Hopkins Housing and Redevelopment Authority – Dow Towers Rehab – Architect RFQ

Hopkins Housing and Redevelopment Authority | Dow Towers Rehab - Architect RFQ - Qualifications-Based Selection
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)
Architectural and Engineering Services
Dow Towers Rehabilitation Project
Hopkins, Minnesota
HOPKINS HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Hopkins HRA | 1010 1st Street South, Hopkins, MN 55343

Hopkins Housing and Redevelopment Authority | Dow Towers Rehab - Architect RFQ - Qualifications-Based Selection
I. GENERAL INFORMATION
A. Invitation
The Hopkins Housing and Redevelopment Authority (hereinafter referred to as the "HRA") invites
qualified Architectural and Engineering (A/E) firms (hereinafter referred to as "Respondent") to submit
statements of qualifications to furnish professional architectural and engineering services for the
rehabilitation of Dow Towers, a 76-unit publicly owned residential building located in Hopkins, Minnesota.
This project is funded through Minnesota Housing's 2024 Publicly Owned Housing Program (POHP)
General Obligation Bond program. Accordingly, all work performed under any resulting contract must
comply with applicable state requirements, including the Minnesota POHP Program Guide, Minnesota
Housing Rental Housing Design and Construction Standards, the Minnesota State Building Code, and
any other applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
In accordance with Section 5.4.6 of the Hopkins HRA Procurement Policy and 2 CFR 200.320(d)(5),
A/E services shall be procured using Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS) procedures. Under QBS, the
HRA will evaluate and rank respondents solely on the basis of professional qualifications and technical
competence. Price is NOT used as a selection factor. The HRA will select the most qualified firm and
then negotiate a fair and reasonable compensation with that firm. If a satisfactory contract cannot be
negotiated, the HRA will formally terminate negotiations and proceed to the next most qualified firm.
Respondents agree that there will be no discrimination based on race, sex, religion, color, creed, national
origin, disability, age, or any other protected class in the performance of services under any contract
resulting from this RFQ.
B. Project Description
Dow Towers is a seven-story, 76-unit public housing residential building located in Hopkins, Minnesota.
All 76 units are public housing units. The building requires significant rehabilitation to address health, life
safety, and functional deficiencies consistent with the approved scope of work described below.
On August 28, 2025, the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency Board conditionally selected the HRA's
POHP proposal for further processing. The following scope of work has been approved for POHP funding
consideration:
Scope of Work Funding
Fire alarm system, electrical life safety component replacement, $1,540,420
tenant unit kitchen remodel, accessibility upgrades, tenant smoke
detectors, building main electrical gear
Soft costs and contingency $912,530
Total POHP GO Bond Funding $2,452,950
Hopkins HRA | 1010 1st Street South, Hopkins, MN 55343

Hopkins Housing and Redevelopment Authority | Dow Towers Rehab - Architect RFQ - Qualifications-Based Selection
The total POHP GO Bond funding is $2,330,300, with leverage of $122,650 (5% leverage ratio). The
POHP loan will be structured as a zero-interest deferred construction or end loan with a 20-year term
and a 35 year compliance period.
C. Minnesota Housing POHP Compliance Requirements
Because this project is funded with Minnesota General Obligation Bond proceeds through the POHP
program, specific regulatory requirements apply. The selected A/E firm must be prepared to assist the
HRA in meeting all POHP program requirements, including but not limited to the following:
* Minnesota Housing Project Launch Meeting: A project launch meeting with POHP staff and the
assigned Minnesota Housing architect is required prior to commencing design work. The selected
A/E firm will be expected to participate in this meeting via Microsoft Teams, in-person or over the
phone.
* Minnesota Housing Rental Housing Design and Construction Standards: All design and
construction documents must comply with current Minnesota Housing Rental Housing Design and
Construction Standards.
* Multifamily Customer Portal: Minnesota Housing requires all due diligence items to be submitted
through the Multifamily Customer Portal. The A/E firm should be familiar with or prepared to learn
and/or be familiar with this platform.
* Construction Loan Closing Deadline: The POHP construction loan must close within 20 months
of the initial Minnesota Housing board approval date of August 28, 2025 (deadline: April 28, 2027).
The A/E firm's project schedule must reflect this constraint.
* Minnesota State Pre-Design Report: A State Pre-Design Report may be required for this project
given the GO Bond funding. The A/E firm must review applicable Department of Administration
requirements and advise the HRA accordingly.
* Section 504 / ADA Accessibility: The scope of work includes accessibility upgrades. The A/E firm
must have demonstrated knowledge of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Fair Housing Act as they apply to publicly owned
residential facilities.
* State Building Code: All work must comply with the Minnesota State Building Code and applicable
local ordinances.
D. Scope of A/E Services
The HRA seeks to enter into a contract with a qualified A/E firm to provide, at a minimum, the following
professional services:
1. Pre-Design and Programming
Conduct a site visit and existing conditions assessment of Dow Towers
Review all available existing building documentation and prior studies
Assist the HRA in preparing the Minnesota State Pre-Design Report if required
Attend and prepare for the Minnesota Housing POHP Project Launch Meeting
Develop project schedule consistent with POHP loan closing requirements
Hopkins HRA | 1010 1st Street South, Hopkins, MN 55343

Hopkins Housing and Redevelopment Authority | Dow Towers Rehab - Architect RFQ - Qualifications-Based Selection
2. Schematic Design
Develop schematic design documents consistent with the approved POHP scope of work
Prepare preliminary cost estimates
3. Design Development
Develop design development drawings and specifications for the approved rehabilitation
scope
Prepare updated cost estimates and schedule
Coordinate with Minnesota Housing's assigned architect
4. Construction Documents
Prepare complete construction documents (drawings and specifications) for bidding
Coordinate all engineering disciplines (civil/structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing)
Prepare final detailed cost estimate
Prepare documents suitable for competitive public bidding in compliance with state law
5. Bidding and Contractor Selection
Assist the HRA in advertising and distributing bid documents
Conduct pre-bid conference and respond to bidder questions
Prepare and issue addenda as required
Assist the HRA in evaluating bids and making contract award recommendations
6. Construction Administration
Serve as the Owner's representative during construction
Conduct regular site visits and prepare site observation reports
Review and certify contractor pay applications
Review and respond to submittals, RFIs, and change order requests
Conduct substantial completion and final completion inspections
Prepare punch list and verify completion of all punch list items
7. Project Closeout and Warranty
Compile project closeout documentation and as built drawings
Assist with warranty walk-through inspection
8. Architect's Construction Cost Estimate
Provide a detailed construction cost estimate as part of the proposal and updated at each
design phase
Hopkins HRA | 1010 1st Street South, Hopkins, MN 55343

Hopkins Housing and Redevelopment Authority | Dow Towers Rehab - Architect RFQ - Qualifications-Based Selection
E. Anticipated Project Schedule
Milestone Target Date
RFQ issued 07/15/2026
Site visit / pre-proposal meeting (optional but 08/05/2026
encouraged)
Proposal submission deadline 08/17/2026 4:00 p.m. CDT
Interviews (if conducted) 09/15/2026 - 09/16/2026 - 09/17/2026
HRA Board contract approval October 2026
A/E contract execution October 2026
Minnesota Housing Project Launch Meeting Within 30 days of contract execution
Construction documents complete / bidding TBD
POHP construction loan closing deadline April 28, 2027
The construction loan closing deadline of April 28, 2027 is established by Minnesota Housing and is non-
negotiable. The A/E contract start date and project schedule must be structured to meet this requirement.
F. Site Visit
An optional pre-proposal site visit will be scheduled at Dow Towers. Prospective respondents are strongly
encouraged to attend to familiarize themselves with existing building conditions prior to submitting a
proposal. Site visit date, time, and meeting location details will be distributed to all parties who request
the RFQ documents.
Contact Muse Mohamed, Executive Director, at mmohamed@hopkinsmn.com or by calling the Hopkins
HRA office to confirm attendance at the site visit.
G. Submission Package Requirements
This solicitation will be publicly advertised in a newspaper of local or general circulation not less than
once per week for two (2) consecutive weeks, as required by Hopkins HRA Procurement Policy 8.2. A
minimum of fifteen (15) days will be provided for preparation and submission of qualifications from the
date of first public advertisement, per Procurement Policy 8.4. All qualifications must be received by the
Hopkins HRA on or before the submission deadline stated on the cover page. Submissions received after
the deadline will not be considered. All timely submissions become the property of the HRA and will not
be returned.
Respondents may submit by mail, hand delivery, or electronic mail (email with PDF attachment), as
authorized by this solicitation:
* Mail or Hand Delivery: Submit one (1) unbound original and two (2) copies in a sealed envelope.
Label the envelope with the Respondent's name, address, phone number, submission deadline
date, and the title: "RFQ - Architectural and Engineering Services - Dow Towers
Rehabilitation." Address to: Muse Mohamed, Executive Director, Hopkins Housing and
Redevelopment Authority, 1010 1st Street South, Hopkins, MN 55343.
Hopkins HRA | 1010 1st Street South, Hopkins, MN 55343

Hopkins Housing and Redevelopment Authority | Dow Towers Rehab - Architect RFQ - Qualifications-Based Selection
* Email Submission: Submit one (1) complete PDF copy to mmohamed@hopkinsmn.com with
subject line: "RFQ - Architectural and Engineering Services - Dow Towers Rehabilitation."
Include the firm's name, address, and phone number in the email body.
The submission package must be signed by an officer of the Respondent who is legally authorized to
enter into contractual relationships on behalf of the firm.
All timely submissions will become property of the HRA and will be returned to the Respondent. All
expenses associated with preparation and submission of proposals shall be borne by the Respondent.
Qualifications received after 5 PM on August 17, 2026 will not be considered.
H. HRA Options
The HRA reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to: reject any or all proposals in whole or in part; re-
advertise this RFQ; postpone or cancel the RFQ process at any time; waive any irregularities in this RFQ
or in proposals received; and determine all criteria and processes for evaluation and award. The decision
as to whom shall receive a contract award shall be at the sole and absolute discretion of the HRA.
I. Public Records
Prospective Respondents are hereby notified that all information submitted as part of or in support of
qualification and proposal statements may be available for public inspection in compliance with applicable
Minnesota Data Practices Act requirements and other applicable laws.
Hopkins HRA | 1010 1st Street South, Hopkins, MN 55343

Hopkins Housing and Redevelopment Authority | Dow Towers Rehab - Architect RFQ - Qualifications-Based Selection
II. TERMS AND CONDITIONS
A. Licensing and Professional Standards
The Respondent and all key staff must possess all required professional occupational licenses valid in
the State of Minnesota. By submitting a proposal, Respondents certify that their firm and all participating
professionals are currently licensed to practice in Minnesota and are not debarred, suspended, or
otherwise prohibited from professional practice by any governmental agency.
Respondents must comply with all laws, ordinances, and regulations applicable to services contemplated
herein, including those applicable to conflicts of interest. Respondents are presumed to be familiar with
all applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
B. Assignment and Subcontracting
The successful Respondent shall not subcontract, assign, transfer, or otherwise dispose of any resulting
contract, or rights thereunder, without prior written consent of the HRA. Any approved sub-consultants
must be identified in the proposal. The prime A/E firm remains fully responsible for all work performed
under the contract.
C. Personnel
In submitting a proposal, the Respondent represents that all key personnel described therein will be
available to perform the services described, barring illness, accident, or other unforeseeable events. If a
key team member must be replaced, the Respondent must provide a comparably qualified replacement
acceptable to the HRA. All personnel shall be employees of the Respondent and not employees or agents
of the HRA.
D. Insurance Requirements
Prior to contract execution, the selected Respondent shall provide the HRA with certificates of insurance
evidencing at minimum the following coverage (final requirements will be specified in the contract):
* Commercial General Liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate
* Professional Liability (Errors and Omissions): $1,000,000 per occurrence
* Workers' Compensation: As required by Minnesota Statutes
* Automobile Liability: $1,000,000 combined single limit
The HRA shall be named as an additional insured on the commercial general liability policy. Specific
insurance requirements will be detailed in the final contract.
E. Contract Form
The contract will be based on the HUD Model Form of Agreement between Owner and Design
Professional HUD-51915 and/or HUD 51915a or another form acceptable to both parties and to
Minnesota Housing, subject to any modifications required by POHP program requirements. The contract
will be subject to an Assignment of Architect's Contract to the benefit of Minnesota Housing Finance
Agency as required under the POHP program.
Hopkins HRA | 1010 1st Street South, Hopkins, MN 55343

Hopkins Housing and Redevelopment Authority | Dow Towers Rehab - Architect RFQ - Qualifications-Based Selection
F. Minnesota POHP Program Requirements
This project is funded with General Obligation Bond proceeds and is therefore subject to all applicable
Minnesota Housing POHP Program requirements as described in the current POHP Program Guide,
which is available on Minnesota Housing's website. The HRA and selected A/E firm must comply with all
conditions of selection and due diligence requirements established by Minnesota Housing.
Hopkins HRA | 1010 1st Street South, Hopkins, MN 55343

Hopkins Housing and Redevelopment Authority | Dow Towers Rehab - Architect RFQ - Qualifications-Based Selection
III. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
A. Organization of Submission
Proposals shall be organized in the following order. The purpose of this format is to allow consistent
evaluation across all submissions. Submissions that do not follow this format may be deemed non-
responsive.
1. Letter of Interest (Maximum 1 Page)
Provide a concise letter of interest identifying the firm, the proposed project team lead, and a brief
statement of the firm's interest in and qualifications for this engagement. The letter must be signed by an
authorized officer of the firm.
2. Firm Profile and Key Personnel (Maximum 4 Pages)
Provide the following:
* Firm name, address, telephone, email, and website
* Year established and primary areas of practice
* Total number of employees and approximate number dedicated to similar public housing
rehabilitation work
* List of key personnel who will be assigned to this project, including name, title, role, and
professional licenses/registrations
* Organizational chart showing the project team structure
* Identification and qualifications of any proposed sub-consultants (structural, mechanical,
electrical, plumbing engineers, etc.), including their relevant experience
* Statement that the firm and all proposed personnel are currently licensed to practice in Minnesota
and are not debarred or suspended
3. Relevant Experience and References (Maximum 6 Pages)
Provide the following:
* A brief history of the firm with emphasis on public housing rehabilitation, affordable housing, and
similar project types
* A list of at least three (3) comparable projects completed or in progress within the last seven (7)
years, for each including: project name and location; project owner (with contact name and phone
number); approximate construction value; description of the scope of work; the A/E firm's specific
role; and the final construction cost versus the A/E firm's estimate
* Photographs or renderings from at least two (2) of the referenced projects
* Description of the firm's experience with the following:
Minnesota Housing POHP or similar state/federal public housing programs
Minnesota Housing Rental Housing Design and Construction Standards
Minnesota State Pre-Design approval process (if applicable)
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and ADA accessibility requirements in multi-family
residential settings
Publicly owned housing or HUD-assisted housing rehabilitation projects
Health and life safety system upgrades (fire alarm, electrical systems, smoke detection)
Kitchen and bathroom rehabilitation in occupied residential buildings
Hopkins HRA | 1010 1st Street South, Hopkins, MN 55343

Hopkins Housing and Redevelopment Authority | Dow Towers Rehab - Architect RFQ - Qualifications-Based Selection
* Description of the firm's approach to budget management and cost control, with specific examples
of projects bid at or near the A/E firm's estimate
* Description of the firm's capacity to commence work immediately upon contract execution and
deliver documents within the required project timeline
4. Project Approach and Understanding (Maximum 3 Pages)
Provide a narrative describing:
* The firm's understanding of the Dow Towers rehabilitation project, including the POHP-approved
scope and any related challenges
* The firm's proposed approach to design, coordination with Minnesota Housing, and construction
administration
* How the firm will manage the project to meet the April 28, 2027 POHP loan closing deadline
* The firm's approach to working with a building occupied by residents throughout rehabilitation
* Any relevant concerns, questions, or issues identified based on the information provided in this
RFQ
5. Compensation Proposal Requirements (For Post-Selection Negotiations Only)
IMPORTANT: Do NOT submit fee information until requested by the HRA after selection. Under
QBS procedures (Hopkins HRA Procurement Policy 5.4.6), price is NOT used as a selection factor. The
HRA will select the most qualified firm based solely on qualifications and technical competence, and then
negotiate fair and reasonable compensation. The following compensation reference information is
requested solely to facilitate post-selection fee negotiations and to ensure alignment with Minnesota
Housing's Architect's Guide requirements. The following items describe the structure the HRA will use
during fee negotiations:
* Lump sum fee (NOTE: percentage-of-construction-cost contracts are prohibited under Hopkins
HRA Procurement Policy 11.1) broken out by phase of services (Pre-Design/Programming;
Schematic Design; Design Development; Construction Documents; Bidding and Contractor
Selection; Construction Administration; Project Closeout)
* Separate fee line items for the following, if applicable:
Minnesota State Pre-Design Report preparation
Additional services (describe and provide hourly rates by classification)
* Estimated reimbursable expenses (travel, printing, etc.) if proposed as separate from the lump
sum fee
* Hourly billing rates for each key personnel classification for use in additional services and change
orders
Compensation shall be structured as a lump sum fixed-fee contract consistent with Minnesota Housing's
Architect's Guide requirements. Per Hopkins HRA Procurement Policy 11.1, cost-plus-percentage-of-
cost and percentage-of-construction-cost methods are expressly prohibited. The Architect's Guide is
available on the Minnesota Housing POHP webpage.
Hopkins HRA | 1010 1st Street South, Hopkins, MN 55343