Consultant Services – Eble Ice Arena Refrigeration System Replacement

Waukesha County Department of Parks & Land Use is soliciting proposals from qualified engineering and refrigeration system consultants for a two-part engagement to replace the R-22 refrigeration system at Eble Ice Arena. Part 1 requires consultants to evaluate replacement options, develop formal recommendations and conceptual design documents, and produce bid-ready construction specifications for a planned January 2027 procurement and 2028 construction phase. Part 2 consists of optional construction management services during the 2027-2028 construction period, available at the county's sole discretion. Qualified firms must employ a licensed Professional Engineer registered in Wisconsin with a minimum of five years' experience in ice arena refrigeration system evaluation and replacement, including R-22 systems, and must demonstrate completion of at least three similar projects within the past five years. Preferred qualifications include RETA certifications (CIRO or CARO), EPA Section 608 Universal Certification, IIAR ammonia systems training, ASHRAE membership, or Certified Energy Manager credentials. Evaluation criteria allocate 35 percent weight to technical expertise and experience, 20 percent to proposal content and quality, 20 percent to construction management qualifications, and 25 percent to cost. The RFP was posted January 22, 2026, with final questions due February 6, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. CST, and proposals due February 19, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. CST/CDT via the Waukesha County Bonfire Purchasing Portal. Interviews, if required, are scheduled for March 19, 2026, with Finance Committee approval on April 8, 2026, and contract execution anticipated in May 2026, with Part 1 deliverables due December 2026.

No set-aside designations or specific restrictions targeting disadvantaged enterprises or particular organization types are identified in the RFP documentation. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are referenced. Proposers must submit lump sum "not-to-exceed" pricing for both Part 1 (2026) and Part 2 (2027-2028), with fees including all personnel costs and reimbursable expenses such as transportation and communications; specific budget ranges are not provided in the available documentation. The county will retain a minimum of 10 percent of fees until final project acceptance, with payment processed within 30 days of invoice receipt or according to MasterCard processing timelines if the contractor accepts credit card payment. All quoted conditions and prices must remain firm for ninety calendar days from the February 19, 2026, opening date. Contractors must maintain comprehensive insurance including workers' compensation with $100,000 employer liability limits, commercial general liability of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence with errors and omissions coverage, and automobile liability of $500,000 combined single limit.