AHEC-26923-B - Cherry Creek Immersive Learning Lab

The State of Colorado, acting through the Auraria Higher Education Center (AHEC), is procuring a Design/Bid/Build general construction contract (AHEC-26923-B) for the Cherry Creek Immersive Learning Lab, a tenant improvement project located at 1111 W Colfax Avenue in Denver County. This project involves the complete renovation of approximately 4,256 square feet within the Cherry Creek Building to create an immersive learning environment for the Community College of Denver, encompassing an immersive classroom with 30-user capacity, a free-roam virtual reality pod, front-of-house spaces, and associated support areas. The scope of work includes demolition of existing partitions; installation of new HVAC systems with VAV terminal units and ductless split systems; electrical work including a new 200-ampere, three-phase panelboard and lighting control systems; fire alarm and security upgrades; fiber optic cabling installation; raised access flooring; new interior finishes including carpet tiles, paint, and acoustic ceiling treatments; and comprehensive infrastructure required to support vendor-furnished immersive technology systems. Bidders must demonstrate strict minimum qualifications including no previous termination by the State for non-performance, operation under the same business name for at least two years, completion of at least three projects exceeding $1,000,000 in hard costs within the past five years, and bonding capability up to $1,000,000. The mandatory pre-bid conference and site tour is scheduled for May 12, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the Facilities Management building in Denver; sealed bids are due May 27, 2026, at 2:00 PM Mountain Time; contract award is anticipated May 26, 2026; and construction must commence June 11, 2026, with substantial completion required by August 31, 2026. The evaluation criteria include award to the lowest responsible bidder, with consideration of Colorado resident bidder preference provisions, contract award based on the base bid combined with additive or deductible alternates in numerical order within available funds, and all submissions must acknowledge receipt of addenda and include bid bonds of not less than 5% of the total bid.

The project is subject to Colorado prevailing wage requirements and the Colorado Labor Preference statute requiring 80% Colorado labor utilization on all work; contractors must use LCPTracker for labor compliance and certified payroll reporting. For projects exceeding $1,000,000 without federal funding, all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing subcontractors must participate in apprenticeship programs registered with the U.S. Department of Labor and demonstrate documented graduation rates of at least 15% over three of the past five years, as verified through the State's Apprenticeship Certification form. Performance and labor/material payment bonds are required at not less than 50% of the contract value, along with comprehensive insurance coverage including builders' risk, commercial general liability, workers' compensation, and pollution liability insurance. The project incorporates existing infrastructure that requires integration, specifically the Johnson Controls Building Automation System, which must be coordinated with all mechanical system installations, and the Dreamscape Learn immersive technology systems including VR tracking systems, wireless access points, render server equipment with a 46,000 BTU heat load requiring dedicated cooling and power, fiber optic connectivity to an Intermediate Distribution Frame room, and specialized floor infrastructure. The total appropriated project budget is Three Million Three Hundred Forty Two Thousand Forty Two Dollars ($3,342,042.00), encompassing all professional services, construction improvements, project contingencies, furnishings, movable equipment, and miscellaneous costs; the awarded contract sum will be determined by the contractor's bid submission and is subject to additions and deductions in accordance with the General Conditions. No liquidated damages provisions apply to this project, retainage is set at 5% of each payment application, and all permit and inspection costs, including State Electrical and Denver Fire Department inspections, must be included in bids.