Architectural Design Services - Continuing Contract

Marion County Public School District is seeking architectural design services through a continuing contract procurement process for fiscal year 2025-2026. The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) solicits licensed architectural firms to provide design services for various school district projects, with each individual project valued at no more than $7.5 million. Qualified firms will enter into a one-year agreement with potential annual extensions, covering comprehensive architectural services including design studies, full design phases, and construction administration. Submittals are due by 2:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on May 7, 2025, through the VendorLink online portal, with a mandatory 20-page submission limit. The selection process will follow the 2025 Design Services Request for Qualifications Selection Process Manual, with evaluations based on project team qualifications, approach and methodology, timeline and quality control, cost controls, knowledge of local conditions, and volume of work with Marion County Public Schools. A pre-bid conference was held on April 22, 2025, with additional key dates including a questions submittal deadline of April 24, 2025, shortlist interviews on May 28, 2025, and finalist notification on May 29, 2025.

The procurement includes specific provisions for minority-, woman-, or small-business enterprises, with additional points awarded during the initial screening for firms meeting these criteria. The selection committee will consider project experience both within and outside Florida, though non-SREF (State Requirement for Educational Facilities) projects may receive reduced points. Current continuing contract holders will be posted on VendorLink, and the district intends to approve multiple firms for each discipline, rotating project assignments based on factors such as project urgency, firm workload, experience, and past performance. Firms must provide proof of professional liability, general liability, and auto insurance with $1,000,000 coverage for each type. The current continuing contracts list includes three pre-qualified firms in each of four design service categories: Architects, Civil Engineers, MEP Engineers, and Structural Engineers. The School Board reserves the right to reject any submittals and will use the information presented in the responses at its discretion, with the overall goal of selecting qualified design service providers for ongoing school district infrastructure and construction projects.