FVSUB-042023 CTM and ACL Boiler Replacements

The Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia issued a sealed bid solicitation (FVSUB-042023) for the replacement of cast iron boilers in the Computer Technology and Mathematics (CTM) and Gayles-Felton Academic Classroom & Lab (ACL) buildings at Fort Valley State University. The scope of work includes demolition of existing boilers, installation of two new condensing boilers (3000 MBH for CTM and 1750 MBH for ACL), replacement of heating water pumps and variable frequency drives, expansion tanks, chemical feed systems, and upgrades to the Building Management System with direct digital control panels. Contractors must hold a current Georgia mechanical license, possess minimum HVAC experience on three commercial or institutional buildings each costing at least $275,000, maintain a four-year tenure under the present company name without default declarations, and provide a project superintendent with minimum four years' experience on similar projects. The contract will be awarded on a lump-sum basis to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, with completion required within 270 consecutive calendar days from issuance of the Proceed Order, and liquidated damages assessed for any delays. A mandatory pre-bid conference was held on May 2, 2023, at 10:00 AM at Wilson Roberts Facilities Management Building, 1 Toomer Circle, Fort Valley, Georgia, with sealed bids due by 2:00 PM on May 23, 2023. Bidding documents were available from the Design Professional, NBP Engineers, Inc., through electronic request to sholloway@nbpengineers.com or emoore@nbpengineers.com. Bidders were evaluated based on debarment status, prior terminations or defaults on public works contracts, current ratio of 1.0 or higher, Experience Modification Rate not exceeding 1.2 over three years, and demonstrated ability to complete public works projects on time and within budget.

The State of Georgia encourages minority business enterprise (MBE) participation and offers income tax credits for subcontracting with minority-owned businesses. All contractors must comply with the Georgia Security and Immigration Compliance Act and provide federal work authorization verification. Bidders were required to submit a Bid Bond equal to not less than five percent of the bid amount, with both Performance and Payment Bonds each required in an amount equal to 100 percent of the Contract Sum prior to contract execution, with the bid bond remaining valid for thirty-five days following bid opening. Required insurance coverage includes workers' compensation, employers' liability, commercial general liability, automobile liability, commercial umbrella liability, and builders risk insurance with specific coverage limits detailed in the specifications. The apparent successful bidder was identified as JM Clayton of Thomaston, Georgia, with a fixed contract award amount of $421,000, while Copper Construction was rejected as unsuccessful and United Boiler also submitted a bid; all protests were required to be submitted electronically to doas.protests@doas.ga.gov in accordance with Georgia Procurement Manual procedures.