Replace 2 Air Handling Units at the National Agricultural Library
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, Agricultural Research Service (USDA ARS) is soliciting quotations for the replacement of two existing Air Handling Units (AHU-4 and AHU-5) at the National Agricultural Library (NAL) in Beltsville, MD. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity. Quotations are due by May 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST.
Scope of Work
The project involves the complete replacement of AHU-4 and AHU-5, including associated components such as housing, frames, piping, pumps, VFDs, and controls. The scope also covers the installation of new VAV terminals, integration of new AHU controls into the existing Building Automation System (BAS), and provision of temporary cooling for specific office areas during construction. The contractor will be responsible for all demolition, supply, installation, commissioning, field labor, equipment (cranes, rigging), materials, testing, and personal protective equipment, adhering to a provided 100% Design Package. Detailed architectural and engineering drawings, including mechanical, fire alarm, fire suppression, and electrical systems, are provided for accurate bidding.
Contract Details
- Opportunity Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (Request for Quotation - RFQ)
- Solicitation Number: 1232SA26Q0412
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5)
- NAICS Code: 238220 Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning Contractors (Size Standard: $19M)
- Product Service Code: J041 Maintenance, Repair And Rebuilding Of Equipment: Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, And Air Circulating Equipment
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed-Price
- Period of Performance: 180 Calendar Days after receipt of Notice to Proceed (NTP).
- Place of Performance: National Agricultural Library, 10301 Baltimore Ave, Beltsville, MD 20705.
Key Requirements & Special Conditions
- Mandatory Site Visit: A mandatory site visit was required for technical acceptability, held on April 14, 2026, at 9:00 AM EST.
- Occupied Facility: The facility will remain occupied during construction, requiring the contractor to minimize impact on daily operations.
- Compliance: Work must comply with numerous codes and standards, including ARS Facility Design Standards, IBC-2021, IEBC-2021, ASCE 7-16, AISC 360-16, AWS D1.1/D1.1M:2015, ADA, AMCA, ANSI, ASHRAE, ASME, EPA, NEC, NFPA, OSHA, RCRA, and SMACNA.
- Permits & Licenses: Contractor is responsible for obtaining all necessary permits and licenses.
- Safety: A Site-Specific Safety Plan (SSSP) is required within 14 days of award.
- Quality Control: Contractor is exclusively responsible for quality control.
- Warranty: A one-year guarantee for workmanship and material failures is required from final acceptance.
- Wage Rates: Bidders must adhere to the prevailing wage rates for building construction in Prince George's County, MD, as detailed in Wage Determination MD20260121.
Submission & Evaluation
- Quotation Due Date: May 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST.
- Submission Method: Electronically to david.hildebrand@usda.gov.
- Evaluation Criteria: Lowest Priced Technically Acceptable (LPTA).
- Required Documents:
- Transmittal Summary Letter (including POC, SAM UEI)
- Completed and signed SF 1442 and acknowledgements of amendments
- Fully executed SF 24 Bid Bond (20% of proposed price, not to exceed $300,000)
- Two (2) recent and relevant experience references
- Questions: Due by April 21, 2026, 5:00 PM EST, via email to david.hildebrand@usda.gov. No technical questions will be answered before the site visit. Responses will be posted on sam.gov.
- Eligibility: Offerors must be registered in SAM.gov at the time of quote submission.
Contact Information
- Primary Point of Contact: David Hildebrand (david.hildebrand@usda.gov)