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), Public Buildings Service, is seeking a highly qualified Design-Build Firm for a new United States Courthouse in Hartford, CT. This two-phase Request for Qualifications (RFQ) aims to select a firm to provide comprehensive site development, design, and construction services for a facility estimated at up to 281,000 gross square feet. The design must incorporate classical or traditional architecture, in accordance with Executive Order 14344. Phase 1 Proposals are due Friday, April 24, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET.
Scope of Work
The selected firm will design and construct a new courthouse to replace the existing inadequate facility. The new building will accommodate up to 11 courtrooms and 18 chambers, along with offices for the U.S. District Clerk, U.S. Bankruptcy Clerk, U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Services include Design Phase Services (DPS) covering concept, design development, construction documents, scheduling, and cost estimating, as well as Construction Phase Services (CPS) encompassing site remediation, construction, contract administration, and testing. The project will utilize a "design to budget" approach with a $292,000,000 estimated construction cost at award.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Firm-Fixed Price, Design-Build (Two-Phase)
- Period of Performance: Anticipated 48 months (January 2027 to January 2031) from Notice to Proceed.
- Estimated Value: $292,000,000 (Cost of Construction at Award).
- Set-Aside: This opportunity is open to all responsible sources but includes a mandatory Project Labor Agreement (PLA) requirement, invoked under a public interest exception.
- Stipend: Up to $500,000 will be offered to qualifying unsuccessful offerors in Phase 2.
Submission & Evaluation
Procurement will use two-phase design-build selection procedures (FAR 36.101-2) with a best value tradeoff evaluation (FAR Subparts 15.1 and 15.2).
- Phase 1 Evaluation Criteria: Technical Qualifications of Firms (60%), Approach to Design Build (20%), Lead Designer (20%). A maximum of three highly qualified offerors will be shortlisted for Phase 2.
- Phase 2 Evaluation Criteria: Quality of Design Concept (50%), Qualifications and Experience of Key Personnel (20%), Management Plan (20%), Project Schedule (5%), Small Business Utilization (5%).
- Offerors must have an active registration in SAM.gov.
Key Considerations
Multiple environmental and geotechnical reports indicate complex subsurface conditions at the 180 Allyn Street site, including historic fill, variable soil layers, and contamination (ETPH, VOCs, PAHs, lead, arsenic) in soil and groundwater. Bidders must account for potential site remediation, dewatering, and the need for deep foundations or soil improvements. The project also requires compliance with HSPD-12 for Federal space access.
Important Dates & Contacts
- Phase 1 Proposal Due: Friday, April 24, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET.
- Offeror Questions Due (Phase 1): April 9, 2026.
- Notification of Award/Unsuccessful Offerors: January 7, 2027.
- Primary Contact: Douglas Tumbrello, douglas.tumbrello@gsa.gov, 917-574-3499.
- Secondary Contact: Mark Lewandowski, mark.lewandowski@gsa.gov.
Offerors are responsible for monitoring www.sam.gov for all solicitation amendments and related information. Amendment 2 incorporated RFI responses and noted potential for future funding and scope changes.