26-99486 RFP for Special Structural Testing/Inspection Services - Chester Bowl Chalet Recon

Purchasing Division, Finance Department
218-730-5340 | purchasing@duluthmn.gov
Room 120 | 411 West First Street | Duluth, Minnesota 55802
www.duluthmn.gov
City of Duluth Request for Proposals
Special Structural Testing and Inspection Services for
Chester Bowl Chalet Reconstruction
RFP Number 26-99486
Issued April 28, 2026
Proposals due TUESDAY, MAY 12, 2026 BY 3:00 PM CT
Submit to
City of Duluth
Attn: Purchasing Division
City Hall, Room 120
411 West 1st Street
Duluth, MN 55802
The City of Duluth is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

PART I - GENERAL INFORMATION
I-1. Introduction and project Summary. The City is seeking proposals from qualified engineering
and construction materials testing firms for inspection services related to reconstruction of the
Chester Bowl Chalet. The scope of work includes inspections of excavation, soils, concrete, structural
masonry, steel, and wood installation. Additional details are provided in Part IV of this RFP.
I-2. Calendar of Events. The City will make every effort to adhere to the following schedule:
Activity Date
Deadline to submit Questions via email to May 6, 2026 by
purchasing@duluthmn.gov 4:00 PM CT
Answers to questions will be posted to the City website no later May 8, 2026 by
than this date. 4:00 PM CT
Proposals must be received in the Purchasing Office by 3:00 PM May 12, 2026 by
on this date. 3:00 PM CT
I-3. Questions & Answers. Any questions regarding this RFP must be submitted by e-mail to the
Purchasing Office at purchasing@duluthmn.gov no later than the date indicated on the Calendar of
Events. Answers to the questions will be posted as an Addendum to the RFP.
I-4. Addenda to the RFP. If the City deems it necessary to revise any part of this RFP before the
proposal response date, the City will post an addendum to its website
http://www.duluthmn.gov/purchasing/bids-request-for-proposals/. Although an e-mail notification will
be sent, it is the Bidder's responsibility to periodically check the website for any new information. Any
addenda issued must be acknowledged on the Proposal Sheet attached as Appendix A.
I-5. Interviews/Demonstrations. The City reserves the right to request interviews or demonstrations.
I-6. Rejection of Proposals. The City reserves the right, in its sole and complete discretion, to reject
any and all proposals or cancel the request for proposals, at any time prior to the time a contract is fully
executed, when it is in its best interests. The City is not liable for any costs the Bidder incurs in
preparation and submission of its proposal, in participating in the RFP process or in anticipation of
award of the contract.
I-7. Small Diverse Business Information. The City encourages participation by minority, women, and
veteran-owned businesses as prime contractors, and encourages all prime contractors to make a
significant commitment to use minority, women, veteran-owned and other disadvantaged business
entities as subcontractors and suppliers. A list of certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprises is
maintained by the Minnesota Unified Certification Program at http://mnucp.metc.state.mn.us/ .

I-8. Agreement. The awarded proposer will be required to sign the agreement attached as Appendix
B. Questions about the agreement should be submitted to purchasing@duluthmn.gov by the question
deadline in the schedule above.
I-9. Award. The agreement award amount will be based on the time and materials submitted in the
proposal, but will be a lump-sum, not-to-exceed agreement.
I-10. Term of Contract. The term of the contract will begin once the contract is fully executed and is
anticipated to end by December 1st, 2026. The selected Bidder shall not start the performance of any
work nor shall the City be liable to pay the selected Bidder for any service or work performed or
expenses incurred before the contract is executed.
I-11. Mandatory Disclosures. By submitting a proposal, each Bidder understands, represents, and
acknowledges that:
A. Their proposal has been developed by the Bidder independently and has been submitted
without collusion with and without agreement, understanding, or planned common course
of action with any other vendor or suppliers of materials, supplies, equipment, or services
described in the Request for Proposals, designed to limit independent bidding or
competition, and that the contents of the proposal have not been communicated by the
Bidder or its employees or agents to any person not an employee or agent of the Bidder.
B. There is no conflict of interest. A conflict of interest exists if a Bidder has any interest that
would actually conflict, or has the appearance of conflicting, in any manner or degree with
the performance of work on the project. If there are potential conflicts, identify the
municipalities, developers, and other public or private entities with whom your company
is currently, or have been, employed and which may be affected.
C. It is not currently under suspension or debarment by the State of Minnesota, any other
state or the federal government.
D. The company is either organized under Minnesota law or has a Certificate of Authority
from the Minnesota Secretary of State to do business in Minnesota, in accordance with
the requirements in M.S. 303.03.
I-12. Notification of Selection. Bidders whose proposals are not selected will be notified in writing.
PART II - PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS
II-1. Proposal Submission. To be considered, hard copies of proposals must arrive at the City on
or before the time and date specified in the RFP Calendar of Events. The City will not accept
proposals via email or facsimile transmission. The City reserves the right to reject or to deduct
evaluation points for late proposals.
Proposals must be signed by an authorized official. If the official signs the Proposal Cover Sheet
attached as Appendix A, this requirement will be met. Proposals must remain valid for 60 days or
until a contract is fully executed. Terms of the awarded proposal as stated must be valid for the
project length of time.

Please submit one unbound (1) paper copy of the Technical Submittal and one unbound (1) paper
copy of the Cost Submittal. The Cost Submittal should be in a separate sealed envelope.
All materials submitted in response to this RFP will become property of the City and will become
public record after the evaluation process is completed and an award decision made.
II-2. Proposal Content.
Proposals should include a cover letter that communicates firm's understanding of the project,
construction type, and timeline; along with the scope of proposed services, assigned personnel,
qualifications, and outline of any assumptions made in the proposal. Proposals should be limited to
20 pages (10 double-sided pages), exclusive of any City-required forms or acknowledgements.
PART III - CRITERIA FOR SELECTION
The proposals will be reviewed by City Staff. The intent of the selection process is to review
proposals and make an award based upon qualifications as described therein. A 100-point scale will
be used to create the final evaluation recommendations. The factors and weighting on which
proposals will be judged are: (feel free to update these to better reflect your project.
Qualifications of the Bidder and Personnel 40%
Prior experience with similar work 30%
Work Plan 10%
Cost 20%
PART IV - PROJECT DETAIL
The selected firm will provide special inspections and construction materials testing for structural
elements of a rebuilt and expanded Chester Bowl Chalet (approximately 5,400 square feet).
The existing building will be demolished down to the foundation walls, followed by excavation for a
new foundation on the west side to house an elevator and mechanical space, and will then be framed
to include a third story.
Demolition of the existing building is expected to begin mid-May, with construction ongoing over the
summer and substantially complete in fall/winter of 2026.
The selected firm will coordinate with City project manager, design team, and contractor to efficiently
complete the required inspections and testing, attend project meetings if needed, summarize and
report to project team on test findings, issues and recommendations.
The project's Special Structural Testing and Inspection Program Summary Schedule is provided as
attached Appendix C.

APPENDIX A - SUBMISSION COVER SHEET
CITY OF DULUTH
RFP#26-99486 Special Structural Testing and Inspection Services - Chester Bowl Chalet
Reconstruction
Bidder Information:
Submitter Name
Mailing Address
Contact Person
Contact Person's Phone Number
Contact Person's E-Mail Address
Federal ID Number
Authorized Signature
Name & Title of Authorized
Signer
Email of Authorized Signer
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF ADDENDA
ADDENDUM # INITIAL/DATE
ADDENDUM # INITIAL/DATE
ADDENDUM # INITIAL/DATE
ADDENDUM # INITIAL/DATE

APPENDIX B - PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING AGREEMENT
CITY OF DULUTH
RFP#26-99486 Special Structural Testing and Inspection Services - Chester Bowl Chalet
Reconstruction

PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES AGREEMENT
Click or tap here to enter text. & CITY OF DULUTH
THIS AGREEMENT, effective as of the date of attestation by the City Clerk, is made by and between the
City of Duluth, Minnesota hereinafter referred to as the "City" and:
Name: Click or tap here to enter text.
Address: Click or tap here to enter text.
hereinafter referred to as the "Engineer", in consideration of the mutual promises contained herein.
Payments as described in Section V shall be made from Funding Click or tap here to enter text.; Project #
Click or tap here to enter text.; and Resolution No. Click or tap here to enter text., passed on Click or tap
here to enter text..
The professional engineering services obtained by the City under this agreement concern the following
described project hereinafter referred to as the "Project":
Project Number: Click or tap here to enter text.
Project Name: Click or tap here to enter text.
Project Description: Click or tap here to enter text.
The professional engineering services to be provided under this agreement consist of those phases A
through G checked below. A more particular description of each phase is contained in Section II, "Basic
Services", of the agreement.
Phase Description
A. Study and Report Phase

B. Preliminary Survey Phase

C. Preliminary Design Phase

D. Final Design Phase

E. Bidding Phase

F. Construction Survey and Layout Phase

G. Construction Administration and Inspection Phase

SECTION I. GENERAL
A. ENGINEER
The Engineer shall provide professional engineering services for the City in all phases of the Project
to which this agreement applies, serve as the City's professional engineering representative for the
Project as set forth below and shall give professional engineering consultation and advice to the City
during the performance of services hereunder. All services provided hereunder shall be performed
by the Engineer in accordance with generally accepted Engineering standards to the satisfaction of
the City.
B. NOTICE TO PROCEED
The Engineer shall only begin performance of each Phase of work required hereunder upon receipt
of a written Notice to Proceed by City representative with that Phase.
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C. TIME
The Engineer shall begin work on each successive phase promptly after receipt of the Notice to
Proceed and shall devote such personnel and materials to the Project so as to complete each phase
in an expeditious manner within the time limits set forth in Section II. Time is of the essence to this
agreement.
D. CITY'S REPRESENTATIVE
The City's representative to the Engineer shall be the City Engineer or his or her designees assigned
in writing.
E. ENGINEERING GUIDELINES
All work performed as part of this project shall conform to the most current edition of the
Engineering Guidelines for Professional Engineering Services and Developments as approved by the
City Engineer and on file in the office of the City Engineer.
F. SUBCONSULTANTS
Engineer may contract for the services of sub-consultants to assist Engineer in the performance of
the services to be provided by Engineer hereunder but the selection of any sub-consultant to
perform such services shall be subject to the prior written approval of the City Engineer. Engineer
shall remain responsible for all aspects of any services provided by such sub-consultants to City
under this Agreement. City shall reimburse Engineer for sub-consultant services under the
categories of services to be provided by Engineer under Phases A through G, as applicable.
SECTION II. BASIC SERVICES
A. STUDY AND REPORT PHASE
Included in this Agreement

Not included in this Agreement

The Engineer shall:
1) City's Requirements
Review available data and consult with the City to clarify and define the City's requirements for
the Project.
2) Advise Regarding Additional Data
Advise the City as to the necessity of the City's providing or obtaining from others data or
services in order to evaluate or complete the Project and, if directed by the City's
representative, act on behalf of the City in obtaining other data or services.
3) Technical Analysis
Provide analysis of the City's needs, planning surveys, site evaluations, and comparative studies
of prospective sites and solutions.
4) Economic Analysis
Provide a general economic analysis of various alternatives based on economic parameters and
assumptions provided by the City.
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5) Report Preparation
Prepare a report containing schematic layouts, sketches and conceptual design criteria with
appropriate exhibits to indicate clearly the considerations involved and the alternative solutions
available to the City and setting forth the Engineer's findings and recommendations with
opinions of probable total costs for the Project, including construction cost, contingencies,
allowances for charges of all professionals and consultants, allowances for the cost of land and
rights-of-way, compensation for or damages to properties and interest and financing charges (all
of which are hereinafter called "Project Costs").
6) Report Presentation
Furnish three copies of the report and present and review the report in person with the City as
the City Representative shall direct.
7) Supplementary Duties
The duties and responsibilities of Engineer during the Study and Report Phase shall also include
any additional duties and responsibilities to be provided pursuant to the Engineer's proposal
attached as Exhibit B.
8) Completion Time
The Study and Report Phase shall be completed and report submitted by Click or tap here to
enter text..
B. PRELIMINARY SURVEY PHASE
Included in this Agreement

Not included in this Agreement

After written authorization by the City's representative to proceed with the preliminary survey
phase, the Engineer shall:
1) General
Perform topographic survey as necessary to prepare the design and provide Construction Survey
and Layout as described in Section II.F
2) Boundary Survey
Perform boundary survey if checked.
3) Document Presentation
Furnish a CADD file of the survey base map to the City. Files shall be in the software specified in
the Engineering Guidelines for Professional Engineering Services and Developments described in
Section I.E.
4) Supplementary Duties
The duties-responsibilities of the Engineer during the preliminary survey phase shall also include
any additional duties and responsibilities to be provided pursuant to the Engineer's proposal
attached as Exhibit B.
5) Completion Time
The preliminary survey phase shall be completed and submitted by Click or tap here to enter
text..
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C. PRELIMINARY DESIGN PHASE
Included in this Agreement

Not included in this Agreement

After written authorization by the City's Representative to proceed with the Preliminary Design
Phase, the Engineer shall:
1) Preliminary Design Documents
Prepare preliminary design documents consisting of final design criteria, preliminary drawings
and outline specifications.
2) Revised Project Costs
Based on the information contained in the preliminary design documents, submit a revised
opinion of probable Project costs.
3) Preparation of Grants; Environmental Statements
Preparation of applications and supporting documents for governmental grants, loans or
advances in connection with the Project, preparation or review of environmental assessments
and impact statements; review and evaluation of the effect on the design requirements of the
Project of any such statements and documentation prepared by others; and assistance in
obtaining approvals of authorities having jurisdiction over the anticipated environmental impact
of the Project.
4) Renderings and Models
Providing renderings or models for the City's use.
5) Economic Analysis
Investigations involving detailed consideration of operations, maintenance and overhead
expenses; providing value engineering during the course of design; the preparation of feasibility
studies, cash flow and economic evaluations, rate schedules and appraisals; assistance in
obtaining financing for the Project; evaluating processes available for licensing and assisting the
City in obtaining licensing; detailed quantity surveys of material, equipment and labor; and
audits of inventories required in connection with construction performed by the City.
6) Document Presentation
Furnish three copies of the above preliminary design documents and present and review such
documents in person with the City as the City Engineer may direct.
7) Supplementary Duties
The duties and responsibilities of the Engineer during the Preliminary Design Phase shall also
include any additional duties and responsibilities to be provided pursuant to the Engineer's
proposal attached as Exhibit B.
8) Completion Time
The Preliminary Design Phase shall be completed and report or plan submitted by Click or tap
here to enter text..
D. FINAL DESIGN PHASE
Included in this Agreement

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