Henry Vilas Zoo Seal Shade Structure

Dane County is seeking bids for the Henry Vilas Zoo Seal Shade Structure project through RFB No. 325023, a construction services procurement for developing two structural steel canopies to provide shade for existing seal pond exhibits in Madison, Wisconsin. The project involves constructing canopies at the Henry Vilas Zoo located at 702 S Randall Ave, with work to be performed during open zoo hours, requiring careful coordination with zoo staff and visitors. The base bid covers the eastern canopy, with an optional add alternate bid for a western canopy, and the anticipated project completion timeline spans from September 1, 2025, to April 1, 2026. Key procurement dates include a pre-bid meeting scheduled for June 26, 2025, at 10:00 am at the existing seal exhibit, with questions accepted until June 27, 2025, at 10:00 am. Electronic bids will be received through the Dane County Procurement Portal until 2:00 pm on July 10, 2025. Bidders must be pre-qualified as Best Value Contractors and submit a bid guarantee of 5% of the total bid price, with the contract ultimately awarded to the lowest responsible bidder.

The procurement includes specific provisions for Emerging Small Business (ESB) participation, with a goal of 10% ESB involvement. Bidders are required to submit an ESB Report demonstrating good faith efforts to include small businesses, particularly for projects exceeding $100,000. Contractors must provide performance and payment bonds equal to 100% of the contract price, and the project emphasizes waste management and recycling, encouraging minimal waste generation and material recycling in alignment with Dane County's green building policies. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly detailed, the comprehensive bid documentation suggests a substantial infrastructure investment. Additional submission requirements include a proposed subcontractor list, fair labor practice certification, W9 form, and electronic signature affidavit. The county reserves the right to reject any or all bids, maintaining flexibility in the procurement process and ensuring they can select the most appropriate contractor for the zoo's shade structure project.