CHMHI New Parking Area Archeological Survey

The Iowa Department of Administrative Services (DAS) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for professional archaeological consulting services related to a new parking area project at the Cherokee Mental Health Institute (CHMHI) in Cherokee, Iowa. The procurement, identified as RFP931600-02, seeks a qualified archaeology consulting firm to conduct a Phase 1 intensive archaeological survey of the proposed parking lot site, following the Association of Iowa Archeologists Guidelines for Investigations. Key deliverables include an initial findings summary due by October 13, 2023, a draft Phase 1 report by November 10, 2023, and a final Phase 1 report by January 12, 2024. Proposals are due on August 18, 2023, at 10:00 am Central Time, with the state reserving the right to negotiate additional survey phases. The evaluation will focus on the consulting firm's qualifications, including staff expertise, past project experiences, proposed team composition, and comprehensive project approach. Respondents must submit detailed team resumes, hourly rates, anticipated hours, and a lump sum pricing inclusive of all reimbursable expenses such as printing, mileage, and travel.

The RFP includes specific restrictions on vendor participation, notably prohibiting any consulting firm involved in the archaeological services from receiving an award for subsequent construction services bids. While no specific set-aside designations for disadvantaged enterprises are explicitly mentioned, the contract will be administered using a modified ConsensusDoc 803 and requires use of the State of Iowa's construction management software for document uploads and project administration. The project will be funded through the State of Iowa's Department of Administrative Services, with Story Construction serving as the construction manager. All project documentation will be copyrighted to the State of Iowa and must be submitted in both native computer and PDF formats. Although a specific budget range is not detailed in the documents, the comprehensive requirements suggest a professional services contract focused on thorough archaeological investigation and documentation of the CHMHI parking area site in Appanoose County, Iowa.