Walk-in Freezer Repair at Sandusky Fisheries Station

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), specifically the Division of Wildlife, is seeking contractors to perform walk-in freezer repair at the Sandusky Fisheries Research Station located in Erie County, Ohio. The procurement involves comprehensive replacement of existing freezer components, including demolition and disposal of current evaporator and condenser equipment, and installation of new Heatcraft or equivalent evaporator and condensing units. Key deliverables include copper refrigeration piping, condensate drain installation, temperature control system, and power wiring, with additional requirements for refrigerant recovery per Clean Air Act standards. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder based on the total lot price, with optional site visits available by appointment from March 10 through March 21, 2025, coordinated through Station Supervisor Eric Weimer. Proposals are due by March 26, 2025, with a one-year warranty on labor and standard manufacturer's warranty on parts. Contractors must submit invoices to Ohio Shared Services and ensure all deliverables are provided F.O.B. Destination/Pre-Paid/Allowed.

The procurement encourages participation from Ohio-certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and Encouraging Diversity, Growth and Equity (EDGE) businesses. Contractors must complete an Affirmation and Disclosure Form affirming that services will be performed within the United States, with immediate notification required for any potential location changes. All bidding organizations must be registered with the Ohio Secretary of State and comply with Ohio ethics laws and independent contractor regulations. Contractors are required to maintain proper business qualifications, licenses, and carry commercial general liability insurance of at least $1 million per occurrence. The state is tax-exempt, and contractors are prohibited from performing services outside the United States or in Russia without obtaining a specific waiver. While no specific budget range is provided in the documents, the contract appears to be for a targeted repair and replacement project at the fisheries station. Interested contractors must also complete an OPERS Independent Contractor Form to formally acknowledge their service classification.