Z1DB--689-25-113 ARF Chiller Replacement, West Haven CT Two-Phase Design-Build

The Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans Health Administration is seeking a design-build contractor to replace the Animal Research Facilities (ARF) chiller system located on the 9th floor of Building 2 at the VA Connecticut Healthcare System in West Haven. The project involves planning, design, demolition, and construction of a new chiller system for approximately 13,000 gross square feet, utilizing existing rooftop infrastructure and connections. The procurement will be conducted as a two-phase design-build selection, with Phase 1 proposals due by January 21, 2025, at 10:00 am EST. Evaluation criteria will focus on the offeror's experience, past performance, and technical approach, with a maximum of five firms advancing to Phase 2. Non-price factors will be significantly more important than price, and contractors will be assessed on quality management, schedule adherence, business practices, and compliance with safety requirements.

The contract is 100% set-aside for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) under NAICS code 238220 with a $19 million size standard. The contract will be a firm-fixed-price with a performance period of 390 calendar days after notice to proceed, and requires a 20% bid guarantee not exceeding $3 million. The project aims to correct negative environmental conditions caused by the failure of the existing chiller system, which currently has only one of six modules functioning. The new chiller system must maintain temperatures within a 2°F variation and low humidity levels for an animal research facility housing over 20,000 animals. Johnson Controls is identified as the current Building Management System (BMS) provider and will handle system integration. The project is expected to have the new chiller operational by the end of April 2026, with design submissions required at 15%, 50%, 95%, and final completion stages.