CU Boulder-UCB001319-PDPS-CHW Expansion and Service

The University of Colorado Boulder is seeking a contractor for the UCB001319-PDPS-CHW Expansion and Service project, a critical infrastructure upgrade to the campus chilled water (CHW) distribution system. The project involves installing a new 4" service to the PDPS Building and expanding the existing CHW distribution system, with work to be performed while adjacent systems remain energized and buildings continue full operational status. A mandatory pre-bid meeting is scheduled for September 18, 2025, at 10:00 AM, with sealed bids due on October 6, 2025, by 2:00 PM. Bidders must demonstrate general contracting experience with at least two projects over $2,000,000 in the past three years and prove bonding capacity up to $5,000,000. The project requires compliance with the Buy Clean Colorado Act, prevailing wage regulations, and state apprenticeship program requirements. Contractors must submit electronic bids through BidNet and meet specific technical specifications for pipe materials, installation methods, and testing protocols. The anticipated general contractor start date is November 3, 2025, with construction timing to be determined and work performed Monday through Friday to minimize service disruptions.

The procurement includes provisions for Colorado resident bidder preferences and opportunities for Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses. Apprenticeship participation is mandatory for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing subcontractors, with requirements that participating unions demonstrate at least a 15% apprentice graduation rate in three of the past five years. The project estimated construction cost is $1,200,000, with potential contract modifications based on bid alternates. Insurance requirements are comprehensive, including Commercial General Liability ($2M aggregate, $1M per occurrence), Automobile Liability ($1M), Workers Compensation (statutory limits), and Contractors Pollution Liability ($2M per loss and aggregate). Contractors must also comply with background check requirements for accessing sensitive environments and provide detailed labor burden calculations. The project will be funded through state appropriations, with the contract not becoming effective until signed by the State Controller. Successful bidders must be prepared to execute the agreement, provide performance and payment bonds, and submit insurance policies within 10 days of award.