biddoc.pdf

Rev 07/10/2026

DENVER ZOO CONSERVATION ALLIANCE

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES PROPOSAL REQUEST

SEA LION SHADE

DATE ISSUED:

Wednesday, July 22, 2026

PROPOSAL DUE DATE:

Thursday, August 27, 2026

DENVER ZOO CONSERVATION ALLIANCE PROJECT MANAGER

Michael Creager Planningstaff@denverzoo.org

PROPOSAL SUBMITTAL

Upload bids in PDF format to BidNet by August 27, 2026, at 3:00 PM MST.

Activity Date Time**

Solicitation publication date 7/22/2026 --

Pre-Proposal Site Tour 7/30/2026 8:45 AM

Written Inquiry Deadline 8/6/2026 3:00 PM

Zoo Response to Written Inquiries 8/20/2026 --

Proposal Submission Deadline 8/27/2026 3:00 PM

DZCA Proposal Review & Evaluation 8/27/2026 - 9/25/2026 --

Interviews with Shortlist of Proposers 9/21/2026 -9/25/2026 TBD

Contract Award Decision 10/9/2026 --

Notice to Proceed (NTP) 10/23/2026 --

** All times are in MST mailto:Planningstaff@denverzoo.org

PRE-PROPOSAL SITE WALK

A pre-proposal site visit is scheduled for interested firms (proposers) on 7/30/2026, at 8:45 AM. The pre-proposal conference will be held at the project location, 2300 Steele Street, Denver, CO 80205. Proposers are asked to park in the surface lot and meet at the main entrance to the Denver Zoo. Prospective proposers are required to attend the pre-bid site visit in order to submit a proposal. Prospective proposers who do not attend the pre-proposal site walk will be considered nonresponsive.

During the pre-proposal site walk, the DZCA team will lead a tour of the areas in need of shade at the Sea Lion Exhibit. This will include members of the planning and animal care teams. This site walk will allow prospective proposers to ask questions that will be answered on site and documented as an addendum by 8/20/2026. Only written responses through the addenda are considered interpretations of the RFP.

QUESTIONS FROM PROPOSERS

All questions must be uploaded to BidNet by 8/6/2026 by 3:00 PM. Proposers shall anticipate responses from DZCA’s PM by end of day 8/20/2026.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) is requesting that your firm submit a proposal to provide architectural and engineering services for the design of shade for the Sea Lions located at 2300 Steele Street, Denver, CO, 80205.

The purpose of this project is to design, construct and install shade for the upper pool, holding pool, and lower pool with a separate additional alternative of the coverage of the basins (to prevent algae growth, local animal intrusions, and litter management while allowing maintenance access to the basins). Engineering disciplines are required throughout the design, construction, and installation of the shade. Shade studies are to be conducted throughout the design and presented to the DZCA’s project manager throughout the design period of this project. The construction and installation will need to be done in phases to allow animals to remain in the building. The main pool is the priority, followed by the exterior holding, then the lower pool. The design, construction, and installation of the shade is not to be within the existing exhibit space and is not to be attached to the pre-engineered metal building (PEMB) of the Sea Lion holding. The chosen design team will be given further details on this aspect of the project.

This is to be permanent shade to cover at least 80% of all outdoor animal spaces of the Sea Lion Exhibit and Holding. This 80% includes both the surface area of the water as well as the land.

DZCA is asking that the design supplies sufficient coverage and to perform sufficient research to determine how much, if any, of the existing shade is viable while incorporating design and theming. Note: There is no new theming requested in this RFP, only the incorporation of existing theming in the shade structures. These shades are intended to remain in place year-round and need to be designed to withstand Denver snowfall, wind, and other natural events throughout the year. For the upper pool, the shade should be focused on the eastern and central portions of the exhibit (the shallow end). The Design Team is required to provide a design life for all proposed structures and indicate that all exposed hardware must be stainless steel or similarly corrosion resistant due to the saltwater environment of the exhibit.

This professional services scope of work includes, but is not limited to Design, Construction Documents, Specifications, Cost Estimation, and Construction Administration. The Design team is required to coordinate all work with the DZCA Planning & Development Department in coordination with Wildlife Care and Facilities departments. The Design Team is to develop a construction plan that minimizes impact to animal care, daily operations, and guest experience.

Note: DZCA is open daily year-round. Any planned disruptions should be identified in advance and approved by DZCA. The Design Team's Construction Documents shall be used by the Design Team to obtain all construction permits, including but not limited to: Floodplain, CPD, CPEP, TEP, or any other permit required for Construction of the design. The Design Team shall address all comments provided by any City or permitting entity until such entities are satisfied with the Design Team's response so that a permit may be issued and maintained. These documents will also be used by DZCA to procure construction services from General Contractors via competitive bidding. This project is considered a Turnkey Design Build project. The selected contractor is responsible for design, engineering, permitting, fabrication, installation, commissioning, closeout and warranty unless specifically noted otherwise.

The Design Team shall be comprised of the firm awarded this project and their various consultants who are necessary to perform the services. The purpose of this proposal request is to solicit proposals from various firms in order to conduct a fair and extensive evaluation of the proposals, and to award the project based on criteria listed herein.

Requirements to be considered a responsive bidder:

- Attending the pre-proposal site visit (7/30/2026 beginning at 8:45 AM)

- List of appropriate engineering professionals to be utilized

- Proposal of timeline of design stages

- Cost estimates for all aspects of the project including, but not limited to, studies

(structural, geotechnical, etc.), shade structures, and any other aspects of the project.

Number of shade structures is not specified in this RFP; rather, the requirement of providing shade to 80% of all exterior holding.

- Proposed timeline for obtaining all permitting required for the project.

- Proposal of timeline for material procurement

- Proposed timeline for construction and installment (set out in phases of 1. upper pool 2.

lower pool 3. back of house holding and 4. covering basin as an additional alternative.

Phase 4 can be done in correlation with other phases if needed. These phases are not intended to indicate the timeline desired by DZCA, simply for understanding the different areas of this project scope and how it will affect the animals).

- Additional alternatives should be included separately

PROJECT SCOPE AND DELIVERABLES

The Design Team shall provide the following:

Existing Conditions Documents: DZCA’s PM will provide all appropriate documentation of the Sea Lion exhibit (including but not limited to the existing as-builts) to the chosen Design Team with the NTP. Existing drawings should be considered reference information only. The design builder is responsible for complete field verification.

After each step of this project, it is required to supply preliminary opinion of probable construction cost with each concept.

1. Existing Conditions Assessment and Documentation: An Existing Condition phase shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

1.1.1. The Design Team shall field verify existing conditions to the fullest extent possible to minimize change orders during construction. The Design Team shall verify any record drawings provided by the City, and/or CAD files, and shall update the base drawings for accuracy with the existing built condition.

1.1.2. Field verify and document structural, architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and/or any other building systems, materials, or finishes, as applicable, that may not be specifically described in this scope of work but have potential to be impacted by the project intent.

1.1.3. Review and documentation of any site improvements that will be required due to the project scope.

1.1.4. Determination if any additional testing such as but not limited to; destructive testing, GPR, X-ray, scoping, moisture testing, geotechnical, etc. will reduce unforeseen conditions risk. The Design Build Team is required to identify any unforeseen conditions immediately upon discovery. The Design Build Team is required to pothole or any additional investigations whenever utilities may impact foundations and includes required investigation of existing utilities prior to final foundation design.

1.1.5. Site Visit Surveys: Meet at the project site and review the existing field conditions. Subconsultants, DZCA’s PM, Customer and other designated representatives shall be present during the initial Site Visit Survey. At a minimum, the Design Team shall survey and document existing conditions to satisfy the requirements and purpose outlined in 1.1.1 above. The Design Team shall conduct additional site visits and field verification activities as required to achieve sufficient confidence that the existing conditions have been identified for proper representation in the Construction Documents.

2. Schematic Design: A Schematic Design (SD) phase shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

2.1. SD Deliverables

2.1.1. 50% Progress Submittal: The 50% submittal shall contain two (2) conceptual design options to be evaluated by DZCA, who will select a preferred option to advance forward.

2.1.2. 100% SD submittal with Cost Estimate. Cost estimate should separate Base, Scope, Add Alts, Contingency, Escalations and Allowances.

2.1.3. Throughout SD, it is required to identify major risks to the DZCA’s PM.

2.2. SD Meetings

2.2.1. SD Kick-Off Meeting: Program Verification, set overall project schedule, and discuss any other information required for the Design Team to begin the project.

2.2.2. Stakeholder / End User Meeting: Meeting for Design Team to prepare questions for and meet directly with stakeholders. Assist DZCA’s PM with creating a risk register specific to the project. The required participants include Wildlife Care, Facilities, Planning and Development, and Security Teams.

2.2.3. 50% SD submittal review meeting

2.2.4. 100% SD submittal review meeting

3. Design Development: A Design Development (DD) phase shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

3.1. DD Deliverables

3.1.1. 50% DD progress submittal

3.1.2. 100% DD submittal, including documentation of the Design Team’s internal quality control review documents demonstrating sufficient multi-discipline coordination of the drawings and specifications, including those prepared by subconsultants. The 100% DD submittal shall also address DZCA’s 50% DD progress review comments.

3.1.3. 100% DD Construction Cost Estimate. Cost estimate should separate Base, Scope, Add Alts, Contingency, Escalations and Allowances.

3.1.4. Throughout DD, it is required to identify major risks to the DZCA’s PM.

3.2. DD Meetings

3.2.1. 50% DD submittal review meeting. The Design Team shall gather and log the

City’s comments, provide a copy of the comment log to DZCA’s PM, and ensure comments are addressed in subsequent submittals.

3.2.2. 100% DD submittal review meeting

4. Construction Documents: As this is a Design Build project, the Design Team shall provide

Permit Documentation, Installation Documentation, and Record Drawings. Prior to permit submittal, the design team shall supply a constructability review, all discipline conflicts resolved and documented, all assumptions shall be documented, and all calculation to be submitted with the permit documentation. This includes but is not limited to including a plan for the construction fencing and temporary protection. The construction documents shall include detailed technical specifications in the form of a project manual. The Design Team shall incorporate DZCA’s campus standards where applicable, routine field observations, progress reporting, QA/QC inspections, punch list management, warranty inspections, and final acceptance support.

Bid Alternates: Bid alternates, if provided, shall be clearly identified in the deliverables, and shall be completely designed and coordinated to allow for DZCA selection without subsequent change order.

Required Timelines to Include:

1. Expected RFI response time (standard 5 business days. Urgent 2 business days) If additional time is required Design Builder shall notify DZCA Project Manager with an anticipated response date.

2. Expected turnaround time for submittals (standard 10 business days.

Resubmittals 7 business days) Time extensions may be mutually agreed upon between the Designer and DZCA for unusually large or complex submittals.

3. Weekly progress meetings throughout construction and the delivery of written minutes of the meeting within three (3) business days.

4. Monthly schedule updates

5. Contractor look ahead schedules

6. As-Built documentation prior to final payment indicated on schedule

Competitive Procurement: The Design Team shall accurately describe manufacturers, products, materials, furnishing, fixtures, and equipment, etc. in the Bid and Construction Documents to allow for competitive procurement, which shall include a basis of design and “or equal” provisions.

Multi-discipline Coordination: The Design Team shall perform a thorough multi-discipline coordination review of their deliverables. The Design Team shall correct any discrepancies, resulting in a fully coordinated CD set. The drawings shall show, at a minimum, all existing and proposed features meeting the professional standard of care for Construction Documents prepared by licensed professionals, that may include but not limited to, above and below the ground including but not limited to roadways, sidewalks, fences, gates, utilities, signs, fixtures, pavements, plantings, trails, water, sewer, and electrical services, and other proposed utilities such as storm sewer, telephone, cable, structures, foundation and framing plans, finishes, schedules for architectural, structural, furnishings, fixtures, and equipment, other special systems. All conflicts shall be resolved by the Design Team prior to issuance of deliverables to DZCA.

Regulatory and Standards Compliance: The Design Team’s deliverables shall comply with the applicable Denver Building and Fire Code, Denver Green Code, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), any other local or regulatory requirements, and all other applicable, industry-recognized design standards, as well as other standards adopted by the City and County of Denver.

Authority Having Jurisdiction Reviews and Permits: The Design Team's Construction Documents shall be used by the Design Team to obtain all construction permits, which may include but not limited to: Floodplain, CPD, CPEP, TEP, or any other permit required for Construction. The Design Team shall submit the required permit documents to the authority having jurisdiction for plan review and shall respond to permit review comments in a timely manner. The Design Team shall address all comments provided by any City or permitting entity until such entities are satisfied with the Design Team's response so that a permit may be issued and maintained. The plan review fee will be reimbursable at cost.

4.1. Permit Documentation, Installation Documentation, and Record Drawings

Deliverables

4.1.1. Permit Documentation, Installation Documentation, and Record Drawings shall be sufficient to adequately illustrate the scope for the Contractor, and may include, but not be limited to, the following, as applicable to the scope of work:

A. Structural Drawings B. Landscape Drawings C. Civil Plans D. Road/curb cuts as applicable E. Fixture Selection F. Performance Specifications

4.1.2. 50% Permit Documentation, Installation Documentation, and Record Drawings progress submittal including Design Team’s quality control review documents demonstrating coordination of the drawings and specifications, including those prepared by the subconsultants. The 50% CD progress submittal shall also address DZCA’s 100% DD progress review comments.

4.1.3. 50% Permit Documentation, Installation Documentation, and Record Drawings Construction Cost Estimate

4.1.4. 100% Permit Submittal, including Design Team’s quality control review documents demonstrating multi-discipline coordination of the drawings and specifications, including those prepared by subconsultants. The 100% CD submittal shall also address DZCA’s 50% CD progress review comments.

4.1.5. Upon acceptance by DZCA’s PM, the Design Team shall submit the 100%

CD deliverables for DZCA’s Permit Review Application.

4.1.6. Bid Set Submittal: Shall address all of DZCA’s prior comments and first round of building department comments.

4.2. CD Meetings

4.2.1. 50% Permit Documentation, Installation Documentation, and Record Drawings submittal review meeting. The Design Team shall gather and log DZCA’s comments, provide a copy of the comment log to DZCA, and ensure comments are addressed in subsequent submittals.

4.2.2. 100% Permit Documentation, Installation Documentation, and Record Drawings submittal review meeting. The Design Team shall gather and log DZCA’s comments, provide a copy of the comment log to DZCA, and ensure comments are addressed in the Bid Set.

4.3. Bid Addenda

4.3.1 The Design Team shall prepare Addenda as required during Bidding

5. Construction Administration: Services provided throughout the bidding and construction process by the Design Team shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

5.1. Responses to RFIs and providing ASI’s as requested

5.2. Submittal / Shop Drawing review / approval

5.3. Attendance at weekly Owner, Architect, Contractor (OAC) meetings

5.4. Submission of OAC minutes, which capture agenda items including but not limited to field observation reports

5.5. Change order reviews

5.6. Testing, Commissioning, and Startup activities and coordination with the

Contractor

5.7. Substantial completion & punch list walk through with DZCA & Contractor

5.8. Assistance with Final Acceptance determination

5.9. Record Drawings: Design Team shall provide record drawings of the work to best reflect the final “as-built” constructed work in digital format (PDF and DWG file types).

DESIGN CONSULTANTS

The following is a list of possible disciplines that the Design Team shall consider when assembling qualifications and proposals for the scope of work described herein. This list shall be modified by the Design Team as necessary to suit the scope of work for the project. Where applicable, the following are required to be Colorado licensed professionals.

• Architectural

• Landscape Architect

• Structural

• Geotechnical

• Civil / Land Survey

• Aquatic Consultant

• LEED / Sustainability Consultant

• Construction Cost Estimation services

A Geotechnical Engineering Study and Materials Testing / Special Inspections, if required, will be contracted within this scope of work.

PROJECT SCHEDULE

Based on the anticipated 10/23/2026 issuance of Notice to Proceed, the design services, excluding Construction Administration, shall be complete and ready to issue for construction no later than 1/25/2027. The anticipated construction duration is 101 days.

Note: In order to get payouts, the design team needs to provide documentation and scheduling throughout the project. Milestones for this will include but are not limited to fabrication, installation, substantial completion, and final completion as well as the milestones listed above.

PROPOSAL GUIDELINES

To ensure consideration for this Professional Services Proposal Request, your proposal should be complete and include the following criteria (at a minimum) while not exceeding 5 pages (this does not include the cover page):

• Staff Experience: Design Team shall provide relevant project experience of the prime staff members they are proposing for this project.

• Project Approach: Design Team shall provide a narrative describing the project approach indicating how the Design Team will effectively complete the scope of the project.

• Schedule: Design Team shall provide a design schedule indicating milestone dates for the required submittals; quality management activities for milestone submittals shall also be indicated.

• Value and cost: the selected Design Team will be required to provide a maximum not-to-exceed fee proposal based on the work to be performed in accordance with the scope of this project. The fee proposal shall be broken down by the hours, personnel classification and hourly rate required to accomplish the requested tasks. Reimbursable expenses should be included in the fee as stipulated by the Contract.

• The list of requirements listed on Page 3 of this document.

Starting December 31, 2025, all projects going in for permit review will be required to be submitted under the newly adopted 2025 Denver Building, Fire, and Zoning Codes, which incorporate the 2024 I-codes (except the Energy Code, which incorporates the 2021 IECC).

Projects submitted on or before that date may use either the 2025 or 2022 Denver Building and Fire Codes.

https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies- Departments-Offices-Directory/Community-Planning-and-Development/Building-Codes-Policies-and-Guides/Building-and-Fire-Code-Adoption-Process https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Community-Planning-and-Development/Building-Codes-Policies-and-Guides/Building-and-Fire-Code-Adoption-Process https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Community-Planning-and-Development/Building-Codes-Policies-and-Guides/Building-and-Fire-Code-Adoption-Process https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Community-Planning-and-Development/Building-Codes-Policies-and-Guides/Building-and-Fire-Code-Adoption-Process

As of March 1, 2023, all projects going in for permit review will be required to meet the applicable Energize Denver requirements. Information can be found at:

https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies- Departments-Offices-Directory/Climate-Action-Sustainability-Resiliency/High-Performance- Buildings-and-Homes/Energize-Denver-Hub

House Bill 23-1057 requires that government buildings have all gender restrooms if they are newly constructed or renovated publicly accessible spaces. Specific information and requirements can be found at:

https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2023A/bills/2023a_1057_rer.pdf

Include the fee to submit the project for plan review with Development Services as a part of the scope at the completion of the construction documents phase. Make sure to include any additional permit plans and fees as applicable (or reasonably calculated allowance) to this project scope, i.e. Sewer Use and Drainage Permit, Zoning, Site Development Plans, etc.

• Plan Review Fee Determination:

https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/denver-development-services/help-me-find-/fees.html

• Site Development Plan Information:

https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments- Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Community-Planning-and- Development/Zoning-Permits/Site-Development-Plan-Review

• Walk-Through Review vs. Log-In Review Requirements:

https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/denver-development-services/help-me-find-/building-permits/building-permit-plan-reviews.html

All work performed on this project will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of DZCA’s Master Service Agreement and accompanying Statement of Work (SOW). All proposals must be signed by an official agent or representative of the company submitting the proposal.

If you have any questions with the development of this Professional Services Proposal Request, please contact DZCA’s PM whose contact information is listed at the top of this proposal request. Your interest in assisting with this project is greatly appreciated.

Attachments –

- DZF Design Professional Master Service Agreement

- Professional Insurance Addenda 1

- DZ Sea Lions – For Shade RFP https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Climate-Action-Sustainability-Resiliency/High-Performance-Buildings-and-Homes/Energize-Denver-Hub https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Climate-Action-Sustainability-Resiliency/High-Performance-Buildings-and-Homes/Energize-Denver-Hub https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Climate-Action-Sustainability-Resiliency/High-Performance-Buildings-and-Homes/Energize-Denver-Hub https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2023A/bills/2023a_1057_rer.pdf https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/denver-development-services/help-me-find-/fees.html https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/denver-development-services/help-me-find-/fees.html https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Community-Planning-and-Development/Zoning-Permits/Site-Development-Plan-Review https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Community-Planning-and-Development/Zoning-Permits/Site-Development-Plan-Review https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Community-Planning-and-Development/Zoning-Permits/Site-Development-Plan-Review https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/denver-development-services/help-me-find-/building-permits/building-permit-plan-reviews.html https://www.denvergov.org/content/denvergov/en/denver-development-services/help-me-find-/building-permits/building-permit-plan-reviews.html