Data Center/Co-Location Facility Design Consultant

The Public Utility District No. 1 of Benton County, Washington, is seeking a qualified consultant to design a small data center/co-location facility through a Request for Qualifications and Quote (RFQQ) process. The procurement targets a comprehensive design solution for a facility capable of accommodating 25-30 modern server cabinets, with specific technical requirements including robust power infrastructure, advanced cooling systems, comprehensive security features, and integrated building management capabilities. Potential consultants must demonstrate expertise in data center design, with proposals to be evaluated based on qualifications, technical approach, and ability to meet the district's operational needs. Key procurement dates include a question submission deadline of March 19, 2025, and a proposal due date of April 9, 2025. The project requires a detailed design for a facility to be located on the District's premises in Kennewick, with flexibility for prefabricated, modular, or custom design solutions. Evaluation criteria will focus on the consultant's technical competence, experience with similar projects, and proposed approach to meeting the specific requirements of the Benton PUD data center project.

The RFQQ does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The contract will be awarded to the most qualified consultant, with the District reserving the right to award all or portions of the work. While specific budget details are not disclosed, the project serves a utility district that provides electricity to approximately 54,000 retail customers across 948 square miles, suggesting a significant potential project scope. The successful consultant will be expected to work collaboratively with the District's team to finalize project specifications and technical drawings that will ultimately be used to solicit bids for the actual data center construction. The procurement appears to be open to a wide range of qualified design consultants with expertise in data center infrastructure, with the primary focus on technical capability and innovative design solutions that meet the District's specific operational requirements. No incumbent vendors or existing contractors are mentioned in the available documentation, and the project appears to be initiating a new data center design process for the Benton County Public Utility District.