How to bid on Chairlift Replacement at FCI Loretto for the Department of Justice

What the agency is buying and why it matters

The Federal Bureau of Prisons, part of the Department of Justice, is seeking a contractor to remove an existing chairlift and install a new ADA-compliant chairlift at FCI Loretto in Loretto, PA. The new chairlift must span 16 stairs, turn at a landing, continue up three more stairs, use a 240V circuit, and support 660 pounds. It must also include specific safety features and be tested upon installation.

This project is important for vendors specializing in building equipment installation, as it offers a clear scope of work for an essential facility upgrade. The contractor will be responsible for all labor, materials, tools, and equipment, ensuring the work meets all applicable codes and regulations.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

The solicitation was published on September 08, 2026. NCIC background check forms for site visit attendees are due by September 25, 2026, at 12:00 PM EST. A site visit will be held on September 30, 2026, at 10:00 AM EST. Questions about the solicitation are due by October 6, 2026, at 12:00 PM EST.

The final deadline for submitting your quotation is October 30, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET. Quotations must be submitted electronically; faxed or hand-delivered quotes will not be accepted. The performance period for the project is 90 calendar days from the issuance of the notice to proceed.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is a 100% small business set-aside, making it suitable for small businesses specializing in building equipment installation. The NAICS code for this requirement is 238290, 'Other Building Equipment Contractors,' with a small business size standard of $22 million.

Firms with experience in installing ADA-compliant lifts, particularly in institutional or government settings, will find this a good fit. Contractors must be prepared to adhere to various compliance standards, including FBOP Technical Design Guidelines, seismic zone requirements, environmental compliance, Life Safety, NFPA, ADA-ABA, and all Federal, State, and Local codes and regulations.

How to respond to this solicitation

To access the solicitation documents, you will need to go to the Contract Opportunity website. The solicitation is distributed solely through this website, and hard copies will not be made available. You may need an active SAM vendor registration and a valid Marketing Partner Identification Number (MPIN) from SAM.gov to access secure documents.

Ensure your SAM.gov registration is current and accurately reflects your business size metrics for NAICS code 238290. If your firm does not have this NAICS code listed, you may be asked to provide an explanation. All future information, including amendments, will also be distributed through the website, so continuous monitoring is essential. Submit your quotation electronically by the deadline, including a specification sheet and any submittal information about the products offered.

Practical tips for a competitive response

Carefully review the Statement of Work attachment included with the solicitation posting for complete requirements. Pay close attention to the specific technical requirements for the chairlift, including capacity, safety features, and power supply. Ensure your proposed solution meets or exceeds all specified criteria.

Attend the encouraged, though not mandatory, site visit. This will provide a crucial opportunity to examine existing conditions and the work area firsthand, which can help you develop a more accurate and competitive bid. Remember to submit NCIC background check forms for all proposed attendees by the deadline to gain access. While questions will not be answered during the site visit, you can submit written questions to the Contracting Officer by the specified deadline.

Double-check your SAM.gov registration to ensure it is active, accurate, and reflects your small business status for NAICS code 238290. An outdated or incorrect registration could disqualify your bid. Finally, ensure your quotation includes all required documentation, such as specification sheets, and is submitted well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute technical issues.