Steam boiler installation, Joint Base Cape Cod

Quick Summary

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), specifically the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), is soliciting proposals for the acquisition and installation of a new steam boiler at the Forest Pest Methods Laboratory (FPML) in Joint Base Cape Cod, Buzzards Bay, MA. This project is critical for environmental climate control and the autoclave system used for biological control and treatment research on invasive pests. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. Proposals are due by January 23, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET.

Scope of Work

The contractor will supply all labor, materials, equipment, and supervision to replace the existing Bryan boiler. The new boiler must meet specific steam requirements of 50 psi and between 480K and 650K BTU, capable of supporting the simultaneous startup of two autoclave units (208K BTU each) without pressure loss, and maintaining steam for two holding rooms at 15 PSI each. The existing boiler is considered oversized, with an ideal replacement estimated between 13 and 16 hp. The project includes:

• Acquisition & Installation: Research, procure, deliver, and install a 1:1 replacement boiler, including site preparation and removal of the old unit.
• System Integration: Necessary electrical wiring (NEC compliant), plumbing connections (make-up water, new feedwater line, steam/condensate pipes), and insulation for all new piping.
• Water Systems: Connection to a new water filtration and chemical treatment system, with insulated and heat-traced water/waste lines, and backflow preventers. Approval from the 102nd Air National Guard is required for water/waste installations.
• Monitoring: Installation of METASYS JCI monitoring for room temperature and boiler operations, and key swipe access for the boiler room.
• Training & Testing: Factory-trained representative startup, manufacturer's boil-out procedures, safety tests, and operational/maintenance training for USDA staff. A commissioning certificate is required.

Contract & Timeline

• Contract Type: Solicitation for commercial items (likely fixed-price).
• Estimated Magnitude: $100,000 - $250,000.
• Set-Aside: Total Small Business (FAR 19.5).
• Place of Performance: Forest Pest Methods Laboratory (FPML), 1398 West Truck Road, Buzzards Bay, MA 02542.
• Period of Performance: 120 calendar days from Notice to Proceed.
• Work Hours: Monday-Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding Government holidays.
• Submission Deadline: January 23, 2026, 1:00 p.m. ET.
• Questions Deadline: January 14, 2026, 12 p.m. CT (past).
• Site Visit: A site visit was held on January 7, 2026.

Submission & Evaluation

Proposals must include a completed quote page, demonstration of relevant experience, past performance information, and detailed specifications of the equipment to be provided. Taxes should not be included in proposals. Award will be made to the responsible quoter with a technically acceptable quote and the lowest evaluated price (Lowest Price Technically Acceptable - LPTA). Key evaluation factors include price, technical capability (HVAC/plumbing experience), and past performance. Federal Construction Wage Rates for Barnstable County, MA, apply.

Special Requirements

All contractor personnel must pass an APHIS-designated background investigation. Coordination with the Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR), Bruce Truehart, is mandatory. The building will be occupied during the project. No known hazardous materials are associated with this project. All work must comply with NFPA codes, UL standards, State/Local Building Codes, UFAS, and OSHA. A 12-month guarantee for defects is required. As-built drawings and warranty service within 24 hours of notification are also required at project closeout.