Architectural and Engineering Services - New Escambia County Animal Welfare Facility

Escambia County is soliciting Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) from architectural and engineering (A/E) firms to design and provide construction administration services for a new 50,000 square-foot Animal Welfare Facility located at 3910 N. Palafox Street in Pensacola. The project aims to replace an outdated 1997 shelter with a state-of-the-art complex that will include animal intake areas, adoption spaces, veterinary services, administrative offices, and public interaction zones. The RFQ was released on October 27, 2025, with a mandatory pre-solicitation meeting scheduled for November 7, 2025, and proposal responses due by December 2, 2025, at 10:30 am. Proposals must be submitted electronically through the ProcureNow portal. The evaluation criteria include six key areas: Respondent's Statement of Qualifications (20 points), Experience and Performance on Past Projects (25 points), Litigation and Claims (20 points), Current Workload (10 points), Project Specific Criteria (20 points), and Respondent's Office Location (5 points). The contract is anticipated to commence upon execution and extend for 36 months, with potential renewals for additional 12-month periods.

The RFQ does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The proposed facility will be constructed on a 15.2-acre parcel with the Parcel ID: 052S301001002017, situated near other industrial and commercial buildings. While no incumbent vendors are specifically noted, the project requires a firm with extensive experience in designing animal welfare facilities, focusing on creating a modern, efficient, and humane environment. The successful firm will be responsible for comprehensive design services, including programming, schematic design, construction documents, permitting, and construction administration. Although a specific budget range is not provided in the documentation, the project scope suggests a significant investment in creating a facility that will improve animal care, boost adoption rates, and enhance the county's public services. The site maps and schematic plans indicate careful municipal planning with considerations for future development potential.