City Hall Chiller Replacement Design-Build RFQ

The City of Asheville has issued a Request for Qualifications to select a professional design-build firm for the replacement of the chiller system at City Hall. The project involves designing, removing the existing 18-year-old chiller, and installing a new system along with three centrifugal pumps, ensuring operational compliance with City standards. The RFQ was posted on September 18, 2025, with a deadline for submissions on October 16, 2025, and an anticipated contract award by early December 2025, with work commencing shortly thereafter. The procurement process emphasizes qualifications-based selection, developing a shortlist of 3-5 firms for interviews, and ultimately awarding the contract to the most qualified firm based on experience, team composition, approach, and past performance. All official documents and updates are to be obtained exclusively from the City’s procurement website, with no federal FAR clauses incorporated or referenced. The solicitation emphasizes strict compliance with City policies, including maintaining a drug-free workplace and ensuring no delinquent taxes are owed to Asheville. Submissions must be physically sealed, labeled clearly with the RFQ number and project details, and delivered by FedEx, UPS, or hand delivery to a designated City address during business hours. The RFQ does not specify detailed pricing, line-item breakdowns, or technical specifications within the qualification phase, as these are expected during subsequent negotiations with the selected firm. Supporting materials, addenda, or updates are only considered official if published on the City’s procurement portal, and no attachments, exhibits, or technical specifications are included in the initial RFQ. The process is governed by North Carolina statutes for professional services procurement, with no federal contract clauses or certifications required beyond local policy certifications.