Progressive Design-Build Project - North County Crisis Residential Treatment Facilities

The County of Santa Barbara General Services Department is soliciting Statements of Qualifications for a Progressive Design-Build Entity to design and construct two new 16-bed Crisis Residential Treatment facilities in North Santa Barbara County, with SOQ submittals due September 23, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. PST. This is a progressive design-build procurement under California Public Contract Code Section 22185 et seq., which restricts eligible participants to Design-Build Entities — joint ventures of contractors and licensed architectural and engineering firms.

The scope encompasses site design, permitting, preconstruction services, and construction of two independent ground-up buildings with residential rooms, treatment and support areas, kitchen and laundry facilities, administrative and staff spaces, and outdoor recreation yards. Awardees must hold a current California Contractor's License Class B and be registered with the Department of Industrial Relations.

The design-build contract budget is $19 million, covering all design, planning, construction, fixtures, furniture, and equipment; the County's total project budget is $28.1 million, including construction management, project management, permitting, and inspections. Phase 1 services (design and preconstruction) run January through October 2027; Phase 2 construction extends August 2027 through February 2029, with liquidated damages of $5,000 per calendar day for delays beyond the contractually defined Substantial Completion Date.

Mandatory requirements include bonding capacity equal to 100% of estimated Phase 2 construction costs, reviewed or audited financial statements demonstrating financial capacity, professional liability insurance capacity, participation in the Owner Controlled Insurance Program, and compliance with the Santa Barbara County Community Workforce Agreement. The project must comply with Bond Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program Round 2 Grant Funding requirements.

The County will select three shortlisted Design-Build Entities to submit cost proposals. A mandatory RFQ Briefing Conference is scheduled for August 19, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. PST. Shortlisted firms will participate in a mandatory site walk on October 1, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. PST, followed by cost proposal submittals due October 14, 2026, and interviews on October 21–22, 2026. Contract award is anticipated at the December 8, 2026 Board of Supervisors meeting, with Notice to Proceed issued December 10, 2026.