Qualified Designer Services

The Manchester Essex Regional School District, through the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), is seeking qualified designer services for the Essex Elementary School Project. The procurement is a Request for Services (RFS) targeting comprehensive design services for the Feasibility and Schematic Design phases of a potential school construction project located at 12 Story St, Essex, MA. Prospective designers must demonstrate expertise across multiple disciplines, including architecture, engineering, programming, consulting, and specialized technical services. The project requires a design team capable of evaluating potential approaches ranging from renovation to complete new building construction, with an estimated total construction budget between $50-55 million. A voluntary informational meeting and site inspection is scheduled for June 18th, 2025 at 2 pm, with proposal submissions due on July 2nd, 2025 by 1:00 pm at Dore and Whittier Management Partners in Newburyport, MA. Interested parties must submit questions to Jacob Greco, D+W Assistant Project Manager, by email no later than June 25th, 2025 at 1:00 pm. The Owner and Designer Selection Panel reserve the right to reject any proposals and award the contract based on the best interests of the Owner.

The RFS does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions for disadvantaged enterprises. The designer selection will proceed through MSBA's Designer Selection Procedures, with the initial contract covering basic services through the Schematic Design phase and potential amendments to include continued design services through construction documents, bidding, award, and project closeout. The designer's fee will be negotiated specifically for the basic services, with the potential for expanded scope as the project progresses. While no incumbent vendors are mentioned, the project represents a significant opportunity for design firms with expertise in educational facility design and construction. The substantial construction budget of $50-55 million suggests a complex and comprehensive project that will require sophisticated design capabilities and a thorough understanding of educational facility requirements. Potential respondents should be prepared for a comprehensive evaluation process that will assess their technical capabilities, previous experience with similar educational projects, and ability to deliver a high-quality design solution for the Essex Elementary School Project.