City Court Building Program of Space, Space Plan, and Conceptual Design

The City of Buffalo Department of Public Works, Buildings Division is requesting proposals for architectural, interior design, and historic preservation consulting services to evaluate, program, and develop comprehensive space planning strategies for Buffalo City Courts at 50 Delaware Avenue, with proposals due October 15, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. MWBE participation goals of 20% MBE and 5% WBE apply to the total contract value.

The scope encompasses a Program of Spaces, facility utilization analysis, three conceptual design alternatives with cost estimates, a phasing plan with occupancy strategies, and a comprehensive design report with capital implementation strategies and funding opportunities identification. The consultant team must demonstrate capability and experience in historic preservation consulting, including final determination of eligibility and presentations to the Buffalo Preservation Board or similar entity. Deliverables include CAD and Revit files on portable media and all closeout documentation.

The fee proposal must be structured as a lump sum with anticipated hours and percentage of overall fee for each phase (Program of Spaces, Space Plan, Conceptual Design, Presentations, and Final Report), reimbursable costs, and a 2026 hourly rate schedule with 3% escalation projections through 2032. The consultant must carry Professional Liability insurance of $2 million, General Liability insurance of $2 million per occurrence, Automobile Liability insurance of $1 million, and Workers' Compensation insurance in compliance with New York State law.

Evaluation criteria are weighted as follows: project approach (35%), relevant experience and team qualifications (30%), fee (10%), MWBE and diversity commitment (10%), quality control process (10%), and references (5%). An optional on-site meeting is scheduled for September 17, 2026 at 5:00 p.m., with registration required via email to vdugo@buffalony.gov. The anticipated Notice to Proceed is December 2026, with the final report due July 2027. Proposals are limited to 15 sheets double-sided (30 pages total), excluding cover page, letter of interest, and table of contents, and must be submitted electronically to vdugo@buffalony.gov with a maximum file size of 20 MB.