CIP-2490 Admin Building Air Conditioner Replacement

The Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority (BJWSA) has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a Design-Build project (CIP-2490) to replace the air conditioning system at their Administrative Building located in Okatie, South Carolina. The procurement seeks qualified Design-Build firms to provide comprehensive services including project administration, technology evaluation, design, and installation of a new HVAC system. Specific project scope includes replacing two 30-ton chillers, modifying associated piping, implementing a new open-source Building Management System, and integrating controls for various HVAC equipment. The proposal evaluation will utilize a weighted criteria approach: Proposed Fee (40%), Firm Qualifications and Experience (20%), Project Approach (20%), and Schedule and Availability (20%). Key dates include a pre-proposal conference and site visit scheduled for November 12, 2025, at 10:00 AM EST, with proposals due electronically through the Bonfire Procurement Platform by December 2, 2025, at 2:45 PM EST. All work must be completed and billed by June 30, 2026, and proposal pricing must remain valid for 90 days from the submittal deadline.

The RFP includes a Small and Minority Business Participation Program that requires contractors to make Good Faith Efforts to recruit and include Small and Minority Business Enterprises (SMBEs), defined as businesses that are at least 51% owned by socially and economically disadvantaged persons. Contractors must submit a comprehensive Good Faith Efforts Packet, including a Contractor Good Faith Effort Checklist, Agencies Distribution List, Outreach Written Notice, and a Proposed Utilization Plan. Written notices to potential SMBE subcontractors must be sent at least 15 business days before the bid due date. Insurance requirements are specified, including $1,000,000 coverage for Commercial General Liability and Automobile Liability. While no specific budget is explicitly stated, the project will utilize BJWSA's standard contract terms and conditions, and contractors will be required to submit quarterly compliance reports documenting SMBE participation. The project represents an opportunity for design-build firms with HVAC expertise to modernize the administrative building's cooling infrastructure through a comprehensive system replacement and technological upgrade.