Design Services Highland High School

Harnett County Schools (HCS) is soliciting Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) from architectural and engineering firms to provide comprehensive design services for a new Highland High School facility in Lillington, North Carolina. The project will accommodate approximately 1,500 students and include classrooms, administrative offices, media center, cafeteria, gymnasium, auxiliary gym, athletic fields, and associated site work. The procurement will utilize the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) delivery method, specifically focusing on design-only services without construction execution involvement. Qualifications proposals are due on August 28, 2025, by 2:00 PM, with the selection process evaluating submissions across three primary criteria: Project Approach (40 points), Qualifications/Experience/Performance History (35 points), and Availability/References (15 points). Design services will encompass multiple phases including pre-design, programming, schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding support, and limited construction administration, all to be developed in accordance with North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (DPI) guidelines, North Carolina Building Code, and other applicable federal, state, and local requirements.

Harnett County Schools demonstrates a commitment to diverse business participation, encouraging submissions from Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE), minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses. The successful firm will be required to maintain substantial insurance coverage, specifically at least $1 million per occurrence and $3 million in aggregate General Liability Coverage. While specific contract award values were not explicitly stated, the comprehensive nature of the design services for a 1,500-student high school facility suggests a significant professional services contract. The procurement allows for broad participation from qualified design firms, with an emphasis on demonstrated experience in educational facility design and comprehensive project approach. Final contract and project completion dates remain to be determined, indicating flexibility in the procurement process and potential for negotiation with the selected design firm.