Special Inspections and Material Testing

Cleveland Community College in North Carolina has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Special Inspections and Material Testing services related to the construction of a new three-story, 45,422-square-foot Student Center located at 137 South Post Road in Shelby, North Carolina. The project requires comprehensive inspection and testing services across multiple construction disciplines, including verification of soils and rammed aggregate piers, structural steel inspection, high-strength bolting, welding of structural steel, cold-formed steel decking, open-web steel joists and joist girders, cold-formed steel framing, concrete construction, masonry construction, sprayed fire-resistant materials, fire-resistance penetrations and joints, retaining wall systems greater than 5 feet, and seismic resistance inspections. The facility will be constructed primarily of structural steel, precast concrete, composite decking, metal framing, masonry, and a concrete slab-on-grade supported by a deep foundation system. Prospective firms and individuals must hold a current license in the State of North Carolina and submit Statements of Qualifications in three copies by the deadline of Tuesday, February 24th, 2026, to Lance Ashley at the college's address. Required SOQ components include a cover letter, firm background documentation with NC licensure verification, project team qualifications with resumes and certifications, relevant experience on North Carolina higher education/county/state projects, an inspection and testing approach with staffing plan and turnaround times, unit pricing for services, quality control procedures, references, and proof of insurance. Unit pricing is identified as a key evaluation criterion, though the RFQ does not disclose specific pricing guidance or the overall contract value.

The solicitation does not specify any set-aside designations or restrictions limiting participation to particular types of organizations, such as disadvantaged enterprises or small business classifications. No incumbent vendors or current contractors are identified in the procurement documents. The RFQ does not reference any existing infrastructure or technology integration requirements. While no specific award value or budget range is disclosed in the available documentation, interested firms should note that unit pricing submissions will be a significant factor in the evaluation process. Potential respondents should contact Cleveland Community College directly for any clarification regarding contract value expectations or additional technical specifications prior to proposal submission.