Progressive Design-Build - Lake Jennings Campground & Public Access Recreation Amenity Improvements Project

Helix Water District is requesting Statements of Qualifications for a progressive design-build contract to design and construct the Lake Jennings Campground & Public Access Recreation Amenity Improvements Project in Lakeside, California, with a total cost not to exceed $9.705 million and SOQ submissions due October 2, 2026. A mandatory RFQ conference is scheduled for September 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the project site (10108 Bass Road, Lakeside, CA 92040).

Proposers must be organized as joint venture or partnership teams and must include a California-licensed professional engineer as Engineer of Record and a California Class A licensed general contractor, both with progressive design-build experience on similar projects. This team composition is a mandatory eligibility requirement.

The scope encompasses improvements to existing campsites, development of additional new sites, enhancement of recreation amenities, and replacement of water, sewer, and electrical infrastructure including campsite hookups. Paving replacement throughout the campground and entry road repairs are included. The District will self-perform building improvements to restroom facilities, laundry rooms, and campsite furnishings. The project is structured in two phases: Phase 1 includes preconstruction design services with a 180-calendar-day completion window from notice to proceed; Phase 2 consists of final design and construction services. Phase 1 compensation is a fixed lump sum amount to be determined, while Phase 2 compensation will be based on a Guaranteed Maximum Price developed on an open-book basis, subject to Agency acceptance and Board approval before proceeding.

Design-Builder must demonstrate minimum bonding capacity of $9.705 million, an acceptable safety record with an experience modification rate of 1.00 or less, compliance with California prevailing wage requirements under California Labor Code, and skilled and trained workforce commitments. All contractors and subcontractors must maintain current registration with the California Department of Industrial Relations and comply with applicable prevailing wage standards.

Evaluation criteria include qualifications (pass/fail), understanding of project (20 points), project experience and references (20 points), project team and key personnel (20 points), project delivery and cost management approach (20 points), and fee and rate proposal (20 points), for a maximum score of 100 points. Written questions are due September 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.