Construction Material Testing and Environmental Support Services for Convention Center Expansion.pdf

Request for Qualifications # 274-2026-RCPAC-17

Title: Request for Qualification for Capital Improvement Project;

Construction Material Testing and Environmental Support Services for the Raleigh Convention Center Expansion

Issue Date: July 20, 2026

Due Date: August 24, 2026, not later than 4:00 PM EST

*LATE PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED*

Issuing Department: Raleigh Convention Center and Performing Arts Complex

Direct all inquiries concerning this RFQ to:

Rachel Rice Special Events Planner Email: rachel.rice@raleighnc.gov mailto:rachel.rice@raleighnc.gov

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

1.1. Purpose

1.2. Background

1.3. RFQ Timeline

1.4. Pre-Submittal Conference

1.5. Questions

1.6. Submittal Requirements and Contact Information

1.7. Business Engagement and Opportunities

1.8. Rights to Submitted Material

1.9. Communications

1.10. Lobbying

1.11. Conflicts of Interest

1.12. Proposer Expenses

1.13. Proposer Acceptance

2. Qualifications Package

2.1. Request for Qualifications Required Document Format

2.2. Hourly Rates

2.3. Qualifications Package Documents

3. Proposal Evaluation

3.1. Evaluation Criteria

3.2. Final Selection

3.3. Notice to Proposers Regarding RFQ Terms & Conditions

3.4. Contract Term…………………………………………………………..11

4. Scope of Services

Appendix I – Hourly Rate Schedule

Appendix II – Proposer Questionnaire

Appendix III – Reference Questionnaire (Instructions)

Appendix III – Reference Questionnaire Form

Appendix IV – Sample Contract

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Purpose

The City of Raleigh is seeking one or more qualified firm(s) with which to contract for the following services:

This RFQ aims to invite firms to showcase their qualifications and interest in providing (A) construction materials testing and special inspection services, and (B) environmental investigation, monitoring, and construction-phase environmental compliance services for the Raleigh Convention Center Expansion. Proposed offerors must demonstrate they have the necessary experience, skills, as well as technical and administrative capabilities, to effectively participate in a collaborative team-based project delivery approach.

The Project is located on a tight, fully developed urban site in downtown Raleigh. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment has been completed and identified recognized environmental conditions warranting further investigation; a Phase II ESA is pending may be performed as a part of this scope. Offerors should anticipate working in close coordination with the Construction Manager, Design Team, the City of Raleigh, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), and adjacent property owners and tenants throughout the duration of the work.

This RFQ contains two (2) distinct scopes of service, described in Sections 4.A and 4.B. The procurement structure and award options are described in Section 4.C. Offerors may submit qualifications for either scope individually, or for both scopes. Each scope will be evaluated separately on its own merits.

A detailed scope of services is provided in Section 4 of this document.

All information related to this solicitation, including any addenda, will be posted to the North Carolina electronic Vendor Portal (eVP) at https://evp.nc.gov/.

All questions related to this solicitation must be submitted in writing (via email) to the following individual – questions submitted via telephone will not be answered:

Contact Name Email Address Rachel Rice, Special Events Planner rachel.rice@raleighnc.gov https://evp.nc.gov/

1.2 Background

The City of Raleigh, the Capital City of North Carolina, remains one of the fastest growing areas in the country. A great economy, top educational institutions, and exceptional health care facilities are some of the characteristics that attract people to the triangle area. The mild climate, diverse work force and proximity to Research Triangle Park combine to make Raleigh a great place to live.

Raleigh is a 21st Century City of Innovation focusing on environmental, cultural, and economic sustainability. The City conserves and protects our environmental resources through best practice and cutting-edge conservation and stewardship, land use, infrastructure and building technologies. The City welcomes growth and diversity through policies and programs that will protect and enhance Raleigh’s existing neighborhoods, natural amenities, history, and cultural and human resources for future generations. The City leads to improve quality of life for neighborhoods and standard of living for all citizens. The City works with universities, colleges, citizens, and local partners to promote new technology, create new job opportunities, and encourage local businesses and entrepreneurs. The City enlists and prepares 21st Century staff with the skill sets to carry out the duties of the City through transparent civic engagement and by providing the very best customer service to our citizens.

The Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex (RCPAC) includes the Raleigh Convention Center, Martin Marietta Center for Performing Arts, Red Hat Amphitheater and Coastal Federal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek.

Raleigh Convention Center Expansion is an expansion project for the existing Raleigh Convention Center located at 500 S Salisbury St, Raleigh. The new facility will be built at the current Red Hat Amphitheater location and will have three floors at approximately 322,646 gross sf, consisting of multiple meeting rooms, flex halls, admin and other spaces.

Anticipated construction duration is approximately 36 months, with the anticipated start of construction in November of 2026.

1.3 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 Date July 20, 2026

Pre-submittal Conference August 03, 2026, at 2:00 PM EST

Deadline for written questions

August 05, 2026, at 4:00 PM EST

City Response to Questions (anticipated) August 10, 2026

Submittal Due Date and Time

August 24, 2026, at 4:00 PM EST

Interview and/or Award Notification

Allow two weeks post due date. The project contact will contact firms selected for interviewing and/or with the award notification.

Evaluation Meeting (anticipated) Week of September 07, 2026

Selection Announcement (tentative) On or before September 18, 2026

1.4 Pre-Submittal Conference

In the event that the City of Raleigh elects to conduct a Pre-Submittal Conference or Site Visit, attendance by prospective proposers is strongly encouraged but is not mandatory. Prospective Proposers are encouraged to submit written questions in advance.

1.5 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 electronic Vendor Portal (eVP). 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 eVP 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 – questions submitted via telephone will not be answered:

Contact Name Email Address Rachel Rice, Special Events Planner rachel.rice@raleighnc.gov

1.6 Submittal Requirements and Contact Information

Submittals 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 DELIVERY

SERVICES:

City of Raleigh City of Raleigh ATTN: Rachel Rice; Administrative Office

ATTN: Rachel Rice; Administrative Office

City of Raleigh City of Raleigh

Raleigh Convention Center Raleigh Convention Center

500 S. Salisbury Street Raleigh, NC 27601

500 S. Salisbury Street Raleigh, NC 27601

RFQ No. 274-2026-RCPAC-17 RFQ No. 274-2026-RCPAC-17

Submittals 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, and must include:

A. one (1) signed hard-copy original submittal package;

B. one (1) electronic version of the signed submittal;

C. and Two (2) hard-copies of the signed submittal.

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.

Proposers must respond to the entire Request for Qualifications (RFQ). Any incomplete submittal may be eliminated from competition at the discretion of the City of Raleigh.

The City reserves the right to reject any or all submittals 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.

1.7 Business Engagement and Opportunities

The City of Raleigh maintains processes to conduct business with all business enterprises, including small, emerging, growing, under-capitalized, and under-resourced firms or organizations.

1.8 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.

1.9 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.

1.10 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.

1.11 Conflicts of Interest

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

(1) First, federal procurement standards provided in 2 CFR 200.318 (c)(1) state:

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.

(2) 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.

(3) 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.

1.12 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.

1.13 Proposer Acceptance

Submission of any proposal indicates a Proposer’s acceptance of the conditions contained in this RFQ. The City of Raleigh has the sole discretion and reserves the right to cancel this RFQ, and to reject any and all submittals, to waive any and all informalities and/or irregularities, if it is deemed to be in the City’s best interests to do so.

The City of Raleigh reserves the right to accept or reject any or all of the items in any 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’s best interest. Moreover, the City reserves the right to make no selection if the submittals are deemed to be outside the fiscal constraint or not in the best interest of the City.

2 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.

2.1 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 five to seven (5 to 7) years, accompanied by at least three (3) 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.

2.2 Hourly Rates

This solicitation is being issued in accordance with NC G.S. Chapter 143 Article 3D (Procurement of Architectural, Engineering, and Surveying Services), otherwise known as the Mini-Brooks Act, and therefore price cannot and will not be a determining factor in the selection of the successful service provider. One copy of the Hourly Rate Schedule (see Appendix I) for all proposed project personnel should be enclosed in a separate, sealed envelope.

2.3 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.

https://www.ncleg.gov/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/ByArticle/Chapter_143/Article_3D.html

3 SUBMITTAL EVALUATION

3.1 Evaluation Criteria

This is not a bid. There will not be a public opening. The submittals received in response to this RFQ will be evaluated and ranked, by the evaluation committee in accordance with the process and evaluation criteria contained below. Submittals will be evaluated in light of the material and substantiating evidence presented in the response, and not on the basis of what is inferred.

After thoroughly reading and reviewing this RFQ, each evaluation committee member shall conduct his or her independent evaluation of the submittals received and grade the responses on their merit in accordance with the evaluation criteria set forth in the following table:

Criteria (a) Weight

(b) Score (0-3)

(a) x (b) Weighted

Score

Corporate Background and Experience 20

Firm Financial Stability 20

Project Understanding 20

Project Approach 20

Team Firm, Experience, and Qualifications 20

Final Score

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

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

3.3 Notice to Submitting Firms Regarding RFQ Terms and Conditions It shall be the submitting firm’s responsibility to read the RFQ Instructions, the City’s contract terms and conditions (within the sample City Engineering Services Contract provided in Appendix IV), all relevant exhibits and attachments, and any other components made a part of this RFQ and 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.

3.4 Contract Term

The contract issued by the City to the selected firm will state and define a completion date by which the services are to be finished and completed.

4 SCOPE OF SERVICES

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

The purpose of this RFQ is to invite firms to express interest and demonstrate qualifications in providing (A) construction materials testing and special inspection services, and (B) environmental investigation, monitoring, and construction-phase environmental compliance services in support of the Raleigh Convention Center Expansion. Proposed offerors must prove that they possess the requisite experience, skills, and technical and administrative capability and capacity to participate in a team approach to project delivery.

The Project is located on a tight, fully developed urban site in downtown Raleigh. A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment has been completed and identified recognized environmental conditions warranting further investigation. Offerors should anticipate working in close coordination with the Construction Manager, Design Team, the City of Raleigh, the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ), and adjacent property owners and tenants throughout the duration of the work.

This RFQ contains two (2) distinct scopes of service, described in Sections 4.A and 4.B below.

The procurement structure and award options are described in Section 4.C. Offerors may submit qualifications for either scope individually, or for both scopes. Each scope will be evaluated separately on its own merits.

4.1 4.A Construction Materials Testing and Special Inspections

The offeror will perform professional services for the Project as outlined in the contract scope of work that will be negotiated with the most qualified firm for this scope. It is anticipated that most services will be on a periodic basis although there will be periods of time during construction that continuous inspection is required to meet schedule and the special inspection requirements of Chapter 17 of the Building Code. The offeror shall provide essential geotechnical investigations and recommendations, construction materials testing services, and special inspection services applicable to the scope of work as may be requested. The scope may include the following:

Inspection and testing services shall be provided for sitework, retaining walls, pavement, concrete, masonry, structural steel, and other work as may be identified.

• Geotechnical construction-phase services related to special inspections as governed by the Building Code, and Construction Inspection and Construction Materials Testing for all building materials used by the Contractor.

• Construction engineering testing and materials testing for all construction activities including, but not limited to: erosion control measures; drainage systems; proof roll inspections; retaining walls; footing base bearing capacity; soils, rock, and ABC stone;

concrete; asphalt; masonry, grout, and mortar; structural steel framing including field bolting and welding; asphalt pavements; soil backfill density testing; spray-on fire retardants; and turbidity and pH testing and documentation of BMP structures during the construction process.

• Special inspections on all structural elements as specified in Chapter 17 of the Building Code. These elements may include, but are not limited to: erosion control; BMPs;

foundations; deep foundations and pile/caisson installation; retaining walls; concrete work;

masonry work; steel structures and steel connections; welding inspections; waterproofing of foundation walls; roofing; fireproofing; reinforcement steel; formwork; and mechanical connections.

• Inspection and testing related to support of excavation, shoring, underpinning, and tieback systems associated with construction on a tight urban site, including monitoring of adjacent structures where required.

The selected firm(s) shall provide properly trained and certified lab and field technicians.

The firm selected shall provide a daily work report, summary reports, recommendations, test results, and associated documentation and field measurements for those items within their scope of work as requested by the Owner. All field reports will be prepared under the supervision of a Professional Engineer registered in the State of North Carolina.

The offeror will develop and provide a special inspections program for the Project that meets the requirements of the City and current Building Code requirements, as amended for the State of North Carolina. The selected firm shall designate the individual(s) serving as lead special inspector representative and note their license and qualifications to perform the role of the special inspector. Implementation of the special inspections program will include a comprehensive deficiency tracking and reporting process as required by the code official and the City. A log of discrepancies and corrections to track resolution of all discrepancies shall be maintained by the special inspector.

The offeror's work shall be in accordance with applicable industry, City, NC Building Code, and/or NCDOT standards for performance of the work. The offeror shall provide the appropriate industry testing specifications, equipment, and personnel for performance of the work, and provide all associated testing and quality control requirements for the scope of work in accordance with accepted current best management practices. The selected firm shall have an ASTM-approved laboratory with calibrated lab and field equipment and shall provide evidence of such certification(s).

4.2 4.B Environmental Investigation, Monitoring, and Construction-Phase Compliance Services

The offeror will perform professional environmental services for the Project as outlined in the contract scope of work that will be negotiated with the most qualified firm for this scope.

Because the Project occupies a tight urban site with known and suspected environmental conditions identified in the Phase I ESA, environmental services are anticipated to begin in advance of construction with subsurface investigation, and continue through demolition, excavation, dewatering, and substantial completion. Services may transition between intermittent and continuous coverage based on field conditions, regulatory direction, and construction sequencing.

The offeror shall provide qualified environmental professionals, certified field personnel, and an accredited analytical laboratory (NCDEQ DWR-certified and/or NELAP-accredited as applicable) for the performance of the work. The lead environmental professional assigned to the Project shall be a Licensed Geologist (LG) or Professional Engineer (PE) registered in the State of North Carolina, and the firm shall identify a designated Project Manager and a designated Site Health and Safety Officer. The scope may include the following:

4.2.1 4.B.1 Supplemental Pre-Construction Environmental Investigation

• Review the Phase I ESA and the Phase II ESA (to be performed under separate contract) and develop a site-specific supplemental Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP) and Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) addressing the recognized environmental conditions (RECs) and any remaining data gaps as warranted.

• Supplemental subsurface investigation services including utility clearance, soil borings, direct-push (Geoprobe) sampling, temporary and permanent monitoring well installation, and proper abandonment in accordance with 15A NCAC 02C.

• Collection and laboratory analysis of soil, groundwater, and soil gas samples for VOCs, SVOCs, RCRA metals, petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH-DRO/GRO), PAHs, PCBs, and other constituents of concern as warranted by site history.

• Preparation of supplemental investigation report(s) with findings, comparison to applicable NCDEQ standards (including Inactive Hazardous Sites Branch Preliminary Health-Based Remediation Goals and 2L groundwater standards), and recommendations for any required regulatory pathway (e.g., Brownfields, IHSB, UST Section, or no further action).

4.2.2 4.B.2 Contaminated Soil and Material Characterization, Handling, and Disposal Oversight

• Pre-excavation waste characterization sampling and analysis to support waste profiling and disposal facility acceptance.

• On-site oversight and screening of soil during excavation activities, including PID/FID screening, visual and olfactory observations, and documentation of impacted material encountered.

• Segregation guidance, stockpile management oversight, and confirmatory sampling of stockpiles and excavation sidewalls/bottoms.

• Coordination with the Contractor's licensed transporter and receiving disposal/recycling facility; review of manifests, bills of lading, and weight tickets; and maintenance of a complete chain-of-custody and disposal documentation file for the Owner.

• Preparation of a Materials Management Plan (MMP) governing the handling, segregation, reuse, and off-site disposal of impacted soils and other regulated materials encountered during construction.

4.2.2.1 4.B.3 Groundwater Monitoring and Construction Dewatering Effluent Testing

• Baseline and periodic groundwater monitoring from on-site wells before, during, and after construction, including gauging, low-flow sampling, and laboratory analysis.

• Characterization of construction dewatering discharge to support permitting under the City of Raleigh Public Utilities sanitary sewer discharge authorization and/or NCDEQ NPDES requirements, as applicable.

• Routine compliance sampling and reporting on dewatering effluent during active dewatering, and oversight of any required treatment system (e.g., bag filtration, granular activated carbon, air stripping) including influent/effluent verification sampling.

• Preparation and submittal of all required regulatory notifications, discharge monitoring reports (DMRs), and project closeout documentation.

4.2.3 4.B.4 Vapor Intrusion and Soil Gas Assessment

• Conduct soil gas and, where appropriate, sub-slab and indoor air sampling consistent with the current NCDEQ Division of Waste Management Vapor Intrusion Guidance.

• Evaluate vapor intrusion risk to the proposed building and adjacent off-site receptors using site-specific data and current NCDEQ vapor intrusion screening levels.

• Provide design-phase recommendations for vapor mitigation measures (e.g., passive or active sub-slab depressurization systems, vapor barriers) and provide construction-phase verification, smoke/pressure testing, and post-installation performance confirmation as applicable.

4.2.4 4.B.5 Construction Air Monitoring (Perimeter Dust and VOCs)

• Develop and implement a site-specific Community Air Monitoring Plan (CAMP) addressing fugitive dust (PM10/PM2.5) and total VOCs at the perimeter of work areas during intrusive activities, given the Project's proximity to occupied buildings, hotels, and pedestrian corridors.

• Continuous real-time monitoring with appropriate data logging, established action levels, and defined response actions (e.g., enhanced dust suppression, work pause) when action levels are exceeded.

• Daily air monitoring reports and as-needed notifications to the Owner, Contractor, and adjacent stakeholders.

• Personnel air monitoring as required to support OSHA HAZWOPER compliance for Contractor personnel working in regulated areas, with the recognition that primary HAZWOPER compliance is the Contractor's responsibility.

4.2.5 4.B.6 Stormwater, Erosion Control, and BMP Compliance Monitoring

• Inspection and documentation of erosion and sedimentation control measures and stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) during the construction process.

• Turbidity and pH monitoring at discharge points and documentation of BMP structures consistent with NCDEQ NPDES Construction General Permit (NCG010000) requirements and the City of Raleigh stormwater requirements.

• Coordination with the Contractor's certified ESC/SWPPP inspector to avoid duplication and ensure regulatory inspection frequency requirements are met.

4.2.6 4.B.7 Regulatory Coordination, Reporting, and Closeout

• Serve as the Owner's environmental point of contact with NCDEQ (Inactive Hazardous Sites Branch, Brownfields Program, UST Section, Division of Water Resources, Division of Air Quality, as applicable), the City of Raleigh, and other regulatory agencies.

• Prepare all required notifications, work plans, status reports, and closeout reports, including a comprehensive construction-phase environmental closeout report at substantial completion summarizing investigations performed, materials managed, monitoring data collected, and regulatory submittals made.

• Maintain a discrepancy and corrective-action log analogous to the special inspections deficiency log, tracking environmental observations, exceedances, and resolution.

All environmental field work shall be performed by personnel with current 40-hour OSHA HAZWOPER certification (29 CFR 1910.120) and appropriate refresher training. The selected firm shall maintain a site-specific Health and Safety Plan (HASP) and shall coordinate its HASP with the Contractor's overall site safety program. All laboratory analyses shall be performed by an NCDEQ-certified and/or NELAP-accredited laboratory, and the firm shall provide evidence of such certification(s).

The offeror's work shall be in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local environmental regulations and guidance, including but not limited to: 40 CFR; the North Carolina Hazardous Waste Management Rules (15A NCAC 13A); NCDEQ Inactive Hazardous Sites Branch guidance; NCDEQ Vapor Intrusion Guidance; NCDEQ

Brownfields Program requirements; NCDEQ NPDES Construction General Permit NCG010000; the City of Raleigh stormwater and sewer discharge requirements; ASTM E1527 (Phase I ESA) and E1903 (Phase II ESA); and applicable USEPA SW-846 analytical methods.

4.3 4.C Procurement Structure and Award Options

This RFQ is issued as a single solicitation containing two (2) distinct scopes of service.

Offerors may respond to either scope individually or to both scopes. The Owner reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to make award(s) in any of the following manners:

• Option 1 — Combined Award. Award both Scope 4.A (Materials Testing and Special Inspections) and Scope 4.B (Environmental Services) to a single firm where that firm is determined to be the most qualified for both scopes and the Owner determines that a combined award is in the Owner's best interest.

• Option 2 — Separate Awards. Award Scope 4.A and Scope 4.B to two different firms, each determined to be the most qualified within its respective scope.

• Option 3 — Partial Award. Award only one of the two scopes under this RFQ and re-solicit, defer, or otherwise procure the remaining scope by separate action.

Offerors responding to both scopes shall clearly identify which personnel, laboratory facilities, equipment, and certifications support each scope. Offerors are encouraged but not required to propose as a prime with one or more sub-consultants in order to meet the qualifications of both scopes; in such cases, the prime firm's experience, the sub-consultant's experience, and the demonstrated working history between the firms will all be considered in the evaluation.

Each scope will be evaluated separately against its own qualifications criteria. A firm's qualifications under one scope will not be used to compensate for deficiencies in qualifications under the other scope. The Owner makes no representation that combining the scopes will result in cost savings, improved coordination, or any other benefit, and reserves the right to award in whichever manner best serves the interests of the Project.

4.4 4.D Submission Requirements Specific to This Section

In addition to the general submission requirements stated elsewhere in this RFQ, offerors shall clearly indicate on the cover of their submission which scope(s) they are responding to: Scope 4.A only, Scope 4.B only, or Both Scopes 4.A and 4.B. Offerors responding to both scopes shall provide a single submission that addresses each scope in clearly delineated sections, with separate project experience, key personnel, and capability narratives for each scope.

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

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)

274-2026-RCPAC-17 Request for Qualification for Capital Improvement Project;

Construction Material Testing and Environmental Support Services for the Raleigh

Convention Center Expansion

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

274-2026-RCPAC-17 Request for Qualification for Capital Improvement Project;

Construction Material Testing and Environmental Support Services for the Raleigh Convention Center Expansion

(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, Rachel Rice, via email to rachel.rice@raleighnc.gov no later than 4:00 PM EST, August 13, 2026, 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?

mailto:rachel.rice@raleighnc.gov

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?

APPENDIX IV

SAMPLE CONTRACT

NORTH CAROLINA

WAKE COUNTY

CONTRACT FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES

THIS CONTRACT (the “Contract”) is entered into by and between__________, hereinafter referred to as the “Engineer”, and the City of Raleigh, a North Carolina municipal corporation, hereinafter referred to as the “City”.

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, for purposes of this Contract, the Engineer is a person or entity which is licensed under and provides professional services regulated by Chapters 83A, 89A, 89C, 89E, or 89F of the General Statutes of North Carolina, or any such other statute or regulation hereafter enacted that regulates the practice of architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, land surveying, geology, or soil science in the state of North Carolina; and WHEREAS, the City desires to procure an Engineer to perform services; and WHEREAS, the City has completed necessary steps for retention of professional and other services under applicable City policies; and WHEREAS, the City has agreed to engage the Engineer, and the Engineer has agreed to contract with the City, for performance of services as described, and according to the further terms and conditions, set forth herein.

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of sums to be paid to the Engineer,…