Open federal opportunities

Z--EROS Removal and replacement of chilled and conden

INTERIOR, DEPARTMENT OF THE.US GEOLOGICAL SURVEY.OFC OF ACQUSITION GRANTS-NATIONAL · Response deadline: Wed, 04 Nov 2026

What the government is buying

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), part of the Department of the Interior, is seeking a small business contractor for the removal and replacement of chilled water and condenser systems—work falling under the broad description "EROS Removal and replacement of chilled and conden" in the notice title. This is federal construction work involving mechanical systems at a USGS facility.

NAICS 238220—Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors—covers the installation, servicing, and repair of HVAC systems including chillers and condensers. Given USGS's Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center near Sioux Falls, South Dakota, this likely involves critical cooling infrastructure for data systems or research equipment, though see the solicitation for the specific facility and scope details.

Key facts

Who can bid

This opportunity is totally set aside for small businesses under NAICS 238220. To qualify, your business must meet the Small Business Administration's size standard for this code—currently $16.5 million in average annual receipts. You must also be registered in SAM.gov, have an active Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), and hold any required certifications.

If you plan to use subcontractors, note that as the prime contractor under a total small business set-aside, you must perform the primary and vital requirements of the contract with your own resources. Pass-through arrangements where a small business serves as a front for a large business violate SBA rules and can result in severe penalties.

How to put together a competitive bid

For HVAC mechanical construction work at a federal scientific facility, focus on these elements:

Technical approach. Detail your experience with chiller and condenser removal/replacement, especially in occupied or sensitive environments. Federal research facilities often have strict downtime windows, contamination controls, and precision cooling requirements. Address how you'll manage refrigerant recovery and disposal per EPA Section 608 requirements.

Personnel qualifications. Identify licensed HVAC technicians, EPA-certified refrigerant handlers, and any project managers with federal construction experience. USGS may require background checks or badging for facility access—address this proactively.

Safety and environmental compliance. Submit your EM 385-1-1 safety plan (if applicable) or equivalent OSHA-compliant program. Highlight your safety record, especially working with pressurized systems and electrical tie-ins. Include refrigerant management plans.

Past performance. Cite comparable federal or commercial projects involving chiller replacements, with emphasis on on-time completion and minimal disruption to operations. USGS values reliability in supporting continuous earth monitoring missions.

Pricing. For a combined synopsis/solicitation, the government may accept the offer as submitted if price is reasonable—there may be no separate negotiation phase. Ensure your pricing is competitive but accounts for all risks, including potential unknown conditions when removing existing equipment.

Bonding. Anticipate requirements for performance and payment bonds typical for federal construction contracts exceeding $150,000.

Next steps

Download and read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number 140G0126Q0288 or the notice title. The complete scope of work, contract clauses, evaluation criteria, and any drawings or specifications will be in that document. Note that responses are due by 5:00 PM Central Time on November 4, 2026—allow ample time for SAM.gov registration, certification verification, and proposal preparation.

View the official notice on SAM.gov →