Title
Engineering Proposal Development, Design, Procurement and Construction Services (EPC Services) in Support of Gainesville Greens and University Corners Chilled Water Facilities (B)
Staff recommends approval of the final ranking of the engineering firms and authorization to negotiate a contract in accordance with the Consultants' Competitive Negotiations Act (CCNA) for EPC services for the proposed Gainesville Greens and University Corners chilled water facilities.
Explanation
Gainesville Greens and University Corners are two large mixed use complexes currently under development in Gainesville. Staff has had discussions with both developers regarding GRU installing central chiller facilities within each of the developments. Chilled water systems are the most energy efficient means of space cooling. The installation of chilled water cooling systems by developers has historically been hindered by the higher capital cost, the higher level of technical sophistication for operation and maintenance, and cost allocation (billing) for chilled water systems.
Staff recommends entering into a contract for each project with an EPC firm for Phase 1 services, which would include preliminary design sufficient to develop cost estimates for several alternatives, and support pricing strategies for final contract negotiations. Staff would seek commission approval to extend contracts with the same EPC firm for work for additional phases for detailed design, construction, and operation and maintenance support. The combined budget for these projects is projected to be less than $12 million which would be recovered through charges for services to the developments. Staff would not proceed unless the rate of return meets GRU's minimum rate of return criteria, and the project had neutral or positive cost benefit to electric system rate payers.
Utilities Purchasing issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Engineering Design and EPC Services for Proposed Shands...
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