SLED Opportunity · DC · EVENTS DC
AI Summary
Events DC seeks qualified contractors for cooling tower replacement services at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. Proposals are due by April 6, 2026.
COOLING TOWER REPLACEMENT SERVICES
The Washington Convention and Sports Authority t/a Events DC is soliciting proposals from qualified contractors to provide Cooling Tower Replacement Services at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
This Request for Proposal (“RFP”) has a thirty-five percent (35%) set-aside for a Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) as required under the provisions of “The Small and Certified Business Enterprise Development and Assistance Amendment Act of 2014” (the “Act”), effective June 10, 2014.
Pre Proposal and Site Visit Attendees List
Events DC Questions and Answers - Responses
Addenda #2
Responses to Second Round Question and Answers
Addenda 3 - Pre-Proposal/Site Visit
Addenda #4 - Questions Due Date and Proposal Due Date Change
Responses to Second Round - Question and Answers
The Events DC is accepting electronic bid submissions. Bidders shall create a FREE account with OpenGov Procurement by signing up at https://procurement.opengov.com/signup. Once you have completed account registration, browse back to this page, click on "Draft Response", and follow the instructions to submit the electronic bid.
COOLING TOWER REPLACEMENT SERVICES
The Washington Convention and Sports Authority t/a Events DC is soliciting proposals from qualified contractors to provide Cooling Tower Replacement Services at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
Please see the Attachments section for specifications and attachments.
| Release Project Date: | March 5, 2026 |
| Pre-Proposal Meeting (Non-Mandatory): | March 16, 2026, 11:00am Jarvis Board Room |
| Question Submission Deadline: | April 6, 2026, 5:00pm |
| Proposal Submission Deadline: | April 17, 2026, 5:00pm |
Gerald Green
Deputy Director
801 Allen Y. Lew Place, NW
Washington DC, DC 20001
Email: ggreen@eventsdc.com
Phone: (202) 249-3028
Gerald Green
Deputy Director
801 Allen Y. Lew Place, NW
Washington DC, DC 20001
Email: ggreen@eventsdc.com
Phone: (202) 249-3028
Confirm that your response including cost is attached.
Will there be an evaluation committee to review the proposals and score them based on weights and multiple criteria?
Select the information you would like display.
Q (Existing CT Motor HPs): What are the existing cooling tower motor HPs? Do all towers have same motor HP?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (Existing CT Sitting Steel Dimensions): Please provide the dimensions of the existing sitting tower steel. Aka the dimensions of the steel the cooling towers currently sit on.
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (Engineering Submissions): How many engineering submissions are required? An example would be 65% design, 95% design, and IFC. What are the anticipated review periods from the Owner at each submission, for example 2 week review period? Depending on the response, the 60 day schedule for “Design and Engineering Plans” may not be realistic. Is the design schedule flexible and can the overall design and construction schedule be coordinated with the Owner after award?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (Heat Exchangers): Plate heat exchangers are listed in the Description of Work. Are new heat exchangers required? Are they to replace existing heat exchangers? How many and what capacity?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (RFP #25-S-030 – Cooling Tower Replacement | Request for Drawings): Would it be possible for Events DC to provide mechanical, structural, and architectural drawings related to the existing cooling tower installation and roof support structure to assist with proposal preparation?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): 1. Are existing drawings available?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): 2. Are new work drawings available?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): 3. What is the project budget? Was there a replacement study done? If so, please provide the recommendation report
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): 4. Who is the control vendor in the building? Are control drawings available?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): 5. It appears from site visit-that there is no means of separating 4 and 4 cell group of cooling towers. Does the project require replacement of existing valves or just actuators only? If valve body replacement is required, the system would have to be drained to insert isolation valves.
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): 6. When was the existing roof replaced? Who is the building roofing contractor?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): 7. Are structural drawings available for the building? Especially roof and back of loading dock
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Will the contractor be responsible for roof removal for cooling tower clear opening?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): The cooling tower existing structural steel is beyond scraping and repainting. Will the contractor be responsible for replacing all structural steel?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Are there any existing structural drawings and any prior structural assessments of the cooling tower support framing and roof?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Has a recent structural evaluation been performed to confirm that the existing dunnage can support new equipment loads?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): What BAS platform is currently in use?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Has the existing structure been evaluated for compatibility with current equipment loads and seismic/wind code requirements?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Confirm the existing BAS platform and whether integration is expected to be fully design-build or coordinated with an existing controls vendor.
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Are there any known deficiencies in the existing electrical distribution serving the cooling towers?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): • Who currently holds the contract for chemical water treatment?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): • Who is the current BAC service provider, and are there any specific system integration requirements?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): • Will a project schedule be provided, including any major events that may impact the work?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): • Will the project require four (4) separate mobilizations?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): • Can you provide the model and serial numbers for each cooling tower cell?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Is the intent to replace the units with the existing manufacturer, or are alternates being considered?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): • Will any structural steel modifications or painting be required as part of this RFP?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): • Should electrical disconnects and/or starters be included in the scope of work?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (Option Years): If the project is stretched out over the next 4-5 years, will Events DC be anticipating that the awarded contractor honor pricing for that 3-4 year term?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (RFP Response Due Date): Due to the complexity of this project and the request for a quick turnaround of April 6, 2026. Is there any possibility to have the current due date get extended?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (Section B.4.b): Section B.4.b: "Questions shall be received no later than Thursday, February 12, 2026; 5:00PM, EST." Is this a typo?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (Contractors): How many contractors is Events DC allowing to provide pricing for this project?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (Award Date): When is the anticipated award date?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (Controls): Who is the controls contractor for the building? Please provide POC so we reach out to receive their BAS integration quote. Or, will Events DC carry in-house and contractor to exclude all controls work/integration?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (Section A.4): Section A.4 states the following: "Water treatment for cooling water is provided by an automatic chemical-feed system and two Lakos electric motor-powered centrifugal filters. The chemical treatment includes corrosion inhibitors and tower biocide treatment. There are three (3) 250-hp and two (2) 150-hp split case pumps mounted on spring-isolated inertia bases aided in circulation of the cooling tower condensing water between the cooling towers and the chillers." Please confirm if this strictly for reference purposes or if it is to be included into the total price?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Is it acceptable to re-use the existing dunnage and structural supports?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): The RFP calls for phasing the removal of the cooling towers 2 at a time. Can you confirm if isolation valves are present at each tower to facilitate phasing.
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Is there a freight elevator to the roof where the cooling tower are located? And will it be made available for use during construction?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Will as-built drawings for mechanical, electrical, architecture, and structural be provided?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Is it permissible to partially demolish the existing roof structure to facilitate Cooling tower removal/install.
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): What is the weight limit for the 3rd floor loading dock?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Is it permissible to erect a tower crane on the 3rd floor loading dock?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): The RFP specifies the contractor shall verify location of piping, controls, electrical connections. At the conference it was mentioned that all new piping will be installed. Is all new piping required or is it acceptable to reuse existing piping and headers?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Is it acceptable to re-use the existing primary incoming electrical feed for the new equipment?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): RFP | Pg. 1: This Request for Proposal (“RFP”) has a thirty-five percent (35%) set-aside for a Certified Business Enterprise (CBE.): Will Events DC only be excepting (35%) of the total combined price/project be performed in 2027 and the remaining (65%) of the project be approved at a later date?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Does Events DC anticipate they will receive additional funding for this project in 2027 to include the (35%) or is this the set amount allocated for approved in 2027 and the remaining (65%) to be stretched out in phases over the next (4) years?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): If the project is stretched out over the next 3-4 years, will Events DC be anticipating that the awarded contractor honor pricing for that 3-4 year term?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): RFP | pg. 1, Sec-Key Dates: The responses are due April 6, 2026, but Section H.3. states the proposal is due no later than April 6, 2026. Please confirm weather April 6th is the actual bid due date or to release the RFIs responses. If April 6, is to release the RFIs responses, please provide the actual bid due date?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): This RFI only applies if the due date is April 6th, 2026: Due to the severity of this project and the request for a quick turnaround for the provided due date of April 6, 2026. Is there any possibility to have the current (potential) due date get extended?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): RFP | Sec-B.6, N-b: Assuming this is a typo "Questions shall be received no later than Thursday, February 12, 2026; 5:00PM, EST. Events DC. This contradicts (Key Dates) Questions due Date: Thursday, March 19, 2026.. Please confirm?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): RFP | Sec-H.3: States the job will be awarded September 30th, 2027, assuming this is for the RFP responses to be released, or is this the actual bid due date?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): How many contractors is DC Event allowing to provide pricing for this project?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): When is the anticipated award date?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Will it be required to have a full GC to run the job or will the contractor awarded the job be expected to be full GC?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): RFP | Sec-H.8: “Best and Final Offers” (BAFO). If providing pricing this year, will there be an opportunity to provide refreshed pricing in 2027 and DC Events will conduct BAFOs based off 2026 proposal in 2027, or is this the only opportune time to provide pricing and then BAFOs will be offered to the contractors within the completive price range for the there provided 2026 proposal?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Will the contractor be responsible for providing the engineering study and MEP Drawings in our base bid or will Event DC Procurement be taking that in-house and issuing the 100% permitted drawings out to the preferred contractors providing (BAFO)?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Who's the preferred control contractor? Please provide POC so we reach out to receive their BAS integration quote. Or, will Events DC carry in-house and contractor to exclude all control work/integration?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): RFP | Pg. 4, Sec-A.4: Refers to chemical-feed system, (2) Lakos Centrifugal Filters, and replacement cost for the (3) 250hp & (2) 150hp split case pumps but does state to replace these. Please confirm if this strictly for reference purposes or to be include into the total price?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (Existing Drawings): Please share existing MEP, structural and architectural base building drawings to facilitate assessment of proposed solution and for estimating purposes.
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (Heat Rejection / Future Loads): Please confirm no changes are required for total heat rejection capacity or if any provisions for future loads should be considered?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Is any additional heat rejection redundancy required for the system?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Is any additional pumping redundancy required?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Please confirm location (panelboard(s), switchgear) where power is fed from for the cooling towers?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Are the cooling towers on generator backup power?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Is there a preference to use the existing cooling tower manufacturer for new equipment or are other manufacturers allowed?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Is the team required to utilize the base building structural engineer for analysis associated with the scope of work? If so, please provide their contact information.
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Please confirm the building controls system is by Siemens and that any BAS control system modifications required for the new cooling tower work shall be provided as part of the submission.
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Please confirm location of condenser water pumps and water treatment system.
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Please confirm freight elevator weight capacity (lbs) and door opening dimensions (H”xW”)..
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Are there any energy reduction goals for the project?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): What is required for the four (4) one year option periods? Hourly rates and preventative maintenance routines?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Please clarify if commissioning is to be provided by the contractor or if commissioning will be provided as a separate contract direct to the owner.
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): During the site visit it was observed that the existing structural supports and spring isolators are compromised. Is the intent to try and reuse any of the existing structural supports for the new cooling towers or to replace as potentially recommended?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Would Events D.C. be opposed to removing the existing roof beams during the project to facilitate rigging in the new cooling towers?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Can you please provide Manufacture, Model & Serial number of existing (3) 250hp & (2) 150hp Pumps, and the (2) Lakos Filtration systems?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Are there plate-and-frame heat exchangers on site that are being replaced, if so, please provide location of Equipment, Manufacture, Model & Serial of existing Heat Exchangers being replaced?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): If firm fixed pricing has changed, please upload an updated Cost Form?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section. Please submit your cost breakdown as an attachment.
Q (No subject): Are we to provide firm fixed breakout pricing per each job; Pumps, Lakos Filtration, and Towers?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): In the RFP Questions and Answers document, replacement of the chemical-feed system ((3) 250.0 HP pumps & (2) 150.0 HP pumps) is included in the scope of work. Can the DCCC verify where this equipment is fed from?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): What is the existing condenser water piping material at the roof?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Do the existing isolation valves on condenser water piping hold or need replacement?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Can a copy of the existing sequence of operations please be provided for the condenser water and chilled water system?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Is there desire to include variable frequency drives for the new cooling towers? Currently, the CT fans are fed through starters in an existing Motor Control Center (MCC). If VFD’s are added, is the preference for the VFD’s be located indoors by the MCC or outdoor by the CT’s?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Please confirm if all new tower cells should be provided with electric basin heat.
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Please confirm no new backup generator power is required for the new cooling towers.
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Please confirm if any new control points are desired for integration with the Siemens BMS, beyond the existing configuration.
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Is the building responsible for draining and filling of the towers?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): What are the preferred piping connections/joints for steel? Is Victaulic acceptable?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): Can manufacturer, model number and serial number please be provided for the (3) 250hp and (2) 150hp spit case pumps that are to be replaced? Are new VFD’s to be provided and installed as well for each of these pumps?
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): The pricing form states to provide a price for QTY 1 cooling tower but does not account for the pump replacements, and support steel that may need to be replaced which each support steel structure supports four cooling towers. Please clarify where the pump replacement work and potential support steel replacement work should be priced within the bid form.
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
Q (No subject): In the first round of RFI’s a response noted the loading dock can be used for a tower crane. Given the weight of a tower crane assembly which is anticipated to be over 80,000 pounds and overall footprint this loading dock option does not seem feasible for a tower crane to facilitate the cooling towers scope. It is recommended to remove this option as feasible for a tower crane.
A: Please see question and answer documentation - uploaded in the Addenda and Notices section
SLED stands for State, Local, and Education. These are solicitations issued by state governments, counties, cities, school districts, utilities, and higher education institutions — as opposed to federal agencies.
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