RFQ #27-02 RFQ Construction Manager at Risk

Isle of Wight County Public Schools is requesting qualifications from Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) contractors for a new elementary school project under RFQ #27-02, with qualification statements due August 6, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. This is a two-step procurement: Step One establishes a shortlist of minimum two qualified firms by August 10; Step Two solicits technical proposals from shortlisted firms due September 10, with School Board approval anticipated October 8, 2026.

The scope is approximately 143,000 square feet of new two-story elementary school construction on approximately 18 acres, including classroom wings, administrative spaces, dining commons with kitchen, media center, gymnasium, and associated site work (utilities, parking, bus loop, landscaping). The project is based on a prototypical design previously constructed for Isle of Wight County Schools. Pre-construction phases begin October 1, 2026, with construction notice to proceed planned for early spring 2027 and occupancy targeted for July 30, 2028.

The estimated construction cost is $58 million. Applicants must demonstrate financial ability through surety company letters confirming bonding capacity in the $60 million range and certificates of insurance. Qualification statements must not exceed 30 pages single-sided or 60 pages double-sided, submitted electronically as PDFs no larger than 25 MB. All contractors and subcontractors must utilize a web-based project management system selected by the School Division, potentially Newforma. Applicants must hold a Virginia Class A contractor license and satisfy drug-free workplace, non-discrimination, and background compliance certifications per Virginia Code 22.1-296.1.

Evaluation allocates 100 maximum points: CMAR project experience (45 points), proposed project team staff and references (20 points), and project methods including cost management, schedule, quality control, safety, construction contingency management, and MBE/Emerging Small Business outreach (35 points). A non-mandatory 25 percent MBE/ESB participation goal is established. Questions were due July 20, 2026. Addendum No. 1 was issued July 21, 2026, clarifying project parameters and addressing pre-proposal questions. RRMM Architects serves as the design team and non-voting resource.