Equipment, Carrier, Chiller, Replacement

Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) has issued Invitation for Bid (IFB) #251-26-061 for the procurement of water chillers across multiple jurisdictions in North Carolina, specifically targeting Wake County and Biscoe Town. The solicitation seeks to acquire one 448-ton air-cooled screw chiller and two 179-ton air-cooled scroll chillers for various school buildings. Manufacturers must be from an approved list including Carrier, Dunham Bush, or JCI/York, with strict technical specifications requiring compliance with AHRI, ASHRAE, and ASME standards. The bid will be publicly opened on September 26, 2025, at 1:00 PM, with vendors required to submit one signed original and one electronic copy of their proposal. Evaluation criteria will focus on the most responsive and responsible low bid, with additional emphasis on a five-year extended warranty and specific performance requirements including efficiency ratings, refrigerant specifications, and electrical characteristics. Vendors must provide comprehensive documentation such as product data, shop drawings, and installation instructions, with the understanding that installation will be performed by a separate mechanical contractor.

The procurement does not explicitly outline specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The bid documents indicate that vendors must meet comprehensive ethical guidelines and disclose any potential conflicts of interest or attempts to influence the bidding process. While specific budget ranges are not detailed in the provided documentation, the procurement involves high-value mechanical equipment with complex technical specifications. Factory testing, startup services, and a demonstration period are required components of the contract. The chillers must meet rigorous performance standards, suggesting a significant investment in infrastructure upgrades for the school system. Vendors will need to demonstrate technical expertise, provide comprehensive warranty coverage, and comply with extensive documentation requirements to be considered for the contract.