Replacement of HVAC equipment at the City’s Lucy F. Simms Continuing Education Center RFP (2026021-PR-DB)

The City of Harrisonburg Parks & Recreation Department is requesting proposals for replacement of HVAC equipment at the Lucy F. Simms Continuing Education Center under RFP 2026021-PR-DB, a Step 2 design-build solicitation with proposals due August 26, 2026. Only firms selected in Step 1 are eligible to participate. A mandatory pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for August 4, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the facility located at 620 Simms Avenue, Harrisonburg, Virginia.

The scope includes complete replacement of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and electrical systems: one 200-ton air-cooled chiller with 30% propylene glycol, two 2,400,000 BTU natural gas boilers, twenty-eight fan coil units with additional units to address heating and cooling deficiencies, control system upgrade with remote connectivity capability, and resolution of excessive auditorium noise. All work must comply with 2020 National Electrical Code, SMACNA and ASHRAE standards. The facility's listing on the National Register of Historic Places requires review and approval by the National Park Service and Virginia Historic Preservation Office.

The contract is structured as firm-fixed price design-build with dual Notices to Proceed: the first covering design and specification completion (anticipated 90–120 days for National Park Service review) and the second covering construction. The facility must remain operational during construction; HVAC work in classrooms is prohibited June 1 through August 31, and work must coordinate around election days when the site serves as a voting location.

The evaluation framework totals 100 points: technical proposal (35), cost proposal (30), oral presentation (15), timeline (10), and overall proposal strength (10). Offerors must submit separate sealed technical and cost proposals with fixed-price schedules of values. Required insurance includes general liability of $5 million combined single limits, professional liability of $1 million, builders risk at full replacement cost, and environmental liability of $1 million. Performance and payment bonds of 100% contract value are required. Progress payments are 95% monthly upon work completion, 98% upon substantial completion, and the remainder at final acceptance. Liquidated damages of $1,500 per calendar day apply for missing the final completion date. Questions are due August 10, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. The City will conduct negotiations with two or more highest-ranked offerors and make award based on best value.