How to bid on Building 12 Pump Power Relocation for VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System

What the VA is buying and why it matters

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) needs a contractor to relocate and add emergency power to water pumps in Building 12 at the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System in Reno, Nevada. The current system has deficiencies, as the pumps lack an emergency power source.

This project involves installing emergency power, moving normal power to an existing motor control center, and installing a new manual transfer switch. The goal is to correct these deficiencies and ensure the pumps have a reliable power supply, including during emergencies. This is a firm-fixed-price construction contract.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This solicitation was published on July 16, 2026. All responses must be submitted by August 14, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET. This is a hard deadline, and late submissions are generally not accepted.

If awarded the contract, the project must be completed within 180 calendar days after the VA issues the Notice to Proceed (NTP). A detailed schedule of materials, labor, and construction milestones will be required within the first two weeks of the project start date.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is a 100% set-aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs). Only firms with this designation are eligible to bid.

The project is suitable for construction contractors with expertise in electrical systems, pump power relocation, and emergency power installations. Experience working within healthcare facilities or with VA Technical Information Library (TIL) and Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Electrical Design Manual compliance is beneficial.

How to respond to this solicitation

To access the full solicitation details and prepare your response, you will need to view the original source on the government portal. Click the "View original source" link. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click the link 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.

Practical tips for a competitive response

Ensure your proposal clearly demonstrates your firm's compliance with all specified safety requirements, including the 30-hour OSHA construction safety certification for your Competent Person/Superintendent and 10-hour OSHA certification for all on-site employees. Provide documentation of your Experience Modification Rate (EMR) being equal to or less than 1.0.

Detail your approach to reviewing the work area and existing equipment to identify pathways and determine the most feasible installation course. Outline how you will adhere to VA Technical Information Library (TIL), VHA Electrical Design Manual, and all safety codes. Clearly state your plan for coordinating facility outages with the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) with advanced notice.

Since this is a firm-fixed-price contract, ensure your bid accurately reflects all costs, including labor, materials, equipment, and supervision, to complete the project within the 180-day timeframe and provide the required one-year warranty on materials and workmanship.