Central Energy Plant Construction

The Melbourne Airport Authority is requesting bids on Central Energy Plant construction at Melbourne Orlando International Airport in Melbourne, Florida, with sealed proposals due September 17, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. EDT and a mandatory pre-bid conference and site visit on August 19, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. EDT. Davis-Bacon wage rates apply to this federally funded project. Positive efforts toward utilization of Brevard County businesses, small businesses, minority-owned firms, and women's business enterprises as subcontractors are required. Bidders must be Florida-licensed Division I general contractors.

The scope encompasses demolition of the existing chiller plant and construction of an enclosed Central Energy Plant structure with new water-cooled chillers and cooling towers on the roof, installation of a new main electrical distribution panel, and installation of a pre-purchased generator. Work must comply with the Florida Building Code, Florida Mechanical Code, National Electric Code, NFPA standards, and federal regulations including FAA and TSA requirements. The contractor is responsible for maintenance of traffic, coordination with other active contractors, and continuous support to airport operations during construction while the airport remains operational. The contractor must establish an Environmental Protection Plan within 14 days of award, submit a preliminary construction schedule within 14 days of Notice to Proceed, and a detailed baseline schedule within 21 days using Critical Path Method scheduling in Primavera software. A minimum of 1.5 percent of the original contract amount or $75,000, whichever is less, must be allocated for construction scheduling activities. Monthly schedule updates and progress reports are required throughout the project.

The budgeted project cost is $4,200,000. The anticipated schedule is 52 calendar weeks from Notice to Proceed. Liquidated damages are assessed at $1,000 per day for delays, increasing to $1,500 per day after 30 days beyond substantial completion. A bid bond or certified check equal to 5% of the bid amount must accompany proposals; a public construction bond equal to 100% of the contract award is required before execution. Written questions are due September 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. EDT. Additional site visits are available Tuesdays and Thursdays between August 20 and September 3 by advance appointment with 24 to 48 hours' notice.