The City of Madison Engineering Department is requesting bids on a vertical geothermal test bore-well and thermal conductivity analysis at Monona Terrace, with bids due August 24, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. CST and contract award by August 26, 2026.

The scope is an 800-foot deep test bore with aquifer characterization, U-bend installation and grouting, and formation thermal conductivity testing per specifications in Exhibit B. The test bore supports the City's feasibility study for a full geothermal HVAC system retrofit at the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed convention center, aligned with the City's goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55 percent by 2030. The contractor must meet a compressed schedule: bore completion by September 25, 2026; U-bend installation and grouting by October 2, 2026; thermal conductivity data collection by October 16, 2026; final test report and survey by November 6, 2026; and overall project completion by December 4, 2026. A site visit is scheduled for the week of September 7, 2026, with mobilization to follow.

Pricing is all-inclusive, not-to-exceed fixed fee on Form D, covering all direct and indirect expenses including travel, materials, and equipment. Bidders must confirm their ability to meet the completion schedule or explain deviations. Three professional references from clients other than the City of Madison are required. Contractors employing 15 or more employees and conducting aggregate annual business of $50,000 or more with the City must file an Affirmative Action Plan within 30 days of contract signature. The City is exempt from federal excise taxes and State of Wisconsin taxes and will provide tax-exempt status.

Questions are due August 3, 2026, with answers posted by August 10, 2026. Bids must be submitted electronically to bids@cityofmadison.com with Forms A through E. Background documentation includes the Monona Terrace Geothermal Feasibility Study (Exhibit A).

Monona Terrace Geothermal Test Bore-Well

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