Playground Design Services

The City of Birmingham, Michigan, is seeking playground design services through a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) targeting vendors with existing cooperative purchasing agreements. The procurement aims to design, redesign, and install playground equipment across multiple city parks over the next 2-3 years, focusing on creating innovative play spaces for children aged 2-12. Vendors must demonstrate comprehensive capabilities in playground design, including artificial turf, drinking fountains, restroom facilities, grading, site preparation, shade canopies, lighting, and restoration, while meeting ASTM, CPSC, and ADA standards. The evaluation process will allocate 100 total points, with 40 points for vendor profile and capacity, 50 points for proposed work plan, and 10 points for fee proposal. A mandatory pre-bid meeting is scheduled for February 19, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Poppleton Park, with proposal submissions due on March 13, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. Vendors are required to submit three playground schematics with varying budgets, including a fully inclusive playground at Poppleton Park with budgets up to $600,000 and $900,000, and provide 3D renderings.

While the RFQ does not explicitly mention set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises, it requires extensive public engagement, including meetings with city staff, homeowners' associations, and the Parks and Recreation Board. The contract term appears to span from the current fiscal year through June 30, 2028, with potential annual adjustments to fees and scope. Vendors must provide per-meeting rates and design fees for each park location, with hourly rates for out-of-scope changes. The RFQ covers five specific playground locations: West Lincoln site, Pumphouse Park, Poppleton Playground, Pembroke Playground, and Crestview Playground. Though no incumbent vendors are mentioned, the comprehensive nature of the project suggests a significant investment in municipal playground infrastructure. While precise budget ranges are not explicitly stated, the playground budgets range from $600,000 to $900,000, indicating a substantial financial commitment to playground design and installation services.