26-0312 - RFQ 814 MARKET STREET MUSEUM FACILITIES REPURPOSE

NEW HANOVER COUNTY
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS DESIGN SERVICES
814 Market Street Museum Facilities Repurpose
RFQ # 26-0312
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
LEANN PIERCE, CHAIR
DANE SCALISE, VICE-CHAIR
BILL RIVENBARK
STEPHANIE WALKER
ROB ZAPPLE
CHRIS COUDRIET, COUNTY MANAGER

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NEW HANOVER COUNTY
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS DESIGN SERVICES
MARKET STREET MUSEUM FACILITIES REPURPOSE
RFQ 26-0312
New Hanover County is soliciting qualifications from interested firms to provide complete design
services for repurposing the existing Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, transitioning the building
from a primarily public-facing building to a collections and internal operations site. This project will be
completed in phases:
Phase 1 - Space Needs Assessment, Concept Plan, & Budget Estimate
o Evaluation of existing conditions
o Working with the end users to determine the needs
o Developing a concept plan for the project(s)
o Developing a budget estimate for each part of the project
o Determine an estimated timeline for each project
Phase 2 - Full and complete design services
o Includes Architectural, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Interior
design, signage, site work, utilities, construction administration, assisting with
permitting with AHJs and utility providers
o Anticipated delivery method is Construction Manager @ Risk (CM@R)
o Includes participating in selection and working with CM@R
Submit Statements of Qualifications by mail to:
New Hanover County
Attn: David King, Facilities Project Manager
200 Division Drive,
Wilmington, North Carolina 28401
The deadline for receipt of Statements of Qualifications is 5:00 P.M. EST, Tuesday, April 07, 2026.
Submitted Statements of Qualifications are not subject to public inspection until a contract is awarded
and executed. Statements of Qualifications will be evaluated, and firms may be contacted for interviews
to be conducted by phone or in person.
Instructions for submitting Statements of Qualifications and complete requirements and information
may be obtained by visiting the County's website at: www.nhcgov.com/bids.aspx
New Hanover County reserves the right to accept or reject any or all Statements of Qualifications and
to make the award which will be most advantageous to the County.
Released: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
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Section 1 - Schedule
1.1 RFQ Schedule
Advertisement Tuesday, March 10, 2026
Deadline for Questions Tuesday, March 24, 2026 by 5:00 PM,
(Questions may be submitted EST
from the release date until the
deadline for questions)
Answers to all questions Final answers posted as an addendum by
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 by 5:00 PM
Deadline for Receipt of Tuesday, April 07, 2026 by 5:00 PM, EST
Statements of Qualifications To:
New Hanover County
Attn: David King, Facilities Project Manager
200 Division Drive,
Wilmington, North Carolina 28401
1.2 Proposed Design Schedule
Phase 1 - Space Needs June 2026 - September 2026 (120 days)
Assessment, Concept Plan and
Budget Estimate
Phase 2 - Full and Complete October 2026 - December 2026 (90 days)
Design Services
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Section 2 - Instructions
2.1 Statement of Qualifications Instructions
Submit your Statement of Qualifications in a sealed envelope properly marked "RFQ# 26-0312 Cape
Fear Museum of History and Science Repurpose" and addressed to the County at the following address:
New Hanover County
Attn: David King, Facilities Project Manager
200 Division Drive,
Wilmington, North Carolina 28401
2.1.1 Firms submitting their qualifications statements are asked to submit five (5) copies of the complete
statement of qualifications along with one (1) electronic copy on USB.
2.1.2 Clearly indicate the firm's name, address, email and phone number on the first page of the
Statement of Qualifications (SOQ).
2.1.3 The successful firm must have the capability of receiving and submitting all documents in an
electronic format. Also, the successful firm must have Internet access for browsing and receipt of
electronic documents via email.
2.1.4 Statements of Qualifications received after the time and date for closing will not be considered.
2.1.5 Submitted Statements of Qualifications are not subject to public inspection until a contract is
awarded and executed.
2.1.6 After the release date, all communications between the County and prospective respondents regarding this
RFQ shall be in writing. Any inquires, requests for interpretation, technical questions, clarification, or
additional information shall be directed to David King, Facilities Project Manager by emailing
dking@nhcgov.com. Questions and responses will be compiled and shared with all interested
Respondents known to the County and posted as an addendum. All questions shall be received no later
than Tuesday, March 24, 2026 by 5:00 PM, EST.
Respondents may not have communications, verbal or otherwise, concerning this RFQ with
any personnel or boards from New Hanover County, other than the person listed in this
section. If any vendor attempts any unauthorized communication, the proposal will be
rejected.
All Respondents who intend to submit a Statement of Qualification on this project should
send an email to dking@nhcgov.com including pertinent contact information. This will
ensure that you receive all addenda issued for this RFQ; if applicable.
Any changes to the qualification request will be issued by addenda and sent by email to all
proposers that have notified the County of their intent to submit a Qualification Package.
The addenda will also be posted on the County's website at
https://www.nhcgov.com/bids.aspx
Verbal information obtained otherwise will not be considered in the awarding of the
proposal. It is the proposer's responsibility to review and ensure that their proposal
complies with any guidance provided in the addenda.
2.1.7 New Hanover County reserves the right to allow or disallow minor deviations or
technicalities should the County deem it to be in the best interest of the County. New
Hanover County shall be the sole judge of what is to be considered a minor deviation or
technicality.
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2.1.8 Statements of Qualifications will be evaluated, and oral interviews may be requested as part
of the evaluation process. If interviews are conducted, the County will contact Respondents
by email to schedule.
2.1.9 The selected firm shall maintain insurance as outlined in the attached draft contract.
2.1.10 All costs, including travel and expenses, incurred in the preparation of this
Qualification Statement will be borne solely by the proposing Respondent.
2.1.11 No agreements with any selected Respondent shall be binding until a contract is
signed and executed by the authorized County official and authorized
representatives of the vendor.
2.1.12 It is the policy of New Hanover County that minority businesses, as defined by
NCGS 143-128 have maximum opportunity to participate in the performance of
contracts and subcontracts funded in whole or in part with public funds. The
County has established a verifiable goal of ten percent (10%) participation in the
total value of the work.
2.1.13 Pursuant to S.L. 2015-294, Respondents shall fully comply with the U. S.
Department of Homeland Security employee legal status E-Verify requirements for
itself and all its subcontractors.
2.1.14 Trade Secret Confidentiality
Upon receipt of your Qualification Statement by New Hanover County, your
submittal is considered a public record except for material which qualifies as "trade
secret" under N.C. General Statute 132-1.2. After opening, your submittal will be
provided to County staff and others who participate in the evaluation process, and to
members of the general public who submit public records requests.
To properly designate material as trade secret under these circumstances, each Respondent
must take the following precautions: (a) any trade secrets submitted by a Respondent must
be submitted in a separate, sealed envelope marked "Trade Secret - Confidential and
Proprietary Information - Do Not Disclose Except for the Purpose of Evaluating This
PROPOSAL," and (b) the same trade secret/confidentiality designation must be stamped on
each page of the trade secret materials contained in the envelope.
Do not attempt to designate your entire Qualification Statement as a trade secret, and
do not attempt to designate pricing information as a trade secret. Doing so will result
in your submittal being disqualified.
In submitting a Statement of Qualification, each Respondent agrees that the County may
reveal any trade secret materials contained in such response to all County staff and County
officials involved in the selection process, and to any outside consultant or other third
parties who assist the County in the selection process. Furthermore, each Respondent agrees
to indemnify and hold harmless the County and each of its officers, employees, and agents
from all costs, damages, and expenses incurred in connection with refusing to disclose any
material, which the Respondent has designated as a trade secret.
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2.1.15 Certificate of Authority
Subject to several statutory exceptions, a business entity incorporated or organized in a
state other than North Carolina must obtain a certificate of authority from the North
Carolina Secretary of State prior to transacting Business in the State. See G.S. 55-15-01(a)
(business corporations); G.S. 55A-15-01(a) (nonprofit corporations); G.S. 57D-7-01(a)
(limited liability companies); G.S. 59-902(a) (limited partnerships); G.S. 59-91(a)
(registered limited liability partnerships); G.S.55B-16(a) (professional corporations). When
the requirement applies, the foreign entity transacting Business in the State is responsible
for obtaining a certificate of authority-not the domestic (i.e., North Carolina)
corporations, public entities, or individuals with whom the foreign entity might contract.
2.1.16 Indemnity
The successful Respondent shall indemnify and hold the County, its agents, and employees
harmless against any and all claims, demands, causes of action, or other liability, including
attorney fees, on account of personal injuries or death or on account of property damages
arising out of or relating to the work to be performed by the Successful Vendor hereunder,
resulting from the negligence of or the willful act or omission of the Vendor, his agents,
employees, and subcontractors.
2.1.17 Right to Reject Qualification Statements
The County reserves the right to accept and reject any and/or all statements of
qualifications submitted, in whole or in part. The County reserves the right to negotiate any
and all elements of the qualification statement by and with any consultants it deems suitable
to carry out this project. New Hanover County has no obligation to award work based off
this RFQ and reserves the right to re-advertise.
2.1.18 Iran Divestment Act Certification
N.C.G.S. 143C-6A-5(a) requires this certification for bids or contracts with the State of
North Carolina, a North Carolina local government, or any other political subdivision of
the State of North Carolina. The certification is required at the following times:
* When a bid is submitted
* When a contract is entered into (if the certification was not already made when the vendor
made its bid)
* When a contract is renewed or assigned
N.C.G.S. 143C-6A-5(b) requires that contractors with the State, a North Carolina local
government, or any other political subdivision of the State of North Carolina must not utilize
any subcontractor found on the State Treasurer's Final Divestment List.
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2.1.19 Ownership of Documents
All Statements of Qualifications and accompanying documentation will become the property
of New Hanover County at the time the Statements are opened and; as such, will not be
returned to the Respondent.
2.1.20 Withdrawal of Statements
No Qualification Statement may be modified, withdrawn, or canceled by the Respondent for
a period of ninety (90) days following the receipt of Statement. Negligence or error on the
part of any Respondent in preparing their Statement confers no right of withdrawal or
modification after the Statements have been opened.
2.1.21 Equal Opportunity
The non-discrimination clause contained in Section 202 (Federal) Executive Order 11246,
as amended by Executive Order 11375, relative to Equal Employment Opportunity for all
persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, and the
implementing rules and regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Labor, are incorporated
herein.
The Respondent agrees not to discriminate against any employees or applicant for
employment because of physical or mental handicap regarding any position for which the
employee or applicant is qualified. The Respondent agrees to take affirmative action to
employ, advance in employment, and otherwise treat qualified disabled individuals without
discrimination based upon their physical or mental handicap in all employment practices.
Under GS 143-48, New Hanover County encourages small, minority, physically handicapped,
and women firms to submit Statement of Qualifications in response to this RFQ
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Section 3 - Project Description
This Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is to solicit qualifications from qualified firms to provide complete
design services for repurposing the existing Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, transitioning the
building from a primarily public-facing building to a collections and internal operations site. This project will be
completed in phases:
3.2 Project Background Information
This information is preliminary in nature and not intended to steer the project but will provide
insight to the Museum's current facilities and their anticipated needs.
3.2.1 Redesign and renovation of existing facility to provide essential spaces:
3.2.1.1 Office Space
3.2.1.2 Staff Meeting Room
3.2.1.3 Artifact Storage
3.2.1.4 Research Library
3.2.1.5 Exhibit Fabrication Shop
3.2.1.6 Print Production
3.2.1.7 Exhibit Storage
3.2.1.8 Museum Storage
3.2.1.9 Collections Workshop Room
3.2.1.10 Employee Breakroom
3.2.1.11 Other Spaces TBD
3.2.1.12 Staff Parking
3.2.2 Considerations:
3.2.2.1 Discrete climate control (temperature and humidity) per space type
3.2.2.2 Existing loading dock adjacency and access
3.2.2.3 Existing freight elevator adjacency and access
3.2.2.4 Historical facade preservation
3.2.2.5 Building Accessibility
3.1 Phase 1 - Space Needs Assessment, Concept Plan, & Budget Estimate
a) Evaluation of existing conditions
b) Working with the end users to determine the needs
c) Developing a concept plan for the project(s)
d) Developing a budget estimate for each part of the project
e) Determine an estimated timeline
The awarded firm will be approved for Phase 1 and the county will have the option to move into
Phase 2 with the same firm. The final recommended total scope of work will be determined as a
deliverable of Phase 1.
3.3 Phase 2 - Full and complete design services
a) Includes Architectural, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Interior design, furniture,
signage, site work, utilities, construction administration, assisting with permitting with AHJs and
utility providers
b) Anticipated delivery method is Construction Manager @ Risk (CM@R)
c) Includes participating in selection and working with CM@R
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Section 4 - Selection Criteria and Format of Proposal
The following criteria will be used for (1) determining the short-listed candidates and (2) the selection of the
firm after the interviews. If you are submitting as a joint venture, both partners are required to respond
completely.
In preparing responses to this RFQ, firms should pay particular attention to identifying prior experience with
comparable museum projects. Specific and relevant responses will be reviewed as more relevant than those
stressing breadth of experience or general qualifications. Important considerations include the following:
Artifact and collections storage and workshop - knowledge to evaluate existing conditions and
recommend space requirements, environmental needs, and storage types.
Exhibit fabrication shop - knowledge to evaluate existing conditions and recommend specialized
production areas for woodworking, metalworking, and painting. Essential components may include
CNC router, welding equipment, paint booths, and areas for assembly.
Print Production - knowledge to evaluate existing conditions and recommend area to house large format
printer and laminator, 3D printer, and oversized graphic work tables for exhibit sized panel production.
1. Past Performance - Museum Preferred (40%)
a. List all pertinent projects designed (indicate dates) within the last 10 years. Select three of the
most recent projects (Sample Projects) that design is completed and bidding is completed and
provide the following information:
b. Scope Description - services provided & facility description
c. Budget - Provide estimated vs. actual (construction cost)
d. Schedule - Provide estimated vs. actual (design schedule including permitting)
e. Detail your firm's specific role
f. Indicate the project solicitation method and what differentiated your team
g. Owner contact information
h. Reference letter from owner
2. Project Approach (35%)
a. Indicate what could have been done better on each project to improve the outcome. Describe
how you've incorporated this improvement on latter projects
b. Describe your team's approach to this type of project. Please give a brief outline of the steps
you will take to complete this project.
c. Please indicate your firm's approach to ensuring end user involvement during design
d. What will your team need from the owner to ensure a successful project?
3. Proposed Team for this Project & Relevant Experience (15%)
a. Please provide a list of the proposed team members for this project. Please include their role in
the project, license information, and experience. This should be the Team you are proposing as
this projects continuous Team
b. Please indicate the office location for each proposed team member.
c. Please indicate if the proposed team worked on the Sample projects listed above.
4. Selection Committee Interview Rating (10%)
a. Our Selection Committee will make an assessment of the finalists' interviews as an integral part of
final scoring
*Please see the attached score sheet showing the selection criteria point breakdown
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Section 5 - Selection Process New Hanover County Contract # 26-0312
Selection Phase 1: Each firm initially will be evaluated based upon information provided in the Selection Criteria
listed above. From such review, firms receiving the highest ranking will be the firms chosen to participate in Phase
2, the second phase of the selection process. The County reserves the right to reject any and all statements of
qualifications as well as reserve the right to waive any irregularities in the statements of qualifications.
Selection Phase 2: The firms chosen for Phase 2 of the selection process may be required to make a presentation.
Firms will be notified if presentations are required and given the dates and times reserved for the presentations. The
County reserves the right to establish additional rules and procedures for the presentations and for the interview
process.
Final Selection: The County will negotiate a contract with the top-rated firm as selected by the County. If a contract
cannot be successfully negotiated with the top-rated firm, the County will proceed to the second-rated firm. The
County reserves the right to reject any and all statements of qualifications.
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