Upgrade Refrigeration Equipment
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 USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is soliciting quotes (RFQ) for the Upgrade of Refrigeration Equipment for a seed storage cooler at the Integrated Cropping Systems Research location in Brookings, SD. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity. The existing refrigeration equipment has reached its end-of-life and requires replacement to meet current environmental standards. Quotes are due by April 27, 2026, at 0630 CT.
Scope of Work
The project involves the complete demolition and removal of all existing mechanical refrigeration equipment, including the capture and disposal of R-12 refrigerant in accordance with EPA regulations. The contractor will provide all necessary labor, equipment, supplies, and materials to install a new refrigeration system. The new system must be capable of maintaining temperatures between 32–41 °F (0–5 °C) within ±3 °F and relative humidity at 40% RH within ±5% RH. It must include integrated temperature and humidity controls (e.g., KE2 Therm) with continuous monitoring, alarm annunciation, and remote capabilities. The cooler box itself does not require replacement.
Contract & Timeline
This acquisition is anticipated to result in a Firm Fixed-Price contract. The period of performance is 150 days after receipt of order, with key deliverables (system demolition and installation) expected within 60 days or earlier after contract acceptance.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business (NAICS 238220, $19.0M size standard)
- Offer Due Date: April 27, 2026, 0630 CT
- Mandatory Site Visit: April 15, 2026, 0800 AM CST (Registration required by April 14, 2026, 1200 PM CST)
- Requests for Information (RFIs) Due: April 20, 2026, 0630 AM CST
- Published Date: April 7, 2026
Submission & Evaluation
Offerors must submit a fully completed and signed SF1449, acknowledging all amendments. Submissions require a summary cover letter including Point of Contact, SamUEI Number, CAGE Code, Tax Identification Number, and a list of contents. Bidders must provide one prior experience reference for a similar project within the past two years and proof of being a licensed HVAC mechanic with at least five years of experience in HVAC repairs, licensed for work in South Dakota. Quotes will be evaluated for technical acceptability, with award made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government. Failure to meet any requirement may render the quote non-responsive. The provided Wage Determination (Attachment 2) outlines minimum labor rates for South Dakota.