IFB Evaporative Coolers Replacement in San Jose, Santa Clara County

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has issued an Invitation for Bid (IFB) for a project to replace three evaporative coolers at the Caltrans District 4 Equipment Shop located at 6010 Monterey Road in San Jose, Santa Clara County. The procurement requires a contractor to provide all necessary labor, tools, materials, equipment, and incidentals to decommission existing wall-mounted evaporative coolers positioned approximately 15 feet above ground, legally dispose of current materials, and install three new Industrial Champion Evaporative Coolers, Model 14/21-SD (21,000 CFM). The project will include comprehensive installation services involving electrical connections, plumbing, ductwork, canvas covers, and replacement pads. A mandatory site inspection is scheduled for December 17, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., with written questions due by December 19, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Bids are due by December 23, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., with a bid opening at 2:30 p.m. and an estimated award date of December 31, 2025. Contractors must possess a valid C-20 license from the California Contractors State License Board and be currently registered with the Department of Industrial Relations.

The procurement includes specific set-aside designations and preferences, with a 5% Small Business preference and a 3% Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) participation requirement, including incentive opportunities up to 5% for increased DVBE participation. The total bid proposal must not exceed $461,000.00, with bids exceeding this amount considered non-responsive and automatically rejected. State General Prevailing Wage Rates apply to Santa Clara County, and the agreement is subject to prevailing wage requirements since the estimated amount exceeds $15,000. A Payment Bond equal to 100% of the contract amount is required if the bid exceeds $25,000. Insurance requirements include Commercial General Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 aggregate), Automobile Liability ($1,000,000 combined single limit), and Workers' Compensation with Employer's Liability coverage of $1,000,000. The agreement is state-funded and subject to California prevailing wage laws, Labor Code requirements, and mandatory organic waste recycling compliance under Senate Bill 1383. The contract is estimated to commence February 1, 2026, and expire January 31, 2027, with services performed during normal business hours Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., excluding State holidays.