Replace Heat Exchanger, Athens, GA

The Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service seeks replacement of a heat exchanger at the U.S. National Poultry Research Center in Athens, Georgia, with quotations due July 28 by 10:00 AM local time. This is a Total Small Business set-aside, foreclosing competition outside that category.

Place of performance is Athens, GA at 950 College Station Road, Building 1, Room P401. The contractor must replace a failed steam-fired heat exchanger, associated steam trap, valves, piping, and insulation within 90 calendar days of notice to proceed, with work beginning within 10 calendar days of award. Work hours are 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays. The facility operates as a biosafety level (BSL-2, BSL-3, ABSL-3, and BSL-3Ag) animal agricultural research laboratory; contractors must demonstrate extensive knowledge of design and operations within such environments and full understanding of construction types and maintenance methods. The contractor must provide on-site daily work reports and weekly status updates, and guarantee all work for a minimum of one year from final acceptance. All personnel must complete background checks and facility orientation and adhere to strict USDA biosecurity and security access protocols. A Site Specific Safety Plan is due within 14 days of award. Mandatory site visit is July 16 at 9:00 AM; contractors must notify Walt Dennis at walt.dennis@usda.gov by noon July 15. Questions are due July 17 at 10:00 AM to joshua.keadle@usda.gov.

NAICS code is 238220 (Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors), with small business size standard of $19 million. This is a sealed bid, firm-fixed-price acquisition with one award anticipated. Award goes to the lowest priced quote determined technically acceptable. Technical approach must demonstrate understanding of work sequence and execution timelines; corporate experience must include at least three similar projects completed within the last two years with detailed references. Offerors must submit a completed SF 1442, detailed price breakdown, and maintain active SAM registration at closing. Performance and payment bonds are required, with 10 calendar days allowed for bond submittal after award. Davis-Bacon prevailing wage rates apply.