Architectural/Engineering Services for the Department of Corrections Central Cell Block Modernization

The District of Columbia Department of General Services is soliciting architectural and engineering proposals on behalf of the District of Columbia Department of Corrections under solicitation DCAM-26-AE-RFP-0001 for a feasibility assessment and design of a modernized Central Cell Block facility, with a pre-proposal conference and site visit on November 3, 2026 and proposals due November 20, 2026. The solicitation is set aside exclusively for certified Small Business Enterprises (SBEs) as defined by the District of Columbia Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD).

Offerors may receive up to 12 additional preference points based on DSLBD certification status. For contracts exceeding $250,000, at least 35 percent of dollar volume must be subcontracted to certified business enterprises (CBEs), though SBE prime contractors are exempt from this requirement. The A/E must also meet First Source Employment Agreement requirements of 51 percent District resident hiring for employees hired after contract execution, Apprenticeship Act requirements of 35 percent of apprentice hours by District residents, Living Wage Act obligations, and Service Contract Act wage determinations.

The A/E will conduct a feasibility study and Program of Requirements comparing two potential locations at 300 Indiana Avenue NW, Washington, DC, then perform schematic design, design development, construction documents and specifications, bid-phase support, and construction administration. Design submissions are required at 15, 35, 70, and 90 percent completion. The project must achieve a minimum LEED Silver v4 certification and address new IT infrastructure, independent MEP system controls, and energy efficiency. Required key personnel include a Licensed Project Architect (7 years), Structural Engineer (7 years), Mechanical/Plumbing Engineer (7 years), Electrical Engineer (5 years), Security Specialist (10 years), Telecommunications Specialist (5 years), and Dry Utility Consultant/Expeditor and Permit Expeditor (7 years each). Insurance requires Commercial General Liability of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 aggregate, Professional Liability of $1,000,000 per claim and $2,000,000 aggregate, and Commercial Umbrella of $5,000,000.

The project budget ranges from $12 million to $15 million. The A/E will submit a lump-sum fixed-price fee for design and construction administration services and a schedule of hourly rates for additional work. A Maximum Owner Controlled Allowance of $100,000 covers $85,000 for permits, application fees, and documents and $15,000 for printing and administrative costs. Title I services must be completed within 320 calendar days from Notice to Proceed, and Title II services continue through construction administration until Substantial Completion by the general contractor. Offers must remain open for 120 days.

Evaluation uses a 100-point scale: past performance and experience with government or private clients (30 points), professional qualifications and technical competence of key personnel (30 points), capacity to meet the required timeframe (10 points), and acceptability of the design approach and management plan (30 points).

Questions are due November 10, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Notice of Award is projected for on or about January 28, 2027, and Notice to Proceed is anticipated for March 15, 2027. Inquiries go to Kelli D. Howard, Contract Specialist, at kelli.howard@dc.gov.