Recirculating Aquaculture System Upgrades

Amendment / Modification

• Provides clarifying information in response to RFIs posted on March 26, 2026.

• Extends the quote due date to April 17, 2026, at 3:00 PM EDT.

• The quote due date has been modified.

• The deadline for submitting quotes has been extended to April 17, 2026, at 3:00 PM EDT.

• All other terms and conditions remain unchanged.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides clarification regarding the electrical service upgrade for Solicitation 1232SA26Q0302.

• Question 1: Clarification was sought on whether the wiring to the service is to be upgraded to 2000 amps and the required wire sizing, as the feeder schedule indicated a maximum of 1600 amps.
• Answer 1: The plan sheets are confirmed as correct. The contractor is to provide a 1600A SWBD (Switchboard) with a 1600A main breaker and 1600A of wire as indicated on the drawings. The total connected load is approximately 1200A, with a historical metered demand of 308A, which allows for future electrical capacity.

This clarification confirms that the electrical service upgrade is to 1600 amps, not 2000 amps, and specifies the components and capacity to be provided.

Amendment / Modification

This amendment (0001) to solicitation ARS-1232SA is effective 03/26/2026. Its purpose is to post the site visit sign-in sheets and all received responses to Requests for Information (RFIs) by the RFI deadline.

• Item 14: Description of Amendment/Modification
• The Period of Performance is noted as 05/04/2026 to 01/29/2027.

All other terms and conditions of the original solicitation remain unchanged. The amendment does not appear to alter proposal deadlines or submission requirements beyond providing the posted RFIs and site visit information.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a sign-in sheet for a site visit related to Solicitation 1232SA26Q0302, "RECIRCULATING AQUACULTURE SYSTEM UPGRADES." The site visit took place on March 17, 2026, at 9:00 AM EDT.

This document lists attendees from potential bidding companies who participated in the site visit. It includes their names, company affiliations, email addresses, and phone numbers. This information may be useful for understanding which companies have shown interest in the opportunity and for potential follow-up communication, although it does not contain technical or contractual details about the solicitation itself.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a sign-in sheet for a site visit related to the "RECIRCULATING AQUACULTURE SYSTEM UPGRADES" solicitation (1232SA26Q0302). The site visit took place on March 18, 2026, at 9:00 AM EDT.

The sign-in sheet lists attendees, their companies, email addresses, and phone numbers. This information may be relevant to bidders as it indicates companies that have expressed interest in the opportunity and potentially attended the site visit. It can be used to identify potential competitors or collaborators, and to note which companies are actively engaged with the solicitation.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document provides responses to vendor questions regarding Solicitation 1232SA26Q0302, specifically concerning the base bid MDP upgrade and Option 2.

• MDP Upgrade Capacity: The MDP-2 is intended for 2000A service, with a 1600A 3P LS1G main breaker, clarifying a discrepancy with the plan sheets showing 1600 amps.
• Option 2 Chiller Location: For Option 2, the chiller should be located in the smolt 1 pump room (west of smolt 2), not in smolt 2, as the systems are the same size and a chiller already exists in smolt 2.
• Ozone Dosing and UV Lights: The design intent is to replace individual ozone generators with a new centralized system. Brood tanks will not have inline UV lights added for ozone dissipation unless they were part of the original design, as this was not budgeted for the upgrade.

These clarifications address specific technical details and locations related to the upgrade, which may impact bidder understanding of the scope and requirements for the MDP upgrade and Option 2.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This solicitation is for "Recirculating Aquaculture System Upgrades" at the National Cold Water Marine Aquaculture Center in Franklin, ME. The project involves upgrades in accordance with provided drawings and specifications.

• Electrical Upgrades

• Switchgear Roof Structure (Option 1)

• RAS Cooling (Option 2)

• Ozone System (Option 3)

• The contract type is anticipated to be a firm fixed price contract.

• Period of Performance: 05/04/2026 to 01/29/2027.

• The contractor is required to commence work within 10 calendar days after receiving the notice to proceed.

• The entire work must be completed not later than 224 calendar days after Notice to Proceed (NTP).

• Offers are due by 04/15/2026 at 1600 local time.

• Email responses in Adobe PDF format are authorized for quote submittals.

• Quotes will be evaluated based on the lowest price technically acceptable criteria.

• Technical Acceptability will be rated as "acceptable" or "unacceptable" based on the offeror's ability to provide a sound and compliant approach.

• Offerors must provide a Technical Approach Narrative, Key Personnel Experience, Company Experience, and a proposed construction schedule.

• Past Performance will be evaluated as "Acceptable," "Neutral," or "Unacceptable."

• Offers must be held firm for 90 calendar days from the date specified for receipt of offers.

• Pricing for option line items shall be valid until September 30, 2026.

• Questions are due by March 23, 2026, at 4:00 PM EDT via email to josh.dobereiner@usda.gov.

• This is a 100% Total Small Business Set-Aside.

• The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code is 238220.

• The Small Business Size Standard is $19.0 Million.

• An organized site visit is scheduled for March 17, 2026, and March 18, 2026. Registration is required by March 16, 2026.

• A bid guarantee is required.

• Performance and Payment Bonds are required within 10 calendar days after award.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains the electrical drawings and specifications for the "Recirculating Aquaculture Electric Upgrades" project at the National Cold-Water Marine Aquaculture Center (NCWMAC) in Franklin, ME. It details the proposed electrical system modifications and upgrades.

• Title Sheet (T-100): Provides project overview, contract number, and location.
• Index of Drawings (G-100): Lists all included drawings.
• Electrical General Notes (ES-001): Outlines project requirements, codes, and standards.
• Electrical Legend (ES-002): Defines symbols and abbreviations used in the drawings.
• Power Plan (ES-101): Illustrates the layout of new and existing electrical systems.
• Details (ES-501): Provides specific construction details for components like transformer vaults and conduit installations.
• Power Riser (ES-601): Shows the single-line diagram of the electrical power distribution system.
• Panel Schedules (ES-602): Details the specifications for electrical panels.
• Grounding Diagram (ESG-101): Illustrates the grounding system design.

These drawings are critical for bidders to understand the scope of work, required materials, installation methods, and overall electrical system design. They are essential for preparing accurate bids and for executing the project according to specifications. Key aspects include the upgrade of the existing electrical distribution infrastructure to handle larger load demands, coordination with utility for transformer work, and maintaining uninterrupted facility operation.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains the "SPECIFICATIONS Final Submittal" for "Recirculating Aquaculture Electrical Upgrades" prepared for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (ARS) at the National Cold Water Marine Aquaculture Center (NCWMAC) in Franklin, ME. It details the technical specifications for the electrical upgrades.

The document is structured into divisions and sections covering:

• General Requirements: Warranty, general paragraphs, contractor quality control, references, general intention, project coordination, submittals, safety requirements, work restrictions, and operation and maintenance data.
• Existing Conditions: Demolition.
• Concrete: Miscellaneous cast-in-place concrete.
• Electrical: Power system studies, interior distribution system, switchboards, electricity metering, and automatic transfer switches.
• Earthwork: General earthwork requirements.
• Utilities: Underground electrical distribution.

This document provides the detailed technical specifications for the "Recirculating Aquaculture Electrical Upgrades" project. Bidders must review these specifications to understand the scope of work, materials, installation requirements, testing procedures, and quality control measures necessary to accurately bid on and execute the project. It outlines the specific electrical systems to be upgraded, including transformers, switchboards, automatic transfer switches, and existing electrical infrastructure downstream of new installations. It also details requirements for submittals, safety, and project closeout.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document provides architectural drawings for an "Option for Electrical Switchgear Roof Structure" as part of the "Recirculating Aquaculture Upgrades" at the National Cold-Water Marine Aquaculture Center (NCWMAC) in Franklin, ME. It details the plan and front elevation of the proposed structure.

• Plan View: Shows the overall dimensions (8'-10" x 6'-0"), the placement of a 24"x36" unit, and a designated area for a "FUTURE UNIT". It indicates the structural supports and spacing.
• Front Elevation: Depicts the structure's height, the metal deck roof, 3x3 tube supports, and the switchgear enclosure.
• Notes:
  1. Roof material must match the existing building's thickness, color, and profile.
  2. The roof structure must be sloped to shed rain, snow, and ice.
  3. All steel columns and roof framing should be painted to match the existing building.

This drawing is crucial for bidders to understand the physical specifications and design requirements for the electrical switchgear roof structure. It informs material selection, construction methods, and aesthetic integration with the existing facility. Bidders should use these drawings to accurately estimate costs and scope for this component of the overall project.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document contains the "Attachment 5 - Drawings - Options 2 and 3.pdf" which provides detailed architectural and engineering drawings for the Recirculating Aquaculture Upgrades project at the National Cold-Water Marine Aquaculture Center (NCWMAC) in Franklin, ME. These drawings are essential for understanding the scope, design, and technical specifications of the proposed upgrades.

• Cover Sheet (T-100): Project title, contract number, location, and general project description (process water cooling and ozone injection for salmon broodstock production).
• Index of Drawings (G-100): Lists all drawing sheets and their titles, providing an overview of the document's contents.
• General Notes and Abbreviations (M-001): Defines terms, abbreviations, and general project requirements, including biosecurity protocols, uninterrupted facility operation, and material storage.
• Mechanical Plans (M-101, M-102, M-103, M-104, M-401): Detail the overall mechanical, ozone distribution, roof, ozone generator building, and enlarged mechanical plans.
• Mechanical Schedules (M-601): Provides specifications for equipment such as ozone generators, chillers, condenser units, unit heaters, and exhaust fans.
• Mechanical Details (M-602, M-603, M-604, M-605): Illustrates specific installation details for hangers, pipe penetrations, wall mounting, screens, and equipment pads.
• Process Instrumentation Diagrams (PIDs) and Diagrams (M-606, M-607): Show the functional logic and flow of the ozone generator and chiller systems.
• Mechanical Diagrams (M-608): Illustrates the chilling system diagrams for different areas (Brood 3, Smolts 2, Parr).
• Electrical General Notes (E-001) and Legend (E-002): Outlines electrical requirements, abbreviations, and symbols.
• Electrical Plans (E-101): Depicts the power plan for the facility.
• Electrical Schedules and Details (E-501): Includes electrical circuit schedules, conduit details, and panel schedules.
• Power Riser (E-601): Shows the power distribution riser diagram.
• Panel Schedules (E-602): Details the configuration and load information for various electrical panels.

This comprehensive set of drawings is critical for bidders to accurately assess the project's complexity, required materials, installation methods, and overall scope. It provides the technical foundation for developing a precise bid, understanding site-specific requirements, and ensuring compliance with all specified standards and regulations. Bidders must thoroughly review these drawings to identify all components, systems, and installation details necessary for successful project execution.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document, "Attachment 6 - Specifications - Options 2 and 3.pdf", contains detailed specifications for "Recirculating Aquaculture Upgrades" at the USDA-ARS National Cold Water Marine Aquaculture Center (NCWMAC) in Franklin, ME. It outlines the technical requirements and standards for the project.

The document is structured into multiple divisions and sections, covering:

• General Requirements: Includes warranty of construction, general paragraphs, contractor quality control, work restrictions, site visits, and coordination of work.
• Existing Conditions: Details demolition requirements.
• Concrete: Specifies miscellaneous cast-in-place concrete requirements.
• Thermal and Moisture Protection: Covers firestopping.
• Finishes: Includes noise S.T.O.P. soundproof blankets.
• Special Construction: Details fiberglass buildings and enclosures.
• Plumbing, Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC): Covers thermal insulation, refrigerant piping, HVAC air distribution, water chillers, ozone generation, and electrical space heating equipment.
• Electrical: Outlines interior distribution systems.
• Earthwork: Specifies general earthwork requirements.
• Exterior Improvements: Details composite fence panels.
• Demolition: Outlines procedures for demolition and removal of existing facilities.
• Miscellaneous Cast-in-Place Concrete: Provides specifications for concrete work.
• Firestopping: Details requirements for firestopping systems.
• Noise S.T.O.P. Soundproof Blankets: Specifies requirements for soundproofing blankets.
• Fiberglass Buildings and Enclosures: Details specifications for prefabricated fiberglass buildings.
• Plumbing, General Purpose: Covers general plumbing requirements.
• Water Chillers, Vapor Compression Type: Details specifications for water chillers.
• Ozone Generation: Outlines requirements for ozone generation systems.
• Electric Space Heating Equipment: Specifies requirements for electric space heaters.
• Interior Distribution System: Covers electrical distribution systems.
• Earthwork: Details general earthwork requirements.
• Composite Fence Panels: Specifies requirements for composite fence panels.

This document is crucial for potential bidders as it provides the detailed technical specifications and requirements for the "Recirculating Aquaculture Upgrades" project. Bidders must thoroughly review these specifications to understand the scope of work, materials, installation procedures, and quality control measures necessary to prepare an accurate and compliant proposal. It directly impacts the technical approach, material selection, and overall cost of the bid.

Other / Unclassified

This document is a General Decision Number (ME20260008) issued by the U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division. It specifies prevailing wage rates and fringes for various construction trades in Hancock County, Maine, for building construction projects (excluding single-family homes up to four stories). It includes rates for Ironworker, Laborer, Pipefitter, Bricklayer, Carpenter, Cement Mason/Concrete Finisher, Electrician, Mason Tender, various Operators (Backhoe/Excavator/Trackhoe, Crane), Painter, Sheet Metal Worker, Truck Driver, and Welders.

The document also references Executive Order (EO) 13706 regarding paid sick leave for federal contractors, effective for contracts awarded or solicited on or after January 1, 2017. It outlines the accrual and usage of paid sick leave. Additionally, it references EO 13658, which sets a minimum wage for federal contractors, applicable to contracts awarded between January 1, 2015, and January 29, 2022, and not renewed or extended after January 30, 2022.

It provides guidance on understanding the rate identifiers (Union, Union Average, Survey, State Adopted) and details the process for appealing wage determination decisions.

This document is crucial for bidders on federal construction projects in Hancock County, Maine. It establishes the minimum wage rates and fringe benefits that must be paid to laborers and mechanics employed on the contract. Bidders must use this information to accurately estimate labor costs and ensure compliance with federal labor laws, including paid sick leave and minimum wage requirements under the specified Executive Orders.