Request for Qualifications # 274-DixParkSignagePlan
Title: Dix Park Signage Plan
Issue Date: January 15, 2026
Due Date: Friday, March 6, 2026, not later than 3:00PM EST
*LATE PROPOSALS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED*
Issuing Department: Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources
Direct all inquiries concerning this RFQ to:
Lauren Danforth
Sr. Manager Marketing & Communications – Dix Park
Parks, Recreation Cultural Resources
Email: Lauren.Danforth@raleighnc.gov
Table of Contents
1. Introduction.............................................................................................. 3
1.1. Purpose........................................................................................... 3
1.2. Background ..................................................................................... 3
1.3. RFQ Timeline .................................................................................. 4
1.4. Pre-Submittal Conference ............................................................... 4
1.5. Questions ........................................................................................ 5
1.6. Submittal Requirements and Contact Information........................... 5
1.7. Business Engagement and Opportunities ....................................... 6
1.8. Rights to Submitted Material ........................................................... 6
1.9. Communications ............................................................................. 6
1.10. Lobbying ......................................................................................... 6
1.11. Conflicts of Interest ......................................................................... 7
1.12. Proposer Expenses......................................................................... 8
1.13. Proposer Acceptance ...................................................................... 8
2. Qualifications Package............................................................................ 8
2.1. Request for Qualifications Required Document Format .................. 8
2.2. Hourly Rates ................................................................................... 9
2.3. Qualifications Package Documents............................................... 10
3. Proposal Evaluation .............................................................................. 11
3.1. Evaluation Criteria......................................................................... 11
3.2. Final Selection............................................................................... 11
3.3. Notice to Proposers Regarding RFQ Terms & Conditions ............ 11
3.4. Contract Term…………………………………………………………..11
4. Scope of Services.................................................................................. 12
Appendix I – Hourly Rate Schedule ................................................................ 13
Appendix II – Proposer Questionnaire ........................................................... 14
Appendix III – Reference Questionnaire (Instructions) ................................. 15
Appendix III – Reference Questionnaire Form ............................................... 16
Appendix IV – Sample Contract ...................................................................... 18
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1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Purpose
The City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources (Raleigh Parks) is seeking one
or more qualified firm(s) with which to contract for the following services:
The purpose of this signage plan is to develop site-specific and responsive
approach to signage in a park that is currently operating while development is in
progress transforming a former state hospital campus into the city’s 308-acre
destination park. Project objectives are to:
• Provide a cohesive and legible wayfinding system that helps visitors
navigate the park’s key entry points, facilities, destinations and parking.
• Enhance the interpretive experience by telling Dix Park’s layered history,
ecology and future park development plans.
• Clearly communicate park regulations, accessibility information, and
safety guidance in alignment with the park’s visitor guidelines.
• Support accessibility, including compliance with ADA standards and
readability for diverse park users (vehicular and pedestrian).
• Reflect the brand and visual identity of Dix Park.
Design (Phase I) a comprehensive signage system and implementation plan for Dix
Park. Services may also include fabrication (Phase II) and installation (Phase III) of
signage designed and recommended in the plan.
A detailed scope of services is provided in Section 4 of this document.
All information related to this solicitation, including any addenda, will be posted to the North
Carolina electronic Vendor Portal (eVP) at https://evp.nc.gov/.
All questions related to this solicitation must be submitted in writing (via email) to the following
individual – questions submitted via telephone will not be answered:
Contact Name
Email Address
Lauren Danforth, Sr. Manager of
Marketing & Communications – Dix Park
lauren.danforth@raleighnc.gov
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1.2 Background
The City of Raleigh, the Capital City of North Carolina, remains one of the fastest growing areas
in the country. A great economy, top educational institutions, and exceptional health care
facilities are some of the characteristics that attract people to the triangle area. The mild
climate, diverse work force and proximity to Research Triangle Park combine to make Raleigh
a great place to live.
Raleigh is a 21st Century City of Innovation focusing on environmental, cultural, and economic
sustainability. The City conserves and protects our environmental resources through best
practice and cutting-edge conservation and stewardship, land use, infrastructure and building
technologies. The City welcomes growth and diversity through policies and programs that will
protect and enhance Raleigh’s existing neighborhoods, natural amenities, history, and cultural
and human resources for future generations. The City leads to improve quality of life for
neighborhoods and standard of living for all citizens. The City works with universities, colleges,
citizens, and local partners to promote new technology, create new job opportunities, and
encourage local businesses and entrepreneurs. The City enlists and prepares 21st Century
staff with the skill sets to carry out the duties of the City through transparent civic engagement
and by providing the very best customer service to our citizens.
Dix Park is Raleigh’s premier urban park. A 308-acre destination where natural beauty, deep-
rooted history, and boundless potential come together, Dix Park is located on a sweeping
landscape of rolling meadows, dramatic hills, old-growth oaks, and historic architecture,
offering an immersive experience in nature and culture in the heart of North Carolina’s capital
city. New features like a world-class adventure playground, restored historic buildings housing
a visitor center, event venue and concessions, along with a family of giant troll sculptures, have
catapulted Dix Park onto the map for locals and visitors alike – with the park clocking over 1.7
million visits in 2025.
The City (Raleigh Parks), in collaboration with the Dix Park Conservancy through a public-
private partnership, oversees the development of Dix Park. The first park signage was installed
in 2020 with updates and additional sign designs being implemented over the past five years.
To better serve the public as the park continues to evolve, a comprehensive signage system
plan is needed to create cohesion, guide implementation, and improve visitor experience.
1.3 RFQ Timeline
Provided below is a list of the anticipated schedule of events related to this solicitation. The
City of Raleigh reserves the right to modify and/or adjust the following schedule to meet the
needs of the project. All times shown are Eastern Time (ET):
RFQ Process
RFQ Date
Date and time
January 15, 2026
Pre-Submittal Conference
(if required)
Thursday, February 12, 11am
5
Deadline for written questions
City Response to Questions
(anticipated)
Submittal Due Date and Time
Evaluation Meeting
(anticipated)
Interviews
(if required)
Selection Announcement
(tentative)
Thursday, February 19, 5pm
Thursday, February 26
Friday, March 6, 3pm EST
Week of March 16
Week of March 30
Week of April 6
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This page summarizes the opportunity, including an overview and a preview of the attached documents.