CNF Tree Cooler - Washburn

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service is procuring the replacement of a tree cooler refrigeration system for the Washburn District Office of the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest. The project involves three primary components: demolition of the existing refrigeration system, installation of a new refrigeration system capable of maintaining a constant 33-degree Fahrenheit temperature for storing tree seedlings, and associated electrical work. The new system must serve a 20' x 27' x 9' walk-in cooler and comply with Buy America Act requirements and Department of Energy efficiency standards. The government will evaluate quotes using a best value trade-off approach, considering past performance, experience, and price reasonableness, with contractors required to demonstrate relevant previous work experience. A site visit and pre-quote meeting was held on August 29th at 10:00 AM CT, and quotes were originally due September 21, 2026, though the current due date is listed as September 23, 2025.

This solicitation is set aside for small businesses under the Total Small Business designation with no incumbent contractors identified. The government estimate ranges between $25,000 and $100,000, and if the contract exceeds $35,000, the selected contractor must provide either a payment bond or irrevocable letter of credit for 100% of the contract price within 10 days of award. The project must accommodate storage for up to 400,000 tree seedlings and be completed by January 15, 2026, with a performance period running from September 30, 2025 to January 15, 2026. Work will be performed at 113 East Bayfield Street, Washburn, Wisconsin 54891, though the place of performance is listed as Monico, WI. The contractor must provide the maximum extended warranty offered by the manufacturer and submit detailed specifications including load calculations and equipment specifications for government approval before installation.