How to bid on replacing Training Center Air Conditioning for the Department of Justice

What the agency is buying

The Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) is seeking a contractor to supply and install new air conditioning and furnace equipment at the Federal Correctional Institution in Pekin, Illinois. This project, titled "Replace Training Center Air Conditioning," involves installing specific York brand or equal equipment, including multiple split-system air conditioners, air handlers, and duct furnaces.

This is a firm-fixed-price contract with an estimated value between $75,000 and $150,000. It is a 100% small business set-aside, making it a good opportunity for eligible small businesses in the HVAC installation sector.

Key dates and deadlines

This is a pre-solicitation notice, meaning the formal solicitation is expected to follow. The notice was published on August 04, 2026. The deadline for responses to this pre-solicitation is August 19, 2026, at 3:00 PM ET. The FBOP anticipates making an award on August 21, 2026.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is specifically for small businesses that specialize in plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contracting. The relevant NAICS code is 238220, with a small business size standard of $19 million. The Product Service Code (PSC) is 4120 for Air Conditioning Equipment.

Prime contractors interested in this project must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and meet the small business size standard for NAICS 238220. The FBOP will not award subcontracts directly; any subcontracts would be the responsibility of the prime contractor.

How to respond

To access the opportunity, you will need to click the "View original source" link on the portal. If the first click takes you to 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.

The FBOP intends to solicit quotations directly from at least three sources, but this pre-solicitation notice is posted to promote competition. For additional information, you can contact Gary Kurtz, Supervisory Contract Specialist, at [email protected].

Practical tips for a competitive response

Ensure your company's registration in SAM.gov is current and accurate, especially your business size metrics for NAICS code 238220. The government will review your SAM registration to confirm you meet the small business size standard.

Award will be based on price, past performance, and a technical evaluation. Make sure your proposal clearly addresses all technical requirements. Be aware that vendors with below Satisfactory past performance evaluations in CPARS within the preceding two years will not be considered.

If you need assistance with government procurements or preparing your bid, consider reaching out to a local Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC). They offer support to businesses looking to participate in the government marketplace.