11th and Pike Recreation Center Engineering Services

The City of Reading, Pennsylvania, in partnership with the Reading Recreation Commission and the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, is soliciting proposals for comprehensive engineering services to design and renovate the 11th and Pike Recreation Center. This Request for Proposal (RFP) seeks an engineering team to provide complete design and engineering services spanning from initial concept development through construction documentation, construction management, and post-construction support. The project encompasses two phases: Phase 1 involves renovations to the existing structure (currently funded), and Phase 2 involves the addition of a new gymnasium (pending future funding confirmation). Required deliverables include site investigation and existing conditions assessment, project management and coordination, conceptual and schematic design, design development, comprehensive construction documents across all disciplines (structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and civil engineering), permitting support, and construction administration. Firms must submit separate pricing for each phase, with the expectation of Phase 1 award and potential Phase 2 continuation. Evaluation criteria for Phase 1 proposals include mandatory elements addressing licensing, qualifications, and conflicts of interest (15 points); technical approach and HUD requirements understanding (35 points); relevant experience and staff qualifications (30 points); and references and past performance (20 points). The deadline for submitting questions is May 7, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with City responses due May 12, 2026; proposals must be submitted via the Penn Bid portal by May 15, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with public bid opening occurring at the same time. City Council will make the final award determination, anticipated within 60 days of the submission deadline, and the contract term will be effective upon issuance of the Notice to Proceed and continue until work completion.

There are no specific set-aside designations identified for disadvantaged enterprises in the solicitation documents; however, all bidders must comply with federal equal opportunity requirements, including certifications of non-segregated facilities and non-collusion affidavits, and must meet mandatory licensing and qualifications standards. Bidders must provide evidence of required insurance coverage including general liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate), professional liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate), workers' compensation, and umbrella/excess liability ($5,000,000). All work is subject to the Build America, Buy America Act requirements, mandating that all iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials be produced in the United States, with varying domestic content percentages depending on project fiscal year. Additionally, the City is tax-exempt and requires selected contractors to pay a Business Privilege License fee ($55 annually) and Business Privilege Tax (2.25 mills on gross receipts). Bidders must submit 10 percent bid security in the form of a certified check or bid bond, and monthly invoices must be accompanied by detailed status reports submitted by the 15th of each month. No advance payments are permitted, and all work products, drawings, and documents become the property of the City of Reading. While no specific incumbent vendors or budget ranges are identified in the procurement documents, Phase 1 design and construction are currently funded through CDBG, with Phase 2 funding confirmation pending.