How to submit questions in COMMBUYS.docx

This is a job aid document for vendors participating in a Massachusetts Department of Transportation bid process accessed through the COMMBUYS procurement system. The document provides step-by-step instructions for reviewing and submitting questions during the Q&A period for the Boston Cooling Tower Replacements at Haymarket Center project located at 136 Blackstone Street, Boston. The general bid deadline is August 5, 2026, with a pre-bid facility tour scheduled for July 21, 2026, and an electrical work sub-bid deadline of July 27, 2026. Vendors must register with COMMBUYS to access bid documents and submit questions electronically through the platform's Q&A tab by following the prescribed process: launching COMMBUYS, selecting the relevant bid, accessing the Bid Q&A section, reviewing existing questions and answers, and submitting new questions with a subject line and detailed question text.

The cooling tower replacement project has an estimated contract value of $800,000 and requires substantial completion within 300 calendar days of Notice to Proceed, with liquidated damages assessed at $1,800 per calendar day for delays. The scope includes replacement of two stainless steel cooling towers, installation of new air handling and exhaust fan units, roof drain replacements, and electrical disconnects and receptacles. A 5% bid deposit is required, and the successful bidder must be DCAMM-approved with a single project limit equal to or exceeding the bid amount. The contract is subject to a 4% M/WBE participation goal with 15.3% minority workforce utilization and 6.9% women workforce utilization requirements. All contractors must comply with Massachusetts prevailing wage requirements, obtain performance and payment bonds, maintain comprehensive insurance coverage, and ensure all employees complete a minimum 10-hour OSHA construction safety course.