TBG_Cochrane Memorial_RFQ.pdf

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

FOR SCULPTURE DESIGN-BUILD SERVICES

Dated: August 18, 2026

Project Owner: The Metropolitan Park District of the Toledo Area (“Metroparks Toledo”)

Project Name: Toledo Botanical Gardens Cochrane Memorial Sculpture

Project Location: 5403 Elmer Dr., Toledo, Ohio, 43615

Delivery Method: Design-Build

Owner Budget – Design and Construction: $200,000

Deadline to Submit: 1:00 p.m. local time, September 8, 2026 via email

Metroparks Toledo (the “Owner”) is soliciting Statements of Qualifications (“SOQs”) from qualified Sculptors (“Offerors”) to provide Sculpture Design-Build Professional Services for the Toledo Botanical Gardens Cochrane Memorial Sculpture, 5403 Elmer Dr., Toledo, Ohio, 43615 (the “Project”). The Owner will be using a design-build delivery model for the design and construction of the Project.

THE SCOPE OF WORK consists of the design and fabrication of a sculpture, including associated structural engineering, and the oversite of its installation.

Offerors may obtain the RFQ document and additional information by visiting www.metroparkstoledo.com/bids and following the Current Opportunities link. Offerors not registered on the PlanetBids Metroparks Toledo Vendor Portal must first create a free Vendor Profile by clicking New Vendor Registration. For additional guidance regarding electronic bidding, Offerors can click the Help Center (headset icon in the upper right of the Vendor Portal) to review the frequently asked questions, get the PlanetBids contact information, or open a support ticket with PlanetBids.

This Request for Qualifications (“RFQ”) will set out the required elements each Offeror must include in its submittal and the evaluation methodology the Owner will use in determining best value and making selections based on what is in the best interest of the organization. Offerors must fully comply with the requirements set forth herein. The Owner reserves the right to reject any submittal that does not do so. Each Offeror shall be responsible for submitting its electronic SOQ before the submittal deadline.

Based upon the SOQs received, the Owner intends to select a short-list of Offerors who will then be invited to respond to a Request for Proposals (“RFP”) and participate in Interviews. The Owner intends to award the Project Contract to an Offeror based upon the Proposals and Interviews. The Offeror ultimately awarded the Contract will complete a sculpture design, fabricate that sculpture, obtain all necessary regulatory permits for the Project, and oversee installation of the sculpture by the Owner or the Owner’s selected contractors.

A. PROJECT OVERVIEW

1. Project Area

The Project consists of one Project area located at Toledo Botanical Gardens (“TBG”), 5403 Elmer Dr., Toledo, OH 43615. The sculpture’s proposed location is at the south (Bancroft entrance) side of TBG, at the west end of an existing Linden tree allée.

2. Project Background and Goals

In 2025, TBG received a donation from the estate of Stu and Sally Cochrane.

A portion of that funding is to be used for a memorial sculpture or sculptures in their honor. The overall intent of the Project is to create both a fitting tribute to the Cochranes and an iconic feature in the TBG landscape. There are plans for the Linden allée area and the open space east of it to become an indoor/outdoor event venue with a three-season shelter. As such, the sculpture will be part of the aesthetic setting for events and the design must lend itself to that. In collaboration with the selected Offeror, the Owner’s staff will design and construct a site surround for the sculpture that feels integral with the piece. The goal of that is to elevate the sculpture from a simple object in the landscape to a space that visitors can experience.

Guidelines for the sculpture’s design are as follows.

a. The scale shall be large enough to serve as a prominent focal point for the entire allée area. The current site design envisions the sculpture as fitting within a 12-ft. radius circle on an elevated plaza. However, Metroparks is open to alternative ideas and will work with the sculptor on sizing and site design.

b. The style shall be consistent with and complimentary to TBG. For this piece, elegance will be favored over whimsy.

c. The sculpture’s design should reference any of the following general themes:

i. Intergenerational legacy

ii. Change, transition, transformation, or the passage of time and seasons

iii. Native plants and/or wildlife of the region (Oak Openings and Great Black Swamp)

iv. Natural and human history of the region (e.g. transition from oak savanna and wetlands to agriculture, then to glass manufacturing and other industries)

d. The primary material should be metal or a mix of metals.

e. Ideally glass will be used as a secondary material, although that is not required.

f. There is currently no electrical service where the sculpture is to be placed. The sculpture’s design may include lighting, but should be able to function adequately without it.

g. There is currently no water service to the area. The sculpture should not include fountain or pool elements that require pumps, water quality treatment, and/or other high-maintenance components. Sculptures that make use of natural rainwater flow and passive drainage may be considered.

h. Durability of materials and feasibility of maintenance will be prioritized.

3. Cost

The total maximum cost of the sculpture’s design and fabrication is $200,000. This maximum amount of $200,000 shall not be exceeded under any circumstances. The Owner intends to utilize the entire $200,000 for the Project to maximize the public benefit of the Project. In the event that additional funding becomes available after the Contract has been awarded, the Owner reserves the right to work with the Contract award winner to increase the Project scope and budget; however, such increase (if any) shall be at the Owner’s sole and absolute discretion.

4. Funding

The Project is funded in part through a donation from the estate of Stu and Sally Cochrane. In the event that additional grants or donations are secured after the Contract has been awarded, the Owner will provide copies of the relevant agreements, rules, and regulations to the Contract award winner.

The Offeror awarded the Project will be required to agree to any and all terms and conditions set forth in the Grant Agreements.

A site map of the Project area is attached to this RFQ as Exhibit A. Conceptual plans and graphics conveying the project intent are attached as Exhibit B. An informational booklet about the Oak Openings is attached as Exhibit C. Further independent research into the Oak Openings, Great Black Swamp, and broader Toledo area is encouraged.

A. SCOPE OF SERVICES

This Project will include the production of conceptual designs, engineering, final design, and fabrication of the sculpture per the final design. The selected Offeror will assist the Owner with local, state, and federal agency coordination and permitting as necessary. The Offeror shall furnish all necessary drawings, plans, permits (local, state, and federal), labor, facilities, materials, equipment, incidentals, and construction oversight services to complete the Project scope of services as defined herein and in the Project Contract entered into with the Owner.

The Offeror ultimately awarded the Contract will be required to complete the following specific tasks for the Project:

1. Communications

Conduct frequent communications on project progress via in-person or virtual meetings, phone calls, or email with designated Owner’s staff.

2. File Sharing

Provide cloud-based file or other sharing access for files. Cloud-based services shall not require the Owner’s staff to sign up or enroll in a service to obtain access.

3. Design and Plans

Provide concepts, plans, and engineering documents for a sculpture and fabricate that sculpture as described herein and as depicted conceptually in the attached appendices. If the proposed design creates a need for any specialized engineering, environmental, or geotechnical services, the Offeror’s SOQ shall address each service.

4. Construction Services

Oversee installation of the sculpture per the design and specifications as approved by the Owner and per the terms and conditions of the Contract. The Owner will be self-performing or hiring a separate Contractor to install the sculpture due to the requirement that all Metroparks construction projects with Contract values of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) or more require construction Contractors to enter into a Project Labor Agreement (“PLA”) with the Northwest Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council. Sculptors are exempt from that requirement provided that they only oversee and do not directly perform the sculpture installation work.

a. The Offeror shall be responsible to repair, replace, and/or restore any part of the property outside of the Project boundaries that are damaged or changed by the Offeror’s Project Team or Subcontractors doing work on the Project.

5. Construction Photos

Create a series of digital construction photos to show the progress of the sculpture’s fabrication. Photos must be provided on a USB drive or via another digital medium.

6. Deliverables

Submit the following deliverables to the Owner:

a. USB drive or other digital media copies of all data, plans, graphics, surveys, regulatory permits, and other documents gathered or generated for the Project, in a format acceptable to the Owner.

b. Construction photographs as described in Section “Scope of Services.”

c. All components of the sculpture required for installation except foundation materials (e.g. concrete, rebar) and lighting fixtures, if any.

Note that all materials and each part or detail of work shall be subject to examination by the Owner. The Owner or its representatives shall be allowed access to all parts of the work and shall be furnished with such information and assistance by the Team as required, making a complete and detailed examination at any and all times.

B. PROJECT SCHEDULE

Teams should assume a commencement date of November 16, 2026, following approval by the Metroparks Toledo Board of Park Commissioners. All Project activities must be completed by October 1, 2027, with substantial completion by September 1, 2027. A sculpture dedication ceremony is planned for early in October, 2027.

C. SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS

Note that submittals not compliant with the provisions of the RFQ and applicable laws and regulations will not be processed.

1. Deadlines

Questions about and SOQs submitted in response to this RFQ received after the date and time of the stated deadlines will not be considered.

2. Submittal of Documents

Submittal of SOQ documents for this Project will be accepted via electronic submittals only. Interested Offerors must submit one (1) electronic copy in PDF file format via email to the designated contact below by 1:00 P.M.

September 8, 2026.

Jessica Hyde, Landscape Architect

Jessica.Hyde@metroparkstoledo.com

3. Inquiries, Questions, Clarifications, and Addenda

All questions concerning this RFQ shall be submitted online via email to the designated contact below by 1:00 P.M. seven (7) days prior to the submittal deadline. Questions will be reviewed, and the Owner will determine whether any addenda should be issued as a result of any pertinent or substantive inquiries. Addenda will be issued via email to all Offerors who have either registered on PlanetBids as a prospective “bidder” or have emailed the designated contact below to confirm that they are a prospective bidder for this specific Project. Offerors shall not rely on any oral instructions or answers.

Jessica Hyde, Landscape Architect Jessica.Hyde@metroparkstoledo.com

4. Restricted Communications

In order to avoid situations in which a potential or perceived conflict of interest could occur or an unfair competitive advantage could be obtained or perceived, all inquiries or other communications regarding this RFQ shall be exclusively directed to the Owner via the aforementioned methods. Offerors are hereby expressly instructed not to otherwise communicate with any member of the Owner’s staff regarding this RFQ. This prohibition is also applicable to the Offeror’s affiliates, officers, employees, agents, subcontractors, consultants, and proposing team members.

5. Submittal Format

The format requirements described herein are designed to aid Offerors in their development and to provide a structured format for reviewers to systematically evaluate multiple submissions.

a. The total size of the PDF document submitted to the Owner under this

RFQ shall be no more than twelve (12) single-sided pages in length.

Cover letters and attached resumes of key personnel shall not be counted towards the document length.

b. The document should primarily utilize a 12-point font in regular, common use.

c. The document shall be formatted for 8.5”x11” paper with normal margins. Any plans provided in conjunction with the document can be sized for 11”x17” paper and will count for only one (1) page, but cannot be double-sided.

6. Submittal Content

Submittals shall contain all information as detailed in this Section and provide sufficient detail to allow the Owner to evaluate them. Failure by any Offeror to respond to a specific requirement may result in disqualification. Offerors are reminded that submittals will be considered exactly as submitted. Points of clarification may be solicited from the Offerors at the discretion of the Owner.

Submitted SOQs must contain the following items, presented in this order:

a. Cover Letter: Provide a cover letter, not to exceed two (2) pages in length, including an executive summary of the key SOQ elements. The cover letter shall be signed by a representative of the Offeror’s team who holds signatory authority to execute agreements.

b. Summary of Qualifications: Demonstrate the Offeror’s experience and abilities in completing work similar to this Project. This section must include the following:

i. Description of the Project Team: List and describe each entity, including proposed Subcontractors (e.g. structural engineer), that are part of the Project Team. Include each entity’s experience with projects similar in nature to the subject Project.

If proposed Subcontractors are not yet identified at the time of submitting the SOQ, provide a rationale for how those Subcontractors will be selected. Identify and the provide résumés of Key Personnel, including key Subcontractor personnel, who will be involved in the Project. Include their individual experience, knowledge, technical expertise, certifications, and licenses.

ii. Project Examples: Provide a summary of three (3) (neither more nor less) examples of sculptures completed within the past ten

(10) years that have similarities and relevance to this proposed Project and scope of services.

iii. Past Performance: Demonstrate that the Offeror has delivered previous Metroparks or other projects on schedule, controlled project budgets, provided accurate and quality designs and work, incurred minimal problems or extras, and taken responsibility and resolved issues to complete projects.

c. References: Provide five (5) references, including contact information and a brief description of the work completed for them. At least two (2) of the references must be from among the three (3) project examples provided in Section “Project Examples” above.

d. Primary Office Location: Provide a statement of the Offeror’s primary office location. Designate the office location where the primary work, other than the Project fieldwork, will be performed.

e. Communication Plan: Provide a brief communication plan for the

Project, describing the strategy for maintaining clear and timely communication between the Owner and the Offeror’s Project Team.

Identify the person who will serve as the point of contact for the Project Team.

f. Understanding of Regulatory Requirements: Provide a statement of the

Offeror’s familiarity with and understanding of any local, state, and federal permits and regulations required to implement this Project.

g. Current Workload: Describe the Offeror’s current workload, including the availability of the Offeror’s Project Team to commence this project upon receipt of a Notice to Proceed. Note whether any Key Personnel are committed to other particularly large or complex projects that have schedules overlapping with this proposed Project.

D. SELECTION PROCESS AND CRITERIA

1. Evaluation Team

An Evaluation Team consisting of Owner representatives will review and evaluate the submittals. The Evaluation Team members will complete evaluation forms, scoring each item with consideration to the information provided in the submittals.

The Evaluation Team will comparatively score and rank the submittals. The scoring and ranking will be based on adherence to the RFQ requirements, the information provided within the submittal documents, independent investigation of any information, and evaluation information obtained from the owners of previous projects.

As part of the evaluation process, Offerors may be interviewed by the Owner.

The purpose of the Interview will be to meet the proposed Project Team, become familiar with Key Personnel, discuss the sculpture concepts presented by the Offeror, and understand the approach and ability of the Offeror to meet the Owner’s stated objectives for the Project. Please be prepared to discuss with specificity the Project Team’s capacity to perform the work in compliance with the Owner’s schedule and budget. The Owner will contact all Offerors to be interviewed to schedule individual times for the Interviews.

The Evaluation Team’s individual scores will be combined in one composite score for each Offeror, and the submittals will be given a final ranking in order of those scores, from highest to lowest. The Evaluation Team will select a short-list of Offerors (if any) on the basis of the submittal scoring and ranking. The Owner will then contact the short-listed Offerors to notify them of their selection and invite them to respond to a subsequent Request for Proposals (“RFP”).

The Owner shall, at its sole and absolute discretion, determine which entities shall be invited to submit a Proposal and participate in an interview for consideration in the award of the Project. The Owner shall not be required to accept or take action on any submittal, or to short-list any of the entities that submit a SOQ in response to the RFQ. Reasons for non-selection may include, but are not limited to: the Owner’s dissatisfaction with the submittals, insufficient interest from Offerors, withdrawal of the funds being used to pay for the Project, or the inability to procure one or more permits necessary to complete the Project.

The final award of the Project is conditional upon the Offeror executing a written contract acceptable to the Owner, in its sole and absolute discretion.

If an Offeror is ultimately selected for Contract award, the Owner and the selected Offeror will negotiate in good faith to formalize a contractual agreement, including detailed terms and payment structure. Selection does not guarantee that a final agreement will be reached, and the Owner reserves the right to discontinue negotiations at any time.

2. Selection Criteria

The Evaluation Team shall score submitted SOQs using a 100-point scale.

Maximum points assigned to each area of the submittal are indicated in parentheses below.

SOQs will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

a. Cover Letter (5 points): Does the cover letter include an executive summary of the key SOQ elements? Is it signed by a representative of the Offeror’s team who holds signatory authority to execute agreements?

b. Summary of Qualifications:

i. Description of the Project Team (10 points): Do the entities on the Project Team have experience with projects similar in nature to the Project? Do the Key Personnel have the relevant individual experience, knowledge, technical expertise, certifications, and licenses necessary for the Project? If proposed Subcontractors are not yet identified, does the Offeror provide a reasonable rationale for how those Subcontractors will be selected?

ii. Project Examples (15 points each, 45 points total): Do the example projects have a scope and/or include features that are similar to the proposed Project? Do the projects demonstrate creativity and innovation in design and/or problem-solving?

iii. Past Performance (10 points): Does the Offeror demonstrate a capacity to deliver projects on schedule, control budgets, provide accurate and quality work, incur minimal problems and extras, and take responsibility and resolve issues to complete projects?

c. References (5 points): Are the required number of references provided? Do the references confirm the Offeror’s work for them and competence in performing that work?

d. Primary Office Location (5 points): Is the primary office reasonably close to the Project site, or does the Offeror have a reasonable ability to make site visits as needed despite a lack of proximity? Higher priority will be given to local offices.

e. Communication Plan (5 points): Is there a plan for maintaining clear and timely communication between the Owner and the Offeror’s Project Team? Is a point of contact person identified?

f. Understanding of Regulatory Requirements (5 points): Does the

Offeror show an understanding of the permits and regulations that will likely be required for this Project?

g. Current Workload (10 points): Does the Offeror have the workload capacity to undertake this Project? Are Key Personnel committed to other particularly large or complex projects that have schedules overlapping with this proposed Project?

3. Selection Schedule

RFQ posted 8/18/2026 RFQ submittals due 9/8/2026 Owner evaluation and short-list selection 9/10/2026 – 9/11/2026 RFP sent to short-listed Offerors 9/15/2026 (sooner if possible) RFP submittals due 10/6/2026 Owner evaluation 10/7/2026 – 10/9/2026 Interviews and final selection 10/13/2026 – 10/15/2026 Approval at Metroparks Board meeting 10/28/2026 Commencement 11/16/2026 (sooner if possible)

Those responding to the RFQ will be notified if the foregoing schedule changes.

E. CANCELLATION, REJECTIONS, AND WAIVERS

The Owner reserves the right to accept or reject any or all submittals, or any parts thereof, for any reason, and to pursue Offeror selection in a manner that is in the best interest of the organization and that is in compliance with any and all Project Requirements.

The Owner reserves the right to cancel, withdraw, postpone, modify, revise, or extend, in whole or in part, the RFQ process, any portion of this RFQ, or any phase of the Project.

The Owner reserves the right to waive any defect or technicality in any submittal received, and to waive interviews if they are determined to be unnecessary based on the responses to the solicitation.

F. AGREEMENT / CONTRACT

The information provided in the Proposal by the Offeror ultimately selected for Contract award will form the basis for negotiation of a Contract. The Owner reserves the right to issue a contract without further negotiation using the information contained in the Proposal. Failure of a prospective Offeror to accept this method of contract development will result in cancellation of the award.

The Agreement used shall be furnished by the Owner to the Offeror selected for the Project. However, the Owner is open to alternative forms of agreement. The Owner reserves the right to modify any document as necessary to protect the Owner’s lawful rights and responsibilities. Both parties will act in good faith to achieve consensus on the Agreement’s final form.

G. APPLICABLE REQUIREMENTS

1. General Requirements

In the performance of the Project, the Offeror shall comply with all applicable:

a. Ohio Governor Executive Orders;

b. Federal, state, and local laws, regulations (rules, ordinances), assurances, orders, and Ohio Department of Commerce Prevailing Wage Guidelines regarding current prevailing wages, deductions, worker compensation, taxes, social security and unemployment, compensation, and any contributions thereto;

i. Davis-Bacon Act,

ii. Contract Work Hours Standard Act,

iii. The Copeland Act (Anti-Kickback), and

iv. Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code Section 4115.03 et seq., the Project requires all construction Contractors and Subcontractors to pay prevailing wages and provide certified payroll as defined under Ohio law;

c. Federal, state, and local laws and regulations (rules, ordinances), assurances, and orders, whether or not specifically referenced herein;

d. Any and all terms and conditions of Grant Agreements to which the Project is subject.

2. Insurance

The Offeror awarded the Project shall carry and provide a certificate of insurance for public liability insurance with a combined single limit of not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) and vehicular public liability and property damage in a combined single limit sum of not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000). The Offeror must also carry an errors and omissions insurance policy. The Offeror hereby agrees to name the Owner as an additional insured on the Offeror’s insurance policy. The Offeror will supply the Owner with a notice of cancellation of the insurance policy not less than thirty (30) days prior to said cancellation.

3. Bonds

The Offeror awarded the Project shall be required to provide a one-hundred percent (100%) performance and payment bond, conditioned on the faithful performance of the contract, the completion of the work within the time specified, and prompt payment of all persons furnishing labor and materials necessary for all work. The performance and payment bond shall be drawn in favor of the Owner.

All bonds must be issued by a surety company acceptable to the Owner and authorized by the Ohio Department of Insurance to transact business in the State of Ohio. The bond must be issued by a surety capable of demonstrating a record of competent underwriting, efficient management, adequate reserves, and sound investments. These criteria will be deemed to be met if the surety currently has an A.M. Best Company Policyholders Rating of “A-“ or better and has or exceeds the Best Financial Size Category of Class VI.

Other sureties may be acceptable to the Owner, in its sole discretion.

H. AMENDMENTS

At its discretion, the Owner may amend this RFQ at any time prior to the deadline for receipt and distribute the amendments to all Offerors who are on record with the Owner as having been furnished a copy of this RFQ.

I. PUBLIC RECORDS

All documents submitted to the Owner in response to the RFQ are public records and will be available for inspection in accordance with Ohio Revised Code Section

149.43 at the conclusion of the selection process. Insurance certificates and policies shall remain confidential, except under proper order of a court.

J. COSTS

The Offeror, by submitting its SOQ, agrees that any costs incurred in responding to this RFQ are to be borne by the Offeror and may not be billed to the Owner.

K. ATTACHMENTS

1. Exhibit A – Project Area Map (1 Page)

2. Exhibit B – Conceptual Design Documents (5 Pages)

3. Exhibit C – Living in the Oak Openings booklet (39 Pages)

4. Exhibit D – RFQ Scoring and Ranking Sheet (1 Page)