How to bid on Safety Shower and Eyewash Corrections Phase 1 for NIST

What the agency is buying

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) needs a design-build contractor to correct emergency safety shower and eyewash fixtures at its Boulder, Colorado campus. The goal is to bring these fixtures into compliance with ANSI Z358.1-2014 standards. Many existing fixtures, especially combination units, fail during simultaneous operation.

The project focuses on Building 22 as the base scope. There are also four option areas in Buildings 25, 42 (Central Utility Plant), 1, and 2. The contractor will be responsible for evaluating recommendations, providing an engineered design, and executing the construction to ensure all fixtures meet the required standards.

Key dates and deadlines

This Request for Proposal (RFP) was published on July 22, 2026. The deadline for submitting your response is August 06, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. Be aware that the solicitation has had updated dates and a second site visit scheduled. Always refer to the attachments for the most current schedule and requirements.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for design-build contractors with expertise in construction, particularly those familiar with plumbing, safety systems, and compliance with ANSI Z358.1-2014 standards for emergency eyewash and shower equipment. Firms experienced in working on research and development campuses or similar institutional facilities would be well-suited. The work is categorized under construction.

How to respond

To access the solicitation documents and prepare your response, you will need to view the original source on the portal. Click the link provided to open the opportunity. If the first click takes you to the portal's homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need to create a free account to view all documents, though this is not always required for every bid.

Tips for a competitive response

When preparing your proposal, clearly demonstrate your understanding of the ANSI Z358.1-2014 standard and how your proposed design-build approach will ensure compliance. Detail your experience with similar projects, especially those involving complex plumbing or safety system upgrades in operational facilities.

Since this is a design-build project, emphasize your firm's capability to both design and construct the necessary corrections. Provide a clear project plan that outlines your methodology for evaluating existing conditions, developing engineered solutions, and executing the construction phase efficiently and with minimal disruption to the NIST campus operations. Pay close attention to the base scope for Building 22 and how you would approach the optional areas.