Bid guide

How to bid on Design-Build services for IRS Fire Alarm Modernization Project with GSA

Public Buildings Service Washington, DCCloses August 20, 2026

What the agency is buying

The Public Buildings Service, part of the General Services Administration (GSA), is seeking a contractor for a Design-Build project. This project involves replacing and modernizing the emergency voice fire alarm system at the IRS Headquarters Building in Washington, D.C. The current system has reached the end of its useful life, and a new system is needed to meet current safety codes and GSA requirements.

The IRS Headquarters Building is a historic seven-story facility constructed between 1928 and 1936, located in the Federal Triangle District. It houses approximately 2,600 IRS employees. This is an opportunity for firms specializing in fire alarm system design and installation, particularly those with experience in large, historic federal buildings.

Key dates and deadlines

This Request for Proposals (RFP) was published on July 14, 2026. There is a pre-proposal conference and site visit scheduled for July 21, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. local time. To attend, you must register by July 17, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. ET. The deadline for submitting proposals is August 20, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. ET.

The pre-proposal conference will be virtual, followed by an in-person site visit at the IRS Headquarters Building. This conference will cover project details, source selection procedures, and the procurement process. Registration details will be provided to registered attendees.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for construction contractors with expertise in fire alarm system design, installation, and modernization. Experience with large-scale projects, particularly in historic buildings or federal facilities, would be beneficial. Firms should be familiar with the National Fire Alarm Code and GSA requirements.

The project falls under the construction category, specifically focusing on specialized building systems. Companies with a strong track record in design-build services for complex safety and security infrastructure will find this a relevant bid.

How to respond

To access the full solicitation, you will need to click the "View original source" link. The first click may take you to the portal's homepage; if so, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need to create a free account on the portal to view all documents, though this is not always required for every bid.

For the pre-proposal conference and site visit, you must register by emailing Douglas Tumbrello at [email protected] by July 17, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Include your name, email address, title, company, and whether you will attend the virtual conference, site visit, or both.

Tips for a competitive response

Carefully review all solicitation documents to understand the full scope of work, technical specifications, and evaluation criteria. Pay close attention to any specific requirements for working in a historic building or a secure federal facility. Highlight your firm's experience with similar projects, especially those involving fire alarm system upgrades and compliance with current codes.

Attending the pre-proposal conference and site visit is highly recommended. This will provide valuable insights into the project, allow you to ask questions, and help you understand the existing conditions of the IRS Headquarters Building. Ensure your proposal clearly addresses how you will meet the GSA's requirements for reliable emergency notification, improved maintainability, and emergency voice communication features.

See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond

Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.

View this bid on BiddingSimple

This guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from Public Buildings Service; the original posting controls.