Transformer Service

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) requires a contractor to perform site-wide transformer fluid analyses for all liquid-filled transformers at their Gaithersburg, Maryland facility. The goal is to mitigate risks associated with arc flash, component failure, structural fire, and electric shock.

The contractor shall provide all necessary management, labor, materials, equipment, and protective gear to perform the following:

• Transformer Visual Inspection: Assess oil level, tank pressures, temperature, and incoming cabling for deficiencies. Identify and report any abnormal conditions such as oil leaks or broken gauge glasses.

• Transformer Oil Sampling: Collect oil samples from the main transformer oil tank while transformers are energized. Verify transformer data against Attachment A.

• Transformer Fluid Analyses: Conduct analyses according to ASTM standards, including Quality Oil Analysis, Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA), and PCB analysis (for retro-filled transformers).

• Nitrogen Blanket: Provide and install Nitrogen blanket pressure in the headspace of low-pressure transformers.

• Reporting: Submit written reports detailing visual inspections and fluid analyses, with recommendations, arranged by building number.

• Place: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899-1640.

• Period: One (1) base year with four (4) option years, and a potential six (6)-month extension. Estimated periods: Base Year (2026-2027), Option Year 1 (2027-2028), Option Year 2 (2028-2029), Option Year 3 (2029-2030), Option Year 4 (2030-2031). Services to commence upon Notice to Proceed (NTP).

• Site Access: All personnel require NIST badging, involving background checks and fingerprinting. Allow approximately 60 days for this process.

• Safety: Provide an Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA) for approval prior to Notice to Proceed. Comply with OSHA 1926 Safety and Health Regulations.

• Deliverables: Submit one hard copy and one electronic copy of the final report within 30 days of site work completion.

• Work Hours: Generally Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM ET, excluding Federal Holidays. Coordinate with COR for any deviations.

• Hazardous Waste: Proper securing and handling of hazardous waste is required.

• Nitrogen gas filler adapter

• Broken gauge replacement

• Additional oil samples and analyses for missing transformers

• Transformer oil leak repair for specific transformers in Buildings 206 and 233.

Sources Sought / Request for Information

This notice is a Request for Information (RFI) for market research purposes to help NIST determine the appropriate acquisition strategy for electrical maintenance services. NIST intends to award a contract for transformer visual inspection, oil sampling, and oil analyses for all liquid-filled transformers at their Gaithersburg, Maryland facility. This is not a solicitation, and NIST is not obligated to award a contract based on this notice.

Respondents are asked to review the attached draft Statement of Work (SOW) which details the requirements for transformer maintenance services. Specific tasks include visual inspection, oil sampling, and oil analyses.

• Anticipated Period of Performance: Base Year plus Four (4) Option Years.

• Response Date: 01:00 PM EST, 06/17/2026.

• Submission Email: brandon.butler@nist.gov.

• Format: Microsoft Word or .pdf, 12-point font, max 10 pages (excluding cover page and commercial pricing).

• Information Requested:

  • Cover page with company details, Unique Entity ID, POC, and SAM.gov registration status.
  • Validation of company size status under NAICS 811310.
  • Suggestions for improving the draft SOW for clarity and competitiveness.
  • Suggested evaluation factors for award.
  • Standard commercial pricing information (optional).
  • Estimate for draft SOW requirements (optional, not a proposal).
  • Description of the company's safety program related to the SOW.
  • Explanation of compliance with DOT and other applicable regulations.
  • Details on the company's ability to complete SOW tasks.
  • For small businesses: ability to comply with FAR 52.219-14 (Limitations on Subcontracting).
  • Suggested alternative NAICS codes, if applicable.
  • Information on GSA MAS or other federal contract vehicles.
  • Identification of any unduly restrictive aspects of the requirements and suggestions for improvement, especially for small business participation.

• NAICS Code: 811310 (Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Repair and Maintenance).

• Respondents must validate their company size status under this NAICS code.

• Do not include proprietary, classified, confidential, or sensitive information.

• NIST may follow up for clarification.

• Responses are voluntary and NIST may use the information without limitation.

• NIST may publish a solicitation on SAM.gov or GSA eBuy based on market research.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment D - Sample Report.pdf", is a laboratory services summary report. It details the results of various tests performed on transformer oil samples.

• The report includes data such as Serial Number, Unit Number, Location, Fluid type, KVA, Gallons, Sampled Date, and various test results including Color, Visual, Acidity, Dielectric Value, Water (PPM), Power Factor, Specific Gravity, PCB content, and D.G.A. (Dissolved Gas Analysis) results.
• It lists specific test parameters and their corresponding values for each sample.
• A note indicates that results shaded yellow signify unacceptable levels or required servicing.

This attachment provides detailed technical data on the condition of transformer oils. Bidders may need to review this data to understand the current state of equipment, potential maintenance requirements, or to inform their proposals for services related to transformer maintenance, repair, or replacement. The specific test results and any highlighted "unacceptable levels" are critical for assessing the scope and complexity of any potential work.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment C - Guidelines for OFPM Contractors and A/E Firms Performing Site Investigations and Fieldwork," provides detailed guidelines and requirements for contractors and Architect/Engineer (A/E) firms working at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Gaithersburg, MD. It outlines safety, site access, environmental, and operational procedures that must be followed.

• Safety: Covers personal protective equipment (PPE), investigation equipment, confined space entry, fire protection, asbestos handling, and general work safety.
• Site Access & Operations: Details vehicle and pedestrian access, working hours, truck inspection procedures, parking, and specific restrictions (e.g., Building 101).
• Environmental Management: Outlines requirements for environmentally sound practices, including waste disposal and recycling.
• Reporting & Documentation: Specifies requirements for daily reports, as-built drawings, and operation and maintenance manuals.
• Security: Details requirements for security badges, access control, and background checks for personnel.
• Specific Activities: Includes guidelines for excavation, trenching, exterior site restoration, and temporary exterior power.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the operational and safety environment at NIST. It highlights specific requirements related to safety compliance, site access procedures, environmental stewardship, and security protocols that will impact project execution, planning, and costs. Bidders must familiarize themselves with these guidelines to accurately estimate resources and ensure compliance throughout the contract period.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment A - Transformer list_Rev 2.xlsx", provides a detailed inventory of transformers across multiple buildings and includes requirements for transformer service, specifically focusing on oil quality, PCB analyses, and Dissolve Gas Analysis (DGA).

• Transformer Inventory: Lists transformers by Building, Room, Equipment ID, Feeder, Manufacturer, Serial Number, KVA rating, Fluid Type, and Capacity (Gal).
• Service Requirements: Indicates the requirement for Oil Quality testing, PCB Analyses, and Dissolve Gas Analysis (DGA) for each transformer, with a value of '1' typically indicating a requirement and '0' indicating no requirement for the specified period.
• Base Year and Option Years: The data is presented for the Base Year and four Option Years, detailing the service requirements for each period.
• Summary Totals: Provides aggregated counts for Oil Quality, PCB, and DGA samples across the Base Year and each Option Year.

This attachment is crucial for bidders to understand the scope of potential services related to transformer maintenance and testing. It details the specific assets requiring attention, the types of analyses needed (Oil Quality, PCB, DGA), and the frequency or requirement for these services over the base and option periods. Bidders should use this information to estimate resource needs, develop pricing, and understand the operational context of the requirement.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment B - Bid Schedule," provides the pricing structure for site-wide transformer oil testing services. Bidders must use this schedule to detail their proposed costs for the base year and four option years.

• Base Year and Option Years: The schedule is divided into sections for the base year and four option years, each detailing the same set of tasks.
• Tasks: Includes mobilization, transformer visual inspection and oil sample collection, nitrogen blanketing, Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) and final report preparation, quality oil analysis, PCB analysis, and Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA).
• Quantities: Specific quantities are provided for each task (e.g., 122 units for sample collection and oil analyses, 36 units for PCB analysis).
• Pricing: Fields for "Unit Price" and "Extended Price" are included for bidders to complete.
• Drawn Down Account: A "Drawn down account" item is listed as 1 LOT for each year.
• Inclusions: The cost of the safety plan or JHA, and the final written report, are noted as being included in the pricing.

This bid schedule is critical for bidders to accurately price their proposed services. It outlines the specific services, quantities, and timeframes (base year plus four option years) for which pricing is required. Completing this schedule accurately is essential for proposal submission and evaluation.