HSC Vivarium Study

West Virginia University is requesting proposals for architectural and engineering consulting services to conduct a feasibility and planning study for the renovation and potential expansion of the existing vivarium within the Health Sciences Center, with proposals due August 3, 2026 and a non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting on July 17. A West Virginia Contractor's License is required at submission; the agreement must be approved by the West Virginia Attorney General before implementation.

Phase 1, the sole funded phase, is a Feasibility and Planning Study with a budget of approximately $380,000 and anticipated completion by Fall 2026. Phase 2 architectural and engineering design services would proceed only upon viability determination and availability of additional funding. The selected team must demonstrate experience in vivarium planning and design, with highly desirable experience in AAALAC-accredited facilities, large animal research environments, and specialized HVAC and environmental control systems.

Deliverables include an Existing Conditions Report, Programming Report, Conceptual Options with diagrams and narratives, Infrastructure Assessment Report, Phasing Plan, Cost Estimates and Schedules, and a comprehensive Final Feasibility Study Report with executive summary, findings, recommendations, and presentation to University stakeholders. Site visits and stakeholder interviews are required and must be coordinated to minimize disruption to ongoing research operations. The vivarium must remain operational throughout the study and any subsequent renovation or expansion activities.

The scope encompasses the approximately 25,000-square-foot original vivarium constructed in 1960, which exhibits aging infrastructure and HVAC limitations, and its operational relationship with the adjacent 22,000-square-foot 2015 addition. The University is evaluating expansion objectives including large animal research capabilities as an early implementation priority.

The Design Professional must maintain Professional Liability insurance with an AM Best Rating of no less than A- excellent for three years following project completion. The Owner may terminate without cause upon seven days' written notice, with compensation for services performed to date. Questions are due July 27, 2026 at 12:00 PM EST. Contact: Kaison Ball, kaison.ball@mail.wvu.edu, +1 304-293-5711.