Request for Professional Services Proposal: Sea Lion Shade Project

Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (DZCA) is requesting proposals for architectural and engineering services to design shade structures for the Sea Lion exhibit at 2300 Steele Street, Denver, Colorado, with proposals due August 27, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. MST. A mandatory pre-proposal site visit is scheduled for July 30, 2026 at 8:45 a.m.; attendance is required for proposal responsiveness.

The scope requires design of permanent shade covering at least 80% of all outdoor animal spaces (upper pool, holding pool, and lower pool), with an optional alternative for basin coverage to reduce algae growth and manage litter. The design must integrate existing theming, withstand Denver's year-round climate, and accommodate phased construction to minimize disruption to animal care operations. Required design disciplines include architecture, landscape architecture, structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, civil/land survey, aquatic consulting, LEED/sustainability consulting, and construction cost estimation. All work must comply with the 2025 Denver Building, Fire, and Zoning Codes (incorporating 2024 I-codes), Energize Denver requirements, and applicable ADA standards. Deliverables span existing conditions assessment, two schematic design options, design development, and full construction documents with permit documentation and record drawings. The Design Team is responsible for obtaining all required permits (floodplain, CPD, CPEP, TEP, and others) and addressing City and permitting entity comments. Construction administration services, including RFI responses, shop drawing review, weekly Owner-Architect-Contractor meetings, change order review, and final acceptance support, are included throughout the project.

Design services must be complete by January 25, 2027, with anticipated construction duration of 101 days. Contract award is anticipated October 9, 2026, with Notice to Proceed issued October 23, 2026. Proposals must not exceed five pages and include staff experience, project approach narrative, detailed design schedule with milestone dates, and a maximum not-to-exceed fee broken down by hours, personnel classification, and hourly rate. Written inquiries are due August 6, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. MST, with DZCA responses provided by August 20, 2026. All work will be performed under DZCA's Master Service Agreement.