How to bid on Building 1055 Chiller Replacement for the DEPT of Defense

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 at Building 1055, Kirtland Air Force Base. This project includes new piping, valves, electrical work, a complete flush and fill of the hydronic system, and the installation of Carrier brand chillers and Reliable brand controls for the Building Management System.

This is a 100% small business set-aside opportunity, with an estimated value between $350,000 and $450,000. The work must be completed within 90 calendar days after the notice to proceed. This is a significant opportunity for small businesses specializing in plumbing, heating, and air conditioning.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

The solicitation is expected to be issued around August 14, 2026. A tentative pre-bid conference and site visit are scheduled for August 20, 2026, at 11:00 AM Mountain Standard Time. All questions related to the solicitation, pre-bid conference, and site visit must be submitted by August 25, 2026, at 11:00 AM Mountain Standard Time via email.

The tentative bid opening date is September 01, 2026, at 11:00 AM Mountain Standard Time. All dates are subject to change, so refer to the official solicitation for confirmation once it is released.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is ideal for small businesses classified under NAICS Code 238220, Plumbing, Heating, and Air Conditioning Contractors, with a small business size standard of $19,000,000. Firms with experience in chiller removal and replacement, particularly with Carrier chillers and Reliable Controls, will find this project well-suited to their capabilities.

The project is located at Kirtland Air Force Base in New Mexico, making it particularly relevant for contractors in the Southwest region or those willing to travel for government contracts.

How to respond to this solicitation

The solicitation and all associated information will be available exclusively on the Contract Opportunities page at SAM.gov. To access the opportunity, click the “View original source” link. If the first click takes you to the portal’s homepage, click it again to go directly to the bid.

You may need a free account to view documents, though for some bids, this is not required. Interested offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM) at SAM.gov to be eligible for award. Instructions for registration are available on the website, and there is no fee to register.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

Carefully review the solicitation once it is released, paying close attention to all requirements, including the brand-name specifications for Carrier chillers and Reliable Controls. Ensure your proposal clearly demonstrates your firm's experience with these specific brands and similar projects.

Plan to attend the tentative pre-bid conference and site visit on August 20, 2026. This is an excellent opportunity to understand the scope of work firsthand, ask clarifying questions, and ensure your bid accurately reflects the project's needs. Remember to submit any questions by the August 25 deadline.

Familiarize yourself with FAR clause 52.219-14(e)(3) (DEVIATION 2021-O0008), Limitations on Subcontracting. This clause specifies that for general construction, you cannot pay more than 85 percent of the amount paid by the Government for contract performance, excluding materials, to subcontractors that are not similarly situated entities. Plan your team and subcontracting strategy accordingly.