Empire State Development (ESD) and Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) are seeking bids for the Wilkeson Pointe Improvements project located in Buffalo, New York. The procurement involves comprehensive site improvements at the Buffalo Outer Harbor, including environmental remediation, construction of a food service and restroom building, parking lot realignment, habitat restoration, landscape improvements, new site utilities, electrical/mechanical/plumbing systems, site lighting, and drainage enhancements. Contractors must demonstrate at least five years of experience and completion of five similar projects, with a strong emphasis on technical capabilities and project management expertise. The solicitation requires detailed bid documentation, including contractor qualifications, non-collusive bidding certificates, safety records, and financial references. Key project dates include a pre-bid meeting held on May 15, 2023, question submission deadline of May 22, 2023, proposal submissions due by June 7, 2023 at 3:00 PM EST, potential interviews the week of June 12, 2023, bid announcement on July 10, 2023, and an anticipated contract start date of September 5, 2023.
The procurement establishes significant participation goals for New York State-certified businesses, including 15% Minority-owned Business Enterprises (MBE), 15% Women-owned Business Enterprises (WBE), and 6% Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses (SDVOB). Contractors must carry comprehensive insurance, including Builder's Risk Insurance at 100% replacement cost, Commercial General Liability of $2 million per occurrence, Commercial Auto at $1 million, Worker's Compensation at statutory limits, Umbrella coverage of $10 million, and Pollution Liability of $5 million. This project represents Phase 1c of a larger Buffalo Outer Harbor Civic and Land Use Improvement Project, following previous phases at Terminal B and Bell Slip. The estimated project cost ranges between $8.5 and $10.5 million, with architectural and engineering design led by TWMLA - A Fisher Associates Studio and construction management by Turner Construction Company. Bidders must be licensed by the City of Buffalo and complete at least 50% of work with in-house staff, demonstrating a commitment to local workforce development and project quality.