Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI) Services - North Duke Street Pedestrian Improvements (Federal Funding)

The City of Durham is requesting letters of interest for construction engineering and inspection services on a federally funded pedestrian improvements project along North Duke Street, with submissions due November 3, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. Respondent firms must be pre-qualified by the North Carolina Department of Transportation in Discipline Codes 195 (Roadway Construction Engineering & Inspection) and 289 (Signal Systems Inspection) — a mandatory eligibility gate.

The scope encompasses construction engineering and inspection administration for 1.8 miles of new sidewalk construction on the east side of North Duke Street from Murray Avenue to North Roxboro Road, including crosswalk improvements and accessible ramps. All performing engineers must hold current Professional Engineer licenses in North Carolina, and firms must be registered with the North Carolina Office of the Secretary of State and the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors. Subconsultants are permitted.

Compensation is on a cost-not-to-exceed basis with monthly progress payments, to be negotiated with the selected firm. The contract period is 540 days, with an anticipated Notice to Proceed in February 2027. Federal-aid funding flows through the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

The City encourages participation by Small Professional Services Firms, Disadvantaged Business Enterprises, Minority-Owned Businesses, and Women-Owned Business Enterprises. Letters of Interest are limited to ten pages (front and back) exclusive of cover page, table of contents, letters of reference, and resumes. Selection criteria are weighted equally at 25% each: understanding of the project, methodology, management plan, and experience and qualifications. Firm selection and notification is scheduled for November 13, 2026. Submissions may be sent electronically to Jason.Lee@DurhamNC.gov or delivered to the Environmental & Street Services Department, Engineering Division at 101 City Hall Plaza, Suite 3100, Durham, NC 27701-3329. Contractors must maintain Commercial General Liability insurance ($1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate), Automobile Liability ($1,000,000), and Workers' Compensation per North Carolina General Statute Chapter 97.