Central Office Data Center Computer Room A/C Unit Replacement

Howard County Public School System (HCPSS) is seeking bids for the Central Office Data Center Computer Room A/C Unit Replacement project located at 10910 Clarksville Pike in Ellicott City, Maryland. The procurement involves replacing two computer room air conditioning units (CRACU) and associated appurtenances within a 1,500 square foot data center, with a specific construction timeframe from March 2, 2026 to April 10, 2026. Bidders must register through the Bonfire portal by September 18, 2025, with bid documents available on the HCPSS Purchasing website. A mandatory pre-bid teleconference is scheduled for September 24, 2025 at 10:00 AM, followed by a site visit at 12:00 PM on the same day. Written questions must be submitted via the Bonfire website no later than September 30, 2025 at 1:00 PM, with final bids due on October 9, 2025 at 1:00 PM. Contractors must be licensed to do business in Maryland and are expected to provide references from similar work performed within the last three years.

The procurement includes a significant focus on Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) participation, with an overall MBE goal of 10% and encouragement for certified minority businesses to respond. Bidders must complete Attachment A (Certified MBE Utilization and Fair Solicitation Affidavit) and Attachment B (MBE Participation Schedule), which allow for participation across various minority business categories including African American, Asian American, Native American, Women-owned, Hispanic, and Disabled-owned businesses. Contractors will be required to register on eMaryland Marketplace Advantage within five days of award and comply with criminal background check procedures. While a specific award value is not explicitly stated, the project involves replacing critical infrastructure in a data center, suggesting a substantial investment. The bid documents include a standard AIA Bid Bond form, indicating the financial complexity and risk management considerations of the project. Successful bidders must also adhere to Howard County Public School System's ethics and safety policies, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to contractor selection and performance.