Cooling Tower Drive Train Replacement

The Department of Energy's Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility is seeking a qualified contractor to replace the entire drive train on its cooling tower cells, with a specific focus on Baltimore Aircoil Company (BAC) manufactured cooling towers equipped with Baltidrive PowerTrains. The project requires comprehensive replacement of critical components including fan shaft, bearings, sheaves, bushings, belt, and motor, with all replacement parts needing to be factory-provided and matching previously removed components. Contractors interested in competing must have demonstrated experience with partial disassembly, reassembly, and replacement of cooling tower motor drivetrains. Potential vendors are required to register on the Jefferson Lab Solicitation Bulletin Board at https://misportal.jlab.org/ul/bus_ops/ to express interest and be considered for the opportunity. While specific evaluation criteria are not explicitly detailed, the notice suggests technical expertise and specialized experience with BAC cooling tower systems will be key considerations.

The pre-solicitation notice indicates no specific set-aside designations, meaning the contract is open to all qualified contractors within the Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors (NAICS 238220) category. The estimated project budget ranges between $100,000 and $500,000, with a planned solicitation posting in May 2025 and anticipated subcontract award in June 2025. The project timeline appears relatively compact, with proposals due by May 20, 2025, and interested firms can contact Carolyn Stepney at stepney@jlab.org for additional information. While the exact quantity of cooling tower cells requiring drive train replacement is not specified, the notice suggests a comprehensive replacement effort across multiple tower cells at the nuclear physics research facility located in Newport News, Virginia. Potential contractors should be prepared to not only replace components but also inspect mechanical supports for defects and verify proper operation and fan rotation after installation.