Bob Carr Adaptive Reuse Project

The City of Orlando is seeking professional architectural services through a Request for Qualification Statements (RQS24-0053) for the Bob Carr Adaptive Reuse Project. The procurement focuses on transforming the historic Bob Carr Center, a nearly 100-year-old municipal auditorium, into a central hub for digital arts and technology within the Creative Village District. Specifically, the project will repurpose approximately 40,000 square feet of the existing facility's front two-thirds, creating spaces for innovation, collaboration, community engagement, education, and events that support Orlando's technology ecosystem. Qualified consultants registered in Florida must submit electronic qualification statements by January 24, 2024, at 2:00 pm local time via OpenGov. A non-mandatory pre-proposal conference and optional site visit is scheduled for December 1, 2023, at 10:00 am at the Bob Carr Center lobby, with a question submission deadline of January 12, 2024, at 5:00 pm. The selected consultant will be responsible for comprehensive design services, including architectural and engineering design, interior layout, historic preservation considerations, and supporting technology infrastructure.

The City of Orlando has established specific enterprise participation goals for this contract, including 18% Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and 6% Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) participation. Additionally, the city offers a Veteran Business Enterprise (VBE) Preference program to support service-disabled and wartime veterans. Respondents must certify they are not on scrutinized companies lists related to specific countries and understand potential contract termination for false certifications. The City and Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) will negotiate compensation with the top-ranked respondent, with a maximum salary multiplier rate of 3.00. The project is part of a larger public-private partnership aimed at developing a mixed-use, transit-oriented innovation district that provides new opportunities in education, careers, business, housing, and community development. While no specific budget range is explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the project suggests a significant investment in transforming the historic Bob Carr Center into a modern, technology-focused community asset.