Atch 1_ SOW_blowdown drain pipe repair.docx

12639526Q0031, Attachment 1 Statement of Work U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Marketing Service, Cotton and Tobacco Program Boiler Blowdown Drainpipe Repair Corpus Christi Classing Office Corpus Christi, Texas

I. Background:

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), Cotton and Tobacco Program (CTP), Grading Division, plays a critical role in supporting the efficient marketing of U.S. cotton by providing unbiased, science‑based fiber classification services. Using High Volume Instruments (HVI), the program electronically evaluates millions of cotton samples each year, supplying the domestic and international cotton industries with accurate, real‑time data essential for pricing, marketing, and quality assurance. To ensure the integrity of these measurements, AMS operates specialized laboratories that must maintain tightly controlled environmental conditions, supported by extensive industrial‑grade mechanical, electrical, and data‑handling systems.

Each AMS classing office—including the Corpus Christi facility—relies on a complex infrastructure of air‑handling equipment, vacuum systems, conveyor systems, and rapid conditioning units to prepare, transport, and test cotton samples efficiently. These systems enable the precise control of temperature, humidity, and sample moisture content required for reliable HVI testing. The Corpus Christi Classing Office alone operates 18 HVI machines, 6 Cotton Grader Terminals, multiple computer workstations, and a dedicated data‑transmission environment that feeds classification results directly into AMS mainframe systems for immediate distribution to stakeholders nationwide.

As the global leader in HVI testing, the Cotton & Tobacco Program classifies virtually every bale of cotton grown in the United States—approximately 15 to 18 million samples annually. The scale and importance of this mission demand high levels of operational reliability, speed, and accuracy across all laboratory systems. This Statement of Work outlines the background, requirements, and operational context necessary to support these mission‑critical functions and ensure the continued delivery of trusted, world‑class cotton classification services.

II. Purpose:

The USDA Corpus Christi Cotton Classing Office requires repair and replacement of the boiler blowdown drainpipe located beneath the concrete floor of the facility’s mechanical room. The existing drain line has failed and no longer provides reliable drainage for boiler blowdown operations. This project will restore safe, code‑compliant drainage and prevent further water intrusion or structural damage.

III. Scope of Work

The contractor shall provide all labor, materials, equipment, tools, supervision, and incidentals necessary to complete the repair of the sub‑floor boiler blowdown drainpipe. Work includes, but is not limited to, the following tasks:

Pre‑Work Activities

· Conduct a site visit to verify existing conditions.

· Coordinate work schedule with USDA facility management to minimize operational disruption.

· Identify and mark all utilities in the work area.

· Implement safety measures and establish a controlled work zone.

Demolition and Access

· Saw‑cut and remove the required section of concrete floor in the mechanical room to expose the failed drainpipe.

· Excavate sub‑grade material as needed to access the full length of the damaged pipe.

· Protect adjacent equipment, piping, and electrical systems from dust, debris, and vibration.

Drainpipe Removal

· Remove the existing damaged or corroded blowdown drainpipe.

· Properly dispose of all debris in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations.

Installation of New Drainpipe

· Install new piping suitable for high‑temperature boiler blowdown discharge (e.g., Schedule 80 steel, copper, or other approved material).

· Ensure proper slope, alignment, and secure connections to existing upstream and downstream piping.

· Install new fittings, unions, supports, and anchors as required.

· Provide thermal protection or insulation if required by code or USDA specifications.

Testing and Verification

· Perform leak testing and functional flow testing of the new drain line.

· Verify proper drainage from the boiler blowdown system to the designated termination point.

· Correct any deficiencies prior to concrete restoration.

Concrete Floor Restoration

· Backfill and compact sub‑grade material to original condition.

· Install vapor barrier if one existed previously.

· Pour and finish new concrete slab section to match existing floor thickness, elevation, and surface finish.

· Allow proper curing time before equipment is returned to service.

Site Cleanup and Restoration

· Remove all construction debris, dust, and waste materials.

· Restore the mechanical room to clean, operational condition.

· Ensure all systems impacted by the work are fully functional.

Deliverables

· Completed and tested boiler blowdown drainpipe installation.

· Concrete floor restored to original condition.

· As‑built documentation showing pipe routing and materials used.

· Warranty information for materials and workmanship.

Contractor Requirements

· Must comply with all OSHA safety standards.

· Must follow USDA facility access and security protocols.

· Must provide qualified personnel experienced in boiler system piping and concrete demolition/repair.

· Must maintain a clean and safe work environment at all times.

Work Schedule

· Work shall be performed during normal business hours unless otherwise approved.

· Contractor shall provide a proposed schedule including demolition, installation, testing, and curing time.

· All work must be coordinated to minimize downtime of the boiler system.

Acceptance Criteria

· The USDA will consider the project complete when:

· The new drainpipe passes all functional and leak tests.

· Concrete floor is restored and fully cured.

· The mechanical room is clean and free of construction debris.

· All documentation has been submitted and approved.

Additional Notes

· Contractor is responsible for verifying all measurements and conditions prior to starting work.

· Any unforeseen conditions must be reported immediately to USDA for direction before proceeding.

· No substitutions of materials or methods may be made without prior USDA approval.