Sources Sought: NIST Underground Site Utilities Replacement MATOC IDIQ
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 conducting market research to identify qualified contractors for a large-scale Underground Site Utilities Replacement program at its campus in Gaithersburg, Maryland. This Sources Sought notice will inform the acquisition strategy for a potential Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC) IDIQ with a total program capacity of $1.1 Billion. Responses are due February 20, 2026.
Scope of Work
The requirement involves the comprehensive replacement and modernization of underground utilities, including:
- Mechanical & Wet Utilities: Chilled water, steam, potable water, sanitary sewer, storm drainage, compressed air, and natural gas.
- Electrical & Comms: 13.4kV power distribution, electrical duct banks, and communications infrastructure.
- Ancillary Services: Trenchless construction, excavation, hazardous materials abatement, building cutovers, and site restoration.
- Compliance: Work must adhere to historic preservation standards and maintain continuous campus operations.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: MATOC IDIQ (Design-Build and Design-Bid-Build)
- Total Capacity: Up to $1.1 Billion
- Task Order Range: Estimated between $5M and $100M per project.
- Duration: Up to 12 years (one 4-year base period plus two 4-year option periods).
- Set-Aside: None specified (Market Research stage).
- Response Due: February 20, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET.
Evaluation
NIST is evaluating firms based on their Capabilities Statement (maximum 10 pages). Key evaluation factors include:
- Bonding Capacity: Ability to support individual task orders up to $100M.
- Technical Experience: Documentation of up to three similar projects completed within the last seven years.
- Operational Capability: Ability to work within high-security environments (HSPD-12) and maintain utility services during construction.
Additional Notes
This is a Sources Sought notice for planning purposes only. Respondents are encouraged to provide feedback on contract structure, innovation, and the potential use of Project Labor Agreements (PLAs).