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Request for Qualifications- Architectural Services

Posted on: March 17, 2026 - 10:49am

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)
Architectural Services
MORRIS COUNTY, KANSAS

Morris County, Kansas, is soliciting qualifications from qualified architectural firms licensed in the State of Kansas to provide professional architectural services for the proposed construction of a new childcare center. The County will apply for funding through the Kansas Department of Commerce Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Large Community Facilities Program in 2026. Selection of the architect will be completed prior to application submission in accordance with CDBG procurement regulations.  This contract is contingent upon receipt of CDBG funding for the project. The RFQ may be found  at https://www.morriscountyks.org/

PROPOSAL / QUALIFICATION SUBMITTAL DEADLINE:
Email Statement of Qualifications to Janna Williams, Flint Hills Regional Council, jwilliams@flinthillsregion.org
“RFQ – Architectural Services – Morris County, Kansas- CDBG Childcare Project”
Submissions must be received no later than March 25th at 12:00 pm CT.
Late submissions will not be considered.

Project Description
The County of Morris County, Kansas, in partnership with Little Huskies Childcare Co., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, proposes construction of a new childcare center (approximately 6,000 s.f.) located at 606 East Goodnow Street, White City, Kansas. The project will follow a two-year CDBG grant cycle, including environmental review (NEPA), final design, bidding, and construction.

Scope of Services
The selected architectural firm will provide all services necessary to complete the project in accordance with CDBG requirements, including but not limited to:
A. Preliminary Phase

  • Assist with final project scope refinement
  • Identify required surveys and investigations

B. Design Phase

  • Final design development
  • Preparation of complete working drawings and specifications
  • Preparation of detailed cost estimates
  • Submission of plans to appropriate regulatory agencies

C. Bidding Phase

  • Preparation of bid documents
  • Assistance with advertising for bids in compliance with CDBG and federal procurement standards
  • Attendance at pre-bid meeting
  • Review and tabulation of bids
  • Recommendation of award
  • Preparation of construction contracts

D. Construction Phase

  • Attendance at pre-construction conference
  • Construction observation
  • Review of shop drawings and submittals
  • Site visits and reporting
  • Review and certification of pay applications
  • Change order review
  • Final inspection and project close-out certification

4. CDBG & Federal Compliance Requirements
All services must comply with:

  • 2 CFR Part 200 (Uniform Administrative Requirements)
  • Kansas CDBG Program Guidelines
  • Davis-Bacon
  • Section 3 requirements
  • Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights laws
  • ADA and Section 504
  • Fixed-price or lump sum contract requirement
  • Prohibition of cost-plus-percentage-of-cost contracts

The awarded contract must contain language stating: “This contract is contingent upon receipt of CDBG funding for the specific project involved.”

Minimum Qualifications
Firms must:

  • Be licensed to practice architecture in Kansas
  • Demonstrate experience with public facility construction
  • Demonstrate experience/familiarity with CDBG or other state/federally funded projects
  • Have no unresolved findings with HUD or the Kansas Department of Commerce
  • Demonstrate capacity to complete the project within required 2 year timeframe.

Evaluation Criteria
Firms will be evaluated using qualifications-based selection (QBS). Evaluation factors may include:

  • Specialized experience and technical competence
  • Past record of performance
  • Capacity to perform within time limitations
  • Knowledge of childcare facility design and licensing requirements
  • References

Submission Requirements:
Firms shall submit:

  • Cover letter expressing interest
  • Description of firm and staff qualifications
  • Experience with similar projects and CDBG-funded projects
  • Proposed project team  
  • At least three references
  • Statement of ability to meet project timeline
  • Disclosure of any litigation or contract disputes in the past five years

Reservation of Rights
Morris County, Kansas reserves the right to:

  • Reject any or all submissions
  • Request additional information
  • Cancel this RFQ at any time

Morris County, Kansas, is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages minority-owned and women-owned businesses to submit qualifications.