Description:
Notice of Request for Qualifications from Qualified Firms Interested in Providing Site Evaluation, Construction Observation, Planning, and Design Services for the Reconstruction at Existing Park Complexes with Damaged Soccer Fields and Baseball/Softball Fields, and Existing Damaged Facilities such as Concession Building, Restrooms, and Maintenance Buildings
PROJECT:
In September of 2024, the City of Morganton sustained substantial damage from Hurricane Helene in the park system. Catawba Meadows Park and the Catawba River Soccer Complex suffered the most significant damage. This project requires reconstruction of all (15) sports fields (6) full size soccer fields with irrigation and (9) baseball and softball fields with irrigation, dugouts, and fencing. The existing damaged facilities include (2) concession restroom buildings, coaches room with electrical room, maintenance buildings, greenway restrooms, parking lot and lights, field lights, and repairs to paved paths and parking lots. The scope of services for this project is to provide preliminary and sealed engineered and/or architectural plans including design, specifications, and cost estimates for construction of the project. The firm will work with the Development and Design Department along with the Parks and Recreation Department. The scope should also include recommendations for resiliency for future storm events and maintaining the current branding style exemplifying “nature’s playground.” Work will include project bidding and construction management services.
SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS
Qualification slides should clearly address the following:
A. Firm name and location of office where work will be performed.
B. Firm’s website address
C. Brief overview and history of the firm.
D. Name of project architect/engineer and key personnel who will be involved in this project and working directly with the City; their qualification and experience as related to the scope of work detailed above.
E. Experience in planning, design, and construction of architecturally significant recreation facilities and site plans, including experience with certified turf builder for athletic fields (which includes, grading, sod, irrigation work, and plumbing) and with other recreational amenities.
F. A list of new park or redesigned park development projects completed by the consultant within the last 5 years.
G. Experience working with projects that have been submitted to the FEMA grants process.
SUBMISSION
The Development and Design and Parks and Recreation Departments will be accepting Qualifications via email through Thursday August 7, 2025 and will meet quickly thereafter to narrow the field of consultants for a follow up interview. The successful consultant will be selected by the Departments and the interview committee. Qualifications will be received in a Power Point format saved under the name of the consultant. For example – “XYZ Firm – City of Morganton Park Project”
They should be emailed to Rob Winkler (Special Project Manager), Bryan Fish (Parks and Recreation Director), and Sam King (City Engineer), rwinkler@morgantonnc.gov bfish@morgantonnc.gov sking@morgantonnc.gov, no later than Thursday August 7, 2025 at 5:00pm with “Park Project” in the message line title.
Email or call Rob Winkler (828) 438-5278, Bryan Fish (828) 438-5351, Sam King (828) 438-5263 with questions pertaining to submittals.
PowerPoint submittals must be limited to not more than 12 slides.
SELECTION CRITERIA
The considerations below will be utilized for the selection of a qualified firm for this project.
1. The firm’s experience, knowledge, and familiarity in the design and construction of an architecturally significant ballfield complex and amenities.
2. The successful experience of the staff proposed to be assigned to this project to perform the type of work required.
3. The firm’s ability to meet a time line schedule established by the City of Morganton for the work. (athletic field restoration top priority to be bid Fall 2025 with other building components to be phased with agreement on time line with the City)
4. The firm must possess a high ethical and professional standing and must have performed satisfactorily on any previous contracts with the City of Morganton.
5. The City of Morganton encourages the firm to have the willingness to consider the use of local resources in site preparation, site construction, and materials.
Upon selection, the City of Morganton will negotiate a contract with that firm. Firms should have no contact with elected and/or appointed officials other than the Special Projects Manager, Recreation Director, and City Engineer during this selection process. Any contacts are grounds for disqualification.