Relocation and Installation of Two Large Walk-In Freezer/Cooler Units
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 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is seeking proposals for the relocation and installation of two large walk-in freezer/cooler units at the USDA-ARS Central Crops Research Station in Clayton, NC. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside acquisition, issued as a Request for Quotation (RFQ). The project involves moving existing units to new concrete slabs and installing permanent electrical infrastructure. Quotations are due March 18, 2026, at 10:00 AM local time.
Scope of Work
The contractor will be responsible for relocating one large unit (approx. 16,000 lbs, 16 ft x 40 ft) and one smaller unit (approx. 6,000 lbs, 8 ft x 12 ft) approximately 100 yards to designated concrete slabs. This includes installing dedicated electrical service at the new locations to meet operational requirements. The scope encompasses all necessary labor, materials, equipment, tools, and supervision. Units must be positioned according to manufacturer specifications, level, stable, and secured. Coordination with ARS staff for power disconnection and unit emptying is required.
Contract Details
- Opportunity Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (RFQ)
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- NAICS Code: 238220 (Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors)
- Small Business Size Standard: $19 Million
- Place of Performance: USDA-ARS – Central Crops Research Station, 13223 US Business 70 West, Clayton, NC 27520-2128
- Performance Period: Project completion within 120 calendar days after notice to proceed/award.
- Warranty: A one-year labor and materials warranty is required.
Submission & Evaluation
Offerors must submit quotations electronically to kelly.wright@usda.gov. The submission deadline is March 18, 2026, at 10:00 AM local time. Offers must remain firm for 90 calendar days. Evaluation will follow a Lowest Priced Technically Acceptable (LPTA) methodology. Key evaluation factors include technical approach, documented experience, and past performance. Offerors must provide at least two recent (within 5 years) relevant references, with past performance rated as acceptable or unacceptable.
Key Dates & Contacts
- Optional Site Visit: March 11, 2026, at 10:00 AM local time. Register by emailing kelly.wright@usda.gov and richard.orto@usda.gov with the subject "1232SA26Q0251 Site Visit Registration".
- Questions Due: March 13, 2026, at 10:00 AM Central Time, submitted via email to kelly.wright@usda.gov.
- Primary Contact: Kelly Wright, kelly.wright@usda.gov
Special Requirements
All work must comply with federal, state, and local electrical codes, ARS Facilities and Design Standards, NEC, OSHA, and USDA-ARS safety standards. A 210-ton crane is anticipated for relocation. All electrical work must be performed by licensed electricians, and the contractor must obtain all necessary permits, licenses, and inspections. A Site-Specific Safety Plan (SSSP)/Accident Prevention Plan (APP) is required within 14 days of contract award. Contractors must be registered in SAM.gov at the time of solicitation closing. The applicable wage determination (NC20260126) for Franklin and Johnston Counties, NC, must be used for labor cost calculations.