The University Facilities Unit at the University at Buffalo (UB), in support of the Empire AI consortium, seeks to contract with a firm to provide consulting services associated with the Empire AI Data Center at the University at Buffalo's North Campus. The firm will produce a minimum of three concepts for the data center as well as the total estimated cost to design and construct the data center for each concept. The data center is expected to have a capacity of up to 15MW of usable power in its fully populated and expanded future state and a minimum of 8MW available on day one of the operation. The data center should consider water cooled GPU systems such as state-of-the-art GPU Clusters. The cost estimate is a critical deliverable of this contract.
Energy Efficiency. Empire State Development and the Empire AI Consortium, shall work with the Power Authority of New York, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and the Department of Environmental Conservation to ensure a reliable and sufficient clean energy supply for the institute, to maximize the energy efficiency of the facility or facilities and equipment of the institute, and minimize emissions and negative environmental impacts, including from the use of freshwater resources, from constructing, operating, and of maintaining the institute.
Bidders are asked to produce a reasonable order of magnitude conceptual total project estimate for multiple scenarios of the planned data center. The firm will provide services to the Empire AI Consortium and stakeholder.
Bidders shall submit with their qualification package resumes of person(s) that are intended to provide consulting services to the university. This requirement includes staff of any intended sub-consultants including minority or women owned businesses. Successful vendor will document:
- A minimum of three (3) projects either active or completed in the last five (5) years that must include:
- Estimate and schedule development for the construction of a data center
- Planning/programming development
Questions that rise as a result of this RFP are to be submitted in writing no later than September 13, 2024, to: Tricia Kandler, tkandler@buffalo.edu.
Bid Proposal Due Date and Time: October, 7, 2024 at 2:00PM and submitted to: UB-Compliance@buffalo.edu
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Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Set Aside: No
Minority Owned Sub-Contracting Goal: 16%
Women Owned Sub-Contracting Goal: 14%
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Contracting Goal: 6%
Due date:10/07/2024 2:00 PM
Contract term: One (1) year or until project completion
County(ies): Erie
Location: Buffalo
Business entities awarded an identical or substantially similar procurement contract within the past five years:
None
Background
The University at Buffalo (UB), in support of the Empire AI consortium, is seeking to contract with a firm for consulting services related to the Empire AI Data Center. This initiative aims to establish a state-of-the-art artificial intelligence computing facility that will serve as a shared resource for academic research, promoting responsible AI development and job creation.
The facility is expected to have a capacity of up to 15MW of usable power, with a minimum of 8MW available at launch. The project emphasizes energy efficiency and environmental sustainability, collaborating with various New York State authorities to ensure clean energy supply and minimize emissions.
Work Details
The selected firm will provide the following services:
1. Produce a minimum of three conceptual designs for the data center, including detailed cost estimates for design and construction for each concept.
2. Develop an order of magnitude conceptual total project estimate for multiple scenarios.
3. Conduct meetings with the Empire AI consortium planning team and stakeholders to identify program requirements including construction, electrical, water, HVAC, operations, and security needs.
4. Provide conceptual drawings and estimates based on various GPU capacities, including site evaluations and existing utility systems.
5. Present options for significant project components/materials and evaluate constructability.
6. Deliver accurate cost estimates covering construction, design services, construction management services, utility costs necessary for operation, and participate in estimate reconciliation meetings.
7. Submit resumes of key personnel intended to provide consulting services along with documentation of relevant experience in similar projects.
Period of Performance
The contract term is one year or until project completion, with an anticipated start date in December 2024.
Place of Performance
The contract will be performed at the University at Buffalo’s North Campus located in Buffalo, Erie County.
