Renovate AERO Lab at USAFA

The project, titled Renovate AERO Lab at USAFA, is a market research initiative led by the Department of Defense through W071 Endist Omaha to gather industry input for a future construction solicitation at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The scope involves a comprehensive interior modernization of the facility to transform it into a state-of-the-art research environment while preserving its historic exterior. Key work includes upgrading interior finishes, repairing walls and ceilings, and modernizing mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems to support increased workstation capacity for researchers and improved Cadet study areas. The renovation will also incorporate updates to existing classrooms aligned with the Classroom and the Future concept, enhance Cadet workshop spaces with dedicated infrastructure for 3D printing and rapid prototyping, and replace exterior glazing to comply with current anti-terrorism/force protection regulations. The estimated project value ranges between $10 million and $25 million, with a NAICS code of 236220 for commercial and institutional building construction. The solicitation number is W9128F26SM021, and responses to this sources sought notice are due by 1400 MDT on June 22, 2026, submitted via email to the designated point of contact, Shayna Zeleznik. Respondents must be potential prime construction contractors with a demonstrated single-job bonding capability of at least $20 million and must specify their performance and payment bond capacity. All submissions must include company identification, CAGE Code, Unique Entity Identifier, SAM registration status, and SBA socioeconomic classifications, such as Small Business, SDVOSB, WOSB, HUBZone, or Large Business status. Submissions are limited to five-page narratives detailing similar past projects, including start and end dates, project costs, complexity, and references with owner contact information. The notice explicitly states this is not a request for proposal and will not accept unsolicited bids; rather, it is an early market assessment to inform a future solicitation scheduled for issuance around September 2026, with an estimated award date in January 2027. Contractors must also acknowledge that if a formal contract is awarded, limitations on subcontracting under FAR 52.219-14 will apply, and all work must be performed at the designated location without disruption to the building’s historic facade.