Project Information

Bid Title

15th and High Arts Plaza

Issuing Agency

Ohio Facility Construction Commission

Location

Ohio

Published Date

Mar 25, 2026

Closing Date

Apr 2, 2026

Government Level

State & Local

Status

Closed

Ref. #

OSU-260153

Original Source

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Bid Documents

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Project Description

Publish Date	Due Date	Number	Owner	Contractring Authority	Project Name	Primary Service	Estimated Project Cost	Q&A	Short List	Notes
2026/03/12	2026/04/02	OSU-260153	The Ohio State University	Local Higher Education	15th and High Arts Plaza	A/E	$22,000,000	Q&A	TBD

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Request for Qualifications (Registered Design Professional*)

State of Ohio Standard Forms and Documents

Administration of Project: Local Higher Education

Project Name 15th and High Arts Plaza

Mershon Auditorium (0055), Sullivant Hall

Project Location (0106), Wexner Center for the Arts (0386)

City / County Columbus / Franklin

Owner

The Ohio State University

Delivery Method Construction Manager at Risk

No. of paper copies requested (stapled, not bound)

0

Response Deadline 04/02/2026

2:00 PM local time

Project Number

OSU-260153

Project Manager

Dan Sayer

Contracting Authority Local Higher Education

Prevailing Wages State

No. of electronic copies requested (PDF)

1

* “Registered Design Professional includes any architect holding a certificate issued under section 4703.10 of the Revised

Code, any landscape architect holding a certificate issued under section 4703.36 of the Revised Code, or any engineer

holding a certificate issued under section 4733.14 of the Revised Code.” (Ohio Building Code section 4101:1-2-01 Definitions)

Submit the Statements of Qualifications (Form F110-330) via email to 330Submittals@osu.edu. In the subject line, include the

project number and name for RFQ you are responding to. See Section J of this RFQ for additional submittal instructions.

Submit all questions regarding this RFQ in writing to Dan Sayer at sayer.38@osu.edu with the project number included in the

subject line (no phone calls please). Questions will be answered and posted to the Opportunities page on the OFCC website

at https://ofcc.ohio.gov on a regular basis until one week before the response deadline. The name of the party submitting a

question will not be included on the Q&A document.

Project Overview

A. Project Description

The Ohio State University intends to revitalize its historic gateway to campus by renewing and enhancing the outdoor

public space between the Wexner Center for the Arts, Mershon Auditorium, and Sullivant Hall as an updated Arts Plaza.

This reimagined public realm will strengthen the prominent and welcoming connection extending from the William Oxley

Thompson Memorial Library, across The Oval, and onward to University Square along High Street, completing the

University’s historic Long Walk.

Key project ambitions include:

• Establish a strong visual and pedestrian gateway connecting University Square along High Street to the campus core

at the Ohio State Oval and William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library.

• Create a vibrant, pedestrian-focused public realm that strengthens the identity of the University’s Arts District and

supports both everyday campus uses and programmed events.

• Provide flexible outdoor gathering and seating areas that accommodate informal use and organized campus

activities.

• Develop comfortable, accessible, tree-lined pedestrian promenades capable of supporting high volumes of daily foot

traffic

• Thoughtfully revitalize, modify, and enhance the historic architectural elements within the project area

• Integrate high-quality site lighting, security, wayfinding signage, and technology infrastructure to support safety,

visibility, and future campus needs

This reimagined forecourt will not simply connect spaces — it will connect eras, carrying forward the spirit of earlier

campus thresholds while establishing a welcoming and enduring front door for generations to come.

The selected A/E team must demonstrate significant experience delivering prominent, multifunctional public realm

landscapes that accommodate high volumes of pedestrian traffic, support institutional branding, and provide flexible

environments for cultural, academic, and social activity.

The project will include an evaluation of the existing film theater, located in the basement of the Wexner Center for the

Arts. This evaluation will determine whether the theater should be modified or decommissioned and demolished for the

area to be integrated into the project. Utility infrastructure within the project boundaries shall be assessed and upgraded

or replaced as required to support the envisioned program and long-term campus infrastructure needs.

This project will follow an aggressive design and construction schedule to ensure the projects’ completion in advance of

the planned construction of a new hotel within the University Square District in 2028.

F110-02-2024-OCT

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Request for Qualifications (Registered Design Professional) continued

Construction Management services will be contracted separately by the Contracting Authority. The selected A/E team will

be expected to collaborate closely with the University’s Construction Manager during all pre-construction phases.

B. Scope of Services

The project and construction budget as listed in this RFQ is estimated. The total project cost will be validated though

design.

The project will follow an aggressive design and construction schedule to ensure the projects’ completion in advance of

the planned construction of a new hotel within the University Square District in 2028.

Shortlisted firms will receive a set of concept documents to aid in completing the Basis of Design.

Upon award of the Agreement, commence by confirming the Program.

The selected A/E team will be expected to collaborate closely with the University’s Construction Manager during all

pre-construction phases. GMP documents will be developed and submitted for review by the University prior to advancing

to final Construction Documents.

The project will require regular presentations, design submissions, and coordination with:

• Design Review Board (DRB) – for conceptual, schematic, and design development approvals

• Planning, Architecture, and Real Estate (PARE) – for campus planning integration, project specific design direction,

site strategy, mobility, and landscape standards

• Facilities Design and Construction (FDC) – for project management, technical review, budgeting alignment, and

design compliance

The A/E team will be expected to lead preparation of presentation materials, attend formal review meetings, incorporate

feedback, and manage iterative review cycles with these bodies.

The project shall follow the applicable University Sustainability Standards: https://fod.osu.edu/sites/default/files/div_18.pdf.

The selected A/E, as a portion of its required Scope of Services and prior to submitting its proposals, will discuss and

clarify with the Owner and/or the Contracting Authority, the cost breakdown of the Architect/Engineer Agreement detailed

cost components to address the Owner’s project requirements. Participate in the Encouraging Growth, Diversity & Equity

(EDGE) Program as required by statute and the Agreement. Required Professional Liability Insurance will be per Exhibit A

– A/E Terms and Conditions Article 7.2.6.

As required by the Agreement, and as properly authorized, provide the following categories of services: Program

Verification, Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Document Preparation, GMP Proposal and

Amendment, Conformed Documents, Construction Administration, Post-Construction, and Additional Services of all types.

Refer to the Ohio Facilities Construction Manual for additional information about the type and extent of services required

for each. A copy of the standard Agreement can be obtained at the OFCC website at https://ofcc.ohio.gov.

The selected A/E will be required to sign the standard agreement. No modifications to the requirements in the agreement

will be accepted.

During the construction period, provide not less than 8 hours (excluding travel time) on-site construction administration

services each week, including (1) attendance at progress meetings, (2) a written field report of each site visit, (3) on-site

representation comprised of the A/E and its consultant staff involved in the primary design of the project, all having

relevant and appropriate types of construction administration experience.

The project team (Owner / A/E / Contractor) will be required to utilize the University’s Project Management System, for all

compatible services required by the University.

The Ohio State University is dedicated to providing a safe and healthy environment for students, patients, staff, visitors,

and contractors. While not exclusive, guidelines governing safety expectations for construction/ renovation projects within

Ohio State buildings are set forth in the Building Design Standards Appendix V and are summarized here:

https://fod.osu.edu/resources, under the section titled “Construction Site Safety Requirements.”

Closeout Services: The closeout for this project is required to be delivered in an electronic cloud-based format using the

e-Builder Project Management System and adhere to The Ohio State University Project Closeout Standards. The Ohio

F110-02-2024-NOV

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Request for Qualifications (Registered Design Professional) continued

State University Project Closeout Standards can be accessed via the OSU FOD vender resource website

(https://fod.osu.edu/resources) under Post Construction / Close Out

For purposes of completing the Relevant Project Experience Matrix in Section F of the Statement of Qualifications (Form

F110-330), below is a list of relevant scope of work requirements for this RFQ:

1. Signature academic, institutional, or urban civic space that is highly visible and/or connected to the public

realm that has been successfully designed to accommodate high foot traffic while creating a space

conducive to staying and engaging with the environment.

2. Experience with the Design Review Board (DRB)

3. Complex Public-realm projects in active academic environments

4. Experience with demolition integrated into larger campus redevelopment

5. Leadership in Project team collaboration throughout design and construction administration

6. State of Ohio and Ohio State CMR delivery environment

7. Knowledge and expertise with the City of Columbus drainage manual

For the purpose of the selection of 10 Relevant Projects in Section F of the Statement of Qualification (Form F110-330),

projects must be designed by the Lead Firm.

C. Estimated Budget / Funding

State Funding:

N/A

Other Funding:

$2,300,000

Construction Cost: $18,000,000

Total Project Cost: $22,000,000

D. Anticipated Schedule

Professional Services Start:

Construction Notice to Proceed:

Substantial Completion of all Work:

Professional Services Completed:

05 / 26

02 / 27

12 / 27

01 / 28

E. Estimated Basic Fee Range (see note below)

F. EDGE Participation Goal

6.5%

Percent of initial Total A/E Fee:

5%

NOTE: Basic Services include: (1) Program Verification, (2) Schematic Design, (3) Design Development, (4) Construction Documents,

(5) Bidding and Award OR GMP Proposal and Amendment (as applicable), (6) Construction Administration, and (7) Closeout services. The

Basic Fee includes all professional design services and consultant services necessary for proper completion of the Basic Services, including

validation of existing conditions (but not subsurface or hidden conditions) and preparation of cost estimates and design schedules for the

project. The Estimated Basic Fee Range is calculated as a percentage of the Estimated Budget for Construction Cost above. The Basic

Fee excludes any Additional Services required for the project.

G. Basic Service Providers Required (see note below)

H. Additional Service Providers Required

Lead A/E Discipline: Landscape Architecture OR Architecture

Geotechnical Services

Secondary

*Landscape Architecture and

Architecture firms are equally eligible

to serve as the lead A/E discipline for

this project

Landscape Architecture OR Architecture

Lighting Design

Survey

Disciplines:

Civil Engineering

Structural Engineering

MEP Engineering

Irrigation Design

NOTE: The lead A/E shall be (1) any architect holding a certificate issued under section 4703.10 of the Revised Code, (2) any landscape

architect holding a certificate issued under section 4703.36 of the Revised Code, or (3) any engineer holding a certificate issued under section

4733.14 of the Revised Code.

I. Evaluation Criteria for Selection

• Demonstrated ability to meet Owner’s programmed project vision, scope, budget, and schedule on previous

projects.

• Demonstrated ability to meet Owner’s Sustainability Standards: https://fod.osu.edu/sites/default/files/div_18.pdf.

• Previous experience compatible with the proposed project (e.g., type, size).

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Request for Qualifications (Registered Design Professional) continued

• Relevant past work of prospective firm’s proposed consultants.

• Past performance of prospective firm and its proposed consultants.

• Qualifications and experience of individuals directly involved with the project.

• Proposer’s previous experience (numbers of projects, sizes of projects) when working with its proposed

consultants.

• Design quality and demonstrated ability of prospective firm and its proposed consultants to provide design

services which represent the University’s Design Guidelines for Buildings and Landscape buildings-

landscape.pdf

• Specification writing credentials and experience.

• Experience and capabilities of creating or using Critical Path Method (CPM) schedules and of using CPM

schedules as a project management resource.

• Approach to and success of using partnering and Alternative Dispute Resolution.

• Proximity of prospective firms to the project site.

• Proposer’s apparent resources and capacity to meet the needs of this project.

• The selected A/E and all its consultants must have the capability to use the Internet within their normal business

location(s) during normal business hours.

Interested A/E firms are required to submit the Commitment to Participate in the EDGE Business Assistance Program

form in its Statement of Qualifications (Form F110-330) submitted in response to the RFQ, to indicate its intent to contract

with and use EDGE-certified Business Enterprise(s), as a part of the A/E’s team. The Intent to Contract and to Perform

and / or waiver request letter and Demonstration of Good Faith Effort form(s) with complete documentation must be

attached to the A/E’s Technical Proposal. Both forms can be accessed via the OFCC website at https://ofcc.ohio.gov. The

Intent to Contract and to Perform form is again required at the Fee Proposal stage.

If the A/E firm intends to receive points for exceeding the EDGE Participation Goal, it must provide BOTH a

completed Commitment to Participate form AND a completed Statement of Intent to Contract and to Perform forms

signed by both parties with its Statement of Qualifications.

For all Statements of Qualifications, please identify the EDGE-certified Business Enterprises, by name, which will

participate in the delivery of the proposed professional services solicited in the RFQ.

Interested A/E firms must indicate on their Statement of Qualifications, the locations where their services will be

performed in the spaces provided or by attachment in accordance with the requirements of Executive Order 2019-12D

related to providing services only within the United States and the requirements of Executive Order 2022-02D prohibiting

purchases from or investment in any Russian institution or company. Failure to do so may cause their Statement of

Qualifications to be rejected.

J. Submittal Instructions

Firms are required to submit the current version of Statement of Qualifications (Form F110-330) available via the OFCC

website at https://ofcc.ohio.gov.

Electronic submittals should be combined into one PDF file saved with the form name, project number listed on the RFQ

and your firm’s name (ex. F110-330_OSU-nnnnnn_Firm Name). Use the “print” feature of Adobe Acrobat or similar

software for creating a PDF rather than using a scanner. If possible, please reduce the file size of the PDF. In Acrobat, go

to Advanced, then PDF Optimizer.

Statements of Qualifications must be submitted electronically by email. Submittals are limited to one email with a

maximum file size of 25 MB.

Firms are requested to identify professional registrations, memberships, and credentials including: LEED GA, LEED AP,

LEED AP+, CCCA, CCM, CCS, CDT, CPE, DBIA, and any other appropriate design and construction industry credentials.

Identify that information on the resume page for individual in Block 22, Section E of the F110-330 form.

F110-02-2024-NOV

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Architect / Engineer Selection Rating Form

State of Ohio Standard Forms and Documents

Project Name 15th and High Arts Plaza

Project Number OSU-260153

Proposer Firm

City, State, Zip

Selection Criteria

1. Primary Firm Location, Workload and Size (Maximum 10 points)

a. Proximity of firm to project site

b. Amount of fees awarded by Contracting Authority in

previous 24 months

c. Number of licensed professionals

Less than 50 miles

50 miles to 100 miles

More than 100 miles

Less than $200,000

$200,000 to $1,000,000

More than $1,000,000

Less than 2 professionals

2 to 10 professionals

More than 10 professionals

2. Primary Firm Qualifications (Maximum 30 points)

a. Project management lead

b. Project design lead

c. Technical staff

d. Construction administration staff

Experience / ability of project manager to

manage scope / budget / schedule / quality

Experience / creativity of project designer to

achieve owner’s vision and requirements

Experience / ability of technical staff to create

fully coordinated construction documents

Experience / ability of field representative to

identify and solve issues during construction

3. Key Consultant Qualifications (Maximum 20 points)

a. Key discipline leads

Experience / ability of key consultants to

perform effectively and collaboratively

b. Proposed EDGE-certified Consultant participation*

One point for every 2 percent increase in

professional services over the EDGE

participation goal

4. Overall Team Qualifications (Maximum 10 points)

a. Previous team collaboration

b. OSU Sustainability Standards or LEED** project

experience

c. BIM project experience

d. Team organization

Less than 2 sample projects

2 to 4 sample projects

More than 4 sample projects

LEED v4.0 or v4.1 projects

OSU Sustainability Standards projects

Training and knowledge

Direct project experience

Clarity of responsibility / communication

demonstrated by table of organization

5. Overall Team Experience (Maximum 30 points)

a. Previous team performance

b. Experience with similar projects / delivery methods

c. Budget and schedule management

d. Knowledge of Ohio Capital Improvements process

Past performance as indicated by

evaluations and letters of reference

Less than 3 projects

3 to 6 projects

More than 6 projects

Performance in completing projects within

original construction budget and schedule

Less than 3 projects

3 to 6 projects

More than 6 projects

Value

Score

5

2

0

2

1

0

1

2

3

Max

=3

0 - 10

0-5

0-5

0 - 10

Max

= 20

0 - 15

0-5

1

3

5

Max

=5

0

Max

2

=2

0

Max

0

=0

0-3

0 - 10

0-3

4-6

7 - 10

0-5

0-1

2-3

4-5

* Must be comprised of professional design services consulting firm(s) and NOT the lead firm – For more

information on scoring this and other criteria refer to Document F199-01 – PS Selection Rating Rubric.

** Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design administered by Green Building Certification Inc.

Notes:

Evaluator:

Name

Subtotal

F110-02-2024-OCT

Signature

Publish Date: 03/12/2026

Date

Page 5 of 5

Commodity Codes

• NAICS 238990All Other Specialty Trade Contractors
• NAICS 711510Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers

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