Public Works Make-Up Air Unit Replacement

La Plata County is seeking qualified contractors to furnish and install a new, replacement Indirect-Fired Outdoor Horizontal Make-Up Air (MUA) Unit for the Public Works building located at 1365 S. Camino del Rio in Durango, Colorado. The procurement is an Invitation for Bids (IFB) identified as Project #25-036-1215, targeting the replacement of a twenty-year-old corroded Reznor unit. The specific requirements include a 15,000 CFM capacity MUA unit with a 12-inch evaporative cooler module, stainless steel sump and pump, 460V 3-phase electrical, permanent aluminum media filters, and integrated controls. Contractors must remove the existing unit, prepare the site, install the new unit, connect gas and electrical systems, and perform testing and balance of airflow. The bid was published on August 13, 2025, with a bid deadline of September 10, 2025, at 10:00 AM MDT, requiring electronic submission via email and a public bid opening through a Zoom meeting. Evaluation will likely focus on technical specifications, compliance with requirements, and overall bid responsiveness.

The contract includes specific local preferences and labor requirements, mandating that at least 80% of labor must be from Colorado. Bidders must provide manufacturer warranties, installation instructions, and comply with insurance, bonding, and documentation requirements. The contract term extends until June 30, 2026, with La Plata County reserving the right to adjust quantities or terminate the contract. While no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises were explicitly mentioned, the local preference policy suggests potential advantages for regional contractors. The project involves replacing an existing HVAC infrastructure, requiring careful integration and consideration of current site conditions. Though a specific budget range was not disclosed, the comprehensive technical specifications and detailed replacement requirements suggest a significant capital investment for the county's public works facility.