North Campus Fire Training Phase III Design-Build Services

RFQ # 121-073126DD
DESIGN-BUILD: REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) ADVERTISEMENT FOR OWNER
Adopted by the State Building Commission on June 25, 2019
Amended by the State Construction Office August 8, 2022
Department/Agency Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
Project Title Fire Training Phase III
Design-Build Services Design-Build Services
This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is for Design-Build Services
associated with the planning, design, permitting, and construction of the
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Fire Training Center, Phase III Project
located at the College's North Campus in Salisbury, North Carolina. The
$5,000,000 project is funded through the United States Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Office of Community Planning and
Development Program and shall comply with all applicable HUD
requirements. The project scope generally includes construction of an
approximately 10,000 SF Operational Support Building, renovation of
Building N131 to provide new restroom facilities, site development, utility
extensions, fencing, gates, site security improvements, hose drying
facilities, dumpster enclosure, stormwater infrastructure, parking, drives,
Scope of Work
sidewalks, and other supporting exterior improvements. The Operational
Support Building will include student, faculty, and staff restrooms, locker
rooms, showers, laundry facilities, office space, workshop areas, apparatus
garage space, decontamination training facilities, storage areas, and an
outdoor classroom pavilion. The Design-Builder shall update the Fire
Training Center Master Plan, seek all required approvals, administer the
design and construction process, provide commissioning support, and
deliver a fully operational facility. The project will be delivered utilizing the
Design-Build method and administered under North Carolina State
Construction Office requirements. Specific project requirements are
identified in the Owner's Design Criteria dated July 28, 2026.
Parcel ID: 063 013, Pin: 5668-01-09-0335, Rowan-Cabarrus Community
Project Site
College 1333 Jake Alexander Blvd. S., Salisbury, NC 28146
Schedule October 2026, 24 months
Contact Ronda Holland
Telephone 704-216-3455
Email collegeenvironment@rccc.edu
Total Project Budget $5,000,000
Source of Funds Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Approved OC-25 # NCCCS No. 2874 Approved July 2024, SCO Project 31569
Publish Date Friday, July 31, 2026
Closing Date Tuesday, September 1, 2026, 2:00 pm
Ronda Holland
Submit Electronic your Electronic
collegeenvironment@rccc.edu
Submittal (Adobe.pdf format) to:
Please identify the Project Title in the subject line of your e-mail
Physical Location
for Fed Ex/UPS Delivery (Delivery Hard copies are not accepted at this time.
Address):
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RFQ # 121-073126DD
In order to offer Construction Services (General Contracting, Electrical
Contracting, Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contracting, or
Landscape Contracting) and Design Services (Architecture,
Engineering, or Landscape Architecture) as part of the response to this
RFQ, the proposing firms must be properly licensed to provide
Construction Services and Design Services in the State of North
Carolina. More information on the North Carolina state boards may be
found at the following websites:
CONSTRUCTION:
NC Licensing Board for General Contractors: https://nclbgc.org
NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors:
NC Licensing Statement
https://www.ncbeec.org
NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler
Contractors: https://www.nclicensing.org
NC Landscape Contractors' Licensing Board: https://nclclb.com
DESIGN:
NC Board of Architecture: (http://www.ncbarch.org)
NC Board of Examiners for Engineers & Surveyors:
(http://www.ncbels.org)
NC Board of Landscape Architects: (http://www.ncbola.org)
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RFQ # 121-073126DD
SUBMITTAL CRITERIA
Proposing firms must submit an electronic copy of the complete submittal package in Adobe.pdf format (20 MG max)
to the email address provided: collegeenvironment@rcccc.edu Hard copies are not accepted at this time.
Firms must be registered and active with the North Carolina Electronic Vendor Portal prior to submitting a
proposal. https://evp.nc.gov/ Failure to register may result in disqualification.
Each package shall include:
1. Profile of each key firm on the team (design-builder, contractor(s), designer(s), etc.). Include firm history,
ownership, description of services, location, staff size, and record of successfully completed projects without
major legal or technical problems.
2. Resume of each key personnel represented on the team (design-builder, contractor(s), designer(s), etc.).
Identify licenses (with numbers) and qualifications.
3. Examples of experience in each of these areas:
a. Projects with scope similar to proposed project, successfully completed by team members (firms and/or
personnel).
b. Design-Build projects successfully delivered by team members (firms and/or personnel).
c. Collaboration between team members (firm and/or personnel).
4. Examples of recent experience with estimating project cost. Include examples of design-build projects with
comparisons between initial design-build estimate and final cost.
5. Examples of recent experience with adhering to project schedules. Include examples of design-build projects
with comparison between initial schedule and final delivery date.
6. Understanding of the project location as exhibited by past experience in the geographic area and/or with the
client. Indicate the team's proximity to the project area.
7. Quantifiable description of current workload and available resources to successfully complete this project.
8. Description, with examples if applicable, of process for successfully delivering this proposed project. Address
each phase of project (design, pre-construction, and construction). Include explanation of project team selection,
practices, and procedures to ensure quality and other factors that may be applicable. The following project team
selection options are permitted. The governmental entity may specify which option shall be used. If the
governmental entity does not specify, the project team selection shall consist of either of the following:
a. A list of the licensed contractors, licensed subcontractors, and licensed design professionals whom the
design-builder proposes to use for the project's design and construction. If this project team selection option
is used, the design-builder may self-perform some or all of the work with employees of the design-builder
and, without bidding, also enter into negotiated subcontracts to perform some or all of the work with
subcontractors, including, but not exclusively with, those identified in the list. In submitting its list, the
design-builder may, but is not required to, include one or more unlicensed subcontractors the design-builder
proposes to use. If this project team selection option is used, the design-builder may, at its election and
with or without the use of negotiated subcontracts, accept bids for the selection of one or more of its first-
tier subcontractors.
b. A list of the licensed contractors and design professionals whom the design-builder proposes to use for the
project's design and construction and an outline of the strategy the design-builder plans to use for open
subcontractor selection based upon the provisions of Article 8 of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes. If
this project team selection option is used, the design-builder may also self-perform some of the work with
employees of the design-builder but shall not enter into negotiated contracts with first-tier subcontractors.
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RFQ # 121-073126DD
9. Certifications:
a. A letter, dated within the last 30 days, from your surety company, signed by their Attorney in Fact, verifying
their willingness to issue sufficient payment and performance bonds for this project, on behalf of your firms
or its agent licensed to do business in North Carolina, and verifying your company's capability and capacity
based on your current value of work. Surety company bond rating shall be rated "A" or better under the
A.M. Best Rating system or The Federal Treasury List.
b. Written certification by the design-builder that each licensed design professional included as part of the
team was selected based solely on qualifications without regard to fee. Include evidence that a
qualifications-based selection (QBS) process was utilized.
10. Additional information as requested by the Owner or deemed appropriate by the Design-Builder.
11. A Letter of Interest - no more than two (2) pages.
12. Two (2) letters of recommendation from prior public sector clients, on their letterhead, for similar projects. These
letters should include a current phone number where this individual can be reached for comment.
13. Signed copies of all addendums issued to this advertisement.
14. A completed and signed W-9 form.
SELECTION CRITERIA
In selecting the Design-Build Firm, the College's Selection Committee will take into consideration qualifying factors
addressed below with their relative weighting:
1. Specialized or appropriate expertise in the specific type of project. 25%
2. An understanding of the Owner's Project Requirements and the location in which the project will be executed.
25%
3. Past performance on similar projects. 10%
4. Qualifications and experience of proposed staff and consultant team. 10%
5. Quality of the Design-build qualifications (short list) and presentation, and answers to questions during any
interviews (final interview). 20%
6. Demonstrated understanding of the College's Facilities Design Manual. 10%
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Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
Fire Training Center, Phase III
Design Criteria
7/28/2026

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
Fire Training Center, Phase III
Design Criteria
7/28/2026
Table of Contents
Introduction.........................................................................................................................................Page 1
Table of Contents.......................................................................................................................Page 2
General Requirements...............................................................................................................Pages 3 - 6
Operations Support Building..............................................................................................................Pages 7 - 10
Building Design Requirements ..........................................................................................................Pages 11 - 15
Building N131 Restrooms ...................................................................................................................Page 16 - 17
Exterior Elements.................................................................................................................................Page 18
Site Requirements................................................................................................................................Pages 19 - 20
Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
College Environment Division
Department of Planning and Capital Projects
2026
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Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
Fire Training Center, Phase III
Design Criteria
7/28/2026
1. Introduction
This RCCC Owner's Project Requirements document is to capture, in writing, the initial concept for the
roughly $5,000,000 Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funded Fire Training
Center, Phase III Project to be constructed on the College's North Campus in Salisbury, NC. These Owner's
Project Requirements shall inform prospective Design-Builders on the goals and requirements the Owner
has created for the project. They should use this document to evaluate their interest in the project, select
their proposed teams, and guide the writing of their proposals in response to the Request for Proposals
(RFP) to show their alignment with the Owner's stated goals, and guide the design of the project. This
document will be included by reference in any future contracts for this project.
2. Vision
The project is envisioned to include the construction of the following in Priority Order:
1. Restrooms for students, faculty, and staff.
2. Garage Space for the Fire Engine and Other Vehicles.
3. Workshop Space for SCBAs and turn-out gear.
4. Locker Rooms and Showers for students, faculty, and staff.
5. Decontamination Training Space.
6. Office Space for Faculty and staff.
7. Security - a more secure facility perimeter.
8. Hose Drying Rack.
9. Garbage and Ash Handling.
10. Covered Pallet and Other Storage.
As envisioned the projects includes the project scope consists of three primary components:
* Operational Support Building (approximately 9,000 SF)
* Building 131 Restrooms (approximately 200 SF)
* Exterior Program Elements
Specific goals for the project and individual buildings are addressed in this document. The scope of
work will include conceptual design budget, and schedule development, schematic design, design
development, construction documents, construction administration, project close-out, warranty
period management (1 year), and performance verification.
General guidelines for design and standards are included in the College's Facility Design Manual,
February 2024 edition. This Manual is available on the College's website under About Rowan-
Cabarrus/Divisions of the College/College Environment/Planning & Capital Projects:
https://www.rccc.edu
The project will include site development, building construction, and fit-out yielding fully functional
facilities. The Designer shall seek all required approvals, handle bidding, and administer the
construction under a design-build delivery model. The project will be designed and administered as a
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Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
Fire Training Center, Phase III
Design Criteria
7/28/2026
formal project under State Construction Office requirements with monitoring oversight by State
Construction.
3. Conceptual Project Budget
Design Costs: $400,000
Construction Costs: $3,900,000
Contingency: $200,000
Other Contracts $500,000
Total $5,000,000
Funding for the project is provided by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
under their Office of Community Planning and Development Program. The entire project will comply
with HUD's requirements.
4. Design-Build/CX Scopes of Work
The project will include site development, building construction, and fit-out yielding fully functional
facilities. The Design-Builder shall seek all required approvals including zoning, annexation, handle
bidding, and administer the construction under a Design-Build delivery model. The project will be
designed and administered as a formal project under State Construction Office requirements.
4.1. Design Phase:
4.1.1. The Design-Builder's initial effort will include updating the Fire Training Center Master
Plan last updated by Ewing Cole Planners in 2022, and further developing coordinated
building and training prop layout, stormwater, roadways/drives, parking, pedestrian
connectivity, security plans and other elements of the Fire Training Center. This will
require approval of the Owner.
4.1.2. After approval of the Fire Training Center Master Plan the Design-Builder will
complete the following sub-phases for the project and all associated sitework,
including: conceptual design, schematic design, design development, and
construction documents, up to the Approval to Bid, all of which require approval by
the Owner, the State Construction Office, and the AHJ.
4.1.3. The Pre-construction efforts by the Design-Builder includes cost estimating,
constructability reviews, clash detection, sustainability reviews, materials and
finishes analysis, value-engineering, and construction bid package development at
each sub-phase.
4.1.4. The Commissioning Agent's first effort includes systems design review, sustainability
review, and energy modeling at each sub-phase.
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Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
Fire Training Center, Phase III
Design Criteria
7/28/2026
4.1.5. The Design-Build Team will employ or contract with a PHIUS Certified Professional
(CPHC) and Well Building WELL Accredited Professional (WELL AP) Accredited
Professional (WELL AP) to guide the design and preconstruction processes to ensure
the Projects Sustainability Goals are achieved.
4.2. Construction Phase:
4.2.1. The Design-Builders's scope of work during the Construction Phase includes bidding
construction administration, contracting, construction management, project close-
out, warranty period management (1 year), and assistance with performance
verification.
4.2.2. The Commissioning Agent's work in this phase includes shop drawing review, field
inspections, system start-up verification, project close-out review, supervision of
systems training by the CM and Vendors, and performance verification (1 year).
4.2.3. The Design-Build Team will employ or contract with individuals certified in both PHIUS
and Well Building to guide and inspect the construction taking place in the field to
ensure the projects sustainability goals are being achieved.
5. General Project Requirements
5.1. Owner Directives
5.1.1. All aspects of the project design shall comply with the College's Facilities Design Manual,
February 2024 edition.
1.1.1. The project will be conceptualized and designed in a highly integrated approach, with the
Owner, Tenant, Design-Builder, and Commissioning Agent as equal partners in the effort.
1.1.2. As a formal project and over $2,000,000 the project will be administered under State
Construction Office (SCO) requirements, however, the following will be required:
1.1.2.1. Standard SCO Design-Build Contract will be utilized, with scope requirements of the
Owner, beyond those of SCO, carried as Additional Services.
1.1.3. Full third-party enhanced commissioning will be required for the Operational Support
Building, including the building envelope water testing, and building air pressure test.
1.1.4. The construction of the project will be accomplished by the Design-Build delivery method.
1.1.5. Standards: The design, construction, commissioning, and performance verification of the
Operational Support Building will follow two particular sustainable design programs and the
FEMA Emergency Shelter Guidelines. Key components of which will be considered for
inclusion are:
1.1.5.1. WELL Building v2 will guide the design of the building, without the intent of seeking
certification under their program. This will include:
1.1.5.1.1. Air
1.1.5.1.2. Water
1.1.5.1.3. Light
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Rowan-Cabarrus Community College
Fire Training Center, Phase III
Design Criteria
7/28/2026
1.1.5.1.4. Movement
1.1.5.1.5. Thermal Comfort
1.1.5.1.6. Sound
1.1.5.1.7. Materials
1.1.5.2. The 2021 PHIUS CORE Building Standard will guide the design of all buildings,
without the intent of seeking Certification under that standard. This will include
meeting the following:
1.1.5.2.1. Passive Conservation Requirements.
1.1.5.2.2. Airtightness Requirements.
1.1.5.2.3. Active Conservation Requirements.
1.1.5.2.4. Renewable Energy Requirements.
1.1.5.2.5. Moisture Design Criteria.
1.1.5.3. FEMA P-361, Safe Rooms for Tornadoes and Hurricanes: Guidance for Community and
Residential Safe Rooms, Third Edition (2015) shall guide the design of a multi-use space
(or spaces) within the building as a Tornado Shelter, capable of providing shelter space
for the anticipated number of occupants of the building, and driver training pad during
a normal teaching day. The spaces(s) shall be labeled in the documents as such and
shall have appropriate signage.
1.1.5.4. Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). CPTED Principals should
be considered at the perimeter to the site in recognition of the attractive nuisance
potential of the site and previous theft at the existing facilities. In particular, consider
passive deterents to entry onto the site such as signage, video surveillance, gates,
fencing, swales, berms, landscaping, and hardscaping (boulders) along the Navigation
Way frontage.
1.2. Approvals
1.2.1. The project is located within the City Limits of the City of Salisbury, NC, and will require the
city's development approval.
1.2.2. Rowan County is the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and will issue Building Permits and
perform building inspections.
1.2.3. Other Permits as required by AHJ.
1.2.4. SCO will perform plan review in addition to that performed by the local AHJ.
1.3. Drawing Requirements: RCCC will require AutoCAD/vector-based editable copies of drawing
files as well as PDF copies of all stages of project development from schematic design through
project closeout.
1.4. Basis of Design
1.4.1. The Project will be designed using the February 2024 RCCC Design Manual. Any
discrepancies between this document and the guidelines within the Design Manual shall be
noted and discussed with the owner for verification.
1.4.2. Door hardware to use Allegion family of products (Schlage, Von Duprin, LCN, etc.) as the
basis of design and as the Owner's Preferred Alternate in Bid Documents. Keying system to
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