How to bid on Rachel Carson Building renovations for Pennsylvania DGS

What Pennsylvania DGS is buying

The Pennsylvania Department of General Services is seeking low bids for HVAC, plumbing, and electrical renovations at the Rachel Carson Office Building in Harrisburg. This is a standard low-bid project with separate estimated ranges: $12–13 million for HVAC, $2–3 million for plumbing, and $7–8 million for electrical.

There is no bid guaranty requirement. The project has liquidated damages of $5,000 per day for HVAC, $1,500 per day for plumbing, and $4,000 per day for electrical.

Key dates and the bid deadline

The pre-bid conference is Friday, November 6, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at the Rachel Carson Office Building, 400 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101.

Electronic bids are due Tuesday, December 8, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Bids will only be accepted electronically through e-Builder. Plan to complete submission before the deadline and follow the bid-opening instructions in the solicitation.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is for construction firms that can bid on HVAC, plumbing, or electrical work at the project’s stated scale. Review the relevant plans and specifications before deciding whether to bid as a prime contractor.

Each prime contract has participation goals. HVAC goals are 9% SDB and 3% VBE; plumbing goals are 6% SDB and 3% VBE; electrical goals are 19% SDB and 3% VBE. Bidders must agree to meet the applicable goals in full or demonstrate good-faith efforts to meet them.

How to access the documents and submit

Open the solicitation on Pennsylvania eMarketplace using the provided “View original source” option. Review the details and download the solicitation documents listed on that page.

To view or download plans and specifications, proposers must register and have a current, active vendor number. All proposers must also create an e-Builder user profile for the applicable discipline: HVAC, plumbing, or electrical. Submit the bid electronically through e-Builder as directed in the solicitation.

First-time e-Builder users can use the video tutorial on the e-Builder site. Technical support is available at [email protected] or 1-888-288-5717. Public bid openings can be viewed on a Windows PC; mobile devices are not supported.

Prepare a complete, competitive bid

Read the instructions and specifications for your discipline closely, and check that your bid covers every required item and base bid. Confirm the applicable participation goals and document your plan to meet them or your good-faith efforts.

The bidder must comply with the Capital Programs Employment Verification Act by submitting the Commonwealth Capital Programs Verification Form with the bid or before contract award. Check the solicitation instructions for any other required forms and submission steps.

Allow time to register, create the e-Builder profile, review the plans, and upload the bid. Verify that the electronic submission is complete before the stated deadline.