3rd and Spruce Warehouse Improvements Project

The City of Reading, Pennsylvania is soliciting competitive sealed bids for Invitation for Bid (IFB #2025-IFB-054) to perform comprehensive warehouse improvements at 301 Spruce Street/3rd and Spruce Street in Reading, Berks County. The project encompasses extensive renovation work including selective demolition, asbestos removal and disposal, installation of new roofing systems with EPDM membrane, structural steel joist framing and decking, new concrete masonry unit partitions, miscellaneous metals fabrication, electrical distribution systems with lighting and receptacles, mechanical systems including exhaust fans and roof hoods, rough carpentry, gypsum board assemblies, painting and coatings, fire protection specialties, and site improvements including chain-link fencing and stone paving. The project was designed by Buchart Horn, Inc., and aims to create space for the Downtown Coordinator's supplies and flexible space for future co-tenants following the City's 2023 purchase of the property from the Reading Redevelopment Authority. The contract term extends for 270 days from the Notice to Proceed, with work commencing within ten days of that notice. A mandatory pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for February 23, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at the warehouse site, with non-attendance resulting in automatic bid disqualification; written questions must be submitted by February 26, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., with responses provided by March 4, 2026. Sealed electronic bids are due March 12, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. via the Penn Bid portal with public bid opening at the same date and time. Award recommendations will be made based on cost and technical merit, with anticipated award within sixty days of bid submission. Each bid must include a bid bond or certified check equal to ten percent of the proposal amount.

Qualified contractors must meet stringent responsibility criteria including demonstration of sufficient technical capability, financial stability, equipment resources, and satisfactory past performance records. The successful bidder must comply with Pennsylvania prevailing wage requirements and the Build America, Buy America Act, ensuring all iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials originate in the United States unless an approved waiver is obtained. Contractors must furnish maintenance, payment, and performance bonds equal to one hundred percent of the contract value and provide comprehensive insurance coverage including general liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, business automobile liability of $1,000,000 combined single limit, umbrella/excess liability of $5,000,000 per occurrence and aggregate, workers' compensation at statutory limits, employer's liability of $100,000 per accident and $500,000 disease policy limit, and pollution liability of $1,000,000 per claim and aggregate. Contractors and subcontractors must complete OSHA training requirements, participate in Class A Apprenticeship Programs for each trade, ensure at least seventy percent of craft labor workers are journeyperson workers or registered apprentices, and comply with all equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination provisions. The procurement is not subject to federal small business set-aside restrictions but incorporates HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding requirements, making the project subject to Section 3 employment and contracting provisions that prioritize economic opportunities for low- and very low-income persons. Although a specific contract value is not disclosed in the invitation documents, the estimated procurement value is expected to be in the range of $250,000 or greater based on the prevailing wage and responsible contractor certification requirements applicable to projects of that threshold value.