Beaufort County Detention Center Gymnasium Conversion Project

Beaufort County, South Carolina is soliciting sealed bids from qualified and licensed contractors for renovation and conversion of an existing gymnasium into a dormitory-style inmate housing unit at the Beaufort County Detention Center under IFB #090126, with bids due September 1, 2026 at 3:00 pm EST and a non-mandatory pre-bid conference on August 12, 2026 at 2:00 pm. Small and Minority Business Enterprise (S/MBE) participation is required through pre-award good faith efforts and post-award compliance documentation with monthly reporting.

The scope encompasses renovation of approximately 2,500 square feet of multipurpose gymnasium space into a secure detention housing unit with capacity for quad-bunk beds with middle dividers, construction of a new shower room, and related architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and security improvements. Work includes selective demolition, concrete work, masonry, steel and iron work, doors and windows, finishes, HVAC systems with engineered smoke control, fire protection systems, electrical and fire alarm systems, and security-focused elements including detention-grade fixtures, anti-ligature equipment, fixed windows above existing openings, 12-foot tall steel surrounds at roof level, security caulking, and tamper-proof fasteners. Project objective is to address inmate overcrowding while establishing a designated housing area supporting medical isolation and quarantine operations. The work area is approximately 2,260 square feet within a larger I-3 Institutional occupancy facility.

Contractors must possess current South Carolina contractor licensing, demonstrate experience with renovations in occupied governmental or correctional facilities, comply with mandatory security clearance procedures, and maintain background check clearance. Insurance requirements: workers' compensation with $500,000 employers liability, commercial general liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate, comprehensive automobile liability of $500,000 combined single limit, and umbrella coverage of $2,000,000 minimum. Bidders must submit a 5% bid bond within ten days after bid due date; performance and payment bonds equal to 100% of contract amount are required upon award.

Contract completion is required within 240 calendar days from Notice to Proceed. The County will waive Beaufort County permit fees but will not reimburse city or town permits and licenses. Bid prices must remain firm for a minimum of 90 days and include all transportation costs and applicable South Carolina state sales and use taxes. Questions are due August 19, 2026 by 5:00 pm. Comprehensive construction drawings, mechanical schedules, plumbing plans, electrical schematics, finish schedules, and fire protection details prepared by Moseley Architects are included in the bid package. A Limited Asbestos Assessment Report documented no asbestos-containing materials in accessible project areas.