Expo Center Maintenance, Security, and Safety Improvements

Waukesha County, Wisconsin is issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP No. 2026004) seeking qualified architectural and engineering firms to provide design services for the Expo Center Maintenance, Security, and Safety Improvements project located at 1000 Northview Road, Waukesha, Wisconsin. The procurement encompasses the design of arena interior lighting, stage interior lighting, interior sound and video projection systems, interior and exterior security cameras, outdoor paging systems, gate card readers, and exterior electrical panels. Eligible firms must have a minimum of two Wisconsin-licensed engineers assigned to the project, have been in business for at least five years, be registered to do business in Wisconsin within ten business days of award, and have been responsible for the design of at least three similar projects. The design work is structured in three phases: Phase I (Preliminary Design with 30% plans and cost estimate), Phase II (Design Development and Construction Documentation with 60%, 90%, and final plans), and Phase III (Bidding Assistance), with construction anticipated to be completed by late fall or early winter 2026. Proposals will be evaluated on cost (20%), experience and qualifications of firm (15%), project team experience and qualifications (30%), project approach and understanding (25%), and timeline understanding and commitment (10%). A mandatory pre-proposal conference is scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. CST at the Expo Center (Door #6), written questions are due by Friday, February 13, 2026, by 2:00 p.m. CST/CDT, and sealed proposals must be submitted electronically through Waukesha County's Bonfire Purchasing Portal by Thursday, February 26, 2026, by 2:00 p.m. CST/CDT. The County anticipates Finance Committee approval on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, with the design contract fully executed in April 2026, and all quoted conditions and prices must remain firm for ninety calendar days from the opening date.

Pricing must be submitted as a firm fixed cost in the provided Bid Table format, with all reimbursable expenses including transportation, communications, and overtime included in the fee, except for fees for securing approvals from authorities having jurisdiction, which will be reimbursed by the County. No minority or disadvantaged business enterprise set-asides or restrictions apply to this procurement. The RFP incorporates the AIA Two-Party Standard Form of Agreement (B105-2017) as the governing contract document, and selected firms will be required to complete consultant background checks at their own expense prior to commencing work. Waukesha County has provided existing architectural, engineering, and site plans as Attachment A to establish a comprehensive project foundation and baseline documentation for prospective bidders. The County retains audit rights allowing its auditors access to all information, records, reports, property, equipment, and facilities used by the architect for three years following completion of services, and all information and records are subject to Wisconsin's Public Records Law. No specific award values or budget ranges are published in the procurement documents, and firms must provide hourly rates for all personnel and detailed sub-consultant information identifying the type of work and percentage of total services as part of their submissions.