Fargo Public Schools Request for Proposals Materials Testing and Special Inspections Horace Mann Elementary School Due: April 16, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.

Introduction:

The Fargo Public School District (District) is seeking proposals from qualified materials testing and special inspection agencies for third-party testing and inspection services for the Horace Mann Elementary School construction project. This agency will ensure that the contractor is using suitable materials and building on suitably compacted fill material in accordance with IBC Chapter 17 requirements.

Companies responding to this request must submit their proposal in accordance with the enclosed specifications and should reference the Euna Procurement (Bonfire) Submission Instructions attached separately for instructions on the District’s electronic submission process.

All submissions must be submitted through the online Euna Procurement (Bonfire) Portal at:

https://fargok12.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities Respondents should contact the Euna Support team at Support.Bonfire@eunasolutions.com for technical questions. Respondents can also visit Bonfire’s help forum at https://vendorsupport.gobonfire.com/hc/en-us.

Any communication related to submissions, including the posting of Addenda, will be available on https://fargok12.bonfirehub.com Any questions can also be asked through the available communication tools. Respondents must be registered and logged in to ask questions.

Request For Proposal (RFP) Timeline:

Project Timeline:

Overview and Purpose:

The District is constructing a new elementary school (Horace Mann Elementary School) to consolidate three existing facilities. The building will feature precast concrete panel exterior walls with brick masonry pilasters and limited CMU infill at elevator door frames. Precast concrete panels will be fabricated by Taracon Precast, a PCI-certified producer; accordingly, in-plant fabrications special inspections are not required per IBC Section 1704.2.2. This Request for Proposal (RFP) is issued to identify qualified testing and inspection agencies capable of providing all required materials testing and special inspections for this project.

Respondents will be evaluated on their technical capabilities, relevant K-12 experience, staff qualifications and certifications, availability and response time, and proposed pricing.

The scope of services includes, but is not limited to, earthwork and soils testing, concrete sampling and testing, masonry inspection and testing, structural steel and welding inspection, precast concrete panel connection inspection, structural framing inspection, and other special inspections as required by the permit card.

Project Delivery Method:

Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR)

Scope of Work:

The successful respondent will provide all required materials testing and special inspections including:

· Earthwork / Soils: Verification of subgrade preparation and soil bearing capacity; soil compaction testing using Nuclear Density Gauge per ASTM D6938; observation and testing of structural fill placement and backfill compaction; field density testing to confirm compliance with project specifications and geotechnical recommendations.

· Concrete Construction: Field sampling and testing of fresh concrete for slump, air content, temperature, and unit weight per applicable ASTM standards; casting and curing of compressive strength cylinders; observation of placement procedures and curing conditions; verification of mix design approval and batch tickets; inspect reinforcing sizing, spacing, cover, and positioning.

· Masonry Construction: Sampling and testing of mortar and grout compressive strength; prism testing (if required); observation of masonry installation for reinforcement placement, grout lift height, and consolidation; verification of CMU compliance with ASTM C90; brick masonry pilaster construction observation including anchorage to precast panels; CMU infill inspection at elevator door frames.

· Steel and Metal Fabrications: Inspection of field welds and bolted connections per AISC requirements; non-destructive testing (NDT) as required; verification of high-strength bolt installation and torque testing; inspection of base plates and anchor bolts; inspection of precast panel connection hardware, weld plates, and grouted connections per PCI standards.

· Precast Concrete Panels: The precast concrete panels for this project will be fabricated by a PCI-certified producer (Taracon Precast). In accordance with IBC Section 1704.2.2, in-plant fabrication special inspections are not required when a PCI-certified plant is used. The Materials Testing agency’s scope for precast concrete is therefore limited to field erection and connection inspections, including: verification of panel identification and placement per erection drawings; inspection of panel connections, weld plates, bearing pads, and grouted joints per PCI standards; and inspection of panel joint sealant preparation. Temporary bracing and support observation shall be performed on a periodic basis to verify compliance with the approved erection plan. Continuous on-site monitoring of temporary bracing is not included in this scope; the CMAR and precast erector are responsible for day-to-day bracing installation and management. Review of precast panel shop drawings and mix design certifications is excluded from this scope, as these are addressed through the precaster’s PCI-certified quality control program and the design team’s review process.

· Structural Framing: Interior wall framing inspections including metal stud spacing and gauge verification, anchorage and bracing, and screw fastener inspections; inspection of blocking, load-bearing elements, and lateral bracing.

· Roofing Systems: Observation and documentation of roof insulation and membrane installation per specifications; fastener pattern verification and pull tests; moisture detection prior to roof placement (if required); verification of parapet, flashing, and drainage details.

· Fire-Resistive Assemblies: Verification of firestopping systems at penetrations and joints.

· Other Required Inspections: Any special inspections listed on the approved permit card including under-slab vapor barriers, below-grade waterproofing, smoke control systems, anchors in concrete and masonry, and any manufacturer-required third-party inspections.

Note: A separate Commissioning Agent (CxA) contract covers MEP functional performance testing, Building Envelope Commissioning (BECx), whole-building air leakage testing (blower door), fenestration water penetration testing, infrared thermography, and above-grade air/vapor barrier observation. These services are excluded from this RFP.

Scope Delineation Matrix:

The following table summarizes the division of responsibilities between the Materials Testing agency and the Commissioning Agent:

Minimum Requirements:

Respondents must attest to the following to be considered:

· Accreditation: Firm must be an accredited testing laboratory with current ICC, AASHTO, or equivalent accreditation for the required testing disciplines.

· Experience: Respondent must have been in the materials testing and special inspection business for a minimum of 5 years and demonstrate relevant experience with K-12 projects or similar institutional facilities.

· Certifications: Key personnel must hold current Special Inspector certifications (ICC, AWS, ACI, etc.) as required by the scope of work.

· Licensing: Respondent must hold all necessary licenses to operate in the State of North Dakota.

· Local Support: Respondent must demonstrate the availability of local technical support resources capable of providing timely on-site response to the District.

· Insurance: Respondent must maintain current professional liability and general liability insurance coverage. Where delegated design services are provided (connection detailing, engineering analysis, fabrication drawings, etc.), the Respondent shall maintain Contractor’s Professional Liability Insurance with a minimum limit of $2,000,000. Coverage must be in force from the date of commencement through a minimum of three (3) years after Substantial Completion.

· Independence: Respondent must affirm no conflicts of interest with the CMAR, design team, or trade contractors on this project.

Technical Requirements:

Standards Compliance

· All testing and inspections shall be performed in accordance with the International Building Code (IBC) – Latest Adopted Edition.

· All testing procedures shall comply with applicable ASTM standards.

· Work shall comply with Project Specifications and Drawings.

· All permit-approved special inspection requirements shall be satisfied.

· Local jurisdictional amendments and manufacturer installation guidelines shall be followed as applicable.

· All code-required testing and special inspections shall be provided as indicated in IBC Chapter 17 and referenced standards.

· Refer to Division 01 Section 01 45 29 – Testing Laboratory Services and other applicable testing specifications in the Project Manual for additional requirements.

Scheduling and Coordination

· Coordinate timing and number of site visits to maintain the Project Schedule.

· Testing Agency shall staff the project accordingly to meet Project Schedule requirements.

Reporting and Communication

· All field observations and test results shall be documented in daily reports.

· Lab test reports shall be submitted within the standard turnaround period or as requested.

· Deficiencies shall be reported immediately to the General Contractor and Owner's Representative.

· Final summary report and certificate of compliance shall be submitted prior to the Certificate of Occupancy.

Coordination with Commissioning Agent The Materials Testing agency shall coordinate with the Commissioning Agent (CxA) to avoid duplication of effort. The following services are explicitly excluded from this contract and covered under the CxA scope:

· Whole-building air leakage testing (blower door)

· Fenestration water penetration testing

· Infrared thermography / thermal imaging

· Precast panel joint and sealant performance verification

· Above-grade air/vapor barrier installation observation

· MEP functional performance testing and controls verification

· TAB witnessing and verification The Materials Testing agency shall attend commissioning coordination meetings when structural testing or precast erection sequencing affects BECx observation activities.

Submission Requirements:

Responses shall comply with all requirements and provide all information identified in this document. Responses found to be incomplete or failing to comply with these requirements may be considered non-responsive.

Responses shall not exceed 30 pages. The page count excludes both the front and back covers, as well as copies of insurance and pricing template.

Responses shall be in an 8½" x 11" format, using 1-inch standard margins with a font size not smaller than 12 point.

All submissions must be submitted through the online Euna Procurement (Bonfire) Portal at: https://fargok12.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities Respondents should contact the Euna Support team at Support.Bonfire@eunasolutions.com for technical questions. Respondents can also visit Euna Procurement’s (Bonfire) help forum at https://vendorsupport.gobonfire.com/hc/en-us.

Proposals must be complete when received. Faxed and hard copies of documents will not be accepted. Late proposals will not be considered.

Questions regarding this RFP should be directed to https:/fargok12.bonfirehub.com.

Please submit a PDF document addressing the following:

Firm Profile & Qualifications

· Company history, office locations, and total number of technical staff.

· Number of technical staff located in Fargo/Moorhead Metropolitan area.

· Documentation of current laboratory accreditations (ICC, AASHTO, etc.).

· Description of the firm's quality assurance/quality control program.

Relevant K-12 Experience

· Provide three (3) references for K-12 districts (or similar institutional projects) where you have provided materials testing and special inspection services.

· Include: Project Name, Owner/District Name, Contact Person with phone and email, Project Size (SF), Completion Date, and Brief Description of Services Provided.

Staff & Key Individual Experience

· Provide a clear organizational chart showing the professionals that will comprise your team.

· Provide resumes for key team members including certifications (ICC, AWS, ACI, etc.).

· Identify the primary point of contact and field technicians who will be assigned to this project.

Technical Approach

· Response Time: Describe your response time commitment for field inspection requests (standard and emergency).

· Laboratory Turnaround: State your standard turnaround times for lab test results.

· Reporting Procedures: Describe your documentation methods and communication protocols for deficiency reporting.

· Coordination: Describe your approach to coordinating with CMAR, design team, and Commissioning Agent.

Workload & Availability

· Summary of active and pending projects for the proposed team during the anticipated schedule window.

· Key staff availability for this project.

· Any known constraints and how they will be mitigated.

Pricing

· Provide a cost estimate based on the scope of services detailed within the Scope of Work section of this RFP. The project will be performed on a Time and Materials (T&M) basis. The contracted firm shall not exceed the authorized contract value without prior written approval from the Owner. The contracted firm is responsible for monitoring scope costs during construction and must notify the Owner in writing of any budget concerns or anticipated overruns before the approved budget is exceeded. Any work performed beyond the authorized contract amount without written approval shall be at the contracted firm’s sole risk.

· Complete the attached Inspection Quantity Schedule (Attachment 4). This schedule includes the Owner’s estimated quantities for each inspection and testing activity as a reference baseline. Respondents shall provide their own anticipated quantities based on their professional judgment and experience with similar projects, fill in their unit rates, and calculate extended prices based on the Respondent’s anticipated quantities. Respondents shall provide a brief narrative justification for any quantities that differ significantly from the Owner’s estimates. Actual billing will be on a Time and Materials basis at the agreed-upon unit rates.

· Provide hourly rates for all personnel classifications (Senior Inspector, Field Technician, Laboratory Technician, Project Manager, etc.).

· Identify any reimbursable expenses not included in the unit rates (mileage, per diem, equipment charges, etc.), with definitions, calculation methods, and rates.

Evaluation:

The District will evaluate submissions based on:

1. Firm Qualifications & Accreditations (15%)

1. Relevant K-12 Experience (20%)

1. Staff & Key Individual Experience (20%)

1. Technical Approach & Response Time (15%)

1. Workload & Availability (10%)

1. Proposed Fee (20%) Terms:

District reserves the right to cancel this RFP in writing or postpone the date and time for submitting proposals at any time prior to the due date.

No submitter shall have a right to make a claim against Owner in the event Owner accepts a different submittal or does not accept any submittals.

Contract Term:

The term of the service contract shall coincide with the construction schedule for Horace Mann Elementary School.

Legal Compliance:

Work performed, and plans produced shall comply with all state, federal, and local laws, including but not limited to those related to building, environmental, statutory, legal process, Occupational Safety and Health Act and the Fair Labor Standards Act.

Award or Rejection:

It is the intention of the District to have a fair and open bid process. Respondents shall prepare their submission in compliance with the instructions in this package. Failure to do so will constitute a No Bid.

The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals. The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsible proposal meeting all specifications. Awards will not necessarily be based on price alone. Suitability to purpose, design, quality, past service, date of delivery, or other factors deemed to be in the best interest of the District may also be considered. The District shall be the sole judge of these factors. In all instances, the decision rendered by the District shall be final and not subject to contest by others.

The District reserves the right to award any proposal which meets or exceeds the minimum acceptable level as outlined in the scope of services.

Proposer responsibilities:

Proposing firm is responsible for conducting necessary research and becoming familiar with conditions under which the work is to be performed.

Owner will not be responsible for any costs incurred by applicants in preparing proposals.

Applicants are held legally responsible for their proposals.

Applicants are not to collaborate, for the purpose of restricting competition with other applicants or competitors in developing proposals.

Independent Contractor:

In responding to this request, respondents certify that they are independent contractors and that all employees providing services to the District under this proposal are employees of the respondent. Upon request of the District, respondent shall provide current profiles for employees serving the District. Profiles shall consist of resume, skill checklist, current license, certification, and two work references.

Respondent is solely responsible for compliance with all labor and tax laws pertaining to the respondent, its officers, agents, and employees, and shall indemnify and hold District harmless from any failure by respondent to comply with such laws.

Evaluation Criteria:

The Business Office will be responsible for leading the evaluation process and maintaining evaluation records. The Board of Education of the City of Fargo will give ultimate approval. The contract will be awarded to one responsible respondent who can meet the terms and conditions, who can supply the specified services resulting in the best overall value to the District based on the evaluation criteria. The total estimated price from the completed Inspection Quantity Schedule shall be used for fee comparison purposes. By submitting a proposal, a respondent signifies agreement to the outlined terms and conditions.

Sales Tax:

Prices should NOT include Sales Tax. Do NOT include Federal Excise Tax as the District is exempt.

Delivery Charges:

All delivery charges, if applicable, must be included in the bid price.

Award of Bid:

Upon Board approval, the successful the District will execute a contract for services and corresponding Purchase Order.

Addenda to RFP:

Any changes, additions, or clarifications to the RFP will be posted online at https://fargok12.bonfirehub.com.

Such addenda will be posted online and will be part of the submittal package, having the same binding effect as provisions of the original submittal package.

All addenda, amendments and interpretations of this solicitation shall be in writing. Owner shall not be legally bound by any amendment or interpretation that is not posted online.

All contact that a submitter may have had before or after receipt of this RFP with any individuals, employees or representatives of Owner, and any information that may have been read in news media or seen or heard in any communication regarding this proposal submittal should be disregarded in preparing responses.

Owner does not assume responsibility for receipt of any addendum provided online.

Attachments:

1. Geotechnical Report

1. Project Drawings

1. Project Specifications

1. Inspection Quantity Schedule (Pricing Template) 2 | Page image1.png