178th Wing Base Microgrid Construction

This federal solicitation (W50S8Q26BA001) is issued by the Ohio Air National Guard (178th Wing USPFO Activity OHANG) for the 178th Wing Base Microgrid Construction project (Project WAAR209001) located in Springfield, Ohio. The project is set aside 100% for small businesses under NAICS code 237130 (Power and Communication Line and Related Structures Construction), with a size standard of $45.0 million. The estimated disclosure of magnitude for this project is between $7,000,000 and $9,000,000. The procurement is conducted as an Invitation for Bids (IFB) utilizing sealed bidding procedures. The primary scope of work (Base Bid) includes constructing a base-wide microgrid to ensure 24/7 energy resilience, featuring natural gas generators, microgrid controls, and general construction work. There are two option items: Option 1 is a PV Solar Array, and Option 2 is a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). All interfacing equipment must be compatible with the Honeywell Niagara 4 platform. Bids are due by August 3, 2026, at 11:00 AM local time. A pre-bid site visit is scheduled for July 15, 2026, at Springfield-Beckley Air National Guard Base, and requires advance security registration. Bidders must submit a complete package including a signed SF 1442, a bid schedule, and a 20% bid bond (SF 24). The performance period for this firm-fixed-price contract is 450 calendar days after receiving the notice to proceed.

This Statement of Work (SOW) outlines the federal government’s project (Project No. WAAR209001) to install a basewide microgrid at the 178th Wing, Springfield-Beckley Air National Guard Base in Springfield, Ohio. The project’s primary objective is to ensure energy resilience for 24/7 unmanned aircraft (MQ-9 Reaper) operations and intelligence missions by enabling the base to fully "island" during long-term utility outages. The scope is divided into a base bid and two optional bids. The Base Bid covers the installation of two natural gas generators, microgrid controls, and associated integration infrastructure. Option 001 entails the installation of a photovoltaic (PV) solar array, while Option 002 includes a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The completed microgrid will feature meters, paralleling transfer switches, building energy meters, a primary isolation switch, and integration with the base's existing Honeywell Niagara 4 Direct Digital Controls (DDC) software. The contractor is responsible for all labor, materials, equipment, licensing, and supervisor requirements, including a full-time superintendent. Strict compliance is required for various standards, including Unified Facilities Criteria (UFC), National Electrical Code (NEC), Monaco fire alarm system compatibility, and environmental permits (such as OEPA and RAPCA). The maximum Period of Performance is 450 calendar days from the Notice to Proceed. The contractor must also coordinate with Ohio Edison to comply with the base's utility Interoperability Agreement.

This document establishes the Base Facility Standard for the Springfield Air National Guard Base in Ohio, managed by the 178th Wing Civil Engineer Squadron. Serving as the technical guide and minimum architectural standard, it governs all new construction and renovation projects on the base, regardless of funding sources. Architect-Engineers (A-E) and contractors must adhere to these standards to ensure architectural uniformity, durability, and reduced maintenance costs. The guidelines mandate comprehensive field investigations, compliance with the International Building Code and NFPA 101 Life Safety Code, and coordination with Base Civil Engineering. Key design specifications include: - **Exterior Standards:** Promotes low-maintenance designs. It restricts the use of flat paints, prohibits plastic flashing with brick, and limits Exterior Insulation Finish Systems (EIFS) to non-abuse areas. - **Interior Design:** Demands functional furniture planning and standardized materials to ensure professional durability and acoustic value. - **Hardware & Security:** All door locks must be compatible with "BEST" Brand interchangeable cores in a satin chrome finish. - **Infrastructure:** Sidewalks must use a minimum of 4000 PSI concrete, measuring at least 6 inches thick and 5 feet wide. - **Landscaping:** Requires low-maintenance, obstruction-compliant plantings, specifically restoring disturbed lawn areas with a Kentucky Bluegrass Blend. Detailed appendices specify approved manufacturer colors and materials for exterior finishes, offices, restrooms, and warehouses to streamline procurement and ensure base-wide aesthetic consistency. All deviations require approval from the Facility Utilization Board.

This Justification for Other than Full and Open Competition document outlines the National Guard Bureau’s (178 MSG/MSC) requirement to procure Honeywell Niagara 4 compatible components for a Microgrid Construction Project at the 178th Civil Engineer Squadron. Classified under Only One Responsible Source (10 U.S.C. 2304(a)(1)), the acquisition is structured as a brand-name requirement on a Firm-Fixed-Price basis using Military Construction (MILCON) Air funds. The core justification is the technical necessity of maintaining seamless, direct integration with the installation's existing proprietary Direct Digital Controls (DDC) building automation infrastructure. Utilizing non-compatible hardware or software would introduce substantial interoperability risks, degrade current capabilities, and require separate parallel systems. Transitioning away from the Honeywell framework would require a complete system overhaul, leading to millions of dollars in duplicated costs and undermining an ongoing Architect-Engineer design contract intended to standardize the base's DDC system. Although a brand-name restriction is applied, the requirement is expected to yield competitive bids. The Honeywell Niagara 4 platform is widely supported across the HVAC industry. Market research indicates that numerous authorized resellers and qualified contractors—such as Honeywell International, Convergint Technologies, Comfort Systems USA, and Siemens—can participate as prime contractors or subcontractors, ensuring adequate price competition.

This clarification document confirms that contractors may share bid documents with prospective subcontractors and vendors to obtain project bids, as there are no Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) requirements. Additionally, the government clarified that Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) verification is not required for this solicitation.

This government solicitation amendment provides clarification on security, compliance, and material specifications for a public works project. First, the contracting agency confirms that bid documents do not contain Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and may be shared with prospective subcontractors and vendors to secure project bids. Second, the agency clarifies that Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is not required for this contract. Finally, regarding technical specifications for permanent chain-link fencing and gates, the agency clarifies that contractors must use aluminum-alloy coated fencing in a standard metallic grey color.