County of San Benito Free Library Renovation Project

The County of San Benito Public Works Department is requesting statements of qualifications from Design-Build entities for the Free Library Renovation Project, with RFSOQ packages due October 5, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., in Phase 1 of a two-phase Design-Build procurement under California Public Contract Code section 22160 et seq.

The project involves comprehensive renovation and modernization of the approximately 15,000-square-foot public library at 470 Fifth Street in Hollister, plus construction of an approximately 1,640-square-foot addition. The scope addresses seismic and structural safety, fire and life-safety systems, accessibility improvements, HVAC replacement, and other critical building systems. The County received funding through the California State Library's Building Forward Library Facilities Improvement Program and is providing required matching funds. Preliminary bridging documents establish program requirements, design intent, and performance standards; shortlisted teams will receive complete documents and RFP details in Phase 2.

Evaluation employs a points-based system with a maximum of 675 points across nine criteria: Key Personnel (100 points), Design-Build Team Project Experience (100 points), Project Approach (100 points), Library Experience (100 points), Project-Specific Requirements (100 points), Schedule (50 points), Applicant's Unique Qualifications (50 points), Strategies for Working in the Local Area (50 points), and Response Clarity and Responsiveness (25 points). The three highest-ranked entities will be shortlisted for Phase 2 RFP participation; Phase 1 scores do not carry forward. Applicants must submit three examples of similar projects with names, locations, construction costs, and client contact information. A 3% local preference applies to purchases up to $500,000 for County of San Benito products and California-made materials.

A non-mandatory prequalification conference was held September 14, 2026 at 9:30 a.m. Clarification requests were due September 22, 2026 at 4:00 p.m., with County responses provided by September 29, 2026. Reference interviews are scheduled for the week of October 19, 2026; shortlist selection is scheduled for the week of October 26, 2026; and RFP release is anticipated for the week of November 2, 2026. Responses must be submitted electronically as a single, searchable PDF through the OpenGov portal.