RFPQ DeLong ES Replacement Project Design Build

Tacoma School District is requesting qualifications from design-builders for progressive design-build services for a replacement DeLong Elementary School on an existing 4.9-acre site in Tacoma, Washington, with an RFQ due October 22, 2026 and a mandatory pre-submittal meeting on September 30, 2026. The procurement is subject to Washington's alternative public works procedure (RCW 39.10) and carries a mandatory 15% apprentice utilization requirement under state law.

The District has established participation goals of 10% MBE, 6% WBE, 5% SBE, and 30% local businesses (defined as those with headquarters or significant permanent office in Pierce County). The RFQ evaluation criteria weight Underutilized Business/Local Business/Apprenticeship Utilization at 20 of 105 points; the subsequent RFP stage weights this factor at 20 of 125 points. Design-Builders must be registered with Washington State Department of Labor and Industries and demonstrate bonding capacity for at least $45 million.

The project scope encompasses a new approximately 45,000-square-foot facility to house approximately 420 students, with comprehensive programming, design services, and construction deliverables. Design-Builders must demonstrate qualifications in design-build delivery and K-12 educational facility design or construction for projects of similar or greater value, complexity, size, and scope. Required key team members include a Design-Build Project Executive, Preconstruction Manager, Diversity/Equity/Inclusion Manager, Senior Cost Estimator, Construction Project Manager, Construction Superintendent, and lead designers for structural, civil, mechanical, and electrical disciplines.

The preliminary Guaranteed Maximum Price budget for design and construction is $45 million, funded through a capital bond issue approved by Tacoma voters in February 2024. The Design-Build Agreement is anticipated to execute on or near February 12, 2027. Construction is scheduled June 2028 through June 2029, with occupancy targeted for the 2029–30 school year. Design-builder finalists will be selected by October 30, 2026 and invited to submit proposals with an RFP deadline of December 10, 2026. Finalists not awarded will receive a $1,000 honorarium.