RFP# 247- 252293-AE

George Mason University's Division of Engineering and Buildings is requesting proposals from architectural/engineering firms authorized to do business in Virginia for design services on the Southside Dining Hall renovation at its Fairfax Campus under RFP# 247-252293-AE, with proposals due June 15, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. EST. The Agency has established a 50% small business participation goal with specific targets of 29% small business, 8.5% women-owned business, 8.5% minority-owned business, 1% micro business, 1% employment services, 1% historically black colleges and universities participation, and 1% service-disabled veterans.

The scope encompasses interior renovation of approximately 38,913 square feet including replacement of millwork, finishes, back-of-house kitchen equipment, furniture, lighting, graphics, signage, and digital screens; modifications to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems; and reconfiguration of floor layouts to improve foot traffic flow. The project includes a teaching kitchen for classwork, clubs, and faculty events requiring coordination between GMU and the designer/culinary consultant on equipment selection. The A/E firm must provide full design and construction-phase services per Virginia's A/E Manual: schematic design, preliminary design, construction drawings, specifications, cost estimates, construction document review, bidding assistance, and construction administration. A culinary consultant with higher education kitchen design experience is a required special consultant. Fees are negotiated on a lump-sum basis considering scope, estimated manhours by discipline, and prevailing labor rates.

The projected construction budget is $7 million. Permit-approved drawings are required by February 2027, with construction anticipated to begin April 2027 and substantial completion targeted for July 2027 to meet an August 17, 2027 deadline. The 2018-built mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire alarm, and fire protection systems will remain in service. The project will not pursue LEED certification.

Evaluation criteria include expertise and qualifications of the primary designer and consultants, office geographic location, current workload and schedule capability, similar project experience, project manager qualifications, design-not-to-exceed budget experience, knowledge of Virginia construction and capital outlay procedures, use of Virginia SWAM businesses, firm size relative to scope, and professional liability insurance coverage. Written questions were due June 10, 2026. The anticipated award date is July 10, 2026. All vendors must register through eVA at www.eVA.virginia.gov; registration is free but mandatory. Addendum No. 1 issued June 11, 2026 clarifies scope and schedule details.