Libby Tree Cooler HVAC Replacement
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 Forest Service is soliciting quotations for the Libby Tree Cooler HVAC Replacement project at the Kootenai National Forest, Libby, MT. This Total Small Business Set-Aside requires the replacement of outdated HVAC systems for two tree coolers to improve energy efficiency and functionality. Offers are due May 18, 2026, at 10:00 AM MT.
Scope of Work
This project involves replacing HVAC systems for two tree coolers: Tree Cooler 1 (Base Item) at the Libby Fire Cache and Tree Cooler 2 (Option Item) at the Libby District office complex. The scope includes:
- Removal and disposal of existing equipment.
- Sizing and installation of new condensers, evaporator fans/coils, drain lines, and refrigeration lines.
- Installation of digital thermostats, environmental controllers, and centrifugal humidifiers.
- Systems must maintain temperatures between 28-40°F (±2°F) with 1-degree increments and 85-95% humidity.
- Compressors must use R-404A or R-448A refrigerant.
- Installation of warning alarms for temperature deviations.
- Utilization of existing electrical panels and water lines, with necessary component replacements.
- Start-up, testing, commissioning, site cleanup, and owner training.
- Compliance with all Federal and State codes, including proper coolant disposal.
- Work requires a Certified HVAC technician and a Certified Electrician.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed-Price Request for Quotation (RFQ).
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside.
- NAICS Code: 811310 (Small Business Size Standard: $12.5 million).
- Place of Performance: Libby Fire Cache (1263 Highway 37, Libby MT 59923) and Libby District office complex (12557 Highway 37, Libby MT 59923).
- Period of Performance: Anticipated to begin July 1, 2026, and proceed through early fall.
Key Dates & Submission
- Site Visit: May 12, 2026, 10:00 AM MT (Past).
- Questions Due: May 13, 2026, 10:00 AM MT (Past).
- Offers Due: May 18, 2026, 10:00 AM MT.
- Submission: Via email to arlen.fausett@usda.gov.
- Required Documents: SF-1449, Schedule of Items (pricing for base and option), Technical Response, Country of Origin Table, Equipment List, Biobased Product List, Past Performance Datasheet (with verifiable contacts), and SF-1413 Subcontractor Form (if applicable). Submittal sheets for equipment are required with the offer. Signed copies of all amendments must be returned with the offer.
Evaluation Criteria
Award will be made to the offeror representing the best value to the Government, based on:
- Technical Approach: Evaluated on ability to meet requirements and understanding.
- Past Performance: Rated as Acceptable or Neutral (requires verifiable contacts).
- Price: Evaluated for fairness and reasonableness after technical review. Award is not necessarily to the lowest-priced offeror.
Amendments & Notes
Four amendments have been issued:
- Amendment 001: Corrected the Statement of Work (SOW) document.
- Amendment 002: Split the SOW into multiple documents (SOW + Pictures A, B, C) to facilitate download.
- Amendment 003: Provided answers to bidder questions.
- Amendment 004: Clarified the requirement for a Certified Electrician in the SOW. Vendors are advised to update their SAM registration to demonstrate small business status under NAICS 811310.