Summary

This is a Facility Condition Assessment photograph for the Downtown Library, one of five pilot facilities in the City of Palo Alto's comprehensive electrification initiative. The City of Palo Alto Public Works Department is soliciting design and engineering services to support the electrification of five municipal buildings: the Art Center, College Terrace Library, Downtown Library, Golf Course Pro Shop/Cafe, and Ventura Community Center. The selected firm will conduct facility assessments, identify gas-fired equipment requiring conversion, develop detailed electrification designs, provide cost estimates for system upgrades, and deliver construction administration services across eight defined tasks. The project represents the first phase of an 18-facility electrification program designed to achieve an 80 percent reduction in natural gas usage by 2040, with an interim goal of 40 percent reduction by 2030. A non-mandatory pre-proposal conference is scheduled for March 9, 2026, at two locations. Questions must be submitted by March 16, 2026, with responses provided by March 23, 2026. Proposals are due electronically through the City's OpenGov portal by 3:00 PM on Monday, March 30, 2026. The performance schedule is approximately 84 weeks, with College Terrace Library and Art Center prioritized for accelerated completion.

Bidders must submit not-to-exceed pricing for each individual facility and a comprehensive total for all five pilot facilities using either unit rate or lump sum methodologies. No specific budget amounts are disclosed in the RFP materials, and no set-asides are identified for disadvantaged business enterprises, women-owned businesses, or minority-owned businesses. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are specified. The City will not pay for services before receipt and does not accept upfront payments or deposits; permit and application fees will be paid by the City. Required qualifications include demonstrated experience with similar municipal electrification projects, financial stability documentation, compliance with the specified timeline, and adherence to all applicable laws including prevailing wage requirements if applicable. The selected firm must obtain City approval for all insurance policies, including general liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence and professional liability coverage with minimum limits of $1,000,000. The contract structure includes potential extensions for additional services and phases beyond the initial five-facility pilot program.