Design-Build Services - The Forge Project

The Board of Trustees of The California State University, on behalf of California State University, Fresno, is requesting Statements of Qualifications from design-build teams for adaptive reuse and renovation of the Forestry Building into The Forge Ag-Tech, Bio-Tech and Engineering Innovation Center, with SOQs due September 24, 2026, and a mandatory bidders' conference on September 2. Design-builders must hold a California 'B' license, be registered to bid public works with the California Department of Industrial Relations, and be prequalified by the CSU Prequalification Program; the architect must be licensed in California and prequalified by the Trustees. A minimum 3% DVBE subcontracting requirement applies, and prevailing wage compliance is mandatory.

The project entails adaptive reuse of the existing Forestry Building at 2081 E. Sierra Avenue in Fresno, with an optional add-alternate for a ground-up building adjacent to the existing structure. The scope spans full design and construction delivery, including schematic design, design documents, permitting, and construction. The selection process is two-step: the RFQ will identify up to five finalists (announced October 1), followed by an RFP phase with proposals due October 27 and award announcement November 10.

The estimated design-build cost is $5.2 million plus a $2 million add-alternate. The contract duration is approximately 655 calendar days, with project completion anticipated September 29, 2028. Liquidated damages are assessed at $2,000 per calendar day for construction delays. Funding derives from grant sources; the design-builder must maintain compliance with all grant requirements throughout delivery. The Design-Build Agreement is expected to execute December 4, 2026, with Notice to Proceed December 7, 2026.