Replacement of Cooling Tower Base

This Request for Proposal (RFP) (Solicitation Number 1232SA26Q0642) is issued by the USDA ARS Acquisition and Property D for the replacement of a cooling tower base at the U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory in Fort Pierce, FL. This acquisition is a Total Small Business Set-Aside, with NAICS code 238190 and a $19M size standard. Prospective offerors must be actively registered with the System for Award Management (SAM). The contractor is required to begin performance within 10 calendar days of receiving notice to proceed and complete the project within 120 calendar days. The solicitation outlines numerous FAR and AGAR clauses, including those related to commercial construction, contractor employee conduct, progress payments, and special requirements for work management, materials, utility interruptions, OSHA compliance, and final inspection procedures. Key attachments include a Scope of Work, Specifications, and Wage Determination. Payments for stored materials are subject to specific conditions and Contracting Officer approval.

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking a contractor for the replacement of a deteriorated cooling tower structural steel frame at the U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory in Fort Pierce, FL. The project, detailed in this Scope of Work, requires a turnkey bid covering all labor, materials, equipment, permitting, disposal, testing, startup, warranty, and documentation. The existing frame has corroded due to moisture and environmental conditions, necessitating replacement to restore structural integrity and ensure safe operation. The contractor's tasks include pre-construction activities such as site walkthroughs and safety plan submission, removal of the existing base, installation of a new ASTM A36 structural steel base with corrosion-resistant coatings, and final testing and commissioning. Deliverables include a project schedule, safety plan, material submittals, removal completion notice, steel frame inspection report, commissioning report, as-built drawings, and warranty documents. The work must minimize disruption to facility operations, adhere to OSHA standards, and be completed during regular weekday hours.

This government solicitation outlines the specifications for replacing a cooling tower base at the U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory (USHRL) in Fort Pierce, Florida. The contractor is responsible for providing all labor, materials, equipment, and services necessary to remove and replace the existing structural steel frame of the cooling tower. Key deliverables include a project schedule, safety plan, submittals for materials, removal completion notice, steel frame inspection report, commissioning report, as-built drawings, and warranty documents, each with specific due dates. The project emphasizes compliance with OSHA, ARS standards, and FAR requirements. Earl Taylor is the designated point of contact for delivery.

This government file, General Decision Number FL20260228, outlines prevailing wage rates and fringe benefits for various building construction trades in St. Lucie County, Florida, effective January 2, 2026. It covers roles such as Asbestos Workers, Electricians, Crane Operators, Ironworkers, Plumbers, and Carpenters, providing specific hourly rates and fringe amounts. The document also includes important information regarding Executive Order (EO) 13706, which mandates paid sick leave for federal contractors, and EO 13658, setting minimum wage requirements for certain contracts. It details the process for adding unlisted job classifications and explains the identifiers used for union, weighted union average, and survey-based wage rates. Finally, it provides a comprehensive appeals process for challenging wage determinations, outlining the steps from initial decision to review by the Administrative Review Board.

This document outlines mandatory site visit and question submission procedures for solicitation 1232SA26Q0642. The site visit, critical for all contractors, is scheduled for June 3rd, 2026, at 10:00 AM local time at the United States Horticultural Research Laboratory in Fort Pierce, FL. Attendees must register by June 2nd, 2026, by emailing kelly.wright@usda.gov and dave.wood@usda.gov with the subject “1232SA26Q0642 Site Visit Registration,” including names and company information. Prime contractors can send proxy subcontractors, who must clearly identify the prime they represent. All questions must be submitted via email to kelly.wright@usda.gov by June 5th, 2026, at 10:00 AM Central Time, with the solicitation name and number in the subject line. A valid government-issued ID is required for site entry.