Torrey Life Sciences Greenhouse Improvements - Phase 1

The University of Connecticut is procuring general contracting services for the Torrey Life Sciences Greenhouse Improvements – Phase 1, a hazardous material abatement and greenhouse renovation project located at 75 North Eagleville Road in Storrs, Connecticut. This design-bid-build construction project involves the removal, cleaning, and reinstallation of single-glazing systems in three greenhouse structures (GH-1, GH-2, and GH-3) originally constructed in the late 1950s, including comprehensive abatement of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-containing glazing compounds. The scope encompasses removal of approximately 9,900 linear feet of glazing compounds from 3,450 glass panes, off-site disposal of hazardous waste materials, cleaning of glass and framing systems, and reinstallation using approved silicone sealants; the University will furnish replacement glass and aluminum compression muntins. Eligible contractors must be licensed asbestos abatement contractors appearing on the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health approved list and must demonstrate previous relevant experience with at least three comparable projects of $300,000 or greater completed within the past ten years, with emphasis on abatement work. The solicitation was released April 22, 2026, with a mandatory pre-bid conference scheduled for May 1, 2026, at 10:00 AM; the deadline for written questions is May 8, 2026, at 2:00 PM; sealed bids are due May 20, 2026, at 2:00 PM through the HuskyBuy Portal. Substantial completion is targeted for August 21, 2026, with construction anticipated to commence on July 6, 2026, and liquidated damages assessed at $500 per calendar day for failure to achieve substantial completion by the specified deadline.

This procurement includes set-aside requirements mandating that bidders allocate 30 percent of contract spending to small business enterprises and 10 percent to minority business enterprises, with the University actively encouraging participation by certified small, minority-owned, woman-owned, and disability-owned businesses, as well as Connecticut-based firms. Only contractors with documented abatement experience are eligible to submit cost proposals and statements of qualification, and all work must comply with EPA (40 CFR 761), OSHA (29 CFR 1926.1101), and Connecticut Department of Public Health standards for hazardous material abatement. The total bid amount cannot exceed $1,000,000, with prevailing wages required if the total contract cost exceeds $100,000; bid security of 10 percent of the bid amount (or 25 percent for bids exceeding $100,000) is required in the form of a bid bond, certified check, or letter of credit for bids over $50,000. The lowest responsible bidder must provide financial documentation within five business days of notification demonstrating the ability to complete a construction project with a minimum value of $400,000, and the contractor must perform not less than 10 percent of the total contract price with its own forces. Performance and labor payment bonds equal to the contract sum are required when the contract exceeds $100,000, and the contractor must maintain comprehensive insurance coverage for three years after final completion, with the University of Connecticut and State of Connecticut named as additional insureds.