Town of Granite Falls - Fire Station Design-Build RFQ.pdf

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

DESIGN-BUILD SERVICES FOR A NEW FIRE STATION

Town of Granite Falls, North Carolina

April 1, 2026

The Town hereby invites qualified design-build teams to submit a Statement of Qualification (SOQ) for the design and construction of a new fire station and an evaluation of the Town’s current station. The Town has elected to use the design-build delivery method pursuant to North Carolina General Statute § 143-128.1A.

This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is issued for the purpose of identifying the most qualified design-build team to provide comprehensive architectural, engineering, and construction services for this critical public safety facility. Selection will be based on demonstrated competence and qualifications; price and fee information shall not be submitted at this stage.

Issuance of this RFQ does not obligate the Town to award a contract or to pay any costs incurred in the preparation of responses.

Point of Contact Katie Parlier, Special Projects Manager Town of Granite Falls, North Carolina 30 Park Square Granite Falls, NC 28630 katilyn.parlier@granitefallsnc.gov

(828) 396-3131

Mailing:

P.O. Drawer 10, Granite Falls, NC 28630 mailto:katilyn.parlier@granitefallsnc.gov

Town of Granite Falls Request for Qualifications for Design-Build Services April 1, 2026

All communication regarding this RFQ must be directed to the Point of Contact. Contact with elected officials or other Town staff regarding this solicitation may result in disqualification.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS – MAY 4, 2026

DEFINITIONS

1. “The Owner” means officers or employees of the Town of Granite Falls.

2. “Respondent” means the person or firm/team responding.

3. “Statement of Qualifications” or “SOQ” means the submission received from a

Respondent in response to this RFQ.

4. “Request for Qualifications” or “RFQ” means the entire document, including all the documents and any addenda thereto issued before the RFQ closing time.

PROJECT BACKGROUND AND NEED

Located in the foothills of southern Caldwell County, North Carolina. The Town has a population of approximately 5,100 residents and encompasses roughly five square miles within its municipal limits. The Town currently operates one fire station with 15 full-time personnel and associated apparatus, vehicles, and equipment.

Key drivers necessitating capital investment in fire facilities include:

• Transportation impacts: A funded NCDOT project will widen U.S. Highway 321‑A, requiring right‑of‑way acquisition that will significantly impair the functionality and safety of the existing station apron and emergency egress.

• Response‑time effectiveness: Significant residential and commercial growth in the southern portion of the Town has increased the need for fire protection resources in that area.

• Call volume and staffing changes: Annual call volume has increased substantially, and staffing has shifted from primarily volunteer to predominantly paid personnel.

• Facility limitations: The existing building has functional and physical limitations, is not fully compliant with modern accessibility and operational standards and may not be cost‑effective to retrofit depending on structural and system conditions.

The Town intends to construct one new fire station on property it is acquiring. The existing station shall be evaluated, and a cost-benefit analysis prepared to determine whether the existing structure can be remodeled or should be demolished.

The selected design‑build team will assist the Town in evaluating the existing facility and developing recommendations so that, upon completion of the project, the Town will operate two fully functional fire stations.

DETERMINATION OF APPROPRIATENESS OF DESIGN-BUILD METHOD

Pursuant to NCGS §143-128.1A, the Town has determined that the design-build delivery method is appropriate for this project for the following reasons:

• Project Complexity and Coordination Needs – A modern fire station requires integrated architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, communications, and specialized emergency-response systems. A design-build approach promotes coordination between design and construction disciplines, reducing the risk of conflicts and change orders.

• Schedule Considerations – The existing fire station has operational, safety, and functional deficiencies and is affected by external infrastructure projects and changing response demands. Design-build allows overlapping design and construction activities, which can shorten overall project delivery time. Time is of the essence with regard to the construction of a new fire station. State-issued funding requires the town to obligate funds for this project in FY27 with final construction completed in FY28.

• Cost Certainty and Budget Management – The Town requires ongoing cost estimating and scope refinement during design to maintain the project within available funding. Design-build delivery facilitates continuous cost feedback and value engineering during programming and design phases.

• Ability to Define Project Requirements – The Town has identified functional program needs, operational requirements, and a project site. These elements provide a sufficient basis to solicit qualifications and proceed with design-build delivery while allowing the selected team to refine technical design details collaboratively with the Town.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND SCOPE OF SERVICES

This project consists of two components; (1) Construction of a new fire station located on the southern end of Granite Falls and (2) upgrades to the existing fire station on Main Street.

1. New Station – Site and Program Development The selected design‑build team shall provide planning, design, and construction services for a new fire station to be located in the southern portion of Town. The Town may require assistance with:

• Preliminary site analysis and conceptual layout

• Due diligence support, including coordination of environmental assessments, geotechnical investigations, and utility availability reviews

• These services may occur prior to or concurrent with schematic design, depending on the Town’s direction.

2. Evaluation of Existing Fire Station and Facility Strategy As part of this project, the selected design‑build team shall assist the Town in evaluating the existing station located at 119 N. Main Street in Granite Falls and recommend the most efficient use of the existing space and available properties.

This evaluation may include:

• Structural and building systems assessment of the existing facility.

• Evaluation of renovation feasibility, including code compliance, apparatus accommodation, ADA requirements, and life‑safety considerations.

• Identification of deficiencies in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and structural systems.

• Order‑of‑magnitude cost comparisons for renovation versus demolition and reconstruction on the same site.

• Development of conceptual layouts or space programming as needed to evaluate alternatives.

• Preparation of technical memoranda and cost summaries to support Town decision‑making.

• The Town will use this information to determine the appropriate long‑term approach for the existing station.

SCOPE OF SERVICES

The selected design-build team shall provide turnkey design and construction services for a new fire station, including but not limited to:

• Programming and conceptual design – Schematic design, design development, and construction documents.

• Site planning, civil, structural, architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection engineering.

• Geotechnical services and surveying.

• Cost estimating and cost control throughout design.

• Permitting and regulatory approvals.

• Construction, construction management, quality control, and safety.

• Project closeout, commissioning, and warranty services.

ANTICIPATED NEEDS

The new fire station is expected to include, at a minimum:

• Three drive-through apparatus bays minimum 80’ in depth.

• Individual sleeping quarters with designated lockers.

• ADA-compliant restrooms and showers.

• Decontamination and laundry areas with specialized exhaust equipment.

• SCBA storage and washing facilities.

• Administrative offices, conference room, and secure public lobby.

• Fitness room and wellness support spaces.

• Mechanical mezzanine and dedicated storage areas.

• Emergency power generation capable of supporting full building operations.

• Final programming will be refined in collaboration with the selected design-build team and the Town.

The existing fire station will need to accommodate all the above, and additionally, a training room.

The goal of this project is to construct the new station and renovate or rebuild the existing station concurrently or in immediate succession.

PROJECT BUDGET AND FUNDING

The Town has secured $5 million initial funding for the construction of a new fire station and continues to explore options for the existing station. The design-build team will be expected to work collaboratively with the Town to validate scope, provide cost opinions at key milestones, and deliver a project that balances operational needs, durability, sustainability, and fiscal responsibility.

Funding is not planned for the renovation or demolition of the existing fire station. Part of this scope shall include anticipated costs for that work with the goal of completing both projects concurrently or one immediately after the other. Priority is the new station.

PROCUREMENT AND SELECTION PROCESS

This RFQ and subsequent selection process shall comply with NCGS §143-128.1A, including:

• Use of a qualifications-based selection process

• Receipt of at least three (3) responsive SOQs, or re-advertisement if fewer are received

• Selection of the most qualified design-build team prior to contract negotiations

• Minority business participation goals, good-faith efforts, E-Verify, and licensing requirements shall apply as required by North Carolina law.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

Submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Experience of the design-build team with similar public safety facilities

• Qualifications and availability of key personnel

• Demonstrated success with design-build delivery

• Project understanding and proposed approach

• Capacity to manage cost, schedule, and quality

• Past performance, safety record, and litigation history

STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS – CONTENT REQUIREMENTS

Responses shall include, at a minimum:

• Firm/team profile and organization

• Identification of design and construction partners

• Resumes of key personnel

• Relevant project experience

• Final costs of projects compared to initial budgets

• Project delivery approach

• Current workload and availability

• Bonding capacity and insurance capability

• Minority business participation approach

• Litigation and safety disclosures

• Fee or price information shall not be included.

• Proof of North Carolina licenses is required for individuals and firms working on this project.

SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS

Five copies of SOQs shall be submitted in paper form and a PDF provided via email. A cover sheet and table of contents are required and do not count towards the page count. Page size is limited to 8 ½’’ x 11’’ with a minimum 12-point font. A maximum of two 11’’ x 17’’ pages is allowed, these count towards the total page count.

Responses are limited to 20 pages single-sided or 10 pages double-sided. Dividers/tabs, cover letter and table of contents do not count towards the page count.

RESERVATION OF RIGHTS

The Town reserves the right to reject any or all SOQs, waive informalities, issue addenda, modify the procurement schedule, or cancel this RFQ if determined to be in the best interest of the Town.

ESTIMATED TIMELINE

April 1, 2026 RFQ Issued April 15, 2026 Questions Due by 5:00 pm April 22, 2026 Responses Provided by 5:00 pm May 4, 2026 Proposals Due by 5:00 pm May, 2026 Review Proposals / Interview Finalists (if needed) June 1, 2026 Anticipated Contract Award

SELECTION CRITERIA

The considerations below will be utilized for the initial selection of short-listed firms:

• Project Team and Experience 20%

• Project Timeline 30%

• Design Performance 20%

• Construction Performance 20%

• Project Approach 10%

If interviews are required, the final selection shall be based upon:

• Project Team Experience and Qualifications 40%

• Project Understanding and Approach 30%

• Project Management Approach 30%