ITB # 2025-012 Cooling Tower Equipment for ALMS

The City of Salem, Virginia, has issued Invitation to Bid (ITB) #2025-012 for cooling tower equipment for Andrew Lewis Middle School (ALMS), seeking sealed bids from qualified vendors to provide one Evapco model AT 112-3M14 cooling tower with associated accessories and a vibration isolation package. The procurement targets a specific cooling tower replacement, with a strong preference for an Evapco unit that can replace the existing BAC Series 300 Model #3552A/Q cooling tower. Bidders are required to submit a comprehensive bid including equipment, freight costs, and delivery timeline, with bids due by 3:00 PM on September 19, 2024, following an amendment to the original due date. A mandatory site visit is scheduled for September 5, 2024, at 1:00 PM, and potential vendors have until September 10, 2024, at 3:00 PM to submit questions. The evaluation criteria will focus on selecting the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, with consideration given to price, delivery time, and overall bid compliance with technical specifications. The successful bidder must deliver the equipment to the City of Salem Street Department and be prepared to potentially modify existing steel support structures to accommodate the new cooling tower.

The ITB does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged business enterprises. Bidders must be licensed Virginia contractors and comply with standard public contracting ethics and regulations. The City of Salem is tax-exempt, and no federal or state taxes should be included in the bid pricing. While a specific budget range is not detailed, the procurement is for a single cooling tower unit with accessories, suggesting a focused and potentially moderate-value contract. The City demonstrates flexibility in equipment selection, indicating they will consider alternate cooling tower models that meet their technical requirements, provided they align with the desired Evapco unit characteristics. The existing infrastructure includes a current BAC cooling tower, steel dunnage, and support structures that may require modification. Successful vendors will need to provide comprehensive documentation, including a vibration isolation package, and meet stringent technical specifications for performance, construction materials, and maintenance access features.