Recirculating Aquaculture System Upgrades

SOL #: 1232SA26Q0302Combined Synopsis/Solicitation

Overview

Buyer

Agriculture
Agricultural Research Service
USDA ARS AFM APD
BELTSVILLE, MD, 20705, United States

Place of Performance

Franklin, ME

NAICS

Plumbing (238220)

PSC

Repair Or Alteration Of Laboratories And Clinics (Z2DB)

Set Aside

Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) (SBA)

Timeline

1
Posted
Mar 6, 2026
2
Submission Deadline
Apr 15, 2026, 8:00 PM

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 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), is soliciting quotes for Recirculating Aquaculture System Upgrades at the National Cold Water Marine Aquaculture Center in Franklin, Maine. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity, issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ). The project involves significant electrical, cooling, and ozone system upgrades. Quotes are due by April 15, 2026.

Scope of Work

This project encompasses comprehensive upgrades to the recirculating aquaculture system. Key components include:

  • Electrical Upgrades: Modernization of the existing electrical distribution infrastructure, including transformers, switchboards, automatic transfer switches, and interior distribution systems, to support increased load demands.
  • Switchgear Roof Structure (Option 1): Construction of a dedicated roof structure for electrical switchgear, designed to integrate with the existing facility.
  • RAS Cooling (Option 2): Implementation of new cooling systems, including water chillers and associated mechanical infrastructure, for process water cooling in salmon broodstock production.
  • Ozone System (Option 3): Installation of an ozone generation and distribution system to enhance water quality and biosecurity.

The work requires adherence to detailed drawings and specifications provided in Attachments 2-6, covering architectural, electrical, and mechanical aspects.

Contract & Timeline

  • Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price (anticipated)
  • Period of Performance: May 4, 2026, to January 29, 2027 (224 calendar days after Notice to Proceed).
  • Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside
  • NAICS Code: 238220 (Small Business Size Standard: $19.0 Million)
  • Quotes Due: April 15, 2026, at 4:00 PM local time
  • Published Date: March 6, 2026

Submission & Evaluation

Quotes must be submitted via email in Adobe PDF format. Evaluation will be based on the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) criteria. Offerors must demonstrate technical acceptability through a Technical Approach Narrative, Key Personnel Experience, Company Experience, and a proposed construction schedule. Past Performance will also be assessed. Quotes must remain firm for 90 calendar days.

Key Dates & Actions

  • Site Visits: March 17, 2026, and March 18, 2026, at 9:00 AM EDT. Registration is mandatory by emailing josh.dobereiner@usda.gov by March 16, 2026, at 3:00 PM EDT. Attendance is not mandatory but highly recommended.
  • Questions Due: March 23, 2026, at 4:00 PM EDT, submitted in writing to Josh Dobereiner at josh.dobereiner@usda.gov.
  • Bonds: Bid, Payment, and Performance Bonds are required.

Additional Notes

Technical data and supporting documentation, including detailed drawings and specifications for base work and options, are available as attachments to the solicitation. A Wage Determination (ME20260008) for Hancock County, Maine, is also provided, outlining prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits.

People

Points of Contact

Joshua J. DobereinerPRIMARY

Files

Files

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Versions

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Combined Synopsis/Solicitation
Posted: Mar 6, 2026
Recirculating Aquaculture System Upgrades | GovScope