Steam boiler installation, Joint Base Cape Cod

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains responses to vendor questions regarding the steam requirements and boiler specifications for the opportunity.

• Autoclave Manufacturer Information: The government cannot provide specific manufacturer details for the autoclave due to proprietary restrictions. The steam requirement for autoclaves is 50 psi and between 480K BTU and 650K BTU. The existing non-operational boiler is estimated at 800K BTU with a 150 PSI relief valve, and the working boiler is a 1.2M BTU Bryan with a 150 PSI relief valve.
• Boiler Sizing: The government states the existing boiler to be replaced is oversized (800K BTU, 26hp), and the currently operating boiler is extremely oversized (1.2M BTU, 36 hp). The ideal horsepower for the required steam output (50 psi, 480K-650K BTU) is estimated between 13 and 16 hp.
• Operational Requirements: The system must be able to start two autoclaves requiring a 208K BTU 5-minute startup without losing steam pressure, and support a weekly startup of a steam kettle at 15 PSI. Additionally, two holding rooms each have a constant 15 PSI steam requirement.
• Root Cause of Autoclave Issues: The issues with the autoclaves reaching temperature are attributed to ancient pipes and valves, which are also included for replacement in the Statement of Work (SOW).

These clarifications provide specific details on steam requirements, boiler sizing, and the underlying causes of operational issues, which may impact bidder understanding of the scope and technical requirements.

Questions & Answers / Clarifications

This document contains responses to vendor questions regarding the solicitation for a boiler replacement project.

• Taxes: Taxes should not be included in proposals.
• Permits: Contractors must coordinate with Joint Base Cape Cod activities (ANG facilities, Fire Department, Base Commander) to ensure compliance with facility guidelines.
• Hazardous Materials: No known hazardous materials are associated with this project.
• Occupancy: The building will be occupied during the project.
• Commissioning: A commissioning certificate and factory operational training for USDA staff are required upon completion.
• Boiler Access: The boiler room is accessible from the outside, and no additional construction will be needed for boiler removal.
• Boiler BTU Requirements: The new boiler must meet a steam requirement of 50 psi and between 480K and 650K BTU. It needs to support the startup of two autoclave units (208K BTU each) without losing steam pressure, and maintain steam for two holding rooms at 15 PSI each.
• Temporary Heat/Electric: Temporary steam is not anticipated, but this will be discussed prior to project start. A short downtime for the boiler can be scheduled.

These clarifications provide specific details on proposal inclusions, site coordination, technical requirements for the new boiler, and project execution. Bidders should incorporate this information into their proposals and project planning.

Amendment / Modification

• The due date for receipt of quotes has been postponed to 1:00 p.m. ET on Friday, January 23, 2026.

• Contractors are now required to submit detailed specifications of the equipment to be provided, in addition to the requirements stated in the original RFQ.

• Submission requirements and deadlines.

• Proposal deadline extended to January 23, 2026.

• Additional requirement to submit detailed equipment specifications.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a sign-in sheet for a "Boiler Walk-thru" related to Solicitation 12639526Q0017. It records the names of individuals, their companies, email addresses, and phone numbers who attended the site visit.

• Names of attendees
• Company affiliations
• Contact email addresses
• Contact phone numbers
• Date of attendance: January 7, 2026

This document serves as a record of potential bidders who attended the site visit for Solicitation 12639526Q0017. It can be used by other bidders to identify potential competitors or collaborators who have expressed interest in the opportunity by attending this event. The contact information may also be useful for networking or information gathering.

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

The objective of this project is to acquire and install a new steam boiler to replace the existing unit at the Forest Pest Methods Laboratory (FPML) at Joint Base Cape Cod, Buzzard's Bay, MA. The boiler is critical for environmental climate control and the autoclave system used for biological control and treatment research on invasive pests.

• Steam Boiler Acquisition: Research and procure a 1:1 replacement boiler meeting facility requirements, deliver and rig it into place, and prepare the site for installation and removal of the old boiler. The new boiler must meet current demand requirements.

• Installation & Testing: Perform installation using qualified, licensed technicians during regular weekday business hours. A factory-trained representative will start up the new boiler, perform manufacturer's boil-out procedures, and conduct all safety tests. Operational and maintenance training will be provided by a manufacturer's representative.

• Electrical: Provide necessary wiring for the boiler and feedwater system, complying with NEC standards. No additional electrical outlets are needed.

• Plumbing: Connect the new boiler to the existing make-up water supply and install a new feedwater line. Install new steam/condensate pipes, equip the boiler with ASME code-required valves, and insulate all new piping.

• Water Filtration & Waste Condensate: Connect the boiler to a new water filtration and chemical treatment system. Insulate water and waste lines with heat trace and ensure each water supply has a backflow preventer. Obtain approval for water and waste installation from the 102nd Air National Guard.

• Monitoring: Install METASYS JCI monitoring for room temperature and boiler operations. Implement key swipe access to the boiler room.

• A 12-month guarantee (repair or replacement) for original defects in parts, materials, or workmanship (excluding preventative maintenance).

• Operational performance status report after installation.

• All work must comply with the most stringent applicable requirements of specified NFPA codes, UL standards, State and Local Building Codes, UFAS, OSHA, and manufacturer instructions.

• Place of Performance: Forest Pest Methods Laboratory (FPML), 1398 West Truck Road, Buzzards Bay, MA 02542.

• Time for Completion: Within 120 calendar days from Notice to Proceed.

• Work Hours: Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding Government holidays. Exceptions require 48 hours written notice and COR approval.

• Contractor Personnel: All contractor staff must pass an APHIS-designated background investigation. A list of intended employees must be submitted seven business days prior to access for vetting.

• Coordination: All work must be coordinated with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), Bruce Truehart. An installation schedule must be submitted within 14 days of award.

• Site Conditions: Confine operations to work limits, maintain natural surroundings, and restore any damaged surfaces to original condition. Keep work areas clean and dispose of trash daily. Move materials and equipment from the site at the end of each day unless otherwise approved.

• Security: Adhere to all Site, APHIS, and USDA security policies and procedures. Safeguarding of contractor equipment is the contractor's sole responsibility.

• Labeling: All cabinets, control panels, and enclosures must be labeled internally with commercial-grade devices, identifying use and location of field devices. Handwritten labels are not accepted.

• Project Closeout: Remove all tools, surplus materials, and rubbish. Restore damaged surfaces. Thoroughly clean building interiors and the site. Submit three sets of as-built drawings. The contractor must provide warranty service within 24 hours of notification for issues arising within one year of final acceptance.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items to acquire and install a steam boiler to replace the existing one at the Forest Pest Methods Laboratory (FPML) in Buzzards Bay, MA. The new boiler will be used for environmental climate control and the autoclave system in Building 1398.

• Installation of a new steam boiler.

• Contractor to supply all labor, materials, equipment, and supervision.

• Compliance with Federal Construction Wage Rates (Attachment 2).

• Adherence to the Statement of Work (Attachment 1).

• Award will be made on Standard Form 1442.

• Estimated project magnitude: $100,000 - $250,000.

• Anticipated contract type: Not specified, but likely fixed-price.

• Performance period: 120 days after Notice to Proceed.

• Submission Deadline: January 21, 2026, 12 p.m. CT.

• Submission Requirements: Completed quote page, demonstration of relevant experience, and past performance information.

• Submission Email: james.g.roloff@usda.gov

• Questions Deadline: January 14, 2026, 12 p.m. CT.

• Evaluation Criteria: Lowest price, technically acceptable approach. Award will be made to the responsible quoter with a technically acceptable quote and the lowest evaluated price.

• Key Evaluation Factors: Price (including realism), Technical capability (HVAC/plumbing experience), and Past Performance.

• All responsible sources may submit a quotation.

• NAICS Code and Small Business Size Standard are not specified in the provided text.

• Site Visit: January 7, 2026, 10 a.m. ET.

• Attachments: Statement of Work, Federal Construction Wage Rates.

• Taxes: USDA is exempt from sales tax.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a Federal Construction Wage Rate determination for building construction projects in Massachusetts. It specifies the prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits for various construction trades within specific counties.

• General Decision Number: MA20250001
• Superseded General Decision Number: MA20240001
• State: Massachusetts
• Construction Type: Building
• Covered Counties: Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Middlesex, Nantucket, Norfolk, and Suffolk Counties.
• Excludes single-family homes and apartments up to and including 4 stories.
• Lists various trades (e.g., Insulator/asbestos worker, Hazardous Material Handler, Boilermaker, Bricklayer, Carpenter, Electrician, Plumber, etc.) with their respective hourly rates and fringe benefits.
• Details specific zones and counties for each trade.
• Includes modification history with publication dates.

This document is crucial for bidders to understand the minimum wage and fringe benefit requirements for labor on construction projects within the specified counties. It ensures compliance with federal labor laws and helps in accurate cost estimation for proposals.