RFQ CMAR 2027 Terminal 1 Boiler & Chiller Replacement & EMC Expansion

The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) is issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) services for the Terminal 1 Boiler & Chiller Replacement and Energy Management Center (EMC) Expansion project at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport in Hennepin County, Minnesota. The project encompasses the demolition of the existing EMC structure, which has served Terminal 1 since approximately 1962, and the construction of an expanded EMC facility with modernized heating and cooling generation systems, including upgrades to the steam boiler plant, complete replacement of the chilled water plant, installation of an industrial heat-recovery chiller system, a new heating-water distribution system, and potential installation of a geothermal system with approximately 28 wells. The scope also includes deconstruction of approximately 183,400 square feet of existing concourse space and construction of approximately 309,990 square feet of new concourse facilities, with comprehensive mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, communications, and security systems work spanning Concourse C between Gates C6-C11. Qualified proposers must be licensed to work in Minnesota, have experience constructing a new or remodeled central utility plant of similar size within the last 15 years, and possess five or more years of CMAR project experience on projects exceeding $50 million. The RFQ response deadline is March 23, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Central Time, with written questions due by March 9, 2026; a selection committee will evaluate Statements of Qualifications and conduct interviews with short-listed proposers in April 2026, followed by RFP responses due in April 2026 and contract award anticipated in July 2026. The project timeline extends from concept design completion in May 2026 through construction closeout in 2031, with the anticipated active construction period running from 2028 to 2031.

The RFQ does not identify specific set-aside designations or restrictions limiting the types of organizations that can respond, nor does it specify disadvantaged enterprise requirements in the available documentation. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are listed in the procurement materials. The selected CMAR will be required to comply with prevailing wage requirements and a Project Labor Agreement with the Minneapolis Building and Construction Trades Council, and must provide a 100% Payment and Performance Bond with comprehensive insurance coverage, including $50 million combined single limit general liability and $10 million automobile liability. The project must integrate with existing airport utility infrastructure and maintain 24/7 operations of critical utility systems during construction through coordinated phasing strategies with MAC staff, tenants, utilities, and regulatory agencies. The Capital Improvement Program has allocated $480 million for the entire project, encompassing all design fees, construction costs, owner soft costs, and furniture, fixtures, and equipment, with the CMAR developing a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) through a phased approach beginning with preconstruction proposals and culminating in a Final GMP before construction commences. Additional information and complete RFQ documentation are available through the MAC procurement portal at https://metroairports.bonfirehub.com, with inquiries directed to Teresa Daleiden, Manager of Construction Procurement, at 612-467-0705 or teresa.daleiden@mspmac.org.