Bidder Questions and Answers_updated 3.27.xlsx

This is a Bidder Questions and Answers document for the Oregon Department of Transportation's DMV Headquarters Chiller #2 replacement project in Salem, Marion County. The project involves replacement of a 140-ton Trane chiller with a new 140-ton Daikin unit, along with installation of two new chilled water pumps with variable frequency drives (VFDs), an air separator, a pot feeder, rooftop curbs, and a main rooftop electrical disconnect. A non-mandatory site visit was scheduled for March 24, 2026 at 1:30 PM, following the mandatory pre-bid conference on March 17, 2026. Bidders submitted 14 questions between March 17-24, 2026, addressing equipment specifications, installation methods, storage requirements, and operational parameters. Key clarifications provided include confirmation that the new chiller unit should be stored at the contractor's yard rather than on-site, that both chilled water pumps should operate independently in a lead-lag rotation capable of individual operation, that welded piping is preferred over Victaulic installation methods, and that the new air separator may be installed outside if properly insulated with heat trays. VFD brand preferences were specified as ABB or Snyder Electric or approved equal, and a substitution request for an alternative chiller unit was denied based on efficiency requirements.

The procurement includes specifications requiring new mechanical units to be 20 percent more efficient than Oregon Energy Efficiency Specialty Code minimums and to weigh equal to or less than replaced units. All work must comply with Oregon prevailing wage rates for Marion County (BOLI Region 3) and State Buy America requirements for steel, iron, coatings, and manufactured products. Bid submission through OregonBuys was required by April 2, 2026, with project commencement no earlier than October 1, 2026 and substantial completion by November 24, 2026. Liquidated damages are assessed at $600 per calendar day for delays beyond the substantial completion date. The project is funded from State sources, with the cost estimate for bonding purposes ranging from $100,000 to $300,000. Required insurance includes Commercial General Liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 annual aggregate, plus Commercial Automobile Liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence. Award will be made to the lowest responsive bid from a responsible bidder, subject to a five-calendar-day protest period.