B09_Attachment_8_140G0126Q0086_Q_A_Amd_001_0001.docx
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- Attached to
- CERC C3 Chiller Replacement
- Solicitation number
- 140G0126Q0086
About this file
This is a Questions and Answers document (Amendment 001) for RFQ 140G0126Q0086, a USGS Columbia Environmental Research Center chiller replacement project in Columbia, Missouri. The document addresses three key inquiries from potential offerors regarding product acceptability, existing equipment specifications, and technical approach flexibility.
The Q&A clarifies that the Buy American Act applies to this procurement; however, foreign-manufactured chillers (such as LG units made in Korea) may be proposed if accompanied by documentation including item description, supplier information, quantity, unit and total pricing, duty and delivery costs, and a comparable U.S.-manufactured alternative. The Government has approved two distinct technical solutions for offerors to propose: Solution A involves replacing the chiller and chilled water coil with the addition of a glycol feed pump (sized to 20 tons) and building automation system integration for water-cooled chillers; Solution B uses a 40-ton condensing unit paired with a 20-ton evaporator coil to replace the chilled water coil, providing true redundancy. Offerors must select one approach and clearly demonstrate that their proposal meets all mandatory performance requirements. Award will be based on lowest price technically acceptable, with no additional credit given for exceeding minimum specifications. The solicitation is a 100% Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business set-aside under NAICS code 238220 with a $19 million size standard, with quotes due on 4/28/2026 and submission required via email to kimberly_schneider@ios.doi.gov.
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140G0126Q0086 Amendment 001 Q&A
1. I would be proposing an LG chiller made in Korea. Would this be acceptable on this project or would the Buy America/Buy American acts apply?
a. The Buy American Act does apply to this procurement. However, the Government may allow foreign materials if: The U.S.‑made item is not available in sufficient quantity/quality, Using U.S. material is impracticable, or the U.S. material results in an unreasonable price. You may propose an LG chiller, and include:
i. Item description
ii. Supplier
iii. Quantity and unit of measure
iv. Unit price and total price
v. Duty and delivery costs
vi. Comparable U.S.‑manufactured item
2. Can you forward a picture of the existing Carrier chiller nameplate?
a. See Attachment 9 posted with Amendment 001
3. During yesterday's walk through of the project site, it appears that there have been issues with freezing, and although the system has had glycol in it, there has not been a glycol feed pump to provide makeup to the chilled water system. It seems like it would be advisable to add that to the chilled water system and perhaps interconnect it with an alarm to be connected to the building automation system so that operators would have notice of issues with that system. Another possible solution would be that instead of replacing the chiller and chilled water coil, it might be possible to use a condensing unit and replace the chilled water coil in the AC Unit with an evaporator coil. This would likely be a less expensive option to pursue, and would eliminate the chance of freezing up the cooling coils in the future.
a. The Government has reviewed the suggestions. Offerors shall propose a solution meeting the requirements in the SOW. Both Solution A and Solution B are acceptable if they meet the performance thresholds listed.
i. Solution A. Glycol feed pump option would only be used if it is a water-cooled chiller. Would be sized to 20 tons. No requirement to being interconnected to the alarms.
ii. Solution B. Condensing unit + evaporator coil: Condensing units would be 40-ton capacity, and the evaporator would be 20-ton capacity. This would allow for true redundancy.
iii. Section L-1, 4e) Technical Approach is updated to state: The Government will accept either of the following approaches, provided all minimum specifications are met:
1. Solution A: Replacement of the chiller and chilled water coil with the addition of a glycol feed pump and integration with the building automation system; or
2. Solution B: Use of a condensing unit and replacement of the chilled water coil with an evaporator coil.
Offerors may propose either solution, but the proposal must clearly demonstrate that the chosen approach meets all mandatory performance requirements. No additional credit will be given for exceeding minimum requirements. Basis for award remains lowest price technically acceptable.
File details come from the government source that posted it. Updated .