PEND OREILLE COUNTY
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)
FAIRGROUNDS MASTER PLANNING SERVICES
I. INTRODUCTION
Pend Oreille County is soliciting Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) from qualified planning
and design firms to develop a focused, implementation-oriented master plan for the Pend
Oreille County Fairgrounds. The objective is to define the highest and best use of the
fairgrounds through a prioritized, phased, and fiscally responsible strategy.
This planning effort is scoped and budgeted at $40,000. All work products are expected at a
conceptual planning level, intended to guide future decision-making, capital programming,
and funding pursuits. Detailed design, engineering, or field investigations are explicitly
outside the scope of this solicitation.
This planning effort is intended to produce actionable guidance and a clear roadmap for
immediate and long-term facility improvements, while working within the County’s
operational and financial constraints. A phased work plan, grounded in real-world
implementation capability, is critical to success.
II. PROJECT PURPOSE
The County seeks to develop a 10-year Fairgrounds Master Plan that balances realistic
capital investments with community needs and long-term vision. The plan must identify
improvement priorities, provide conceptual-level designs, and include phasing and cost
strategies to inform decisions, guide capital programming, and support future grant
applications.
III. PROJECT BACKGROUND
The Pend Oreille County Fairgrounds is a long-standing regional asset supporting
agricultural heritage, public events, and community gatherings. The site includes a range of
aging structures, with particular attention required for the Main Exhibit Hall. The County
has completed preliminary facility and infrastructure assessments that will be provided to
the selected consultant for integration into the planning process.
With limited budget capacity, the County is seeking targeted planning that produces
implementable steps rather than a broad visionary document.
IV. SCOPE OF WORK
Note: This effort is intended to remain at a conceptual master planning level. No detailed
architectural, engineering, or field investigations are expected within the available budget.
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All deliverables are to be provided at a conceptual, planning-level scale to guide future
capital programming and funding applications.
The project will be delivered in two phases:
Phase 1: Strategic Assessment and Prioritization (30% of budget)
1. Infrastructure and Safety Review
Incorporate existing County facility assessments, identifying safety concerns,
infrastructure limitations, and potential for reuse, renovation, or replacement. No
new fieldwork or structural assessments are expected.
2. Facilitate up to three focused engagement sessions with the Fair Board, primary
users, and County staff to gather input on operational needs, programming gaps,
and feasible development options. Engagement will be issue-driven rather than
preference-driven, and broad public outreach is not included.
3. Operational and Market Assessment
Review fairgrounds utilization, underutilized assets, and regional demand for public
events and meeting spaces. Assess County operational and staffing capacity to
support expanded or improved facilities.
4. Funding and Capacity Analysis
Identify available funding sources, potential partnerships, and implementation
constraints. Develop funding strategies tied to project phasing.
Phase 1 Deliverable: Strategic Framework Report with facility improvement options, cost
ranges, and prioritization matrix for BOCC review and direction.
Phase 2: Implementation Planning and Conceptual Design (70% of budget)
1. Priority Facility Planning
Develop conceptual layouts and basic design alternatives for one to two high-
priority improvements (e.g., Main Exhibit Hall and one secondary asset).
Incorporate operational needs and program flexibility.
2. Prepare a diagrammatic conceptual site plan addressing internal circulation, general
accessibility needs, basic utility infrastructure, and signage/wayfinding in support
of priority projects. Accessibility will be considered at a planning level, with detailed
ADA compliance to be addressed in future design phases. The plan will remain
schematic and conceptual in nature, excluding detailed engineering or compliance
studies. This task is limited to conceptual-level planning only.
3. Implementation Roadmap
Prepare a phased development plan with order-of-magnitude cost estimates,
funding strategies, and implementation triggers. Emphasize feasible near-term
actions and logical long-term sequencing.
Acknowledge and incorporate cultural and historical features of the site based on existing
information and limited consultation with tribal partners and heritage organizations,
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ensuring continued community relevance and support. This effort is limited to conceptual
recognition and does not include extensive consultation or interpretive design work.
Presentation materials for County Commissioners (basic summary graphics and
PowerPoint materials, not published architectural renderings).
V. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Interested firms shall submit:
Cover letter of interest and summary of qualifications
Firm profile and team organization
Relevant experience and qualifications of proposed team members
Work samples of similar projects completed in the past five (5) years
Narrative describing the firm's understanding of the scope, methodology, and commitment
to budget adherence
Description of stakeholder engagement approach
Three (3) references from public-sector clients
Statement of current availability and ability to complete project within a 4–6 month
timeframe
VI. EVALUATION CRITERIA
Experience with implementation-driven public facility master planning (30%)
Qualifications and availability of proposed team (25%)
Understanding of scope, deliverables, and budget alignment (20%)
Experience conducting focused stakeholder engagement (15%)
References and track record with similar jurisdictions (10%)
VII. SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS
Submit one (1) digital PDF (required) and up to five (5) printed copies (optional) to:
VIII. INQUIRIES
Please direct all inquiries in writing to:
Ben Eggleston, Facilities Maintenance Supervisor
Email: BEggleston@pendoreille.org
Phone: 509-447-6918
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IX. RIGHTS RESERVED
Pend Oreille County reserves the right to reject any or all submissions, waive irregularities,
and modify or cancel this solicitation at its sole discretion. Contract negotiations will begin
with the most qualified respondent based on the evaluation criteria above.
X. ANTICIPATED SCHEDULE
RFQ Release: November 12, 2025
Questions Due: November 21, 2025
Responses to Questions Issued: November 26, 2025
Submittal Deadline: December 2, 2025, at 1:30 PM
Evaluation & Selection Committee Review: December 3-5, 2025
Consultant Interviews (if necessary): Week of December 8, 2025
Anticipated Notice of Selection: December 16, 2025
Contract Execution: By December 30, 2025
Project Kickoff: January 2026
Project Completion: Within 4–6 months of contract execution
XI. CONTRACT INFORMATION
The selected consultant will be required to enter into a professional services agreement
with Pend Oreille County. The agreement will incorporate the County’s standard contract
provisions, including insurance requirements, indemnification, and compliance with
applicable federal, state, and local laws. A sample contract can be made available upon
request.
Payment will be structured on a negotiated fee-for-service basis, with invoices tied to
accepted deliverables. No retainage will be withheld, but payments may be withheld
pending receipt of acceptable work products.
XII. BUDGET CONSIDERATIONS
The total budget available for this planning effort is $40,000. Proposals shall be scoped and
staffed accordingly. Respondents are expected to demonstrate an understanding of working
within this financial framework, including a phased approach that emphasizes priority
improvements, cost-effective strategies, and realistic implementation planning.
Proposals exceeding this budget will not be considered responsive.
XIII. OPTIONAL APPENDICES
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The following materials may be included or referenced as appendices to support the RFQ:
Appendix A: Site Map of Pend Oreille County Fairgrounds
Appendix B: Summary of Preliminary Facility and Infrastructure Assessments (to be
provided to the selected consultant)
Appendix C: Sample Professional Services Agreement (available upon request)
Appendix D: County Contact Information and Submittal Checklist
Respondents are encouraged to review these supporting materials, where available, to
better understand site context and County expectations.
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This is the opportunity summary page. It provides an overview of this opportunity and a preview of the attached documentation.