Architect-Engineer (A-E) Mechanical and Plumbing Design Support Services – Task Order Contracts

The County of Orange is seeking qualified firms to establish a three-year Qualified Vendor List for on-call Architect-Engineer (A-E) Mechanical and Plumbing Design Support Services under Task Order Contracts. Selected vendors will provide engineering design, evaluation, cost estimation, and construction administration services for HVAC, plumbing, and related systems across County and Orange County Flood Control District projects, including upgrades to chillers, air handlers, and piping networks. The scope spans all phases from initiation through closeout, requiring comprehensive deliverables such as design drawings, specifications, as-built plans, technical reports, and submittal reviews, all aligned with the Architect-Engineer Guide (Rev July 2018), ADA, CEQA, and applicable federal, state, and local codes. Proposals must be submitted electronically via the County’s eProcurement Portal by September 4, 2026, and are limited to 25 single-sided pages in the responsive section, with strict adherence to formatting rules and exclusion of confidential markings. Firms must demonstrate three years of continuous business operation in California, relevant experience in Southern California, and hold valid professional licenses, with full compliance with the County Model Contract required—any exceptions result in automatic disqualification. Evaluation is based on weighted non-price factors focusing on technical merit and compliance, with award determined through a scoring process by an Evaluation Panel and final approval by the County Board of Supervisors, indicating a trade-off approach rather than lowest price technically acceptable. Respondents must provide a valid Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) via SAM.gov and certify against conflicts of interest, collusion, and non-compliance, with supplemental disclosures triggering additional review. Key personnel and subcontractor substitutions require prior written approval, and subcontractor work is capped at 49% of total contract value. Post-award obligations include submitting insurance certificates and a W-9 within ten days, with electronic funds transfer (EFT) as the sole payment method. All performance occurs within Orange County, with inspection and acceptance responsibilities held exclusively by the County. No firm-fixed pricing or line-item breakdowns are provided, as compensation is expected to be labor-hour based with hourly rates subject to negotiation after award, and funding is contingent upon available appropriations, subject to modification under clause 6.8 and 6.9. Contracts may be amended, assigned, or terminated for cause under local government clauses 6.1 through 6.11, with no federal FAR clauses adopted but administrative placeholders for contact and location details included.