Chiller Replacement at US Salinity Laboratory (USSL) (Riverside, CA)

The United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service requires comprehensive chiller replacement services at the U.S. Salinity Laboratory in Riverside, California, involving the disconnection and removal of existing evaporative coolers, chillers, cooling towers, and pumps, followed by installation of two new air-cooled chillers and related equipment including new electrical breakers and building automation system integration. The procurement encompasses mechanical, electrical, and structural work requiring specialized expertise in cooling and HVAC systems, with contractors needing to demonstrate relevant experience with similar projects completed within the past five years. The government will evaluate proposals using the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) method, assessing technical capability, past performance, and pricing. A mandatory site visit was conducted on June 11, 2025, with 49 companies in attendance, and the proposal submission deadline was extended to July 16, 2025, at 3:00 PM Eastern Time. Questions were required to be submitted by June 18, 2025, with comprehensive answers provided addressing 102 technical inquiries about project specifications and requirements.

This solicitation is designated as a Total Small Business set-aside with no incumbent contractors identified in the documentation. The project value is estimated between $500,000 and $1,000,000, reflecting the substantial scope of mechanical system replacement and infrastructure modifications required. The contract includes a 230-calendar day performance period following notice to proceed, with work restricted to standard business hours (7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday) at the federal facility. The project involves installing two new 132-ton air-cooled chillers to replace a single 200-ton unit, along with a 700-gallon buffer tank and comprehensive electrical system upgrades including new circuit breakers and building automation system integration. Performance will occur at the USDA Agricultural Research Service U.S. Salinity Laboratory located at 450 W Big Springs Road, Riverside, California 92507, requiring contractors to work within an active federal research facility environment.