RFQ26016C TPS Clean Buildings Phase III

Tacoma Public Schools District No. 10 is issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for design-build services to support the TPS Clean Buildings Phase 3 Bundle Project under the progressive design-build (PD/B) delivery method authorized by RCW 39.10.300 through 39.10.330. The project involves comprehensive energy efficiency improvements and compliance with Washington State Clean Buildings Performance Standards across multiple District facilities, including energy audits, conservation measure implementation, system upgrades, and commissioning services for buildings ranging from 20,000 to 90,000 square feet divided into two tiers by facility size. Design-builders must provide full programming, design services, and deliverables for contract negotiation, permitting, subcontractor bidding, construction, commissioning, and performance guarantees. Required qualifications include demonstrated experience in design-build delivery, HVAC and electrical system upgrades, building modernization, and K-12 educational facility construction, with preference for progressive design-build experience; registration with Washington State Department of Labor and Industries; appropriate bonding and insurance; and compliance with prevailing wage requirements and all applicable regulations. A mandatory pre-submittal project information meeting is scheduled for March 19, 2026, from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the TPS Maintenance & Operations Center. The RFQ response deadline is April 2, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with shortlisted finalists submitting detailed proposals by May 14, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., and final design-builder selection and contract execution anticipated by July 20, 2026. Critical project milestones include substantial completion of Tier 2 facilities by July 1, 2027, and Tier 1 facilities by June 1, 2028, to comply with state penalty deadlines under the Clean Buildings Act.

The District has established utilization goals and set-aside designations requiring design-builders to meet 10 percent minority-owned business enterprise, 6 percent women-owned business enterprise, 5 percent small business enterprise, and 30 percent local business (Pierce County-based) participation targets, along with a mandatory 15 percent apprenticeship utilization requirement. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the solicitation. The preliminary combined design and construction budget is approximately $8,000,000, funded through Tacoma voters' February 2024 capital bond approval. Compensation is structured through an initial agreement for preconstruction services with subsequent guaranteed maximum price (GMP) amendments for final design and construction phases. Preconstruction services are scheduled to commence June 16, 2026, allowing design-builders to refine project scope and budget prior to final GMP negotiation and construction commencement.