Introduction

The Blue Valley School District, located in Johnson County, Kansas, seeks qualifications from architectural/design firms for design services related to upcoming projects, including anticipated projects funded from the 2027 Bond Referendum. 

• A qualifications-based selection process will be used to evaluate interested firms.
• Among otherwise comparably qualified firms, preference may be given to firms demonstrating the ability to provide design and construction administration services through a local project team.
• Delivery method will be Construction Manager at Risk.

Project Goals and Scope of Services

The Blue Valley School District intends to select one or more teams of qualified design professionals to assist the District with planning, programming, design, and construction administration services associated with projects anticipated as part of the 2027 Bond Referendum.

The District may select firms for all or portions of the anticipated work and reserves the right to assign projects based upon each firm's qualifications, experience, capacity, and demonstrated expertise.

The 2027 Bond Program is anticipated to include any combination of master planning, new construction, major renovation and program development, targeted facility improvements, and districtwide asset preservation projects. The final scope, sequencing, and individual project budgets will continue to be refined through planning, programming, facility assessment, and design.

The overall anticipated 2027 Bond Program is approximately $200 million. Design services contemplated by this RFQ may support all or portions of the Bond Program and will vary depending upon the nature of individual projects, including but not limited to:

District Office Campus Master Planning and Career & Technical Education (CTE)

The District anticipates undertaking a comprehensive master planning effort for its District Office campus to evaluate the long-term use, organization, functionality, and development of the site. This work is expected to establish a framework for subsequent design and renovation associated with a significant expansion of Career & Technical Education programming. The anticipated CTE project represents approximately $50 million in construction investment, with the specific program, scope, facility strategy, renovation requirements, and potential new construction to be developed through the master planning and programming process.

Facility Renovations and Program Improvements
The Bond Program may include renovations and improvements at multiple District facilities in support of instructional programs and evolving facility needs. Anticipated work may include special education learning environments, high school science classrooms, restrooms, athletic and physical education spaces, and other renovations identified through the planning and design process.

Asset Preservation
A significant portion of the Bond Program is anticipated to address the continued preservation and renewal of existing District facilities and infrastructure. Projects may include mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems; roofing and building envelope improvements; pavement; interior finishes; athletic facilities; fitness equipment; and other building systems and components. Individual projects may vary significantly in size, complexity, location, and delivery schedule.

The selected design professional(s) will be expected to work collaboratively with District leadership, staff, stakeholders, consultants, and construction partners to validate project needs, establish priorities, develop project scopes and budgets, evaluate alternatives, and assist the District in sequencing projects across the bond implementation period.

The District intends for this RFQ to establish a flexible professional services relationship capable of responding to projects as their scope and priorities are refined. The District reserves the ability to add, remove, modify, combine, or reprioritize projects based upon master planning, programming, available funding, facility conditions, District priorities, and the final outcome of the 2027 Bond Referendum.

Bond construction is anticipated to occur over multiple years beginning in 2027. Specific project schedules will be established as planning and design progress.

LEED certification is not anticipated to be pursued as a specific project requirement; however, the District expects design solutions to consider energy efficiency, operational efficiency, maintainability, durability, life-cycle cost, and responsible stewardship of District resources.

The District is seeking teams that demonstrate not only relevant project experience, but also the ability to serve as a strategic partner throughout a complex, multi-year capital program. Particular consideration will be given to demonstrated strength in programming, master planning, renovation of occupied educational facilities, cost and schedule management, collaboration within a CMAR delivery model, and successful execution of multiple concurrent projects.