Volusia County Branch Jail Air Handler-Fire Suppression System Removal, Replacement and Upgrade

Volusia County is soliciting bids for comprehensive removal, replacement, and upgrade of air handling unit infrastructure, fire/smoke damper systems, and related fire suppression controls at the Volusia County Branch Jail at 1300 Red John Drive, Daytona Beach, Florida, with bids due August 20, 2026 and two mandatory pre-bid meetings on July 29 and July 30, 2026. The facility currently lacks pod isolation capability during smoke or contamination events, and its fire/smoke dampers and building automation system are obsolete and unsupported by manufacturers. A local vendor preference of up to 5% applies to businesses in Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, or Volusia County, though this preference does not apply when bid differences exceed $25,000.

The scope encompasses replacement of 16 air handling units (Trane models, capacities from 900 to 14,250 CFM) with variable frequency controllers and MERV 13 filtration; installation of new 1.5-hour fire/smoke dampers (stainless steel or aluminum, UL 555 and UL 555S rated) at all ductwork penetrations; replacement of approximately 68 fire alarm devices with a new digital addressable system (Notifier INSPIRE N16 Series or approved equal) featuring Class A redundant fiberoptic loops and Level 3 pathway survivability; replacement of the entire building automation system with Compass Controls infrastructure; and complete redesign of exhaust fan controls integrated with fire alarm shutdown logic. All work must comply with the 2020 National Electrical Code, 2023 Florida Building Code, 2023 Florida Fire Prevention Code, NFPA 72 and 90A, SMACNA standards, and ARI/ASHRAE efficiency requirements. Variable frequency motor controllers must meet NEMA ICS 2 standards with minimum 96% efficiency and 11:1 speed range.

The estimated construction cost is $3,930,030. Substantial completion is required within 488 days; final completion within 548 days. Liquidated damages are $2,500 per day for delays. The contractor must hold a Florida General Contractor license, secure Performance and Payment Bonds per Florida Statute 255.05, maintain comprehensive insurance including Commercial General Liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, complete background checks (required for on-site personnel; not required for pre-bid attendees), and provide eight hours minimum on-site damper maintenance training to facility staff plus operator training on the new Compass Controls BAS system. The question submission deadline is August 6, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. All bids remain firm for 120 days. Award will be made to the single lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The contractor must conduct independent pre-bid site visits to verify existing conditions, perform complete quantity takeoffs, and verify all equipment locations, ductwork dimensions, and conduit routing before submitting a bid. Pre-construction activities include field verification of eight specified fan-powered and variable volume boxes and baseline airflow measurements for post-replacement rebalancing. All work must be coordinated with facility security staff at this operating correctional facility.