Five Ton Air-Cooled Chiller Package

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is seeking to procure two five-ton air-cooled chiller packages for the Sea Center Texas facility through Invitation for Bid (IFB) No. 802-25-61154R. The chillers are specifically designed for marine (seawater) cooling applications, with precise temperature control requirements between 23 and 27 degrees Celsius. Technical specifications include a vertical oriented titanium heat exchanger, 460-volt three-phase power configuration, and a seawater safe flow switch. The procurement follows proprietary specifications under Section 2155.067 of the Texas Government Code, allowing vendors to demonstrate compliance with detailed technical requirements. The bid is scheduled for submission by July 11, 2025, at 2:00 PM CST, with delivery to be made to the Sea Center Texas location at 302 Medical Drive in Lake Jackson, Texas. Evaluation criteria will encompass best value considerations, including lowest price, specification compliance, delivery schedule, and vendor past performance. The procurement requires new equipment with the manufacturer's standard warranty, with all shipping and freight charges to be included in the unit price.

The contract opportunity includes provisions for historically underutilized business (HUB) requirements and demonstrates a preference for Texas-based businesses. While specific set-aside percentages are not explicitly detailed, the solicitation suggests opportunities for diverse business participation. The procurement is structured as a direct purchase with no indicated multi-year contract or ongoing service commitment, with the contract automatically expiring upon delivery and final acceptance by TPWD. The chillers will be procured FOB destination, indicating that the vendor assumes responsibility for transportation and delivery risks. Although a specific budget range is not provided, the technical specificity and specialized marine cooling requirements suggest a potentially significant equipment investment. The contract appears to be a one-time purchase focused on replacing or upgrading existing marine cooling infrastructure at the Sea Center Texas facility. Vendors will need to demonstrate technical capability to meet the precise cooling specifications and provide equipment that can integrate with existing marine research and conservation infrastructure.