all field conditions with the COR. Amendment 0001 superseded the "Instructions to Offerors" with "Instructions to Offerors, Rev. 1". Amendment 0002 incorporated Q&A #1-30, the site visit sign-in sheet, and FAR Clause 52.222-90, and extended the proposal due date. The Notice to Proceed will not be issued until the contractor's Site Specific Safety Plan is accepted.