New York State Contract Reporter #2025-081

Construction Manager at Risk Sought for Empire AI Research Data Center at University at Buffalo

This opportunity involves the selection of a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) for the Empire AI Research Computing Center at the University at Buffalo's North Campus. - Government Buyer: - Empire AI Consortium Inc., in collaboration with Empire State Development and the University at Buffalo - Project Overview: - Construction of a new, multi-story, freestanding data center facility on a 1.83-acre parcel - Facility designed to support up to 15MW of computing power (minimum 5MW at launch) - Includes data center space, offices, staging areas, electrical and mechanical rooms - Features a closed loop water system for campus-wide heating - Emphasizes clean-energy integration and efficiency, aligning with New York State and university sustainability priorities - Estimated construction budget: $74.5 million - Scope of Services: - Comprehensive CMAR services including: - Design phase assistance and constructability reviews - Procurement management and oversight - Construction management and supervision - Equipment installation, start-up, and owner training - Quality assurance, safety planning, and BIM utilization - Project closeout and warranty management (two-year warranty) - Preparation of detailed schedules, cost estimates, and M/WBE & SDVOB utilization plans - Notable Requirements: - Mandatory pre-bid conference - MWBE participation goals of 30% and SDVOB utilization - Transparent cost disclosure and adherence to New York State laws and Empire State Development oversight - Collaboration with multiple institutions - No specific OEMs or vendors are named in the solicitation - Place of Performance: - University at Buffalo, North Campus, Buffalo, NY - Contracting office: Empire AI Consortium Headquarters, Manhattan, NY

Description

Empire AI Consortium Inc. is seeking proposals for Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) services for a new Data Center project at the University at Buffalo's North Campus. The project involves constructing a multi-story facility with data center, office, electrical, and mechanical spaces, designed to support up to 15MW of computing power. The facility will incorporate clean-energy features and a closed loop water system for campus-wide heating. The design is currently in schematic phase, and the contract term extends to completion by Q4 2027.

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