Visitor Center Exhibit GH, SR & SB

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is seeking proposals for a comprehensive, turn-key Visitor Center exhibit project spanning three state parks: Grayson Highlands, Staunton River, and Staunton River Battlefield. The procurement requires multi-disciplinary exhibit design and fabrication firms to provide complete services including research, interpretive writing, exhibit planning, design, graphic production, media development, fabrication, and installation of visitor center exhibits. Contractors must demonstrate extensive knowledge of visitor center exhibit principles, federal, state, and local requirements, and DCR policies. The total all-inclusive budget for the project is $3,000,000, with target exhibit completion dates ranging from June 1 to August 1, 2026. A mandatory pre-proposal virtual conference is scheduled for June 17, 2024, at 10:00 AM, with optional site visits available from June 3-30, 2024. Proposals are due by August 2, 2024, at 4:00 PM, with the contract expected to be awarded in Fall 2024. Evaluation criteria include understanding of project scope (10 points), project approach and methodology (30 points), experience and qualifications (30 points), pricing (10 points), and small business subcontracting plan (20 points).

The procurement includes provisions encouraging participation by small businesses, with additional points awarded for DSBSD-certified small business involvement. Contractors are not required to be DSBSD-certified to submit proposals, but must submit a small business subcontracting plan. The state aims to have 42% of purchases made from DSBSD-certified small businesses. A Virginia Contractor's license (anticipated Class A) will be required for the prime contractor if performing fabrication/installation, or for the subcontractor if those services are subcontracted. Performance and payment bonds will be required due to the significant investment. While the RFP suggests the contract may be awarded to one vendor, the agency maintains the option to contract projects individually if deemed beneficial. The contract allows flexible budget allocation across the three parks, with no strict requirement for equal distribution of funds. Each park's exhibit space varies in size and interpretive focus, providing opportunities for tailored design approaches within the $3,000,000 total budget.