Steam Fitting Services, for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) has issued a Request for Bid (RFB) for steam fitting services to support its Department of Facilities and campus departments on a time and materials basis. The procurement seeks contractors to provide comprehensive steam fitting services, including sheet metal work, air balancing, installation, troubleshooting, and emergency service response across UWM buildings. Services are required during normal working hours of 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday through Friday, with additional compensation for second shift and weekend work, and mandatory 24/7 emergency service with a two-hour maximum response time. Bidders must demonstrate three years of experience in similar services and submit vendor references. The RFB includes specific requirements for pricing, with separate categories for prevailing and non-prevailing wage jobs, requiring hourly labor rates for journeyman steam fitters, apprentices, and general laborers. Key dates include a question deadline of June 20, 2017, at 2:00 PM CDT, and a bid submission deadline of June 30, 2017, at 2:00 PM CDT. Potential bidders are encouraged to inspect installation sites by contacting Jay Gilboy at gilboy@uwm.edu prior to submission.

UWM intends to make two contract awards if possible, with preferences for Minority Business Enterprises and Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses, offering a 5% advantage if their bids are not more than 5% higher than the lowest bid. Successful bidders must maintain workers' compensation insurance as required by Wisconsin Statutes and carry commercial liability insurance with minimum coverage of $1,000,000 for bodily injury and property damage. The resulting contract will have an initial three-year term with an automatic two-year extension, continuing on a month-to-month basis unless 60 days' notice of non-renewal is provided by either party. Contractors must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local codes, with local permit responsibilities falling to the contractor. The university retains the right to request bids for individual projects and cancel the contract without penalty for non-appropriation of funds or contractor non-compliance. While no specific budget range is provided, the time and materials nature of the contract suggests flexibility in potential project scope and value. Pricing must include hourly rates and a multiplier for prevailing wage jobs, along with a percentage upcharge for materials and rented equipment, with no minimum charges or travel time billing allowed.