Prime Architect for a Mechanical System Replacement Design

UNLV is soliciting a Prime Architect to lead the design effort for a full mechanical system replacement in Campus Lab Building 3, focusing on the replacement of Air Handler-18 and accompanying infrastructure upgrades. The scope includes developing construction documents for a new variable air volume control system with lab pressure monitoring, designing a building automation system, redesigning air distribution networks, and conducting an energy code review, while coordinating closely with mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural engineering disciplines. The project addresses longstanding operational issues such as unstable temperatures, excessive maintenance needs, and the absence of automated controls in a facility housing sensitive chemistry, biochemistry, engineering, and public health laboratories. A mandatory pre-proposal meeting and site inspection is scheduled for May 21, 2026, and all proposers must attend in full to qualify for submission. The evaluation process is strictly based on a trade-off methodology seeking the best value, not the lowest price, with a total of 100 points allocated across four technical tabs: design team and consultant experience (40 points), relevant project experience in laboratory and mechanical systems (20 points), management efficiency of the team (20 points), and quality control processes including due diligence and drawing coordination (20 points). A separate financial condition review is a pass/fail disqualifier, meaning failure here eliminates eligibility regardless of technical scores. Proposals are limited to ten pages, submitted electronically via the Nevada Governmental eMarketplace by June 5, 2026, and must include detailed information on subcontractor commitments, especially for MBE, WBE, LBE, and DVBE certifications, with annual reporting required if the contract exceeds $1 million. Contractors must carry commercial general liability insurance with $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate, a $5–10 million umbrella policy, professional liability coverage of $3–5 million depending on contract value, and must name NSHE and UNLV as primary, non-contributory additional insureds. The contract is governed by Nevada law, prohibits assignment without consent, forbids contact with UNLV staff except the designated point of contact, and mandates public disclosure compliance. Performance will occur entirely at the CLB3 site, with final acceptance held by UNLV Planning & Construction, and payment subject to purchase order issuance and referencing required contract numbers.