CEEC Modular Building Procurement

The University of Massachusetts Amherst is requesting proposals for design, prefabrication, delivery, on-site assembly, and installation of a modular building to house the Center of Early Education and Care (CEEC) at 972 North Pleasant Street in Amherst, Massachusetts, with proposals due October 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. EDT and a pre-bid conference on September 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the project site. The University will give preference to modular buildings manufactured in Massachusetts, followed by buildings manufactured elsewhere in the United States, with out-of-country manufacturing as the least preferred option, provided all other considerations are equal.

The facility is a 12,800 square-foot, single-story modular building comprising six toddler classrooms (9 children each), four preschool classrooms (20 children each), children's bathrooms, administrative offices, a gross motor room, kitchen, storage, corridors, and support spaces, with capacity for 134 children total and three outdoor play areas. Design development drawings, outline technical specifications, and a detailed door hardware schedule establish facility requirements including slab-on-grade foundation with spread footings, concrete construction per geotechnical recommendations, EPDM roofing with 30-year manufacturer warranty, windows and doors with 20-year extended warranties, VRF air-source heat pump HVAC, wet sprinkler fire protection, plumbing with low-flow fixtures, and comprehensive electrical systems with LED lighting. All design and certifications must be provided by Massachusetts-licensed architects and engineers. The contractor must provide independent third-party testing and inspection for concrete, exterior envelope performance, and roofing systems.

All construction work must be completed by July 16, 2027, with facility operations commencing September 2027. The estimated total construction cost is $8,000,000. Bidders must hold a DCAMM Certificate of Eligibility in General Building Construction or Modular Construction/Prefab and submit a 5% bid deposit. All on-site construction work is subject to prevailing wage requirements under Massachusetts General Law c. 149, 26-27H, with workforce participation goals of 15.3 percent minority workers and 6.9 percent women workers. All employees must complete a minimum 10-hour OSHA-approved construction safety and health course prior to commencing work. The contractor must maintain performance and payment bonds, provide one-year warranty coverage, and submit one-year maintenance documentation in three printed binders and one electronic PDF prior to final payment. The contractor is responsible for all permitting, site preparation, utility connections, foundation construction, and site work. Questions are due September 28, 2026. Contract award will be made within 60 days of the proposal due date, with possible extension up to 45 additional days by mutual agreement. The successful proposer must execute the contract within 10 business days of award notification.