Vet Diagnostic Lab Elevator Modernizatio

The Board of Regents of the University of Minnesota is requesting proposals for construction services to modernize two elevators serving the Veterinary Diagnostics Lab on the St. Paul campus under an RFP due September 1, 2026 at 2:00 PM, with a mandatory pre-proposal meeting on August 11, 2026 at 1:00 PM and questions due August 18, 2026 at Noon. The project carries prevailing wage and workforce-utilization goals: 32% people of color and Indigenous people and 20% women in Hennepin and Ramsey Counties. Minnesota Statutes Section 16C.285 responsible contractor criteria are mandatory, requiring verification of workers' compensation, unemployment insurance, and wage and labor law compliance within the three-year period preceding submission.

The scope includes mechanical, electrical, and finish upgrades for two elevators to be constructed sequentially, one at a time, within a fully occupied building with no timing restrictions since the facility lacks academic classrooms. The awardee must obtain Certificates of Insurance and Payment and Performance Bonds meeting University requirements and submit monthly workforce reports to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.

The total construction budget is $1,058,511 in current dollars with no escalation allowance. The contract will be awarded as a fixed lump sum covering all costs, including contractor overhead and profit. Substantial completion is due September 24, 2027. The University anticipates announcing the selected respondent on September 9, 2026 and authorization to proceed on September 15, 2026.

Evaluation allocates 25 points to respondent qualifications, 25 points to project approach and work plan, 35 points to project cost, 10 points to project schedule, and 5 points to safety. Workforce compliance, equal pay verification, and responsible contractor verification are pass/fail requirements.