HARNETT COUNTY SCHOOLS
LILLINGTON, NC 27546
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS
FOR Construction Manager At Risk (CMAR)
CTE High School
RFQ-2025-19
QUALIFICATION PROPOSALS DUE January 7, 2026 NO LATER THAN 2:00 P.M.
SUBMIT VIA EMAIL, DELIVERY SERVICE, OR HAND DELIVER TO:
HARNETT COUNTY SCHOOLS PURCHASING DEPARTMENT
ATTN: GARLAND MCDOWELL
DIRECTOR OF PURCHASING
125 ALEXANDER DR.
LILLINGTON, NC 27546
Introduction
Harnett County Schools is soliciting Statements of Qualifications from qualified Construction Manager at
Risk (CMAR) firms for the construction of the new CTE High School. The CMAR will provide
professional construction management services during both the design and construction phases, in
accordance with N.C. General Statute 143-128.1 and related provisions governing the CMAR delivery
method.
This solicitation is being conducted in accordance with the Mini‑Brooks Act (N.C.G.S. 143‑64.31), which
requires that contracting for architectural, engineering, and other professional design services be based on
demonstrated competence and qualification without regard to fee.
Project Description
Harnett County Schools plans to design and construct a new CTE High School in Harnett County (Location
TBD). The new facility will accommodate approximately 500 students and will include classrooms,
administrative offices, media center, cafeteria, gymnasium, athletic fields, and associated site work.
The project must be designed in accordance with applicable North Carolina Department of Public
Instruction (DPI) guidelines, North Carolina Building Code, and all other applicable federal, state, and local
requirements.
Scope of Services
The selected CMAR will serve as a construction partner to Harnett County Schools (HCS) and will provide
comprehensive preconstruction and construction phase services in collaboration with the HCS and the
Design Consultant.
A. Preconstruction Phase
Under the preconstruction agreement, the CMAR shall:
1. Collaborate closely with the Design Consultant to provide constructability reviews and
design-phase input.
2. Develop cost models, estimates, and value-engineering recommendations throughout
design.
3. Provide schedule development and phasing recommendations to minimize disruption and
ensure timely delivery.
4. Evaluate site logistics, safety, and sequencing strategies for construction.
5. Develop a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) proposal for HCS approval, in accordance
with G.S. 143-128.1(c).
6. Identify and promote HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) participation consistent
with G.S. 143-128.2 and HCS goals.
7. Participate in coordination meetings with the HCS and Design Consultant as required.
Deliverables during this phase shall include:
- Detailed cost estimates at schematic, design development, and construction document
milestones.
- Updated project schedule and phasing plan.
- Constructability report and value-engineering log.
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- Site safety and logistics plan.
- GMP proposal with supporting documentation.
B. Construction Phase
Upon acceptance of the GMP and execution of the construction contract, the CMAR shall:
1. Hold all trade contracts and assume the role of general contractor for construction.
2. Provide construction supervision, quality control, safety oversight, and project
management throughout the project.
3. Maintain the project schedule and budget in coordination with HCS and the Design
Consultant.
4. Conduct weekly progress meetings, safety inspections, and reporting to the HCS.
5. Manage subcontractor procurement in compliance with state and local bidding laws.
6. Maintain accurate project documentation, including submittals, RFIs, change orders, and
closeout materials.
7. Assist the HCS and Design Consultant with project commissioning and warranty
administration.
Deliverables during this phase shall include:
- Detailed project schedule (updated monthly).
- Monthly pay applications and cost reports.
- Documentation of subcontractor HUB participation.
- Record drawings, warranties, and operation manuals at closeout.
C. Coordination with HCS and Design Consultant
The CMAR will coordinate with:
- Design Consultant (selected under a separate RFQ per the Mini-Brooks Act)
- Site Assessment Consultants (surveying, geotechnical, environmental, and traffic
engineers)
- HCS’s Representative and Facilities Team
The CMAR must foster open communication and proactive collaboration among all
parties to ensure design intent, cost efficiency, and construction quality are achieved.
D. Compliance
All services must comply with:
- North Carolina General Statutes (G.S. 143-128.1 through 143-135.9)
- Applicable state building codes, DPI requirements, OSHA regulations, and local
permitting requirements.
- Harnett County Schools Board of Education policies
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RFQ Response Timeline
Issue RFQ
Deadline for Questions
Addenda Answering Questions
Deadline for Qualification Submission
Review of Proposals and Create Shortlist
Evaluates of Select Qualified Firms
Approval of firms and Begins Negotiations
December 15, 2025
December 29, 2025 by 2:00 PM
December 30, 2025
January 7, 2026 by 2:00 PM
January 8, 2026
January 9, 2026
January 2026 (TBD)
I. Minimum Requirements And Qualifications
Knowledge of Relevant Codes
• The CMAR firm shall demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of North Carolina building
codes, safety regulations, and Department of Public Instruction (DPI) standards applicable to
the construction of public school facilities. Key personnel must hold appropriate professional
registrations, licenses, and certifications. The firm must be licensed as a General Contractor in
North Carolina and shall identify team members with relevant professional credentials (P.E.,
RA, CCM, LEED AP, OSHA 30).
• The firm shall describe its internal processes for ensuring code compliance, safety,
environmental stewardship, and adherence to state and local regulatory requirements
throughout both preconstruction and construction phases.
Harnett County Schools will evaluate Statements of Qualifications on the demonstrated experience and
qualifications of the CMAR firm together with its proposed key subcontractors/consultants (e.g.,
preconstruction, scheduling, cost, and trade partners). Proposers may submit a team that differs from any
suggested roles listed; such variation will not be grounds for disqualification. The District relies on the
CMAR’s professional judgment to assemble an experienced, effective team capable of executing the scope
and delivering the project to a high standard of quality.
Consistent with N.C.G.S. 143-128.1(c), Harnett County Schools reserves the right to approve or require the
selection of a different first-tier subcontractor for any portion of the work. If such a requirement results in
additional, documented costs, the CMAR will be compensated for those costs as provided by statute. First-
tier subcontractors shall be prequalified in accordance with N.C.G.S. 143-135.8.
II. Content Of Response To Request For Qualifications And Submission Requirements
Succinct Statements are advised. The following information must be included in all applications. Information
should be grouped into five sections, in the order listed below:
Section 1: Project Understanding (5 Pages Maximum)
Provide a narrative describing the proposed project and any necessary or pertinent background information. Discuss
the Consultant’s understanding of the project and approach to the successful completion of the scope of services
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outlined in this RFQ and provide a proposed work schedule to accomplish all tasks. If applicable, identify the staff
roles that would be assigned to each major task, including subconsultants.
Explain your overall CMAR approach from preconstruction through closeout, including:
a. Preconstruction services (cost modeling, estimating at each design phase, value engineering, constructability
reviews, design coordination, and phasing/logistics planning).
b. Development of the GMP, bid package strategy, trade contractor outreach, and HUB/MWBE participation
plan.
c. Cost control, schedule control, quality assurance/quality control, safety management, and risk management.
d. Coordination with the Design Consultant(s), Owner, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction; compliance with
DPI guidelines and applicable codes.
As necessary, please include any photographs, renderings, sample projects, or other visual images that will
clarify your approach or provide contextual background. Provide captions as needed to demonstrate
applicability to this project.
Section 2: Qualifications and Experience
• Provide up to five CMAR K-12 projects (schools preferred; NC projects within the last 7–10 years)
demonstrating preconstruction services, GMP development, public subcontractor procurement, HUB
participation, occupied-campus logistics, schedule and budget performance, quality/commissioning,
code/DPI coordination, and team qualifications. For each project, list delivery method, budget at
award, GMP, final cost, substantial completion date, % change orders (by cause), HUB results,
safety metrics, and HCS contact.
Section 3: Key Personnel & Team Organization
a. Key Personnel Resumes (Brief). Submit one-page resumes for the proposed Project Manager,
Superintendent, Preconstruction Manager, and Lead Estimator (plus any other key roles offered). Each
resume must include: current employer/title; K-12 CMAR experience within the last 10 years (project name,
size/cost, dates, delivery method, and specific responsibilities); relevant licenses/certifications (e.g., GC
affiliation, OSHA 30, scheduling/BIM); and two quantifiable outcomes (e.g., GMP accuracy, schedule
adherence, safety performance). Indicate each person’s availability/level of commitment to this project.
Resumes must reflect the same role proposed for this project. Marketing material is not permitted. HCS
reserves the right to interview key personnel and to require HCS approval for any substitutions with equal
or better qualifications.
Section 4: Firm Availability and References
a. Current Workload & Capacity
Provide a summary of your active projects. For each, list: client and project name, delivery method,
project start date, anticipated substantial completion date, current phase, total contract value, and a
brief statement of your firm’s capacity to staff the Harnett County Schools project (identify key
personnel and estimated FTE/level of effort available).
b. Professional References
Provide three professional project references who can speak to your firm’s performance on
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This page summarizes the opportunity, including an overview and a preview of the attached documents.