What this opportunity is
The Department of Defense is seeking contractors to replace the air compressor system in Building 65, which includes the removal of existing compressors and dryers and installation of new oil-free rotary screw compressors and dryers. This opportunity is suitable for small businesses in the manufacturing sector, specifically those classified under NAICS 333912. As this is a Special Notice, interested companies should track the opportunity for updates rather than submit bids at this stage.
Analysis by Mindy, grounded in the SAM.gov notice.
Description
Statement of Work
Replace Building 65 Air Compressors
20 May 2026
1.0 Background
The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL/RAVZ) has identified a critical need to replace the
existing air compressor system located in Building 65. The current system, consisting of two
Ingersoll Rand Nirvanna air compressors and associated dryers, is approaching its end of service
life. The equipment has experienced multiple failures, leading to costly repairs and significant
disruptions to facility operations. Furthermore, with only one currently operational dryer, the
system lacks full redundancy. This compressed air system is essential, serving critical operational
and research-specific equipment within the facility. This project will mitigate operational risks by
replacing the aging equipment with a new, fully redundant, and reliable system.
2.0 Scope of Work
The contractor shall provide all necessary labor, materials, tools, and equipment to complete the
turnkey replacement of the Building 65 air compressor system. The scope of this project includes
the disconnection, removal, and disposal of two existing air compressors and two dryers; the
provision and installation of two new oil-free rotary screw air compressors and two new air
dryers; and the installation of all associated piping, electrical connections, and control systems
required for full operational capability. The contractor shall ensure that at least one compressor
remains operational throughout the project execution, minimizing downtime as specified herein.
3.0 Requirements
The contractor shall perform the following tasks:
3.1 Equipment Removal and Disposal
The contractor shall:
• Carefully disconnect all electrical, piping, and ancillary connections from the existing
equipment to facilitate removal.
• Remove and dispose of the following government-owned equipment in accordance with
all applicable federal, state, and local regulations:
o Two (2) Ingersoll Rand Nirvana air compressors (Model: IRN100H-CC).
o One (1) Ingersoll Rand air dryer (Model: TS11A).
o One (1) Zeks air dryer (Model: 800HSFA400).
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o One (1) associated coalescing filter and existing prefilters.
• Remove and dispose of the existing Ingersoll Rand mist eliminator located downstream
of the dryers. This unit shall not be replaced.
3.2 Equipment Specifications
The contractor shall furnish and install new equipment meeting the following minimum
specifications:
• Air Compressors:
o Quantity: Two (2)
o Type: Oil-free, rotary screw
o Cooling: Air-cooled
o Capacity: Each unit shall provide a minimum of 400 CFM at 125 psig.
• Air Dryers:
o Quantity: Two (2)
o Type: Air-cooled
o Capacity: Each unit shall be sized for the new compressors with a minimum
capacity of 490 CFM.
• Ancillary Components:
o Furnish and install a new prefilter system compatible with the new compressors.
3.3 Installation
The contractor shall:
• Modify existing concrete equipment pads as necessary to accommodate the footprint of
the new equipment.
• Install the new compressors in the same location as the removed units. The new dryers
shall be installed in the location of the removed Ingersoll Rand dryer.
• Install all new piping, valves, and supports required to connect the new compressors and
dryers to the existing plant air distribution system.
o The piping and valve configuration shall allow for the independent isolation of
each compressor and dryer for maintenance purposes while the other unit remains
in service.
o The system shall be configurable to allow either or both compressor/dryer trains
to be operational simultaneously.
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• Modify and extend existing electrical services as required to safely and effectively power
the new equipment. All electrical work shall comply with the National Electrical Code
(NEC) and local standards.
• Perform manufacturer-recommended startup, testing, and commissioning procedures for
all new equipment.
3.4 Control System
The contractor shall:
• Provide and install a master control system capable of managing both compressors and
dryers. If the compressor and/or dryers have this capability built in, that shall be a
sufficient solution for control.
• The control system must support automated lead/lag functionality and have the capability
to alternate the lead unit based on accumulated run hours to ensure even wear.
• The compressors shall be equipped with external communication outputs that can be
monitored via the Modbus protocol.
3.5 Phased Installation and Operational Continuity
To ensure continuous facility operations, the contractor shall adhere to the following phased
installation sequence:
1. One existing Ingersoll Rand compressor and the Zeks dryer shall remain operational.
2. The contractor shall remove the second Ingersoll Rand compressor and the Ingersoll
Rand dryer.
3. The contractor shall then install the two new dryers and one new compressor. This new
train shall be commissioned and brought online.
4. Once the new train is fully operational, the second existing compressor and dryer shall be
decommissioned, removed, and disposed of.
5. The contractor shall then install the second new compressor.
• Continuous plant air must be maintained at all times. Any required shutdowns of the air
system must be scheduled and approved by the Government project manager in advance
and shall not exceed four (4) hours in duration.
3.6 Training
The contractor shall provide a comprehensive training session on the operation and routine
maintenance of the new compressor system.
• Duration: Up to four (4) hours.
• Audience: Up to three (3) designated Government employees.
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• The cost of this training shall be included in the total project price.
4.0 Deliverables
• Fully installed, commissioned, and operational air compressor system meeting all
requirements specified herein.
• Operations and Maintenance (O&M) manuals for all new equipment.
• Completion of the training session as specified in Section 3.6.
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Source: SAM.gov, as posted. Verify the current solicitation before responding.