Bell Tower Restoration RFP

Columbia County is seeking qualified general contractors to restore the historic bell tower at the Columbia County Courthouse located in St. Helens, Oregon, through a Request for Proposals (RFP) process. The procurement opportunity requires contractors to perform comprehensive restoration work that maintains the bell tower's 1906 exterior appearance, including repairs to columns, railings, soffits, and trim. Contractors must be registered with the Oregon Construction Contractors Board and comply with prevailing wage rates. The RFP was published on March 11, 2025, with proposals due by 4:00 p.m. on April 11, 2025, and a mandatory pre-proposal meeting scheduled for March 21, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the project site. The evaluation criteria will consider multiple factors, with the fee proposal accounting for 50% of the total evaluation score. The project will be accomplished in four distinct phases: proposal selection, preconstruction services, restoration preparation, and restoration and construction. The county reserves the right to negotiate and select the most advantageous proposal based on their comprehensive review.

The RFP does not specify specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. Contractors are permitted to submit bids using wood and may propose alternative materials like metal, with the understanding that any design modifications require approval from the City of St. Helens Historic Preservation Committee. While a specific budget is not explicitly stated, the project may be funded through Courthouse Improvement funds from the Oregon Judicial Department. The anticipated project timeline includes a notice of intent to award by April 30, 2025, contract negotiation and execution by May 14, 2025, and a notice to proceed on the same date. Potential contractors should be prepared to work closely with County representatives to ensure the restoration is completed efficiently and in strict accordance with historical preservation guidelines. The project represents a significant opportunity for contractors experienced in historic restoration to contribute to preserving an important local architectural landmark.