Modernization of the City Hall Freight & Linn Street Passenger Elevators

The City of Cincinnati, Ohio is seeking Design-Build services through a Request for Proposals to modernize three elevators: one freight elevator located at City Hall (801 Plum Street) and two passenger elevators at the Cincinnati Police Department building (801 Linn Street). The scope of work encompasses complete architectural, engineering, and construction services including assessment of existing conditions, renovation of cab interiors, replacement of mechanical and electrical components, and upgrades to ensure compliance with current codes. The selected Design-Builder must include a registered Architect or Engineer and a qualified elevator professional (licensed Elevator Contractor or Mechanic) with a minimum of five years' experience in elevator modernization. The contract will be evaluated on a best-value basis using the following criteria: Experience and Expertise (30%), Qualifications of Key Personnel (10%), Project Approach and Implementation Timeline (20%), Quality Assurance and Quality Control (20%), Cost and Budget (10%), and Economic Inclusion (10%). The anticipated contract term is approximately 18 months from the Notice to Proceed, covering design, procurement, installation, testing, and final acceptance. Critical deadlines include a mandatory pre-submission meeting on February 6, 2026, at 2:00 PM at City Hall; written questions due by February 11, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET; and proposals due by February 18, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET via the City's Bonfire portal.

The procurement includes specific set-aside requirements and restrictions on participant types. All contractors must comply with Cincinnati Municipal Code provisions regarding Small Business Enterprise participation and must meet Construction Workforce Goals of 11.8% minority and 6.9% female representation. Prevailing wage rates per Ohio Revised Code determination number 59413630 apply to all work on the project. The contract is structured as a Cost Plus Fee agreement with an option for a Guaranteed Maximum Price, utilizing modified DBIA Documents 530 and 535. All proposals must include a 10% proposal surety, and the successful contractor will be required to provide performance surety equal to 100% of the contract value. Insurance requirements include General Liability ($1,000,000 each occurrence/$2,000,000 aggregate), Automobile Liability ($1,000,000 combined single limit), Professional Liability ($1,000,000 per occurrence/$3,000,000 aggregate), and an umbrella policy of $5,000,000 each occurrence and aggregate. The specific contract value or budget range has not been disclosed in the available documentation.