How to bid on Fiber Dial Room Refurbishment for the Department of Energy

What the agency is buying

The Department of Energy's Idaho National Laboratory (INL) is seeking an Expression of Interest (EOI) for services to refurbish fiber optic "dial rooms" and upgrade fiber connectivity. This work supports maintaining robust communication infrastructure at INL facilities.

The scope of work may include removing old communication cables, updating several Fiber Dial Rooms (including structural and environmental improvements and hardware replacement), installing and testing new fiber, configuring point-to-point fiber connections, and integrating with existing network systems. Compliance with DOE cybersecurity, safety, and operational standards is required.

Key dates and deadlines

The deadline for submitting your Expression of Interest is December 11, 2026. Submissions must be received by this date. This EOI is the first step in identifying qualified vendors; selected companies may be invited to a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) process later.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for construction firms with expertise in fiber optic installation, refurbishment, and communication infrastructure upgrades. Relevant experience in structural and environmental improvements within technical facilities is also beneficial. Firms with existing DOE or federal contracting experience are encouraged to highlight it.

The work falls under the construction category. For work at the INL Site, the Davis-Bacon Act and the INL Site Stabilization Agreement (SSA) apply for contracts over $2,000. Work performed at Idaho Falls facilities is not subject to these agreements.

How to respond

To respond, you need to submit an Expression of Interest via email to [email protected] by December 11, 2026. Your submission should include your company name and point of contact, a description of your relevant fiber installation and refurbishment capabilities and experience, your NAICS codes and business size classification, and any existing DOE or federal contracting experience.

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Practical tips for a competitive response

Clearly articulate your firm's specific experience with fiber optic infrastructure projects, especially those involving refurbishment and upgrades in secure or technical environments. Provide concrete examples of past projects that demonstrate your capabilities.

Ensure your submission directly addresses all requested information: company details, relevant capabilities, NAICS codes, business size, and federal contracting experience. Organize your response clearly and concisely. If your information is proprietary, mark it accordingly.

Pay close attention to the deadline. Submitting your Expression of Interest well in advance allows time to confirm receipt and address any potential issues. This EOI is a crucial first step, as only selected respondents will be invited to the subsequent RFP.