Design/Installation of HVAC Extension required for the Homeless Shelter

Lewis County is seeking proposals from qualified firms to design, supply, and install the required HVAC extensions in a former bank and office building at 2015 NE Kresky Ave in Chehalis, WA, which Lewis County is renovating into a night-by-night homeless shelter. The change of occupancy from bank to shelter will require an extension of the existing HVAC's system's ducting to ensure ventilation to required areas. This Request for Proposals under RCW 39.04.290 seeks a firm to design, supply, and install the appropriate HVAC components in accordance with all requirements, and in consultation/coordination with Lewis County’s architectural firm (BCRA), construction manager (Valley View), and to the extent needed the HVAC designer.

Selection will be based on compliance with the RFP, experience, reputation, qualifications, quality of proposed service/products, ability to perform the work, speed of performance, pricing, and references. It is not the case that the lowest responsible bidder will be selected; price is only one factor among others. Time of completion will be an important factor because the goal is to complete this work by December 31, 2024.

This project is subject to state funding requirements. The installation will be subject to prevailing wage, a 20% apprenticeship requirement, and compliance with Evergreen Sustainable Design Standards (ESDS). ESDS compliance can affect the types of materials that can be used (e.g., requirements about adhesives/sealants or insulation) and may require certain energy practices. The installer will have to supply documentation that it met the requirements.

Lewis County, a municipal government in Washington, is renovating a former office and bank building at 2015 NE Kresky Ave, Chehalis, WA into a night-by-night shelter for people experiencing homelessness. Previously, it appeared that a new ERV system would be required, but based on guidance from the Chehalis Building Official, now only an extension of the existing HVAC is needed. Draft plans for this extension have been developed by the mechanical engineer who designed the proposed ERV installation, and can be used as source material for the minor design-and-install process now needed to make the building compliant. Publishing an RFP, as opposed to a call for bids, will allow the winning applicant to change the design as it feels is appropriate for the most cost-effective and efficient installation of the necessary ductwork.

This Request for Proposals (RFP) seeks a firm to design, supply, and install the appropriate HVAC system additions and components in accordance with all requirements, and in consultation/coordination with Lewis County’s construction manager and, to the extent necessary, its architectural firm and/or the Chehalis Building Official. Successful applicants will follow this RFP's requirements, have ample experience and qualifications to accomplish the scope of work within a reasonably prompt timeframe, offer good service and products at an advantageous price, and have favorable references. Preferred specifications are listed in the project details, some of which are subject to change by the designer in the interest of a quality product at a reasonable price meeting all applicable requirements.

Lewis County is funding the shelter renovation with a direct appropriation from the Washington State Housing Trust Fund. State funding requirements will therefore apply to this project, including but not limited to audit requirements, prevailing wage compliance, apprenticeship minimums, and Evergreen Sustainable Design Standards (ESDS). While the design work is generally not affected by prevailing wage, the installation will have to demonstrate prevailing wage compliance and must meet a 20% minimum apprenticeship hours requirement. The installer will have to meet with county staff or its contract manager regarding ESDS compliance before installation, and will have to comply and document compliance with ESDS requirements during installation. The installer will have to cooperate with any inspection or verification that work is being performed as required. The installer will also have to supply documentation required by the funding agency to obtain payment. These items are further described later in this RFP.