RFP Atrium Acoustics Remediation Project at Howard Miller CC

Request for Proposals
City of Zeeland
Atrium Acoustics Remediation Project
Howard Miller Public Library
14 S. Church Street
Zeeland, Michigan 49464
Issue Date: May 20, 2026
Mandatory Pre-Proposal Meeting: June 5, 2026 at 10:00 AM local time
Deadline for Vendor Questions: June 10, 2026 at 5:00 PM local time
City's Final Written Responses/Addenda Issued By: June 12, 2026 at 5:00 PM local time
Proposal Due Date: June 30, 2026 at 10:00 AM local time
Anticipated Award: July 20, 2026
Preferred Construction Window: August through December 2026
1. Invitation and Purpose
The City of Zeeland is soliciting proposals from qualified acoustical treatment contractors
for the Atrium Acoustics Remediation Project at Howard Miller Public Library, located at 14
S. Church Street, Zeeland, Michigan 49464.
The purpose of this project is to implement the Preferred Treatment recommendations
identified in the Atrium Acoustics Report prepared by ABD Engineering & Design, dated
February 23, 2026. The work is intended to reduce reverberation, reduce reflected speech
energy, improve acoustic comfort, and reduce the impact of sound transfer from the
second-floor Quiet Study Area to the first-floor Circulation Desk.
The City of Zeeland is the contracting entity. Howard Miller Public Library is the location
where the work will be performed.
This solicitation is a Request for Proposals. Award will not be based solely on lowest cost.
The City will evaluate proposals based on qualifications, technical approach, materials,
schedule, references, price, and overall value to the City.

2. Background
Howard Miller Public Library includes a two-story atrium space with hard surfaces, open
volume, and direct acoustic connection between the second-floor Quiet Study Area and
the first-floor Circulation Desk.
ABD Engineering & Design visited the site on January 18, 2026, to measure reverberation
time and background noise conditions. ABD reported that the atrium experiences
excessive reverberation in the mid-frequency range of 500 Hz to 1000 Hz, exceeding the
target reverberation time by approximately 0.3 seconds. ABD also identified that noise from
the second-floor areas negatively impacts the Circulation Desk below.
ABD recommended a target reverberation time of approximately 1.0 to 1.2 seconds for the
atrium. The Preferred Treatment option is modeled to achieve approximately 1.0 second
reverberation time and an overall sound pressure level reduction of approximately 5.6 dBA
at the Circulation Desk.
The selected contractor shall implement the Preferred Treatment scope as described in the
ABD report and in this RFP.
The ABD report is included as an attachment to this RFP and shall be considered part of the
project documents. If a conflict exists between this RFP and the ABD report, the more
stringent requirement shall apply unless clarified by written addendum issued by the City.
3. Project Objectives
The selected contractor shall provide a complete, turnkey acoustics remediation
installation that accomplishes the following objectives:
1. Implement the Preferred Treatment recommendations from the ABD report.
2. Reduce mid-frequency reverberation in the 500 Hz to 1000 Hz range.
3. Improve speech clarity and acoustic comfort within the atrium and adjacent areas.
4. Reduce reflected speech energy and perceived sound transfer from the second-
floor Quiet Study Area to the first-floor Circulation Desk.
5. Achieve installation conformance with the approved product data, shop drawings,
manufacturer requirements, code requirements, and this RFP.
6. Minimize disruption to library operations, patrons, staff, furnishings, finishes, and
collections.

4. Procurement Approach and Award Basis
This is a Best Value Request for Proposals.
The City intends to award a contract to the proposer whose proposal is determined to be
most advantageous to the City, considering qualifications, technical approach, product
quality, schedule, references, price, and overall value.
The City is not obligated to award to the lowest-priced proposer. The City reserves the right
to accept or reject any or all proposals, waive informalities or irregularities, request
clarification, conduct interviews, negotiate with one or more proposers, or cancel this
solicitation if determined to be in the City's best interest.
Proposals shall remain firm for one hundred eighty (180) calendar days from the proposal
due date.
5. Project Location
Howard Miller Public Library
14 S. Church Street
Zeeland, Michigan 49464
Work will occur primarily in the two-story atrium, second-floor Quiet Study Area, atrium
opening between the first and second floors, and related adjacent areas as described in
the ABD report.
6. Project Schedule
The anticipated schedule is as follows:
Milestone Date
RFP issued May 20, 2026
Mandatory pre-proposal meeting June 5, 2026 at 10:00 AM local time
Deadline for vendor questions June 10, 2026 at 5:00 PM local time
City's final written responses/addenda issued by June 12, 2026 at 5:00 PM local time
Proposals due June 30, 2026 at 10:00 AM local time
Anticipated award July 20, 2026
Preferred construction window August through December 2026

The Library may require phased installation, off-hour work, weekend work, or specific
sequencing to minimize disruption to public operations. Proposers shall clearly identify the
work hours, duration, sequencing, closures, staging needs, and assumptions included in
their proposal.
7. Mandatory Pre-Proposal Meeting and Site Visit
A mandatory pre-proposal meeting will be held at the project location on June 5, 2026, at
10:00 AM local time.
Attendance is required for all proposers. Proposals submitted by firms that do not attend
the mandatory pre-proposal meeting shall be rejected as non-responsive.
The purpose of the meeting is to allow proposers to inspect existing conditions, verify
access requirements, observe building systems, review staging limitations, and
understand the operational setting of the Library.
Each proposer is responsible for field verification of all dimensions, quantities, mounting
conditions, substrates, access limitations, lift requirements, obstructions, diffusers,
sprinklers, alarms, lighting, signage, railings, framing, adjacent finishes, furnishings, and
any other conditions affecting the work.
No additional compensation will be allowed for conditions reasonably observable during
the mandatory site visit.
8. Questions, Clarifications, and Addenda
All questions shall be submitted in writing to:
Ben Kiewiet
Facilities Maintenance Supervisor
City of Zeeland
bkiewiet@cityofzeeland.com
(616) 931-3313
Questions must be received by June 10, 2026, at 5:00 PM local time. Responses that
modify, clarify, or interpret the RFP will be issued only by written response or addendum.
The City's final written responses/addenda will be issued by June 12, 2026, at 5:00 PM local
time.
No oral statements, interpretations, or instructions shall be binding on the City unless
confirmed by written addendum.

Bidders are required to register with Susan Moore at smoore@cityofzeeland.com prior to
the proposal due date to ensure receipt of addenda, clarifications, and other
communications.
Each proposer shall acknowledge receipt of all addenda in its proposal.
9. Scope of Work
The selected contractor shall furnish all labor, materials, equipment, lifts, scaffolding,
tools, supervision, layout, engineering, shop drawings, coordination, protection, cleanup,
warranties, and incidentals necessary to complete the Preferred Treatment installation in
full.
The Preferred Treatment includes all work described in Options 1 and 2 of the ABD report,
plus the additional treatment described in Option 3.
Quantities listed below are approximate and are provided for bidding convenience only.
Proposers shall verify all quantities and site conditions. The proposed lump sum price shall
include all work necessary to complete the Preferred Treatment installation shown and
described in the ABD report and this RFP.
9.1 Upper Atrium Wall Panels, Option 1 Component
Install approximately 680 square feet of 2-inch-thick acoustical wall panels within the
metal framing attached to the upper ceiling around the atrium perimeter, as identified in
the ABD report.
Minimum requirements:
1. 2-inch acoustical wall panels.
2. Minimum NRC of 0.90.
3. Installed within the metal framing areas identified in the ABD report.
4. Attachment method suitable for existing substrates and installation height.
5. Finish, edge profile, color, layout, and mounting system subject to City approval.
9.2 Quiet Study Ceiling Treatment, Option 2 Component
Install approximately 850 square feet of acoustical ceiling tile above the second-floor Quiet
Study Area, as identified in the ABD report.
Minimum requirements:
1. Minimum NRC of 0.90.

2. Integration with existing ceiling grid, lighting, sprinklers, diffusers, and other building
systems.
3. Clean, complete, finished installation suitable for an occupied public library.
4. Product and finish subject to City approval.
9.3 Quiet Study Wall Panels, Option 2 Component
Install approximately 70 square feet of 2-inch acoustical wall panels in the Quiet Study
Area.
Minimum requirements:
1. Minimum NRC of 0.90.
2. Mounted between approximately 3 feet and 7.5 feet above finished floor, as shown
in the ABD report.
3. Durable finish suitable for public use.
4. Impact-resistant product required unless the City approves an alternate product in
writing.
5. Finish, edge profile, color, layout, and mounting system subject to City approval.
9.4 Atrium Opening Wall Panels, Option 2 Component
Install approximately 270 square feet of 2-inch acoustical wall panels on the straight walls
within the atrium opening between the first and second floors.
Minimum requirements:
1. Minimum NRC of 0.90.
2. Panels shall be installed on straight wall areas identified in the ABD report.
3. Panels shall not be installed on the curved wall that supports the flag unless
directed otherwise by written addendum.
4. Installation shall accommodate air supply diffusers and other building systems.
5. Finish, edge profile, color, layout, and mounting system subject to City approval.

9.5 Additional Upper Wall Panels, Option 3 Preferred Treatment Component
Install approximately 550 square feet of 2-inch acoustical wall panels on the two long,
parallel walls above the second floor, directly below the Option 1 treatment areas, as
identified in the ABD report.
Minimum requirements:
1. Minimum NRC of 0.90.
2. Installed full length on the long wall areas shown in the ABD report, subject to field
coordination.
3. Installation shall accommodate air diffusers, structural framing, and other building
systems.
4. Finish, edge profile, color, layout, and mounting system subject to City approval.
10. Product Requirements
Products listed in the ABD report establish the required level of quality, performance, and
suitability. Proposed products shall meet or exceed the performance of the listed products.
Acceptable manufacturers include those referenced in the ABD report or approved equals.
Proposed equals must be approved by the City before award or as part of the submittal
review process, at the City's sole discretion.
Minimum product requirements include:
1. Minimum NRC of 0.90 for all acoustical panels and ceiling tile unless otherwise
approved in writing.
2. 2-inch thickness for wall panels where 2-inch panels are specified.
3. ASTM E84 Class A flame spread and smoke developed rating, or other applicable
fire classification acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.
4. Durable, cleanable, public-facility appropriate finish.
5. Impact-resistant construction for panels located within reach of patrons or staff,
unless otherwise approved in writing.
6. Manufacturer-approved mounting system suitable for the existing substrate and
installation height.
7. Compatibility with existing building conditions, including humidity, temperature,
public occupancy, cleaning practices, and adjacent finishes.

8. Finish, color, fabric, edge profile, reveal, seam layout, and mounting details subject
to City approval prior to fabrication.
9. No exposed sharp edges, unsafe projections, loose fabric, or visually unfinished
components.
10. Full manufacturer warranty and installation warranty.
11. Substitutions and Approved Equals
Products listed in the ABD report are acceptable examples and are not intended to
unnecessarily restrict competition. However, proposed equals must demonstrate
equivalent or superior acoustic performance, durability, appearance, fire rating,
cleanability, warranty, and suitability for a public library.
Requests for approval of equals shall include:
1. Product name and manufacturer.
2. Full technical data sheets.
3. Independent laboratory test documentation confirming NRC rating.
4. ASTM E84 or applicable fire rating documentation.
5. Thickness, density, construction, edge details, and mounting system.
6. Finish options and color charts.
7. Cleaning and maintenance instructions.
8. Warranty information.
9. Written comparison to the products listed in the ABD report.
10. Identification of any differences, exceptions, limitations, or assumptions.
The City reserves the sole right to determine whether a proposed product is an approved
equal.
Substitution requests received after the deadline established by the City may be rejected.
12. Code, Permits, Life Safety, and Building Systems
The contractor shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes,
ordinances, rules, and regulations.

The contractor is responsible for identifying and obtaining any permits required for the
work, unless the City expressly agrees otherwise in writing.
The contractor is responsible for securing a building permit with the City of Zeeland. Fees
for the permit will not be waived.
The work shall not obstruct, cover, relocate, impair, or interfere with:
1. Fire suppression systems.
2. Fire alarm devices.
3. Smoke detectors.
4. Strobes and audible notification devices.
5. Exit signs.
6. Emergency lighting.
7. HVAC diffusers, returns, or controls.
8. Lighting fixtures.
9. Security cameras.
10. Access panels.
11. Electrical devices.
12. Signage.
13. Railings, guards, and fall protection elements.
14. Any other life safety, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, security, or building system.
If relocation, adjustment, or modification of any building system is required, the contractor
shall identify the issue promptly and coordinate with the City before proceeding. No such
work shall be performed without written authorization from the City.
The contractor shall provide engineered or manufacturer-approved attachment details
when required by code, manufacturer instructions, site conditions, installation height,
panel weight, or the City.
Nothing in the ABD report modifies the requirements of applicable codes or authorities
having jurisdiction. Where conflicts exist, the most restrictive requirement shall apply.

13. Contractor Responsibilities
The selected contractor shall:
1. Provide a complete turnkey installation of the Preferred Treatment scope.
2. Verify all dimensions, quantities, substrates, access conditions, and obstructions.
3. Provide detailed shop drawings showing panel layout, ceiling tile layout, mounting
details, attachment methods, edge conditions, dimensions, finish selections, and
coordination with building systems.
4. Submit product data, acoustic test documentation, fire rating documentation, finish
samples, and warranty information before ordering materials.
5. Coordinate with the City, Library staff, and any City-designated consultant.
6. Protect existing finishes, furnishings, collections, equipment, flooring, walls,
railings, shelving, technology, and public areas.
7. Provide all lifts, scaffolding, barriers, signage, floor protection, dust control, debris
control, and safety measures.
8. Maintain safe access for patrons and staff unless specific closures are approved by
the City.
9. Perform daily cleanup and secure all tools, materials, and work areas.
10. Coordinate work to minimize noise, dust, odors, and operational disruption.
11. Comply with OSHA and all applicable safety requirements.
12. Repair damage caused by the contractor or its subcontractors at no additional cost
to the City.
13. Provide closeout documentation, warranties, maintenance instructions, and final
as-built layout information.
14. Correct punch list items promptly.
15. Warrant the installation and materials as required by this RFP and the final contract.
14. Work in an Occupied Public Facility
The Library may remain open during portions of the work. The contractor shall conduct the
work in a manner that protects patrons, staff, collections, furnishings, and City property.