Main Campus Parking Development

The University of Connecticut is soliciting responses for a Request for Qualifications to hire a Bridging Architect to complete design-phase services for the Main Campus Parking Development project at the Storrs Campus. The procurement is designated as a CPFP A/E (Architect/Engineer) contract (RFQ Number 300309-AE) and utilizes a Quality-Based Selection process conducted in two parts: initial evaluation of technical qualifications to develop a shortlist, followed by cost proposal submissions from shortlisted firms. Qualified architectural firms must hold a current Certificate of Authorization from the Connecticut Architectural Licensing Board, have at least one team member with a current Connecticut Architect license, and employ at least one team member with Professional LEED AP Accreditation. Deliverables include comprehensive bridging documents at approximately 50% design development level, encompassing site plans, utility plans, architectural and structural drawings, mechanical/plumbing/electrical/fire protection systems documentation, landscape and signage designs, outline specifications, and detailed construction cost estimates prepared in accordance with University Design Standards and Connecticut Building and Fire Safety Codes. The contract milestones require 50% of bridging documents completed by August 2026 and 100% completion by December 2026, with an anticipated Notice to Proceed in May 2026 and a subsequent construction phase expected to last 18 to 24 months. Critical dates include a pre-proposal conference on January 28, 2026, at 9:00 AM via Microsoft Teams, Requests for Information due February 4, 2026, at 2:00 PM, and proposal submissions due February 17, 2026, at 2:00 PM through the HuskyBuy Portal. The proposed construction budget for the parking development project is $30,000,000, and proposers must demonstrate a Quality Assurance/Quality Control Plan.

The University of Connecticut actively encourages participation by Small Businesses, Minority-Owned Businesses, Woman-Owned Businesses, and businesses owned by persons with disabilities, as well as Connecticut-based businesses, though no formal set-aside designations are specified. Proposers may self-certify as Small Business Enterprises (SBE), Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (MBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE), or Women-Owned Business Enterprises (WBE) if applicable. A critical restriction prohibits the selected bridging architect and its consultants from participating as part of any Design-Builder team submitting proposals for the construction phase to maintain competitive bid integrity and prevent conflicts of interest. If a joint venture is proposed, a separate HuskyBuy Vendor Profile must be created under the joint venture company name. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the solicitation materials. Compensation is structured as a maximum total fixed fee with specific allocations across authorized service phases, with the contract incorporating comprehensive State of Connecticut compliance requirements including professional liability insurance of $1,000,000 per claim and $2,000,000 aggregate with eight-year tail coverage post-completion, nondiscrimination provisions, ethics certifications, background screening compliance, and adherence to Connecticut General Statutes and University policies.