Optical Laboratory at Arecibo Observatory

The University of Central Florida (UCF) has issued an Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) for general contracting services to develop a concrete building and blocks within the Arecibo Observatory (AO) in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. The scope of work includes the partial demolition and disposition of the existing metal structure on a concrete base, extending beyond the current footprint, and rebuilding based on draft plans. Questions are due by December 2, 2022, at 3:00 PM EST, and proposals are due by December 16, 2022, at 3:00 PM EST. UCF intends to award a contract for the work, with a term starting in January 2023 and ending on March 15, 2023. The successful respondent will be required to provide a fixed fee for completion of the project and specify billing rates for personnel involved. The respondent must also list any other categories of ancillary expenses that may be billed, noting that UCF will not reimburse travel, meals, or lodging expenses. Subcontractors may be used, but UCF will not engage in contractual agreements with additional parties.

The ITN does not specify any set-aside designations or restrictions on the types of organizations that can respond. The ITN also does not list any incumbent vendors or current contractors, nor does it provide any information on existing infrastructure or technology that requires integration. The ITN does not include any possible award values or budget ranges for the project.