Bid guide
How to bid on NIST Boulder Solar Lighting Upper Site Replacement
What NIST is buying and why it matters
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Boulder, Colorado, is looking for a contractor to replace existing solar-powered outdoor pole lights with new hard-wired LED pole lights. This project involves removing the old solar lighting systems, designing and installing new pole bases and LED lights, and installing new electrical circuits from nearby building panelboards.
The work includes trenching, backfilling, restoring landscaped and hardscaped areas, equipment labeling, and coordinating electrical shutdowns. All work must follow NEC, NIST site standards, and relevant safety and security rules. This is a chance for construction firms to secure a government contract for significant electrical and site work.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
This Request for Proposals (RFP) was published on July 10, 2026. Important upcoming dates include: a list of individuals attending the site visit is due by Friday, July 17, 2026. A site visit will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Building 25. Questions about the solicitation are due by July 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
Proposals must be submitted by August 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. Proposals should be sent to [email protected] and copied to [email protected]. Missing the deadline means your proposal will not be considered.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is suitable for construction firms with expertise in electrical infrastructure, outdoor lighting installation, and site work. Contractors should have experience with demolition, trenching, and restoring landscapes. A key requirement is the ability to provide a structural pole base design stamped by a licensed Colorado Professional Engineer.
Firms familiar with National Electrical Code (NEC) standards and government site requirements will be well-suited for this project. This is a construction category solicitation.
How to respond to this solicitation
To access the full details of this opportunity, 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 a free account on the portal to view all documents, though this is not always required.
Once you have reviewed the solicitation documents, prepare your proposal according to the instructions provided. Ensure your proposal addresses all technical requirements, including the photometric analysis and the stamped structural pole base design. Submit your proposal via email to [email protected], copying [email protected], by the August 13, 2026, deadline.
Tips for a competitive response
Pay close attention to all technical specifications, especially those related to the new LED luminaires, electrical circuits, and pole base design. Clearly demonstrate your firm's experience with similar projects involving outdoor lighting replacement and electrical system upgrades. Highlight your ability to comply with NEC and NIST site standards.
Ensure your proposal includes all required documentation, such as the stamped structural pole base design. Detail your plan for managing construction activities, including trenching, backfilling, and coordination of electrical shutdowns. A well-organized and thorough proposal that directly addresses every requirement will stand out.
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 National Institute of Standards and Technology; the original posting controls.