RFP-892 Architect DOC KY State Penitentiary Repairs & Reno

The Commonwealth of Kentucky's Finance and Administration Cabinet, Division of Engineering and Contract Administration, on behalf of the Department of Corrections, is issuing Request for Proposals 892 (RFP-892) to procure architectural and professional design services for comprehensive repairs and renovations at the Kentucky State Penitentiary in Eddyville, Leslie County, Kentucky. The scope of work includes structural repairs and replacements across all buildings, elevator repair and replacement in the Annex, window and door repair and replacement for all buildings, environmental remediation including lead-based paint and asbestos abatement, and complete design services for three new structures: a Maintenance/Motor Pool Building, CERT Building, and Armory Building. Deliverables encompass specifications, bid documents, and contract administration consulting services across four project phases spanning approximately 225 days plus construction administration. The consultant team must include a minimum of five professional disciplines: an architect, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, structural engineer, and civil engineer, with all architects and engineers required to maintain current Kentucky professional registration. Qualified firms must provide a minimum of three project references demonstrating similar work experience and be lawfully qualified to conduct business in Kentucky. The evaluation process will employ numerical scoring based on firm experience and capability, professional disciplines represented, related experience, work to be performed in Kentucky, and responsiveness to proposal requirements, totaling 100 possible points. Proposals are due electronically through the Vendor Service Solution (VSS) system by January 7, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time, with a shortlist meeting scheduled for January 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., and virtual interviews scheduled for January 27, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. All three or fewer firms submitting responses will be interviewed.

Reciprocal preference will be extended to Kentucky resident bidders as defined by Kentucky Revised Statutes 45A.494, which may provide a competitive advantage for in-state architectural firms. The RFP does not identify set-asides for disadvantaged enterprises, minority-owned businesses, or women-owned businesses; however, respondents must provide affidavits affirming compliance with Kentucky campaign finance laws and submit Kentucky permit and registration documentation as part of their proposals. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the solicitation materials. The compensation structure follows a phased lump sum fee arrangement with detailed payment schedules: Phase A (Schematic Design and Estimate) is negotiated upon completion; Phase B receives 40 percent of the total lump sum fee minus Phase A payment; Phase C receives 75 percent of the total lump sum fee minus prior phase payments; and Phase D (Construction Administration) receives the remaining balance distributed at 25 percent, 50 percent, 75 percent, and 100 percent completion milestones. The project budget has not been specified in available documentation and will be determined during the procurement process. The selected architect/engineer must maintain professional liability insurance of $1 million per claim and $2 million aggregate, general liability insurance of $1 million per occurrence and $2 million aggregate, and statutory workers' compensation insurance with employer's liability coverage of $500,000.