How to bid on Building 1055 Chiller Replacement for the New Mexico National Guard

What the agency is buying and why it matters

The New Mexico National Guard is seeking a contractor to remove and replace the existing chiller system at Building 1055, Kirtland Air Force Base. This project includes new piping, valves, electrical work, and a complete flush and refill of the hydronic system. The agency specifically requires Carrier brand chillers and Reliable brand controls for the building management system.

This is a firm fixed-price contract with a budget estimated between $350,000 and $450,000. It is 100% set aside for small businesses, making it a significant opportunity for qualified small business contractors in the plumbing, heating, and air conditioning sector.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

The solicitation is tentatively planned for issuance around August 14, 2026. A pre-bid conference and site visit are tentatively scheduled for August 20, 2026, at 11:00 AM Mountain Standard Time (MST). All questions must be submitted by August 25, 2026, at 11:00 AM MST.

The bid opening is tentatively planned for on-or-about September 1, 2026, at 11:00 AM MST. The contract duration will be 270 calendar days after the notice to proceed. Please note that all dates are tentative and subject to change; refer to the official solicitation for confirmation.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is ideal for small businesses specializing in plumbing, heating, and air conditioning contracting, particularly those with experience in chiller system installation and replacement. The NAICS code for this project is 238220, with a small business size standard of $19,000,000.

Firms familiar with Carrier chiller equipment and Reliable Controls for Building Management Systems will find this a suitable fit due to the brand-name requirements. Contractors must also be prepared to manage a project with a 270-day performance period.

How to respond to this solicitation

The official solicitation and all related information will be available exclusively on the Contract Opportunities page at SAM.gov. You will need to check this website periodically for any amendments to the solicitation.

To access the opportunity, click “View original source” on the portal. If you land on the homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view documents, though this is not always required.

Practical tips for a competitive response

Ensure your company is registered and active in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) before the bid opening date. Registration is free, and instructions are available on the SAM.gov website.

Carefully review the solicitation once it is released, paying close attention to all requirements, especially those related to brand names (Carrier and Reliable Controls). Attend the pre-bid conference and site visit if possible, as this is an excellent opportunity to clarify details and understand the scope firsthand. Submit any questions by the deadline to the provided email address.

Be mindful of the limitations on subcontracting clause (FAR clause 52.219-14(e)(3) DEVIATION 2021-O0008), which states that for general construction, you cannot pay more than 85 percent of the government's payment, excluding material costs, to subcontractors that are not similarly situated entities.