Design-Build Contractor for New Outdoor Amenities at Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center

Chatham County, North Carolina, is seeking a Design-Build Contractor to develop new outdoor amenities at the Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center through a Request for Qualifications (RFQ). The project offers two primary options: Option A involves covering the existing arena and adding seating, barns/stalls, restroom facilities, concessions, and an office/announcer stand; Option B proposes constructing a new covered arena adjacent to the existing structure with similar amenities. Additional project requirements include developing a multi-use outdoor pavilion with solarization and optional RV hookups, and improving site access, parking, and event flow. The RFQ was issued on July 31, 2025, with questions due by August 14, 2025, and qualification statements required by August 27, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Interviews and contract awards are scheduled by September 16, 2025, with the selected Design-Build firm expected to begin work by September 30, 2025. Firms must demonstrate experience with Design-Build delivery methods, similar construction projects, and government work, with responses limited to 25 pages and including company background, project history, design firm partnerships, client references, and contractor/architect license numbers.

Chatham County has established a 15 percent minority business participation goal for this building construction project, which is valued over $300,000. Successful contractors must provide performance and payment bonds covering 100 percent of the contract amount. The project is located at 1192 US HWY 64 Business West, spanning approximately 98 acres across two parcels, and will be situated at the existing Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center, which currently houses county, state, and federal agriculture offices and operates an 8,000 square foot conference center hosting various events. The county previously conducted a feasibility study in 2021 with Hunden Strategic Partners to inform the development strategy. While no specific incumbent vendors are mentioned, the project represents a significant expansion of the existing agricultural and conference facility infrastructure. The RFQ does not explicitly state a total project budget, but the scope and complexity suggest a substantial investment in enhancing the county's agricultural and event facilities.