Criteria Architect Services - Personnel Access Portal

The Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) is soliciting proposals for Criteria Architect Services for the Personnel Access Portal (PAP) Project under solicitation RITM0132287.AS. The project involves the design and construction of a new 50,000 square-foot secure operational facility at the decommissioned Rancho Seco Nuclear Generating facility site to replace legacy structures. Utilizing a Progressive Design-Build delivery methodology, the selected architect will be responsible for developing performance-based design criteria, conducting a Threat and Vulnerability Risk Assessment (TVRA), and ensuring the facility integrates advanced physical security, MEP systems, and redundancy for mission-critical functions. The project is expected to span approximately four years, with key phases including criteria compliance and design scheduled between March 2028 and March 2029. Proposals are evaluated on a trade-off basis, with the highest weight placed on commercial terms and contractual compliance (35 percent), followed by experience and qualifications (20 percent). Other significant factors include interviews, key personnel expertise, and participation in the SEED Program for small and microbusinesses. A mandatory requirement for all proposers is the execution of a Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement to access RFP attachments. The selection process includes a pre-proposal conference on August 26, 2026, and interviews for shortlisted firms in late September or early October 2026. All submissions must be made electronically via the PlanetBids portal by the September 10, 2026, deadline.