Building 154 Cooling Tower Media Replacement

This solicitation, numbered 1232SA26R0048, is a combined synopsis and solicitation for the replacement of cooling tower media at Building 154 in Ames, Iowa, under the USDA ARS AFM APD agency, and is issued as a Request for Proposal in accordance with FAR Part 12 for commercial items. The acquisition is strictly set aside for total small business concerns under NAICS code 236220, with a size standard of $45.0 million, and all responsible small business sources may submit quotations. The contract requires the contractor to furnish all labor, materials, equipment, and incidentals to demolish and replace PVC fill material and associated components across six two-cell cooling towers, including repair of FRP inner fan cylinders and completion of mechanical preventative maintenance. Work must commence within ten calendar days of notice to proceed and be fully completed, including site cleanup, within 180 calendar days. The project demands strict adherence to manufacturer guarantees for thermal performance, CTI certification, Factory Mutual approvals, and all applicable federal, state, and local building codes, with inspection and acceptance governed by FAR 52.246-12. Proposals must include detailed submittals within ten days of award, including Safety, Quality Control, Construction Plans, and Construction Schedule, and must comply with extensive security protocols tied to USDA, ARS, and APHIS policies, including PIV requirements and access restrictions to non-project facilities. All offers must be submitted electronically to Erin Riffey at Erin.Riffey@usda.gov by July 30, 2026, at 6:00 PM ET, with the solicitation number included in the subject line, and must remain firm for 90 days after the closing date. The evaluation process follows a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) methodology, where only the lowest-priced offer that meets the mandatory technical and past performance acceptability thresholds will be considered for award. The contract includes numerous FAR and agency-specific clauses related to labor standards, whistleblower protections, anti-trafficking, accelerated payments to small business subcontractors, and compliance with Buy American provisions, along with a mandatory DEI certification restricting any programs that violate federal anti-discrimination laws. Payment will be processed by USDA ARS Acquisition and Property D in Beltsville, Maryland, with progress payments allowed monthly or more frequently upon request and subject to detailed documentation requirements. The estimated contract value ranges between $