Request for Qualifications for Design-Build Services for the Forge Project

California State University Board of Trustees on behalf of California State University, Fresno is requesting qualifications for design-build services to adaptively reuse and renovate the Forestry Building into The Forge AgTech, Bio-Tech and Engineering Innovation Center, with Statements of Qualifications due September 24, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. The procurement follows a two-step process: an RFQ phase to identify qualified firms, followed by an RFP issued to up to five short-listed finalists. A mandatory RFQ Conference is scheduled for September 2, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the Fresno State campus.

The design-builder must hold a California Class B contractor license, be registered with the California Department of Industrial Relations for public works bidding, and be prequalified by the CSU Prequalification Program. The architect must be licensed in California and prequalified by the Trustees. The scope is adaptive reuse and renovation of an existing facility to support agricultural technology, biotechnology, engineering, workforce development, research collaboration, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The project includes an add-alternate of $2 million for a ground-up building adjacent to the existing structure.

The estimated design-build cost is $5.2 million, with contract duration of approximately 655 calendar days and project completion targeted for September 29, 2028. Liquidated damages are assessed at $2,000 per calendar day for late completion. The design-builder must subcontract a minimum of 3% of the project to Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise (DVBE) subcontractors and comply with prevailing wage requirements. The project is funded by grant funding, and the design-builder must maintain compliance with all grant requirements while adhering to CSU design, accessibility, sustainability, and life-safety standards. Selection uses best value methodology weighted toward firm experience rather than individual staff experience. The short-list publishes October 1, 2026; RFP proposals are due October 27, 2026 at 2:00 p.m.; interviews occur November 4, 2026; the successful respondent is announced November 10, 2026; and the Design-Build Agreement executes December 4, 2026 with a potential start date on or after December 15, 2026.