Bid guide
How to bid on EHRM Infrastructure Upgrades Construction for the VA in Washington, DC
What the VA is buying and why it matters
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is planning a major construction project to upgrade infrastructure at the Washington, DC VA Medical Center. This work supports the new Electronic Health Records Modernization (EHRM) system. The project involves extensive upgrades including fiber optic cabling, new telecommunications rooms, work-area outlets, and improvements to electrical and mechanical systems. Physical security for data centers and telecommunications rooms will also be enhanced. Demolition of existing structures is part of the scope.
This is a significant opportunity for construction firms, with an estimated value between $20 million and $50 million. The project is expected to take about 689 calendar days to complete once a Notice to Proceed is issued. The VA is currently conducting market research through this Request for Information (RFI) to identify potential contractors before issuing a formal solicitation.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This Request for Information (RFI) was published on September 10, 2026. Your response, known as a capability statement, must be submitted by September 22, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET. This is a firm deadline.
This RFI is for market research only and is not a solicitation for bids. The VA will use the information gathered from these responses to help determine the type of socio-economic set-aside, if any, for the future formal solicitation. The formal Request for Proposal (RFP) is anticipated to be advertised in November 2026.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for construction firms under NAICS code 236220, which has a size standard of $45.0 million. The VA is looking for prime contractors with substantial bonding capacity, specifically in line with the $20 million to $50 million project magnitude.
Firms should have a proven track record of similar projects, particularly those involving the installation or upgrading of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and telecommunications infrastructure related to data centers. Experience working in occupied medical facilities, managing projects with uninterrupted service lines (like emergency or surgical environments), and handling projects with limited staging areas is highly valued.
How to respond to this RFI
To respond, you need to prepare a general capabilities statement. This statement must include specific sections: your company's contact information (name, UEI, address, point of contact, phone, email), your business size and type based on NAICS code 236220, and a clear statement of interest in the project.
Crucially, you must provide a letter of intent from your bonding company confirming your available bonding capacity, ensuring it aligns with the project's estimated value. You also need to detail your company's past experience on similar projects. This includes providing examples of specialized experience and technical competence, specifically 2 to 5 relevant projects with a contract value of $18 million or more, completed at least 75% within the last six years, and performed in operational medical facilities. These projects should collectively demonstrate experience in working in occupied medical facilities, executing specified phasing, and managing projects with unavailable staging areas.
Practical tips for a competitive response
When preparing your capability statement, be precise and concise. Clearly address each requested section and sub-point. For the experience section, focus on projects that directly align with the VA's stated requirements, especially those in occupied medical facilities and involving complex infrastructure upgrades.
Ensure your bonding capacity letter explicitly states an amount that covers the mid-range of the $20 million to $50 million project magnitude. Highlight how your past projects demonstrate your ability to manage challenges specific to medical facility construction, such as maintaining uninterrupted services and adhering to infection control protocols. Quantify your achievements and responsibilities on past projects whenever possible to provide concrete evidence of your capabilities.
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 BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from Veterans Affairs, Department of; the original posting controls.