CIF
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS / REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFQ / RFP)
Architectural Services for Boys & Girls Club of Meriden Renovation & Expansion Planning Project
Issued By:
Boys & Girls Club of Meriden
RFQ/RFP Issue Date: May 22, 3036
Proposal Submission Deadline: June 15, 2026 (11:59 PM EST)
Anticipated Project Start Date: The Week of July 6, 2026
Submission Contact: Larue A. Graham, Jr., Executive Director
Phone: (203) 235-8185 | Email: lgraham@bgcmeriden.org
Purpose
This combined Request for Qualifications and Request for Proposals (RFQ/RFP) is a selection process with the goal of ensuring fairness, transparency, and equal opportunity while securing the highest quality professional service for a fair and reasonable fee. This project is funded through the State of Connecticut Community Investment Fund 2030 Planning Grant Program and administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).
Project Overview
The Boys & Girls Club of Meriden is seeking proposals and qualifications from experienced architectural firms to provide professional architectural and related consulting services for the renovation and expansion of the 1955 Boys & Girls Club of Meriden Clubhouse facility.
The selected firm will partner with Club leadership to design safe, innovative, inclusive, and engaging spaces that support the educational, recreational, social-emotional, and developmental needs of children and teens. Preference will be given to firms with demonstrated experience designing youth-centered environments such as schools, childcare facilities, community centers, afterschool programs, recreation facilities, and nonprofit spaces.
The Boys & Girls Club of Meriden serves youth and families throughout the community by providing affordable, high-quality programming focused on academic success, healthy lifestyles, character development, leadership, and workforce readiness. The Club serves youth ranging from infancy through teens across childcare, preschool, afterschool, summer, and enrichment programming.
As the organization continues to expand its impact and programming, the Club is seeking architectural support for the planning and development of spaces that reflect modern best practices in youth development, safety, accessibility, and community engagement.
The selected architect/firm will assist with the planning, design, and potential phased implementation of a youth-focused facility project. The project may include renovation, expansion, adaptive reuse, and/or new construction components. Additionally, the Club seeks to install an elevator within the facility.
Potential spaces may include:
Main Level
· Renovation / Alteration / Expansion
o Administrative Offices
o Conference Room
o Storage
o Single-Use Toilet Facilities
o (Expansion) Computer Lab
o (Expansion) Project Learn Classroom
Upper Level
· Renovation / Alteration / Expansion
o STEAM Room
o Toddlers Room
o Infants Room
o Preschool Room
o 2-3 Year Old Room
o (Expansion) Preschool Room
Third Story
· Expansion
o Teen Center
o Full Kitchen
The final scope will be refined in collaboration with the selected firm.
Scope of Work:
The selected firm may be asked to provide services including, but not limited to:
Pre-Design & Planning
· Facility assessment and site evaluation
· Space needs analysis
· Feasibility studies
· Community and stakeholder engagement
· Concept development
· Preliminary cost estimating
· Master planning support
Design Services
· Schematic design
· Design development
· Construction documents
· Interior planning and finish recommendations
· Youth-centered and trauma-informed design considerations
· Accessibility and code compliance
· Sustainability and energy efficiency recommendations
Bidding & Construction Administration
· Assistance with bid solicitation and contractor selection
· Review of shop drawings and submittals
· Site visits and construction oversight
· Coordination with engineers and consultants
· Project closeout support
Submission Requirements
Each responding firm shall submit one complete electronic package with all required materials.
Qualifications
· Cover Letter & Statement of Interest
· Company Profile / Brochure
· Resumes of Key Personnel
· Description of Firm’s Experience on Comparable Projects
· Three Professional References
· Certificates of relevant licensing and insurance
· Confirmation of Availability and Capacity
· Ability to work with diverse communities
· Detailed budget (must include Hourly Rate and Expense Schedule)
· Data analysis interpretation
· Firms with experience and familiarity with State funded grants
Evaluation Criteria
· Understanding of the Boys & Girls Club of Meriden’s Mission
· Demonstrated experience designing facilities serving youth, families, schools, childcare centers, community organizations, or nonprofits
· Submit at least three professional references; reference feedback will be considered during evaluation
· Knowledge of youth development best practices and child-centered environments
· Familiarity of OEC regulations preferred
· Experience with phased projects and budget-conscious nonprofit work
· Strong project management and stakeholder communication skills
· Familiarity with state and local building codes, licensing requirements, and ADA accessibility standards
· Experience working with grant-funded or publicly funded projects is preferred
· Qualifications & Experience
· Demonstrated Success with Comparable Projects
· Fee Proposal / Cost Reasonableness
· Ability to Meet Schedule and Workload Capacity
· Licensure to practice architecture in the State of Connecticut
Selection Process
A Selection Committee will review and rank all responses using scoring rubric based on the above criteria. The top 3 scoring Proposals will be selected for formal interviews. Following interviews, the committee will choose based on qualifications, approach, connection to the work, and fee reasonableness.
The final contract and recommendation will be submitted to DECD for review and approval.
Schedule of Events
|
Milestone |
Date |
|
RFQ/RFP Issued |
May 22, 2026 |
|
Responses Due |
June 15, 2026 (11:59 PM EST) |
|
Interviews |
The Week of June 22, 2026 |
|
Anticipated Start Date |
The Week of July 6, 2026 |
Terms & Conditions
All costs for preparing proposals are the responsibility of the respondent. Boys & Girls Club of Meriden reserves the right to reject any or all submissions. All submissions become property of the Corporation. DECD may review and/or monitor the selection process and final contract. The final agreement shall utilize the appropriate AIA or EJCDC contract form for processional services.
An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Minority/Women's Business Enterprises are encouraged to apply. This contract is subject to state spending allocation goals and contract compliance requirements.
Records & Compliance
The Boys & Girls Club of Meriden shall maintain all records of the selection proceedings for inspection by DECD. Any modification to this process requires prior DECD approval.
Contact Information
Boys & Girls Club of Meriden
Email: lgraham@bgcmeriden.org
Phone: 203-235-8185
Contact: Larue A. Graham, Jr, Executive Director