AHEC-26910-B - Administration Building (AD) 253 Server Room Upgrades

The Auraria Higher Education Center (AHEC) is soliciting bids for a comprehensive server room upgrade project at the Administration Building in Denver, Colorado. The procurement is seeking an HVAC contractor with an electrical subcontractor to conduct critical infrastructure improvements in Room 253, which involves demolishing existing condensing units and installing a new Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) and two Computer Room Air Conditioning (CRAC) units. Qualified bidders must attend a mandatory pre-bid conference on October 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM and submit final bids by October 27, 2025, at 2:00 PM. Contractors must demonstrate specific qualifications, including two years of continuous business operation, proven experience with at least two projects over $400,000, and bonding capabilities up to $400,000. The project requires a bid bond of at least 5% of the total bid and has a projected construction timeline of 180 days, with an anticipated start date of December 1, 2025, and completion by May 31, 2026. Evaluation will be based on the "lowest responsible bidder" criteria, considering factors such as technical compliance, experience, and financial stability.

The contract opportunity includes several Colorado-specific labor and business requirements, including a mandate to employ Colorado labor for at least 80% of the work and providing preference to Colorado resident bidders. Contractors must be prepared to provide payment and performance bonds not less than 50% of the contract value for contracts exceeding $150,000. While no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are explicitly highlighted, the bid documents suggest potential opportunities for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. The estimated project cost is $370,369.00, with potential for additional adjustments based on alternate pricing and specific project requirements. The project drawings and specifications, prepared by RMH Group and dated September 11, 2025, have been reviewed and approved by AEC-West, the authority having jurisdiction. Potential bidders should note that the state reserves the right to request additional verification of submitted information and may waive informalities or reject any and all bids.