CU Boulder - UCB001297 - MSSC - Electrical System Upgrade

2026-11-03

IntroductionThe University of Colorado Boulder ( CU Boulder ) is seeking qualified Engineering teams to provide professional services for the evaluation and potential electrification of the Marine Street Science Center ( MSSC ) located in Boulder , Colorado . This project is part of CU Boulder ’ s broader campus decarbonization and electrification goals , which aim to reduce reliance on fossil fuel - based heating systems and transition to all - electric building systems where feasible . BackgroundThe Marine Street Science Center is an existing facility originally constructed in 1957 and has undergone multiple renovations . The building is currently served by a central heating water system consisting of three gas - fired boilers ( installed in 2008 ), a shell - and - tube heat exchanger ( installed in 1991 ), and multiple distribution pumps serving various building heating loops . A recent engineering study identified that while the existing boilers remain within their expected service life , the heat exchanger has exceeded its useful life and the overall system presents an opportunity for modernization . The study also evaluated the feasibility of electrifying the heating system through replacement of the existing gas - fired boilers with electric boilers . Electrification of the system would require significant upgrades to the building ’ s electrical infrastructure , including but not limited to new service capacity , distribution equipment , and likely the installation of a new exterior transformer . The project consists of professional design services to evaluate , plan , and design the electrification of MSSC . The selected team shall provide a comprehensive evaluation and design that includes , but is not limited to , the following : Assessment of the existing heating water system , including boilers , heat exchanger , pumps , and distribution loopsEvaluation of building heating loads and confirmation of required electric boiler capacityAnalysis of electrical infrastructure requirements , including : New service size and configurationTransformer sizing and location ( anticipated exterior , pad - mounted ) Impacts to existing electrical distribution systemsCoordination with the local utility provider for new electrical service requirementsEvaluation of system modifications required to support electrification , including temperature regime adjustments and compatibility with existing coils and pipingDevelopment of cost estimates at key design milestones . The project is anticipated to include full design services through construction documents , and may include bidding and construction administration services . See more

Boulder

2026-05-02