Air Handling Unit Cooling Coil Replacement
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 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is seeking quotations for the replacement of the Air Handling Unit (AHU) #1 Cooling Coil at the Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health in Ithaca, NY. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity. Offers are due by February 25, 2026, at 10:00 AM Central Time.
Opportunity Details
This combined synopsis/solicitation (RFQ 1232SA26Q02016) is for commercial items, specifically the replacement of a failed chilled water coil in AHU #1. The acquisition is set aside for small business concerns, with an applicable NAICS Code of 238220 (Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors) and a small business size standard of $19M. The contract will be a Firm-Fixed-Price award.
Scope of Work
The contractor will be responsible for removing the existing failed chilled water coil and installing an exact replacement. Work must ensure minimal disturbance to ancillary equipment and building occupants, as the building will remain operational and research activities must not be disrupted. The period of performance is twelve (12) weeks after receiving the Notice to Proceed (NTP). The contractor must provide all labor, insurance, permits, tools, material, equipment, and travel, performed by properly trained and licensed personnel. Key tasks include:
- Removal and recycling of the existing coil.
- Implementation of temporary measures to maintain security and protect the building from leakage or dust.
- Coordination with the USDA Operations Manager.
- Maintaining a clean work premises.
- Careful handling to avoid damaging surrounding equipment, including potential temporary relocation and reinstallation of humidification equipment and ductwork.
- Demolition and reinstallation of necessary piping and ductwork.
Submission & Evaluation
Offers must be submitted via email to kelly.wright@usda.gov by February 25, 2026, at 10:00 AM Central Time, with the subject line "RFQ 1232SA26Q0216". The offer acceptance period is 60 calendar days from receipt. Award will be based on a Lowest Priced Technically Acceptable (LPTA) evaluation. Offerors must provide at least two recent and relevant references for similar cooling coil replacement activities. A project schedule is required within seven (7) calendar days of award, and product data submittals must be approved by the Government before material purchase.
Eligibility & Important Notes
This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Offerors must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM) and have an active registration at the time of solicitation closing.
- Mandatory Site Visit: Interested parties must contact Michael Merchant (Michael.Merchant@usda.gov, 607-252-4001) to arrange individual site visits. Failure to attend will result in an offer being found non-responsive.
- Questions Deadline: All questions must be submitted via email to kelly.wright@usda.gov by February 27, 2026, at 10:00 AM Central Time.
- Wage Determination: The applicable wage determination (NY20260051) for Tompkins County, NY, outlines prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits, which bidders must incorporate into their labor costs.
- A one (1) year warranty for workmanship and material failures is required from the date of final acceptance.