DAS - State Historical Building Archives Storage Renovation

The Iowa Department of Administrative Services (DAS) is seeking construction services for a comprehensive renovation of the State Historical Building's archives storage facilities located at 600 E. Locust Street in Des Moines. The project involves three primary bid packages: General Construction, Electrical & Mechanical & Plumbing, and Fire Sprinkler, with the primary objective of modernizing archive storage spaces, including Room 151 for archive storage, Room 152 for general storage, and Room 157 for a digitization laboratory. Key deliverables include demolition of existing systems, installation of high-density mobile shelving units, new lighting and HVAC systems, fire protection modifications, plumbing relocations, and electrical and technology infrastructure upgrades. Neumann Monson Architects serves as the Architect of Record, with IMEG Corp providing MEP consulting services. The solicitation (RFB #948500-01) requires bidders to submit proposals through the IMPACS Electronic Procurement System by 2:00 pm on Thursday, November 20, 2025, with a bid opening at 3:30 pm the same day. An optional pre-bid meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 11:00 am, and all questions must be submitted by 2:00 pm on November 14, 2025. Construction is anticipated to begin on February 16, 2026, and conclude by July 22, 2026.

The procurement includes several important requirements for potential bidders, with specific provisions for resident and non-resident contractors. Bidders must submit bid security equal to 5% of their total bid amount and provide proof of insurance and surety bonds. The state mandates compliance with Iowa Labor Commissioner registration, affirmative action requirements, and equal employment opportunity provisions. Targeted Small Business Enterprise participation is encouraged, and bidders must disclose all subcontractors and suppliers within 48 hours of the bid submission deadline. Contractors must be registered under Chapter 91C and comply with the Iowa State Building Code. The project is exempt from state and local sales taxes, and Davis-Bacon wages do not apply. A preliminary hazardous materials survey identified asbestos-containing material in window caulk, requiring appropriate abatement procedures. While specific budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the renovation—involving extensive systems modifications, new shelving, lighting, HVAC, and technology infrastructure—suggests a significant investment in modernizing the State Historical Building's archives and storage capabilities.