Request for qualifications for the design-build services for a climbing wall reconstruction at the chapel hill community center

The Town of Chapel Hill, North Carolina is issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) pursuant to N.C. General Statute 143-128.1A for design-build services to reconstruct the climbing wall at the Chapel Hill Community Center located at 120 South Estes Drive, Chapel Hill, NC 27514. The procurement seeks qualified design-build teams to demolish and remove the existing 40-year-old climbing wall structure and design and construct a new climbing wall system featuring bouldering, top-rope, and lead climbing zones customized for varied skill levels with full ADA accessibility. The scope of work includes site assessments, cost estimating, structural reinforcement if required, installation of crash pads, belay anchors, route-setting holds, and climbing surface finishes in compliance with ASTM and Climbing Wall Association standards. Prospective firms must demonstrate experience installing at least ten climbing walls in municipal gyms and familiarity with municipal government settings. Evaluation criteria weight qualifications and relevant experience at 35%, key personnel qualifications at 25%, understanding of project goals and MWBE participation at 20%, local conditions and schedule/budget delivery experience at 10%, and familiarity with project requirements at 10%. Statements of Qualifications are due by 2:00 PM on February 3, 2026, with selection and notification anticipated for February 10, 2026, and construction scheduled between March 16 and June 1, 2026.

This is a re-solicitation due to insufficient submittals in the previous solicitation, and the Town may accept fewer than three submittals following this second solicitation. A 10% minority business participation goal is required of all respondents. The selected firm must provide performance and payment bonds equal to 100% of the contract amount, commercial general liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence, professional liability insurance of $1,000,000, and worker's compensation coverage. The contract will be effective for fiscal years 2026-2029. The anticipated project budget is up to $800,000, inclusive of all design, permitting, materials, labor, and contingencies. This procurement is not Federally funded, and no site visit or bidder's conference is scheduled.