RECS RFP Predesign Heating & Cooling Plants MCF-Sh

The Minnesota Department of Administration's Real Estate and Construction Services division is requesting proposals for qualified mechanical engineering consultants to prepare a comprehensive pre-design study evaluating replacement of the existing boiler and heating system with a Ground Source Heat Pump (GSHP) system at the Minnesota Correctional Facility (MCF) Shakopee in Shakopee, Minnesota, with proposals due June 8, 2026 by 12:00 noon CT and a mandatory site visit meeting on May 20, 2026.

The scope requires evaluation of the most feasible and cost-effective approach to reducing long-term utility costs, greenhouse gas emissions, and meeting statutory sustainability requirements including B3, SB2030, and applicable provisions of the 2023 Inflation Reduction Act and 2025 OBBBA. The MCF-Shakopee campus comprises approximately 206,543 square feet distributed across multiple buildings. The pre-design study must focus primarily on central plant upgrades including boiler and chiller replacements, with piping changes limited to those necessary to operate the new plant and serve all currently served areas. Building automation system upgrades may be required. Consultant teams must include a professional cost estimator to project pricing escalations through 2030. Respondent must be registered in Minnesota as an Architect, Engineer, Landscape Architect, or Land Surveyor under Minnesota Statutes 326.02-14, and demonstrate at least two projects completed within the last five years with ground source heat pumps or energy-efficient cooling systems designed and constructed within the past ten years.

The anticipated contract term runs June 20, 2026 to June 19, 2028, with an option to extend an additional three years in increments determined by the State. Twelve percent preferences apply to certified Targeted Group and Economically Disadvantaged businesses, and 12 percent preferences apply to certified veteran-owned small businesses. The State encourages participation from small businesses, minority-owned businesses, women-owned businesses, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. Proposals are evaluated on a 100-point best-value scale: Key Persons and Specialists (20 points), Work Illustrating Qualifications (20 points), Approach/Methodology/Work Plan/Schedule (20 points), Unique Qualifications (10 points), and Fee Proposal (30 points). All work must be performed within the United States; E-Verify certification is required for contracts exceeding $50,000. Questions are due May 21, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. CT, with answers provided by May 27, 2026. Addendum #1, posted May 27, 2026, includes mandatory meeting attendees, Q&A responses, and supporting technical documents. Prime firm attendance at the mandatory site visit meeting is required, with pre-registration due May 13, 2026.