Colorado Mesa University Campus Energy Infrastructure

Colorado Mesa University (CMU) is seeking a qualified Consultant partner through a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to provide comprehensive design and development services for campus energy infrastructure expansion. The project involves expanding the existing geo-exchange heating and cooling system, integrating it into campus facilities, and constructing additional interconnected facilities in the Formation District. Specific deliverables include initial design, construction budgeting, financial modeling, lifecycle planning, and tax credit analysis. The project will be implemented in multiple phases, with work packages released through Integrated Project Delivery (IPD-DBLS-RFP). Key dates include a pre-submittal conference on July 14, 2023, RFQ submissions due by July 31, 2023 at 11:00 am, and interviews scheduled for August 14, 2023. Evaluation criteria will focus on project team qualifications, firm capabilities, prior experience, project approach, and work location. The university is seeking developers, architects, and engineers with demonstrated expertise in sustainable infrastructure, energy efficiency, and complex campus development projects.

There are no explicit set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations mentioned in the documentation. The current project builds upon an existing geo-exchange system that already serves 16 campus buildings totaling 1.2 million square feet, with plans to expand to serve an additional 20 campus buildings. The project budget is $9,108,609, with $6,000,000 allocated from Capital Construction Funds and $3,108,609 in Cash Funds. CMU can contribute 56% of the total project cost from university reserves and fundraising, with no funds coming from student fees. The university is open to various project delivery methods, including Design/Bid/Build, Construction Manager/General Contractor, and Integrated Project Delivery, and is even considering a potential Public-Private Partnership (P3) arrangement if it provides the best value. The project aims to eliminate natural gas use for heating and cooling on campus, with a planned construction timeline from September 2023 to August 2026.