274-PR-2025-NashSqPlan.pdf

(v.10-01-2022)

Request for Qualifications # 274-PR-2025-NashSqPlan

Title: Nash Square Public Realm Plan

Issue Date: July 25, 2025

Due Date: August 22, 2025 not later than 5:00 PM EST

Issuing Department: Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources

Direct all inquiries concerning this RFQ to:

TJ McCourt Planning Supervisor Email: Thomas.McCourt@raleighnc.gov

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

Purpose Key Objectives Background RFQ Timeline Pre-Submittal Conference Questions Submittal Requirements and Contact Information MWBE Participation Form Rights to Submitted Material Communications Lobbying Conflicts of Interest Proposer Expenses Proposer Acceptance Federal Funding Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS PACKAGE

Request for Qualifications Required Document Format Hourly Rates Qualifications Package Documents

PROPOSAL EVALUATION

Evaluation Criteria Final Selection Notice to Submitting Firms Regarding RFQ Terms and Conditions Contract Term

SCOPE OF SERVICES

Overview of Scope of Services Core Project Partners Project Phasing and Community Engagement Project Deadline Qualifications for Additional Services

APPENDIX I – Hourly Rate Schedule APPENDIX II – Proposer Questionnaire APPENDIX III – Reference Questionnaire (Instructions) APPENDIX III – Reference Questionnaire Form APPENDIX IV – MWBE Participation Form APPENDIX V – Contract Standard Terms & Conditions APPENDIX VI – Federal Provisions and Requirements APPENDIX VII – Exceptions to RFQ

INTRODUCTION

Purpose

As one of Raleigh’s original four public squares, Nash Square is a historic civic landmark at the heart of downtown. Shaded by a beloved canopy of mature oaks and other hardwoods, Nash Square has served many roles over the centuries. It functions as both a destination and a crossroads, a shady respite and a space for play, home to memorials of the past as well as a time capsule for the future.

Today, with the construction of Raleigh’s new Civic Campus on the north side of the square and a wave of urban redevelopment expected around its edges, Nash Square is poised at a moment of transition.

Nash Square: A Public Realm Plan will guide this transition, providing a long-range vision and management plan for the preservation and evolution of one of Downtown Raleigh’s most iconic public spaces. Grounded in community input and thoughtful urban design, this plan will ensure that Nash Square remains a resilient, relevant, and vibrant civic space for the 21st Century.

This plan will recognize Nash Square as not merely a park, but as an enduring public square and extension of Raleigh’s new Civic Campus. This project will extend beyond the formal boundaries of the square itself, to incorporate the surrounding streetscapes and public rights-of-way, promoting urban design strategies to create a more cohesive and seamless transition between Nash Square and the surrounding urban context.

Key Objectives

• Enhance Public Realm: Improve the public realm to create thoughtful transitions between Nash Square and the surrounding urban fabric.

• Integrate New Development: Adapt the square’s design to harmonize with new City Hall and adjacent public and private developments.

• Preserve Historical Integrity: Acknowledge and protect the historical significance of Nash Square while updating its amenities and layout.

• Plan for the Future: Develop a management strategy for the long-term resilience and relevance of Nash Square, including a comprehensive management plan focused on protection and preservation of the historic tree canopy.

https://ratiodesign.com/reimagining-raleighs-civic-campus/

The City of Raleigh invites qualified design firms, or teams of firms, to submit their qualifications for developing a Public Realm Plan for Nash Square. Firms will demonstrate their qualifications and expertise for the following professional services:

• Urban Planning and Design

• Landscape Architecture

• Historical and Cultural Planning

• Public Engagement and Outreach

• Civil Engineering

• Cost Estimating

• Urban Forestry

• Transportation Planning and Streetscape Design

A detailed scope of services is provided in Section 4 of this document. City will reserve the option for amending the initial contract for engineering services on design and construction administration.

Information related to this solicitation, including any addenda, will be posted to the North Carolina Interactive Purchasing System (IPS) at: https://www.ips.state.nc.us/IPS/

All questions related to this solicitation must be submitted in writing (via email) to the following individual:

Contact Name Email Address TJ McCourt Thomas.McCourt@raleighnc.gov

Questions submitted via telephone will not be answered.

Background

Nash Square is one of the most historically significant public spaces in Raleigh. Established in 1792 as part of William Christmas’s original plan for the city, it is one of four perimeter squares envisioned to support civic life in the new state capital. Named in honor of Revolutionary-era statesman and North Carolina’s second governor, Abner Nash, Nash Square has evolved alongside Raleigh itself, reflecting shifting cultural values, urban design trends, and the changing needs of the community for more than 200 years.

Throughout its history, Nash Square has served many roles: a grazing ground, a parade ground, a city park, a horticultural showplace, a political gathering site, a military drill field, and a backdrop for everyday urban life. Its central location and mature tree canopy have made it a beloved landmark, while its layered past—encompassing Civil War musters, Reconstruction rallies, Jim Crow-era leisure, and civil rights demonstrations—cements its status as one of Raleigh’s most symbolically charged public spaces.

The Square’s current layout reflects the 1939-1940 design by landscape architect Arnold Peterson, implemented as a WPA project and shaped by the ideals of that era’s civic landscape architecture. The signature diagonal walkways, interior plantings, and low brick entrance walls remain today, though the square has also accumulated newer features, including the North Carolina Fallen Firefighters Memorial and other public art.

https://www.ips.state.nc.us/IPS/ https://www.ncfff.org/memorial/annual-memorial/ https://www.ncfff.org/memorial/annual-memorial/

In the decades following World War II, Nash Square, like many urban greenspaces, experienced cycles of disinvestment and revitalization as downtown Raleigh wrestled with suburban flight and shifts in land use. However, the turn of the 21st century brought renewed investment in downtown, and Nash Square once again found itself at the center of civic life. It now sits within a vibrant and rapidly transforming part of downtown Raleigh, anchoring the interface between the Fayetteville Street District and the Warehouse District.

Today, Nash Square is poised for its next chapter. Construction is underway on Raleigh’s new Civic Campus, directly across Hargett Street, which will consolidate several municipal functions into a state-of-the-art City Hall complex. This investment signifies a long-term commitment to downtown as the heart of public life in Raleigh. Meanwhile, the blocks surrounding Nash Square are undergoing substantial change, including:

• New residential development, including high-density infill and adaptive reuse projects that are bringing thousands of new residents to the downtown core;

• Expanded pedestrian infrastructure and increasing walkability, aligning with the city’s broader transportation and mobility goals;

• Continued private-sector reinvestment in nearby commercial and office properties, activating street-level spaces and expanding foot traffic around the square;

• A growing emphasis on urban public realm design, including streetscape improvements, park enhancements, and a citywide push toward place-based, equitable urban development.

Amid this transformation, Nash Square presents a critical opportunity to preserve a historic landscape while adapting it for a new era of civic engagement and daily use. As downtown continues to densify and diversify, Nash Square can serve as a model for how historic public spaces can evolve to meet contemporary needs. This planning effort will be essential in articulating a shared vision for that future.

The Nash Square Public Realm Plan will build on this rich context, providing a framework to ensure that the square remains a resilient, beautiful, and meaningful civic space for generations to come. It will also explore opportunities to integrate surrounding streetscapes and adjacent developments (particularly the new Civic Campus) into a more seamless and people-centered public realm that enhances downtown’s identity and supports long-term city goals around equity, sustainability, and livability.

https://downtownraleigh.org/districts/fayetteville-street https://downtownraleigh.org/districts/warehouse-district

RFQ Timeline Provided below is a list of the anticipated schedule of events related to this solicitation. The City of Raleigh reserves the right to modify and/or adjust the following schedule to meet the needs of the project. All times shown are Eastern Time (ET):

RFQ Process Date and time

RFQ Advertisement Date Friday, July 25, 2025

Pre-Submittal Conference (attendance encouraged but optional)

Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 10-11am

Join using this Microsoft Teams Meeting Link

*Please RSVP via e-mail to TJ McCourt (Thomas.mccourt@raleighnc.gov)

Deadline for written questions Friday, August 8, 2025 at 5:00pm

City Response to Questions (anticipated) Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Submittal Due Date and Time Friday, August 22, 2025 at 5:00pm

Evaluation Meeting (anticipated) Friday, September 5, 2025

Finalist Interviews (anticipated)

September 15 - 19, 2025

Interviews will be held in-person at the Raleigh Municipal Building (222 W. Hargett St, Raleigh, NC)

Council Award (tentative) November 4, 2025

Selection Announcement (tentative) November 4, 2025

Pre-Submittal Conference Attendance at the Pre-Submittal Conference is strongly encouraged but is not mandatory.

Prospective proposers are encouraged to RSVP and to submit written questions in advance of the Pre-Submittal Conference, via e-mail to TJ McCourt (thomas.mccourt@raleighnc.gov).

Questions Requests for clarification and questions to this RFQ must be received by the City not later than the date shown above in Section 1.3 RFQ Timeline, for the submittal of written inquires. The firm’s failure to request clarification and submit questions by the date in the RFQ Timeline above shall be considered to constitute the firm’s acceptance of all City’s terms and conditions and requirements. The City shall issue addenda reflecting questions and answers to this RFQ, if any, and shall be posted to North Carolina https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_Y2ZlYjM2YWMtZGVhNy00YmQ4LWI3YWUtYzI1MWM0ZjBjN2M1%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22f03ae146-d945-4924-95c0-7b661c30ddbb%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22d20266f2-d146-400d-b0e3-8929c3a16923%22%7d mailto:Thomas.mccourt@raleighnc.gov mailto:thomas.mccourt@raleighnc.gov

Interactive Purchasing System (IPS). No information, instruction or advice provided orally or informally by any City personnel, whether made in response to a question or otherwise in connection with this RFQ, shall be considered authoritative or binding.

Respondents shall be entitled to rely only on written material contained in an Addendum to this RFQ.

It is important that all Respondents submitting to this RFQ periodically check the North Carolina Interactive Purchasing System (IPS) for any Addenda. It is the Respondents responsibility to ensure that all addenda have been reviewed and, if required signed and returned.

All questions related to this solicitation must be submitted in writing (via email) to the following individual:

Contact Name Email Address TJ McCourt Thomas.McCourt@raleighnc.gov

Questions submitted via telephone will not be answered.

Submittal Requirements and Contact Information Proposals must follow the format as defined in Section 2 Qualifications Package and be addressed and submitted as follows:

DELIVERED BY US POSTAL SERVICE

MAIL:

DELIVERED BY OTHER DEIVERY

SERVICES:

City of Raleigh City of Raleigh

ATTN: TJ McCourt ATTN: TJ McCourt

222 W Hargett St. 222 W Hargett St.

Suite 601 Suite 601 Raleigh, NC 27603 RFQ No. 274-PR-2025-NashSqPlan

Raleigh, NC 27603 RFQ No. 274-PR-2025-NashSqPlan

Proposals must be enclosed in a sealed envelope or package and clearly marked with the name of the submitting company, the RFQ number and the RFQ Title.

Proposers must submit:

A. Paper Submittal: one (1) signed hard copy of the respondent’s qualifications package.

B. Electronic Submittal: One (1) electronic version on flash drive storage device of the respondent’s qualifications package that is viewable and printable Portable Document File format (PDF).

The electronic version of the Proposal must be submitted as a viewable and printable Adobe Portable Document File (PDF) on a flash drive. Both hard copy and electronic versions must be received by the City on or before the RFQ date and time provided in Section 1.3 RFQ Timeline. Proposals received after the RFQ deadline above will not be considered and will be returned unopened to the return address provided on the submission envelope.

Any requirements in the RFQ that cannot be met must be indicated on Appendix VI: Exceptions to the RFQ and submitted with the qualifications. Proposers must respond to the entire Request for Qualifications (RFQ). Any incomplete proposal may be eliminated from competition at the discretion of the City of Raleigh. The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals for any reason and to waive any informality it deems in its best interest.

Submittals that arrive after the due date and time will not be accepted or considered for any reason whatsoever. If the firm elects to mail in its response, the firm must allow sufficient time to ensure the City’s proper receipt of the package by the time specified in Section 1.3 RFQ Timeline. Regardless of the delivery method, it is the responsibility of the firm to ensure that their response arrives at the designated location specified in this Section 1.6 by the due date and time specified in Section 1.3 RFQ Timeline.

MWBE Participation Form The City of Raleigh prohibits discrimination in any manner against any person based on actual or perceived age, race, color, creed, national origin, sex, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, familial or marital status, religion, economic status, or veteran status. The City maintains an affirmative policy of fostering, promoting, and conducting business with women and minority owned business enterprises.

Complete and submit the MWBE Participation Form (Appendix IV) with your qualification package.

Rights to Submitted Material All qualification packages and supporting materials, as well as correspondences relating to this RFQ, shall become the property of the City. The content of all submittals will be held confidential until the selection of the firm is made.

Qualifications will be reviewed by the Evaluation Team, as well as other City staff and members of the general public who submit public record requests. Any proprietary data must be clearly marked. In submitting qualifications, each submitting firm/company agrees that the City may reveal any trade secret materials contained in such submittal to all City staff and City officials involved in the selection process and to any outside consultant or other third party who serves on the Evaluation Team or who is hired by the City to assist in the selection process. Qualification submittals marked entirely as “confidential”, “proprietary”, or “trade secret” will be considered non-responsive and will be removed from the evaluation process.

Communications All communications of any nature regarding this RFQ with any City staff, elected City officials, evaluation committee members are strictly forbidden from the time the solicitation is publicly posted until award. Questions must be submitted in writing to the individual designated in Section 1.1 Purpose, prior to the deadline provided in Section 1.3 RFQ Timeline. Violation of this provision may result in the firm’s proposal being removed from consideration.

Lobbying By responding to this solicitation, the firm certifies that is has not and will not pay any person or firm to influence or attempt to influence an officer or employee of the City or the State of North Carolina, or any elected official in connection with obtaining a contract as a result of this RFQ.

Conflicts of Interest City of Raleigh contracts are controlled by three conflict of interest provisions.

First, federal procurement standards provide in 2 CFR 200.318 (c)(1), No employee, officer, or agent may participate in the selection, award, or administration of a contract supported by a Federal award if he or she has a real or apparent conflict of interest. Such a conflict of interest would arise when the employee, officer, or agent, any member of his or her immediate family, his or her partner, or an organization which employs or is about to employ any of the parties indicated herein, has a financial or other interest in or a tangible personal benefit from a firm considered for a contract. The officers, employees, and agents of the non-Federal entity may neither solicit nor accept gratuities, favors, or anything of monetary value from contractors or parties to subcontracts.

Similarly, the North Carolina General Statutes provides a criminal statute for conflicts of interest in public contracting, N.C.G.S. § 14-234(a) states:

(1) No public officer or employee who is involved in making or administering a contract on behalf of a public agency may derive a direct benefit from the contract except as provided in this section, or as otherwise allowed by law. (2) A public officer or employee who will derive a direct benefit from a contract with the public agency he or she serves, but who is not involved in making or administering the contract, shall not attempt to influence any other person who is involved in making or administering the contract. (3) No public officer or employee may solicit or receive any gift, favor, reward, service, or promise of reward, including a promise of future employment, in exchange for recommending, influencing, or attempting to influence the award of a contract by the public agency he or she serves.

City of Raleigh Charter Section 3.9 regulates private transactions between the City and its officials and employees. The Charter states:

No member of the City Council, official, or employee of the City of Raleigh shall be financially interested, or have any personal beneficial interest, either directly or indirectly, as agent, representative, or otherwise, in the purchase of, or contract for, or in furnishing any materials, equipment or supplies to the City of Raleigh, nor shall any official or employee of the City of Raleigh accept or receive, or agree to accept or receive, directly or indirectly, from any person, firm or corporation to whom any contract may be awarded or from whom any materials, equipment or supplies may be purchased by the City of Raleigh, by rebate, gift, or otherwise, any money or anything of value whatsoever, or any promise, obligation or contract for future reward or compensation, for recommending or procuring the uses of any such materials, equipment or supplies by the City of Raleigh; no member of the City Council, official or employee of the City of Raleigh shall for his own personal benefit operate, directly or indirectly, any concession in any building or on any lands of the City of Raleigh, nor shall any official or employee of the City of Raleigh bid for or be awarded any contract granting concessionary rights of any nature or kind from the City of Raleigh; it shall be unlawful for any member of the City Council, official or employee of the City of Raleigh to bid for or to purchase or to contract to purchase from the City of Raleigh any real estate, equipment, materials, or supplies of any nature or kind whatsoever, either directly or indirectly, at either public or private sale, either singly, or through or jointly with any other person.

Proposer Expenses The City of Raleigh will not be responsible for any expenses incurred by any Firm in the development of a response to this Request for Qualifications or any other activities associated with this procurement including but not limited to any onsite (or otherwise) interviews and/or presentations, and/or supplemental information provided, submitted, or given to City of Raleigh and/or its representatives. Further, the City of Raleigh shall reserve the right to cancel the work described herein prior to issuance and acceptance of any contractual agreement/purchase order by the recommended Firm even if the awarding authority for each entity has formally accepted a recommendation.

Proposer Acceptance Submission of any proposal indicates a Proposer’s acceptance of the conditions contained in this RFQ unless clearly and specifically noted otherwise on the Exceptions to RFQ (see Appendix VII) and submitted with proposal. The City of Raleigh has the sole discretion and reserves the right to cancel this RFQ, and to reject any and all proposals, to waive any and all informalities and/or irregularities, if it is deemed to be in the City of Raleigh’s best interests to do so. The City of Raleigh reserves the right to accept or reject any or all of the items in the proposal, and to award the contract in whole or in part and/or negotiate any or all items with individual firms if it is deemed in the City of Raleigh’s best interest. Moreover, the City of Raleigh reserves the right to make no selection if proposals are deemed not in the best interest of the City.

Federal Funding Requirements The services and materials to be provided under this contract will be financed in whole or in part with Federal funding. As such, Federal laws, regulations, policies, and related administrative practices apply to this contract. The most recent of such Federal requirements, including any amendments made after the execution of this contract shall govern this contract, unless the Federal Government determines otherwise. The Federal provisions and requirements identified in Appendix VI (Federal Provisions and Requirements) may be applicable to this contract. The awarded contractor is responsible for complying with all applicable provisions and requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS PACKAGE

Submittal responses must follow the format outlined below. The City may reject as non-responsive at its sole discretion any submittal that does not provide complete and/or adequate responses or departs in any substantial way from the required format.

Request for Qualifications Required Document Format Responses should be divided using tabs to separate each section, listed sequentially as follows:

Tab 1: Cover Letter Provide an introduction letter summarizing the unique qualifications of your firm to meet the needs of this project. This letter should be presented on the firm’s official letterhead and signed by an authorized representative who has the authority to enter into a contract with the City on behalf of the firm. Include the name, address, telephone and email address of the individual who serves as the point of contact for this solicitation.

Tab 2: Corporate Background and Experience Include background information on the firm and provide detailed information regarding the firm’s experience with similar projects. Provide a list of all similar contracts performed in the past two years, accompanied by at least three references (contact persons, firm, telephone number and email address).

Include the total amount invoiced for each listed project, the length of the project, and list of personnel involved in the project who are also proposed for the subject project named in this solicitation. Failure to provide a list of all similar contracts in the specified period may result in the rejection of the firm’s proposal. The evaluation team reserves the right to contact any or all listed references, and to contact other public entities regarding past performance on similar projects.

Tab 3: Financial Information Review and provide one of the following three (3) financial statement options:

1. Recent audited or reviewed financial statements prepared by an independent certified public accountant (CPA) that shall include, at a minimum, a balance sheet, income statement (i.e., profit/loss statement) and cash flow statement and, if the audited or reviewed financial statements were prepared more than six (6) months prior to the issuance of this RFQ, the Proposer shall submit its most recent internal financial statements (balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement or budget with entries reflecting revenues and expenditures from the date of the audited or reviewed financial statements to the end of the most recent financial reporting period (i.e., the quarter or month preceding the issuance date of this RFQ)).

OR

2. Recent compiled financial statements prepared by an independent CPA that shall include, at a minimum, a balance sheet, income statement (i.e., profit/loss statement) and cash flow statement and, if the compiled financial statements were prepared more than three (3) months prior to the issuance of this RFQ, the Proposer shall submit its most recent internal financial statements (balance sheet, income statement and cash flow statement or budget with entries reflecting revenues and expenditures to date), and other evidence of financial stability such as most recently filed income tax return, evidence of a line of credit/loans/other type of financing with statement of amount in use/outstanding balance (e.g., a complete copy commitment letter, loan agreement, billing statement reflecting the line of credit or statement from lender acknowledging the commitment to fund the Proposer’s stated financing), personal guaranty with copies of personal income tax filing and statement of net worth or such other evidence that is accurate, reliable and trustworthy regarding the Proposer’s financial stability.

OR

3. Include a certified, signed statement from a licensed CPA regularly engaged in the review of the firm’s financial information verifying the financial viability of the firm.

All financial information, statements and/or documents provided in response to this solicitation shall be kept confidential provided that EACH PAGE is marked as follows:

“CONFIDENTIAL – DO NOT DISCLOSE EXCEPT FOR THE EXPRESS PURPOSE OF

PROPOSAL EVALUATION.“

“Recent” shall be defined as financial statements that were prepared within the 12 months preceding the issuance date of this RFQ.

Consolidated financial statements of the Proposer’s parent or related corporation/business entity will not be considered, unless: (1) the Proposer’s actual financial performance for the designated period is separately identified in and/or attached to the consolidated statements; (2) the parent or related corporation/business entity provides the State with a document wherein the parent or related corporation/business entity will be financially responsible for the Proposer’s performance of the contract and the consolidated statement demonstrates the parent or related corporation’s/business entity’s financial ability to perform the contract, financial stability and/or such other financial considerations identified in the evaluation criteria;

and/or (3) Proposer provides its own internally prepared financial statements and such other evidence of its own financial stability identified above.

The firm’s failure to provide any of the above-referenced financial statements may result in the proposal being removed from consideration. Proposers are also encouraged to explain any negative financial information, and to provide documentation supporting those explanations and demonstrating the financial strength of the firm.

Tab 4: Project Understanding, Approach and Schedule Provide a comprehensive narrative, outline, and/or graph demonstrating the firm's understanding and approach to accomplishing the tasks outlined in the Scope of Work section of this RFQ. A description of each task and deliverable and the schedule for accomplishing each shall be included.

Tab 5: Team Firm, Experience and Certifications/Qualifications

This section must include the proposed staffing, deployment and firm of personnel to be assigned to this project. The Proposer shall provide information as to the qualifications and experience of all executive, managerial, legal, and professional personnel to be assigned to this project, including resumes citing experience with similar projects and the responsibilities to be assigned to each person. A project-specific firm chart which clearly illustrates the roles, responsibilities, and the reporting relationships of each team member should be included.

Hourly Rates This solicitation is being issued in accordance with NCGS 143-64.31, otherwise known as the Mini-Brooks Act, and therefore price cannot and will not be a determining factor in the selection of the successful contractor. One copy of the Hourly Rate Schedule (see Appendix I) for all proposed project personnel should be enclosed in a separate, sealed envelope.

Qualifications Package Documents This RFQ is comprised of the base RFQ document, any attachments, and any addenda released before Contract award. All attachments and addenda released for this RFQ in advance of any Contract award are incorporated herein by reference.

PROPOSAL EVALUATION

Evaluation Criteria This is not a bid. There will not be a public opening. Proposals will be evaluated based solely on the following criteria:

Criteria (a) Weight

(b) Score (0-3)

(a) x (b) Weighted Score

Firm Background and Experience 10 Project Understanding and Approach 30 Team Organization, Experience, and Qualifications

Similar Projects and Sample Work 15 Public Engagement Experience 15 Familiarity with Project Area 10 Other – RFQ Quality and Compliance 5

Final Score

Score Points

0 - Missing or Does Not Meet Expectation 2 - Meets Expectation 1 - Partially Meets Expectation 3 - Exceeds Expectation

Final Selection Qualifications will be reviewed after opening and will be ranked in order of choice, at which point contract negotiations will begin with the most qualified firm. If negotiations are unsuccessful, the City will then pursue negotiations with the next most qualified firm.

The City shall not be bound or in any way obligated until both parties have executed a contract.

The City also reserves the right to delay the award of a contract or to not award a contract.

The general conditions and specifications of the RFQ, including the firm’s fee proposal, and/or written correspondence applicable to the RFQ, may become part of the contract documents.

Failure of the awarded firm to perform as represented may result in contract cancellation.

Notice to Submitting Firms Regarding RFQ Terms and Conditions It shall be the Submitting Firm’s responsibility to read the Instructions, the City’s terms and conditions, the Federal provisions and requirements, all relevant exhibits and attachments, and any other components made a part of this RFQ, and to comply with all requirements and specifications provided herein. Submitters are responsible for obtaining and complying with all Addenda and other changes that may be issued in connection with this RFQ.

Contract Term The contract awarded from this RFQ shall be effective upon the date of the City’s signature (the “Effective Date”) and remain effective until the work is completed.

The estimated timeframe and competition for the work stated in this RFQ is one year.

SCOPE OF SERVICES

Awarded firm shall provide services, all as set forth in this RFQ and more particularly described in this Section 4.

A more specific work plan and scope of services will be developed with the selected consultant team at the time of contract negotiations.

The selected team will, at a minimum, complete the following tasks.

Overview of Scope of Services

• Site Analysis: Thorough review of current conditions and historical context both within the square itself and along its periphery, as well as analysis of anticipated impacts & opportunities resulting from proposed development in the vicinity. Site analysis is expected to draw from existing plans and data, historic documentation, observation of current conditions and patterns of use, and engagement with subject matter experts as well as general community members. Particular attention will be paid to verifying, updating, and documenting existing inventories of trees, public art, monuments, memorials, and other improvements.

• Design Recommendations: Propose enhancements for public amenities, landscaping, public art, historic interpretation, site circulation, safety, tree canopy management, as well as the expanded public realm (including streets, sidewalks, and right-of-way) along the square’s edges. Design recommendations will include an implementation plan for public improvements within the square and surrounding rights-of-way, as well as recommendations for streetscape requirements and regulations that will promote a more cohesive public realm and inform private redevelopment of properties with frontage along Nash Square.

• Programming and Management Plan: Develop a cohesive strategy for accommodating and managing anticipated public use of the square, including formal programs & special events as well as informal gatherings, grassroots/community-based activities, and drop-in play. This management plan will provide detailed guidance to inform the resources necessary to sustain the recommended level of service for day-to-day maintenance standards, as well as any recommendations necessary to accommodate, mitigate, or prevent anticipated public use.

This management plan will also include a detailed tree succession plan focused on preserving, sustaining, and enhancing the historic tree canopy at Nash Square. The Programming & Management Plan will be developed in close collaboration with Raleigh Parks Maintenance, Urban Forestry, and Historic Resources staff to ensure operational feasibility, landscape stewardship, and alignment with long-term historic programming goals.

• Community Engagement: Implement specialized methods to engage and represent the diverse uses of Nash Square (i.e. downtown residents & visitors, area businesses, unhoused population, area school use, and evolving future uses) using a mix of interactive and informational engagement methods throughout the process, including both online and in-person opportunities at each phase. Firms are encouraged to propose novel and innovative ideas to their community engagement plans for this project, including creative approaches for reaching and incorporating feedback from historically underrepresented groups, and strategies specifically tailored to capitalize on the community’s love of Nash Square’s tree canopy.

Core Project Partners

Firms are encouraged to form collaborative teams, with one primary lead firm responsible for delivering cohesive services in close coordination with the City’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department, as well as other core project partners. Qualified firms will demonstrate their expertise and qualifications to complement an internal team consisting of staff representatives from:

• Raleigh Parks o Park Planning: Lead coordination and project management.

o Parks & Natural Resources: Maintenance, operations, and site management.

o Urban Forestry: Tree health, planting/removal, succession planning, canopy management, development impacts, maintenance standards, etc.

o Historic Resources & Museums: Stewardship of Nash Square as a historic site, including guidance on preservation best practices, interpretation of the park’s cultural significance, and future programming aligned with the City’s broader historic resources strategy.

• Raleigh Planning and Development:

o Comprehensive Planning: Zoning, development standards, urban design, and current/future development activity.

o Urban Projects Group (Civic Projects and Places): Urban design, placemaking, streetscapes, and public space activation.

• Raleigh Transportation: Design and implementation of public realm improvements along streets & sidewalks (Hargett, McDowell, Martin, Dawson).

• Downtown Raleigh Alliance: Represent and facilitate engagement with downtown businesses & residents; Municipal Service District (economic development, marketing & events, safety, and community engagement).

Project Phasing and Community Engagement

The schedule below outlines the key phases of the project. Each phase represents critical milestones as we move from assessing existing conditions to setting long-term goals and developing a clear action plan. The total duration of this project is expected to be approximately one year from the date of notice to proceed.

A detailed Community Engagement Plan will be developed with the selected consultant team at the time of contract negotiations. The following outline provides an overview of the anticipated methods and approximate number of community engagement touchpoints during each phase of the project.

Firms may recommend alternative approaches to phasing and community engagement in their proposals, as long as they conform to the stated project schedule

Phase 1: Site Analysis & Initial Input (Late 2025 – Early 2026)

Analysis of current conditions, community listening sessions, and initial public input gathering.

• Focus Group Meetings (# TBD based on identified stakeholder groups)

• (1) Public kickoff event at Nash Square

• (1) Online survey

Phase 2: Concept Development (Spring 2026) Development of preliminary design concepts, community engagement, and public feedback review

• Focus Group Meetings (# TBD based on identified stakeholder groups)

• (1) Public event at Nash Square

• (1) Online survey

• (1) Interactive presentation and/or workshop with Parks, Recreation and Greenways

Advisory Board (or Parks Committee)

• Content for online outreach to communicate Project Updates and community engagement results at the conclusion of Phase 2.

Phase 3: Draft Plan & Recommendations Review (Spring - Summer 2026) Refinement of draft recommendations based on community feedback and further review sessions.

• Focus Group Meetings (# TBD based on identified stakeholder groups)

• (1) Online survey

• (1) Presentation to Parks, Recreation and Greenways Advisory Board (or Parks

Committee)

• Content for online outreach to communicate Project Updates and community engagement results at the conclusion of Phase 3.

Phase 4: Final Plan Approval (Fall 2026) Final recommendations presented for endorsement by Parks Board and approval by City Council.

• Content for online outreach to communicate final plan recommendations.

• (1) Presentation to Parks, Recreation and Greenways Advisory Board

• (1) Presentation to City Council

Project Deadline

It is critical that all final deliverables are prepared in time for presentation to the Raleigh City Council on or before October 20, 2026. The project schedule should anticipate a final deliverable deadline approximately one month prior to this City Council meeting date in order to accommodate time necessary for agenda preparation and review.

Qualifications for Additional Services

If the City of Raleigh is fully satisfied with the delivery of all the items in this Scope of Services, the City will have the option to continue services with this selected consulting team for future phases of study and design development, rather than commit to another RFQ process. These future services can include but are not limited to:

• Civil surveys

• Further collaboration with city departments

• Presentations of design to city council, boards and commissions

• Permitting with agencies having jurisdiction including local, state, county, and federal governing bodies.

• Schematic design (30%)

• Design development (60%)

• Construction documents

• Reviews for constructability, operability, and maintainability

• Geotechnical evaluations

• Bidding assistance

• Comprehensive construction administration

• Value engineering efforts as necessary to meet project budget.

• Bid estimating and bid price comparisons

• Construction materials testing

• Construction engineering inspections

Firms should include qualifications for the above listed future services within their submittal to this RFQ.

APPENDIX I

Hourly Rate Schedule

Awarded firm shall perform the services to be performed as set forth in this RFQ and more particularly described in Section 4 Scope of Services utilizing the following hourly rate schedule below.

As stated above in section 2.2 Hourly Rates, provide the Hourly Rate Schedule in a separate, sealed envelope.

Position Title Hourly Rate

Firm Name: ____________________________________________________________

Authorized Signature: _________________________________Date_______________

Signed by: _____________________________________________________________

[Type or Print Name]

Title of Signer: __________________________________________________________

APPENDIX II

Proposer Questionnaire Form The following questions must be answered, and data given must be clear and comprehensive. If necessary, questions may be answered on separate sheets. The Proposer may submit any additional information desired.

Company Name: d/b/a (if applicable)

Street / PO Box:

City: State: Zip:

Phone: Fax: E-Mail:

Website (if applicable):

Sole Proprietor Partnership Corporation Other

Number of years in business under company’s present name:

Fed Tax ID #: DUNS # Are you registered with the North Carolina Secretary of State to conduct business (if required)? (Check One) YES: NO: Not Applicable:

Are you properly licensed/certified by the Federal and/or State of North Carolina to perform the specified work?

YES: NO: Not Applicable: ATTACH COPY OF ALL APPLICABLE LICENSING/CERTIFICATION DOCUMENTS Are/will you be properly insured to perform the work? YES: NO:

Contact for this Contract: Title:

Phone: Fax: E-Mail:

Have you ever defaulted or failed on a contract? (If yes, attach details) YES: NO:

List at least three (3) references for which you have provided these services (same scope/size) in the past three years - preferably government agencies. Do not include City of Raleigh as a reference to meet the requirement of listing at least (3) references.

PROPOSERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR SENDING REFERENCE QUESTIONNAIRE (APPENDIX III) TO THEIR

REFERENCES.

1. Company:

Contact Person: Title:

Phone: Fax: E-Mail:

Describe Scope of Work:

2. Company:

Contact Person: Title:

Phone: Fax: E-Mail:

Describe Scope of Work:

3. Company:

Contact Person: Title:

Phone: Fax: E-Mail:

Describe Scope of Work:

4. Company:

Contact Person: Title:

Phone: Fax: E-Mail:

Describe Scope of Work:

5. Company:

Contact Person: Title:

Phone: Fax: E-Mail:

Describe Scope of Work:

The undersigned swears to the truth and accuracy of all statements and answers contained herein:

Authorized Signature: Date:

APPENDIX III

Reference Questionnaire (Instructions)

Request for Qualifications # 274-PR-2025-NashSqPlan

Title: Nash Square Public Realm Plan

The City of Raleigh, as a part of the RFQ, requires proposing companies to submit a minimum of three (3) business references as required within this document. The purpose of the references is to document the experience of the proposer relevant to the scope of services and assist in the evaluation process.

• The Proposer is required to send the reference form (the following two pages) to each business reference listed on Proposer Questionnaire.

• The business reference, in turn, is requested to submit the Reference Form directly to the City of Raleigh Point of Contact identified on the Reference Questionnaire form for inclusion in the evaluation process.

• The form and information provided will become a part of the submitted proposal. The business reference may be contacted for validation of the response.

• It is the Proposer’s responsibility to verify their references have been received by the City of Raleigh Point of Contact by the date indicated on the reference form.

APPENDIX III

Reference Questionnaire Form

# 274-PR-2025-NashSqPlan: Nash Square – 2026 Public Realm Study

(Name of Business Requesting Reference)

This form is being submitted to your company for completion as a business reference for the company listed above.

This form is to be returned to the City of Raleigh, TJ McCourt via email to Thomas.McCourt@raleighnc.gov no later than 5:00 p.m. ET, August 22, 2025 and MUST NOT be returned to the company requesting the reference.

For questions or concerns regarding this form, please contact the City of Raleigh, Point of Contact above.

Company Providing Reference

Contact Name and Title/Position

Contact Telephone Number

Contact Email Address

Questions:

1. In what capacity have you worked with this company in the past? If the company was under a contract, please acknowledge and explain briefly whether or not the contract was successful.

Comments:

2. How would you rate this company’s knowledge and expertise?

3= Excellent 2= Satisfactory 1= Unsatisfactory 0= Unacceptable

3. How would you rate the company’s flexibility relative to changes in the scope and timelines?

4. What is your level of satisfaction with hard-copy materials, e.g. reports, logs, etc. produced by the company?

5. How would you rate the dynamics/interaction between the company and your staff?

6. Who were the company’s principle representatives involved in providing your service and how would you rate them individually? Would you comment on the skills, knowledge, behaviors or other factors on which you based the rating?

(3= Excellent; 2= Satisfactory; 1= Unsatisfactory; 0= Unacceptable)

Name: Rating:

7. With which aspect(s) of this company’s services are you most satisfied?

8. With which aspect(s) of this company’s services are you least satisfied?

9. Would you recommend this company’s services to your organization again?

MWBE SUBCONTRACTORS

APPENDIX IV

MWBE Participation Form

IDENTIFICATION OF MWBE PARTICIPATION FOR FORMAL CONTRACTS

This Identification of MWBE Participation Form is for the purpose of capturing information regarding the utilization of MWBEs and other subcontractors and suppliers on Formal City Contracts. MWBE participation is encouraged for all City of Raleigh contracting opportunities. Please refer to the City’s MWBE Policy for any contract specific requirements. Copy this Form as needed.

COMPANY NAME

PROJECT NAME

PROJECT NUMBER CITY DEPARTMENT

CONTRACT TYPE ¨ Services ¨ Other _________________________________________________________*

PRIME IS MWBE Classification: ________ ¨ Certified with NCHUB ¨ Certified with NCDOT-DBE

RFP SUBMITTAL DATE

MWBE Classifications:

American Indian (AI), Asian American (AA), Black/African-American (B), Hispanic (H), Non-Minority Female (NMF), Socially/Economic Disadvantaged (D)

WORK TO BE SELF-PERFORMED

Check this box only if you intend to perform 100% of the work for this Contract with your own current work forces, and you normally perform and have the capability to perform all elements of this work for this Contract with your own current work forces.

Complete the chart below for all MWBE subcontractors that you intend to use for this Contract regardless of dollar amount.

Company Name

MWBE

Classification* Description of Services Percentage of

Total Contract Total Projected Utilization ($)

*MWBE Classifications:

American Indian (AI), Asian American (AA), Black/African-American (B), Hispanic (H), Non-Minority Female (NMF), Socially/Economic Disadvantaged (D)

Total Estimated MWBE Utilization* $

Total Proposal Amount* $

Percent Estimated MWBE Utilization*

(Total Estimated MWBE Utilization divided by Total Bid Amount)

APPENDIX V

City of Raleigh Contract Standard Terms And Conditions

The contract terms provided herein shall become a part of any contract issued as a result of this solicitation. Any submission of a proposal without objection to the contract terms indicates understanding and intention to comply with the contract terms. If there is a term or condition that the firm intends to negotiate, it must be stated in the proposal. The successful firm will not be entitled to any changes or modifications unless they were first stated in the proposal. The City of Raleigh reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to reject any or all submittal package(s) containing unreasonable objections to standard City of Raleigh contract provisions.

1. Compensation; Time of Payment

The standard City of Raleigh payment term is NET 30 days from the date of invoice. For prompt payment all invoices should be emailed to (accountspayable@raleighnc.gov) or mail to the City of Raleigh, Accounts Payable, PO Box 590, Raleigh, North Carolina 27602-0590. All invoices must include the Purchase Order Number. Invoices submitted without the correct purchase order number will result in delayed payment.

2. Standard of Care Engineer shall perform for or furnish to City professional engineering and related services in all phases of the project to which this Contract applies as hereinafter provided. Engineer shall serve as City's prime design professional and engineering representative for the project providing professional engineering consultation and advice with respect thereto. Engineer may employ such Engineer's Consultants as Engineer deems necessary to assist in the performance or furnishing of professional engineering and related services hereunder. Engineer shall not be required to employ any Engineer's Consultant unacceptable to Engineer.

The standard of care for all professional engineering and related services performed or furnished by Engineer under this Contract will be the care and skill ordinarily used by members of Engineer’s profession practicing under similar conditions at the same time and in the same locality.

3. Opinions of Probable Construction Cost Engineer’s Opinions of probable Construction Cost provided for herein are to be made on the basis of Engineer’s experience and qualifications and represent Engineer’s best judgment as an experienced and qualified professional engineer generally familiar with…