472/25256. JBB; Alger C. F. Cooler/Freezer Replacement

The Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB) is procuring construction services for the replacement of a walk-in cooler and freezer unit at the Michigan Department of Corrections Alger Correctional Facility in Wetmore, Michigan (Project 472/25256.JBB). The project scope includes removal of the existing combination cooler-freezer unit and installation of separate walk-in cooler and freezer units, new LED lighting in both units, replacement of remote refrigeration components located outside the facility, and installation of a new roof structure over the refrigeration equipment. The basis-of-design equipment is a Nor-Lake walk-in cooler/freezer unit (Model NL258843642-B) with specifications requiring a 20-foot by 17.5-foot by 10-foot walk-in cooler and a 30-foot by 17.5-foot by 10-foot walk-in freezer, both equipped with digital thermostats, alarm systems, vinyl strip air curtains, and heated sliding doors with security fastenings. The contract duration is 120 calendar days from the Notice to Proceed, with liquidated damages of $300 per calendar day assessed for delays beyond substantial completion. Critical deadlines include a mandatory pre-bid conference and facility walkthrough on April 8, 2026, at 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM respectively; the original bid submission deadline of April 22, 2026, was extended to April 29, 2026, at 2:00 PM Eastern Time; requests for equipment substitutions must be submitted by April 21, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time; and questions must be directed to Reid Anderson at randerson@upea.com by April 15, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern Time. Bidders must submit responses electronically through the SIGMA VSS website with a 5 percent bid guarantee, and all bids exceeding $50,000 require performance and payment bonds. The project includes allowances totaling $17,800, consisting of an AUS Coordination (SYMPHONY) allowance of $7,800 and an owner-directed allowance of $10,000.

Service-disabled veteran-owned businesses (SDVOBs) are eligible for a 10 percent pricing preference on this contract under Michigan Public Act 91 of 2005, provided they submit proper documentation including proof of service and service-connected disability and evidence of business ownership. Bidders must comply with prevailing wage requirements applicable to Michigan state-funded projects and must secure Michigan-based business certification for contracts exceeding $100,000. All contractor and vendor representatives require LEIN criminal history background clearance prior to facility access and must submit LEIN Request forms five business days before the pre-bid conference. Bidders must demonstrate State Project Registration from the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and provide experience modification ratings and documentation of at least three similar completed projects with reference contacts following bid submission. The project specifications require compliance with EPA refrigerant disposal regulations under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act and coordination with MDOC regarding temporary cooler and freezer downtime, with the facility requiring 30 days' advance notice to procure a refrigerated trailer during construction. No specific incumbent vendors or existing contractor information is identified in the procurement documents, though the basis-of-design equipment specifications and Starlink system integration for alarm monitoring represent existing infrastructure considerations for the selected contractor.