Re-Bid: Beechwood Cemetery Columbarium

The City of Durham has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for design-build services to construct a new columbarium at Beechwood Cemetery. The project involves architectural, engineering, and construction services to deliver a columbarium structure with at least 65 niches, including site design and landscaping, aiming to expand internment capacity and enhance the cemetery's sacred outdoor space. The estimated budget for the project is approximately $150,000. Key procurement dates include a pre-submittal meeting on April 7, 2025, submission of written questions by April 10, 2025, and a final proposal submission deadline on April 18, 2025. Proposals are to be mailed to the City of Durham General Services Department and addressed to Al Walker, the primary point of contact. The RFQ emphasizes adherence to state statutory requirements for design-build contracts under North Carolina General Statutes, including G.S. 143-128.1A and related provisions for public notice, project team selection, and bonding. Proposals will be evaluated based on several weighted criteria, predominantly focusing on the design-build team's experience and qualifications (30 points), design and engineering professional credentials (25 points), project understanding and approach (20 points), and other factors such as minority business participation, project schedule, safety controls, and proposal responsiveness. The City requires full compliance with diversity and equal opportunity programs, including submission of a Workforce Diversity Questionnaire and adherence to the City’s Equal Business Opportunity Program (EBOP), which promotes participation of minority- and women-owned underutilized business enterprises (UBEs). The contract incorporates strict insurance requirements encompassing general liability, automobile, umbrella, workers’ compensation, and professional liability, with the City named as an additional insured. Integrity of the bidding process is maintained through a mandatory Non-Collusion Affidavit certifying competitive, bona fide proposals. Special contract conditions mandate prior approval for key personnel changes, documentation of subcontractor and UBE participation, and compliance with state laws concerning good faith efforts, investment restrictions, and certifications of design professional selection. The City retains broad rights to negotiate, accept, or reject proposals and requires delivery and acceptance management primarily at City administrative offices. This procurement follows a trade-off evaluation methodology prioritizing technical merit and qualifications alongside diversity and compliance considerations to ensure a quality, timely, and equitable project execution.