Specifications (12).pdf
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- Solicitation number
- 26/0205
- Issued by
- Harris County, Texas
About this file
This is a Specifications document for a Competitive Sealed Proposal (CSP) issued by Harris County, Texas, through the Office of the County Engineer for the modernization of elevator systems at 1010 Lamar Street (Harris County Annex Forty-Eight) in Houston, Texas. The project involves the turnkey modernization of six elevators—five passenger traction elevators serving eighteen floors and one freight traction elevator serving twenty-one floors—to be executed in two phases (East Bank comprising two passenger cars and one freight car; West Bank comprising three passenger cars). The scope includes disconnection and removal of existing equipment, installation of new non-proprietary microprocessor-based controllers, hoisting machines, ropes, automatic door operators, emergency egress devices, and pit flood alarm systems. All work must comply with ASME A17.1 and A17.2, NFPA codes, ADA Accessibility Guidelines, and Texas Accessibility Standards. A pre-proposal conference and mandatory site visit are scheduled for August 11, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. CST at 1010 Lamar Street. Questions must be submitted in writing through the Bonfire platform by the deadline specified in the Events Schedule. The vendor must complete all work including final testing, commissioning, and regulatory inspections, with a one-year comprehensive warranty commencing upon Harris County's Final Acceptance and including 24/7 emergency callback service with a two-hour response guarantee and monthly preventive maintenance.
The proposal requires an all-inclusive, firm fixed-price quote covering all labor, materials, equipment, permits, inspections, and associated costs with no separate line-item rates permitted. Payment will be made in milestone stages: 50 percent upon approval of engineering and design submittals; 15 percent upon delivery of major equipment and materials to the site; 25 percent upon Substantial Completion and successful inspections; and 10 percent upon conclusion of a thirty-day problem-free operation period. Liquidated damages of $480 per calendar day will be assessed for any delays beyond the Completion Date established in the contract. The vendor is responsible for all permits from the City of Houston and Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, all required inspections and testing, security background checks for personnel, site protection and barricades, staging and logistics coordination, a roof hatch installation above the machine room (with costs included in the proposal), and a $40,000 cash allowance for freight elevator cab interior rehabilitation through a separate specialty contractor. Harris County emphasizes the use of non-proprietary, open-architecture equipment to avoid vendor lock-in and requires all new controllers to be fully accessible without special passwords or proprietary dongles. M/WBE participation is strongly encouraged, and all parties entering into contracts with Harris County must complete the Texas Certificate of Interested Parties (Form 1295) prior to proposal submission.
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SPECIFICATIONS
1010 Lamar Elevator Modernization for the Office of the County Engineer
SCOPE
The intention of this Harris County Competitive Sealed Proposal (CSP) is to solicit offers for the turnkey modernization of five (5) passenger traction elevators serving eighteen (18) floors and one (1) freight traction elevator serving twenty-one (21) floors at 1010 Lamar Street (Harris County Annex Forty-Eight (48)) in Houston, Texas. This project will be executed in two (2) phases: Phase I (“East Bank”) comprising two (2) passenger cars and one (1) freight car, followed by Phase II (“West Bank”) comprising three (3) passenger cars. During the modernization of one (1) bank of elevators, the other bank must remain fully operational and accessible to building occupants and staff at all times; under no circumstances shall work on one (1) bank interfere with or impact the normal, continuous operation of the other bank.
Any work that may pose a risk of disruption to the active elevators must be scheduled in advance and mitigated to ensure uninterrupted service. The scope of work includes upgrading or replacing major elevator components with non-proprietary equipment – including new microprocessor-based controllers, hoisting machines and ropes, automatic door operators, and the installation of emergency egress devices and pit flood alarm systems. The modernization work shall tie into the building’s existing fire alarm panel and existing power systems, and all new equipment shall communicate seamlessly with each other and any remaining elevator systems in the building.
All work performed and equipment installed shall comply with or exceed the latest applicable codes and standards, including the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) A17.1 (Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators), ASME A17.2 (Inspector’s Manual), ASME A17.5 (Elevator and Escalator Electrical Equipment), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) and Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70 (National Electrical Code), NFPA 101 (Life Safety Code), and all other state and local codes and ordinances.
The goal of this project is to enhance elevator safety, performance, energy efficiency, reliability, and flexibility, while reducing long-term operational costs and avoiding vendor lock-in by using non-proprietary, open-architecture systems. Current performance and carrying capacity of each elevator shall not be reduced or degraded as a result of the modernization. The Harris County Office of the County Engineer (OCE) shall have final decision-making authority on any design or engineering changes related to this project, including the configuration of elevator machine rooms or associated building modifications.
PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE AND SITE VISIT
There will be a PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE on August 11, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. CST, local time Houston, TX to be held at 1010 Lamar Street, Houston, Texas 77002 (Sylvester Turner Administration Building). Vendors are to assemble in the main lobby. A site visit to inspect the project location will immediately follow the conference.
Attendance is not mandatory but highly encouraged, all vendors should attend to discuss the requirements of this CSP and answer any questions. Persons with disabilities requiring special accommodations should contact the Purchasing Office at (713) 274-4400 at least two (2) days prior to the pre-proposal conference.
It is the responsibility of each vendor to examine the entire CSP package, seek clarification in writing, and review their response for accuracy before submitting. Questions relating to the CSP must be submitted in writing online within Bonfire at https://harriscountytx.bonfirehub.com. The deadline for submission of questions relating to this CSP is listed on the Events Schedule within Bonfire. All questions submitted in writing prior to the deadline will be compiled and answered in writing. A copy of all questions and answers will be released as a Public Notice to all firms through Bonfire. The County will not be bound by any information conveyed verbally.
M/WBEs Harris County strives to engage with prime contractors and subcontractors that represent the diverse businesses of the County. We will ensure that historically underutilized minority- and woman-owned businesses (M/WBEs) receive https://harriscountytx.bonfirehub.com/ https://harriscountytx.bonfirehub.com/ https://harriscountytx.bonfirehub.com/ a fair and equal opportunity to participate in the County’s procurement process. The County expects Vendors to make a good faith effort and the Vendor agrees to reasonably assist the County to meet or exceed goals for awarding contracts associated with a project the County procures, operated, maintains, or constructs to M/WBEs.
CERTIFICATE OF INTERESTED PARTIES (FORM 1295)
Texas law requires all parties who enter into any contract with the County which must be approved by Commissioners Court to disclose all interested parties. Form 1295 must be completed in its entirety at the following website:
https://prd.tecprd.ethicsefile.com/TECCertInt/pages/login/certLogin.jsf prior to submitting your response.
Failure to do so may result in disqualification of your response.
SPECIFICATION
This project consists of the vendor furnishing all labor, personnel, materials, equipment, services, and incidentals necessary for the complete modernization of the six (6) elevators at 1010 Lamar, as described in this Specification.
For proposal requirements and a full understanding of this CSP’s scope, vendors must refer to all project documents, drawings, and requirements provided in the procurement package on Bonfire. The vendor shall provide all project management, engineering, supervision, labor, tools, and equipment necessary to deliver a complete turnkey modernization of the elevator systems as specified herein. The work includes the systematic disconnection, demolition, removal, and legal disposal of all specified existing elevator equipment; the furnishing and installation of all new components and systems as detailed in these specifications; all required adjustments, calibrations, and fine-tuning for optimum performance; and the successful completion of all required inspections and acceptance testing to deliver fully operational, code-compliant, and certified elevators to the Owner. The Office of the County Engineer will make final decisions regarding any design or construction elements of the modernization, such as machine room modifications or related building work.
As part of this project, the vendor shall disconnect, remove, and legally dispose of the existing elevator components listed below. All removals and disposal shall be performed in compliance with safety regulations and environmental requirements, including proper handling of any oils, batteries, or other regulated materials. All power supplies to the elevator systems must be de-energized and secured (“locked-out/tagged-out”) prior to any disassembly, in accordance with applicable safety laws and standards. The vendor shall provide dumpsters or other waste receptacles as needed and is solely responsible for the safe, legal disposal of all removed equipment, oils, and materials in accordance with federal, state, and local environmental regulations. The existing equipment to be removed and disposed includes (but is not limited to) the following:
• Traction hoisting machines (motor and gearbox assemblies) for each elevator.
• Overspeed governors, including governor ropes and related assemblies.
• Elevator control systems and controllers, including any proprietary components or wiring.
• Door operators and associated equipment on all cars.
• Existing door safety devices (e.g. photoelectric “photo eye” sensors) slated for replacement.
• Hoist cables (hoisting ropes) and any compensation chains/cables.
• Traveling cables and associated hangers.
• Roller guide assemblies on elevator cars and counterweights.
• Rope brake (“rope gripper”) assemblies.
• Any other equipment specified in these documents to be replaced or modernized.
All removed items shall become the property of the vendor for disposal unless otherwise specified. The Office of the County Engineer reserves the right to designate certain existing components to be retained or salvaged for the County’s use; the vendor shall comply with all such directives. (See also Equipment to be Retained and Reused below for a list of components currently planned to remain in place.)
Security and Access All vendor personnel and subcontractor employees requiring access to the job site must undergo a background check conducted by Harris County. A complete list of all personnel, including full names and dates of birth, must be submitted to Harris County for vetting no later than ten (10) business days prior to their scheduled start date. All approved personnel will be issued identification badges, which must be worn and visible at all times while on https://prd.tecprd.ethicsefile.com/TECCertInt/pages/login/certLogin.jsf
County property. The vendor shall enforce compliance with all security requirements and coordinate personnel access with Harris County’s designated representative. Unauthorized personnel shall not be permitted on the job site.
Site Protection and Barricades Vendor shall install protective floor and wall coverings (e.g. heavy-duty Masonite boards or equivalent) to safeguard all adjacent flooring and wall surfaces along the work areas and travel paths. Floor protection shall be laid flat, securely fastened, and extend from each elevator’s doorway to include corridors, staging areas, delivery routes, and other access points identified during the pre-construction walk-through. Similarly, wall protection shall be installed on any surfaces subject to potential impact or abrasion during material movement or installation. The vendor shall also provide and install secure temporary barricades around each elevator work zone. Barricades must meet all applicable safety and code requirements and include clear signage indicating restricted access and ensuring public safety. Barricades shall be self-supporting, non-obtrusive, and as aesthetically neutral as feasible in publicly accessible areas. All access points for workers must be clearly marked and kept secure after hours to prevent unauthorized entry into construction areas. When working in an active elevator hoistway adjacent to an operating elevator, the open hoistway shall be screened off with durable safety netting or barricades meeting Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements (e.g. PearlWeave netting, wire mesh, or equivalent) for fall protection and to contain debris. This hoistway screening must extend through the full height of the open shaft whenever work is being performed there.
Staging and Logistics Vendor shall stage materials and equipment in a neat, organized, and secure manner that promotes safe, efficient workflow and minimizes unnecessary handling. Staging and storage locations shall be coordinated with and approved by Harris County’s on-site representative or building management prior to use. Whenever feasible, heavy or bulky components should be located near their point of installation to facilitate just-in-time use and reduce excessive material movement. Stored materials must not obstruct egress routes or disrupt normal building operations. The vendor is responsible for maintaining a clean and orderly staging area throughout the project, with regular removal of packing debris, discarded materials, and trash. All waste and debris shall be removed from the site on a continual basis; dumpsters or waste containers must be provided and serviced by the vendor as needed, and no accumulation of debris will be permitted on site.
Coordination Vendor shall designate a dedicated Project Manager as a single point of contact for all coordination and communication with the County during the project. This Project Manager will be responsible for daily on-site coordination, including conducting regular check-ins (daily or as required) with the County’s Facilities Manager or designated representative to review progress, discuss upcoming work, and promptly address any issues or logistical concerns that arise. The vendor shall also coordinate all utility interruptions, deliveries, and any work that could impact building operations with the Owner’s representatives well in advance, obtaining approval for scheduling such activities to minimize disruption to County operations.
Material Inventory and Verification Before starting any demolition or installation work, the vendor shall perform a comprehensive inventory of all elevator modernization components and materials delivered to the site. This inventory must verify that all required materials are on-site, that quantities and specifications match the approved submittals and design drawings, and that there is no visible shipping damage or discrepancy. The vendor shall prepare and submit a Material Inventory Report to the Harris County Project Manager (or designated representative) documenting the results of this verification, including identification of any shortages, damaged items, or other issues requiring correction prior to installation.
No elevator equipment installation work shall commence until the site is properly prepared and all required materials have been verified and accounted for.
Permits, Inspections, And Acceptance Testing Permits The vendor shall be solely responsible for the preparation and submission of all necessary plans, applications, and documentation required to obtain all permits for the work from the City of Houston and the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). All costs associated with permitting, including plan review fees and permit fees, shall be included in the firm, fixed-price quote.
Inspections The vendor shall schedule, coordinate, and pay for all required inspections by the authorities having jurisdiction.
This includes, but is not limited to, inspections by the City of Houston's approved third-party inspection agency for final acceptance and any state-mandated inspections. The Contractor shall provide the Owner with copies of all inspection reports and certificates.
Testing & Commissioning After installation is complete and prior to requesting final acceptance inspections, the vendor shall perform a complete system test and commissioning of each modernized elevator. Testing must be conducted in accordance with ASME A17.2 Guide for Inspection of Elevators, Escalators, and Moving Walks, and shall be witnessed by an authorized Harris County representative. The vendor shall submit all test results and commissioning documentation to Harris County and obtain the County’s approval that the elevators are ready for final inspection. All aspects of the modernization – including performance of each elevator under normal and emergency power, operation of all safety devices and communications, and compliance with ADA/TAS requirements – must be verified during testing.
Any deficiencies must be corrected prior to scheduling the final regulatory inspections.
Warranty And Post-Completion Support Warranty The vendor shall provide a comprehensive, one-year (12-month) full-coverage warranty on all parts and labor associated with the elevator modernization. The warranty period shall commence on the date of Harris County's Final Acceptance of the project. The warranty covers defects in materials, workmanship, and any failures in the newly installed equipment, including controllers, machines, hoist ropes, governor ropes, rope grippers, and pit flood alarms. The warranty will include the repair or replacement of defective components at no cost to the Harris County.
The vendor shall be responsible for addressing any issues related to the functionality or performance of the installed systems during the warranty period. The warranty does not cover damage resulting from misuse, vandalism, or unauthorized modifications. It shall include 24/7 emergency callback service with a guaranteed response time for any emergency callback (e.g., passenger entrapment) of no more than two (2) hours from the time of notification.
The warranty shall also include routine preventive maintenance examinations performed on a monthly basis.
Acceptance of Work Upon completion of all modernization work, including all required inspections, testing, correction of deficiencies, and final commissioning, Harris County will perform a formal final inspection and issue a written Final Acceptance of the project. The project will be considered fully complete only when all elevators are operating safely and reliably in compliance with these specifications and all applicable codes, all required deliverables (documentation, certifications, etc.) have been submitted and accepted, and any punch-list deficiencies noted by the County’s final inspection have been corrected. The effective date of Harris County’s Final Acceptance will mark the start of the warranty period for the modernized equipment and work. In accordance with Harris County contract requirements, retainage withheld during the project may be invoiced and released after Final Acceptance is issued, all close-out requirements are fulfilled, and no outstanding claims or disputes remain.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – ELEVATOR EQUIPMENT AND SYSTEMS
All new components shall be non-proprietary to ensure open maintenance access and long-term serviceability by multiple vendors. The following technical requirements apply to the major systems and components of the elevators being modernized:
• Traction Machines and Hoist Ropes: Provide and install new alternating current (AC) gearless traction machines and wire ropes (hoist cables) for each elevator as needed to replace the existing equipment. Each new machine and rope set shall be sized and rated for the specific elevator’s duty, including capacity, speed, and travel distance. New machines shall include all required drive sheaves, isolation pads, bedplates, and safety guards, and be compatible with the existing shaft and car arrangements. The new hoisting machines must deliver performance equal to or better than the originals in terms of elevator speed, ride quality, and capacity. The vendor shall verify that the building’s structural support and existing machine room layout are sufficient for the new equipment; any required modifications to accommodate the new machines (such as beams or supports) shall be included in the proposal.
• Controllers and Drive Systems: Replace all existing elevator controllers with new non-proprietary, microprocessor-based controllers from a recognized independent manufacturer (e.g. Motion Control Engineering, SmartRise, GAL Manufacturing, Pixel, or equal). Each controller shall be Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listed and provide modern operational features including on-board diagnostics (with fault logging and plain-English messages), Firefighters’ Emergency Operation (FEO, Phase I recall and Phase II), and automatic emergency lowering or standby power operation in case of building power failure. Controllers must be fully integrated with all new and retained elevator components and tuned to ensure smooth, efficient ride performance with improved acceleration, deceleration, and leveling accuracy under all load conditions.
The vendor shall provide all documentation, diagnostic tools, and software for the controllers at project turnover, including two (2) complete sets of as-built wiring diagrams, programming and troubleshooting manuals, and any software or special programming keys needed to access and adjust all controller functions.
No special passwords or proprietary dongles shall be required to service or adjust the controllers – the delivered system must be fully open and accessible to the Owner’s maintenance provider. Each new elevator drive system (motor drive unit) shall be solid-state and energy-efficient. If applicable, a soft-start motor starter or variable-frequency drive (VFD) shall be provided to minimize inrush currents and reduce mechanical and electrical stress during starting and stopping. All new wiring in the machine rooms and hoistways (traveling cables, hoistway wiring, control wiring, etc.) shall be replaced with new code-compliant wiring and conduit throughout. This includes installing a new, lockable, fused mainline disconnect switch in each machine room that meets code requirements and can be secured to prevent unauthorized energization. All new traveling cables shall be flexible, flame-retardant, properly supported, and include at least ten (10) percent spare conductors for future needs.
• Door Equipment (Operators and Entrances): Install new non-proprietary door operators on all elevators for smooth, quiet door operation and reliable performance. Door operators shall be capable of variable speed control and be fully compatible with the new control system and existing door hardware. The vendor shall replace or refurbish door tracks, hangers, rollers, and interlocks as needed to ensure each door operates safely and efficiently, with minimal noise and smooth motion. Hoistway door panels and frames may be retained if they are in good condition; however, they must be cleaned, refinished, or replaced as necessary to achieve a like-new appearance and performance. New sill plates shall be installed at all entrances where existing sills are worn or damaged, properly anchored and grouted flush with the adjacent flooring.
• Elevator Fixtures (Hall Stations and COP): Hall call stations at all elevator lobbies shall be replaced with new ADA-compliant, vandal-resistant stainless-steel hall stations. Each hall station shall include illuminated “Up” and “Down” call buttons with raised text and Grade 2 Braille, and shall be installed at heights and locations meeting ADA/TAS requirements. The Car Operating Panels (COPs) in each elevator car shall be replaced with new non-proprietary, heavy-duty, stainless-steel COPs that meet ADA and TAS requirements. Each COP shall include all standard features and fixtures, including: lighted floor-selection buttons with tactile markings and Braille; Door Open and Door Close buttons; an alarm button and emergency stop (if applicable); an in-car digital position indicator and audible arrival/floor announcements;
an Independent Service key switch; fan and light key switches; and any other controls or displays required by code. Each COP shall also include a firefighters’ Phase II key switch (keyed Firefighters Emergency Operation Key 1 (FEOK-1)) for emergency recall operation, as well as a dedicated indicator light for the new pit flood alarm system (to alert if water is detected in the pit). In addition, provide and integrate a new hands-free emergency two-way communication system in each car, utilizing a Call Over Secure Serial (COSS) 4G/5G cellular communicator (or equivalent), fully compliant with ASME A17.1 and Texas code requirements. The emergency telephone shall include an in-car call button with Braille and visual call acknowledgement, and be programmable to automatically dial a monitoring service or security desk, providing the elevator identification and location. New brushed stainless-steel handrails shall be installed on the car interiors as required (at least one (1) handrail on each cab wall), mounted at ADA-compliant height and clearance.
• Door Protection System: Install modern door protection devices on all elevators to ensure passenger safety.
Each elevator door shall be furnished with a full-height, two-dimensional infrared light curtain system which detects persons or objects in the doorway and prevents door closure if the doorway is obstructed. In addition, provide a door-mounted visual indicator system (such as Janus Panachrome+ or equivalent) that gives a red/green signal to passengers at the landing – showing a red light when doors are about to close and green when it is safe to enter or exit. The door protection system shall cause doors to automatically reverse if an obstruction is detected, in full compliance with ASME A17.1 and ADA requirements.
• Cab Interior (Freight Elevator) and Lighting: Modernize the freight elevator cab interior as part of this project. The freight cab refurbishment shall include new durable wall panels, protective bumper rails, a non-slip floor, and replacement of the existing ceiling or lighting with new energy-efficient LED lighting that meets the minimum illumination levels required by code. The design and materials for the freight cab interior upgrade will be selected by Harris County (from standard options) and installed by a specialty cab interior subcontractor of the County’s choosing, coordinated by the elevator vendor. A cash allowance of $40,000.00 (Forty Thousand Dollars) shall be included in the proposal for the freight elevator cab interior rehabilitation; this allowance will be used by the County to cover the cost of the separate cab interior contractor, and the elevator vendor shall facilitate that work including scheduling and providing access as needed. (No modernization of the passenger elevator cab finishes is required under this scope.) All new or refurbished cab finishes and fixtures must meet or exceed ASME A17.1, ADAAG/TAS, and fire code requirements for smoke and flame spread.
• Pit Flood Alarm System: Furnish and install a new water-intrusion detection and alarm system for all six
(6) elevator pits. Each elevator pit shall be equipped with a robust water sensor (float switch or similar) mounted at an appropriate elevation to detect rising water before it reaches critical levels. The system shall tie into the new elevator controls such that upon water detection, the affected elevator is immediately prevented from traveling to the lowest landing, and an audible and visual alarm is activated to alert building personnel. In addition, each new COP shall include an indicator light to signal when a pit flood condition is detected in that elevator. The pit flood alarm system must meet all applicable code requirements for elevator safety and flood detection.
• Emergency Power Operation and Automatic Lowering: Ensure that the modernized elevators are integrated with the building’s existing emergency power generator (if available) for operation during power outages. If a standby generator is not available or cannot be interfaced, provide a self-contained emergency battery lowering device for each elevator to automatically lower the car to a safe landing and open the doors in the event of an extended loss of normal power. The emergency lowering/battery backup system shall engage after a power failure of more than a few seconds and operate each elevator’s brake and door operator to allow passenger egress at the nearest floor. Each such system must be capable of safely handling a fully loaded car and include a maintenance-free battery with a minimum four (4)-year life, plus an automatic self-testing feature to ensure functionality. Emergency power and lowering systems shall comply with all local requirements, and if integrated with a generator, the vendor shall test the elevators on emergency power to validate proper interfacing and operation.
• Firefighters’ Emergency Operation (FEO): The new control systems shall include FEO in full compliance with ASME A17.1 and NFPA 101. This includes Phase I Emergency Recall (automatically returning elevators to a designated recall floor upon activation of a fire alarm signal) and Phase II Emergency In-Car Operation (allowing firefighters to manually control the elevators from within the car using the FEOK-1 key). The vendor is responsible for all necessary interfaces to the building’s existing fire alarm system to achieve FEO functionality, and must coordinate and conduct a successful integrated fire alarm/elevator recall test as part of the final acceptance testing. All control programs, sensors, wiring, and signaling devices must function as required by code for firefighter service.
• Additional Safety Features: Install or upgrade all other safety systems as required to meet current codes and Harris County’s standards. This includes ensuring proper functioning of emergency stop switches, alarm bells, car door restrictors, final limit switches, buffer switches, safety brakes, and other required safety devices on each elevator. Any existing devices that are not code-compliant or not in excellent operating condition shall be replaced or upgraded as part of the project (this may include items such as governor tension weights, safety linkages, etc., as applicable). All new safety components must be compatible with the upgraded systems and meet the requirements of ASME A17.1 and any stricter local safety standards.
Equipment to be Retained and Reused In general, Harris County prefers to retain and reuse existing elevator components that are in good condition and code-compliant to maximize cost efficiency. The OCE shall have the exclusive authority to decide which existing components are to remain in place or be salvaged for future use, and which are to be replaced or discarded. Based on the project scope and current assessments, the following existing equipment is slated to be retained and integrated into the modernized systems (unless otherwise determined by the OCE):
• Existing buffers (bottom-of-hoistway safety buffers)
• Existing guide rails in each elevator hoistway (to be cleaned, realigned, and reused)
• Existing cab flooring (passenger elevators; existing floor finishes to remain)
• Existing car platforms and enclosures (shells)
• Existing pit ladders in each elevator pit
• Existing pit light fixtures in each elevator pit
• Existing cartop inspection stations, if the new control systems are compatible with the existing units
• Existing door sills at each landing
Note: The vendor shall take care to protect all components designated for retention. If any of the above items are found to be unusable or not in code compliance during the project, the vendor must notify the County’s representative for direction. Harris County reserves the right to adjust the list of retained equipment based on further inspections; any additions or removals will be communicated in writing. All items not specifically listed for retention shall be assumed to be removed and replaced as part of this modernization.
Roof Hatch Installation Vendor shall engage and coordinate a qualified third-party contractor to design and install a new roof access hatch above the 1010 Lamar elevator machine room, which will facilitate the safe removal and replacement of the heavy hoisting machines. All costs for this hatch installation (including materials, labor, permits, and any required engineering) shall be included in the vendor’s proposal. The new machine room roof hatch must be appropriately sized to accommodate the hoisting equipment, lockable from the inside for security, and fully watertight to maintain the building’s weatherproof integrity. The hatch and its installation shall be permanent and comply with all applicable building codes and safety regulations, including structural support, fire-resistance/rated construction (if required), and any necessary fall protection or guardrails. The vendor and its chosen subcontractor shall obtain any permits and inspections required for the roof hatch installation, and all such work shall be performed to the same standards of quality and safety as the main elevator scope. The installation of the hatch shall be scheduled and completed in a timeframe that ensures it is ready in advance of lifting operations for the elevator equipment, so as not to delay the overall project.
The vendor’s responsibilities for the roof hatch work include: selecting and managing the third-party construction firm (with Harris County’s approval), overseeing the hatch installation to ensure it meets all specifications and codes, coordinating access and scheduling with building management to minimize disruption, and verifying that the finished hatch is acceptable to the County. The third-party contractor will be responsible for executing the roof cut and hatch installation, providing all required materials and labor, maintaining a safe and clean work site, and obtaining all necessary permits and approvals. The completed roof hatch must pass all required inspections and performance tests (e.g. water leak test) and be formally accepted by Harris County as part of the overall project’s final acceptance.
Deliverables specific to the roof hatch portion (to be provided by the vendor on behalf of the third-party): as-built drawings and specifications for the installed hatch, warranty documentation covering the hatch materials and workmanship (minimum one (1)-year warranty required), and copies of all permits, inspection certificates, and code compliance verifications related to the hatch installation. The roof hatch and installation shall be warranted for a period of not less than one (1) year from Final Acceptance, during which any leakage, defect, or operational issues shall be corrected by the responsible subcontractor at no cost to the County.
PROJECT TIMELINE AND DELIVERABLES
Timeline and Delays The vendor shall provide a detailed project timeline as part of the offer submittal. The estimated timeline for completing the modernization is as follows:
• Pre-Installation and Planning: TBD
• Demolition and Removal: TBD
• Machine Room Construction Completion: TBD
• Controller, Power unit installation: TBD
• Pit Flood Alarm and Signal System Installations: TBD
• Final Testing and Commissioning: TBD
• Estimated Total Project Duration: TBD
• Final Inspection Date: TBD
• Completion Date: TBD
Timeline and Liquidated Damages Vendor shall submit a detailed project schedule with their proposal and update it as required to reflect actual progress. Major project milestones are expected to include (at minimum) Pre-Installation & Planning, Demolition & Removal, East Bank Modernization Completion, West Bank Modernization Completion, Final Testing & Commissioning, and Final Completion/Handover. The final Completion Date to be proposed by the vendor and finalized in the contract. Time is of the essence in this project; once a Completion Date is established in the contract, failure to achieve Substantial Completion by that date (absent County-approved extensions) will result in the assessment of Liquidated Damages. Any delays in reaching Substantial Completion by the agreed Completion Date that are caused by the vendor (including the vendor’s subcontractors or equipment suppliers) shall result in Liquidated Damages of $480.00 per calendar day of delay. This per-day penalty will accrue for each consecutive calendar day beyond the Completion Date until Substantial Completion is achieved. In accordance with Harris County’s General Conditions (Section 4.3 – Liquidated Damages), these Liquidated Damages may be withheld from payments, including the final retainage, or otherwise collected from the vendor. Harris County may also refer to Section 7 of the Harris County General Conditions for Building Construction and Related Work & Roads, Bridges, and Related Work for additional provisions regarding contractor’s time obligations and associated remedies. The vendor should account for the potential impact of Liquidated Damages in preparing the project schedule and ensure all work is diligently prosecuted to completion.
Exclusions Unless explicitly included in these specifications or the project drawings, the following items are not in the scope of this project:
• Any structural modifications to elevator hoistways, pits, or machine rooms (except for the new machine room roof hatch described above), unless specifically identified in the contract documents or required by code during the project.
• Upgrades to the building’s main electrical power supply or any other electrical work outside the elevators’ scope, unless such work is directly related to the elevator systems and specified in this contract.
• Detection, abatement, or remediation of hazardous materials (such as asbestos, lead paint, etc.) if encountered; any such materials discovered will be addressed via a contract change or by Harris County under a separate agreement.
• Parking accommodations for the vendor’s staff, vehicles, or equipment – all parking arrangements and fees are the sole responsibility of the vendor, and parking is not guaranteed or provided by Harris County.
Project Deliverables The following deliverables and documentation shall be provided to Harris County by the vendor upon completion of the project, in both hardcopy (binder) and electronic formats, as part of the close-out process:
• Fully modernized elevator systems as described in this Specification, including six (6) upgraded elevators
— five (5) passenger and one (1) freight — equipped with new non-proprietary controllers, hoisting machines/ropes, door equipment, and all specified improvements, resulting in code-compliant, reliable, safe, and efficient operation of all elevators.
• Complete set of as-built drawings for all modifications, including electrical schematics/wiring diagrams, layout drawings of machine rooms and hoistways (showing any new equipment or structural supports), and updated cab and fixture drawings as applicable.
• Product data, certificates, and warranty information for each major component installed (e.g. controllers, machines, door operators, door safety devices, communication and alarm systems, etc.). This includes manufacturer’s equipment manuals and warranty certificates for all new equipment.
• Operations and Maintenance (O&M) manuals for the modernized elevators, including maintenance schedules, recommended spare parts lists, and troubleshooting guides for all new equipment.
• A detailed final Performance and Acceptance Test Report, summarizing the results of all tests and inspections performed (including the integrated fire alarm recall test and emergency power tests), and certifying that the modernization meets all specified performance criteria and code requirements. All required inspection certificates and permits shall be appended to this report.
• A new laptop computer (or compatible portable device) pre-loaded with any specialized software, configuration files, and non-proprietary tools needed for diagnostics and programming of the new elevator controllers, along with any access keys or dongles if required. This equipment will become the property of Harris County and ensure the County or its maintenance provider can connect to and service the controller systems without restriction.
• Evidence of a fully operational pit flood alarm system integrated with each elevator and properly interfaced to the elevator controls and car panel indicators (this may be demonstrated through the test report and an in-person demonstration to County officials).
• Verification of an operational emergency power / battery lowering system for each elevator, tested under simulated power-failure conditions to confirm proper lowering and shutdown sequences.
• Confirmation that the machine rooms, hoistways, and pits meet all applicable code requirements (e.g.
clearances, ventilation, lighting, ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) outlets, fire-rating of machine room, etc.), and that any machine room modifications (including the new roof hatch) have been completed and accepted.
INVOICING AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Payment Schedule Harris County will not prepay for work that has not been performed or for deliverables not yet received. Payment for this project will be made in stages according to the following milestone completion schedule (percentages refer to the contract lump-sum price):
• Fifty percent (50%) – Upon completion and County approval of engineering/design submittals (including all required shop drawings and design documents for the new elevator controllers and systems).
• Fifteen percent (15%) – Upon delivery of all major equipment and materials to the site, as verified by a Harris County Building Operations Services (BOS) representative.
• Twenty-five percent (25%) – Upon Substantial Completion of the modernization work for all elevators, including successful final state or local inspections with no significant violations or deficiencies noted.
• Ten percent (10%) – Upon conclusion of a thirty (30)-day period of problem-free operation following Final Completion, with no major malfunctions and all equipment performing to the County’s satisfaction.
(This final payment may coincide with the release of retainage, if different from the above milestones.)
Payment Terms and Conditions Invoices: All payments will be made according to the milestones mentioned above, with the elevator company submitting invoices upon the completion of each milestone and Harris County verifying completion.
Disputes: In the event of a dispute regarding job completion or milestones, both parties will agree to meet on job site and in person to resolve the issue before any further payments are processed.
The rates quoted on the BidTable must be all-inclusive. “All-inclusive" shall be construed as costs incorporating all charges for labor, material, equipment and any other cost incurred. No separate line-item rates or charges will be accepted.
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The rates quoted on the BidTable must be all-inclusive. “All-inclusive" shall be construed as costs incorporating all charges for labor, material, equipment and any other cost incurred. No separate line-item rates or charges will be accepted.
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