Jail Feasibility Study/Building Assessment Consultant

Bay County, Michigan, through its Finance Department's Purchasing Division, is issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQu 2025-09) to procure a jail feasibility study and building assessment consultant for the Bay County Law Enforcement Center (LEC). The solicitation seeks a comprehensive evaluation of the 75,000 square foot jail facility, constructed in 1978 with 276 beds, with the primary objective of assessing the facility's structural integrity, identifying potential improvements, and providing recommendations on whether to extend the facility's life through capital improvements or pursue replacement. The selected consultant must conduct a detailed assessment of mechanical, electrical, plumbing, roofing, and other critical systems, including doors, cameras, HVAC, elevators, and kitchen facilities. The evaluation will require estimating the facility's life expectancy, prioritizing potential capital improvements, providing cost estimates, and offering a professional opinion on future investment strategies. The procurement will follow a Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) process, with a committee evaluating and ranking candidates based on their submissions. Key dates include a mandatory site visit on August 13, 2025, at 10:00 AM, vendor questions due by August 22, 2025, county responses due by August 29, 2025, and final qualifications submissions due by September 12, 2025, at 11:00 AM.

The RFQu does not specify explicit set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types, though standard government procurement practices typically encourage participation from diverse vendors. Respondents must submit eight printed copies of their qualifications to the Bay County Finance Department, with electronic or fax submissions explicitly prohibited. Insurance requirements include workers' compensation, employer's liability, motor vehicle liability, and commercial general liability coverage. While no specific budget range is mentioned, the comprehensive nature of the feasibility study suggests a significant professional services contract. The project's scope indicates a potential multi-phase engagement, potentially involving initial assessment, detailed recommendations, and potential future implementation consulting. The solicitation suggests the county is preparing for significant potential capital investment in its law enforcement infrastructure, either through extensive renovation or potential facility replacement, making this an attractive opportunity for architectural, engineering, and correctional facility consulting firms with expertise in municipal infrastructure assessment and long-term facility planning.