RECOVERY - Replacement of Critical Mechanical and Electrical Systems in Main Laboratory at the Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory in Athens, GA.

The contract involves a modification to an existing firm-fixed price agreement with SoCo Contracting Company, Inc., for work at the Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory in Athens, Georgia. The modification, totaling $83,413, includes multiple upgrades and repairs within Building 35, such as replacing a louver, upgrading the fire alarm system to meet current codes, installing electrical connections for a basin heater, relocating a cooler box condenser, moving electrical circuits, and adding joist bridging and bulkhead in the laboratory. Additionally, modifications will be made to convert room 25 into an office with air handling adjustments and the installation of a variable air volume (VAV) system in room 4. This contract modification is executed under a sole-source basis in accordance with relevant federal regulations under the Small Business Act, specifically Section 8(a), which supports small business participation. The additional services fall within the scope of the original contract, identified as Contract No. AG-3K15-C-10-0024. The work is being managed by the USDA Agricultural Research Service and reflects ongoing maintenance and improvement efforts to critical mechanical and electrical systems at the laboratory, ensuring compliance and functionality of key facility infrastructure.