Tornado Damage Repairs at the USDA-ARS U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory, Ft. Pierce, Florida
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 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), is soliciting proposals for Tornado Damage Repairs at the U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory in Ft. Pierce, Florida, and two associated farm sites. This is a Firm Fixed Price construction contract with an estimated magnitude of more than $10,000,000. The procurement is a Total Small Business Set-Aside. A mandatory site visit is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern, and proposals are due by June 8, 2026, at 1:00 PM local time.
Scope of Work
The project involves renovating and repairing facilities across three sites affected by tornado damage: the USDA-ARS U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory in Ft. Pierce, Picos Farm in Ft. Pierce, and Whitmore Farm in Leesburg. The work will be phased to allow for continued research operations.
Key elements include:
- Ft. Pierce Lab: Demolition and replacement of 27 standard greenhouses (approx. 1,750 sq ft each) and 4 conditioned greenhouses (approx. 240 sq ft each), totaling 48,000 sq ft, plus 20,000 sq ft of hallways, vents, and intake screening. Roofing repairs on the main building and mechanical unit replacements on storage buildings are also included. This work is divided into four phases.
- Picos Farm: Full demolition and reconstruction of 1 greenhouse and 1 hoophouse (approx. 3,350 sq ft), and placement of three prefabricated, open-sided steel structures over existing pump and mechanical systems.
- Whitmore Farm (Leesburg): Full demolition of two existing greenhouses, reskinning and repair of a third, construction of a new prefabricated pesticide storage building, and demolition of two pump house structures.
All new greenhouse systems will feature microgrow control systems, meet Florida containment requirements, and have properly meshed venting systems.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm Fixed Price
- NAICS Code: 236220 (Commercial and Institutional Building Construction)
- Size Standard: $45 Million
- Magnitude: More than $10,000,000
- Period of Performance: Work to commence within 10 calendar days after Notice to Proceed, with completion within 365 calendar days after Notice to Proceed.
Set-Aside
This procurement is a Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5).
Key Dates & Actions
- Mandatory Site Visit: Wednesday, May 20, at 8:30 a.m. Eastern. Attendance is required to submit an offer.
- Questions Due: May 26, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. Eastern.
- Proposal Due: June 8, 2026, at 1:00 PM local time.
- SAM Registration: Offerors must be registered in SAM per FAR Clauses 52.204-7 and 52.204-8.
Evaluation
Award will be based on Lowest Priced Technically Acceptable (LPTA). Key evaluation factors include site visit attendance, completion of SF 1442 and amendments, bid bond (not less than 20% of proposed price, not to exceed $300,000), technical capability, and past performance.
Attachments
Extensive drawing sets (Parts 1-4) and detailed specifications are provided, which are critical for understanding the full scope of work, technical requirements, and bid options.
Contact Information
Primary Contact: Erin Riffey (erin.riffey@usda.gov, 19706312294).