Six firms bid the HVAC overhaul at P.S. 217 in Flatbush, and the low came in $2.4 million clear of the pack. Central Mechanical Systems, Inc. bid $18,420,000 when the NYC School Construction Authority opened solicitation 26-026784 at 11:07 a.m. on Tuesday, June 16.

The school is P.S. 217 Colonel David Marcus, 1100 Newkirk Avenue in Brooklyn. The tab lists an HVAC building management system upgrade, an HVAC upgrade and fire alarm panel replacement. On the SCA's anticipated awards list, the HVAC and BMS pieces sat in the $4 million-and-over bracket and the fire alarm work in the $1 million to $4 million range. It's on our board as RFI-000380.

All six: Central Mechanical Systems, Inc. at $18,420,000. Infinity Contracting Services, Corp. at $20,822,000. DYNAMIC US, Inc. at $22,440,000. MARIC MECHANICAL, INC. at $22,640,000. Maric Plumbing & Heating, Inc. at $23,294,000. NEELAM CONSTRUCTION CORP. at $24,290,000.

That's a $2,402,000 gap from first to second, or 13.0%. The median was $22,540,000, so the low sits 18.3% under the middle. The spread from low to high is only 31.9%, narrow next to the 40% to 90% spreads on this spring's big SCA exterior tabs. The SCA did not publish an engineer's estimate. Apparent low is not an award.

This is a job where a trade firm can be the prime. The work is mostly ductwork, air handlers, controls and piping, and three of the six bidders carry mechanical or plumbing names. The SCA's Wicks list for the low bidder names Central Mechanical Systems, Inc. as its own HVAC subcontractor, with V.C. VITANZA SONS INC. for plumbing and G Energy Solution and Services inc. for electrical.

Why this matters. Six bids is thin next to the 20-plus that crowd SCA roof and window jobs. If you're a mechanical contractor with SCA prequalification, HVAC upgrade work is where the room is smallest. A 13% lead is also a reason for subs to check their scope against the low bidder's before they sign.

What to do next. Sheet metal, insulation, controls and test-and-balance subs: send your numbers to Central Mechanical Systems, Inc. Electrical subs, the named Wicks electrical firm is the one to call. Watch the SCA tab for 26-026784 for the award.

Update, Sept. 28, 2026: The SCA's tab now marks Central Mechanical Systems, Inc. as awarded at $18,420,000.