2026-085P25-Enhanced Protective Placement at CMHHIP

The Colorado Department of Human Services is requesting qualifications for architectural and engineering services to design and renovate Cottage 137 at the Colorado Mental Health Institute at Pueblo (CMHHIP), a 9,622 square foot facility, with prequalification submittals due August 20, 2026, and a mandatory pre-submittal conference and site tour on July 30, 2026. This is a Design/Bid/Build engagement under a Design/Bid/Build project delivery model.

Minimum qualifications require demonstrated design experience on at least two projects exceeding $2,000,000 in hard costs using Colorado office expertise, completion of a Mental Health/Behavioral Health or Intellectual Disabilities facility design within the last five years, no prior State termination for non-performance, and mandatory attendance at the pre-submittal conference. At least 80% of work must be performed by Colorado labor per C.R.S. 8-17-101. The Buy Clean Colorado Act applies; Environmental Product Declarations for eligible materials must meet maximum global warming potential limits established by the Office of the State Architect.

The estimated project cost is $1.5 million. Cottage 137, originally constructed in 1982, is currently licensed as a hospital under I-2 occupancy and will be converted by CDHS to an Interim Care Facility. The project supports a new court-ordered program for individuals with mental health disorders unable to stand trial. Design services commence November 1, 2026, with construction starting Spring 2027 and concluding Fall 2027. Hazardous materials testing is handled outside the scope.

Prequalification submissions are limited to ten single-sided pages (excluding cover letter and required acknowledgement form) and must follow exact evaluation criteria formats provided. Shortlisted firms will be notified by August 28, 2026; oral interviews are anticipated for the week of September 7, 2026. Selection is expected the week of September 14, 2026, with contract negotiations scheduled September 21 through October 2, 2026. Evaluation criteria include project team qualifications and relevant experience (4–5 points), firm and team capabilities (2–3 points), prior similar-project experience (3–5 points), project approach (3–5 points), equity and diversity initiatives (2–3 points), and work location of prime and subconsultants (2 points). CDHS will provide existing Cottage 137 documentation including architectural, site, MEP, and structural drawings in electronic format.