Request for qualifications (“RFQ”) – cmar services

Pender County Schools is requesting qualifications from Construction Manager-at-Risk firms to provide preconstruction and construction services for the Pender High School Food Lab Renovation in Burgaw, North Carolina, with Statements of Qualifications due September 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. EST and board approval of the selected firm scheduled for September 22, 2026. Selection is qualifications-based under North Carolina General Statutes governing CMR procurement.

Interested firms must hold a valid North Carolina General Contractor's License and demonstrate bonding capability. The scope spans preconstruction services during design (cost estimating, scheduling, value engineering, constructability reviews, and budget monitoring) and construction phase services (trade package bidding, subcontractor management, scheduling, safety oversight, quality control, and project closeout). The renovation converts an existing classroom into an instructional food lab with new kitchen stations, plumbing and mechanical modifications, electrical and technology upgrades, interior finishes, cabinetry and equipment installation, and code and accessibility improvements. Construction is scheduled from November 2026 through January 2027 with coordination required around ongoing school operations.

Evaluation criteria are weighted as follows: relevant K–12 experience (30 points), qualifications of proposed team (25 points), project approach (20 points), CMR experience (15 points), and references (10 points). Statements of Qualifications must not exceed seven single-sided pages, excluding cover letter and required attachments. The selected firm will provide construction services under a Guaranteed Maximum Price, with board approval of the GMP scheduled for November 3, 2026. Preconstruction services are anticipated to begin October 7, 2026, with notice to proceed for onsite activities on November 4, 2026 and substantial completion targeted for January 4, 2027. Pender County Schools has identified project funding and reserves the right to adjust scope and budget based on available funding.