RECS RFP Pre-Design for MCF-Faribault Expansion

Minnesota Department of Administration's Real Estate and Construction Services (RECS) is requesting proposals for architectural pre-design services for the expansion of Minnesota Correctional Facility–Faribault (RECS Project 78FA0105), with proposals due August 31, 2026 at 12:00 Noon CT and a mandatory site visit on August 10, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. The state is offering a 12% preference for certified Targeted Group or Economically Disadvantaged businesses and a 12% preference for certified veteran-owned small businesses under Minnesota's Small Business Procurement Program.

The pre-design scope encompasses evaluation of expansion options for the K building segregation unit or construction of a new building to increase campus capacity. Deliverables include a pre-design report and construction cost estimate due by June 1, 2027 for the bonding session deadline. The work addresses multiple facility components: K building (117,455 square feet, 418 beds); Memory Care/Linden building (12,770 square feet remodel plus 6,940 square feet addition); Industry building (10,000 square foot addition plus 36,000 square feet recreational space); new Fern building (32,300 square feet); and restrictive housing unit (25,935 square feet addition for 100 beds). The successful respondent must hold Minnesota licensure as an Architect, Engineer, Landscape Architect, or Land Surveyor and perform all services within the United States. The project is subject to Minnesota's B3 Sustainable Building Guidelines and Sustainable Building 2030 energy standards.

The contract term runs September 10, 2026 through September 9, 2028, with an option to extend an additional three years in increments determined by the state. Professional/Technical Errors and Omissions insurance of $2,000,000 per claim and $2,000,000 annual aggregate (maximum $50,000 deductible) is required, along with Workers' Compensation, Commercial General Liability, and Commercial Automobile Liability at $2,000,000 each. Evaluation is weighted as Key Persons and Specialists (20 points), Work illustrating qualifications (20 points), Approach/methodology/work plan/schedule (20 points), Unique qualifications (10 points), and Fee Proposal (30 points). Contracts exceeding $100,000 require Workforce Certification; those exceeding $500,000 require an Equal Pay Certificate or exemption claim. Questions are due August 12, 2026 by 3:00 p.m. CT, with answers provided by August 17, 2026. Site visit pre-registration is due August 3, 2026. Responses must be submitted through the SWIFT Supplier Portal. Samantha Hicks (Administration Department) is the primary contact at 651-201-2389 or Samantha.Hicks@state.mn.us.