Ludington Beach House Exhibit Design, Fabrication, Install

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Marketing and Outreach Division, is soliciting proposals through Request for Proposal No. 26-1618 for exhibit design, fabrication, and installation services at the Ludington Beach House in Ludington State Park. The project encompasses a comprehensive three-phase renovation of interpretive exhibits serving approximately one million annual visitors, including updated signage and low-technology, hands-on interactive exhibits to replace displays exceeding 20 years in age. Phase I (Conceptual/Schematic Design) must commence within 30 days of contract execution and include concept development and schematic design; Phase II (Design Development) involves refined exhibit design and graphic elements; and Phase III (Final Design, Fabrication, and Installation) encompasses final design specifications, component fabrication, and on-site installation with a completion deadline of September 30, 2026. Qualified bidders must demonstrate relevant experience with exhibit design, fabrication, and installation; experience creating exhibits centered on Michigan's stories that foster curiosity and inspiration; background with taxidermy, sculpture, and low-technology interactive exhibits; and experience working with state or federal governments. Bidders must document a minimum of five interpretive display and exhibit projects completed within the last ten years, provide comprehensive team qualifications for all key personnel, and submit hard copies of demonstrative work products including photos, plans, elevations, and completed exhibit samples through the SIGMA VSS system only. Evaluation will be based on technical criteria totaling 100 points: Vendor Questions Worksheet (25 points), Schedule A Statement of Work (25 points), Attachment 1 Qualifications (25 points), and Attachment 2 Contractor Experience and Portfolio Examples (25 points), with proposals scoring 80 or more points eligible for pricing evaluation. An optional pre-bid meeting is scheduled for April 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. EST at the facility location, with proposals due on April 17, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. EST; the anticipated contract start date is May 1, 2026, through September 30, 2026, with an option for up to two one-year renewals at the State's sole discretion.

The procurement documents do not identify any set-aside designations, disadvantaged enterprise requirements, or restrictions limiting organizational types eligible to respond. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the available materials. Prevailing wage requirements apply exclusively to on-site installation work performed by construction mechanics and must comply with Mason County prevailing wage rates established under Public Act 10 of 2023, with journeyman straight-time wages ranging from approximately $36.87 to $110.76 per hour depending on trade classification; design and off-site fabrication work are exempt from prevailing wage requirements. Contractors must register with the State Project Registration system, maintain certified payroll records, and submit payroll documentation within 10 days of each pay period, while all on-site employees must complete a minimum of 30 hours of OSHA construction training and basic construction first aid training. Liquidated damages of $1,000 plus $500 per day apply for late or improper completion, and $1,000 per individual per day applies for unauthorized removal of key personnel. The RFP requires itemized pricing by phase and component, including Phase I design services, Phase II design development, Phase III final design, fabrication, and installation services, plus travel time and expenses reimbursed at State-approved rates and any machinery or equipment costs; however, the specific contract value or budget range is not disclosed in the available procurement documents.