Transformer Service

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a non-regulatory federal agency of the Department of Commerce, requires contractor services for the inspection and fluid analysis of approximately 121 liquid-filled transformers at its Gaithersburg, Maryland campus. The NIST power distribution system begins with three 13.8 kV incoming feeders from PEPCO supplying the main substation in Building 306, which distributes power via stepped-down 13.8 kV:480V liquid-filled transformers to all campus buildings. This solicitation supports NIST's requirement to test insulating fluid in compliance with NFPA 70B recommendations, covering transformers originally containing Askarel (retro-filled with silicone) and newer non-PCB units using silicone, FR3, or Bio-temp fluids. The contractor must provide all management, labor, materials, and protective equipment, and perform work during normal business hours (7:30 AM to 5:00 PM ET, Monday through Friday, excluding Federal Holidays).

The contract includes a base year (October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027) with four optional one-year periods through September 30, 2031. Work is divided into two primary contract line items plus an optional line item. CLIN 0001 (Base Year) and its option-year equivalents (1001, 2001, 3001, 4001) cover transformer visual inspection, oil sampling, and fluid analyses including quality oil analysis (ASTM D1500, D1816, D971, D1533, D924, D974, D1524, D1298), dissolved gas analysis (ASTM D3612), and PCB analysis (EPA 8082) for retro-filled transformers. CLIN 0002 and its option-year equivalents establish a draw-down account for additional services such as nitrogen blanket pressure, gauge replacement, and testing for missing transformers. CLIN 0003 is a base-year-only optional task to repair oil leaks on two transformers in Building 206. Deliverables include a written report with one hard copy and one electronic copy within 30 days of site work completion, plus an approved Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA) prior to notice to proceed.

Key dates include: questions due by 1:00 PM ET on August 14, 2026, and quotes due by 1:00 PM ET on August 28, 2026. Quotes must be submitted electronically via email to Contracting Officer Brandon Butler at brandon.butler@nist.gov. The solicitation number is 1333ND26QNB190490. The period of performance for the base year is October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027, with option years extending through September 30, 2031. Work is performed at NIST, 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20899.

Evaluation will be conducted using Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) procedures. Factors are: Factor 1 (Experience) - the quoter must demonstrate completion of at least three similar projects in the past four years; Factor 2 (Key Personnel) - key personnel must have at least three years of experience and have completed at least three projects involving transformer oil sampling and analysis. Price will be evaluated for reasonableness. This acquisition is 100% set aside for small business under NAICS code 811310 (Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Repair and Maintenance).