Laboratory Construction Bidding: Complete Contractor Guide 2025
Win laboratory and research facility construction contracts. Learn about BSL requirements, HVAC considerations, casework specifications, and how to bid on pharmaceutical, biotech, and academic research lab projects.
Laboratory Construction Market
Lab Construction Quick Facts
US Market Size:
$18B+
Annual construction
Cost Premium:
2-4x
vs standard office
Avg Cost/SF:
$500-1,200
Wet lab space
Growth Rate:
8-12%
Annual increase
Laboratory construction is a highly specialized market driven by pharmaceutical R&D, biotech innovation, academic research, and diagnostic testing expansion. Projects require expertise in complex MEP systems, contamination control, and regulatory compliance.
Pharmaceutical/Biotech
Pfizer, Merck, Moderna, and emerging biotech companies building R&D and manufacturing facilities. Design-build common.
Academic/Research
Universities, medical schools, and research institutions. Often publicly funded with competitive bidding requirements.
Healthcare/Diagnostic
Hospital labs, reference laboratories, and diagnostic companies expanding testing capacity.
Laboratory Types & Classifications
Characteristics
- • Chemical handling and storage
- • Fume hoods and biosafety cabinets
- • Specialized plumbing (DI water, gases)
- • High air change rates (10-15 ACH)
Key Systems
- • Lab casework and countertops
- • Emergency shower/eyewash
- • Chemical waste systems
- • Explosion-proof equipment
Characteristics
- • Computer/data intensive work
- • Physics and engineering research
- • Lower MEP complexity
- • Standard HVAC typically adequate
Key Systems
- • High-density power distribution
- • Supplemental cooling
- • Vibration isolation (some)
- • Data/communications infrastructure
ISO Classes
- • ISO 5 (Class 100) - Pharmaceutical fill
- • ISO 6 (Class 1,000) - Biotech
- • ISO 7 (Class 10,000) - Medical device
- • ISO 8 (Class 100,000) - General clean
Key Systems
- • HEPA filtration (99.99%+)
- • Laminar flow systems
- • Airlocks and gowning rooms
- • Particle monitoring
BSL-1 & BSL-2
- • Basic containment
- • Biosafety cabinets required (BSL-2)
- • Autoclave access
- • Hand washing stations
- • Most common lab types
BSL-3 & BSL-4
- • High containment required
- • Directional airflow mandatory
- • HEPA exhaust filtration
- • Sealed penetrations
- • Specialized decontamination
Critical Building Systems
HVAC represents 30-40% of laboratory construction costs and is the most critical system for lab functionality.
Air Handling Requirements
- • 100% outside air (no recirculation)
- • 10-15 ACH typical wet labs
- • 20+ ACH for BSL-3
- • Negative pressure containment
- • Precise temperature/humidity control
Exhaust Systems
- • Fume hood exhaust (variable volume)
- • General lab exhaust
- • Snorkel exhaust systems
- • Perchloric acid (dedicated)
- • HEPA-filtered exhaust (BSL-3+)
Electrical Systems
- • High density power (50-100 watts/SF)
- • Emergency power for critical equipment
- • UPS for sensitive instruments
- • Isolated ground circuits
- • Lightning/surge protection
Lab Plumbing
- • DI/RO water systems
- • Lab gases (N2, CO2, compressed air)
- • Vacuum systems
- • Acid waste neutralization
- • Pure water distribution
Casework Types
- • Steel casework (most common)
- • Wood casework (traditional)
- • Modular/flexible systems
- • Phenolic/epoxy tops
Fume Hoods
- • Constant volume hoods
- • Variable air volume (VAV)
- • Low-flow/high-performance
- • Specialty (perchloric, radioisotope)
Biosafety Cabinets
- • Class I (personnel protection)
- • Class II A/B (product/personnel)
- • Class III (maximum containment)
- • Exhaust connection requirements
Compliance & Regulatory Requirements
NIH Guidelines for Recombinant DNA
Required for federally funded research involving recombinant or synthetic nucleic acids. Defines BSL requirements.
Select Agent Program
Regulations for facilities handling select agents and toxins. Registration and inspection requirements.
cGMP Requirements
Current Good Manufacturing Practices for pharmaceutical and medical device production facilities.
Laboratory Standard (29 CFR 1910.1450)
Chemical Hygiene Plan requirements, exposure limits, and laboratory safety provisions.
Industry Standards
Design Standards
- • ASHRAE 110 - Fume hood testing
- • NSF 49 - Biosafety cabinets
- • SEFA 8 - Lab casework
- • AIHA Z9.5 - Lab ventilation
Cleanroom Standards
- • ISO 14644 - Cleanroom classification
- • USP 797/800 - Pharmaceutical
- • IEST-RP-CC034 - HEPA filters
- • ISPE Baseline Guides
Finding Laboratory Projects
University/Research Institutions
State procurement portals for public universities. NIH and NSF grant-funded projects. Capital planning offices for upcoming projects.
Pharmaceutical/Biotech Companies
Direct relationships with facilities and construction teams. Design-build firms specializing in life sciences. Industry conferences and networking.
Federal Government
NIH campus projects, CDC facilities, VA medical centers, and DOD research labs through SAM.gov.
Life Sciences Developers
Alexandria Real Estate, BioMed Realty, and other specialized developers building spec lab space in biotech clusters.
Boston/Cambridge
Largest life sciences cluster. Kendall Square, Seaport District, Route 128 corridor.
San Francisco Bay Area
South San Francisco, East Bay biotech corridor. Strong venture funding.
Research Triangle, NC
Growing biotech hub. Duke, UNC, NC State proximity. Lower costs than coasts.
Winning Bidding Strategies
Relevant Experience
Document completed lab projects by type (BSL level, cleanroom class). Show specific MEP experience with lab systems.
Specialized Personnel
Project managers and superintendents with lab construction background. Understanding of validation and commissioning.
Quality Programs
Documented QA/QC procedures for critical systems. Understanding of IQ/OQ/PQ validation protocols.
Vendor Relationships
Established relationships with lab equipment manufacturers, casework vendors, and specialty subcontractors.
- Underestimating HVAC complexity and coordination time
- Not accounting for equipment lead times (fume hoods, casework)
- Inadequate commissioning budget and schedule time
- Missing validation requirements in pharmaceutical projects
- Overlooking vibration and EMI sensitivity requirements
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