Relocation and Installation of Two Large Walk-In Freezer/Cooler Units

The Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service is soliciting proposals for the relocation and installation of two large walk-in freezer/cooler units at the Central Crops Research Station in Clayton, North Carolina under solicitation number 1232SA26Q0251. The work involves relocating two existing Polar King refrigeration units (a 16 ft × 40 ft unit weighing approximately 16,000 lbs and an 8 ft × 12 ft unit weighing approximately 6,000 lbs) approximately 100 yards to newly constructed concrete slabs, along with providing all permanent electrical infrastructure in compliance with the National Electrical Code and OSHA standards. Contractors must demonstrate experience with similar electrical and relocation activities through at least two documented references from federal, state, university, or commercial customers within the past five years, and all electrical work must be performed by licensed electricians. Award will be made using a Lowest Priced Technically Acceptable (LPTA) methodology to a single responsible offeror whose proposal is technically acceptable and represents the best value to the Government. Key dates include a March 13, 2026 deadline at 10:00 AM Central Time for technical questions, an optional site visit on March 11, 2026 at 10:00 AM local time, and a final proposal due date of March 18, 2026 at 10:00 AM local time.

This acquisition is designated as a Total Small Business Set-Aside under NAICS code 238220 with a small business size standard of $19 million, meaning only small business concerns are eligible to compete. No incumbent contractor is identified in this solicitation. The contract will be firm-fixed-price with a mandatory 10-calendar-day performance start period following award and a 120-calendar-day completion deadline, with performance and payment bonds required within 10 calendar days after award. Prevailing wage rates established under the Davis-Bacon Act apply to this project, with electricians compensated at $31.07 per hour plus 14.83% fringe benefits according to wage determination NC20260126 for Franklin and Johnston Counties, North Carolina. The work must be completed at the USDA Central Crops Research Station in Clayton, North Carolina, with performance hours limited to Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and offerors must maintain active System for Award Management (SAM) registration at the time of solicitation closing.