RFQ for Morton Mandan Public Library Tourism Makerspace Hub

Location:	North Dakota
Posted:	Feb 6, 2026
Due:	Mar 11, 2026
Agency:	Mandan city
Type of Government:	State & Local
Category:	76 - Books, Maps, and Other Publications
Publication URL:	To access bid details, please log in.

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TOURISM MAKERSPACE HUB

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

ARCHITECTURAL / ENGINEERING SERVICES

PROJECT OVERVIEW

MMPL is requesting Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) from qualified

Architectural/Engineering firms for the design and construction support of the Tourism

Makerspace Hub, a renovation of approximately 2,736 sq. ft. within the second-floor freight-

house wing. The project is funded through the North Dakota Destination Development Grant

for completion during the 2025–2027 biennium.

MMPL has identified target functional areas—such as a Create Space, Fabrication Lab, Crafting

Lab, Digital Lab, Podcasting Rooms, Production/Gaming Studio, Professional Kitchen,

Classroom, and supporting storage and clean-up spaces. No concept map or fixed layout has

been established; the selected A/E firm will develop schematic layouts that support innovation,

operational flexibility, user experience, safety, code compliance, and long-term sustainability.

MMPL is also committed to strengthening local workforce development. As part of this project,

the library intends to collaborate with Mandan High School’s Career & Technical Education

(CTE) programs—including construction, electrical, plumbing, and welding—to provide

structured, safe, and meaningful student learning opportunities. Firms demonstrating

thoughtful approaches to such collaboration will be rated favorably.

SCOPE OF A/E SERVICES

• Refinement of conceptual needs; development of schematic layouts.

• Full architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and accessibility design.

• Makerspace-specific integration: fabrication ventilation, acoustic treatment, digital and

media production environments.

• Interior design: finishes, lighting, durability planning, ADA pathways, and wayfinding.

• Cost estimating at schematic, design development, and pre-bid phases.

• Preparation of complete construction documents and technical specifications.

• Bidding-phase assistance, contractor questions, and issuance of addenda.

• Construction administration including meetings, submittal review, site visits, and

closeout.

STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS

SOQs shall be limited to a maximum of 20 single-sided pages or 10 double-sided pages and

must address the following:

• Firm and Team Qualifications – technical capabilities, resumes, and relevant experience.

• Experience with Similar Projects – projects that demonstrate skill in designing flexible,

innovative, and engaging spaces where people create, collaborate, learn, or participate

in hands-on activities, emphasizing adaptable layouts and creative problem-solving.

• Project Understanding & Approach – methodology, communication, sequencing,

schedule realism, and clarity of workflow.

• Knowledge of Codes & Local Conditions – understanding of Mandan/North Dakota

requirements and building environment.

• Team Availability & Capacity – ability to meet project schedule and maintain

communication throughout.

• Innovation & Sustainability – forward-thinking design, environmentally sustainable

materials, and energy-efficient systems.

• Educational Collaboration – willingness and ability to collaborate with Mandan High

School’s CTE programs (construction, electrical, plumbing, welding) to create safe,

meaningful learning opportunities for students.

MMPL may invite shortlisted firms for interviews. A single firm will be recommended for

negotiation; if an agreement cannot be reached, negotiations will proceed with the next

highest-ranked firm. MMPL reserves the right to reject any or all submissions.

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Deadline: SOQs must be received by 5:00 pm CT on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

Submit six (6) hard copies and one (1) digital PDF.

Deliver to:

Morton Mandan Public Library

Attn: Barb Sandstrom, Library Director

609 W Main Street

Mandan, ND 58554

Email inquiries: bsandstrom@mandanlibrary.org

OPTIONAL SITE VISIT

Firms may schedule a walkthrough to assess structural, mechanical, electrical, and accessibility

conditions.

ANTICIPATED TIMELINE

• RFQ Release: Friday, February 13, 2026

• SOQ Deadline: Wednesday, March 11, 2026

• Interviews (if held): March 16 -19, 2026

• Firm Selection: Tuesday, March 24, 2026

• Design Phase: 2026

• Construction Phase: 2026–2027

• Completion: June 1, 2027, biennium

ATTACHMENT A – DETAILED SCOPE OF WORK

The following scope outlines expected services from the selected A/E firm. These requirements

support innovation, flexibility, tourism experience, sustainability, operational effectiveness, and

community partnership.

1. Pre-Design Services

• Review MMPL program needs and square footage requirements.

• Conduct onsite assessment of mechanical, structural, electrical, plumbing, and life-

safety conditions.

• Identify constraints and opportunities unique to the second-floor freight-house

structure.

• Meet with MMPL leaders and stakeholders to refine needs.

• Develop multiple schematic layout concepts.

• Prepare preliminary cost estimates.

2. Architectural Design Services

• Prepare architectural drawings: plans, elevations, sections, and construction details.

• Program and plan for all functional zones (maker, fabrication, digital media, kitchen,

storage, classroom).

• Design for flexibility, public safety, durability, and inclusive accessibility.

• Coordinate interior finishes, lighting, environmental comfort, and materials.

• Recommend energy-efficient and sustainable design strategies.

3. Engineering Services

• Structural evaluation and reinforcement as needed.

• HVAC modifications including fabrication exhaust and kitchen ventilation.

• Electrical upgrades including power distribution for equipment and technology needs.

• Plumbing for sinks, clean-up, kitchen, and circulation systems.

• Acoustic evaluation and recommendations for podcasting and media studios.

4. Cost Estimating

• Prepare estimates at schematic, design development, and pre-bid stages.

5. Construction Documents

• Complete bid-ready drawing sets and specifications.

6. Bidding Support

• Respond to bidder questions, prepare addenda, and assist in bid review.

7. Construction Administration

• Attend meetings

• Review shop drawings, submittals, and samples.

• Conduct site inspections.

• Prepare punch lists and assist with closeout.

8. Post-Construction Support

• Provide as-built documentation and final review assistance.

9. Collaboration with Mandan High School CTE Programs

• Identify structured, safe, age-appropriate ways for CTE students (construction,

electrical, plumbing, welding) to observe, learn, or engage during design or

construction.

• Coordinate learning opportunities such as walkthroughs, demonstrations, or Q&A

sessions.

• Ensure compliance with safety protocols and supervision requirements.

• Propose optional supplemental educational materials or interactions.

This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.