How to bid on Switchgear Replacement and Upgrades Project for BLDG 49 at NIH

What the National Institutes of Health is buying

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) needs to replace outdated emergency electrical equipment in Building 49 in Bethesda, MD. This project involves replacing a 1500kW diesel generator, day tanks, switchgear, switchboard, distribution panels, and transfer switches. The current equipment no longer meets modern standards for capacity, efficiency, and reliability.

This is an opportunity for small businesses to provide essential infrastructure upgrades for a critical government facility.

Key dates and deadlines

This solicitation was published on July 10, 2026. A site visit is scheduled for July 20, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET. To attend the site visit, you must email [email protected] with your vendor name and attendee list by close of business on July 17, 2026. Requests for Information (RFI) are due by close of business on July 22, 2026. Answers to RFIs will be posted the following week via an amendment.

Proposals are due by August 10, 2026, at 4:30 PM ET. All proposals must be sent to the Contracting Officer at [email protected].

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for businesses specializing in electrical equipment replacement, generator installation, and power distribution systems. Firms with experience in upgrading emergency power infrastructure, particularly in large institutional or government buildings, will find this relevant. The project falls under the equipment category.

How to access the solicitation

To view the full solicitation documents, 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 access all documents, though this is not always required.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Carefully review the attached Statement of Work for complete details on the required replacements and upgrades. Attend the site visit to gain a clear understanding of the existing conditions and project scope. This will help you identify any potential challenges and accurately estimate costs.

Submit any questions you have as an RFI by the deadline to ensure you receive official clarification. When preparing your proposal, clearly demonstrate your firm's experience with similar complex electrical infrastructure projects. Highlight your team's qualifications and your approach to managing projects of this scale and technicality. Ensure your proposal addresses all instructions outlined in the solicitation document and is submitted to the correct email address by the deadline.