RFP #25-101 Main Heat Plant Fuel Conversion

University of Virginia -Charlottesville, Virginia

REQUEST FOR LETTERS OF INTERESTand Statements of QualificationsThe University of Virginia, Charlottesville, invites highly qualified firms to submit Letters of Interest and Statements of Qualifications along with background information on Form HECO-16 (obtain adapted version from http://www.fm.virginia.edu/depts/fpc/index.html) for construction services related to the:Main Heat Plant Fuel ConversionRFP #25-101The University seeks to retain a Construction Manager to join our team during construction document development phase to provide the following design, procurement, and construction phase services: constructability reviews, design and construction schedule management, logistics coordination (site, hospital, other adjacent construction), cost estimating and tracking, facilitate value management sessions, early bid package definition, procurement phase services, and full construction and project closeout services. These services are to be provided for the University in accordance with the provisions of the University of Virginia Higher Education Capital Outlay Manual and RFP, and any other related services as directed by the University. The University has determined that Competitive Sealed Bidding is not practicable or fiscally advantageous; therefore, the contract will be awarded as a Construction Management at Risk with Design Phase Services as the project delivery method. Project Overview:The Main Heat Plant provides steam and heating water to the majority of the buildings on Grounds, including critical heath care, research, and residence halls. The Health System facilities served by the Main Heat Plant include two hospitals, a cancer center, and many other critical patient care facilities. Steam and heating water are required year-round without interruption. The Fuel Conversion Project, which was approved by the UVA Board of Visitors in June 2025 will replace the coal heat input with natural gas and optimize the existing plant assets for the new fuel mix (gas and oil). The scope of this project includes the demolition of the four coal silos, removal of all the material handling and storage equipment associated with coal and ash, optimizing the existing coal boilers for operation on gas and oil, and construction of additional fuel oil storage to increase the emergency firm fuel capacity. The most significant issues facing the existing plant are the high cost, operating complexity, sourcing, and environmental impact of coal operations. The project will occur over several non-heating seasons without interruption of steam and hot water to Grounds. While the transition off coal will reduce UVAâs carbon footprint, the primary reason for the conversion is Medical Center continuity of operations. The outcome of this work will result in the elimination of the continuity of operation risk associated with coal sourcing, delivery, and combustion; reduction in carbon and sulfur emissions; reduction in operating and fuel cost; a reduction in staff required to operate and maintain the plant; and the avoidance of the capital cost associated with replacement and renewal of the coal and ash related equipment. Additionally, this project will reduce scope 1 carbon emissions by approximately 16,900 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year. Construction is anticipated to begin in Q2 2026 and be completed Q2 2029

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