WRRC Boiler Upgrades

The Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service seeks construction and installation of three boilers at the Western Regional Research Center, with proposals due September 4, 2026 at 5:00 PM. This procurement is set aside as a Total Small Business contract.

Place of performance is Berkeley, California (800 Buchanan Street, Albany, California 94710). The NAICS code is 238220, Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors; PSC code is J045.

The project encompasses replacement of six existing boilers across three locations (main building basement and attic, service building) with Lochinvar Crest high-efficiency condensing boilers (1,500 MBH input, 1,380 MBH output) and associated heating water pumps and control systems. Work includes demolition, concrete work, plumbing, HVAC systems, and electrical work including medium-voltage cables, transformers, and switchgear. Work sequences are mandatory; the contractor must provide 14 days' advance written notice before any utility outages and maintain system operability by replacing boilers one at a time. Environmental requirements include submission of a site-specific safety plan compliant with OSHA and NFPA standards prior to work commencement, designation of an OSHA-certified competent person on-site, completion of 10-hour OSHA Construction Safety training for all employees and 30-hour training for supervisors, and submission of environmental work design addressing lead-based paint disturbance prior to performance.

Contract magnitude is estimated between $5 million and $10 million. Performance period is 365 consecutive calendar days after Notice to Proceed; work must commence within 10 calendar days. A mandatory site visit is scheduled July 22, 2026 at 10:00 AM PST (registration deadline July 21 at 12:00 PM PST).

Award will be made using Lowest Priced Technically Acceptable methodology. All work must comply with the Buy American Act and utilize USDA BioPreferred Program products to the greatest extent possible. Prevailing wage rates per Davis-Bacon Act apply. Performance and payment bonds are required. Proposals must remain valid for 90 calendar days from the closing date. Amendment 0002, effective August 26, removed line items 0002 and 0003; line item 0001 is now the base bid for Boiler #1, and line item 0004 is Option 1 for Boiler #3.