A-E Cost Estimation Services
ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF.ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF.BROOKHAVEN NATL LAB -DOE CONTRACTOR · Response deadline: Fri, 04 Dec 2026
What the government is buying
Brookhaven National Laboratory, a Department of Energy (DOE) contractor-operated facility, is soliciting Architecture-Engineering (A-E) cost estimation services. Under the Brooks Act and federal A-E selection procedures, these services are procured through qualifications-based selection rather than lowest-price bidding.
NAICS 541330 covers engineering services, which typically includes cost estimation work tied to design, construction, and project management. Cost estimators in the A-E field develop independent government estimates, validate contractor proposals, analyze life-cycle costs, and support capital planning for complex scientific and laboratory facilities. Brookhaven operates major research facilities including the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider and the National Synchrotron Light Source II, which require specialized construction and frequent cost analysis for upgrades and new builds.
Key facts
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Agency | Energy, Department of / Brookhaven National Laboratory (DOE Contractor) |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | RFQ_481463 |
| NAICS | 541330 |
| Set-aside | No set-aside used |
| Response deadline | December 4, 2026, 5:00 PM ET |
| Place of performance | Upton, NY |
Who can bid
This opportunity is not set aside for any small-business category. All businesses, including large firms, may compete. Firms responding should understand that A-E contracts for federal agencies follow specific protocols: the government evaluates qualifications and negotiates fair and reasonable compensation, rather than awarding to the lowest bidder.
Eligible bidders should possess:
- Professional engineering licenses or equivalent qualifications relevant to cost estimation
- Demonstrated experience with federal or DOE facility construction projects
- Familiarity with A-E contracting procedures under 40 U.S.C. § 1101 (the Brooks Act)
- See the solicitation for any specific past performance, technical capability, or geographic requirements
Small businesses should weigh whether to compete directly against large A-E firms with established DOE relationships, or consider subcontracting or joint-venture arrangements.
How to put together a competitive bid
For an uncompeted A-E solicitation, focus on qualifications, relevant experience, and team composition rather than price:
- Highlight DOE/laboratory experience: Prior contracts with national labs, scientific facilities, or similar complex construction programs carry significant weight. Emphasize familiarity with DOE Order 413.3B (Program and Project Management for the Acquisition of Capital Assets) or similar cost validation protocols.
- Demonstrate specialized estimating capability: Scientific facilities involve unique systems—cryogenics, radiation shielding, cleanroom construction—that require estimators with domain knowledge beyond standard commercial construction.
- Assemble a credentialed team: Include professional cost estimators (e.g., ASPE, AACEI certifications), registered professional engineers, and personnel with active security clearances if required. See the solicitation for any clearance requirements.
- Present comparable project profiles: Provide detailed case studies of cost estimation services for projects of similar technical complexity, contract value, and geographic region.
- Address fee structure transparently: Since A-E contracts use negotiated overhead rates and profit, prepare to justify your indirect cost rates and fee methodology.
Next steps
- Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number RFQ_481463 for scope details, evaluation criteria, submission instructions, and any attachments describing specific projects requiring cost estimation support.
- Note the deadline: Responses are due December 4, 2026, by 5:00 PM Eastern Time.
- Verify whether the solicitation requires SF 330 (Architect-Engineer Qualifications) submission or another format.
- If you lack direct DOE experience, identify potential teaming partners established in the national lab ecosystem.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →