How to bid on replacing EVAP coolers for the Agricultural Research Service

What the agency is buying

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service is looking for a small business contractor to replace evaporative cooling systems in greenhouses located in St. Paul, Minnesota. This is an opportunity for firms specializing in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) services.

This solicitation is a Request for Quotation (RFQ) and is set aside entirely for small business concerns. This means only small businesses can submit a bid.

Key dates and deadlines

The solicitation was published on July 24, 2026. All questions about this opportunity must be submitted via email by July 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST. Responses to questions will be posted on sam.gov.

The final deadline for submitting your quotation is August 13, 2026, at 6:00 PM ET. It is important to submit your response on time, as late submissions may not be considered.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is specifically for small businesses. The relevant industry code is NAICS 238220, for Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors, with a small business size standard of $19 million.

Firms with experience in installing or replacing evaporative cooling systems, particularly in greenhouse environments, would be well-suited for this project. A mandatory site visit is required to be considered technically acceptable, so local or regionally-based contractors may find this more feasible.

How to respond

To access the full solicitation details, you will need to view the original source on the government portal. You may need to click the link twice to reach the specific bid page. While some documents may require a free account to view, many do not.

Questions regarding the solicitation must be sent via email to [email protected]. Remember to include the solicitation name and number in your email subject line. Your quotation must be submitted by the August 13, 2026 deadline.

Tips for a competitive response

Since a mandatory site visit is required, ensure you attend it. This is a critical step for your bid to be considered technically acceptable and provides valuable insight into the project scope.

Pay close attention to all instructions within the Request for Quotation. Clearly address every requirement and provide all requested documentation. Double-check that your business meets the small business size standard for NAICS 238220.

When submitting questions, be specific and clear. This helps the agency provide comprehensive answers that benefit all potential bidders. Review the posted answers to questions carefully, as they may clarify important aspects of the project or submission process.