Lighting Renovation for USDA ARS in Ames, IA (Amended)

The Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service seeks quotations for a lighting renovation at its National Centers for Animal Health facility in Ames, Iowa, with quotations due August 24, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Central Time. This is a Total Small Business Set-Aside under RFQ 1232SA26Q0962, and the solicitation has been amended once, with acknowledgment of Amendment 0001 required on quote submission. Questions are due August 3, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Central Time.

Place of performance is Ames, Iowa. The work involves complete removal and upgrading of the existing Wattstopper lighting system in the approximately 103,843 gross square foot Low Containment Large Animal Facility, integration into the Johnson Controls Inc. Metasys Building Automation System, and commissioning of the newly installed system. The facility houses operations for the ARS National Animal Disease Center, the National Veterinary Services Laboratories, and the Center for Veterinary Biologics. Work must be phased to maintain partial facility operations, with only one suite under construction at a time and each suite 100% completed and inspected before moving to the next. The estimated construction value is between $1.7 million and $2.3 million, with a not-to-exceed period of performance of 365 days after Notice to Proceed.

The NAICS code is 238210, Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors, with a small business size standard of $19.0 million. A mandatory site visit on July 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Central Time is required for award consideration. Attendance at a mandatory site visit is required to be considered for award. A bid bond is required with the quote. Performance and payment bonds are required after award, with a payment bond or irrevocable letter of credit due within 10 calendar days after award and approved before Notice to Proceed is issued. This acquisition is subject to prevailing wage requirements under Department of Labor General Decision No. IA20260074 (effective May 18, 2026), with hourly rates ranging from $16.06 to $56.30 plus fringe benefits. The work must comply with Davis-Bacon wage requirements, OSHA standards (job superintendent must hold 30 hours OSHA certification as a competent person; all employees must have minimum 10 hours), and 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Energy Conservation Code, and 2023 National Electrical Code standards.

Evaluation follows FAR 12.203 using a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable approach based on three factors: Technical (demonstrating knowledge of similar lighting renovation projects within the past five years, specific technical and management approach, country of origin for lighting products, and mandatory site visit attendance); Past Performance (rated as Acceptable, Neutral, or Unacceptable); and Price (evaluated for fairness and reasonableness). A standard one-year warranty per FAR 52.246.21 is required. Quotes should be submitted electronically to Michael.Sherlock@usda.gov. Offers are held firm for 60 calendar days.