RFP Lee Memorial Landscape Plan

The City of Bellingham is requesting proposals from qualified consulting firms to develop a comprehensive landscape plan for Lee Memorial Park, including a toddler and young-children playground, site amenities, and landscape improvements integrated with play and literacy-based design elements, with proposals due October 20, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific time through the City's electronic portal.

The scope spans six primary tasks: site analysis with base mapping and constraints documentation; community and stakeholder engagement including two public touchpoints and an online survey; concept development of two preliminary design options; refinement of a preferred master plan with cost estimates and maintenance recommendations; playground equipment selection with vendor options; and additional services as needed. The consultant must demonstrate qualified experience on comparable projects within the preceding four years.

Evaluation weights are: Overall Project Approach and Understanding (30 points); Demonstration of Experience and Expertise (30 points); Proposed Fees and Costs (30 points); and References (10 points). Proposals must include a signed cover letter, table of contents, a one-to-two-page summary, detailed responses addressing project approach and firm qualifications, proposed fees with billable hours and hourly rates and itemized expenses, and a minimum of three references. Pricing must be quoted in U.S. dollars, inclusive of all applicable taxes and duties, and remain firm for the entire contract period. The City will not be bound to accept the lowest-priced proposal or any proposal and reserves the right to reject all submissions or conduct interviews.

The contract term is twelve months unless extended by mutual consent, with work anticipated to commence in January 2027 and be completed by the end of 2027. The consultant must obtain and maintain City of Bellingham business registration and carry Commercial General Liability ($1 million per occurrence / $2 million aggregate), Automobile Liability ($1 million combined single limit), and Professional Liability ($1 million aggregate) insurance. All work product becomes City property upon completion. Questions are due October 12, 2026. Committee evaluations are expected to be completed in November 2026, with contract formation and execution anticipated in November and December 2026, respectively.