Historic Preservation Architectural Services (Ebony Theater and John R. Lynch Corridor)

RFP 25-30 Historic Preservation Architectural Services
(Ebony Theatre and John R. Lynch Corridor)
Due: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
JACKSON STATE UNIVERSITY
Request for Proposals (RFP)
RFP 25-30 Historic Preservation Architectural Services (Ebony Theatre and
John R. Lynch Corridor
ISSUE DATE: June 24, 2026
ISSUING AGENCY: Office of Purchasing and Travel
Jackson State University
1400 John R. Lynch Street
Jackson, MS 39217
Sealed proposals, subject to the conditions made a part hereof, will be received until
Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in the JSU Office of Purchasing and Travel, same
address as above, for furnishing services as described herein.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Indicate firm name and RFP number on the front of each sealed proposal
envelope or package.
All inquiries regarding this RFP should be directed to:
Kimberly Harris AND Brenda Nash Jefferson
Director of Procurement Services Procurement Analyst
601-979-0978 601-979-0699
kimberly.r.harris@jsums.edu brenda.l.nash-jefferson@jsums.edu
Any addendum associated with this RFP will be posted at https://www.jsums.edu/finance/bid-
information/ located under 25-30. It is the respondent's responsibility to assure that all addenda
have been reviewed and, if applicable, signed and returned.
Note 1: Questions concerning this RFP must be submitted in writing and will be accepted until
July, 7, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. A summary of all questions and answers will be posted at
https://www.jsums.edu/finance/bid-information/ as an addendum located under July 14, 2026 at
5:00 p.m.
Page 1 of 28

RFP 25-30 Historic Preservation Architectural Services
(Ebony Theatre and John R. Lynch Corridor)
Due: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
Note 2: It is the respondent's responsibility to assure that all addenda have been reviewed
and, if applicable, signed and returned.
RFP Response Checklist - Include these items in your response to RFP 25-30:
a) Proposals shall be submitted in two packages (envelopes or boxes) marked as
"Technical Proposal" and "Revenue Proposal" within a single package (envelope or
box). The single package shall be sealed with "RFP 25-30" In the lower left-hand
corner and an electronic copy in PDF files on a flash drive
b) Technical Proposal - One (1) original and six (6) copies to include: Cover Letter,
Corporate Structure and Credentials, and Operations and Ability to Perform
which should be sealed in a package with "Technical Proposal" in the lower left-hand
corner. Each submitted package should be a complete copy. The original shall be
marked on the first page as "Original." NO INFORMATION IDENTIFYING THE
VENDOR SHALL BE INCLUDED.
c) Vendor Response to Management Requirements Questionnaire on page 12
plus an overview of vendor qualifications, organizational profile (including
operation under other Vendor names providing the same or similar services)
and organizational chart. Describe how the organizational structure will
ensure orderly communications, distribution of information, and effective
coordination of activities, accountability, and decision-making authority.
d) References: Provide three (3) similar or like clients as references, for which
Respondent has performed (or is currently performing) work similar in nature
and scope within the last five (5) years. Information should include:
* Institution
* Institution's Address
* Contact name, telephone number, and email
* Similarity with scope and size of the JSU
* Length of time services have been provided
The proposal package must be received on or before Wednesday, July 22, 2026 @ 11:00 a.m.
The respondent is responsible for ensuring that the proposal package arrives in the Office of
Purchasing and Travel on time. The proposal package should be delivered or sent by mail to:
Page 2 of 28

RFP 25-30 Historic Preservation Architectural Services
(Ebony Theatre and John R. Lynch Corridor)
Due: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
Office of Purchasing and Travel
Jackson State University
1400 John R. Lynch Street
Jackson, MS 39217
e) M54 and M55 Professional Qualification Forms (See Appendix B)
f) Your response must include the signature page in this RFP (See Appendix C) and the
signature of an authorized representative of the respondent's organization. The
signature on the "Original" signature page should be in blue ink.
g) JSU reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, waive informalities and minor
irregularities in proposals received, and accept any portion of a proposal or all items
bid if deemed in the best interest of the University.
h) Proposals received after the stated due date and time will be returned unopened.
Submission via facsimile or other electronic means will not be accepted.
When using a delivery service or hand delivering, the address is: H.P. Jacobs
Administration Tower, 4th Floor, Office of Purchasing & Travel, Jackson State University,
1400 John R. Lynch Street, Jackson, MS 39217. Deliveries can be made during this office's
normal business hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
JSU reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and to waive informalities and
minor irregularities. JSU may accept any portion of a proposal or all items, if deemed
in the best interest of the University to do so. In addition, the proposer shall not be
in contact with any other Jackson State University representative(s) other than the
listed contacts during this procurement process.
UNIVERSITY OVERVIEW
Jackson State University (JSU), founded in 1877, is a historically black, high-research activity
university located in Jackson, the capital city of Mississippi. Jackson State's nurturing academic
environment challenges individuals to change lives through teaching, research, and service.
Officially designated Mississippi's Urban University, Jackson State continues to enhance the
state, nation, and world through comprehensive economic development, healthcare,
technological, and educational initiatives. The only public University in metropolitan Jackson,
Jackson State is located near downtown, with five satellite locations throughout the area.
Jackson State University, through the JSU Development Foundation and community-based
stakeholders, is supporting revitalization efforts associated with the historic Ebony Theatre and
the surrounding J.R. Lynch Street corridor.
Additional information about JSU can be found at our website, www.jsums.edu.
Page 3 of 28

RFP 25-30 Historic Preservation Architectural Services
(Ebony Theatre and John R. Lynch Corridor)
Due: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Jackson State University (JSU) desires to contract with a reputable and responsible Historic
Preservation Architecture firm to provide professional architectural and preservation planning
services associated with the Ebony Theatre & J.R. Lynch Corridor Revitalization Initiative.
The selected firm will serve as the lead architectural and preservation consultant responsible for:
* Historic preservation planning
* Existing conditions assessments
* Adaptive reuse recommendations
* Preservation-sensitive redevelopment planning
* Coordination of specialty consultants
* Phased redevelopment recommendations
* Conceptual design guidance
* Building stabilization recommendations
* Coordination with ongoing infrastructure improvements
* Community-informed redevelopment support
The selected firm is expected to possess demonstrated experience with:
* Historic preservation projects
* Historic theater or cultural facility redevelopment
* Adaptive reuse planning
* Public or institutional redevelopment projects
* Community-centered redevelopment initiatives
* Coordination of multidisciplinary consultant teams
PRE-SUBMITTAL CONFERENCE & SITE WALKTHROUGH
A non-mandatory pre-submittal conference and site walkthrough will be conducted to provide
prospective respondents an opportunity to review project conditions, ask questions, and better
understand the scope of services.
The pre-submittal conference is intended to:
* Provide an overview of the project and procurement process
* Discuss current site conditions and infrastructure coordination considerations
* Review procurement timelines and evaluation procedures
* Allow respondents to ask clarification questions
* Provide a limited walkthrough of accessible project areas
Attendance is strongly encouraged.
Page 4 of 28

RFP 25-30 Historic Preservation Architectural Services
(Ebony Theatre and John R. Lynch Corridor)
Due: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
Information shared during the pre-submittal conference is for informational purposes only. Any
official modifications, clarifications, or interpretations of the RFQ shall be issued only through
written addenda posted by Jackson State University.
Respondents are responsible for independently evaluating project conditions and project
requirements.
Questions asked during the pre-submittal conference, along with written questions submitted
during the procurement period, may be incorporated into an official written addendum.
Meeting details:
* Date: Tuesday, July 2, 2026
* Time: 9:00 a.m.
* Location: E-City Center, Jackson, MS 39203
Map Reference:
PROGRAM Governance
Project Governance Structure:
* Executive Sponsor
* Project Director
* Fiscal Oversight: JSU Development Foundation
* Steering Committee: Community advisory body representing the community at large in
an advisory capacity
The Steering Committee shall provide:
* Community feedback
* Cultural and historical perspective
Page 5 of 28

RFP 25-30 Historic Preservation Architectural Services
(Ebony Theatre and John R. Lynch Corridor)
Due: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
* Strategic recommendations
* Community engagement support
* Corridor revitalization input
The Steering Committee shall not:
* Approve procurements
* Direct contractors
* Approve invoices
* Control project finances
* Override procurement or governance procedures
* Manage day-to-day operations
PROGRAM OVERVIEW
JSU will have one agreement for Historic Preservation Architectural Services. The selected
Historic Preservation Architect firm shall provide professional services including, but not limited
to, the following:
Phase 1 - Preliminary Assessment & Planning
The selected firm shall serve as the lead consultant responsible for coordinating the overall
conditions assessment process for the facility. The architect shall integrate findings from specialty
consultants into a unified redevelopment and preservation planning framework.
The architect may coordinate specialty consultants including:
* Structural engineers
* Environmental consultants
* MEP consultants
* Roofing consultants
* Civil/site consultants
The intent of the assessment process is to support preservation-sensitive redevelopment planning
and avoid fragmented or disconnected assessment activities.
Existing Conditions Assessment
* Conduct preliminary building assessments
* Review existing building conditions
* Identify visible structural concerns
* Assess building envelope and water intrusion conditions
* Assess roofing conditions
* Review accessibility and code considerations
* Identify immediate stabilization priorities
Page 6 of 28

RFP 25-30 Historic Preservation Architectural Services
(Ebony Theatre and John R. Lynch Corridor)
Due: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
Historic Preservation Assessment
* Evaluate historic preservation considerations
* Document historically significant architectural features
* Identify preservation-sensitive redevelopment opportunities
* Develop preservation recommendations
Consultant Coordination
Coordinate and integrate specialty consultants as needed, including:
* Structural engineering
* Environmental consulting
* MEP evaluations
* Roofing evaluations
* Site/civil coordination
Site & Infrastructure Coordination
* Coordinate with ongoing roadway and utility improvement activities
* Identify site access considerations
* Review equipment staging and contractor logistics impacts
* Coordinate redevelopment sequencing recommendations
Current Road, sewer, and utility infrastructure improvements are underway within the
surrounding project area and are currently anticipated to be substantially completed by
September 16, 2026, pending delays.
Phase 2 - Redevelopment Planning & Conceptual Design
Adaptive Reuse & Redevelopment Planning
* Develop conceptual redevelopment strategies
* Provide adaptive reuse recommendations
* Support phased redevelopment planning
* Identify future operational opportunities
* Support long-term sustainability planning
Preliminary Cost & Phasing Support
* Develop conceptual project phasing recommendations
* Assist with high-level budget forecasting
* Support prioritization of future capital improvements
Community Engagement Support
* Participate in stakeholder meetings
* Support Steering Committee discussions as needed
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RFP 25-30 Historic Preservation Architectural Services
(Ebony Theatre and John R. Lynch Corridor)
Due: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
* Incorporate community and cultural preservation considerations into redevelopment
planning
PROCUREMENT PROCESS:
The following is a general description of the process by which a firm will be selected to fulfill this
Request for Proposal.
a) Request for Proposals (RFP) is issued to prospective suppliers.
b) Deadline for written questions is set.
c) Proposals will be received as set forth.
d) Unsigned proposals will not be considered.
e) All proposals must be received by JSU no later than the date and time specified on the
cover sheet of this RFP.
f) At that date and time, the package containing the proposals from each responding firm
will be opened publicly, and each respondent's name will be announced.
g) Proposal evaluation: JSU will review each proposal.
h) At their option, the evaluators may request oral presentations or discussions for the
purpose of clarification or to amplify the materials presented in the proposal.
i) Respondents are cautioned that this is a request for offers, not a request to contract and
that JSU reserves the unqualified right to reject any and all offers when such rejection
is deemed to be in the best interest of JSU.
j) The proposals will be evaluated according to the criteria set forth on Pages 13-14.
SCOPE OF SERVICES REQUIRED & TERM OF CONTRACT
RFP CANCELLATION
This RFP in no manner obligates JSU to the eventual purchase of any services described,
implied, or which may be proposed until confirmed by a written contract. Progress towards
this end is solely at the discretion of JSU and may be terminated without penalty or obligations
at any time before signing a contract. JSU reserves the right to cancel this RFP at any time, for
any reason, and to reject any or all proposals or any parts thereof.
Page 8 of 28

RFP 25-30 Historic Preservation Architectural Services
(Ebony Theatre and John R. Lynch Corridor)
Due: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
DISCUSSIONS/EVALUATION CRITERIA/AWARD PROCESS
JSU reserves the right to conduct discussions with any or all respondents or to award a contract
without such discussions based only on the evaluation of the written proposals. JSU reserves
the right to contact and interview anyone connected with any past or present projects with which
the respondent has been associated. JSU likewise reserves the right to designate a review
committee to evaluate the proposals according to the criteria set forth under this section. JSU
may make a written determination showing the basis upon which the award was made, and such
determination shall be included in the procurement file.
JSU reserves the right to award this contract in whole or in part, depending on what is in the
best interest of JSU, with JSU being the sole judge.
1) Corporate Structure, Credentials, and Prior Experience - JSU will attempt to determine
the probability of the program's future success based on the proposer's organizational
structure and proven experience.
2) Operations and Plan to Perform - JSU will be attempting to determine the probability
of future success of the program based on the proposer's plans for providing the service.
3) Efficiencies and Sustainability - JSU will attempt to determine any increased
efficiencies for the institution (examples may include, but are not limited to, a single
Vendor of all services to reduce bookkeeping issues, electronic transfer of funds,
electronic records, etc.) JSU will also consider 'Sustainability' issues such as healthy
foods, recycling, waste minimization, energy conservation, etc.
2) TERM OF CONTRACT
* JSU reserves the right to terminate this agreement with thirty (30) days' notice by the Chief
Financial Officer via certified mail to the address listed on the signature page of this RFP
(See Appendix F) if any of the terms of the proposal and/or contract are violated
* In the event the Vendor fails to carry out and comply with any of the conditions and
agreements to be performed under the specifications, JSU will notify the Vendor, in
writing, of such failure or default. In the event the necessary corrective action has not been
completed within a ten (10) day period, the Vendor must submit, in writing, why such
corrective action has not been performed. The University reserves the right to determine
whether or not such noncompliance may be construed as a failure of performance of the
Vendor.
* Termination of contract by Vendor without cause can only occur with at least one hundred
and twenty (120) days' notice before the contract's proposed termination.
* In the event JSU employs attorneys or incurs other expenses that are considered necessary
to protect or enforce its rights under this contract, the Vendor agrees to pay the attorney's
fees and expenses so incurred by JSU.
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RFP 25-30 Historic Preservation Architectural Services
(Ebony Theatre and John R. Lynch Corridor)
Due: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
3) RELATIONSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
OTHER ASSURANCES
* Contractor shall agree to indemnify the University from any claims, actions, suits,
causes of action, or demands, which may include, but is not limited to court costs
and legal fees, arising from the implementation of the services to be provided.
* In event of default by contractor or termination of contract, contractor shall agree
to provide service on a month-to-month basis at existing rates for up to six months.
* There shall be no cost increase during the initial term. A cost increase may be
considered at the beginning of each renewal term. In this RFP's response, the
proposer must provide the justification and methodology for applying the cost
increase and indicate the proposed amount of cost increase.
* JSU reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received, to waive any
informalities or irregularities, or to accept any proposal which is deemed most
favorable to the University.
* Terms and conditions that constitute grounds for termination will be specified in
the contract. JSU reserves the right to terminate contract with sixty (60) days' notice
or at the time of the contract renewal.
A. Insurance Requirements
Contractor, upon award, but prior to any work commencing, shall provide certificates of
insurance coverage as outlined below:
* Contractor, as an independent contractor, shall provide proof of Comprehensive General
Liability insurance, Workers' Compensation insurance and Commercial Auto Liability
insurance. The Contractor shall provide a Certificate of Coverage mailed to the Board of
Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, Office of Insurance & Risk
Management, 3825 Ridgewood Road, Suite 429, Jackson, MS, 39211 and JSU,
Department of Facilities and Construction Management, Executive Director, 1400 J.R.
Lynch St., Jackson, MS 39217 at least ten (10) working days prior to start of services. The
Certificate of Coverage should, at a minimum, contain the name of the carrier, effective
and expiration dates of coverage, a description of the covered perils, and amount of
coverage by peril, the name and mailing address of the insurance company, and the name
and mailing address of the insurance agent. The Certificate of Coverage must name the
Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning and JSU as additional
insureds. The additional insured requirement shall be by an endorsement form, or an
equivalent or broader form, or by blanket additional insured endorsement, and the general
liability coverage shall be primary and noncontributory in respect to insurance maintained
by JSU or IHL. Further, Contractor agrees to waive any rights of subrogation against IHL
or JSU. The Comprehensive General Liability coverage and the Commercial Auto
Liability coverage shall be a minimum amount of Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) per
occurrence and Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) annual aggregate through an insurance
company with a Best rating of A- or higher and a financial size Class X or higher approved
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