Colston Elevator Replacement

Savannah State University, a Georgia state entity located in Chatham County, is procuring elevator replacement services for the Colston Administration Building through a Request for Quotation (RFQ) process (Solicitation No. PE-54800-RFQ-2025-000000027). The scope of work includes the removal and replacement of an existing hydraulic elevator and associated systems, along with upgrades to fire alarm systems, electrical infrastructure, and minor architectural modifications within the two-story Colston Administration Building (27,576 square feet total gross area). Deliverables encompass comprehensive elevator system replacement, installation of new 175-amp three-phase 208-volt elevator disconnect with associated wiring, a new 200-amp fusible safety switch with 125-amp time delay fuses, new smoke detectors at elevator landings connected to the existing Simplex 4010 fire alarm control panel, and a ductless heat pump system with 12 MBH cooling capacity, all with one-year warranties on workmanship and materials. The project must be completed within 150 consecutive calendar days from the Proceed Order date, with final completion within 30 days thereafter, and the facility must remain operational throughout construction. A mandatory pre-bid conference was held on June 11, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Evers Physical Plant; sealed bids were due on July 1, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.; written questions were required by June 24, 2025; and substitute product requests were due by June 20, 2025. Contractor evaluation criteria include debarment status, prior terminations or defaults on public works contracts, financial stability with a minimum Current Ratio of 1.0, workers' compensation safety record with an Experience Modification Rate not exceeding 1.2 average over three years, and demonstrated ability to successfully complete comparable public works projects on time, within quality standards, and within cost. Bid requirements include a bid bond of not less than five percent of the bid amount, with performance and payment bonds each equal to 100 percent of the Contract Sum required upon award, and liquidated damages are set at $500 per day for failure to achieve Material Completion.

No set-aside designations or restrictions specifically limiting response to disadvantaged enterprises are referenced in the procurement documents, and the solicitation was conducted on a competitive low-bid basis open to qualified suppliers meeting responsibility criteria. The contract was awarded to CNB Construction, LLC, the responsive and responsible bidder submitting the lowest bid, with a fixed contract amount of $325,680 announced in the Notice of Award dated July 15, 2025. Samet Corporation was the unsuccessful offeror, rejected for not submitting the low bid. The contract requires compliance with applicable codes including the 2018 International Building Code with Georgia Amendments, 2018 International Mechanical Code, 2023 National Electrical Code, 2018 Life Safety Code NFPA 101, and ASME A17.1/CSA B44 Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators (2022). Contractors must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage including Commercial General Liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence, Commercial Business Automobile Liability of $1,000,000 Combined Single Limit, and Builders Risk Insurance at 100 percent of the Contract Sum. No existing incumbent vendor or technology integration requirements beyond the existing Simplex 4010 fire alarm control panel are indicated in the procurement documents, though all work must coordinate with existing building systems and maintain operational continuity of the occupied facility.