Chiller Upgrade

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking bids for the rental of three 500-ton air-cooled chillers to be installed at the South Chiller Plant located at 160 Bragg Drive in Chapel Hill. The procurement is an Invitation for Bid (IFB) numbered 3000012487, targeting the rental period from May 2026 through September 2026. Specific deliverables include the delivery and installation of chillers, connecting 6" and 12" lay flat hose with necessary fittings, installing electrical power cabling, startup of rental chillers, and subsequent disassembly and removal at contract conclusion. Acceptable chiller manufacturers are limited to Trane, Carrier, and York, with strict electrical requirements mandating 480V/60hz/3 phase compatibility. Vendors must submit all questions by September 23, 2025, and submit bids electronically through the eVP portal by October 1, 2025. Evaluation criteria will focus on the most advantageous material and equipment costs, vendor experience, and completeness of submitted information.

The procurement includes provisions for comprehensive vendor vetting, requiring background checks, references, and financial stability certification. Vendors must complete several mandatory attachments, including HUB Supplemental Vendor Information, Customer Reference Form, and Location of Workers Utilized by Vendor, with incomplete submissions potentially disqualifying the bid. The pricing structure requires detailed cost breakdowns encompassing delivery and set-up fees, monthly rental fees, disconnect and return fees, and any miscellaneous charges. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the complex technical requirements and multi-month rental period suggest a significant contract value. The procurement appears to have potential preferences or considerations for HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) vendors, though no strict set-aside designations are explicitly mentioned in the available documentation. The contract's technical specificity and comprehensive evaluation process indicate a rigorous selection methodology aimed at securing a reliable and technically competent chiller rental solution.