Central Energy Plant Construction

Melbourne Airport Authority is requesting sealed bids for Central Energy Plant construction at Melbourne Orlando International Airport in Melbourne, Florida under RFB20260810-01, with bids due September 17, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. EDT and a mandatory pre-bid conference on August 19, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. EDT. Bidders must be Florida-licensed Division I general contractors—the core eligibility filter. The project is federally funded by the FAA and FDOT, requiring Davis-Bacon wage compliance and federal requirement adherence.

The scope encompasses replacing the Central Energy Plant with an enclosed structure, installing new water-cooled chillers and cooling towers on the roof, installing a new main distribution electrical panel, and installing a pre-purchased generator within the original 1989 terminal at the airport. Work includes all labor, materials, equipment, scheduling, permitting, subcontractor coordination, supervision, document control, inspections, commissioning, training, and project close-out. Anticipated project duration is 52 calendar weeks from Notice to Proceed, with substantial completion required within that timeframe.

The contract is lump-sum with a budgeted amount not to exceed $4.2 million. Bidders must submit a 5% bid bond or certified check with their proposal. A public construction bond equal to 100% of the contract amount is required prior to contract execution. Liquidated damages are assessed at $1,000 per day for delays until 30 days past substantial completion, then $1,500 per day thereafter. Final payment is due 30 days after certification of completion. Bids may not be withdrawn for 60 calendar days after the bid deadline.

Additional site visits may be arranged between August 18 and September 3, 2026 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Bidders must provide proof of licensure, a list of proposed subcontractors, certificates of insurance, and certifications including non-collusion, debarment, E-Verify compliance, and public entity crime statements. The Melbourne Airport Authority reserves the right to supplement, modify, or reject any or all proposals and has established an Owner Direct Purchase Program allowing direct purchase of certain materials and equipment with corresponding contract price reductions.