Market Research – Project Labor Agreement (PLA) Applicability for NIST CUP Modernization

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is conducting market research to determine the feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and competitive impact of requiring a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) for the design-build construction of the Central Utility Plant (CUP) Modernization at NIST Gaithersburg, MD. The project involves the modernization, replacement, and expansion of the CUP Complex, including steam and chilled water systems, cooling towers, and electrical service buildings. The campus will remain fully operational throughout construction, requiring phased work. Respondents are requested to provide information on the cost and budget impact, impact on competition, labor market and project experience, and administrative, scheduling, and small business considerations. Key aspects of the project include: • Capacity expansion: +3,500 tons cooling capacity, boiler replacement, secondary chilled water pump upgrades • Infrastructure replacement: Cooling towers, condenser water systems, switchgear, motor control centers, low-voltage panels • Facilities & Operations: New Command Center, warehouse/document storage, employee facilities • Systems: Automation, control system upgrades, plumbing/HVAC updates