Project 23-601. 20 N Roof MSI Building – Replace Air Cooled Chiller

The UConn Health Center (UCHC) has issued an Invitation to Bid (ITB) for Project 23-601.20, a comprehensive chiller replacement project located at the UConn Musculoskeletal Institute in Farmington, Connecticut, within Hartford County. The procurement involves removing and installing a pre-purchased air-cooled chiller on the MSI building roof, replacing chilled glycol pumps and associated variable frequency drives (VFDs), and replacing the glycol feed system in the first-floor mechanical room. The project requires significant technical complexity, including structural modifications to accommodate the new chiller, control system integration, and power feed adjustments. Bidders must develop detailed plans for a phased chiller and pump replacement that minimizes operational disruption, with explicit requirements to maintain one active pump system throughout the replacement process. Key dates include a non-mandatory pre-bid walkthrough scheduled for October 30, 2023, at 1:00 PM, a vendor Q&A period from October 25 to November 3, 2023, and bid submissions due by November 20, 2023, at 2:00 PM EST. Contractors must carefully coordinate all shutdowns and downtime with UHC staff and assume full responsibility for delivery and installation of the pre-purchased chiller.

The solicitation does not specify any set-aside designations or restrictions on vendor participation, indicating the bid is open to all qualified vendors. No incumbent vendor information is provided, and the documents do not detail specific evaluation criteria beyond the technical requirements for chiller and system replacement. The delivery terms are specified as Free On Board Destination, with payment terms to be vendor-specified. While the total estimated contract value is not disclosed in the documentation, the complexity of the project suggests a significant investment in infrastructure upgrades. The project involves modifications to existing mechanical systems at the Musculoskeletal Institute, requiring bidders to demonstrate technical expertise in HVAC system replacement, control integration, and minimally invasive equipment installation. Funding for the project will be internally provided by UConn Health Center, with no external funding sources mentioned. The solicitation includes multiple supporting documents such as bid specifications, site plans, and COVID-19 updates to assist potential bidders in understanding the full scope of work.