Transformer Service

COMMERCE, DEPARTMENT OF

Notice type
Sources Sought
Solicitation #
OFPM_TEAM_SS26_19
NAICS
811310
Set-aside
No Set aside used
Posted
June 9, 2026
Response due
June 17, 2026
Place of performance
Gaithersburg, MD

What this opportunity is

The Department of Commerce is seeking a contractor to provide transformer service, specifically oil sampling and analyses for approximately 95 liquid-filled transformers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) facility in Gaithersburg, Maryland. This opportunity is open to all businesses, as there is no set-aside for small businesses. The notice type is a Sources Sought, indicating that interested parties should track this opportunity for potential future bidding rather than submitting proposals at this stage.

Analysis by Mindy, grounded in the SAM.gov notice.

Description

Statement of Work Site wide transformer fluid analyses Base year and four option year General Background National Institute of Standard and Technology (NIST) is a non-regulatory federal agency of Department of Commerce. NIST’s goal is to promote innovation by advancing measurement science, standard, and technology. NIST Power distribution system starts with three (3) 13.8 KV incoming feeders from PEPCO that feeds the 13.8 KV Main Substation in Building 306. The main substation provides power distribution to all Buildings in the campus via stepped down 13. 8KV:480V liquid filled transformers. NIST has a requirement to test the insulating fluid of all liquid filled transformers as recommended per NFPA 70B. NIST originally was equipped with Askerel filled transformers (appr. 95 units), ranging from 300 KVA to 2000 KVA, distributed to 22 Buildings. All the original transformers were retro-filled with Silicone dielectric fluid. The original Askerel transformers were then reclassified as non-PCB transformers with PCB concentration of less than 50 ppm. Many retro-filled transformers have been replaced with new non PCB liquid filled transformers (Silicone, FR3, Bio-temp). There are approximately 36 retro-filled transformers to remain. All remaining retro-filled transformers shall be tested for PCB concentration. NIST has a requirement for testing of transformer oil for all transformers. The Contractor shall collect oil samples and perform oil analyses including Quality Oil Analyses, Dissolved Gas Analyses (DGA). and PCB (PCB test for retro-filled transformers) objective The NIST intends to award a contract to a transformer service provider, to provide transformer visual inspection, transformer oil sampling and oil analyses for all liquid filled transformers at National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) facility in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The transformer inspection and transformer oil testing helps mitigate the risks of arc flash, component failure, structural fire, and electric shock. Scope of work The Contractor shall be responsible for providing all required management, labor, materials, equipment, tools, protective equipment, and other items needed to accomplice the work described in this solicitation. All work shall be in conformance with the requirements of the contract and manufacturer recommendations. All work shall be in compliance with Federal, State, and Local requirements, as well as OSHA 1926 Safety and Health Regulations for Construction. General Requirement Apply Badging for site access. Provide Activity Hazard Analyses (AHA). Submit AHA for approval prior to Notice to Proceed. (NTP). Provide a written report with the transformer visual inspection and transformer oil analyses, and to provide recommendations. The testing report shall be arranged and listed according to the building number. PLACE OF PERFORMANCE National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 100 Bureau Drive, Gaithersburg, Maryland 20899-1640 Regular Business Hours: The Contractor shall perform services under this work requirement during the hour 7:30 AM (ET) – 5:00 PM (ET) Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. If the holiday falls on a Saturday, it may be observed on the preceding Friday. If the holiday falls on a Sunday, it will be observed on the following Monday. The Contractor shall not be required to perform services on these days. Also, in the event an Executive Order issued by the President of the United States declares Agencies of the Federal Government closed for a regularly scheduled workday, the COR will determine and advise the Contractor on whether services are required for that day. Due to changing traffic requirements brought on by construction, changing missions, and security concerns within the host installation, access to the host installation is subject to change, sometimes with little or no warning. Inbound and outbound traffic restrictions exist. PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE (POP): The period of performance shall be one (1) base performance year, four (4) optional performance years, and one (1), if needed, six (6)-month extension. The estimated periods of performance are as follows. Base year: 2026 – 2027 Option Year One (1): 2027 – 2028 Option Year Two (2): 2028 – 2029 Option Year Three (3) 2029 – 2030 Option Year Four (4) 2030 – 2031 For further details please reference CAR Clause 1352.270-70 Period of Performance (APR 2010). The service shall start on the NOTICE TO PROCEED (NTP) date. NTP will be provided. Clin 0001: Task 1 (Clin 0001) Transformer inspection and oil sampling. Refer to Attachment A for-transformer list with information including location, rating, and oil service requirement. Travel to site. Wear proper PPE for transformer oil sample collection. Perform visual inspections on each transformer including transformer oil level, tank pressures, temperature, and incoming cabling for deficiency. Indicate any abnormal conditions in the report others such as transformer oil leaking, broken gauge glass. Collect transformer fluid samples for fluid analyses. The oil sampling shall be performed for the main transformer oil tank only. Note: The transformer oil samples shall be taken with transformers under energized conditions. Verify transformer data per equipment list in Attachment A. Check the transformer for positive tank pressure. Identify for any low-pressure transformers. Note that Task # 3 covers additional service for applying Nitrogen blanket pressure in the head space as required for any transformer. Provide Nitrogen blanket pressure in the head space for any low-pressure transformer. Install with at least 1.0 lbs pressure of Nitrogen. Provide Job hazard Analyses for approval. Provide written final report with one hard copy and one electronic copy. Task 2 (Clin 0001) Transformer fluid analyses. Contractor shall perform the transformer fluid analyse

Source: SAM.gov, as posted. Verify the current solicitation before responding.

Pursue this opportunity with Mindy

See who holds it now, who else is bidding, and draft your response — grounded in real government data, not generic AI.

View the original notice on SAM.gov ↗

Similar Active Opportunities (NAICS 811310)