Repair of fume hoods
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 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), specifically the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), is seeking proposals for the repair of 12 fume hoods at the National Science Laboratory-Blakely in Blakely, GA. This Total Small Business Set-Aside opportunity is a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (RFQ) for commercial items. The work is essential to maintain scientific support capabilities for aflatoxin testing in nuts and nut products. Quotes are due by June 5, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET.
Purpose
The National Science Laboratory-Blakely is the reference USDA laboratory for aflatoxin levels in nuts and nut products. Proper functioning fume hoods are critical for maintaining scientific support capabilities for nuts covered under Agricultural Marketing Service agreements and for testing USDA purchased nut and nut products. This repair ensures user safety and prevents future failures due to age and rust.
Scope of Work
The contractor will repair 12 fume hood exhaust systems. For each unit, tasks include:
- Disconnecting existing 115V electrical to the exhaust fan.
- Removing the existing exhaust fan and zero pressure cap.
- Installing a new PVC flex connector, setting a new exhaust fan, and installing a new PVC exhaust stack with guy wire.
- Completing new electrical connections to the exhaust fan motor.
- Removing and replacing the existing fume hood alarm.
- Testing the fume hood per OSHA requirements and calibrating the alarm.
- Replacing the fume hood light.
- Removing all debris and ensuring a clean, safe working environment.
- Note: While the initial SOW mentioned 11 hoods, a site visit clarification confirmed 12 exhaust fans/stacks require replacement, including one "over-the-counter hood."
Contract Details
- Type: Combined Synopsis/Solicitation (RFQ) for commercial items.
- Set-Aside: Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5).
- Product Service Code: Y1JZ (Construction Of Miscellaneous Buildings).
- Estimated Value: Between $25,000 and $100,000.
- Period of Performance: Work to commence within five calendar days after Notice to Proceed and complete within 45 days after Notice to Proceed.
- Bonds: A payment bond will be required within 10 days of award; a bid bond is not required.
- Place of Performance: National Science Laboratory-Blakely, Blakely, GA 39823.
Submission & Evaluation
- Submission Deadline: June 5, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET.
- Questions Deadline: May 29, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET. Submit questions to james.g.roloff@usda.gov.
- Submission Requirements: Complete quote package including the solicitation page, demonstration of relevant experience, and past performance information.
- Evaluation Criteria: Lowest price, technically acceptable approach. Only the lowest priced quote will be evaluated for technical acceptability. Technical acceptability is based on relevant HVAC work experience of similar size and scope. Past performance will assess contractor reputation, adherence to schedules, quality of work, and customer service. Price realism analysis will be conducted.
Additional Information
- Site Visit: A site visit was held on May 20, 2026, at 10:00 AM ET. A log of attendees and clarification regarding the 12th exhaust unit are available.
- Attachments: Key attachments include the Statement of Work, Federal Construction Wage Rates for Early County, GA (GA20260090), and photos of existing equipment (e.g., LOC SCIENTIFIC INC. fume hoods, AIRGARD® 200 monitors). Bidders must review wage rates for labor cost estimation.
- USDA is exempt from sales tax. Numerous FAR and AGAR clauses apply.