WWTP HVAC Replacement Project & Grit Chamber Ductwork Insulation Repairs

The City of Keene, New Hampshire, located in Cheshire County, is soliciting proposals for a design-build contract for the WWTP HVAC Replacement Project & Grit Chamber Ductwork Insulation Repairs. The primary procurement objective is to replace the aging air handler unit (AHU1) in the Main Control Building of the Wastewater Treatment Plant, with the current 12.5-ton cooling unit being from 1995 and past its operational lifespan. The project requires a comprehensive design-build approach, including replacing the existing cooling unit, eliminating duct-mounted hydronic heating coils, installing electric in-line duct heaters, upgrading controls, and integrating the new system with the plant's SCADA system. Additional scope includes investigating and repairing ductwork and insulation in the grit chamber. Proposals are due by 4:00 PM on October 8, 2025, with a non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting scheduled for September 22, 2025, at 10:00 AM via Zoom. Evaluation criteria will focus on the design-build team's experience, technical approach, project schedule, proposal quality, and initial cost. The selected contractor must provide a 90% design package, obtain City and NHDES approval, and submit a firm fixed price for construction work.

The RFP does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. The project requires the contractor to provide comprehensive deliverables, including design specifications, construction implementation, system commissioning, staff training, and warranty documentation. Warranty requirements mandate manufacturer warranties for equipment with a minimum of one year parts coverage and a contractor warranty for labor and workmanship. The City reserves the right to negotiate with selected firms and may consider optional extended warranties from equipment manufacturers. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated in the provided documentation, the project involves significant HVAC system replacement and infrastructure repair, suggesting a substantial investment. The procurement process allows for potential negotiation and flexibility in final contract terms, with the ultimate goal of improving the energy efficiency and operational reliability of the Wastewater Treatment Plant's primary control building systems.