Central Plant Improvement & Hydronic Line Replacement

The contract involves a design-build project at Los Angeles Valley College comprising two major components: the Central Plant Improvement and the Hydronic Line Replacement. The Central Plant Improvement focuses on upgrading the Central Utility Plant to increase cooling capacity by demolishing outdated solar thermal and ice storage systems, replacing chilled water and condenser pumps, and implementing structural and life safety enhancements within the building. The Hydronic Line Replacement entails the complete removal and installation of the campus’s chilled and hot water distribution piping, executed in phases to minimize operational disruptions. This work also includes minor repairs and LED lighting upgrades to the underground tunnel system housing the pipes, along with landscape restoration. The estimated contract value is $35.8 million, with $31 million allocated to the hydronic system replacement and $4.8 million to the central plant improvements. The project follows a two-phase procurement process beginning with an RFQ for technical qualifications, followed by an RFP for pricing only among top-ranked finalists, prioritizing technical excellence over low cost. All proposals must adhere to stringent qualification requirements including compliance with California Education Code §81700 et seq., DSA/OSHPD standards, and labor laws. Offerors must submit a comprehensive Statement of Qualifications through the PlanetBids portal by August 12, 2026, with mandatory attachments such as the DIR Pre-Qualification Questionnaire, non-collusion and non-discrimination declarations, conflict of interest certifications, and proof of financial stability and bonding capacity. Key personnel must meet specific certifications, including DBIA designation for project managers, NCIDQ or CCIDC for interior designers, and confined space certification for superintendents. Contractors must maintain a maximum EMR of 1.24, $2 million in professional liability insurance per occurrence, and provide performance and payment bonds. Strict conflict of interest rules prohibit communication with district staff outside the designated point of contact until award, and any gift exceeding $500 in value is prohibited. The Los Angeles Community College District holds exclusive authority for inspection and acceptance, evaluating submissions based on objective criteria related to experience, personnel credentials, past performance, safety compliance, and LSEDV participation. Submissions are scored using a punitive point system where negative responses result in point deductions, and failure to meet requirements may lead to disqualification or debarment.