Architectural Services for Visitor Experience Enhancements at the State Capitol

The North Dakota Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Facility Management Division is seeking architectural services for comprehensive visitor experience enhancements at the State Capitol in Bismarck, located in Burleigh County. The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) solicits proposals for a multi-component project involving five key areas: updating the 18th floor capitol tower's interior finishes and furnishings, enhancing interior and exterior wayfinding, improving the arboretum trail with tree and plaque replacements, updating public area furnishings in legislative and judicial wings, and developing an exterior lighting plan for walking paths and mall areas. Qualification statements are due by 2:00 PM CST on August 28, 2025, with interviews scheduled for September 16-18, 2025, and contract negotiations from September 23-30, 2025. The project's services will begin October 1, 2025, with all approved projects required to be completed by June 15, 2027. The selection process will evaluate submissions based on specific point allocations: firm background (10 points), statement of interest (5 points), professional personnel ability (25 points), and related experience on similar projects (60 points).

The procurement prioritizes North Dakota-headquartered firms and has a total funding allocation of $2,900,000 for the 2025-27 biennium, covering design fees, project management, soft costs, construction materials and labor, and associated expenses. The project is structured in three phases: Phase One involves programming and schematic design requiring approval from OMB Facility Management and Capitol Grounds Planning Commission; Phase Two covers design development and construction for budget-approved projects; Phase Three addresses potential legislative appropriation requests for unfunded projects during the 70th Legislative Assembly in 2027. Projects that cannot be completed within the allocated budget will be deferred for potential funding during the 2027-29 biennium, with associated fees subject to renegotiation pending legislative approval. The highest priority components are the 18th floor renovation and wayfinding improvements, which will receive immediate attention in the project implementation strategy.