Bid guide
How to bid on Cooling Tower Replacement for GSA in Billings, Montana
What the GSA is buying and why it matters
The General Services Administration (GSA) is seeking proposals to replace the cooling tower at the James F. Battin U.S. Courthouse in Billings, Montana. This is a construction opportunity for small businesses, with an estimated value between $250,000 and $500,000. The work is expected to be completed within 180 calendar days.
This project is set aside for total small businesses under NAICS code 238220, which covers plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors. Firms in this category with a size standard of $22.5 million or less are eligible to bid. This is a chance for small businesses to secure a significant federal contract in the construction sector.
Key dates and what happens at the deadline
The solicitation was published on July 29, 2026. A site visit is scheduled for August 4, 2026, at 10:00 AM Mountain Time at the James F. Battin U.S. Federal Courthouse. You must RSVP for the site visit by July 31, 2026, to Kevin Spruell at [email protected]. Remember to bring identification, such as a driver's license, for building entry.
Proposals are due on or about August 24, 2026, at 5:00 PM ET. All proposals must be submitted by this deadline to be considered. Late submissions may not be accepted.
Who this opportunity suits
This opportunity is specifically for small businesses in the construction sector, particularly those specializing in plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning systems. The NAICS code is 238220. Firms must meet the small business size standard of $22.5 million.
Joint ventures are also eligible if they meet all requirements of CFR 125.8 and are registered in SAM.gov at the time of proposal submission. This is a good fit for experienced contractors looking to undertake a substantial cooling tower replacement project for a federal agency.
How to respond to this solicitation
The solicitation will be issued in electronic format only and posted on the SAM.gov website. You will be responsible for downloading the solicitation and monitoring the website for any amendments or additional information. No phone or fax requests for the solicitation will be accepted.
To access the opportunity, click the “View original source” link. If you land on the portal’s homepage, click the link again to go directly to the bid. You may need a free account to view documents, though this is not always required. Offerors must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) to receive an award for this procurement.
Tips for preparing a competitive response
This is an informal source selection procurement using a Lowest Price Technically Acceptable (LPTA) approach. This means the contract will be awarded to the responsible offeror whose proposal meets or exceeds the acceptability standards for non-price factors at the lowest evaluated price. Focus on clearly demonstrating your technical capabilities while offering a competitive price.
The anticipated technical evaluation factors are Management and Experience. Ensure your proposal clearly outlines your management plan for the project and highlights relevant experience with similar cooling tower replacement projects. Provide concrete examples and details to support your claims. Attend the site visit to gain a better understanding of the project scope and site conditions, which can help you develop a more accurate and competitive proposal.
See the live bid — deadline, agency details, and how to respond
Dates and requirements can change via addenda; always verify on the bid page and at the original source before responding.
View this bid on BiddingSimpleThis guide was prepared by BiddingSimple from the solicitation’s public posting. It is not official guidance from General Services Administration; the original posting controls.