Design Services for Building New Career and Technical Education Center (CTE)

Richmond Public Schools is requesting proposals for comprehensive design services and construction administration for a new Career and Technical Education Center retrofit into an existing RPS building, with proposals due September 18, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. The scope includes energy management, fire alarm, access control, security alarm, camera surveillance, structured data cabling, clock and intercom systems; hazardous materials abatement; traffic impact analysis; site work including parking and bus loops; and accommodation of grades 9–12 students across 18 existing CTE programs including veterinary science, carpentry, welding, and automotive technology, with capacity for future program expansion.

The contract term extends from award through construction substantial completion plus any warranty period. Pricing is not fixed and will be negotiated following selection of the highest-ranked qualified firm. Evaluation allocates 35 points to offeror qualifications and experience, 40 points to technical approach, and 25 points to key personnel qualifications. Selected firms must demonstrate experience with similar-scale projects, proven cost and schedule management capabilities, and strong understanding of CTE facility design.

Proposals must include completion of standard architectural and engineering data forms (AE-1 through AE-6), minimum three professional references, and certification of compliance with Virginia state requirements, insurance minimums, and background check standards. A non-mandatory pre-proposal conference is scheduled for August 28, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. via Google Meet. Written questions are due September 8, 2026 at 5:00 p.m., with responses by September 11, 2026. Oral presentations are anticipated for early October. The School Board intends to pursue federal and state grant funding, public-private partnerships, and potentially historic tax credits for project financing. Contact Mary Beth Reed, Construction Procurement Manager, at (804) 239-3943 or mreed3@rvaschools.net.