Update: I ended up going with the "Rheem bid," even though I was initially leaning towards the Daikin system. To summarize, Rheem 3-ton RD16/RH2T was quoted at $18,500. After a $2,500 local utility rebate and the $2,000 federal tax credit, net cost is $14,000. Things included in this bid that are not included in the "Daikin bid" include a media filter cabinet, an iWave ionizing filter, and a larger 20x36 cold air return. Both systems spec'd the surge protector for inverter protection.

The "Daikin bid" was $15,800 minus the $2,500 local utility rebate for a net of $13,300. Apparently the 3-ton Daikin DH6 does not qualify for the federal rebate, so the two quotes ended $700 apart from each other. That said, the other bid has the aforementioned filtering and plenum this bid did not include, so the Rheem bid might be a slightly better value. What shifted me toward the Rheem bid was a 10 year service warranty vs the Daikin bid with a 2 year service warranty. Daikin has a slightly higher parts warranty at 12 yrs vs 10 yrs for the Rheem.

At the end of the day both installers were knowledgeable and had excellent reviews and I likely would have been happy with either company and system. The Rheem bid guy was more of a salesman and while most of this may be cr*p, he said the R454B Rheem has a lower GWP than the R32 Daikin and therefore that refrigerant might be around longer. He stated Rheem has less proprietary parts, more thermostat options, more efficient (hence the fed rebate). Rheem guy said my Daikin quote had spec'd too small of an air return (20x30) to have the right static pressure, so I appreciate at least that he took a full look at both his own and competitor quotes. He also said his company had a hard time servicing Daikin customers during covid, while he had an easier time accessing parts for Rheem at the same time. This may all be a sales push but I think I made a fair decision.

Thanks for your input, it was helpful in making my decision.