Primary Area Gas Detection System Upgrade and Switchgear Replacement at Electrical Bldg. EB-20

The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) seeks competitive bids from qualified construction companies to upgrade the Primary Area Gas Detection System and replace Switchgear SD-1 at Electrical Building EB-20 at the Water Recovery Facility in Wayne County, Michigan. The project encompasses five major components: demolition and replacement of the existing unit substation SD-1; removal and replacement of 480-volt alternating current feeder cables; installation of network wiring into the existing Ovation system; replacement of primary clarifier area gas detection equipment across Scum Buildings 1-14, meter vaults 13-18, sludge pump stations 1 and 2, and the Scum Concentration Building, including new gas detection control panels and uninterruptible power supply system replacement; and integration of gas detection instrumentation into the Ovation system with fiber-optic cable communications networks and associated networking equipment. Contractors must demonstrate completion of at least three successful improvement or rehabilitation projects of similar size and scope at existing water or wastewater treatment facilities within the last fifteen years, with key personnel possessing a minimum of ten years of experience on comparable projects. Deliverables include comprehensive shop drawings, product data, testing plans, operations and maintenance documentation, spare parts, factory testing in accordance with ANSI standards, operator training, full commissioning, and a one-year warranty from Substantial Completion. The solicitation mandates a 5 percent bid bond, performance and payment bonds equal to 100 percent of contract price, and compliance with prevailing wage requirements. An optional pre-bid meeting and site tour will be held April 2, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. EST with RSVP required by March 31, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. EST; all questions must be submitted through the Bonfire Hub portal by April 13, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. EST; and bid responses are due by April 27, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. EST. Evaluation will be based 97 percent on lowest cost combined with responsiveness and responsibility of the bid and 3 percent on Business Inclusion and Diversity economic equity credits.

The solicitation incorporates GLWA's Business Inclusion and Diversity Program requirements, mandating that vendors submit a Proposed Diversity Plan and current diversity certifications such as Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Minority Business Enterprise, Small Business Enterprise, Women Business Enterprise, or equivalent documentation as pass/fail requirements. Vendors may earn additional evaluation points up to three percent through demonstrated business presence in Michigan, economically disadvantaged GLWA service territory areas, or any GLWA service territory spanning Genesee, Lapeer, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties. The project requires integration with GLWA's existing Ovation control system and coordination with existing facility operations; the new unit substation must utilize equipment from approved manufacturers including Eaton, Schneider Electric, or equivalent, with ISO 9002 certification and a minimum five-year history manufacturing similar products. The contractor must identify all proposed subcontractors and may not add, remove, or replace nominated subcontractors except for good cause as determined by GLWA. The contract structure includes a "Not to Exceed" price with a Provisional Allowance of $425,000 for items of uncertain cost or scope, with Substantial Completion required in 1,108 days and Final Completion in 1,443 days from Notice to Proceed, and liquidated damages of $5,000 per day for delays beyond Key Completion Times. The solicitation prohibits the use of Artificial Intelligence tools in bid preparation, with usage potentially resulting in bid rejection, and all vendors must comply with GLWA's comprehensive procurement policies, security badge requirements, and background checks for all personnel.