J. E Smith Library – Chiller Replacement

Eastern Connecticut State University's J.E. Smith Library in Willimantic is soliciting bids for removal and replacement of roofing, roof drainage, structural steel support framing, and rooftop-mounted air-cooled chillers with associated hydronic pumps, motor controllers, power and control wiring, with bids due August 4, 2026 and substantial completion required by May 1, 2027. A 25% Connecticut Registered Small Business Set-Aside subcontractor participation requirement applies, with 25% of that set-aside dedicated to woman- or minority-owned businesses; general contractors must also perform not less than 30% of the work with their own forces.

Prequalification is required as a General Building Construction contractor (Group "C"), Mechanical (HVAC) contractor, or Structural (Iron, Structural & Misc. Metal) contractor under Connecticut General Statutes Section 4a-100. The estimated project cost does not exceed $3 million. Construction commences on or before September 23, 2026, with key milestones including submission of drawings and equipment orders by October 30, 2026; removal of the existing chiller and structural frame by January 14, 2027; completion of structural frame and roofing work by April 1, 2027; and chillers installed and operational by April 15, 2027. Liquidated damages are assessed at $300 per calendar day for schedule failures.

Bidders must hold bid prices for 60 days, submit a 10% bid bond or certified check, and provide 100% performance and labor/material bonds upon award. The project is subject to Connecticut prevailing wage requirements under General Statutes Section 31-53, with certified monthly payroll submissions required. Bids must include compliance documentation including Form 1 (Gift and Campaign Contribution Certification), Form 5 (Consulting Affidavit), Form 6 (OPM Ethics), Form 7 (OPM Iran Certification), Bidder Contract Compliance Monitoring Report, W-9, and vendor forms. The contract is subject to Connecticut Executive Orders No. Three, Sixteen, and Seventeen regarding nondiscrimination, nonviolence, and labor recruitment.