Kiehle Data Center Upgrade

The University of Minnesota Crookston is soliciting a fixed‑price construction contractor to upgrade its data center. The scope includes installing a new 60 kVA UPS system, new power feeders, an automatic transfer switch, upgraded cooling, and re‑configuring electrical circuits while keeping the data center operational. The university will supply the UPS unit and temporary generators; the contractor must obtain all permits, coordinate phasing with the owner and engineer, and adhere to a substantial completion deadline of 5 January 2027. The contract budget is $370,000, and proposals are due 31 August 2026. Evaluation emphasizes team qualifications, project approach, schedule, cost, workforce equity reporting, and safety compliance. • Upgrade of electrical service and battery backup for a campus data center • Installation of owner‑supplied UPS, power feeders, ATS, and cooling equipment • Must maintain data center uptime; temporary generators provided by owner • Contractor responsible for all permits, including temporary generator permit • Fixed‑price lump‑sum contract; total budget $370,000 • Substantial completion required by 5 Jan 2027 • Pre‑proposal virtual meeting 17 Aug 2026 (optional) • Questions due 24 Aug 2026; proposal due 31 Aug 2026 (hard deadline) • Evaluation criteria: qualifications (15 pts), approach (20 pts), schedule (15 pts), cost (45 pts), workforce/equal‑pay compliance, responsible‑contractor certification, safety (5 pts)