South Energy Center, Chiller 202 Major Overhaul

Gainesville Regional Utilities (GRU) is seeking proposals for a major overhaul of Chiller 202, a 1,500-ton Trane CenTraVac centrifugal chiller located at the South Energy Center in Gainesville, Florida. The chiller, which has accumulated approximately 52,000 run hours, requires comprehensive servicing to ensure reliable operation and is situated on the third floor between two additional chillers with limited overhead space. The procurement is a firm, fixed-price contract that requires bidders to provide all labor, materials, tools, and consumables for the overhaul. Evaluation criteria include price (45%), experience with similar Trane centrifugal chillers (20%), schedule and material management (15%), potential for additional work (5%), project understanding (5%), warranty details (5%), and safety measures (5%). Key dates include a mandatory pre-bid meeting on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 12:30 p.m., with bid responses due by 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, through the GRU e-Procurement Portal. Inquiries must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026, with the tentative project schedule set for Fall 2026, no earlier than October 1, 2026.

The solicitation does not specify specific set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types. Bidders must provide a 5% bid bond payable to the City of Gainesville and, upon contract award, performance and payment bonds equal to 100% of the contract price. Contractors are required to submit Certificates of Liability Insurance with minimum coverages of $1,000,000 general liability, $500,000 automobile liability, and statutory workers' compensation. The contract includes provisions for additional chiller service work not initially specified, with contractors required to submit labor rates and material markup rates for potential discovered work. GRU is exempt from Florida sales taxes, and invoices are subject to net 30-day payment terms with 1% monthly interest on unpaid balances. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, contractors must demonstrate experience with at least five Trane centrifugal chillers of a minimum 500-ton capacity. The contract does not indicate renewal options, and the award notification is expected within 60 calendar days of the response due date, with the successful respondent required to execute the contract within 15 calendar days of award notice.