Boilers, Chillers, and Rooftop HVAC System Replacements and Upgrades

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is conducting a pre-solicitation market research effort for the replacement and upgrade of heating and cooling systems at the Hollings Marine Laboratory (HML) in Charleston, South Carolina. The procurement seeks qualified contractors to replace three aging cast-iron hydronic boilers, three air-cooled chillers, associated pump systems, Variable Speed Drives (VSDs), and one rooftop HVAC unit serving critical laboratory spaces. Key requirements include providing all labor, materials, equipment, and services necessary for removal, installation, commissioning, and training; compliance with ASHRAE, OSHA, NFPA, IMC, NEC, EPA, and South Carolina regulatory standards; utilization of low-GWP refrigerants compliant with EPA AIM Act requirements; and design specifications suitable for coastal salt-air environments. While the pre-solicitation notice does not explicitly detail evaluation criteria, contractors will be assessed on their demonstrated capability to provide required supplies and warranty requirements, as well as any relevant Government Wide Acquisition Vehicle contracts. The deadline for sources sought responses is February 13, 2026, at 12:00 PM EST, with a formal solicitation anticipated to follow this market research phase.

This opportunity is designated as a Total Small Business set-aside, limiting competition to firms meeting the applicable small business size standard of 1,250 employees under NAICS code 333415. No incumbent contractor or current contract award value information is disclosed in the pre-solicitation materials. The contract will be structured as a single firm fixed-price award with a 120-calendar-day period of performance from the date of award, requiring onsite work to be performed Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. only. Key project milestones include a contractor kickoff meeting within 10 days of award, submission of an integrated installation schedule within 15 days, and delivery of an installation submittal package within 30 days. Final government acceptance is contingent upon successful commissioning, delivery of operation and maintenance manuals, completion of contractor training, and provision of manufacturer warranties with a minimum one-year term.