HVAC Replacement -Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service seeks replacement of HVAC systems at two ranger stations on the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in Washington, with sealed bids due September 15, 2026, at 1700 hours local time. This procurement is a Total Small Business set-aside.

Place of performance includes Darrington, WA (Building 2013, Darrington Ranger Station) for the base scope and North Bend, WA (Building 2031, North Bend Ranger Station) for an option item. The primary work involves removal and disposal of the existing HVAC system in the Darrington IT room, including proper refrigerant evacuation, and installation of two Mitsubishi PKFY-M18NLMU or equivalent wall-mounted units rated at 18,000 Btu/h each, totaling 36,000 Btu/h cooling capacity. The new system must use R-454B or R-32 refrigerant; contractors may propose alternatives demonstrating cost savings or superior performance. Work includes installation of an Energy Recovery Ventilator providing 25–35 CFM of outdoor air with continuous operation and conditioning and dehumidification capability. Contractors must repair and reinstall acoustic ceiling tiles and T-track in affected areas and comply with local building codes and energy efficiency requirements, including ASHRAE standards and NEC standards.

The option item covers removal and replacement of two failed compressors (COM14908 type, 4.25-ton capacity each) in the existing Trane TTA120E30RAA system at North Bend, including filter drier replacement, system flushing, acid testing, and annual maintenance inspection. A five-year manufacturer warranty covers installed compressors on like-for-like replacement at North Bend.

Period of performance runs from September 21, 2026, through January 21, 2027, with work to commence within 7 calendar days of notice to proceed and be completed within 120 calendar days. The contract is firm-fixed-price commercial construction subject to Davis-Bacon Act prevailing wage requirements: Snohomish County rates for Darrington work and King County rates for North Bend work. Performance and payment bonds are required. Contractors must employ licensed electricians and certified HVAC technicians with minimum three years of manufacturer-approved experience. Bids shall be addressed to jacob.pipkin@usda.gov. Award will be made to the responsible bidder offering the lowest reasonable price. The NAICS code is 238220 (Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors); PSC code is J041.