Request for Qualifications - Dix Park Design-Build Services for Building Stabilization and Demolition

The City of Raleigh Parks Department is conducting a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for professional design-build services related to the Dix Park Buildings Abatement, Demolition and Stabilization Project. The procurement seeks qualified firms to provide comprehensive services for evaluating, abating, and stabilizing approximately 20 buildings totaling nearly 500,000 square feet, with the primary goal of preventing deterioration and mold growth during a potential ten-year stabilization period. Additionally, the project involves abating and demolishing approximately 17 buildings spanning 400,000 square feet, along with developing a strategy for remaining utility systems. Required services encompass architectural and engineering services, project management, construction management, and related technical disciplines including civil/site, environmental/abatement, structural, fire, survey, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work. Key deadlines include a pre-submittal conference on January 15, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Dix Park Chapel, written questions due by January 23, 2026, at 2:00 PM EST, and proposals due by February 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST. The evaluation meeting is anticipated for February 20, 2026, with potential interviews scheduled for the week of March 9, 2026. Notably, pricing is not a determining factor in firm selection, as the solicitation is issued under North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 143 Article 3D (Mini-Brooks Act).

The project includes a specific focus on minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBE), with a participation goal of fifteen percent. Proposers must submit hourly rate schedules in a separate sealed envelope and will be responsible for all proposal development expenses. The City requires the Design-Builder to provide a Performance Bond covering 100 percent of the Contract Price and comply with specific insurance requirements. The Dix Park property, purchased by the City in July 2015, comprises 308 acres with 85 buildings totaling approximately 1.2 million square feet, most previously leased to the Department of Health and Human Services until October 31, 2025. While specific contract values are not explicitly stated, the Utility Infrastructure Master Plan indicates potential construction costs ranging from $10 million to $12 million for new utility systems, with site lighting modifications estimated between $350,000 and $690,000. The project will maintain public accessibility throughout construction, with most utility decommissioning work already completed by the City. Proposers must demonstrate comprehensive capabilities across multiple technical disciplines and an ability to work within the unique constraints of this adaptive reuse project.