RFP uinault Indian Nation Longhouse-style Cultural Center

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL (RFP) & QUALIFICATIONS:
ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN, & ENGINEERING SERVICES
Quinault Longhouse Cultural Center
Presented by: Quinault Indian Nation
Address: 1214 Aalis Drive, PO Box 70
Taholah, WA 98587
Project Location: Cultural Site Area, Kwela Drive, Taholah
Contact for questions: Bryan Pelach, Senior Planner at
bryan.pelach@quinault.org or
360-276-8215 ex. 6823
Date of Issue: March 12, 2026
Submission Close: 5:00pm PST on May 22, 2026
Project overview
The Quinault Indian Nation (QIN) seeks proposals from qualified design teams to provide
architecture and engineering design services for a longhouse-inspired cultural center, which will
serve as a community hub and center piece of the Taholah Village Relocation.
The current community center, used for many cultural events, is located in the lower village area
of Taholah, and is susceptible to flooding from the Quinault River and Pacific Ocean. A new
longhouse-inspired cultural center is part of QIN's larger effort to relocate the community to
higher ground, outside the flooding and tsunami-inundation zone.
This project will be a roughly 12,000 square foot cultural center that will serve as a cornerstone
of the Nation's Cultural Site Area. The new cultural center represents a significant investment in
the Nation's commitment to developing spaces that enhance cultural practices and connect
community.
The project design will require complete site development plans, civil planning of currently
undeveloped land, full architectural and engineering, as well as complete engineers' estimates
and construction documents. All work must be completed by June of 2027.
Project Goals and Objectives
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1. Create a functional cultural center and event facility designed with deference to, and
incorporating the historical and cultural values of, the Quinault Indian Nation to serve
the needs of the Quinault Indian Nation's community.
2. Develop space that provides for multiple community uses including traditional ceremonies,
community gatherings for meals and events, meetings and workshops.
3. Ensure accessibility for all community members.
4. Create a comfortable environment that balances multi-use functionality and modern
amenities with traditional longhouse design incorporated throughout.
5. Integrate modern technology for staging events and presentations with cultural considerations
and traditional influences.
Project Location and Site
The cultural center will be constructed on cleared land within the Quinault Indian Nation. The
address will be on the East side of Kwela Drive, Taholah, South of Kla Ook Wa Drive. The site
requires full design and development including:
* Site Survey
* Geotechnical report and Recommendations
* Full Architectural and engineering Drawings that include:
Utility connections from the road
o
Parking facilities for public and staff, including retaining wall
o
Community gathering space with multi-functional meeting space, kitchen, and
o
amenities in the style of a traditional Coast Salish longhouse
Sidewalks and accessible pathways plans
o
Site lighting designs and security features
o
Landscaping design appropriate to the local environment
o
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Figure 1. Long House location within Taholah Relocation Plan
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Figure 2. Aerial of relocation site with approximate Long House Cultural Center location (in red)
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PROJECT SCOPE
The selected design team will be responsible for full Geotechnical testing to inform complete
Architectural and Engineering plans:
* Review and build upon provided Cultural Center Final Masterplan Report
* Complete architectural and engineering design
* Integrate security and technology requirements
* Incorporate historical and cultural elements and considerations
* Complete Engineer's cost estimates
Tribal Participation
This project emphasizes meaningful tribal participation through:
* Incorporation of cultural design elements
* Regular communication with tribal stakeholders
* Compliance with TERO requirements
* Centering traditional knowledge and cultural practices in all elements of design
* Community outreach, with plan for engaging stakeholders and community members through
mixed methods, including community survey and visioning workshop
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
Facility Requirements
A. Building Program
1. Main gathering hall
~ 6,000 sq. ft
o
2. Multi-function meeting space
~ 1,000 sq. ft
o
3. Gallery/foyer
~2,000 sq. ft
o
4. Commercial Kitchen (Group A-2)
~ 800 sq. ft.
o
5. Public Restrooms with showers
6. Other Spaces
Public Restroom
o
Storage Closet
o
B. Building Systems Requirements
1. Structural System
Design to meet current building codes and seismic requirements
o
Floor system to minimize vibration and sound transmission
o
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Roof system appropriate for local climate conditions (no metal roofs or siding)
o
Foundation system based on geotechnical recommendations
o
2. Mechanical Systems
HVAC system with individual zone control
o
Commercial range hood with fire suppression
o
Energy efficiency meeting current standards
o
Building automation system
o
3. Electrical Systems
LED lighting with appropriate controls
o
Occupancy sensors
o
Adequate power distribution for technology needs
o
4. Plumbing Systems
Efficient fixtures meeting accessibility requirements
o
Hot water system sized for facility needs
o
Water conservation features
o
Wastewater system
o
5. Technology Infrastructure
Structured cabling system
o
Audio/visual systems in gathering hall and meeting space
o
Video conferencing capabilities
o
Site Development Requirements
A. Site Preparation
* Clearing and grading plans per civil engineering requirements
* Erosion control measures
* Stormwater management plan
* Site utilities connection plans
* Environmental protection measures
B. Site Improvements
1. Parking Areas (1 space per 200 square foot of building)
Retaining wall
o
Public parking
o
Staff parking with secure access
o
Law enforcement parking
o
ADA-compliant parking spaces
o
2. Site Security
Security lighting
o
Security cameras
o
3. Landscaping
Native/indigenous plants
o
Low maintenance design
o
Storm water Management
o
4. Site Circulation
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Clear wayfinding
o
ADA-compliant pathways
o
Secure parking space
o
Traffic circulation
o
Performance Requirements
A. Building Envelope
* Building should be weather resistant and appropriate for local climate
* Energy efficiency meeting current standards
* Durable materials requiring minimal maintenance (no metal roofs or siding)
* Sound transmission control
* Security considerations for windows and doors
B. Interior Requirement
* Materials appropriate to, and drawing from, Quinault culture and heritage
* Durable finishes appropriate for public facility
* Materials meeting acoustic requirements
* Low maintenance surfaces
C. Acoustic Requirements
* Sound isolation for Main Gathering Hall and Multi-Function Meeting Space
* Mechanical system noise control
* Public space sound management
* Audio/visual presentation system(s) throughout facility
D. Security Performance
* Lock and key systems
* Video surveillance
SCOPE OF SERVICES
Design Services
The contractor shall be responsible for providing comprehensive design services for the QIN
Longhouse Cultural Center. Design services encompass all architectural, engineering, and
specialty consulting work required to complete the project. The design process will proceed
through distinct phases outlined below.
Design Development and Review. The initial phase requires thorough review and analysis of
existing documentation and site conditions. The contractor will evaluate the provided
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background documents and conduct comprehensive analysis including site verification, code
review, and program requirements. This analysis must specifically incorporate cultural
considerations appropriate for a tribal cultural center.
Key analysis components include:
* Complete site analysis and verification of existing conditions
* Building and life safety code compliance review
* Space program verification and refinement
* Building systems and infrastructure assessment
* Security and circulation flow analysis
* Cultural integration opportunities
Design Phases. The design will progress through three formal phases, with each phase building
upon previous work while incorporating QIN feedback and requirements:
Schematic Design (30%): This phase establishes fundamental decisions about the cultural center
layout, appearance, and systems through development of:
* Site utilization and development plans showing building placement, parking, and
circulation
* Preliminary floor plans demonstrating space layouts and relationships
* Building elevations illustrating exterior appearance and materials
* Basic building sections showing vertical relationships
* Interior design concepts for key spaces
* Narrative descriptions of major building systems
* Preliminary outline specifications
* Initial cost estimates based on conceptual design
Design Development (60%): Building on approved schematic design, this phase resolves and
documents:
* Detailed, dimensioned floor plans for all spaces
* Interior elevations of all spaces
* Complete reflected ceiling plans
* Detailed building sections and wall sections
* Engineering plans for all building systems
* Material and finish selections with samples
* Updated cost estimate reflecting design development
Construction Documents (100%): The final design phase delivers comprehensive documentation
for bidding and construction including:
* Complete drawing set for all disciplines
* Final technical specifications
* Detailed cost estimates
* Bid package preparation
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* Construction phasing plan
* Final Engineers estimates
Required Documentation Throughout all design phases, the contractor shall maintain thorough
documentation including:
* Design calculations for all disciplines
* Energy modeling and performance analysis
* Building technology infrastructure plans
* Cultural element integration details
* Material samples and specifications
* Color and finish schedules
Construction Documents
The contractor shall provide full construction documents. All work must be completed by June, 2027.
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS
The selected contractor must demonstrate comprehensive qualifications appropriate for a project
of this scope and complexity. The contractor shall be licensed in Washington State and maintain
good standing throughout the project duration. The design team must include licensed
professionals across all required disciplines to ensure complete coverage of project needs.
The lead contractor must hold all necessary Washington State licenses and demonstrate the
organizational capacity to execute a longhouse-inspired cultural center design project. The
design team shall include licensed professionals in each required discipline, including
architectural, civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering. The contractor
must either hold or be able to obtain a QIN business license prior to contract execution.
Project Team Experience
The Project Lead assigned to this project must have a minimum of ten (10) years of experience
leading projects of similar scope and complexity. Key team members should demonstrate
substantial experience with design methods, tribal project design, and design of similar
facilities. The team must possess or obtain cultural sensitivity training appropriate for working
within tribal communities.
The contractor shall demonstrate extensive experience through:
* Minimum of five (5) years executing design of similar projects
* Verifiable experience with similar project design
* Successful completion of projects of comparable size and complexity
* Demonstrated success working with tribal nations
* Track record of successful public facility design
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Project Experience Documentation
The contractor must provide detailed information on a minimum of three completed projects of
similar scope completed within the past ten years.
The contractor must provide narrative explanation of management approach to meeting deadlines,
goals and agreed upon scope of work for minimum of three projects completed within the last ten
years.
Insurance and Bonding Requirements
Insurance Coverage
The contractor shall maintain comprehensive insurance coverage throughout the project duration.
All policies must name QIN as additional insured and provide 30-day notice of cancellation.
Commercial General Liability
Contractor is required to provide proof of current Worker's Compensation insurance with
Washington State statutory limits end Employer's liability insurance. Minimum coverage
$1,000,000 per occurrence. Contractor will provide proof of Commercial General Liability Insurance
stating adequate coverage for project. Carrier shall be rated A.M. Best's Insurance rating of at least
A or better. Minimum coverage: General Liability $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000
aggregate. Policies must name the following parties as Additionally Insured and named Certificate
Holders: Quinault Indian Nation, its elected officials, officers, employees. Contractor shall carry
Automotive Liability Insurance. Minimum coverage of $1,000,000 combined single limit for hired
and non-owned vehicles with Personal Protection Insurance and Property Protection Insurance.
Bonding Requirements
The contractor must provide 100% Performance and Payment Bonds from a surety company
licensed in Washington State. Current bonding capacity documentation must be included with
the proposal submission.
Project Management Requirements
Management Systems
The contractor shall implement comprehensive project management systems that address all
aspects of project delivery. These systems must cover quality control, safety programs, schedule
management, cost control, document management, communication protocols, and risk
management procedures.
Reporting and Documentation
The contractor shall maintain comprehensive project documentation through regular reporting
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