Tri‑Towers Steam Line Replacement – KSU‑22L078

The Kent State University Tri‑Towers Steam Line Replacement project (KSU‑22L078) calls for the complete removal and replacement of the underground steam distribution system serving the Tri‑Towers complex on the Kent campus. The contract is a general‑construction, design‑build style solicitation with a base bid estimate of $1.61 M and two optional alternates totaling an additional $625 k, giving a maximum potential award of $2.235 M. Bidders must comply with Ohio domestic‑steel requirements, prevailing‑wage rules, the State’s SUPR drug‑free program, and a 5 % EDGE‑certified‑business participation goal. All bids are submitted electronically via BidExpress; a bid guarantee (10 % of the bid or a signed security form) is required, and original guaranty documents must be delivered within three business days of bid opening. The anticipated NTP is 19 Jan 2027, with a total contract‑completion window of 254 calendar days. • Scope includes excavation, de‑watering, installation of new 8‑in. steam and 3‑in. condensate pipelines, associated concrete work, pavement replacement, erosion control, and tree‑protection measures. • Budget: $1.61 M base; $375 k (Alternate 1 – hydro‑excavation) and $250 k (Alternate 2 – temporary gas‑fired domestic hot‑water system). • Key compliance: Ohio domestic‑steel statute, prevailing‑wage, SUPR enrollment, EDGE‑business participation (5 % goal), and executive‑order prohibitions on offshore services and Russian entities. • Critical dates: Pre‑bid meeting 9 Nov 2026 (strongly encouraged), bid deadline 17 Nov 2026 11:00 a.m. EST, NTP 19 Jan 2027, contract‑completion 254 days from NTP. • Primary contact: Cindy Pizzuto, Project Coordinator (Kent State University – Office of the University Architect).