Comprehensive architectural and related professional services

Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for
Architectural Services
Stone County School District Date of Issue: August 19, 2026
1. Introduction and Purpose
The Stone County School District (hereinafter referred to as "the District") is soliciting
Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) from qualified architectural firms interested in providing
comprehensive architectural and related professional services. The District anticipates a need
for professional architectural services for various potential projects, which may include, but are
not limited to, new construction, renovations, additions, facility assessments, master planning,
and general architectural consulting services across its campuses.
This RFQ is intended to identify and pre-qualify firms with the necessary expertise, experience,
and resources to meet the District's future architectural needs. Based on the qualifications
received, the District may select one or more firms for further consideration, which could include
interviews and/or direct negotiation of a contract for specific projects as they arise.
2. Project Background
The Stone County School District serves the community of Stone County, MS. The District is
committed to providing a safe, modern, and effective learning environment for its students. As
part of this commitment, the District periodically undertakes capital improvement projects,
facility upgrades, and long-range planning initiatives.
The scope of services required will vary depending on the specific project, but generally
encompasses all phases of architectural work from initial programming through project closeout.
3. Scope of Services
The selected firm(s) may be required to provide, but are not limited to, the following services:
Programming and Needs Assessment: Collaborating with the District to define project
goals, objectives, and functional requirements.
Site Analysis and Selection: Evaluating potential sites for suitability, zoning, and
infrastructure.
Master Planning: Developing long-range facility plans for District properties.
Architectural Design:
Schematic Design (SD)
Design Development (DD)
Construction Documents (CD)
Cost Estimating and Value Engineering: Providing accurate cost projections and

exploring cost-saving alternatives.
Bidding and Negotiation Phase Services: Assisting the District with bid solicitation,
analysis, and contract negotiations.
Construction Administration (CA):
Regular site visits and progress meetings.
Review of shop drawings and submittals.
Processing of applications for payment.
Change order review and recommendations.
Project closeout procedures, including substantial and final completion.
Post-Construction Services: Warranty review, facility commissioning, and
post-occupancy evaluations.
Specialized Consulting: Accessibility compliance (ADA), energy efficiency,
sustainability (LEED), and other specialized areas as required.
Coordination: Collaboration with District staff, consultants (e.g., structural, mechanical,
electrical, plumbing, civil engineers, landscape architects), contractors, and regulatory
agencies.
4. Submission Requirements
Firms interested in providing these services must submit a Statement of Qualifications (SOQ)
that addresses the following:
4.1. Cover Letter: A brief letter of transmittal expressing the firm's interest in providing
architectural services to the Stone County School District. The letter should be signed by an
authorized representative of the firm.
4.2. Firm Profile:
Legal name of firm, address, phone, fax, email, and website.
Date of establishment and legal structure (e.g., corporation, partnership, LLC).
Number of years in business under current name.
Location of the office from which the work will be performed.
Total number of employees, broken down by discipline (e.g., architects, interior
designers, engineers, support staff).
Statement of firm's philosophy and approach to K-12 educational facility design.
4.3. Qualifications of Key Personnel:
Provide resumes for key personnel who would be assigned to District projects, including
their role, relevant experience, professional registrations/licenses, and years with the
firm.
Identify the proposed Project Manager and their specific experience with similar projects.
4.4. Project Experience:
List a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of five (5) relevant K-12 educational facility
projects completed within the last ten (10) years that demonstrate the firm's capabilities
related to the scope of services.
For each project, include:
Project Name and Location

Client Name and Contact Information (Name, Title, Phone, Email)
Brief Project Description (scope, size, cost, completion date)
Services provided by your firm
Challenges encountered and solutions implemented
4.5. References:
Provide at least three (3) client references from projects similar in scope and complexity
to those outlined in this RFQ. Include contact name, title, organization, phone number,
and email address. Do not duplicate references provided in Section 4.4.
4.6. Insurance and Financial Capability:
Provide a statement of the firm's current professional liability insurance coverage,
including policy limits and deductible.
Provide evidence of general liability and workers' compensation insurance.
A statement confirming the firm's financial stability and ability to undertake projects of
varying sizes. (Financial statements are not required at this stage but may be requested
later).
4.7. Approach to Fee Structure (Conceptual):
Describe your firm's general approach to fee structures for architectural services (e.g.,
percentage of construction cost, lump sum, hourly rates). This is not a request for a
specific fee proposal, but rather an understanding of your typical methods.
4.8. Legal Status and Disclosures:
Confirmation that the firm is properly licensed to practice architecture in the State of
Mississippi.
Disclosure of any past or pending litigation, claims, or professional disciplinary actions
against the firm or its key personnel within the last five (5) years.
5. Evaluation Criteria
Statements of Qualifications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
Firm Experience and Qualifications (30%): Overall experience of the firm, particularly
in K-12 educational facility design and construction.
Key Personnel Qualifications (25%): Experience, qualifications, and proposed roles of
the individuals who will be assigned to District projects.
Project Understanding and Approach (20%): Demonstrated understanding of the
challenges and opportunities in school design and the firm's proposed approach to
providing comprehensive services.
Past Performance and References (15%): Quality of work, adherence to schedules
and budgets, and client satisfaction as indicated by references.
Financial Stability and Insurance (10%): Firm's capacity to undertake projects and
manage risks.

6. Submission Deadline and Contact Information
Submission Deadline: All Statements of Qualifications must be received by the Stone County
School District no later than September 21, 2026 at 3:00 PM CDT . Late submissions will not be
accepted.
Submission Method: Please submit one (1) hard copy and one (1) digital copy of your
Statement of Qualifications to:
Dr. Vol White
Chief Operations Officer
vwhite@stoneschools.org
Stone County School District
214 North Critz St
Wiggins, MS 39577
All questions regarding this RFQ must be submitted in writing via email to
vwhite@stoneschools.org by September 11, 2026 at 3:00 PM CDT . Responses to all
questions will be compiled and distributed to all firms that have expressed interest.
7. General Conditions and Disclaimers
This RFQ does not constitute a contract or a commitment to enter into a contract.
The District reserves the right to accept or reject any or all SOQs received, to waive any
informalities or irregularities, and to negotiate with any qualified firm(s) or to cancel this
RFQ in its entirety.
All costs incurred in the preparation and submission of the SOQ will be borne by the
responding firm.
All information submitted in response to this RFQ becomes the property of the Stone
County School District and may be subject to public records laws.
The District reserves the right to request additional information or clarification from any
firm.
The District reserves the right to conduct interviews with short-listed firms.
Thank you for your interest in partnering with the Stone County School District.