Notice of Intent to Award RFP 24*2662 Heart of Great Turtle

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has issued Request for Proposal (RFP) 24*2662 for the Heart of the Great Turtle Island exhibit design, fabrication, and installation project located at the Learning Commons in Straits State Park, St. Ignace. The procurement seeks an exhibition design firm to develop a comprehensive 2,500 square foot exhibition space with specific design and implementation requirements. The RFP was originally posted on SIGMA VSS on July 31, 2024, with proposal submissions due on August 23, 2024, and a contract term of one year with three potential one-year renewal options. Four vendors submitted proposals: EXPLUS Inc., Potter-Belmar Labs, Kerestes-Martin Associates, and Spaces to Experiences LLC. The evaluation methodology utilized a 100-point technical scoring system, requiring vendors to achieve a minimum of 80 points to qualify for pricing evaluation. The project is structured across three distinct phases: Conceptual/Schematic Design, Design Development, and Final Design/Fabrication/Installation, with specific deliverables and performance expectations for each stage.

The procurement did not indicate any specific set-aside designations for Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses or Geographically Disadvantaged Business Enterprises. Potter-Belmar Labs was recommended for contract award with the lowest negotiated price of $335,660, which was reduced from their initial bid of $470,195. Competing bids included EXPLUS Inc. at $1,000,000 and Spaces to Experiences at $580,000. The project covers Lenawee County and Sterling Heights City jurisdictions within Michigan, suggesting potential regional economic impact. While no incumbent vendors were explicitly mentioned, the procurement appears focused on creating a new exhibit space with comprehensive design and implementation services. The total project budget appears to range between $335,660 and $1,000,000, with Potter-Belmar Labs presenting the most cost-effective proposal for the comprehensive exhibition design and installation services.