Machine Connections Yarn FIC Project

Gaston College is procuring electrical and plumbing installation services for the Machine Connections Yarn Fiber Innovation Center (FIC) Project (Project ID# 01-2025018) located at the Kimbrell Campus in Belmont, North Carolina. The scope of work includes installing three compressed air drops, three electrical circuits to power designated equipment, a new transformer and service panel, daily cleanup, and site restoration. Contractors must hold proper North Carolina licensing as either a general or electrical contractor and carry comprehensive insurance coverage including worker's compensation with $100,000 employer's liability, public liability with $500,000 bodily injury and $100,000 property damage limits, and builder's risk coverage. Evaluation will be based on the lowest responsive bid meeting written specifications, with the State reserving the right to reject any or all bids or cancel the project. A mandatory pre-bid conference is scheduled for February 5, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the project site, with sealed bids due by 2:00 PM on February 17, 2026, submitted to Stephen Sharp at Gaston College's Harney Hall Building. All work must be completed by March 31, 2025, with construction scheduled for weekends and evenings to avoid interference with student coursework. Complete plans and specifications are available from Hakeem Bailey, P.E. at AeroRaq Engineering Inc.

The procurement includes a 10% minority business participation goal and requires contractors to comply with North Carolina sales and use tax requirements and register with NC E-Procurement within seven days of award. Required bid submittals include two signed originals, applicable licensures, material lists, construction schedules, warranties, references, a signed proposed contract, certificates of insurance, W-9 forms, and lump-sum pricing with itemized material and labor breakdowns. Performance and payment bonds equal to the full contract amount are mandatory. No incumbent vendors or existing infrastructure integration requirements are identified in the solicitation documents. The contract award value or budget range has not been specified in the available materials, though the lump-sum bidding requirement suggests a defined project scope with discrete pricing expectations.