Lenape Village Indigenous Structures Project

The City of Allentown, located in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, is procuring engineering design and construction consulting services for the Lenape Village Indigenous Structures Project, with a posted date of March 12, 2026, and a submission deadline of March 27, 2026. The project encompasses the design and construction of two 14-foot diameter by 7-foot high Lenape wigwams and one 40-foot long by 15-foot wide by 7-foot high Lenape longhouse, with cedar saplings installed as bed frames inside the longhouse structure, all constructed in accordance with historical records of mid-17th century Lenape indigenous structures in Pennsylvania. The selected engineer will be responsible for designing the structures based on 1650s Lenape historic records, providing all necessary materials including green tulip poplar tree sheathing and green cedar saplings, delivering consultancy and on-site instruction to volunteers throughout construction, and attending all City of Allentown required inspections. The project will be executed in two phases: Phase 1 involves placement and installation of tree saplings to form the framework for all three structures, and Phase 2 encompasses covering the sapling framework with bark sheathing according to specifications. All bids must include engineering and design costs, consultation and on-site instruction fees, an itemized material cost list, applicable shipping and travel expenses, at least three professional references, and three images of past Lenape-style bark house projects. The project must be completed by May 30, 2026, as it is funded through a Community Project Funding Grant via the HUD Office of Economic Development.

This procurement contains a significant set-aside restriction requiring proof of membership in a federally recognized Northeast Woodland tribe as a prerequisite for bidder eligibility, though the opportunity respects all other protected classes under federal law including race, color, national origin, and disability within the pool of eligible tribal members. No incumbent vendors, current contractors, or specific budget ranges are identified in the procurement documentation. The project is contingent upon volunteer labor supervised by the selected consultant and their staff, with coordination and reporting responsibilities directed to the Museum of Indian Culture staff. While no specific award value is disclosed, the comprehensive scope of work including materials, design, consultation, and on-site supervision across a two-phase timeline from March 27 through May 30, 2026, suggests a substantial contract value reflective of the specialized engineering expertise, historical research, material procurement, and extended on-site management required.