Riverside ES Chiller Replacement

Rochester Public Schools (ISD #535) is seeking bids for a chiller replacement project at Riverside Elementary School located in Rochester, Minnesota. The procurement is a single prime contract for replacing the existing air-cooled chiller and thermal storage system with a new air-cooled chiller and primary pumps, including associated electrical and general construction updates. The project involves installing a new 275-ton air-cooled chiller (tagged CH-01) with propylene glycol at 30% concentration, updating electrical infrastructure, and modifying mechanical systems. Key procurement dates include a mandatory pre-bid conference on November 6, 2025, at 3:00 PM at the school site, with bid submissions due on November 20, 2025, at 2:00 PM through the Rochester Public Schools online Bonfire E-Procurement Platform. Bidders must submit a bid security of 10% of the maximum base bid (exempted for bids under $25,000) and comply with the Responsible Contractor Act by submitting a verification form. Project completion is targeted for substantial completion by March 27, 2026, with final completion by April 10, 2026.

The procurement does not indicate specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Bidders must complete the Responsible Contractor Verification Form, which requires contractors to demonstrate compliance with workers' compensation, tax requirements, wage laws, and other regulatory standards. Contractors cannot have violated specific labor and employment statutes within the three years preceding their bid and must not be suspended or debarred. The project is estimated to cost between $500,000 and $1 million, with bids to be evaluated based on bid amount and contractor qualifications. The existing building is a Group E occupancy with Type II-A construction, and the mechanical room requires a one-hour occupancy separation. Bidders will need to integrate new equipment with existing building infrastructure, including modifications to the main switchboard (MSB-1) and installation of new conduit and wiring for the chiller and pumps.