Transportation Services
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 through a Sources Sought Notice to identify qualified Small Businesses capable of providing Transportation Services. This includes labor and vehicles for NIST customers, associates, and visitors at the Gaithersburg Campus and the Washington Metropolitan Area. The anticipated contract will be a performance-based acquisition service contract. Responses are due by February 18, 2026, at 10 AM ET.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide management, supervision, labor, materials, equipment, and supplies for efficient transportation operations. This includes scheduled and unscheduled maintenance of equipment. Specific services detailed in the draft SOW include:
- METRO Shuttle: 36-40 passenger bus service to Shady Grove Metro.
- MARC Shuttle: 15-20 passenger van/mini-bus service to Metropolitan Grove and Gaithersburg MARC Stations.
- SURF Program: 55-passenger coach bus for student transportation (May-August).
- NCNR Summer School: 55-passenger coach bus for student transportation.
- Cybersecurity Conference: Six 55-passenger coach buses for a two-day conference.
- General Transportation Services: Ad-hoc services with various vehicle sizes (6-57 passengers) with 3-day notice, and emergency requests.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Sources Sought (Market Research)
- Anticipated Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price, Performance-Based Acquisition Service Contract.
- Anticipated Duration: 5 years (base period + four 1-year options), with a potential 6-month extension.
- Anticipated Award: On or about April 2026.
- Response Due: February 18, 2026, 10 AM ET.
- Published: February 10, 2026.
- Place of Performance: NIST Campus, Gaithersburg, MD, and the Washington Metropolitan Area.
Eligibility / Set-Aside
All qualified Small Businesses are encouraged to respond. NIST is currently determining if a Set-Aside is an acceptable strategy for this procurement.
Submission Requirements
Interested parties must submit a brief capabilities package including:
- Examples of similar projects within the last five years (size, scope, complexity, duration, contract value, role, POC).
- A narrative on quality control implementation, including subcontractor management.
- Company profile (employees, annual receipts, office locations, DUNS number).
- Evidence of small business standing (SDVOSB, WOSB, HUBZone, 8(a), etc.).
- A statement of intent to submit a proposal if the requirement is set-aside for the respondent's socio-economic group.
Performance Standards & Special Requirements
Performance will be monitored via a Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP), with specific metrics for on-time service, incident limits, and potential invoice deductions for non-compliance. Key personnel requirements include a minimum of 6 CDL-licensed drivers with 3 years of experience and a dispatcher. All personnel require background checks and compliance with NIST security protocols (HSPD-12). The contractor must develop and maintain a Quality Control Plan (QCP).
Additional Notes
This is a Sources Sought notice only; it is not a solicitation. The government will not pay for information submitted, nor will respondents be notified of evaluation results. Submission assists NIST in tailoring requirements for a future solicitation. Questions should be directed to Helen Wesley (helen.wesley@nist.gov) or Tony Schmidt (tony.schmidt@nist.gov).