4598-20260819143255 SCSD.pdf

Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Architectural Services Stone County School District Date of Issue:August19, 2026

1. Introduction and Purpose The Stone County School District (hereinafter referred to as "the District") is soliciting Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) from qualified architectural firms interested in providing comprehensive architectural and related professional services. The District anticipates a need for professional architectural services for various potential projects, which may include, but are not limited to, new construction, renovations, additions, facility assessments, master planning, and general architectural consulting services across its campuses.

This RFQ is intended to identify and pre-qualify firms with the necessary expertise, experience, and resources to meet the District's future architectural needs. Based on the qualifications received, the District may select one or more firms for further consideration, which could include interviews and/or direct negotiation of a contract for specific projects as they arise.

2. Project Background The Stone County School District serves the community of Stone County, MS. The District is committed to providing a safe, modern, and effective learning environment for its students. As part of this commitment, the District periodically undertakes capital improvement projects, facility upgrades, and long-range planning initiatives.

The scope of services required will vary depending on the specific project, but generally encompasses all phases of architectural work from initial programming through project closeout.

3. Scope of Services The selected firm(s) may be required to provide, but are not limited to, the following services:

●Programming and Needs Assessment:Collaboratingwith the District to define project goals, objectives, and functional requirements.

●Site Analysis and Selection:Evaluating potentialsites for suitability, zoning, and infrastructure.

●Master Planning:Developing long-range facilityplans for District properties.

●Architectural Design:

○ Schematic Design (SD)

○ Design Development (DD)

○ Construction Documents (CD)

●Cost Estimating and Value Engineering:Providingaccurate cost projections and exploring cost-saving alternatives.

●Bidding and Negotiation Phase Services:Assistingthe District with bid solicitation, analysis, and contract negotiations.

●Construction Administration (CA):

○ Regular site visits and progress meetings.

○ Review of shop drawings and submittals.

○ Processing of applications for payment.

○ Change order review and recommendations.

○ Project closeout procedures, including substantial and final completion.

●Post-Construction Services:Warranty review, facilitycommissioning, and post-occupancy evaluations.

●Specialized Consulting:Accessibility compliance(ADA), energy efficiency, sustainability (LEED), and other specialized areas as required.

●Coordination:Collaboration with District staff,consultants (e.g., structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, civil engineers, landscape architects), contractors, and regulatory agencies.

4. Submission Requirements Firms interested in providing these services must submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) that addresses the following:

4.1. Cover Letter:A brief letter of transmittal expressingthe firm's interest in providing architectural services to the Stone County School District. The letter should be signed by an authorized representative of the firm.

4.2. Firm Profile:

● Legal name of firm, address, phone, fax, email, and website.

● Date of establishment and legal structure (e.g., corporation, partnership, LLC).

● Number of years in business under current name.

● Location of the office from which the work will be performed.

● Total number of employees, broken down by discipline (e.g., architects, interior designers, engineers, support staff).

● Statement of firm's philosophy and approach to K-12 educational facility design.

4.3. Qualifications of Key Personnel:

● Provide resumes for key personnel who would be assigned to District projects, including their role, relevant experience, professional registrations/licenses, and years with the firm.

● Identify the proposed Project Manager and their specific experience with similar projects.

4.4. Project Experience:

●Listaminimumofthree(3)andamaximumoffive(5)relevantK-12educationalfacility projectscompletedwithinthelastten(10)yearsthatdemonstratethefirm'scapabilities related to the scope of services.

● For each project, include:

○ Project Name and Location

○ Client Name and Contact Information (Name, Title, Phone, Email)

○ Brief Project Description (scope, size, cost, completion date)

○ Services provided by your firm

○ Challenges encountered and solutions implemented

4.5. References:

● Provide at least three (3) client references from projects similar in scope and complexity to those outlined in this RFQ. Include contact name, title, organization, phone number, and email address. Do not duplicate references provided in Section 4.4.

4.6. Insurance and Financial Capability:

● Provide a statement of the firm's current professional liability insurance coverage, including policy limits and deductible.

● Provide evidence of general liability and workers' compensation insurance.

● A statement confirming the firm's financial stability and ability to undertake projects of varying sizes. (Financial statements are not required at this stage but may be requested later).

4.7. Approach to Fee Structure (Conceptual):

● Describe your firm's general approach to fee structures for architectural services (e.g., percentage of construction cost, lump sum, hourly rates). This is not a request for a specific fee proposal, but rather an understanding of your typical methods.

4.8. Legal Status and Disclosures:

● Confirmation that the firm is properly licensed to practice architecture in the State of Mississippi.

● Disclosure of any past or pending litigation, claims, or professional disciplinary actions against the firm or its key personnel within the last five (5) years.

5. Evaluation Criteria Statements of Qualifications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

●Firm Experience and Qualifications (30%):Overallexperience of the firm, particularly in K-12 educational facility design and construction.

●Key Personnel Qualifications (25%):Experience,qualifications, and proposed roles of the individuals who will be assigned to District projects.

●Project Understanding and Approach (20%):Demonstratedunderstanding of the challenges and opportunities in school design and the firm's proposed approach to providing comprehensive services.

●Past Performance and References (15%):Quality ofwork, adherence to schedules and budgets, and client satisfaction as indicated by references.

●Financial Stability and Insurance (10%):Firm'scapacity to undertake projects and manage risks.

6. Submission Deadline and Contact Information Submission Deadline:All Statements of Qualificationsmust be received by the Stone County School District no later thanSeptember 21, 2026 at3:00 PM CDT. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Submission Method:Please submitone (1)hard copy andone (1)digital copy of your Statement of Qualifications to:

Dr. Vol White

Chief Operations Officer vwhite@stoneschools.org

Stone County School District

214 North Critz St

Wiggins, MS 39577

All questions regarding this RFQ must be submitted in writing via email to vwhite@stoneschools.orgbySeptember 11, 2026 at 3:00PM CDT. Responses to all questions will be compiled and distributed to all firms that have expressed interest.

7. General Conditions and Disclaimers

● This RFQ does not constitute a contract or a commitment to enter into a contract.

● The District reserves the right to accept or reject any or all SOQs received, to waive any informalities or irregularities, and to negotiate with any qualified firm(s) or to cancel this RFQ in its entirety.

● All costs incurred in the preparation and submission of the SOQ will be borne by the responding firm.

● All information submitted in response to this RFQ becomes the property of the Stone

County School District and may be subject to public records laws.

● The District reserves the right to request additional information or clarification from any firm.

● The District reserves the right to conduct interviews with short-listed firms.

Thank you for your interest in partnering with the Stone County School District.