Install Prefabricated Cold Room for USDA ARS in University Park, PA

Amendment / Modification

This amendment modifies solicitation 1232SA26Q01570001, originally dated 02/05/2026.

Key changes include:

• Publication of a post-site visit questions and answers document.

• Revision of the Statement of Work (SOW).

• Extension of the response time to March 12, 2026.

• Statement of Work (SOW)

• Response deadline

• The proposal submission deadline has been extended to March 12, 2026.

• Acknowledgement of this amendment (SF30) is required with quote submission.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items to procure and install a new pre-fabricated cold storage room for the USDA ARS in University Park, PA. The acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• Installation of a pre-fabricated cold storage room.

• Option for installation of a condensing unit.

• Technical data is provided in Attachments 2 through 5.

• Anticipated contract type: Firm Fixed-Price with one option.

• Period of performance: Not explicitly stated, but options may extend the contract duration.

• Quotes are due by 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on March 12, 2026, via email to Michael.Sherlock@usda.gov.

• Email subject line must include the solicitation number 1232SA26Q0157 and the title "Install Prefab Cold Room."

• Late quotes may be considered if in the government's best interest and do not unduly delay award.

• Evaluation will be based on Price and Technical capability, with award made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government.

• Technical capability will be evaluated based on the offeror's understanding of requirements and experience.

• Past performance must be Satisfactory or Neutral; negative past performance may disqualify an offeror.

• Offerors must hold prices firm for 90 calendar days from the offer receipt date.

• This acquisition is set-aside for small business concerns.

• The applicable North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) Code is 236220 (Commercial and Institutional Building Construction) with a small business size standard of $45M.

• An organized site visit has already been held; no further site visits are scheduled.

• Full text of provisions and clauses may be accessed electronically at www.acquisition.gov.

• The solicitation incorporates provisions and clauses by reference.

• The worksite location is: USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Pasture Systems & Watershed Management Research Unit (PSWMRU), US-Building 0491, Pennsylvania State University, 532 Curtin Rd; University Park, Pennsylvania 16801.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses from the Government to questions submitted by potential bidders regarding the "Cold Storage Room" opportunity at University Park, PA.

• Location & Environment: The walk-in cooler will be located in a laboratory space that is controlled for temperature and humidity.
• Relocation Requirements: Contractors will be required to relocate existing fire sprinklers inside the walk-in cooler space and the existing fire alarm speaker. The disconnect switch relocation is mandatory.
• Temperature & Humidity: Standard +/- 4°C is acceptable for the cold room temperature. Standard +/- 2°C is acceptable for temperature uniformity. Relative humidity shall be controlled between 30-50%.
• Materials & Finishes: Interior and exterior aluminum white skins are specified. Flooring shall be diamond tread plate as specified.
• Shelving: Shelves are required, with a minimum load rating of 400 lbs per shelf. Shelving units must be stainless steel, adjustable height, minimum 72"w x 24"d x 63"h, with three shelves per unit.
• Testing & Door Width: 3rd party field testing is not required; manufacturer's certified start-up and report are sufficient. The door width shall be 36 inches.
• Load Capacity: The anticipated stationary load is 5,350 lbs, as referenced in the Statement of Work.

Several responses refer to a revised Statement of Work dated February 27, 2026, indicating that changes to the SOW may have been made based on these clarifications. Bidders should ensure they are referencing the most current version of the SOW.

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

This Statement of Work (SOW) details the requirements for the furnishing and installation of a new cold storage room at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Pasture Systems & Watershed Management Research Unit (PSWMRU) in University Park, PA.

• Installation of a new cold storage room: This includes all necessary components, labor, power, control, support, and anchoring to ensure a fully functioning cold storage room.

• Specific dimensions: Maximum room clearance height of 9' - 1", clear floor space of 16' - 2" x 10' - 5", and interior clear space of 15' - 2" x 9' - 2". Refer to Drawing AE 503 for confirmation.

• Condensing unit installation: A new condensing unit is to be installed on the East exterior wall of Prep Lab Room H-101, including conduit, wiring, condensate piping, heat tape, and mounting bracket.

• Sprinkler system modification: Removal and capping of an existing ceiling-mounted sprinkler head, and installation of a new Viking Quick Response Dry Pendent Sprinkler suitable for freezing environments.

• Electrical work: Relocation of an existing disconnect from the South to the East exterior wall and sealing of the South wall penetration.

• Period of Performance (PoP): One hundred twenty (120) days from the Notice to Proceed (NTP).

• Location: Tower Rd., University Park, PA 16802.

• Code Compliance: All construction must conform to the International Building Code (IBC).

• Submittals: Contractors must provide submittals for all materials and tests, including product data, shop drawings, warranty information, and equipment start-up reports.

• Site Logistics: Work must be scheduled to avoid negatively impacting research activities. Coordination with the Location Monitor (LM) is required for site access, parking, and staging.

• Safety: Adherence to all USDA ARS and OSHA safety regulations is mandatory. OSHA-mandated safety training and USDA identification cards are required for all personnel.

• Housekeeping: Premises must be kept clean and free of debris.

• Site Visit: A site visit is highly recommended for potential bidders.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This document is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items to procure and install a new pre-fabricated cold storage room for the USDA ARS in University Park, PA. This announcement serves as the only solicitation, and a separate written solicitation will not be issued. The acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• Installation of a pre-fabricated cold room.

• Optional installation of a new condensing unit.

• The work is to be performed under the Statement of Work (SOW) detailed in Attachment 2.

• The anticipated award type is a firm fixed-price contract with one option.

• The Government intends to make one award.

• Quotes are due by 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time on February 26, 2026, via email to Michael.Sherlock@usda.gov. The email subject line must include the solicitation number (1232SA26Q0157) and the title "Install Prefab Cold Room."

• Late quotes may be considered if it is in the government's best interest and does not unduly delay award.

• Evaluation will be based on Price and Technical capability. Past performance will also be considered, requiring a "Satisfactory" or "Neutral" rating.

• Offerors must hold prices firm for 90 calendar days from the offer receipt date.

• Questions are due by February 23, 2026, at 12:00 PM Central Time, via email to Michael.Sherlock@usda.gov.

• This acquisition is set-aside for small business concerns.

• The North American Industry Classification Standard (NAICS) code is 236220, with a small business size standard of $45M.

• An organized site visit is scheduled for February 12, 2026, at 1:00 PM Eastern Time. RSVP is required by February 11, 2026, to scott.spear@usda.gov, Kathy.soder@usda.gov, and Michael.Sherlock@usda.gov.

• Applicable clauses and provisions are incorporated by reference, with full text available upon request or electronically at www.acquisition.gov.

• Attachment 1 contains solicitation terms, conditions, and evaluation criteria.

• Attachment 2 is the Statement of Work.

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

This Statement of Work (SOW) details the requirements for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Pasture Systems & Watershed Management Research Unit (PSWMRU) to procure and install a new cold storage room at their University Park, PA location.

• Furnish and install a new, fully functioning cold storage room.

• Provide all necessary personnel, equipment, tools, and transport.

• The room must have a maximum clearance height of 9' - 1" and a clear floor space of 16' - 2" x 10' - 5".

• Install a new condensing unit on the East exterior wall of Prep Lab Room H-101.

• Includes approximately 35 linear feet of conduit, wiring, condensate piping, heat tape, and an exterior wall mounting bracket.

• Relocate an existing disconnect from the South to the East exterior wall.

• Seal the South wall penetration with mortar.

• Remove obsolete conduit and wiring.

• The flooring must be rated for a minimum loading of 600 lbs. per square foot.

• The unit must be started up and tested to ensure proper operation.

• Training must be provided to location personnel on the new equipment's operation.

• All construction must conform to the International Building Code (IBC).

• Period of Performance (PoP): One hundred twenty (120) days from the Notice to Proceed (NTP).

• Location: Tower Rd., University Park, PA 16802.

• Contractor must provide all labor, insurance, permits, tools, material, equipment, and travel.

• Work must be completed by properly trained and licensed personnel.

• Contractor must maintain a clean work premises.

• Submittals required include: Cold Storage Room and accessories product data & shop drawings, equipment start-up test report, and Material & Workmanship Warranty.

• Site logistics and scheduling must be coordinated with the Location Monitor (LM) to avoid impacting research activities.

• Contractor personnel must adhere to all location safety and security requirements, including OSHA mandated safety training.

• An organized site visit is scheduled for February 12, 2026, at 1:00 PM Eastern Time.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains architectural and engineering drawings for the USDA-ARS University Park Renovation project at Penn State University. It provides detailed plans, sections, and details for various building systems, including floor plans, HVAC, electrical, and cold room specifications.

• Floor Plans (AE102): Layout of the Headhouse and Greenhouse, including room designations, dimensions, and key features.
• Cold Room Details (AE503, AE504): Floor plans, sections, and detailed views of the cold room construction, including insulation, doors, and floor preparation.
• HVAC Plans (MH105B): HVAC layout for the Headhouse Zone B, including ductwork, equipment, and general notes.
• Electrical Plans (EP602, EP704, EP705): Power distribution, one-line diagrams, and panel schedules for the facility.
• Control Schematics (M1702, MI712): Building architecture schematic, HVAC point schedule instructions, and miscellaneous control point lists for various systems.

These drawings are critical for bidders to understand the scope of work, the physical layout of the facility, and the technical specifications for renovations and new installations. They detail the requirements for HVAC, electrical, and specialized areas like cold rooms, directly impacting proposal preparation, material selection, and construction planning.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 3 General Requirements and Specifications.pdf", outlines the general requirements and specifications for a construction project. It details various standards, regulations, and procedures that the contractor must adhere to.

• References: Lists applicable standards from ASTM, NFPA, and NARA, including specific codes and regulations.
• General Intention: Defines the contractor's responsibility to prepare the site, furnish labor and materials, and comply with security management programs.
• Project Coordination: Outlines requirements for construction project schedules, daily reports, formal meetings, and submittals.
• Safety Submittals: Details the need for a site-specific safety plan, daily inspections, continuous monitoring for noise, dust, and vibration, and notification for high-risk work.
• Construction Security Requirements: Specifies the need for a site-specific security plan, contractor personnel procedures, and document control.
• Fire Safety: References applicable publications and outlines requirements for a fire safety plan, site access, temporary facilities, heating and electrical installations, means of egress, fire extinguishers, flammable liquids, hot work, inspections, smoking policies, waste disposal, and demolition operations.
• Operations and Storage Areas: Defines rules for confining operations to authorized areas, use of roadways, and availability of utility services.
• Waste Management: Details responsibilities and procedures for construction waste management, including diversion goals and submittals.
• Warranty of Construction: Outlines the contractor's warranty for work performed.
• Biobased Preferred Products: Requires compliance with regulations for providing biobased products.
• USDA Forms: Lists required forms such as Hot Work Permit and Daily Inspection Form.

This document is crucial for potential bidders as it establishes the foundational requirements, safety protocols, security measures, and regulatory compliance standards for the construction project. Understanding these specifications is essential for accurately estimating costs, developing proposals, and ensuring successful project execution.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a drawing (Attachment 5) showing the "POWER, HEADHOUSE & GREEN HOUSE" for Bid Option 1. It details electrical power distribution and equipment locations.

• Electrical schematics and layouts for the Headhouse and Greenhouse.
• Identification of power sources, transformers, disconnects, and other electrical components.
• Annotations indicating a "New disconnect location" for an "Outside Condensing Unit" and instructions to "Relocate existing disconnect. Patch/seal wall penetration."

This drawing is crucial for bidders to understand the electrical infrastructure requirements and proposed modifications for Bid Option 1. It provides specific details on the placement and relocation of electrical components, which will impact installation planning, material procurement, and labor estimates.