CAS Education Heat Pump

The USDA Forest Service is soliciting qualified contractors to replace the heat pump system at the CAS Education Building in Ozark, Arkansas. The scope includes removal and disposal of existing indoor and outdoor HVAC units, refrigerant line sets, electrical controls, and associated building modifications; supply and install a new 7.5‑ton heat pump with auxiliary electric heat kit, new branch circuit wiring, conduit, over‑current protection, and coordination with existing fire alarm and emergency power systems. Contractors must attend the mandatory site visit (Sept 24, 2026) and provide written confirmation of site‑condition review. All equipment must be delivered before the Notice to Proceed (NTP). A bid guarantee of 20% of the estimated contract value (not to exceed $3 M) is required, and the contract will be awarded after review of the RFQ and Statement of Intent (SOI) submitted by Oct 20, 2026. The solicitation references compliance with ICC, NFPA, and NEC codes, tax‑exempt status, insurance requirements, and provides detailed guidance on outage coordination and field verification. • Location: Ozark, AR (CAS Education Building) • Work: Full HVAC heat‑pump replacement, including demolition, disposal, new equipment supply, electrical and fire‑alarm integration • Mandatory site visit on Sept 24, 2026 (attendance required) • Submission deadline: Oct 20, 2026, 1700 EST • Bid guarantee: 20% of contract value, max $3 M • Delivery of all materials before NTP; no progress payments for pre‑NTP purchases • Required compliance with ICC, NFPA, NEC, and USDA tax‑exempt provisions • Contractor must provide insurance per FAR 28.307‑2 and certify tax‑exempt status