J--80-ton Chiller Replacement, Port Orchard, WA
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), under the Department of Commerce, has issued an Amendment 1 to a Solicitation (RFQ) for the replacement of an 80-ton chiller at the Manchester Research Center in Port Orchard, Washington. This requirement is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. The project involves removing an existing Century 80-ton chiller and installing a new air-cooled 80-ton chiller, ensuring equivalent performance and integration with existing infrastructure. Proposals are due by May 20, 2026, 7:00 PM UTC.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide all labor, materials, tools, equipment, and supervision to remove the existing 80-ton chiller, including refrigerant recovery and disposal. A new air-cooled 80-ton chiller must be installed, compatible with the existing 3000-gallon glycol tank, pumps, piping, concrete pad, electrical service, and seawater heat exchangers. The scope includes reconnecting to existing systems, integrating controls, glycol management, pressure testing, startup, commissioning, and operator training. A one-year labor and craftsmanship warranty is required.
Performance Standards: The new chiller must match existing cooling capacity for two seawater loops (210 GPM total), with a nominal capacity of at least 80 tons at specified ambient and glycol temperatures. Equipment must be corrosion-resistant for a marine/coastal environment, include BACnet interface controls, and use Low-GWP, EPA-approved refrigerant. Bidders must assess if existing supply pump and plumbing meet new chiller requirements.
Contract & Timeline
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price Solicitation (RFQ)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- Product Service Code: J041 (Maintenance, Repair And Rebuilding Of Equipment: Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, And Air Circulating Equipment)
- Place of Performance: Manchester Research Station, 7305 Beach Drive, Port Orchard, WA 98366
- Period of Performance: 270 days after Notice to Proceed (NTP)
- Proposal Due Date: May 20, 2026, 7:00 PM UTC
- Published Date: May 14, 2026 (Amendment 1)
Evaluation & Submission
Proposals will be evaluated based on Technical Approach and Capability, Price, and Past Performance. Offerors must submit a Past Performance Questionnaire (Attachment 3), completed by themselves and an assessor, with their proposal. A Bid Guarantee is required at quote submission, and Performance and Payment Bonds will be required after award.
A highly recommended site visit was scheduled for May 7, 2026, at 10:00 AM PDT. All offers must be submitted electronically to CHARLES.KENDALL@NOAA.GOV. The Davis Bacon Act Wage Determination (WA20260109) applies to this project.
Key Amendments & Clarifications
Amendment 1, posted May 14, 2026, updated the solicitation by providing a revised Statement of Work (Attachment 1), an RFI Tracker (Attachment 4) with answers to questions, and RFI Images (Attachment 5) of the existing chiller and connections. It clarified bond requirements and confirmed the proposal due date of May 20, 2026, remains unchanged.