Request for Qualification: Urban Ecology Field Station

The Forest Preserve District of Kane County has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for professional design services to develop an Urban Ecology Field Station at the Arlene Shoemaker Forest Preserve in Aurora, Illinois. The procurement seeks a design professional to complete a two-phase project focusing on creating a nature center serving urban communities. Phase I will include project kick-off, space needs analysis, site analysis, schematic design, and developing documentation for a Park and Recreations Facility Construction Grant. Phase II will commence after grant award and encompass design development, construction documents, construction observation, and administrative services. The design professional will be evaluated based on 10% submission completeness, 50% firm and staff qualifications/experience, and 40% project approach. Key submission and selection dates include a proposal due date of September 25, 2025, interviews scheduled for October 8-9, 2025, and anticipated contract award on November 10, 2025. The proposed facility will support up to 150 students or community group patrons and 5 staff members, with requirements for indoor and outdoor spaces including a multi-purpose classroom/science laboratory, demonstration kitchen, interactive exhibits, interpretive trails, boardwalk, and amphitheater.

The RFQ does not explicitly specify set-aside designations or restrictions on responding organizations. The total project budget is $4,000,000 for design and construction, with the selected firm expected to create a sustainable, collaboratively designed facility that connects urban residents to nature and supports the district's conservation and education mission. The contract draft indicates comprehensive insurance requirements, including $2,000,000 commercial general liability insurance, $1,000,000 business auto liability insurance, and workers compensation coverage. Proposers must complete a contact affidavit certifying their eligibility to bid, confirming they are not barred from proposing due to previous violations, and affirming the proposal is submitted without collusion. The contract emphasizes compliance with Illinois state laws, including the Prevailing Wage Act and Freedom of Information Act. While no incumbent vendors are specified, the project represents an opportunity for design firms with expertise in ecological education facilities and urban environmental design.