Idea Forge Renovation

The University of Colorado Boulder is requesting qualifications for architectural and engineering design services for the Idea Forge renovation within the Miramontes and Baca Education Building, with a prequalification submittal deadline of October 7, 2026 and a mandatory pre-submittal conference and site tour on September 22, 2026. The project involves approximately 29,829 assignable square feet encompassing offices, wood shop, machine shop, computing lab, testing spaces, instructional labs, and project assembly rooms serving the Mechanical Engineering Department. A Construction Manager/General Contractor delivery method will be used.

Colorado's Buy Clean Colorado Act applies to eligible materials, and preference is given to Colorado resident vendors and labor; at least 80 percent of work must be performed by Colorado laborers. Respondents must demonstrate no prior termination by the State for non-performance, operation under the same business name for at least two years, and design experience on at least two projects each exceeding $5 million in similar scope and complexity.

The estimated project cost is $8 million to $10 million, with construction scheduled from July 2027 through July 2028. Evaluation criteria include project team qualifications, firm and team capabilities, prior experience with professional machine shop layouts and complex higher-education renovation projects, project approach including budget methodology and quality control processes, equity and diversity initiatives, and work location proximity to the site. Short-listed firms will be notified on October 14, 2026, with oral interviews anticipated the week of October 19, 2026. Selection is expected October 23, 2026, and design services are anticipated to commence the week of December 6, 2026. Submittals are limited to 20 pages (excluding the Acknowledgement and Attestation Form) and must be submitted via Bidnet. All submittals become State property and will not be returned; late submittals are rejected without consideration.