Architectural and Design Standards

The City of Fort Myers is seeking Statements of Qualifications from consultants to develop Architectural and Design Standards for the Midtown area, a 240-acre district located south of the historic downtown core. The primary objective is to modernize and enhance the area's attractiveness by updating the existing Smart Code and creating new design guidelines. Consultants must have form-based code experience and will be evaluated on professional qualifications, specialized experience, familiarity with services, and proposed approach. The solicitation, released on April 21, 2025, requires submissions by May 5, 2025, with questions due by April 28, 2025. The evaluation criteria total 118 points, with the highest weightings given to professional qualifications (20 points), specialized experience (20 points), and approach to services (20 points). The contract will have an initial three-year term with two potential one-year renewals and will be awarded on a Not-To-Exceed basis, with compensation calculated based on actual hours worked by professional personnel at predetermined hourly rates.

The procurement includes specific set-aside requirements and compliance provisions, notably a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) goal of 15% of contract funds to be spent with certified minority-owned businesses. Multiple compliance documents are required, including a Build America, Buy America (BABA) certification, Human Trafficking Affidavit, E-Verify compliance, and an affidavit addressing contracting with foreign entities. Vendors must attest to not being owned or controlled by entities from specific countries, including China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, and Syria. While no incumbent vendors are mentioned, the contract emphasizes strict federal and state regulatory compliance, particularly for federally funded projects. The solicitation does not specify a precise budget range, but indicates the contract will be awarded on a Not-To-Exceed basis with compensation determined by actual professional hours worked. Potential respondents must demonstrate comprehensive understanding of architectural design standards, urban planning principles, and ability to create guidelines that will strategically enhance the Midtown district's development potential.