How to bid on Large-Tier Electrical Construction IDIQ for Department of Commerce

What the agency is buying and why a vendor would care

The U.S. Department of Commerce's National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is looking for one or more contractors to provide large-scale electrical construction services at its campus in Gaithersburg, Maryland. This opportunity is for Indefinite-Delivery, Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contracts with a 5-year ordering period.

The total value of all orders combined will not exceed $73,788,828, with a minimum guarantee of $5,000. Work may include installation, repair, maintenance, and modification of various electrical systems, from branch circuits to medium voltage distribution, life safety systems, and exterior power distribution. A first task order will be awarded shortly after the IDIQ contracts are in place.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

This is a Request for Information (RFI) published on August 03, 2026. The deadline for responses is August 12, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. This solicitation will use an advisory multistep process. Only offerors who submit a Phase 1 offer will be able to participate in Phase 2. The contracting officer will provide the due date for Phase 2 offers to those who submit a Phase 1 offer.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for large-tier construction firms with significant electrical construction experience. It is a full and open competition. Offerors must demonstrate a bonding capacity of at least $20 million per contract and an aggregate bonding capacity of at least $70 million.

The scope of work covers a wide range of electrical services, including high-voltage systems, life safety systems, and underground distribution networks. Firms with expertise in these specific areas and the required bonding capacity are well-suited for this bid.

How to respond

To access the opportunity, click “View original source” to open it on the portal. If the first click leads to the portal’s homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view documents, though this is not always required.

A draft solicitation will be posted on sam.gov as a Special Notice before the final solicitation is released. The final solicitation, including proposal due dates, will only be posted on sam.gov. Monitor sam.gov for updates and additional information.

Practical tips for preparing a competitive response

Given the multistep process, focus on submitting a strong Phase 1 offer to ensure you can proceed. Carefully review all requirements for Phase 1 as soon as they are released. For Phase 2, pay close attention to the anticipated evaluation factors, especially bonding capacity, technical capability, management plan, past performance, and price for the first task order.

Ensure your proposal clearly demonstrates your firm's experience with large-scale electrical construction projects, particularly those involving complex distribution systems, life safety systems, and high-voltage work. Provide clear evidence of your bonding capacity to meet the strict requirements. For the technical approach to the first task order, be specific and detailed in your proposed methods and resources.