Design-Build Services for Standby Generator at Clearwater Executive Airport CNG Station

The City of Clearwater, Florida is requesting qualifications for design-build services to furnish and install a compressed natural gas-powered standby emergency generator system at Clearwater Executive Airport's CNG station, with sealed responses due October 22, 2026 and questions due October 12. This is an RFQ evaluation against two equal criteria sets: qualifications of team and consultants (50 points) and technical approach (50 points).

Respondents must demonstrate a minimum of five years of experience in natural gas-powered standby generator selection and installation, with at least three client references preferably from public agencies and at least one project involving CNG refueling or similar fuel infrastructure completed within the past ten years. The preliminary generator design basis is 1,500 kilowatts, though final sizing remains the Design-Builder's responsibility. Scope includes assessment, permitting, design, procurement, installation, integration, testing, training, and project closeout for electrical loads supporting both the new two-story terminal building (18,000 square feet, 16 hours daily operation, 480/277-volt service at 1,000-amp main panel) and the adjacent CNG fueling station (24-hour daily operation, approximately 400,000 gasoline gallon equivalents annually). The Design-Builder must maintain operations at both facilities during installation and provide a minimum one-year warranty following substantial completion.

Contract terms will use an American Institute of Architects A141-2024 form with City modifications, establishing a Guaranteed Maximum Price for both design and construction using open-book pricing. Respondents must carry $1 million commercial general liability per occurrence, $2 million professional liability, and workers' compensation coverage. The contract is estimated to commence January 2027 and continue through July 2028, with the City retaining the right to extend with thirty days' written notice. The project is partially funded through Florida Department of Transportation financial assistance. Presentations may be requested the week of November 16, 2026, with award recommendation and City Council authorization anticipated in January 2027. Responses are limited to thirty-two pages excluding resumes, separators, and cover materials. Technical specifications address gas-engine-driven generator sets (NFPA 37, NFPA 110 Level 2, UL 2200, EPA Tier 4 compliant), low-voltage distribution transformers (DOE 2016 efficiency, UL 1561), and automatic transfer switches (NFPA 110 Level 1, UL 1008). Supporting exhibits include geotechnical engineering report, CNG as-built drawings, Duke Energy service documentation, property survey, and equipment pad specifications.