HEERC Duct Replacement for DHU
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 Department of Energy (DOE), through Fermi Forward Discovery Group, LLC (FFDG), is soliciting proposals for the HEERC Duct Replacement for DHU project at Fermilab in Batavia, IL. This is a Firm Fixed-Price contract to replace existing exhaust ductwork for a Desiccant Dehumidifier. Proposals are due May 12, 2026.
Scope of Work
The project involves the comprehensive replacement of existing exhaust ductwork for the Desiccant Dehumidifier (DHU) at the Helen Edwards Engineering Research Center (HEERC). Key tasks include:
- Project Preparation & Mobilization: Mobilizing resources, ensuring safety via Lock-Out Tag-Out (LOTO).
- Hazard Management: Safe removal and disposal of existing 2-inch duct insulation (non-asbestos) and designated ductwork sections.
- Ductwork Fabrication & Installation: Creating an inline trap with 90° elbows, submitting design shop drawings, and managing condensate by installing a pan and pitching ducting away from the DHU.
- Sealing & Re-Insulation: Sealing all ductwork joints for water-tightness and installing new 2-inch thick insulation.
- Drainage & Plumbing: Installing 3/4" PVC piping with a deep seal trap and a condensate neutralizer.
- Commissioning: Hiring a third-party agent (Dry Solutions) to verify operational status and perform a final inspection.
- Demobilization: Final walkthrough and submission of closeout documentation, including O&M manuals, warranties, and commissioning findings. The estimated period of performance is from April 9, 2026, to December 31, 2026.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed-Price
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- NAICS Code: 238220 (Plumbing, Heating and Air-Conditioning Contractors) with a $19.0 Million size standard.
- Place of Performance: Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) HEERC, Batavia, IL 60510.
Submission & Evaluation
Proposals are due by May 12, 2026, at 4:00 PM CST and must be submitted electronically to ryanosul@fnal.gov. Submissions require two parts:
- Part I - Technical Proposal: Must demonstrate at least five years of HVAC industry experience in ductwork removal and replacement, work-at-height experience, and a minimum of three relevant projects in the past 10 years. Resumes for key personnel (Project Manager, Superintendent, Safety Coordinator) are required.
- Part II - Business/Management Proposal: Includes pricing and various certifications. Evaluation will follow a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) approach, focusing on technical acceptability and the lowest evaluated price.
Key Dates & Actions
- Pre-Proposal Meeting & Site Visit: April 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM at West Entrance Lobby to Wilson Hall. Attendance is strongly recommended, and advance access requests are required.
- Proposal Due Date: May 12, 2026, 4:00 PM CST.
Mandatory Compliance & Forms
Bidders must adhere to extensive requirements, including:
- A bid guarantee of not less than 20 percent.
- Payment and Performance Bonds (Exhibits J, K).
- Insurance certificates (Exhibit H) naming FFDG, University of Chicago, URA, and the U.S. Government as additional insureds.
- Compliance with Davis-Bacon Act wage and labor standards (Exhibit Q) and Buy American Requirement.
- Submission of a Subcontractor Safety Information Questionnaire (Exhibit M) and Construction ES&H Certification (Exhibit N).
- Adherence to Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H) Requirements (Exhibit D) and Quality Requirements (Exhibit F), including a Corporate Quality Assurance Plan.
- Completion of Proposal Certifications (Exhibit P) and Subcontractor Annual Representations & Certifications (SARC) (Exhibit O).
- Understanding of FFDG General Terms and Conditions for Construction (Exhibit G) and Submittal Requirements (Exhibit E).