25CRDLWBMALDR-002 - Pammel SP, Harmon Tunnel Repairs (26-04-61-01)

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is seeking architectural and engineering services through a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Harmon Tunnel repair project located at Pammel State Park in Madison County. The solicitation, numbered 25CRDLWBMALDR-002, requires a qualified Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) firm to design comprehensive repairs for the architectural stone facade and retaining walls of what is considered Iowa's sole vehicular highway tunnel. The primary project objectives include preserving the tunnel's historical significance, minimizing demolition, and prioritizing the reuse of existing materials. All proposed repair work must undergo review by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) to ensure compliance with Secretary of the Interior Standards for Rehabilitation. The RFP was released on August 20, 2025, with proposals due by September 17, 2025, at 4:00 PM CDT, and interested firms must demonstrate expertise in historical preservation and architectural restoration techniques.

The solicitation does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The contract will be awarded in US Dollars, with additional terms and conditions available on the Iowa DNR website. While specific budget ranges are not detailed in the provided documentation, the project's focus on historical preservation and minimal intervention suggests a specialized and potentially complex restoration effort. The tunnel's historical context is significant, having been originally hand-dug by a mill operator and his sons and later expanded by Civilian Conservation Corps veterans in the 1930s. Prospective bidders should be prepared to provide comprehensive documentation of their historical restoration capabilities, previous similar projects, and a detailed approach to maintaining the tunnel's architectural integrity while executing necessary repairs.