CROC Data Center Liebert - HVAC Replacement

Palm Beach County's Facilities Development and Operations Department is soliciting qualified contractors to remove and replace two existing Liebert HVAC systems at the CROC Data Center (Water Utilities Department facility) located at 8100 Forest Hill Blvd, West Palm Beach, Florida, under Project Number P-2026-000031. The solicitation is for an Annual Contract for HVAC Services and requires furnishing all labor, materials, equipment, permits, and supervision necessary to complete the work. The scope includes removal and installation of two Liebert DS precision cooling systems (Models VS042AZA1E0NQK0 and VS042AZA1E0NQL0) paired with two Liebert MC air-cooled microchannel condensers (Models MCM080E5AD2DTJ and MCM080E5AD2DTK), replacement of line sets and conduits, installation of auxiliary drain pans with flow sensors, temporary air conditioning to maintain 68-72 degrees Fahrenheit, and coordination with facility security and fire alarm systems. The contractor must substantially complete the work within 150 calendar days from the Notice to Proceed and provide a 12-month warranty on all equipment, materials, and labor, plus extended 5-year parts and labor coverage and extended 2-5 year compressor warranty. Key requirements include contractor responsibility for all permits, R-454B refrigerant A2L code compliance, factory-authorized Liebert startup services, and maintenance of data center operations with one existing unit remaining operational at all times. All work must be performed Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., with after-hours work available only at the contractor's expense and subject to Water Utilities Department coordination. A mandatory pre-bid meeting is required on May 5, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the CROC facility, with sealed quotes and bids due by May 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Capital Improvements Division office located at 2633 Vista Parkway, West Palm Beach, Florida. Contractor qualification is required prior to bid submission, with qualification applications due at least 10 days before the quote/bid due date (by May 18, 2026), and only qualified contractors are eligible to submit bids.

Palm Beach County has implemented a Small Business Development (SBD) Program requirement for this procurement, and all bidders must submit completed OSBD Schedules 1 and 2 identifying all subcontractors and Small Business Enterprise (SBE) participation. The county offers an SBE Price Preference provision allowing certified SBE bids within 10 percent of the lowest non-SBE bid to be awarded the contract. Contractors must obtain Critical Facilities and CJI Facilities background clearances and Water Utilities Department ID badging prior to work commencement. Bid security of at least five percent of the bid price is required for bids of $200,000 or more, with a Public Construction Bond of 100% of the work order amount due within 14 calendar days of award notification. Liquidated damages of $180 per day apply for failure to achieve substantial completion within the specified 150-calendar-day timeframe; however, schedule extensions may be granted for documented delays outside the contractor's control, including manufacturer lead times, permit review delays, and county-related scheduling conflicts. No incumbent vendor or current contractor information has been provided in the solicitation documents. The specific budget or award value has not been disclosed in the available documents; however, the bid security requirement for amounts of $200,000 or more suggests the project value may exceed that threshold.