A05_PWS_Purchasing_NWHC_Chillers_-_28FEB2025.docx

United States Geological Survey National Wildlife Health Center TIB Chiller Replacement Project Commercial Purchase/Commercial Installation – Performance Work Statement

BACKGROUND

The Department of the Interior (DOI), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC), 6006 Schroeder Road, Madison, WI requires new air-cooled chillers to serve the Tight Isolation Building, including commercial purchase of two (2) chillers and commercial installation of the chiller system, including installation of new chillers, connection to existing controls, commissioning, testing, and balancing of the chilled water system.

The NWHC was established in 1975 to serve the nation and its natural resources by providing sound science and technical support to address wildlife disease, and to disseminate information to promote science-based decisions affecting wildlife health and public safety. In 1996, the NWHC, along with other Department of Interior research functions, was transferred to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), where it remains one of the entities that provides independent science to inform management of the Nation’s natural resources. The USGS NWHC personnel study emerging and resurging wildlife diseases, including zoonotic diseases that collectively impact public safety, recreation, and the Nation’s economy. The Center is located on 24 acres and maintains offices and high-security disease laboratories, which are located in the Main Building (MB) and the Tight Isolation Building (TIB) (Fig. 1).

The existing chiller systems in the TIB have exceeded their useful life and are no longer serviceable. As a replacement chiller system is expected to take up to 30 weeks to procure from date of order to delivery, the TIB is currently using a temporary mobile chiller system with two (2) 170-ton chillers and their respective support services, to support the NWHC mission. The two (2) rented chillers provide redundant cooling capacity as the main chilling system for the TIB. The incumbent contract for the hot weather period from April to November 2025 is being provided under Contract 140G0224C0013 with U.S. VET GENERAL CONTRACTING, LLC. Publicly available information pertaining to Contract 140G0224C0013 is available from the Federal Procurement Data System at link: https://www.fpds.gov/ezsearch/fpdsportal?indexName=awardfull&templateName=1.5.3&s=FPDS.GOV&q=140G0224C0013+&x=17&y=14.

The existing facility (TIB) Building Automation System (BAS) is a JCI Metasys system (Version 10) and is utilized to run the chiller system. All systems provided by the contractor shall be compatible with JCI systems. Contractor shall provide technicians factory trained and certified in the installation and programming of JCI Metasys BAS to fully integrate the new chillers into the existing JCI Metasys system.

This requirement is for the commercial purchase of two (2) chillers, to be placed in tandem on an existing concrete/asphalt surface; and for commercial installation of the chiller system, including installation of new chillers, connection to existing BMS and controls, commissioning, testing, and balancing of the chilled water system. The new chiller system is to provide cooled, conditioned air to the TIB for the hot weather months beginning in April 2026.

SCOPE

Contractor services, non-personal, to provide all plant equipment, labor, travel, supervision, and materials (unless otherwise provided herein) necessary for purchasing, installing, and commissioning a chiller system with built-in back-up capacity and redundancy, and project area clean-up.

CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS

The contractor shall perform the following tasks to the quality and time standards described below. The chiller system shall be installed and fully operational to the below-stated quality and time standards by not later than 04/15/2026.

TASK 1. COMMERCIAL PURCHASE

A. Provide two (2) new 170-ton air-cooled chillers.

Brand Name or Equivalent: Trane RTAF Air-Cooled Screw Chillers

1. Chillers shall meet the following required physical standards:

a. Dimensions of each chiller shall not exceed 280 inches long X 90 inches wide

b. Each chiller shall include a steel leveling frame to allow placement onto an existing concrete/asphalt surface.

c. Each steel leveling frame must support the full operating weight of each chiller.

d. Each steel leveling frame must include four (4) leveling feet, one at each corner, with an adjustable range of up to 18 inches.

e. Each steel leveling frame must include mounting points for chiller attachment.

2. Chillers shall meet the following required performance standards:

a. 170 nominal cooling tons each

b. Ambient temperature operating Range: 32°F to 105°F

c. Unit sound ratings, as tested in accordance with AHRI 370, ISO 3744 and ISO 9614

· Sound pressure at 100% operation: less than 72 dBA

· Sound pressure at 75% operation: less than 67 dBA

· Sound pressure at 50% operation: less than 65 dBA

d. Flow rate design/min 382 gpm/187 gpm. Fluid pressure drop range: 26 ft H2O – 6.41 ft H2O.

e. Design leaving fluid temperature at 42±2°F to provide chilled water to four (4) air-handling units that condition the air (single-pass/non-recirculating) for approximately 30,000 sf of laboratory space.

f. Chiller refrigerant shall be either R513A, R514A, R452B or R454B.

TASK 2. INSTALL COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

1) Chillers shall be installed and set up per manufacturer’s guidelines and instructions. Include all framing/securing/leveling/weight-distribution structures, refrigerant charging, vibration isolation, piping, pumps, and electrical connections per manufacturer’s recommendations and trade industry standards.

2) The contractor shall mobilize, deliver, and install the chiller system such that it is fully operational not later than 4/15/2026.

3) The contractor shall complete the following pre-installation tasks.

a) The contractor shall inspect and ensure that the site for chiller placement (Fig. 2) can support the live loads of the chiller system.

b) No excavations of the ground or modification to the facilities will be allowed outside of contract and without prior approval from the government.

c) The contractor shall ensure that available, government-provided chiller connections (e.g., circulating water and electrical), required for the support of the TIB chiller system, are compatible with the chillers to be installed.

1. Government-provided chilled water connections include supply and return 6-inch steel piping that extends and penetrates through side of building with Victaulic couplings for attachment to 6-inch supply and return hoses from the chiller system. Government-provided chiller piping connections incorporate valves such that piping to the chillers can be valved open or closed.

2. Building electrical system includes a government-provided 500 Amp breaker at 460 Volts 3-phase, installed in the panel, to power the chiller system.

3. Building electrical system additionally includes a 110 Volt tie-in for manufacturer-required functions such as compressor oil heaters, etc.

d) Contractor shall provide a means to distribute load at each chiller-frame leveling foot across the concrete/asphalt surface to prevent leveling feet from damaging surface.

e) The contractor shall provide all flexible water hoses or piping, electrical cables, pigtails, flange adapters, and couplings necessary to connect the chiller system to the government-provided chiller connections (for circulating water, electrical, and control cabling).

f) The contractor shall take all the necessary safety precautions related to the set-up of the chillers. See OSHA standard 29 CFR 1926 for guidance.

1. Shall confirm shut down and deenergizing of existing and systems prior to install.

2. Shall install, where necessary, any signage, fencing, or barriers needed for safety prior to energizing the systems.

3. Any installation of jersey barriers shall be coordinated through and approved by the CO and FM.

4) The contractor shall commission the chiller system, according to manufacturer guidelines, by not later than 4/15/26.

a) The contractor shall provide two (2) 170-ton chillers (Fig. 3) and associated pumps, electrical cables and connection boxes, and flexible water hose or piping (Fig. 4).

1. Chiller systems shall be located at a predetermined location to be approved by the government and the contractor (Fig. 2).

2. Chiller systems shall utilize adapted connections in the TIB, provided by the government, for the use of existing electrical (Fig. 5), piping (Fig. 6), and air-handling units.

3. The contractor shall utilize the existing penetration in the wall of the TIB (Fig. 7) mechanical room to make electrical connections.

4. The contractor shall utilize existing piping on the exterior of the TIB with Victaulic couplings to make connections between the chillers and the air-handling units (Fig. 6).

5. Chiller systems shall be integrated with the existing building automation system (BAS) to result in a complete and operating system that cycles appropriately and that provides chilled water at 42±2°F to four (4) air handling units that condition the air for approximately 30,000 sf of space. All system control, system alarm, and system status variables necessary for monitoring chiller performance shall be reported to identified government representatives in real time by the BAS. The contractor shall provide possible solutions to correct any issues. Any solutions to repairing the issues shall be approved by the government prior to the contractor completing the repair.

6. Chiller systems shall further be integrated with the existing BAS to result in a complete and operating system, including wiring, programming, commissioning, integration, and graphics, that can be monitored and sent commands using the existing Metasys system interface, and that sends automated alarms by text message and email to identified government representatives. Any additional controls required to meet existing control sequences shall be furnished under this contract. New chillers shall operate according to existing BAS sequences.

7. Install all controls. Locate and install all devices such that existing chiller control sequencing shall function on new units. Verify proper reading of all sensors and operation of control devices on Metasys system. Modify control sequences and parameters as needed to optimize control of new system. Ensure no overrides are present and that system controls are fully functional. Revise Metasys graphics to reflect any changes to system layout.

8. The contractor shall ensure that the chiller system provides redundant cooling capacity through provision of two (2) 170-ton chillers and water pumping systems. Each 170-ton chiller shall be able to provide full cooling capacity to the TIB while running individually, with the other chiller available as a backup. If one chiller unit fails, the system should automatically switch to the other chiller unit without the need to manually open or close valves.

9. Provide water balancing of system and verify new chiller units have manufacturer-specified water flow. Provide a report documenting all unit data after balancing is complete, including motor amps, chilled water flow for each chiller, and balancing valve positions at flow.

10. Perform minimum 4 hours training for chiller, controls, and ancillary equipment. Training shall be documented and said documents will be provided as a final deliverable.

11. Provide minimum 4 hours training for conducting seasonal chiller maintenance and operational tasks, including cleaning strainers, cleaning condensers, winterizing chillers, and recommissioning chillers in the springtime. Training shall be documented and said documents will be provided as a final deliverable.

12. Submit, in .pdf format, as closeout deliverables, closeout documents, operations and maintenance manual, record/report documents, and warranties.

13. Provision of chillers and their installation shall comply with local, International, State, and Federal Laws & Regulations. Failure to comply with these standards does not alleviate the contractor from any issues that can arise from public injuries, equipment destruction (owned and rented), and any potential costs associated to litigation. Cost shall not transfer to the government.

General notes: The latest National Electrical Codes, International Mechanical Codes (IMC), and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards shall be used to define installation and good/usable condition respectively. Anything determined to be noncompliant shall be brought to the attention of the CO and FM and then replaced. Contractor shall provide written report showing completion of tasks related to system restoration as a deliverable. Report can be in an email form sent to CO, and FM.

TASK 2. QUALITY STANDARDS

1) Chiller systems shall be integrated with the existing building automation system (BAS) to result in a complete and operating system with redundant cooling capacity that cycles appropriately and that provides chilled water at 42±2°F to four (4) air handling units that condition the air for approximately 30,000 sf of space.

2) Chiller systems shall be integrated with the existing BAS to result in a complete and operating system with redundant cooling capacity that can be monitored and sent commands by remote computer interface, and that sends automated alarms by text message and email to identified government representatives.

3) Johnson Controls International (JCI) is the manufacturer of the government BAS (JCI Metasys system Version 10) and associated controller systems that are utilized to run the chiller system. Contractor shall provide technicians factory trained and certified in the installation and programming of JCI Metasys BAS to set up and integrate the controller systems for the chillers. All systems run by the controllers shall be compatible with JCI systems.

4) The USGS SR, COR and/or FM shall perform final inspection and acceptance with the project contractor upon completion of job performance.

5) All materials and workmanship shall be subject to inspection and approval from USGS CO or FM. All work shall be plumb and level according to design. All work unsatisfactorily performed shall be promptly corrected and made acceptable to the Government at no extra cost.

6) Verify and provide documentation that the circulation water is properly filtered for particulates per manufacturer’s specifications.

7) Contractor shall perform factory startup of chiller and associated systems. Personnel performing the startup shall be factory trained in startup of chiller systems by the chiller vendor. Provide a startup report to be included as part of the final deliverables.

8) Provide tests and balance. The test report shall provide all information requested as specified. Participate in commissioning efforts. Execute all inspections, meetings, narrative, etc.

Deliverables:

ii. Equipment cutsheets showing all installed product model numbers

iii. Equipment Operation and Maintenance Manuals

iv. As-built final contract drawings

v. Certification of Owner Training

vi. Chiller system startup report

vii. Manufacturer Product Guarantee and Warranty

viii. Final Release-of-Claims document

ix. Bi-laterally approved and signed Punchlist.

TASK 3. TIME STANDARDS

1) The contractor shall identify the lead time necessary to procure the chillers to ensure timely installation and commissioning of the redundant chiller system.

2) The redundant chiller system shall be installed and fully operational not later than 4/15/2026.

Hours of Operation All work conducted on-site shall be coordinated through FM. A USGS authorized site representative (SR) may also be onsite during certain times of the week. If site assistance is needed, the SR contractor can be contacted. Note: SR contractors are acting under the authority of a USGS contract and are not allowed to authorize funding or contract changes without written authority of the USGS FM or CO. All project work shall occur between the hours of 7:00 AM and 5:30 PM during a standard work week. The contractor shall not work Saturdays, Sundays, Federal holidays, or non-normal working hours, unless otherwise authorized, in writing, by the CO.

Organization at the site:

1. Contractor shall coordinate with USGS FM on any required service outages a minimum of 3 business days advance.

2. Contractor shall take all necessary precautions to prevent fires or injury to the public, building occupant(s), or damage to property during the performance of this contract. All hot work will require review by FM and shall include a written plan for fire watch.

3. Smoking will not be permitted at the site. Any smoking-related negligence resulting in damages to the site or its surrounding areas, to include any resulting litigation, will become the sole responsibility of the contractor.

4. Contractor shall thoroughly clean the chiller staging area at the end of working day to ensure that any visitors or employees of the site are not exposed to any unsafe conditions. Any additional steps required to ensure safety during and after the daily workday shall be the responsibility of the contractor.

a. All project debris and rubbish removed from the site shall be disposed of properly according to local, state, and federal guidelines.

5. The contractor shall be responsible, at all times, for the supervision and control of the employees that may be assigned to render services under the contract. Fully qualified work personnel shall be available for work at the project’s beginning and shall be maintained throughout the period of performance. At all times, the work under this contract shall be carried out in such a way that there is minimum interference with Government activities.

6. Site access instructions shall be provided to the contractor.

a. Any unusual activity or persons shall be brought to the attention of the site representatives and/or the FM. The contractor shall not address or confront the unusual activity or persons directly.

7. If damage is determined to be the responsibility of the contractor’s negligence, the damage will become the sole responsibility of the contractor, both in cost and/or litigation.

8. Limited parking space is available on site. Contractor vehicles shall be limited to only those vehicles established and marked for contractor operations and supervisor use.

9. If required, the USGS FM shall designate temporary storage (laydown) areas where the contractor can store supporting materials and equipment for short-term periods. Storage and security of materials and equipment as required for the performance of the contract is the responsibility of the contractor. The contractor shall be responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the temporary storage area.

10. The contractor shall be responsible for making all arrangements for the receipt of materials and supplies at the job site. Government personnel are not permitted to receive or sign for items delivered to the site.

Pre-, Interim, and Post-Project Meetings Project meetings with the USGS FM, CO, and contractor shall be held to discuss timelines, technical and contract questions, and any concerns regarding the contract as a whole. A kick-off meeting shall be held within 10 business days following the Notice of Award. Interim meeting shall be held as needed, and the post-project meetings shall be held directly after project is concluded but prior to closeout. Dates and times shall be determined by all parties involved. Additional meetings can be scheduled, as deemed necessary, by the contractor and/or USGS officials.

Quality Assurance

1. All materials and workmanship shall be subject to the inspection and approval of the USGS FM or CO. All work unsatisfactorily performed shall be promptly corrected and made acceptable to the Government at no extra cost [See attachment A; Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP)].

2. All tasks shall be completed, and written correspondence (email) sent to FM and CO.

3. The USGS FM shall perform final inspection and acceptance with the contractor upon completion of contract performance.

4. Contractor shall train USGS FM on the operation of the rental chiller system to ensure continual operation and maintenance.

5. Any instructions, specifications, or warranties that shall be needed to manage or maintain the contract’s final product shall be submitted to the USGS FM and CO before submittal of final payment.

Deliverables for this section shall include at a minimum:

· Report showing completion of tasks related to system restoration

· Equipment Operation and Maintenance Manuals

· Certification of Owner Training

Materials The contractor shall furnish all supplies, materials, and equipment necessary for performance and completion of the work included in this contract unless otherwise specified. Materials and supplies to be used shall be locally and commercially available products of reputable manufacturers or suppliers and shall be of a quality that conform to applicable Federal specifications and standards and are acceptable to the designated USGS officials.

Specifications In any case of discrepancy with the contract, the matter shall be immediately submitted to the CO, without whose decision said discrepancy shall not be adjusted by the contractor. Any changes affecting the scope of the work shall originate from and be approved by the CO in writing.

Conditions Affecting the Work It will be the responsibility of the contractor to inspect the site, determine the quantity of work involved, compare the specifications with the work to be done, and inform themselves as to all conditions, including other work, if any, being performed. Failure to do so will in no way relieve the successful contractor from the necessity of furnishing any materials or performing any work that may be required to carry out the contract in accordance with the true intent and meaning of the specifications without additional cost to the Government. The contractor is required to have a CURRENT contractor license issued by the State of contract.

Licenses-Permits The contractor shall, without additional expense to the Government, be responsible for obtaining any necessary licenses or permits and for complying with any Federal, State, and Municipal laws, codes, and regulations in connection with the execution of the work.

Notice to the Government of Delays In the event the contractor encounters difficulty in meeting performance requirements, or when it anticipates difficulty in complying with the contract delivery schedule or date, or whenever the contractor has knowledge that any actual or potential situation is delaying or threatens to delay the timely performance of this contract, the contractor shall immediately notify the CO and FM, in writing, giving pertinent details. These data shall be informational only in character. Notice under this provision shall not be construed as a waiver by the Government of any delivery schedule or date or any rights or remedies provided by law or under this contract.

Indemnity The contractor shall confine all work on Government premises to areas authorized or approved by the CO or FM. The contractor shall save and keep harmless and indemnify the Government against any and all liability claims, and costs of whatsoever kind and nature of injury to or death of any person or persons and for loss or damage to any property (Government or otherwise) occurring in connection with or in any way incident to or arising out of the occupancy, use, service, operations, or performance of work in connection with this contract, resulting in whole or part from the negligent acts or omissions of the contractor.

Figure 1. Tight Isolation Building (TIB) is indicated by arrow.

Figure 2. Proposed location of chillers indicated by blue rectangle.

Figure 3. Trailer-mounted chillers in place for 2024 and 2025 cooling seasons.

Figure 4. Temporary wiring and piping/hoses for existing trailer-mounted chillers.

Figure 5. Electrical connections at panel.

Figure 6. Victaulic flange couplings for cold-water supply and return.

Figure 7. Wall penetration for electrical wires

ATTACHMENT A

QUALITY ASSURANCE SURVEILLANCE PLAN (QASP)

The QASP focuses on key performance measures that are central to the successful completion of this contract. QA will be conducted by the government to ensure compliance. The below matrix establishes the QASP.

Meeting minutes are received and reviewed by FM

1. SELECTION CRITERIA

· Contractor shall be selected based on Best Value in accordance with the FAR 15.101-1 according to the following criteria (in order of decreasing importance):

i. Technical Capabilities: Contractor shall submit a project plan (not to exceed 5 pages) outlining proposed plan for how the work (installation of a chiller system) will be completed. Contractor shall include description of components intended to be used for this project. Contractor shall additionally include plan for integrating chiller system into existing facility tie-ins for electrical, hydronic, and BAS.

The Government will evaluate this factor based on the Contractors proposed outline of work to be performed. Elements must include:

1. Contractor’s description of the chiller system to be purchased and plan for installation.

2. Contractor’s description of the leveling frame attached to each chiller.

3. Contractor’s plan for integrating chiller system into existing tie-ins for electrical, hydronic, and BAS.

4. Proposed schedule of work to be performed.

ii. Key personnel experience: Contractor shall provide a listing of personnel/employees who shall perform the work onsite. Contractor shall additionally provide a listing of proposed subcontractor(s). Listing shall include contractor/subcontractor expertise and experience with installation of chiller systems and programming of JCI Metasys BMS.

The Government will evaluate this factor based on the team who shall be DIRECTLY performing this work on site. MUST include:

1. Details on proposed Contractor/Subcontractor Team, including electrical, mechanical, controls, etc. Controls must demonstrate experience and capability in servicing and programming of JCI Metasys BMS.

2. Submit descriptions of key personnel’s qualifications for Project Manager, Contractors, and Subcontractors.

iii. Past Performance: Contractor shall provide references for a minimum of two (2) projects within the past 5 years involving Contractor and any subcontractors involved in a Teaming Agreement pertinent to installation of a chiller system or other relevant mechanical systems. Projects provided for reference shall be at least $400,000 in dollar value and scope.

The Government will evaluate this factor based on the relevance of the listed projects indicated. Relevant elements include:

1. Installation of outdoor air-cooled chiller systems 100 cooling tons or larger – include name(s) of chiller manufacturer(s).

2. Work performed in federal or state institutions.

3. Past Performance Questionnaire from customer (if available).

iv. Price: Contractor shall submit pricing for the following:

1. Purchase and installation of chiller system as outlined in the PWS image1.jpeg image2.jpg image3.jpg image4.jpg image5.jpg image6.jpg image7.jpg