RFP No. RFP-26-006 Phase 1 – Dorchester Community Center Design-Build Services

The Town of La Plata, Maryland is soliciting proposals under RFP-26-006 from design-build teams for Phase 1 of the Dorchester Community Center, with proposals due December 15, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time and a mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference and site walk on November 18, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at La Plata Town Hall. The Town encourages Minority Business Enterprise and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise participation and requests that offerors describe their subcontracting approach.

The contract covers progressive design-build services: design, preconstruction, permitting, cost estimating, GMP development, construction, and commissioning. The Phase 1 facility is a gymnasium and multipurpose assembly building of approximately 7,600 gross square feet with lobby, restrooms, and mechanical, electrical, and storage space. Site work includes survey, geotechnical and structural investigations, demolition of existing structures excluding Building #500 Police Evidence and the water tower, parking for approximately 34 vehicles, utility connections, stormwater management, accessibility compliance, sustainability features, and turnkey furniture, fixtures, and equipment. Minimum qualifications include five years of verifiable design-build experience on public-use facilities; three comparable projects of $2 million or greater completed within the past seven years; a multidisciplinary Maryland-licensed team including architects and professional engineers; surety letters of intent for 100% of anticipated construction value; and insurance meeting Appendix C.

The Town has established a maximum Phase 1 budget of $3.1 million, inclusive of design fees, construction, FF&E, contingency, and permitting. The feasibility study estimates preliminary construction cost at approximately $3.12 million. Grant funding of $1.25 million to $1.8 million supports the project, with a $250,000 component expiring June 2027. Substantial Completion is required within 24 months of Notice to Proceed. Liquidated damages are $500 per calendar day. Payment is due within 30 calendar days of a properly completed invoice, with 10% retainage until Substantial Completion, reduced to 5% thereafter.

Proposals must include a fixed lump-sum design/preconstruction fee, construction fee, general conditions structure, preliminary construction estimate, FF&E allowance, and contingency percentage. The final GMP is negotiated collaboratively after the 65% Design Development submission. The site is 402 Potomac Street in La Plata, approximately 2.1 acres zoned Industrial High, with rezoning to Central Business recommended. The Town expects a Notice of Intent to Award on January 13, 2027, contract execution on January 20, 2027, and Notice to Proceed on January 25, 2027. Maryland law governs, with proceedings in Charles County.