The Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service awarded a $7.28 million definitive contract to Sh Mechanical Inc., an EDWOSB and 8(a) Program Participant, for a four-part boiler upgrade project at the Western Regional Research Center in Albany, California, on September 28, 2026, under a total small business set-aside.
The project encompasses replacement of six existing boilers across three locations (main building basement and attic, service building) with Lochinvar Crest high-efficiency condensing boilers and associated heating water pumps and control systems. Work includes demolition, concrete, plumbing, HVAC systems, and electrical work including medium-voltage cables, transformers, and switchgear. The contractor must provide 14 days' advance written notice before utility outages and replace boilers one at a time to maintain system operability. Place of performance is Berkeley, CA 94710.
The contract is firm fixed price with an ultimate completion date of September 27, 2027. Performance runs 365 consecutive calendar days after Notice to Proceed, with work to commence within 10 calendar days. Environmental requirements include a site-specific OSHA and NFPA-compliant safety plan, an OSHA-certified competent person on-site, 10-hour OSHA Construction Safety training for all employees and 30-hour training for supervisors, and environmental work design addressing lead-based paint disturbance prior to performance. All work must comply with the Buy American Act and utilize USDA BioPreferred Program products to the greatest extent possible. Performance and payment bonds are required. NAICS code is 238220; PSC code is J045.