Construction and Infrastructure Workforce Development Lab

Solicitation # 2026-030
Date Issued March 16, 2026
District Five of Lexington and
Procurement Official Lynda Robinson
Richland Counties
Phone (803) 476-8182
E-Mail Address D5bids@lexrich5.org
Request for Qualifications
DESCRIPTION Professional Services-Construction of a New Construction & Infrastructure Workforce Development Lab
The Term "Offer" Means Your "Bid" or "Proposal"
SUBMIT OFFER BY April 1, 2026 at 11:00 am
QUESTIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY March 23, 2026 at 12:00 pm
NUMBER OF COPIES TO BE SUBMITTED 1 original and 3 copies printed, 1 electronic
Offers must be submitted in a sealed package. Solicitation number & Opening Date must appear on package exterior.
SUBMIT YOUR SEALED OFFER TO:
District Five of Lexington and Richland
Counties
Purchasing Office
1020 Dutch Fork Road
Irmo, SC 29063
LOCATION:
CONFERENCE TYPE:
DATE & TIME: As appropriate, see "Conferences - Pre-Bid/Proposal" & "Site
Visit" provisions
AWARD & The award, this solicitation, and any amendments will be posted at the following web address:
AMENDMENTS https://www.lexrich5.org/departments/office-of-finance/procurement/solicitations-and-awards
You must submit a signed copy of this form with Your Offer. By submitting a bid or proposal, you agree to be bound by the terms of the Solicitation.
You agree to hold Your Offer open for a minimum of sixty (60) calendar days after the Opening Date.
NAME OF OFFEROR (Full legal name of business submitting the offer) OFFEROR'S TYPE OF ENTITY:
(Check one)
Sole Proprietorship
AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE Partnership
Corporation (tax-exempt)
(Person signing must be authorized to submit a binding offer to enter a contract on behalf of the
Corporate entity (not tax-exempt)
Offeror named above.)
Government entity (federal, state,
TITLE (Business title of person signing above)
or local)
Other _____________________
PRINTED NAME (Printed name of person signing above) DATE SIGNED
(See "Signing Your Offer" provision.)
Instructions regarding Offeror's name: Any award issued will be issued to, and the contract will be formed with, the entity identified as the Offeror
above. The entity named as the Offeror must be a single and distinct legal entity. Do not use the name of a branch office or a division of a
larger entity if the branch or division is not a separate legal entity, i.e., a separate corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship, etc.
STATE OF INCORPORATION TAXPAYER IDENTIFICATION NO.
(If Offeror is a corporation, identify the state of Incorporation.)
COVER PAGE

PAGE TWO
(Return Page Two with Your Offer)
HOME OFFICE ADDRESS (Address for Offeror's home office / NOTICE ADDRESS (Address to which all procurement and contract
principal place of business) related notices should be sent.)
Area Code: Number: Extension: Facsimile:
E-Mail Address:
PAYMENT ADDRESS (Address to which payments will be sent. ORDER ADDRESS (Address to which purchase orders will be sent)
Payment Address same as Home Office Address Order E-Mail Address:
Payment Address same as Notice Address (check only one)
Order Address same as Home Office Address
Order Address same as Notice Address (check only one)
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF AMENDMENTS: Offerors acknowledge receipt of amendments by indicating amendment number and its date of
issue.
Amendment No. Amendment Amendment Amendment Amendment No. Amendment Amendment Amendment Issue
Issue Date No. Issue Date Issue Date No. Date
DISCOUNT FOR PROMPT PAYMENT 10 Calendar 20 Calendar 30 Calendar Calendar Days (%)
Days (%) Days(%) Days (%)
MINORITY PARTICIPATION
Please answer the following question:
1. Are you certified as a MOB/WOB (minority-owned business/woman-owned business) by the State of South Carolina? Yes
No
If yes, provide certification number: .
PAGE TWO End of Page Two

DEFINITIONS, CAPITALIZATION, AND HEADINGS: CLAUSE HEADINGS USED IN THIS
SOLICITATION ARE FOR CONVENIENCE ONLY AND SHALL NOT BE USED TO CONSTRUE
MEANING OR INTENT, EVEN IF NOT CAPITALIZED, THE FOLLOWING DEFINITIONS ARE
APPLICABLE TO ALL PARTS OF THE SOLICITATION, UNLESS EXPRESSLY PROVIDED
OTHERWISE.
AMENDMENT means a document issued to supplement the original solicitation document.
BOARD means the Board of Trustees of School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties.
BUSINESS means any corporation, partnership, individual, sole proprietorship, joint stock
company, joint venture, or any other legal entity.
CHANGE ORDER means any written alteration in specifications, delivery point, rate of delivery,
period of performance, price, quantity, or other provisions of any contract accomplished by mutual
agreement of the parties to the contract.
CONTRACT means all types of District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties' agreements,
regardless of what they may be called, for the procurement or disposal of supplies, services,
equipment or construction.
CONTRACT MODIFICATION means a written order signed by the Procurement Officer, directing
the contractor to make changes which the clause of the contract TITLED "Changes, "if included
herein, authorizes the Procurement Coordinator to order without the consent of the contractor.
CONTRACTOR means the Offeror receiving an award as a result of this solicitation.
COVER PAGE means the top page of the original solicitation on which the solicitation is identified
by number. Offerors are cautioned that Amendments may modify information provided on the
Cover Page.
DISTRICT means District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties.
OFFER means the bid, quote or proposal submitted in response to this solicitation. The terms Bid
and Proposal are used interchangeably with the term Offer.
OFFEROR means the single legal entity submitting the offer. The term Bidder is used
interchangeably with the term Offeror. See bidding provisions entitled Signing Your Offer and
Bid/Proposal As Offer To Contract.
PAGE TWO means the second page of the original solicitation, which is labeled Page Two.
PROCUREMENT OFFICER means the person, or his successor, identified as such on either the
cover page, an amendment, or an award notice.
YOU and YOUR means Offeror.
SOLICITATION means this document, including all its parts, attachments, and any Amendments.
SUBCONTRACTOR means any person you contract with to perform or provide any part of the
work.
WORK means all labor, materials, equipment, services, or property of any type, provided or to be
provided by the Contractor to fulfill the Contractor's obligations under the Contract.
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Request for Qualifications
Architectural/ Engineering Services
Construction of a New Construction & Infrastructure Workforce Development Lab
1. Introduction
1.1 Purpose of Procurement
1.1.1 School District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties, hereinafter referred to
as "The District" or "Owner", is requesting qualification statements from qualified
firms, "hereinafter referred to as "Respondents or Offerors", to provide
Architectural and Engineering Services for the construction of a new
Construction & Infrastructure Workforce Development Lab located at the Center
for Career and Technical Studies, 916 Mt. Vernon Church Rd., Chapin, SC
29036. The lab will house the construction program, the equipment operator
program and an administrator office area. See Exhibit A for additional
conceptual program information. The District anticipates that it will use the
Design Bid-Build construction delivery method for this project with an estimated
budget of $8 million. The desired substantial completion date is Fall/Winter of
2027/2028.
It is the intent and purpose of the District that this solicitation permits competition.
It is the responsibility of the Respondents to advise the District if any language,
specifications, or requirements, or any combination thereof, inadvertently limit
the competition in this solicitation to a single source.
1.1.2 It is the intent and purpose of this solicitation to give equal consideration to all
Offers. Evaluations of each submission will factor expertise, experience,
capabilities, and references into any consideration of award.
1.1.3 It is the intent and purpose of this solicitation to give equal consideration to all
Offers. Evaluations of each submission will factor expertise, experience,
capabilities, and references into any consideration of award.
1.2 Project Objectives
1.2.1 General Scope of Work. The Architect's basic services as outlined in this
section, and which may also be addressed in other sections of this Agreement,
shall include normal structural, mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering,
landscape architecture, interior design and furniture selection of school facilities.
Project services shall include the preparation of drawings and other document
illustrating the means for substantially meeting the programmatic needs
established by the Board and District Staff and working with the Staff to meet an
Estimated Construction Cost. Design documents and drawings must comply with
all applicable program elements, building and zoning codes, environmental and
DOT requirements and shall include provisions for any required permits and
variances.
1.2.2 Contract requirements shall include all contract administration; documents for
construction, identifying as necessary, the scope of work for each trade;
preparing drawings and specifications for bid packages; and will require close
adherence to established budget and scheduled performance conditions and
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timelines
1.2.3 In selecting a firm, the Owner will emphasize the experience of the firm and
assigned personnel in working on school projects including providing functions
on projects of similar magnitude and complexity as the proposed project.
Selection preference will be toward firms that have depths of knowledge and
resources for contract coordination, compliance, and familiarity with state laws,
ordinances, and codes applicable to the Owner.
1.2.4 It is the responsibility of each submitter to examine the complete Request for
Qualifications ("RFQ"), seek clarification in writing and review its submission for
accuracy before submitting their qualifications. Once submission deadlines have
passed, all submissions will be final. The Owner may request clarification from
any individual submitter relative to their submission.
1.2.5 Certified Minority Business Enterprises are encouraged to respond to this
request for qualifications.
1.3 Project Assumptions
1.3.1. The Owner does not desire to enter into "joint-venture" agreements with multiple
firms.
1.3.2. The Owner expects all parties to this project to work closely together and deal
appropriately with project conditions to finish the job successfully. A spirit of
cooperation and collaboration is of utmost importance to the Owner.
1.3.3. It is the sincere intention of the Owner to make every effort to be fair and
equitable in its dealings with all candidates for selection.
1.4 Definitions of Terms
1.4.1. Whenever the term "RFQ," is used, the reference is to this Request for
Qualifications or portions thereof, together with any exhibits, attachments, or
addenda it may contain.
1.4.2. Whenever the terms "shall," "must," or "is required" are used in the RFQ, the
referenced task is a mandatory requirement of this RFQ. Failure to meet any
mandatory requirement will be cause for rejection of a submittal.
1.4.3. Whenever the terms "can," "may," or "should" are used in the RFQ, the
referenced specification is discretionary. Therefore, although the failure to provide
any items so termed will not be cause for rejection, the Selection Committee may
consider such failure in evaluating the submittal.
1.4.4. Whenever the terms "apparent successful" or "top-ranked" or "highest-
ranking" firm or offeror are used in this document, the reference is to the firm that
the Selection Committee ultimately judges to have submitted the qualifications that
best satisfy the needs of the Owner in accordance with the RFQ. The selection of
an apparent successful firm does not necessarily mean the Selection Committee
accepts all aspects of the firm's qualification submittal.
1.4.5. Whenever the term "submittal" or "response" is used in the RFQ, the reference
is to the response offered by a firm in accordance with the RFQ.
1.4.6. "Selection Committee" refers to the District representatives responsible for
administering and conducting the evaluation and selection process of the RFQ.
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1.4.7. Architect/Engineer (A/E)", "Design Professional" and "Designer of Record"
all refer to any individual or entity legally qualified to practice architecture or
engineering in South Carolina with whom the District has a contractual agreement
to provide services pertaining to construction that members of this profession or
those in their employ may justifiably perform. The Architect/Engineer serves as the
District's authorized representative to the extent of the contractual agreement
between the Architect/Engineer and the District. Any reference to
Architect/Engineer also includes any representatives, agents or employees of the
Architect/Engineer.
1.4.8. "Owner's Project Requirements" is a written document that details the functional
requirements of a project and the expectations of how it will be used and operated.
1.4.9. Change Order: Any written alteration in specifications, delivery point, rate of
delivery, period of performance, price, quantity, or other provisions of any contract
accomplished by mutual agreement of the parties of the contract subject to Board
policy.
1.4.10. Contract: The written and executed Contract Agreement between the District and
the Contractor for purposes of performing the work identified in the Contract
Documents at the agreed upon contract price during the agreed upon contract
time. The executed Contract Agreement supersedes any prior negotiations,
representations, or agreements, whether written or oral, unless incorporated in the
Contract Agreement by reference to supplementary documents, or through
execution of a Change Order. The contract between the District and the Contractor
is not to be construed as an agreement between the District and any subcontractor,
material or equipment supplier, or any other individuals or entities enjoined to the
Contractor for purposes of contract execution.
2. General Instructions
2.1. Program
2.1.1 General: The project will be designed and constructed to a level of quality and
timeliness that reflects the long-term use of functional, efficient and adaptable
components of District Five School Facilities
2.1.2 Owner-Architect Contract: The agreement will be for an itemized fixed fee or
fixed percentage of the total construction contract and will utilize a modified B101-
2017, Standard Form of Agreement Between Owner and Architect. All dispute
resolution in any contract shall be in accordance with the District's Procurement
Code.
2.2. Selection Process
2.2.1. Request for Qualifications: This document is an RFQ. The responses will be
evaluated and at least three firms will be selected for interviews. After the
interviews, the Committee will rank the top three firms. Negotiations will then
commence with the highest ranked firm.
2.2.2. Selection Committee: The selection of professional service providers will be
made by a Selection Committee which will consist of representatives determined
to be qualified to make an informed decision as to the most competent and
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qualified firms for the project. Offeror's contact for information and clarification
about the Project must be limited to the procurement coordinator, as identified in
3.1.5. below.
2.2.3. Selection: Selection of the firm will be a multi-step process:
a. Written Submittal -The Selection Committee will receive and review statements
of qualifications and performance data as well as additional information
requested in response to the RFQ. The Selection Committee will evaluate all
firms first against a set of criteria, provided in Section 3 below, to determine
those firms most qualified and suited for this particular project. Qualifications
alone will narrow the field to a shortlist of at least three of the top ranked firms.
b. Interview and Final Evaluation - As part of the evaluation of the responses, the
top ranked firms will be invited to a formal interview to explain their
qualifications and visions orally and to answer questions from the Selection
Committee. From the evaluation of the written qualifications, combined with the
interview, the Selection Committee will rank the shortlisted firms in order of
suitability and appropriateness for the project.
2.3. Submittal Validity: Any submitted proposal shall remain valid for ninety (90) days after
the proposal due date or until the Owner executes a contract, whichever is sooner. In the
event the selected proposer fails to perform and/or the contract is terminated within forty-
five (45) days of its initiation, the Owner may request the proposer submitting the next
acceptable proposal to honor its proposal.
2.4 Scope of Work Overview: The following scope of design services, including structural,
mechanical, electrical, plumbing and site/civil engineering services, energy
modeling/analysis, landscaping and technology and security integration and management
shall be provided by the A/E for the as applicable for this project.
2.4.1. Schematic Phase: Participate and follow directives conveyed in visioning work
sessions in collaboration with the District's Board and Staff. Consider and analyze
the possibility of site adaptation of plans currently owned by the District. Consider
cost structures of various alternatives and determine the general needs for
programming and a structure on the proposed site
2.4.2. Conceptual/Schematic Design Phase Refine program, space needs and project
scope. This phase will involve meetings with school staff for program
development/refinement. For each component in the project, determine the
relationship of proposed new spaces to District needs, programmatic
requirements, and site.
2.4.3. Design Development Phase: After approval and acceptance of the end product
from Conceptual/Schematic Design Phase by the District, the A/E will work in
conjunction and consultation with the District Representative for the Project to
create detailed plans for building elevations, material selections, mechanical,
plumbing, electrical/control systems and final design. Several revisions of the plan
may be needed as the project is developed during this planning stage. The A/E
shall provide energy modeling for mechanical and other building systems under
consideration. The A/E will then prepare a final design plan based on the input
received from the District and any applicable governmental agencies responsible
for project approvals.
2.4.4. After final approval of the architectural drawings and plan documents by the District
and the Board, as well as the South Carolina Department of Education Office of
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School Facilities, and any required other governing bodies, the A/E will create
detailed construction and specification documents for construction bidding
purposes. The final construction documents, as applicable, shall include as a
minimum: Site Plan, Landscaping Plan, Stormwater Management Plan, Roof Plan,
Drainage Plan, Floor Plan(s), Exterior Elevations, Building Sections, Foundation
Plan, Framing Plan(s), Details, Plumbing Isometrics, Door/Window/Room
Finish/Header/, Plumbing/Electrical schedule, HVAC Plans, Electrical Plans, Life
Safety Plans, Fire Protection Plans, Submittal Worksheets and the project manual
including specifications in the format agreed to by the District.
2.5 Plan Approvals: The A/E is responsible for the procurement of ALL plan approvals from
all agencies of State and Local Government including, but not limited to the South Carolina
Department of Education's office of School Facilities, South Carolina Department of Health
and Environmental Control, Richland County and any other entity from which approval is
required for the buildings including, but not limited to zoning, landscaping, stormwater
management, highway right of way encroachment, electrical, sewer, water, HVAC,
mechanical, plumbing and/or fire protection.
2.6 Construction Related Services: The A/E will provide, on the District's behalf,
construction administration services. At a minimum, services to be provided consist of
coordinating regular progress meetings, review of shop drawings, assisting District in floor
and finish material selection, construction observation, RFIs, change orders subject to
Board policy, processing any payment certificates required in the construction contract,
and facilitating preparation of final record drawings, warranty follow-up and project
closeout. The A/E shall provide updated budgetary cost estimates during each phase of
the design process.
2.7 Design Guidelines: The District may request the A/E to integrate sustainable
principles/design into the District's project. The A/E may apply/utilize standards found in
the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Green Building Rating System, Green
Globes or other nationally recognized sustainability program/certification.
2.8 Schedule of Events: The following Schedule of Events represents the Owner's best
estimate of the schedule that will be followed. The Owner reserves the right, at its sole
discretion, to adjust this schedule as it deems necessary. Notification of any adjustment
to the Schedule of Events shall be provided by an amendment posted to the District's
website.
EVENTS DATE TIME
Advertisement in SCBO March 16, 2026 -
Deadline for written questions
March 23, 2026 12:00 PM
and clarifications
Deadline for submission of
April 1, 2026 11:00 AM
Qualifications
Selection Committee Issues
April 24, 2026 _
Short List
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Interviews of shortlisted firms TBD TBD
3. Written Submittal-Qualifications Submission Format and Requirements
(Response to Request for Qualifications or "RFQ")
3.1. Physical Submittal - One original and five copies of the information shall be submitted.
One electronic copy shall also be included. Each submittal shall be identical and include
a transmittal letter. The transmittal letter (or cover letter) will not count toward the page
limit (specified in Section 3.1.1.). The table of contents sheet and the tab sheets also do
not count toward the page limit. Submitters are encouraged to follow their responses in
the sequence of the Submittal outlined here. Responses should be concise, clear, and
relevant. When responding to the requests provided elsewhere in the submittal, submitters
may insert reference information at the specific location where the answer is to be
provided. The Submitter's cost incurred in responding to this RFQ is the submitter's alone,
and the Owner does not accept liability for any such costs.
3.1.1. In accordance with the South Carolina Green Purchasing Initiative,
submittals cannot exceed 20 double-side pages, including covers, which
must be soft, no hard notebooks. The Federal Form 330 is not included in
this page count. The pages of the qualification submittals must be numbered. A
table of contents, with corresponding tabs in the body of the submittal, must be
included as well to identify each section. Placing multiple tabs on a single page is
perfectly acceptable. If more than one item in the table of contents can be started
on the same page, you may do so and place all corresponding tabs on that page.
Any affidavits, certifications, or signed statements called for may be included in an
appendix and will not count toward the page limit.
3.1.2. Submittals of qualifications will be accepted until the time and date shown in the
Schedule of Events (Section 2.8). This is a firm deadline. The Owner is not
responsible for the proper or timely delivery of submittals. Failure to meet the
deadline for receipt of submittals will result in rejection of the submittal. Submittals
received after the deadline will not be considered whether delayed in transit or for
any other cause whatsoever. Each firm is solely responsible for the accuracy and
completeness of its submittal. Errors and omissions may constitute grounds for
rejection.
3.1.3. The Owner intends to limit the cost that submitters incur to respond to this
solicitation. Therefore, submitters are encouraged to be brief and succinct. Thick
volumes of background and general marketing material are not desired. A firm
should highlight instead its responsiveness to the evaluation criteria. If there are
multiple firms proposed as one team, each component firm should describe its
relevant qualifications.
3.1.4. Firms should deliver their submittals in a sealed package. The name and address
of the firm should appear on the outside of the package, and the package should
reference the project; i.e., "RFQ for Architectural/Engineering Services - New
Construction & Infrastructure Workforce Development Lab "
3.1.5. Submit qualification documents to the following address:
Lauren Bove
Coordinator of Purchasing
Lexington School District Five
1020 Dutch Fork Road
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Irmo, SC 29063
3.1.6. Except for submission of questions, discussed further below, proposers shall not
contact any members or employees of the Owner or Board regarding any aspect
of this procurement until after the award of the contracts. Contact with these
persons could be grounds for elimination from the competition. Any prospective
Offeror desiring an explanation or interpretation of the solicitation, drawings,
specifications, etc., must request it in writing. Questions must be received by the
Procurement Officer no later than five (5) days prior to opening unless otherwise
stated on the Cover Page. Label any communication regarding your questions
with the name of the procurement officer, and the solicitation's title and number.
Oral explanations or instructions will not be binding. Any information given a
prospective Offeror concerning a solicitation will be furnished promptly to all other
prospective Offerors as an addendum to the solicitation, if that information is
necessary for submitting offers or if the lack of it would be prejudicial to other
prospective Offerors. We will not identify you in our answer to your question. Email
is the preferred method for submitting questions with "Questions: Solicitation # as
the subject of the email. Questions must be submitted in an easily copied format
such as Word. Email: D5bids@lexrich5.org. The deadline for submission of
questions relating to the RFQ is the time and date shown in the Schedule of Events
(Section 2.8). All questions that have been submitted in writing before the deadline
will be compiled and answered in writing by an addendum. The addendum will be
posted to the District's website at https://www.lexrich5.org/departments/office-of-
finance/procurement/solicitations-and-awards.
3.2. Written Submittal Prerequisite Criteria
Firms must meet the criteria in the bullet points below. Firms that do not meet these
criteria are automatically disqualified for further evaluation.
To be considered for selection, persons or firms must be properly licensed in
accordance with the requirements of Title 40 of the SC Code of Laws, as amended,
at the time of resume submission.
Firm MUST have Design Errors and Omissions Insurance with a minimum policy
limit of 2 million dollars.
Firms must submit Standard Form 330. Form 330 may be placed in an appendix
and will not count toward your page limit.
Firms must include a certification stating whether the business is or is not a South
Carolina resident.
3.3. Submittal Format
The qualification submittal should contain the following information in the following order:
3.3.1. Statement of Interest. Briefly, tell why your firm is interested in this project and
why your firm should be selected. This section provides each firm the opportunity to
provide specific information that differentiates them from others in the competition. This
statement is limited to two pages of the allowed total.
3.3.2. Firm Description
3.3.3. Basic company information
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