Design-Build Services for New Outdoor Amenities and Site Improvements at Agriculture & Conference Center

The contract involves providing comprehensive design-build services to expand and enhance the Chatham County Agriculture & Conference Center through outdoor amenities and site improvements. The project scope includes constructing or covering a primary arena with seating, barns, restrooms, concessions, and an announcer’s stand, along with an outdoor multi-use pavilion featuring solarization and optional RV hookups. Two options are to be explored: either retrofitting the existing arena or building a new covered arena adjacent to the current facility. The design process emphasizes stakeholder collaboration, improved site access, parking, and event flow, with the contractor responsible for timely completion with minimal operational disruption. The contract, valued between five and fifteen million dollars, is overseen by County staff, including the Conference Center and Facilities Directors, and is governed by North Carolina statutes, County Terms and Conditions, and standard contractual provisions. The procurement process is based on a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) with evaluation criteria focusing on the experience and qualifications of the design-build team, references, project schedule, minority business participation efforts, and conflict of interest disclosures. The County aims to select the most responsible and responsive firm through interviews and negotiations, emphasizing minority outreach and good faith efforts. The contract emphasizes compliance with state and federal laws, including debarment and public records statutes, and incorporates detailed requirements for project management, documentation, and closeout procedures. Payment terms specify submission of proper invoices and documentation, with a focus on transparency and accountability, but do not specify federal systems or detailed line-item costs, as these will be defined in a future scope of work appendix. The project schedule anticipates initial design and procurement activities beginning in late 2025, with construction starting by September 2025, at the County’s site in Pittsboro, North Carolina.