Design-Build Services for Anacostia Recreation Center Pool Replacement

The District of Columbia Department of General Services (DGS) is soliciting design-build proposals for the replacement of the existing pool at Anacostia Recreation Center located at 1800 Anacostia Drive SE, Washington, DC 20020 in Ward 8. The procurement requires comprehensive design and construction services to replace the existing pool with a new 50-meter competition-level pool facility capable of hosting lap swimming meets and master swim practices, including pool equipment systems upgrades, deck replacement with ADA-compliant access, fencing, shade structures, landscaping, and associated site infrastructure improvements. The design-builder must provide full architectural and engineering design services across multiple phases (Concept Design, Schematic Design, Design Development, and Construction Documents), preconstruction services including feasibility studies and existing conditions assessments, permitting coordination, community engagement, and complete construction administration through final closeout. Key objectives include achieving LEED Silver certification, compliance with the District of Columbia Building Code and green building requirements, and completion by May 3, 2027 for substantial completion to meet the Memorial Day outdoor pool opening season. The procurement structure utilizes a cost-plus fixed fee with guaranteed maximum price (GMP) approach, with the final GMP developed during design and preconstruction based on competitive trade bidding; offerors are not required to submit trade costs or proposed GMP with initial proposals. The pre-proposal conference and mandatory site visit are scheduled for April 14, 2026 at 10:30 A.M., written questions are due April 20, 2026 at 2:00 P.M., and proposals are due May 6, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. The Department anticipates issuing a Notice of Intent to Award on June 15, 2026, with the Notice to Proceed and contract execution expected 2-3 weeks thereafter. Evaluation criteria include quality of design and technical approach, past performance on similar projects, business relations, compliance with local hiring and subcontracting requirements, and organizational capability to execute the project on schedule.

This procurement is exclusively designated for certified small business enterprise (SBE) contractors as defined under DC Code 2-218.01 et seq., with joint ventures expressly ineligible from competing. The project is subject to mandatory Local, Small, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (LSDBE) subcontracting requirements with a minimum of 35 percent of total contract dollar volume allocated to qualified SBEs, or 50 percent for contracts awarded during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency period. All contractors and subcontractors must comply with Davis-Bacon prevailing wage requirements, the District's Living Wage Act (currently $17.95 per hour effective January 1, 2026 through June 30, 2026, increasing to $18.40 per hour thereafter), and First Source Employment Agreement requirements mandating that 51 percent of new hires on government-assisted projects are District residents. The project requires adherence to the DPR Tree Design and Planting Guidelines for landscape design, DPR Lighting Guidelines, and extensive specifications for recreation center facilities as established by the District of Columbia Department of Parks and Recreation. The total project budget is $13,000,000 for full design, construction, inspections, and furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E), with $1,700,000 (13 percent) anticipated in Fiscal Year 2026 and the remainder in FY 2027, including specific allowances of $150,000 for permits, $250,000 for owner-controlled existing conditions assessment and concept design, and $200,000 for owner-controlled unforeseen conditions. Liquidated damages are assessed at $1,000 per day for delays beyond the substantial completion date, and the design-builder is subject to a $25,000 replacement fee for each key personnel member removed or reassigned without Department approval. Offerors must comply with all standard District contract provisions, including performance and payment bonds, insurance requirements, compliance with federal equal employment opportunity requirements, Campaign Finance Reform Act certification, conflict of interest disclosures, and Building Information Modeling (BIM) requirements utilizing the National BIM Standard.