The Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service awarded a Total Small Business purchase order to Shekar Engineering, P.L.C. for $83,336.71 on September 25, 2026, to repair and replace metal wall panels at Buildings 20 and 24 at its National Centers for Animal Health facility in Ames, Iowa.
The work includes replacing one missing Building 20 metal wall panel, performing a 360-degree inspection of the top four rows of metal panels on Building 20's east stair tower, providing a prioritized inspection report with photographs and cost estimates, and overlaying damaged panels at both buildings with weathertight close-match metal panels. The contractor furnishes all materials, labor, manlifts, fall protection equipment, and crane services. Work is scheduled to complete by March 31, 2027, within 180 days of Notice to Proceed, Monday through Friday 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM excluding federal holidays. Shekar Engineering is an 8(a) small disadvantaged business based in Des Moines, Iowa.