WCU Cleaning and Fireproofing University Stage Draperies and Soft Goods

Western Carolina University (WCU), a state agency located in Jackson County, North Carolina, has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for cleaning and fireproofing services for university stage draperies and soft goods across seven campus venues including the Performing Arts Center Bardo, Niggli Theatre, Breese Gym Dance Studio, Coulter Recital Hall, Ramsey Center Main Arena, and University Auditorium. The scope of work encompasses cleaning and fireproofing of numerous drapery panels, borders, legs, travelers, scrims, cyclorama drapery, seat covers, and skirts, with quantities ranging from single items to 600 pieces for certain items. Qualified vendors must demonstrate a minimum of five years of experience in stage drapery maintenance, utilize professional environmentally friendly dry-cleaning solvents and UL-listed fire-retardant products, and possess certification to apply UL-listed fire retardant with proof of certification provided at bid. The project will be awarded to the responsive bid offering the lowest price meeting all specifications, with evaluation based on pricing, adherence to specifications, past experience, and completion of required attachments. Critical deadlines include a mandatory site visit on February 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM at WCU Facilities Management Steam Plant Conference Room (late arrivals are prohibited from participation), written questions due by February 18, 2026, at 10:00 AM, and proposals due electronically via Bonfire by February 24, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET with public opening via Microsoft Teams. The contract term is one year with options to extend for two additional one-year terms, and all items must be received and invoiced no later than June 20, 2026.

All responding vendors must be registered as North Carolina vendors in good standing through the eVP portal, complete certification of financial condition, provide at least three customer references for similar work, and submit location of workers information. The procurement includes Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) participation requirements with a target of 10 percent utilization of diverse firms. Vendors are required to conduct and pay for background checks on all proposed employees and must complete registration with the NC Secretary of State within ten business days of award notification before any purchase orders are issued. Pricing must include all delivery, handling, and administrative costs, with temporary tariff surcharges available as a separate line item if justified. No incumbent vendors or budget range information has been specified in the available documentation. This opportunity is posted on the North Carolina state contract portal with a posting date of February 9, 2026, and a due date of February 24, 2026.