Fine Arts Instructional Center Boiler Replacement

Eastern Connecticut State University is soliciting lump-sum bids to replace three natural gas condensing hot water boilers at its Fine Arts Instructional Center in Willimantic, Connecticut, with a mandatory pre-bid meeting on November 13, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. and bids due December 4, 2026. The bid carries a Small Business Enterprise set-aside of 6.95 percent subcontractor participation, of which 3.29 percent must be woman- or minority-owned, and bidders must pre-qualify as a General Building Construction - Group C HVAC contractor under Connecticut General Statutes Section 4a-100.

The scope covers removal and disposal of the existing boilers and associated piping, infilling and creating masonry wall penetrations, installation of three high-efficiency boilers with pumps, combustion air and flue vent piping, connection to existing natural gas piping, new power and controls wiring, and testing and startup. Bidders must submit the Department of Administrative Services prequalification certificate and update statement with the bid, demonstrate supervisory expertise, past performance on similar projects within the past three years, equipment ownership or lease, and financial responsibility, and provide three references for bids of $50,000 or more. Bid security of 10 percent by certified check or bid bond is required.

Work must commence within five working days of notice, with a pre-construction meeting on or before January 4, 2027, equipment ordering by January 15, 2027, hydronic shutdown March 15–21, 2027, startup by April 30, 2027, and substantial completion by May 30, 2027, for 160 calendar days total. Liquidated damages are $300 per calendar day for delays. Connecticut prevailing wage applies. Bid prices must remain firm for 60 days. Written questions go by email to Kate Rotella, Director of Fiscal Operations, Acquisitions and Auxiliary Services, at purchasing@easternct.edu, with answers issued by addenda through the Eastern Bid Portal, where bids are also submitted electronically.