Fire Sprinkler Replacement for USDA ARS in Beltsville, MD (BARC) (Amended)

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to solicitation 1232SA26Q03940001 makes the following changes:

• Adds a "questions and answers" document as attachment 7.

• Extends the response time for offers to May 19th at 1:00 PM Eastern.

• Incorporates a new mandatory clause: FAR 52.222-90 Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors (April 2026).

• Attachment 7 (new)

• Response deadline

• Clause FAR 52.222-90 (new)

• The deadline for submitting offers has been extended to May 19th.

• Acknowledgement of this amendment is required with quote submission.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to solicitation 1232SA2600394 makes the following changes:

• Attachment Added: A "questions and answers" document has been added as attachment 7.
• Response Deadline Extended: The response deadline has been extended to May 19th at 1:00 PM Eastern.
• New Clause Incorporated: The mandatory clause FAR 52.222-90, "Addressing DEI Discrimination by Federal Contractors (Apr 2026)", has been added.

• The "questions and answers" document is added as attachment 7.

• The response deadline is modified.

• FAR 52.222-90 is incorporated.

• The proposal submission deadline is extended to May 19th at 1:00 PM Eastern.

• Acknowledgement of this amendment is required with quote submission.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding the sprinkler head replacement project, clarifying various aspects of the scope, requirements, and site conditions.

• Scope of Sprinkler Head Replacement: All sprinkler heads (upright, sidewall, pendent) within the facility are to be replaced, including existing ones.
• Replacement Basis: Sprinkler heads must be replaced on a like-for-like basis according to SOW specifications; no redesign is needed.
• Shop Drawings/Calculations: Not required for this project.
• Fire Alarm Outage Support: Continuous fire watch is not required, but necessary fire alarm outage support as outlined in the SOW must be provided.
• Site Conditions: Contractors should account for higher-than-standard ceiling heights in certain areas (e.g., mechanical room).
• Work Areas: Work will occur in occupied areas, including those with poultry. Access will be granted without anticipated delays.
• System Testing: A hydrostatic test, inspection, and certification are required upon completion, adhering to SOW Section 4 and NFPA standards.
• System Specifications: Replacement sprinkler heads must meet SOW Section 4.1 requirements (K-factor, temperature rating, type).
• Working Hours: Work is to be performed during normal business hours unless otherwise coordinated.
• Security: Contractor personnel require escorts and must comply with facility access procedures.
• Animal Presence: Work sequencing should prioritize rooms without animals first. Specific considerations are noted for rooms with turkeys in pens and roosters in mobile cages.

This Q&A document clarifies key aspects of the project, providing bidders with a more detailed understanding of the requirements, site conditions, and necessary procedures. Bidders should review these clarifications to ensure their proposals accurately reflect the project scope and constraints.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, Form ARS-371, is a "Construction Progress and Payment Schedule." It is used to detail the breakdown of work, track progress, and schedule payments for construction contracts.

• Contract Information: Contract Number, Amount, Calendar Days, Starting Date, Completion Date, Project, Location, and Contractor's Name & Address.

• Progress Schedule: A breakdown of work by "Description of Branch of Work," including its "Value" (in dollars), "Percent of Work" it represents, and the "Date" it is scheduled to "Start" and "Complete."

• Schedule of Payments: Columns for tracking "Completed this period," "Previously Completed," and "Total Completed" payments, linked to ARS Form 372.

• Change Orders, Amendments, and other: Specific lines (24-31) are designated for items related to changes.

• Remarks: A section for additional notes.

• Signatures: Requires Contractor's Signature and Contracting Officer's Approval.

• The form must be submitted within 14 calendar days after receiving the Notice to Proceed.

• Column A requires a dollar breakdown of each branch of work.

• Column B requires the percentage of each branch of work relative to the total project.

• Columns C and D require approximate start and completion dates for each branch.

• The final completion date on the form cannot exceed the overall contract completion date.

• The form requires contractor signature and contracting officer approval.

• It is required even if partial payments are not requested. If partial payments are requested, an approved copy of this form must accompany each Payment Request (Form ARS-372), and payment columns (E, F, G) must be filled out.

This form is crucial for understanding how the contractor is expected to manage and report on the progress of the construction work. It outlines the payment schedule and requires a detailed breakdown of the project's components and their timelines, which can inform a bidder's understanding of project management expectations and payment milestones.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for the replacement of approximately 250 fire sprinkler heads in building 229 at the BARC facility to ensure the system is operational and to allow for current fire protection system inspections. The government is procuring these services to maintain the facility's fire safety systems.

• Replacement of approximately 250 fire sprinkler heads.

• Ensure the fire alarm and sprinkler system is operational.

• Provide additional services as outlined in the Statement of Work (Attachment 2).

• Compliance with all applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws and Equal Protection principles.

• Award Type: Firm fixed-price purchase order.

• Period of Performance: To be determined by the Notice to Proceed (NTP) after contract award and receipt of bonds.

• Estimated Value: Not explicitly stated, but bonding requirements suggest potential for significant value.

• Proposal Submission Deadline: April 23, 2026, 9:00 AM local time for questions; Offer due date is April 24, 2026 (implied by 60-day acceptance period starting April 13, 2026).

• Offer Acceptance Period: 60 calendar days from the date offers are due.

• Evaluation Criteria: Lowest price technically acceptable (LPTA). The lowest priced offer will be evaluated for Technical Acceptability and Past Performance. Acceptable or neutral past performance is required.

• Key Milestones: Bonds due within 10 calendar days after award; Pre-construction/kickoff meeting; Notice to Proceed (NTP) issued.

• Not specified as a set-aside.

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

• An organized site visit is scheduled for April 21, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. local time at building 003, 10300 Baltimore Ave., Beltsville, MD 20705. Attendance is strongly encouraged.

• Bidders must submit pricing for all individual line items.

• Quotes will be evaluated in accordance with FAR 12.204.

• Bid guarantee required if quote is above $150K (20% of proposed price, not to exceed $3,000,000).

• Payment Bond (SF 25A) required for awards over $35,000.

• Payment and Performance Bonds (SF 25) required for awards exceeding $150,000.

Statement of Work (SOW) / Performance Work Statement (PWS)

The objective of this project is to replace approximately 250 fire sprinkler heads in building 229 at the USDA Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) to ensure the system is operational and to allow for current fire protection system inspections.

• Replace approximately 250 existing brass upright sprinkler heads with new brass upright sprinkler heads.

• Replace approximately 2 existing sidewall sprinkler heads with new chrome sidewall sprinkler heads.

• Provide spare sprinkler heads (18 brass uprights and 6 chrome sidewalls) or the number required by NFPA 13.

• Provide sprinkler wrenches for each style of sprinkler head.

• Spare parts and wrenches are to be placed in the designated sprinkler cabinet.

• Provide Fire Alarm (FA) outage support during the sprinkler head replacement process.

• Include draining and filling the system as required.

• All work must conform to UFGS 2021 Edition, NFPA 13 (2019 Edition), and NFPA 24 (2019 Edition).

• Interior piping systems and attached appurtenances must be tested in accordance with NFPA 13 and NFPA 24.

• Detailed test procedures must be submitted 14 days prior to system tests.

• Verification of Compliant Installation is required.

• The project will require 60 days from the notice to proceed date.

• Work is to be completed during normal business hours (7:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday), unless otherwise arranged.

• Contractor personnel must have specific certifications and specialties in fire protection engineering technology and fire alarm systems.

• An on-site Project Manager/Superintendent is required.

• Bidders are strongly encouraged to visit the site.

• Any damage to existing facilities must be repaired by the contractor at no expense to the Government.

• Contractors must follow CDC, Federal, and USDA guidelines for entry onto USDA property.

• Project closeout includes punch list completion, final clean-up, manufacturer warranties, contractor's 1-year workmanship warranty, and operation and maintenance manuals.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the BARC Animal Facility Visitor Biosecurity Questionnaire. It must be completed by visitors and submitted to Veterinary Services BEFORE entering animal facilities. The form is valid for 7 days after initial submission. For longer-term visitors (over 30 days), specific contact information is provided.

• Visitor Information: Name, Address, Job Title, Purpose of Visit, Buildings to Visit, Sponsoring Employee Name.
• Travel History: Questions regarding recent international travel and farm visits.
• Livestock Contact: Questions about recent contact with livestock or pet birds.
• Decontamination Procedures: Confirmation of following specific decontamination steps prior to arrival.
• Visitor Acknowledgement: A statement acknowledging the honesty of answers and understanding of biosecurity policy.
• Signatures and Dates: Fields for visitor and sponsoring employee signatures and dates.
• Submission Instructions: Email the completed form to specified contacts.

This form is a mandatory pre-entry requirement for visitors to BARC animal facilities. Bidders or their personnel who will be visiting the facility as part of the opportunity must complete this questionnaire to ensure biosecurity protocols are met. Failure to comply may result in denied access.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a General Decision Number (GDN) for wage determination, specifically for building construction in Prince George's County, Maryland. It outlines the prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits required for various labor classifications on federal or federally funded construction projects subject to the Davis-Bacon Act.

• General Decision Number: MD20260121
• Publication Date: 01/02/2026
• State: Maryland
• County: Prince George's County
• Construction Type: Building
• Labor Classifications: Lists numerous job titles (e.g., Bricklayer, Carpenter, Electrician, Laborer, Painter, Plumber, Truck Driver) with their corresponding hourly wage rates and fringe benefits.
• Executive Orders: Includes notes on Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and Executive Order 13658 (Minimum Wage), outlining contractor obligations.
• Appeals Process: Details the procedure for appealing wage determination decisions.

Bidders must use this wage determination to accurately calculate labor costs for their proposals on relevant construction opportunities. It ensures that all workers on the project are paid at least the prevailing wage rates established for their specific craft and location. Failure to comply with these wage requirements can lead to contract violations.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is the "Contractor's Request for Payment Transmittal" (Form ARS-372), used for submitting progress payment requests. It requires the contractor to certify that the requested amounts are for performance in accordance with contract specifications and terms.

• Contract Number, Partial Payment Number, Final Payment indicator, Project, Requisition Number, Location, and Period of Performance.
• Fields to detail the original contract amount, change orders/amendments, total adjusted contract prices, value of work completed, value of stored material, total value of work completed and stored material, retainage, total due contractor through the end of the period, previous requests, and the net amount due for the current payment.
• A section for detailing "Material Stored at the Site."
• A "Contractor's Progress Payment Certification" section requiring certification regarding performance, payments to subcontractors, and withholding of payments.
• Signature blocks for the Contractor's Authorized Representative, and for Recommended for Payment and Concurrence by government representatives.

This form is essential for contractors to request payment for work performed under a contract. Bidders should understand this form is the mechanism for invoicing and payment, and that accurate completion and certification are required.