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's Fermi Forward Discovery Group, LLC (FFDG) is soliciting proposals for the HEERC Duct Replacement for DHU project at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab) in Batavia, IL. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside for firms specializing in plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contracting. The contract will be a Firm Fixed-Price agreement. Proposals are due by May 19, 2026, at 4:00 PM CST.
Scope of Work
The project involves the replacement of existing exhaust ductwork for the Desiccant Dehumidifier (DHU) at the Helen Edwards Engineering Research Center (HEERC). Key tasks include:
- Project preparation and mobilization, including Lock-Out Tag-Out (LOTO) procedures.
- Hazard management, including removal and disposal of existing 2-inch duct insulation and designated ductwork sections.
- Fabrication and installation of new ductwork, including an inline trap with 90° elbows, condensate management, and ensuring a 100% water-tight finish.
- Sealing and re-insulation with new 2-inch thick insulation.
- Installation of 3/4" PVC piping with a deep seal trap and condensate neutralizer.
- Commissioning by a third-party agent (Dry Solutions) to verify operational status.
- Demobilization and submission of closeout documentation (O&M manuals, warranties, commissioning findings).
Contract Details & Requirements
- 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.
- Experience: Offerors must have at least five (5) years of HVAC industry experience in removing and replacing ductwork.
- Bonds: Bid, Payment, and Performance Bonds are required.
- Insurance: Comprehensive insurance coverage, including General Liability, Automobile Liability, Workers' Compensation, and Contractor's Pollution Liability, is mandatory.
- Safety & Quality: Strict adherence to Fermilab's Environment, Safety, and Health (ES&H) requirements and Quality Control Program is required. Subcontractors must complete a Safety Information Questionnaire and a Construction ES&H Certification.
- Labor Standards: The contract is subject to Davis-Bacon Act wage and labor standards (General Decision IL20260008 Mod 1).
- Compliance: Compliance with Buy American Act requirements and various federal certifications (e.g., Export/Import Control, Trafficking in Persons) is required.
Key Dates & Submission
- Pre-Proposal Meeting & Site Visit: May 5, 2026, at 10:00 AM CST at Wilson Hall West Entrance Lobby. Attendance is strongly recommended. Strict access requirements apply, including an Access Request form submission at least seven days prior.
- Questions Due Date: May 12, 2026, at 4:00 PM CST.
- Proposal Due Date: May 19, 2026, at 4:00 PM CST.
- Submission: Proposals must be submitted in two parts (Technical and Business/Management) electronically to Ryan O'Sullivan (ryanosul@fnal.gov).
- Contact: Ryan O'Sullivan, ryanosul@fnal.gov, (630)-840-2402.
Evaluation Criteria
Award will be based on a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) methodology. Technical proposals will be evaluated on HVAC industry experience, work at height experience, and past project experience (minimum of three projects in the past 10 years). Resumes for key personnel (Project Manager, Project Superintendent, Safety Coordinator) are required.
Important Notes
Offerors must acknowledge receipt of all amendments. Numerous exhibits and forms are referenced, including detailed drawings, general requirements, submittal procedures, and general terms and conditions.