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 Firm Fixed-Price contract is a Total Small Business Set-Aside for the replacement of existing exhaust ductwork for the Desiccant Dehumidifier (DHU). Proposals are due by May 12, 2026, at 4:00 PM CST.
Scope of Work
The project involves the comprehensive replacement of exhaust ductwork for the Desiccant Dehumidifier (DHU) at the Helen Edwards Engineering Research Center (HEERC). Key tasks include:
- Project Preparation & Mobilization: Mobilizing resources and ensuring safety via Lock-Out Tag-Out (LOTO).
- Hazard Management: Removing existing 2-inch duct insulation (requiring a hazard analysis), removing and disposing of designated ductwork sections, and waste management.
- Ductwork Fabrication & Installation: Creating an inline trap with 90° elbows, submitting design shop drawings for approval, 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: Conducting a final walkthrough and submitting closeout documentation, including O&M manuals, warranties, and commissioning findings.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed-Price (FFP)
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- NAICS Code: 238220, Plumbing, Heating and Air-Conditioning Contractors, with a $19.0 Million small business size standard.
- Product Service Code: Z2AA (Repair Or Alteration Of Office Buildings)
- Period of Performance: Estimated Start Date: April 9, 2026; Estimated End Date: December 31, 2026.
- Bonds: Bid, Performance, and Payment Bonds are required.
- Insurance: Mandatory construction insurance requirements apply, including General Liability, Automobile Liability, Workers' Compensation, and naming FFDG, University of Chicago, URA, and the U.S. Government as additional insureds.
- Labor Standards: Subject to Davis-Bacon Act wage and labor standards (General Decision IL20260008 Mod 1 applies to specific Illinois counties).
- Buy American: A Notice of Buy American Requirement for Construction Materials is included.
Submission & Evaluation
- Proposal Due Date: May 12, 2026, 4:00 PM CST.
- Submission: Proposals must be submitted electronically to ryanosul@fnal.gov and consist of two parts: Part I - Technical Proposal and Part II - Business/Management Proposal.
- Technical Proposal Criteria: Offerors must demonstrate at least five (5) years of HVAC industry experience in ductwork removal and replacement, experience with work at height, and provide details for a minimum of three relevant projects completed in the past 10 years. Resumes for key personnel (Project Manager, Project Superintendent, Safety Coordinator) are also required.
- Evaluation: Award will be based on a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) methodology, considering technical acceptability and the lowest evaluated price.
Key Requirements & Compliance
Bidders must adhere to extensive requirements, including:
- Safety & Health: Compliance with comprehensive Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H) requirements (10 CFR Part 851, 835), submission of a Subcontractor Safety Information Questionnaire, and a Construction Environmental, Safety, & Health Certification (CESHC).
- Quality Control: Submission of a Corporate Quality Assurance Plan or use of the provided template.
- Certifications: Completion of various Proposal Certifications (e.g., Buy American Act, Export/Import Control, Responsibility Matters) and the Subcontractor Annual Representations & Certifications (SARC).
- General Terms: Adherence to FFDG General Terms and Conditions for Construction.
Important Notes
A Pre-Proposal Meeting and Site Visit originally scheduled for April 28, 2026, was cancelled due to a sitewide power outage and will be rescheduled in a subsequent amendment. Offerors must acknowledge receipt of all amendments.