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REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)
ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES
TITLE III FUNDED WORKFORCE VILLAGE PHASE 1B
Arkansas Baptist College
Little Rock, Arkansas
Solicitation No. ABC-T3-ARCH-2026-01
Funding Agency U.S. Department of Education
Program Title III, Part B - Historically Black Colleges and Universities Program
Assistance Listing 84.031B
Federal Award No. P031B220001 - Supplement Phase II
Approved Activity Strengthening the College through Academic Renovations - Workforce Village
Title III Construction Budget $545,000
Architectural/Project Management Budget $109,000
Issue Date September 4, 2026
Submission Deadline September 8, 2026, 5:00 p.m. Central Time
Corrected procurement draft aligned to the approved Title III Phase 1B activity and applicable federal procurement requirements.
1. NOTICE TO ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING FIRMS
Arkansas Baptist College (“ABC” or “College”) solicits Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) from qualified architectural and engineering firms to provide professional design and construction administration services for the Title III-funded Workforce Village Phase 1B academic renovation project on the ABC campus in Little Rock, Arkansas.
This procurement will use qualifications-based selection for architectural and engineering professional services. Price will not be used as a selection factor in ranking firms. After the most qualified firm is selected, ABC will negotiate a fair and reasonable scope and compensation. If negotiations are unsuccessful, ABC may terminate negotiations and proceed to the next most qualified firm.
The selected firm shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local requirements, ABC policies, and the terms and conditions of the U.S. Department of Education Title III award.
2. PROJECT BACKGROUND AND APPROVED TITLE III SCOPE
The approved Title III activity is “Strengthening the College through Academic Renovations - Workforce Village.” The federally funded construction is limited to Phase 1B of the Booker T. Washington Workforce Village and is intended to strengthen instructional capacity for welding and future skilled-trades programming.
1. Expansion of the existing welding instructional pod to add a second instructional level;
2. Construction of a large open-roof protective canopy;
• Electrical and related infrastructure upgrades necessary for safe, code-compliant instruction;
• Associated design, permitting, inspections, code compliance, and construction administration necessary to place the Phase 1B facility into instructional use.
Future phases or broader Workforce Village development may be referenced for planning context only and are not included in this Title III-funded procurement unless ABC issues a written amendment supported by an approved funding source and procurement authority.
3. PROJECT BUDGET AND FUNDING
Budget Category Approved Amount
Architectural / project management services $109,000
Construction $545,000
Total approved activity budget $654,000
The selected A/E firm must design and administer the project to remain within the approved construction budget unless ABC issues a written, grant-compliant budget revision or scope amendment.
4. PURPOSE OF THE RFQ
ABC seeks a firm capable of providing integrated architectural and engineering services for a federally funded higher-education construction project. The firm should demonstrate technical competence, relevant experience, capacity, schedule control, cost control, and the ability to support federal documentation and compliance.
• Develop and refine the Phase 1B design consistent with the approved Title III activity;
• Assess existing conditions and code, structural, MEP, life-safety, accessibility, and site requirements;
• Prepare drawings, specifications, cost estimates, bid documents, and permit documents;
• Assist ABC with a competitive procurement of the construction contractor without limiting or restricting competition;
• Provide construction administration, pay-application review, change-order review, inspections, punch list, and closeout;
• Incorporate applicable federal contract clauses, BABAA requirements, and documentation requirements into the construction documents.
5. SCOPE OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
A. Pre-Design and Existing Conditions
1. Meet with ABC leadership and project stakeholders.
2. Review the approved Title III activity, available plans, prior project documents, and site conditions.
3. Perform field verification and identify architectural, structural, civil, MEP, fire/life-safety, accessibility, and code issues.
4. Confirm program requirements for welding instruction and supporting infrastructure.
5. Prepare a preliminary project schedule and opinion of probable construction cost.
B. Programming and Conceptual Design
1. Translate the approved Phase 1B scope into a defined design program.
2. Prepare conceptual alternatives, preliminary plans, specifications, and cost estimates.
3. Present design options and revise them based on written ABC direction.
C. Schematic Design
1. Prepare schematic floor plans, elevations, site/structural concepts, MEP concepts, code analysis, accessibility review, and updated cost estimate.
2. Confirm that the design remains within the $545,000 construction budget.
D. Design Development
1. Develop the approved schematic design into coordinated architectural and engineering documents.
2. Identify materials, systems, finishes, equipment interfaces, and infrastructure requirements.
3. Update the construction cost estimate and identify value-engineering options if needed.
E. Construction Documents and Federal Specifications
1. Prepare complete sealed plans, specifications, schedules, bid forms, alternates, allowances, and project manual suitable for competitive construction procurement.
2. Clearly identify the Title III-funded Phase 1B scope and distinguish it from any unfunded future phase.
3. Include applicable 2 CFR Part 200 Appendix II clauses and BABAA/2 CFR Part 184 requirements in the construction documents.
4. Do not specify proprietary or brand-name requirements that unduly restrict competition unless a documented equivalent or approved justification is provided.
F. Permitting and Approvals
1. Assist ABC with required City of Little Rock and other governmental reviews, permits, approvals, and inspections.
2. Coordinate with authorities having jurisdiction.
G. Bidding / Contractor Procurement Assistance
1. Support ABC in issuing competitive construction documents, answering bidder questions, conducting pre-bid activities, preparing addenda, reviewing responsiveness and responsibility, and documenting the award recommendation.
2. The architect shall not select the contractor or negotiate a construction price outside the procurement method approved by ABC.
H. Construction Administration
1. Conduct progress meetings and site observations.
2. Review shop drawings, submittals, RFIs, schedules, pay applications, and proposed change orders.
3. Track conformance with drawings, specifications, budget, schedule, BABAA documentation, and applicable codes.
4. Conduct substantial and final completion inspections and prepare punch lists.
I. Closeout
1. Review record documents, warranties, O&M information, inspection approvals, and closeout submissions.
2. Provide documentation needed for ABC Title III grant records and project closeout.
6. FEDERAL FUNDING AND COMPLIANCE
The project is funded in whole or in part with U.S. Department of Education Title III, Part B funds under Award P031B220001. The selected firm shall perform its services in a manner that supports ABC compliance with applicable federal requirements, including 2 CFR Part 200 and the approved grant activity.
• The firm shall disclose actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest.
• The firm and its consultants must not be debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from covered federal transactions.
• The firm shall maintain records sufficiently to support federal monitoring, audit, and grant closeout.
• The firm shall support BABAA compliance by incorporating applicable domestic-content requirements into construction documents and by assisting ABC in reviewing contractor documentation.
• Davis-Bacon requirements shall be included only if ABC determines, based on the federal programming legislation or specific award terms, that they apply to this award. Section 3 is not a Title III requirement and is not included unless another funding source independently requires it.
7. FIRM QUALIFICATIONS
• At least five years of architectural practice or equivalent demonstrated firm experience;
• Current Arkansas licensure for all design disciplines requiring licensure;
• Experience with higher-education, institutional, workforce-training, renovation, or new-construction projects of similar size and complexity;
• Demonstrated experience with cost estimating and budget control;
• Experience with federally funded or publicly funded projects preferred;
• Capacity to perform the work within the Title III grant schedule.
8. KEY PERSONNEL AND CONSULTANTS
Identify the Principal-in-Charge, Project Architect, Project Manager, structural engineer, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, civil engineer, and other proposed consultants. Provide resumes and identify each person’s role, Arkansas licensure, relevant project experience, and availability.
9. RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Provide at least three comparable projects completed within the last five years. For each, provide the project name, client, location, scope, construction cost, completion date, services provided, project manager, and client reference. At least one example should preferably involve higher education, a nonprofit/public institution, an HBCU, or federal funding.
10. PROJECT APPROACH
Describe the firm’s approach to project planning, stakeholder engagement, existing-condition assessment, design coordination, cost estimating, schedule management, code/accessibility compliance, federal grant compliance, BABAA implementation, construction procurement support, construction administration, quality assurance/quality control, and closeout.
11. PROJECT SCHEDULE
Provide a proposed schedule for pre-design, programming, schematic design, design development, construction documents, permitting, bidding, construction administration, and closeout. The schedule must identify critical assumptions and must be coordinated with the Title III period of performance.
Grant-period condition: The approved activity states a completion date of September 30, 2026. ABC will not authorize Title III-funded work outside the approved period of performance unless the U.S. Department of Education approves an extension or other written modification. If such approval is obtained, ABC will issue the revised schedule by written addendum or contract notice.
12. COMPENSATION - QUALIFICATIONS-BASED SELECTION
Do not include a fee proposal, hourly rates, or other price information in the Statement of Qualifications. Price will not be used as a selection factor. After ranking firms on qualifications, ABC will negotiate the scope and fair and reasonable compensation with the highest-ranked firm. If ABC cannot reach agreement, it may terminate negotiations and proceed to the next-ranked firm.
13. EVALUATION AND SELECTION CRITERIA
Evaluation Criterion Points
Firm qualifications and professional experience 20
Relevant higher education / institutional / construction experience 20
Experience with federally funded projects and federal compliance 15
Qualifications and availability of proposed project team 15
Understanding of the approved Phase 1B project and proposed approach 15
Project management, schedule, quality, and cost-control approach 10
References and past performance 5
TOTAL 100
14. REQUIRED SOQ CONTENT
1. Cover letter
2. Firm profile and qualifications
3. Relevant project experience
4. Higher education / institutional experience
5. Federal grant experience
6. Proposed project team and resumes
7. Project approach
8. Quality assurance / quality control plan
9. Project schedule
10. At least three references
11. Conflict-of-interest disclosure
12. Federal compliance certifications, as applicable
13. Litigation / claims history
14. Any exceptions to the RFQ requirements
15. CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The firm shall disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflict involving ABC, its employees, trustees, consultants, contractors, or other parties associated with the project. ABC may reject a firm or impose mitigation measures when necessary to protect the integrity of the procurement.
16. INSURANCE
The selected firm shall maintain insurance appropriate to the services, including commercial general liability, professional liability/errors and omissions, automobile liability, workers’ compensation, and employer’s liability. Final limits will be stated in the professional services agreement.
17. LICENSES
The firm and all applicable design professionals shall be properly licensed in Arkansas and shall maintain required licenses throughout the contract period.
18. QUESTIONS
Questions shall be submitted in writing to: Robert Turner, Turner Development; email: turnerdevelopment@gmail.com. Questions must be received no later than Friday, September 7, 2026, 12:00 p.m. Central Time. Material responses may be distributed to all known participating firms.
19. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Submit the Statement of Qualifications electronically in PDF format to Robert Turner, Turner Development, at turnerdevelopment@gmail.com no later than Tuesday, September 8, 2026, 5:00 p.m. Central Time. Subject line: RFQ ABC-T3-ARCH-2026-01 - Architectural and Engineering Services. Late submissions may be rejected.
20. PROCUREMENT CONDITIONS AND AWARD
• ABC may reject any or all responses, cancel or amend the RFQ, request clarification, conduct interviews, or award no contract when determined to be in the College’s best interest and consistent with applicable procurement requirements.
• ABC will not reimburse respondents for costs incurred in preparing an SOQ.
• Award is contingent on successful negotiation of scope and compensation, verification of qualifications and licenses, verification of federal eligibility, availability and allowability of Title III funds, and approval by authorized ABC officials.
ABC will maintain procurement records documenting the solicitation, evaluation, ranking, negotiations, and award.
21. CERTIFICATION OF SUBMITTAL
By submitting an SOQ, the firm certifies that its submission is accurate and complete; it is authorized to do business in Arkansas; required professionals are properly licensed; it will comply with applicable federal, state, local, and ABC requirements; it will disclose conflicts of interest; it is not excluded from federal transactions; and it will cooperate with authorized monitoring and audit activities.
Firm Name: __________
Authorized Representative: __________
Title: __________
Signature: __________
Date: __________
620576z
ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING SERVICES
TITLE III FUNDED WORKFORCE VILLAGE PHASE 1B
Arkansas Baptist College
Little Rock, Arkansas
Solicitation No. ABC-T3-ARCH-2026-01
Funding Agency U.S. Department of Education
Program Title III, Part B - Historically Black Colleges and Universities Program
Assistance Listing 84.031B
Federal Award No. P031B220001 - Supplement Phase II
Approved Activity Strengthening the College through Academic Renovations - Workforce Village
Title III Construction Budget $545,000
Architectural/Project Management Budget $109,000
Issue Date September 4, 2026
Submission Deadline September 8, 2026, 5:00 p.m. Central Time
Corrected procurement draft aligned to the approved Title III Phase 1B activity and applicable federal procurement requirements.
1. NOTICE TO ARCHITECTURAL AND ENGINEERING FIRMS
Arkansas Baptist College (“ABC” or “College”) solicits Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) from qualified architectural and engineering firms to provide professional design and construction administration services for the Title III-funded Workforce Village Phase 1B academic renovation project on the ABC campus in Little Rock, Arkansas.
This procurement will use qualifications-based selection for architectural and engineering professional services. Price will not be used as a selection factor in ranking firms. After the most qualified firm is selected, ABC will negotiate a fair and reasonable scope and compensation. If negotiations are unsuccessful, ABC may terminate negotiations and proceed to the next most qualified firm.
The selected firm shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local requirements, ABC policies, and the terms and conditions of the U.S. Department of Education Title III award.
2. PROJECT BACKGROUND AND APPROVED TITLE III SCOPE
The approved Title III activity is “Strengthening the College through Academic Renovations - Workforce Village.” The federally funded construction is limited to Phase 1B of the Booker T. Washington Workforce Village and is intended to strengthen instructional capacity for welding and future skilled-trades programming.
1. Expansion of the existing welding instructional pod to add a second instructional level;
2. Construction of a large open-roof protective canopy;
• Electrical and related infrastructure upgrades necessary for safe, code-compliant instruction;
• Associated design, permitting, inspections, code compliance, and construction administration necessary to place the Phase 1B facility into instructional use.
Future phases or broader Workforce Village development may be referenced for planning context only and are not included in this Title III-funded procurement unless ABC issues a written amendment supported by an approved funding source and procurement authority.
3. PROJECT BUDGET AND FUNDING
Budget Category Approved Amount
Architectural / project management services $109,000
Construction $545,000
Total approved activity budget $654,000
The selected A/E firm must design and administer the project to remain within the approved construction budget unless ABC issues a written, grant-compliant budget revision or scope amendment.
4. PURPOSE OF THE RFQ
ABC seeks a firm capable of providing integrated architectural and engineering services for a federally funded higher-education construction project. The firm should demonstrate technical competence, relevant experience, capacity, schedule control, cost control, and the ability to support federal documentation and compliance.
• Develop and refine the Phase 1B design consistent with the approved Title III activity;
• Assess existing conditions and code, structural, MEP, life-safety, accessibility, and site requirements;
• Prepare drawings, specifications, cost estimates, bid documents, and permit documents;
• Assist ABC with a competitive procurement of the construction contractor without limiting or restricting competition;
• Provide construction administration, pay-application review, change-order review, inspections, punch list, and closeout;
• Incorporate applicable federal contract clauses, BABAA requirements, and documentation requirements into the construction documents.
5. SCOPE OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
A. Pre-Design and Existing Conditions
1. Meet with ABC leadership and project stakeholders.
2. Review the approved Title III activity, available plans, prior project documents, and site conditions.
3. Perform field verification and identify architectural, structural, civil, MEP, fire/life-safety, accessibility, and code issues.
4. Confirm program requirements for welding instruction and supporting infrastructure.
5. Prepare a preliminary project schedule and opinion of probable construction cost.
B. Programming and Conceptual Design
1. Translate the approved Phase 1B scope into a defined design program.
2. Prepare conceptual alternatives, preliminary plans, specifications, and cost estimates.
3. Present design options and revise them based on written ABC direction.
C. Schematic Design
1. Prepare schematic floor plans, elevations, site/structural concepts, MEP concepts, code analysis, accessibility review, and updated cost estimate.
2. Confirm that the design remains within the $545,000 construction budget.
D. Design Development
1. Develop the approved schematic design into coordinated architectural and engineering documents.
2. Identify materials, systems, finishes, equipment interfaces, and infrastructure requirements.
3. Update the construction cost estimate and identify value-engineering options if needed.
E. Construction Documents and Federal Specifications
1. Prepare complete sealed plans, specifications, schedules, bid forms, alternates, allowances, and project manual suitable for competitive construction procurement.
2. Clearly identify the Title III-funded Phase 1B scope and distinguish it from any unfunded future phase.
3. Include applicable 2 CFR Part 200 Appendix II clauses and BABAA/2 CFR Part 184 requirements in the construction documents.
4. Do not specify proprietary or brand-name requirements that unduly restrict competition unless a documented equivalent or approved justification is provided.
F. Permitting and Approvals
1. Assist ABC with required City of Little Rock and other governmental reviews, permits, approvals, and inspections.
2. Coordinate with authorities having jurisdiction.
G. Bidding / Contractor Procurement Assistance
1. Support ABC in issuing competitive construction documents, answering bidder questions, conducting pre-bid activities, preparing addenda, reviewing responsiveness and responsibility, and documenting the award recommendation.
2. The architect shall not select the contractor or negotiate a construction price outside the procurement method approved by ABC.
H. Construction Administration
1. Conduct progress meetings and site observations.
2. Review shop drawings, submittals, RFIs, schedules, pay applications, and proposed change orders.
3. Track conformance with drawings, specifications, budget, schedule, BABAA documentation, and applicable codes.
4. Conduct substantial and final completion inspections and prepare punch lists.
I. Closeout
1. Review record documents, warranties, O&M information, inspection approvals, and closeout submissions.
2. Provide documentation needed for ABC Title III grant records and project closeout.
6. FEDERAL FUNDING AND COMPLIANCE
The project is funded in whole or in part with U.S. Department of Education Title III, Part B funds under Award P031B220001. The selected firm shall perform its services in a manner that supports ABC compliance with applicable federal requirements, including 2 CFR Part 200 and the approved grant activity.
• The firm shall disclose actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest.
• The firm and its consultants must not be debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded from covered federal transactions.
• The firm shall maintain records sufficiently to support federal monitoring, audit, and grant closeout.
• The firm shall support BABAA compliance by incorporating applicable domestic-content requirements into construction documents and by assisting ABC in reviewing contractor documentation.
• Davis-Bacon requirements shall be included only if ABC determines, based on the federal programming legislation or specific award terms, that they apply to this award. Section 3 is not a Title III requirement and is not included unless another funding source independently requires it.
7. FIRM QUALIFICATIONS
• At least five years of architectural practice or equivalent demonstrated firm experience;
• Current Arkansas licensure for all design disciplines requiring licensure;
• Experience with higher-education, institutional, workforce-training, renovation, or new-construction projects of similar size and complexity;
• Demonstrated experience with cost estimating and budget control;
• Experience with federally funded or publicly funded projects preferred;
• Capacity to perform the work within the Title III grant schedule.
8. KEY PERSONNEL AND CONSULTANTS
Identify the Principal-in-Charge, Project Architect, Project Manager, structural engineer, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, civil engineer, and other proposed consultants. Provide resumes and identify each person’s role, Arkansas licensure, relevant project experience, and availability.
9. RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Provide at least three comparable projects completed within the last five years. For each, provide the project name, client, location, scope, construction cost, completion date, services provided, project manager, and client reference. At least one example should preferably involve higher education, a nonprofit/public institution, an HBCU, or federal funding.
10. PROJECT APPROACH
Describe the firm’s approach to project planning, stakeholder engagement, existing-condition assessment, design coordination, cost estimating, schedule management, code/accessibility compliance, federal grant compliance, BABAA implementation, construction procurement support, construction administration, quality assurance/quality control, and closeout.
11. PROJECT SCHEDULE
Provide a proposed schedule for pre-design, programming, schematic design, design development, construction documents, permitting, bidding, construction administration, and closeout. The schedule must identify critical assumptions and must be coordinated with the Title III period of performance.
Grant-period condition: The approved activity states a completion date of September 30, 2026. ABC will not authorize Title III-funded work outside the approved period of performance unless the U.S. Department of Education approves an extension or other written modification. If such approval is obtained, ABC will issue the revised schedule by written addendum or contract notice.
12. COMPENSATION - QUALIFICATIONS-BASED SELECTION
Do not include a fee proposal, hourly rates, or other price information in the Statement of Qualifications. Price will not be used as a selection factor. After ranking firms on qualifications, ABC will negotiate the scope and fair and reasonable compensation with the highest-ranked firm. If ABC cannot reach agreement, it may terminate negotiations and proceed to the next-ranked firm.
13. EVALUATION AND SELECTION CRITERIA
Evaluation Criterion Points
Firm qualifications and professional experience 20
Relevant higher education / institutional / construction experience 20
Experience with federally funded projects and federal compliance 15
Qualifications and availability of proposed project team 15
Understanding of the approved Phase 1B project and proposed approach 15
Project management, schedule, quality, and cost-control approach 10
References and past performance 5
TOTAL 100
14. REQUIRED SOQ CONTENT
1. Cover letter
2. Firm profile and qualifications
3. Relevant project experience
4. Higher education / institutional experience
5. Federal grant experience
6. Proposed project team and resumes
7. Project approach
8. Quality assurance / quality control plan
9. Project schedule
10. At least three references
11. Conflict-of-interest disclosure
12. Federal compliance certifications, as applicable
13. Litigation / claims history
14. Any exceptions to the RFQ requirements
15. CONFLICT OF INTEREST
The firm shall disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflict involving ABC, its employees, trustees, consultants, contractors, or other parties associated with the project. ABC may reject a firm or impose mitigation measures when necessary to protect the integrity of the procurement.
16. INSURANCE
The selected firm shall maintain insurance appropriate to the services, including commercial general liability, professional liability/errors and omissions, automobile liability, workers’ compensation, and employer’s liability. Final limits will be stated in the professional services agreement.
17. LICENSES
The firm and all applicable design professionals shall be properly licensed in Arkansas and shall maintain required licenses throughout the contract period.
18. QUESTIONS
Questions shall be submitted in writing to: Robert Turner, Turner Development; email: turnerdevelopment@gmail.com. Questions must be received no later than Friday, September 7, 2026, 12:00 p.m. Central Time. Material responses may be distributed to all known participating firms.
19. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Submit the Statement of Qualifications electronically in PDF format to Robert Turner, Turner Development, at turnerdevelopment@gmail.com no later than Tuesday, September 8, 2026, 5:00 p.m. Central Time. Subject line: RFQ ABC-T3-ARCH-2026-01 - Architectural and Engineering Services. Late submissions may be rejected.
20. PROCUREMENT CONDITIONS AND AWARD
• ABC may reject any or all responses, cancel or amend the RFQ, request clarification, conduct interviews, or award no contract when determined to be in the College’s best interest and consistent with applicable procurement requirements.
• ABC will not reimburse respondents for costs incurred in preparing an SOQ.
• Award is contingent on successful negotiation of scope and compensation, verification of qualifications and licenses, verification of federal eligibility, availability and allowability of Title III funds, and approval by authorized ABC officials.
ABC will maintain procurement records documenting the solicitation, evaluation, ranking, negotiations, and award.
21. CERTIFICATION OF SUBMITTAL
By submitting an SOQ, the firm certifies that its submission is accurate and complete; it is authorized to do business in Arkansas; required professionals are properly licensed; it will comply with applicable federal, state, local, and ABC requirements; it will disclose conflicts of interest; it is not excluded from federal transactions; and it will cooperate with authorized monitoring and audit activities.
Firm Name: __________
Authorized Representative: __________
Title: __________
Signature: __________
Date: __________
620576z
Refcode: #620576
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