Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Design-Build Services for a New United States Courthouse in Hartford, CT
Overview
Buyer
Place of Performance
NAICS
PSC
Set Aside
Original Source
Timeline
Qualification Details
Fit reasons
- NAICS alignment with historical contract wins in similar service areas.
- Scope strongly matches core technical capabilities and delivery model.
Risks
- Past performance thresholds may require one additional teaming partner.
- Potential clarification needed on staffing minimums before bid/no-bid.
Next steps
Validate eligibility requirements, assign capture owner, and schedule partner outreach to confirm teaming strategy before submission planning.
Quick Summary
The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) is soliciting Design-Build (DB) services for a new United States Courthouse in Hartford, CT. This project involves comprehensive site development, design, and construction of a facility not exceeding 281,000 gross square feet, incorporating classical or traditional architecture in accordance with Executive Order 14344. The procurement utilizes a two-phase selection process, with Phase 1 Qualification Proposals due by April 22, 2026.
Scope of Work
The selected Design-Build Firm will provide all services for the new courthouse, which will accommodate up to 11 courtrooms and 18 chambers, along with offices for the U.S. District Court, U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Clerk's offices, Probation and Pretrial Services, Circuit Library, Federal Public Defender, DOJ Attorney's Office, GSA, and U.S. Marshals Service. Services include both Design Phase Services (DPS) and Construction Phase Services (CPS), encompassing site remediation, construction, contract administration, scheduling, cost monitoring, and inspections. The project will follow a "design to budget" approach with a Scope Prioritization Matrix.
Contract Details
This is a Firm-Fixed Price Design-Build contract with an estimated construction cost of $292,000,000. The anticipated Period of Performance is 48 months, expected from January 2027 to January 2031. A mandatory Project Labor Agreement (PLA) is required, justified by GSA as being in the public interest. Qualifying unsuccessful offerors in Phase 2 may receive a stipend of up to $500,000. Liquidated damages of $14,163.79 per calendar day will apply for delays.
Submission & Evaluation
The procurement employs a two-phase design-build selection procedure.
- Phase 1 (Qualifications): Proposals are due by April 22, 2026, at 4 p.m. local time. Evaluation criteria include Technical Qualifications of Firms (60%), Approach to Design Build (20%), and Lead Designer (20%). A maximum of three highly qualified offerors will be shortlisted for Phase 2. Questions for Phase 1 are due by April 9, 2026.
- Phase 2 (Proposals): Shortlisted offerors will submit detailed proposals. Evaluation criteria include Quality of Design Concept (50%), Qualifications and Experience of Key Personnel (20%), Management Plan (20%), Project Schedule (5%), and Small Business Utilization (5%).
- Award Notification: Anticipated by January 7, 2027.
Eligibility & Set-Aside
This is an unrestricted competition, open to all responsible sources. The primary NAICS Code is 236220 (Commercial and Institutional Building Construction) with a small business size standard of $45 million. Offerors must have an active registration in SAM.gov and comply with HSPD-12 and FAR 52.204-9 for access to Federal space. Small business subcontracting plans are relevant, and the acquisition is subject to WTO Government Procurement Agreement and Free Trade Agreements.
Site & Environmental Considerations
The proposed site at 180 Allyn Street, Hartford, CT, presents complex subsurface and environmental conditions. Multiple reports indicate the presence of historic fill and identified contamination (e.g., ETPH, VOCs, PAHs, lead, arsenic) in soil and groundwater. Geotechnical assessments suggest the need for deep foundations or soil improvements and specific seismic design. Bidders must factor in potential remediation, specialized handling, and disposal of excavated materials, which will significantly impact project planning, costs, and execution.