Compressed Air Connections for Textile Carding Machinery

Gaston College is soliciting sealed bids for compressed air system installation at its Fiber Innovation Center Carding Room Phase III project in Belmont, North Carolina, with bids due July 14, 2026, and a mandatory pre-bid conference on June 30, 2026.

The scope comprises new compressed air piping drops and appurtenances — connection types, pressure gauges, moisture traps, pressure regulators, shut-off valves, hangers, and supports — connecting new owner-provided textile carding machinery to the existing Prevost compressed air system. All new piping must match the existing Prevost 100% aluminum system and coordinate with equipment manufacturer specifications for final sizing, connection types, and operating pressures ranging from approximately 72.5 to 125 PSIG. Work must comply with the 2018 North Carolina State Plumbing Code and applicable local ordinances and be completed by October 30, 2026, scheduled preferably during weekends and evenings to accommodate student classes and events.

Bidders must submit two signed original proposals in sealed packages including North Carolina licensures, material lists, proposed construction schedules, warranty information, references, a lump sum price with material and labor breakdown, Certificate of Insurance, and W-9 forms. Contractor must obtain all required permits, maintain comprehensive general liability insurance with minimum limits of $500,000 bodily injury per occurrence and $100,000 property damage per occurrence, and provide performance and payment bonds in the full contract amount executed by a North Carolina-authorized surety. Award goes to the lowest responsive bid meeting written specifications; the State reserves the right to make separate awards to different vendors or reject any or all bids. Payment is made within thirty days of acceptance of pay requests, with maximum 5% retainage until 50% project completion. The contractor must register with North Carolina E-Procurement within seven days of award and is responsible for all utilities, dumpster services, parking, traffic control, and daily cleanup. As-built documentation is due within 60 days of project completion; one-year warranty on all materials and workmanship is required.