Kimbrell Fiber Innovation Center - Machine Connections FIC Extrusion Project

Gaston County, North Carolina is seeking bids for the Kimbrell Fiber Innovation Center Machine Connections FIC Extrusion Project, a comprehensive infrastructure installation contract for the Gaston College Kimbrell Campus in Belmont. The project requires contractors to provide and install electrical, plumbing, and ventilation systems specifically supporting extrusion equipment, including three exhaust fans with ductwork and fume hoods, seven compressed air drops and water lines, twenty-seven electrical circuits, and a new distribution panel. Contractors must possess proper North Carolina licensing, with general contractors needing an HVAC Contractors license. The mandatory pre-bid conference is scheduled for September 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM, with sealed bids due by October 10, 2025, at 2:00 PM. The project must be completed by December 1, 2025, with work to be coordinated around scheduled classes and events, preferably during weekends and evenings. Bidders are required to submit comprehensive documentation including licensures, material lists, construction schedules, warranties, project references, and a detailed lump sum price breakdown. Evaluation criteria will likely include technical capabilities, compliance with specifications, and overall project approach.

The contract includes a ten percent goal for minority business participation, with strict compliance requirements for equal opportunity and non-discrimination guidelines. Contractors must provide insurance coverage including workers' compensation, general liability, and property insurance with specific minimum coverage levels. Payment terms are structured to process contractor pay requests within thirty days after project supervisor acceptance, with retainage not exceeding 5% and final payment made within forty-five days after project completion and submission of required documentation. The project appears to be part of Gaston College's infrastructure upgrade for its Fiber Innovation Center, focusing on advanced manufacturing and research capabilities. While a specific budget range is not explicitly stated, the detailed technical specifications and comprehensive infrastructure requirements suggest a significant investment in modernizing the facility's technological capabilities. The project draws on engineering designs by AeroRaq Engineering Inc. and encompasses multiple technical disciplines, including mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and lighting systems for a specialized fiber extrusion research and development environment.