PIP-II F-37 BUILDING LWC PUMP ROOM PIPING SYSTEM INSTALLATION
ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF.ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF.FERMILAB - DOE CONTRACTOR · Response deadline: Thu, 19 Nov 2026
What the government is buying
The Department of Energy's Fermilab is soliciting bids for the installation of a piping system in the F-37 Building Low Conductivity Water (LWC) Pump Room for the Proton Improvement Plan II (PIP-II) project. This is a construction installation contract for specialized mechanical systems at a major federal particle physics laboratory.
NAICS 23822 covers plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors. In this context, the work involves industrial piping installation for a low conductivity water system—purified water infrastructure critical for particle accelerator operations. LWC systems at research facilities like Fermilab require extremely pure water for cooling and other technical processes, with piping systems that must meet stringent material and installation standards to maintain water purity and system reliability.
The PIP-II project is a significant upgrade to Fermilab's accelerator complex, supporting next-generation neutrino and particle physics research. Building F-37 infrastructure work indicates this is part of the broader construction and installation activities needed to support the new linear accelerator.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF.ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF.FERMILAB - DOE CONTRACTOR |
| Notice type | Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | 378854_MR |
| NAICS | 23822 |
| Set-aside | No Set aside used |
| Response deadline | November 19, 2026, 2:00 PM CT |
| Place of performance | Batavia, IL |
Who can bid
This solicitation is fully open competition with no set-aside—any qualified business, regardless of size or socioeconomic status, may bid. Small businesses compete directly with large firms.
Given the NAICS 23822 classification and the specialized nature of DOE laboratory work, successful bidders typically need:
- Active SAM.gov registration (mandatory)
- Experience with industrial or research facility piping systems, particularly high-purity water or process piping
- Capabilities for stainless steel or specialty alloy piping (common for LWC systems to prevent contamination)
- Familiarity with nuclear/DOE facility work environments, including potential security clearance requirements, safety protocols (10 CFR 851, OSHA VPP), and quality assurance programs meeting DOE Order 414.1D or equivalent
- Illinois state licensing for plumbing/HVAC contracting and any local Batavia/Geneva permits
Union labor considerations may apply given the Chicago-area location and DOE site requirements; see the solicitation for Davis-Bacon Act applicability and project labor agreement status.
How to put together a competitive bid
Since no set-aside restricts competition, emphasize technical qualifications and past performance over socioeconomic advantages:
Technical approach: Detail your experience with LWC, deionized water, or ultra-pure piping systems. Specify pipe materials (typically 304/316L stainless steel), welding procedures (orbital welding often required), and cleanliness protocols (oxygen cleaning, passivation). Reference comparable DOE, national laboratory, or semiconductor facility work.
Personnel qualifications: Identify certified welders, pipefitters, and QC inspectors with relevant credentials. ASME B31.1 or B31.3 experience is highly relevant.
Safety record: DOE sites prioritize safety. Provide EMR, TRIR, and DART rates; describe your ISMS (Integrated Safety Management System) implementation.
Schedule realism: PIP-II has mission-critical milestones. Demonstrate understanding of Fermilab's coordination with other PIP-II contractors and accelerator commissioning schedules.
Pricing strategy: Fully burdened labor rates, material costs, and equipment for a 14-month potential performance period should account for Chicago-area wage rates and any site-specific access restrictions.
Next steps
Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number 378854_MR or the title "PIP-II F-37 BUILDING LWC PUMP ROOM PIPING SYSTEM INSTALLATION." Verify all technical requirements, mandatory site visits, pre-bid conference dates, and subcontracting goals.
Critical deadline: Responses are due November 19, 2026, at 2:00 PM Central Time—allow time for SAM.gov submission and any required hard copies.
View the official notice on SAM.gov →