DEM HVAC System Replacement, Electrification, NBNERR Field Station

The Rhode Island Department of Environment Management is requesting quotes for HVAC system replacement and electrification at the NBNERR Field Station on Prudence Island, with quotes due October 5, 2026 and a non-mandatory pre-bid conference on September 17, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. A 15% Minority Business Enterprise participation requirement applies.

Vendors must hold current Rhode Island Class A Master Electrician and mechanical/HVAC licenses (Refrigeration Master Contractor; Sheet Metal Master Contractor for the Base Bid); active Rhode Island Contractors' Registration Board certification; and EPA Section 608 Type II or Universal refrigerant handling certification. The project is partially funded by a federal NOAA grant and subject to Build America, Buy America compliance, requiring documentation that all equipment and materials meet BABA requirements.

The scope involves demolition of existing fossil-fuel-fired heating and split cooling equipment and installation of a fully electrified, high-efficiency heat pump HVAC system. The Base Bid specifies a ducted variable refrigerant flow system with Mitsubishi Electric/Trane City Multi equipment (four outdoor units totaling 204,000 BTU/h cooling and 224,000 BTU/h heating capacity; eight indoor units including six multi-position air handlers and two wall-mounted units), an energy recovery ventilator, and electrical service upgrade. Alternate 1, submitted as a cost deduction, offers a simplified ductless heat pump system. The design establishes performance criteria including cooling at 89°F DB and heating at 43°F WB, with EER2 values of 11.9 to 19.5 and heating COP of 3.6 to 3.74. Work must comply with Rhode Island State Building Code, ICC, ASHRAE, ASME, ASTM, NFPA, and NEC standards. The contractor bears responsibility for permits, field verification, commissioning, testing and balancing per AABC standards, staff training, and two-year warranty (manufacturer warranties of not less than ten years on compressors and five years on parts).

Construction commences October 2026, with substantial completion within 12 months of Notice to Proceed and final completion within 30 days thereafter. Liquidated damages are $100 per day for delays. The contractor must account for island access by ferry from Bristol only, with all transport costs and weather contingency included. A five percent bid surety bond and 100% payment and performance bonds are required. Prevailing wage requirements apply under Rhode Island General Laws 37-13-1. Questions are due September 25, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. EDT. Attendance notification for the pre-bid conference is due by noon on September 16, 2026.