Merchants Square Area Road and Utility Improvements Project

The City of Carmel Utilities Department is seeking qualifications for the Merchants Square Area Road and Utility Improvements Project through a Build Operate Transfer (BOT) project delivery method. The procurement is specifically targeting an experienced developer to design, construct, operate, and transfer road and utility infrastructure improvements in Hamilton County, Indiana. The project scope includes constructing three new roundabouts at 116th Street and AAA Way, Carmel Drive and AAA Way, and Carmel Drive and Keystone Way, along with comprehensive utility infrastructure upgrades. These upgrades encompass sanitary sewer replacements along Rangeline Road, Medical Drive, and Carmel Drive, storm sewer installations, water main replacements, and new sanitary and water infrastructure. Qualifications must be electronically submitted through the City's e-Procurement Portal by 9:30 am Eastern time on November 5, 2025, with a public opening during the Board of Public Works Meeting at 10:00 am the same day. A mandatory pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 20, 2025, at 11:00 am in the Caucus Room on the 2nd Floor of City Hall. The City will evaluate submissions based on 11 weighted criteria, including project experience, financing capabilities, technical expertise, construction approach, and project management skills.

The RFQ does not explicitly mention specific set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The procurement appears open to qualified developers with demonstrated experience in complex municipal infrastructure projects. While no incumbent vendors are specifically identified, the project documents indicate extensive coordination with utility providers such as CenterPoint Energy, Duke Energy, Zayo, and MetroNet. The project does not specify a precise award value or budget range, as the solicitation is qualifications-based and aims to identify a developer who will subsequently provide financing terms, construction analysis, and a guaranteed maximum price during a scoping period. The City reserves the right to reject any or all submissions and may enter into a Scoping Agreement with the selected developer before finalizing the project. The infrastructure improvements are part of a comprehensive municipal development initiative targeting utility capacity, road connectivity, and intersection efficiency in the Carmel area, with project number 288625-05 indicating a structured, long-term planning approach.