One-Step Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) – Bell County Courthouse Security & Courtroom Upgrade

Bell County (County) is seeking one-step proposals from qualified, licensed, and experienced Construction Manager at Risk contractors and invites responses to this RFP from qualified Construction Managers at Risk (Respondents) interested in providing contractor services for the construction of Courthouse Security and Courtroom Upgrades. Since the construction documents are largely complete (estimated at 90%), the work will focus on constructability review, estimating, long-lead-time identification, bid packaging, propose value engineering (if the A&E firm and owner agree), logistic/phasing plans during the preconstruction phase, and turnkey audio and visual courtroom needs. While the building is historic; the A/E has determined IEBC historic provisions do not apply to the construction scope.

Location: In the City of Belton, the Bell County Courthouse, 101 E. Central Ave., Belton, TX 76513

Building: Major items include upgrading the existing courtroom on the second floor of the Bell County Courthouse and securing an entry on the first floor of the courthouse. The courtroom upgrade will involve demolishing the existing courtroom layout and constructing a new layout with the required millwork, installing Armortex (or equivalent) panels, stonework, auditorium seating, flooring, electrical and technology outlets, audio/visual wiring and devices, and some information technology devices.

The first-floor construction work area includes replacement of the designated first-floor entry with a new ballistic-rated door and access-control system. The completed assembly shall control public access into the building and shall be furnished and installed in accordance with the construction documents.

Site: The project includes modification of selected on-site electrical utilities and information technology wiring and devices for audio/visual updates. During construction, the courtroom will be unoccupied. The Contractor will need to be aware of employees and members of the public passing through directly outside of the work sites. The first-floor entry door work site needs to be secured daily during construction, but it can remain out of order, as employees and members of the public can use other entry points.

Existing Conditions: The work will occur in an existing, occupied courthouse. Except as otherwise approved by the County, the CMAR shall maintain required public access, control construction noise and dust, and comply with the building’s security requirements throughout construction.

Proposed Project Schedule:

· RFP 10-27 Due Date October 6, 2026 @ 2:00 PM (CST)

· Contractor Evaluation Period October 2026

· Contractor Award/Contract Approved November 2, 2026 (subject to change)

· Commence Work (Notice to Proceed) November 2026

· Preconstruction Phase November 2026

· Construction Phase December 2026 to March 2027

Project Budget:

· Total Construction Budget is approximately $700,000.00

Project Team:

· Owner: Bell County

· Owner’s Representative: Jeff Buuck, Bell County

· Architecture Firm: Burns Architecture, LLC.