Replacement of Cooling Tower Base

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document outlines the specifications for the replacement of a cooling tower base at the U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory (USHRL).

• Description: The contractor must provide all labor, materials, equipment, supervision, permitting, disposal, testing, startup, warranty, and documentation for the removal and replacement of the cooling tower structural steel frame.
• Place of Delivery: U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory, 2001 S. Rock Road, Fort Pierce, Florida, 34945.
• Delivery Schedule: Includes deliverables such as Project Schedule, Safety Plan, Submittals, Removal Completion Notice, Steel Frame Inspection Report, Commissioning Report, As-Built Drawings, and Warranty Documents, with specific objectives and due dates.
• Point of Contact: Earl Taylor (earl.taylor@usda.gov, 772462-5802).

This document details the technical requirements, scope of work, delivery location, and schedule for the cooling tower base replacement project. Bidders should review these specifications to understand the full scope of work, required deliverables, and timelines to accurately prepare their proposals.

Solicitation / RFP / RFQ

This is a combined synopsis/solicitation for commercial items to replace a cooling tower base at the U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory in Fort Pierce, FL. The government intends to award a firm-fixed-price contract.

• Replacement of the cooling tower base.

• The specific scope of work, specifications, and wage determination are provided in attached documents.

• Contract type: Firm-fixed-price.

• Period of Performance: 120 calendar days after award.

• Estimated Value: Not specified.

• Proposals must be submitted via email to kelly.wright@usda.gov by June 5th, 2026, at 10:00 AM Central Time.

• Offerors must hold prices firm for 90 calendar days from the offer due date.

• Evaluation will be based on Lowest Priced Technically Acceptable (LPTA) methodology.

• A "Technically Acceptable" offer must meet all solicitation requirements, including submission of all requested documents and acknowledgment of amendments.

• A mandatory site visit is required; failure to attend will result in a non-responsive offer.

• Past performance will be rated as acceptable or unacceptable.

• This acquisition is set aside for Total Small Business concerns.

• Applicable NAICS code: 238190 (Other Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors).

• Small business size standard: $19M.

• Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) at the time of solicitation closing.

• This announcement constitutes the only solicitation; no separate written solicitation will be issued.

• Full text of referenced FAR and AGAR clauses and provisions can be accessed electronically at www.acquisition.gov.

Statement of Work (SOW)

To remove and replace the corroded structural steel frame of a cooling tower at the U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory (USHRL) in Fort Pierce, FL, restoring structural integrity and ensuring safe operation.

• Provide all labor, materials, equipment, supervision, permitting, disposal, testing, startup, warranty, and documentation.

• Remove the existing deteriorated structural steel frame.

• Install a new structural steel frame using ASTM A36 Structural Steel.

• Apply corrosion-resistant coatings to the new frame.

• Verify alignment and load-bearing performance.

• Conduct testing and commissioning of the cooling tower.

• Structural inspections and operational tests.

• Submission of commissioning report and as-built documentation.

• 1-year warranty from the date of final acceptance.

• Work to be performed during regular weekday, daylight working hours (07:00 am to 4:00 pm), excluding holidays.

• Location: U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory, 2001 S. Rock Road, Fort Pierce, FL 34945.

• Contractor must comply with OSHA 29 CFR 1910 requirements and develop a safety plan.

• Contractor must coordinate work sequencing to minimize disruption to facility operations.

• The facility is a controlled-access federal facility with restricted entry; contractor must abide by all security measures and return key badges upon completion.

• Any travel expenses must be a line-item in the service proposal.

• Contractor shall supply a project manager responsible for managing resources, deliverables, schedule, and communication with USHRL POCs.

Other / Unclassified

This document provides important information regarding a mandatory site visit for an upcoming solicitation. It details the date, time, and location of the site visit, as well as the registration process and requirements for attendees.

• Mandatory Site Visit: The site visit is scheduled for June 3rd, 2026, at 10:00 AM local time. Attendance is mandatory for this solicitation.
• Registration: To attend, interested parties must email kelly.wright@usda.gov and dave.wood@usda.gov with the subject line "1232SA26Q0642 Site Visit Registration". The email must include the names of attendees and company information. The registration deadline is June 2nd, 2026. Late registrations will not be accepted.
• Attendee Requirements: Attendees should be employed by the prime contractor intending to bid. Subcontractors may attend but must clearly identify the prime contractor they represent on the sign-in roster. Failure to disclose representation may result in the prime contractor not receiving credit for attendance.
• Questions: Questions regarding the solicitation must be submitted via email to kelly.wright@usda.gov by June 5th, 2026, at 10:00 AM Central Time. The subject line of the email should include the solicitation name and number.

Form / Attachment / Pricing Sheet

This document is a General Decision for wage rates applicable to building construction projects in St. Lucie County, Florida. It specifies prevailing wage rates and fringes for various construction crafts and operators.

• General Decision Number: FL20260228
• State: Florida
• County: St Lucie County
• Construction Type: Building (excluding single-family homes and apartments up to 4 stories).
• Effective Date: 01/02/2026
• Crafts and Operators Listed: Includes Asbestos Worker, Electrician, various Operators (Crane, Backhoe, Forklift, Bulldozer, etc.), Ironworker (Structural, Ornamental, Reinforcing), Plumber/Pipefitter, Sprinkler Fitter, Carpenter, Cement Mason/Concrete Finisher, Laborer (Common, Mason Tender, Pipelayer), Painter, Roofer, Sheet Metal Worker, Tile Setter, and Truck Driver.
• Wage Rates and Fringes: Provides specific hourly rates and fringe benefits for each listed classification.
• Executive Order Information: Mentions applicability of Executive Order 13706 (Paid Sick Leave) and Executive Order 13658 (Minimum Wage) for federal contractors.

Bidders must use these prevailing wage rates to determine the appropriate wages for laborers and mechanics employed on the federal or federally assisted construction project. This information is crucial for accurate cost estimation and ensuring compliance with labor standards.