Cooling tower inspection & cleaning

The South Carolina Department of Administration is seeking a contractor to provide comprehensive cooling tower inspection, cleaning, and repair services for 17 cooling tower units across multiple state facilities in Columbia, South Carolina. The solicitation (5400026735) requires detailed maintenance services including fill media cleaning, basin flushing, scale removal, component inspections, bearing maintenance, belt replacement, and comprehensive deficiency reporting. Key deliverables include thorough inspections of sheaves, bushings, shafts, bearings, blades, heater elements, and vibration switches, with a mandatory site visit scheduled for March 19, 2024, at 10:00 AM. The contract term is proposed from April 8, 2024, through April 7, 2025, with all work to be completed within 60 calendar days of purchase order receipt. Bidders must submit offers online at http://www.procurement.sc.gov by April 2, 2024, at 11:00 AM, with award notification expected on April 5, 2024. Contractors must demonstrate emergency response capability within 1.5 hours and provide a one-year warranty on materials and installation.

Preference will be given to South Carolina resident contractors and subcontractors, with potential 2% and 4% preference opportunities, respectively. Contractors must maintain comprehensive insurance, including $1,000,000 per occurrence general liability and auto liability coverage, and worker's compensation insurance. The solicitation includes specific compliance requirements for LOCKOUT/TAGOUT procedures, EPA regulations, Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, and applicable South Carolina codes. A 2% nonresident withholding tax may apply depending on contractor registration status. Liquidated damages of $500 per day will be assessed for failure to meet project completion deadlines. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the services and the number of cooling towers suggest a substantial contract value. Contractors must also be prepared to provide immediate return visits at no charge for any unsatisfactory work within one business day of initial service.