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Z1DA--642-22-104 | Upgrade Substation Building 2 Phase 1 for Philadelphia VAMC

VETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF.VETERANS AFFAIRS, DEPARTMENT OF.244-NETWORK CONTRACT OFFICE 4 (36C244) · Response deadline: Fri, 20 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

The Department of Veterans Affairs is soliciting bids to upgrade Substation Building 2, Phase 1, at the Philadelphia Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC). This is construction work related to a substation building at an active medical facility.

NAICS code 236220, "Commercial and Institutional Building Construction," covers construction of commercial and institutional buildings and related structures, including hospitals and medical buildings. This classification typically involves general contractors performing new work, additions, alterations, maintenance, and repairs. Electrical substation work within a building context suggests this may involve structural, electrical, and building systems upgrades to serve the medical center's power infrastructure.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is set aside exclusively for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) under FAR 19.14. To qualify, your firm must:

• Meet SBA size standards for NAICS 236220 ($47.5 million average annual receipts for general construction work)
• Be at least 51% unconditionally owned by one or more service-disabled veterans
• Have service-disabled veterans manage day-to-day operations and make long-term decisions
• Have the highest officer be a service-disabled veteran (unless that veteran has a permanent and severe disability)

You must be registered in the bid system and have an active SAM.gov registration with SDVOSB status verified at time of award. If you do not currently hold SDVOSB certification, begin the process immediately—VA awards require verified status.

How to put together a competitive bid

For VA medical center substation construction, focus your proposal on:

Healthcare construction experience. Emphasize prior work in active medical facilities, where infection control, dust containment, and maintaining critical power during construction are essential. See the solicitation for specific phasing and operational requirements.

Electrical and utility expertise. Substation work demands qualified electricians and coordination with utility providers. Detail your team's electrical licenses, master electrician oversight, and experience with medium-voltage equipment if applicable.

Safety and quality plans. VA medical centers have zero-tolerance for incidents affecting patient care. Develop detailed site-specific safety plans, including arc flash protection, lockout/tagout procedures, and confined space protocols if transformer vaults are involved.

Schedule certainty. Phase 1 implies sequenced construction. Demonstrate your ability to meet interim milestones without disrupting hospital operations. Identify your bonding capacity and past performance on similar federal projects.

Small business subcontracting. While not required as a prime, consider how teaming with other SDVOSBs or small businesses strengthens your technical approach.

Review the Davis-Bacon Act requirements for prevailing wages and any VA-specific construction specifications. See the solicitation for required bonding, insurance minimums, and page limits.

Next steps

Download the complete solicitation package from SAM.gov using solicitation number 36C24426R0088. Review all drawings, specifications, and amendment history carefully. Note the firm response deadline of November 20, 2026 at 4:00 PM Eastern Time—late proposals are ineligible. Attend any scheduled site visits or pre-bid conferences, as substation work typically requires visual assessment of existing conditions and utility interfaces. Submit questions through the designated contract specialist before the deadline specified in the solicitation.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →