Beaufort County Sheriff's Office New Bloodhound Kennel Facility | Design Services

Beaufort County, South Carolina is requesting qualifications from architectural and engineering firms to provide design services for a new Bloodhound Kennel Facility at the Beaufort County Animal Shelter Campus in Okatie, with proposals due July 1, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. EST. This is design services only; construction will be procured separately by the County and is not included in this RFQ.

The facility will replace obsolete kennels currently operated at a former Animal Shelter site. The new purpose-built structure will encompass approximately 1,400 square feet (building footprint 37' × 37') and include eight individual dog runs, one feed/preparation room, and one wash area. Design services include architectural and engineering design, structural analysis, mechanical/electrical/plumbing systems design, preparation of construction documents and specifications, support during permitting and regulatory approvals, bidding support services, and construction administration services. Selected firms must comply with applicable South Carolina Building Codes, Beaufort County ordinances, health and animal welfare standards, ADA accessibility requirements, and Title VI Civil Rights Act provisions. Professional liability insurance with a minimum limit of $1,000,000 per occurrence is required, along with general liability, workers' compensation, and umbrella coverage.

Evaluation criteria are equally weighted at 25 points each: relevant experience with similar projects completed within the last five years; design quality and approach with consideration of local conditions and problem-solving ability; understanding of project goals including design options and cost-benefit analysis; and team qualifications. If the highest-ranked firm is clearly identified, no oral presentations will be required; otherwise, oral presentations from at least the top two rated firms are required. Compensation will be negotiated following selection based on qualifications-based selection procedures.

A non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for June 4, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. EST via Microsoft Teams. Questions are due June 11, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. EST. Proposals must remain firm for at least 90 days from the closing date. Firms must certify they are not debarred or suspended from federal contracting.