Chilled Water Pumps Repair USDA ARS Ames, IA
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 soliciting quotes for Chilled Water Pump Repair services at its National Centers for Animal Health (NCAH) facility in Ames, IA. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside with an estimated construction magnitude between $200,000 and $300,000. The acquisition is issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ) and constitutes the only solicitation. Quotes are due by March 23, 2026, at 1:00 PM Central Time.
Scope of Work
The project involves repairing and replacing chilled water pumps (CWPs) and their associated motors in Building 20 to maintain the facility's ventilation system cooling.
- Base Bid: Replace Chilled Water Pump (CWP) #2 with a new skid, pump, and motor. Rebuild the pump and motor for CWP #1 and reinstall. Rebuild the motor for CWP #3 and reinstall.
- Alternate Options: Provide costs to rebuild the original CWP #2 motor and pump.
- All pumps and motors must be interchangeable after project completion, and operational testing must be conducted while there is a demand for chillers.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price.
- Period of Performance: 180 days from the "Notice to Proceed".
- Estimated Value: Between $200,000 and $300,000.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside.
- NAICS Code: 238220 Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors, with a small business size standard of $19M.
- Bonds: Payment Bond (SF 25A) required for awards over $35,000. Both Payment and Performance Bonds (SF 25) required for awards exceeding $150,000. Bonds are due within 10 days of award notification.
Key Dates & Actions
- Site Visits: Two organized site visits are scheduled for March 10, 2026, at 9:00 AM CT and March 11, 2026, at 1:00 PM CT. RSVP is mandatory by March 6, 2026, at 1:00 PM CT to Michael.Kuennen@usda.gov and Michael.Sherlock@usda.gov. Attendees must bring a Government-issued ID.
- Questions Due: No later than March 13, 2026, at 12:00 PM CT via email to Michael.Sherlock@usda.gov.
- Quotes Due: By March 23, 2026, at 1:00 PM CT via email to Michael.Sherlock@usda.gov. The email subject line must include solicitation number 1232SA26Q0206 and "Chilled Water Pump Repair Ames, IA".
Evaluation Criteria
Award will be based on a comparative evaluation considering Price, Technical capability, and Past Performance. Offerors must submit pricing for the base bid and any alternates, address technical capability and company experience, and demonstrate Satisfactory or Neutral past performance. Prices must be held for 90 calendar days.
Special Requirements
Contractors must adhere to Department of Labor Wage Determination IA20250074. Specific pump (Weinman Split Case, 12L2) and motor (Weg W21 Severe Duty, 200 HP) specifications are provided. A safety plan and quality control plan are required 10 days prior to commencement, with an OSHA certified competent person on-site. Site access requires advanced registration for workers and adherence to security policies.