Design Build - Orange County Convention Center North - South Building Chilled Water System Upgrade

Orange County, Florida is requesting proposals for design-build services for the Orange County Convention Center North-South Building Chilled Water System Upgrade, with Statements of Qualifications due October 15, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. This is a two-step selection process; only firms scoring a minimum of 165 points in Step One advance to Step Two for technical and price proposals.

The scope encompasses design and construction of complete chilled water system infrastructure replacement, including removal and replacement of existing chilled water lines from victaulic couplings to welded piping, along with valves, pumps, insulation, supports, and associated components. The design phase must be completed within 300 calendar days from Notice to Proceed. Substantial completion is required within 1,140 consecutive calendar days and final completion within 1,170 consecutive calendar days, subject to liquidated damages of $500 per day for substantial completion and $250 per day for final completion.

The total project budget is $77.147255 billion, comprised of an estimated design cost of $5.047016 million and estimated construction cost of $72.100239 million. The Design-Build Firm must establish a Guaranteed Maximum Price based on progressive design development and owner-approved scope. All work is subject to prevailing wage requirements and e-verification employment status compliance.

Key personnel must include a Project Manager and Project Engineer (both licensed Professional Engineers in Florida) and a Construction Manager holding a bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or Architecture, or CMAA or PMP certification. Respondents must demonstrate similar project experience within the past 20 years, including chilled water or hydronic piping replacement projects, with at least two of three submitted projects performed under design-build methodology. Firms must provide verification of bonding capacity for payment and performance bonds up to the project cost and evidence of required insurance coverage.

A non-mandatory pre-proposal conference is scheduled for September 21, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. via WebEx. Site visits are available September 24–25, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. at the Orange County Convention Center.