Workspace Planning & Design Services

The City of Cincinnati's Facilities Management Division is issuing a Request for Proposals for comprehensive Workspace Planning & Design Services to optimize interior design and space planning across multiple municipal facilities, including City Hall, Centennial II, and the Public Services Administration Building. The selected design firm will be responsible for providing a full range of services spanning approximately 30 months from May 2026 through completion, including building assessment (6 months), schematic design (4 months), design development (4 months), construction documents (8 months), bidding and permitting (6 months), and construction administration (48 months). The scope encompasses space optimization across approximately 75,000 square feet, departmental relocations, expanded conference spaces, office renovations, workstation additions, bathroom renovations, and incorporation of technology upgrades. Key deliverables include construction documents and specifications, construction administration oversight, and a phased project schedule, with the project also requiring electrical engineering services for Arc Flash Studies at Centennial II and Public Services Administration. The mandatory pre-submission meeting is scheduled for March 24, 2026, at 1:00 PM ET at Centennial II, with attendance required for proposal eligibility; written questions must be submitted by March 30, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET; and proposals are due on or before April 8, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET via the City's Bonfire electronic portal. Evaluation criteria are weighted as follows: Cost and Budget (40%), Technical Approach and Methodology (20%), Experience and Expertise (20%), and Qualifications of Key Personnel (20%). The total project budget is $13,000,000, encompassing design services, construction, furnishings, and technology upgrades.

The RFP imposes mandatory subcontracting goals requiring 4.82% Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and 4.82% Women Business Enterprise (WBE) participation, with failure to meet these thresholds potentially resulting in proposal rejection. Proposers must provide evidence of certification status in the City of Cincinnati's small business enterprise (SBE), minority business enterprise (MBE), women business enterprise (WBE), emerging local business enterprise (ELBE), and sustaining local business enterprise (SLBE) programs. All proposers must maintain professional liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $3,000,000 in aggregate, general liability insurance of $1,000,000 per occurrence and $2,000,000 in aggregate, and an umbrella policy of $1,000,000. Proposals must include comprehensive organizational and contact information, evidence of signatory authorization appropriate to the legal entity type, an affidavit of accuracy affirming no collusion and complete accuracy of information, and documentation of incorporation of all RFP addenda. No incumbent vendors or existing contractors are listed in the RFP materials. The City reserves the right to negotiate terms, request oral presentations, and award contracts based on the most advantageous proposal considering all evaluation factors.