Construction Management at Risk (CMAR) Services Ovey Comeaux Workforce Innovation Academy

Lafayette Parish School Board is requesting qualifications for Construction Management at Risk (CMAR) services for the Ovey Comeaux Workforce Innovation Academy, with statements of qualifications due September 4, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. CDT. A mandatory pre-proposal conference was held August 13, 2026; the board will conduct interviews with the top three qualified proposers on September 25 and award the contract on October 8, 2026, with preconstruction phase services commencing October 9.

Proposers must be Louisiana-licensed contractors in the Building Construction classification with a minimum of five years of experience on at least five similar projects and project activity within the past ten years. This is the primary eligibility filter.

The scope encompasses CMAR services for a career and technical education academy at Ovey Comeaux High School (100 West Bluebird Drive, Lafayette). The facility will house administrative spaces and specialized labs and shops for cosmetology, culinary, health services, automotive, welding, HVAC, electrical, and machining, along with academic classrooms and future expansion areas. Demolition is anticipated in November 2026, with construction beginning in December 2026 and substantial completion by June/July 2028.

The total available project budget is $40 million, including all soft costs and design fees. The Lafayette Parish School Board will compensate the selected Preconstruction Manager with a fixed fee of $80,000 for preconstruction phase services, payable monthly based on percentage of construction document completion. Construction phase compensation, including construction management fee and general conditions, will be negotiated after CMAR selection and incorporated into the Guaranteed Maximum Price proposal.

Statements of Qualifications must not exceed 50 pages (10-point minimum font) and must include one original and six copies plus electronic copies. Proposers must demonstrate Louisiana contractor licensing, provide a surety letter confirming bonding capacity, and detail firm organization, safety programs, key personnel, relevant project experience, and management approach. Proposers are explicitly prohibited from submitting proposed fees or compensation amounts prior to selection.