Chiller Replacement

The Pinellas County School District is soliciting sealed electronic bids for a Chiller Replacement project at Oak Grove Middle School. The procurement involves replacing two existing air-cooled chillers (CH-1 and CH-2), each with a 230-ton capacity, along with associated chilled water piping, valves, primary chiller-loop pumps, and secondary chiller-loop pumps. Bidders must be Florida Licensed Mechanical Contractors with demonstrated experience in chiller replacements, required to provide documentation of at least five comparable projects within the past five years. The project specifications mandate compliance with current building codes, ASHRAE standards, and State Requirements for Educational Facilities (SREF). The bid is due electronically via the District's e-Procurement Portal on March 4, 2025, before 3:00 pm, with a mandatory pre-bid conference held on February 17, 2025, at 8:00 am. The contract duration is set at 180 calendar days from the Notice to Proceed, with a $500 per day liquidated damages clause for delays. An independent testing and balancing agency will be procured by the owner to verify system performance, and the contractor is responsible for complete system startup and ensuring new equipment meets design specifications.

The solicitation does not explicitly indicate specific set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types. Contractors must provide proof of licensing, background screenings, and E-Verify employment verification. The project includes a $5,000 contingency fund for unforeseen circumstances, with any unused funds to be reconciled through a deductive change order. Proposed equipment includes Trane Ascend Air-Cooled Scroll Chillers with R-454B refrigerant, featuring advanced components like variable volume ratio scroll compressors and a 10-year parts, labor, and refrigerant warranty. Insurance requirements are comprehensive, mandating General Liability, Automotive Liability, and Workers' Compensation Insurance, with coverage limits varying based on the contract value. While a specific budget range is not disclosed, the project involves significant mechanical infrastructure upgrades with sophisticated equipment specifications. Bidders must provide various forms including verification of employment status, warranty information, and subcontractor details, indicating a thorough vetting process for potential contractors.