Base+1 Turbine Maintenance Plan - Ames IA
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is seeking proposals for a Turbine Maintenance Plan for a Solar Turbines Taurus 3500 kw natural gas turbine and related equipment at its facility in Ames, Iowa. This is an unrestricted acquisition for OEM authorized service and maintenance. Quotations are due by March 25, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
The contractor will provide OEM authorized service and maintenance, including:
- Condition Assessment Visits: At least one per 12-month period.
- Scheduled Maintenance Inspections: Including 4,000-hour (Level A) and 8,000-hour (Level B) services, providing consumable parts (excluding air filters/lube liquids), labor, and travel. Parts must be shipped 2 weeks in advance.
- Emergency Response: Within 2 hours for warranty claims.
- Non-Emergency Visits: As directed by the Prime Contractor Representative at no additional cost.
- Reporting: Site visit reports (within 2 business days), formal reports on services (engine condition, lube oil, vibration analysis), semi-annual operation and maintenance reports, and condition assessment reports.
- Scheduling: All work, including shutdowns, requires 2 weeks' notice and must minimize impact on the June 15th to September 15th electrical peak season.
- Compliance: Adherence to federal and state health, safety, and security laws.
- Parts: Only OEM authorized parts must be used.
Contract & Timeline
- Type: Firm-Fixed-Price Purchase Order (Request for Quotation - RFQ 1232SA26Q0262)
- Duration: One (1) 12-month base year (April 1, 2026 - March 31, 2027) with one (1) 12-month option year (April 1, 2027 - March 31, 2028). Total duration not to exceed two years.
- Set-Aside: Unrestricted
- NAICS: 811310 (Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment (except Automotive and Electronic) Repair and Maintenance)
- Response Due: March 25, 2026, 1:00 PM ET
- Published: March 20, 2026 (Amendment 1)
Evaluation
Award will be based on the Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) criteria. Technical acceptability will be rated as "acceptable" or "unacceptable," and past performance will also be evaluated.
Site Visit
An encouraged site visit was held on March 17, 2026, from 0900 to 1000 Central Time at the MWA National Animal Disease Center, 1920 Dayton Avenue, Ames IA. No registration was required. Contact for site visit: Jeff Waterbury (jeff.waterbury@usda.gov, 515-450-4023).
Additional Notes
- Key Personnel: Minimum 10 years' experience servicing Solar Turbines generators and operating via ISO/PMCS control system. Technicians must be OEM authorized with at least 2 years' experience.
- Security: All contractor personnel must be US Citizens and physically escorted by a USDA employee while on site.
- Invoicing: Mandatory submission via the electronic Invoice Processing Platform (IPP).
- Wage Determination: Wage Determination 2015_4975_R27 for Story County, Iowa, applies.
- Submission: Quotations must be submitted electronically via email to the point of contact. No copies are required.