PLANNING AND DESIGN SERVICES FOR A 50,000 S.F. ADDITION TO OKALOOSA COUNTY’S RIGDON CENTER

Pursuant to Chapter 287.055, Florida Statutes and County policy, the Okaloosa County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) requests qualifications from consultants who can provide: Planning and Design Services for a 50,000 s.f. building addition plus the immediate site improvements/coordination necessary to support the new building and connections to existing facility.

Background

Background

The proposed project is to build an approximately 50,000 s.f. addition as new event space to the current event facility, plus immediate site improvements/coordination necessary to support the new building and connect to existing facility.  The current facility has approximately 47,000 s.f. of existing event space, plus another 20,000 s.f. of storage.  It is intent of the County that the bulk of the new space built would be dividable, multi-purpose main event space of approximately 35K-40K s.f. capable of supporting a variety of events ranging from large round table seated events for at least 3,000 people to a variety of sporting events from cheer, dance, volleyball, wrestling, pickleball, and many others. It would have high ceilings (40ft plus), durable hard surface floors, a mezzanine, and elevator(s).  Although it would be a metal building congruous with existing buildings on site, it would be hardened for resiliency and potential use pre or post hurricane disasters. Flexibility would be built into the interior space for adaptability with an eye towards minimizing operational costs, ease of setup/takedown, as well as durability and maintenance. Plans for a similar concept for a larger, 150,000 s.f. facility recently built in Gainesville, Florida are provided for reference (Attachment C).  A tour of the existing Rigdon Center Facility will be provided on June 4, 2026, at 10am.

An expanded Rigdon Center, with a new 50K s.f. multi-purpose event space, combined with the other amenities in the immediate vicinity, would create a complimentary symbiotic facility and environment like no other in the Florida Panhandle - positioning the destination to host an expanded array of events and elevate tourism’s impact on the local economy.  The existing recently renovated event space/buildings would be complementary and capable of being utilized to host vendors, pre-event space, breakout sessions, temporary storage, micro events, and other uses. Overall, the campus consists of 20.4 acres of outdoor space for events or parking and there is another 15.8 acres of other contiguous County property with parking (over 1,500 spaces) and open space.   Additionally, the City of Fort Walton Beach has a large asphalt pad that if coordinated, on a limited basis, could host some events or overflow parking. Outside of the 36+ acres of County property, there is private adjoining property (Freedom Tech) with two new hotels (over 200 rooms total), Apartments, Office Space, and with up to 4 restaurants planned for the future.  Across the street, there are two well-kept 18-hole city golf courses, with a public restaurant in the clubhouse. 

In comparison, the existing Destin-FWB Convention Center on Okaloosa Island is a finished masonry building with carpeted interiors.  The Convention Center has a total of 32,000 s.f., with a dividable main room at 22,000 s.f. It can comfortably support about 1,800 individuals for a sit-down event like the annual “All Sports” Banquet. Although the Convention Center is a quality facility, it does have some notable limitations such as: limited parking (only 660 spaces), no connected or adjacent hotel rooms (across a busy street), a relatively small amount of useable outdoor event space, and it lacks many of the facility amenities to support most sporting events (was not designed with that in mind). Additionally, some of the successful military and sporting events the County currently host are outgrowing this venue strictly based on capacity/size limitations. A tour of this facility will be provided on June 4th, 2026, at 1pm.

Project Details

• Reference ID: RFQ TDD 59-26
• Department: Purchasing
• Department Head: DeRita Mason (Manager)

Important Dates

• Questions Due: 2026-06-10T20:00:00.000Z

Evaluation Criteria

• Planning & Design Experience of the Firm (10pts) (10 pts) —

  In this section the respondent will highlight the firm’s design experience with these types of projects.  Partnering with specialty firms is encouraged, especially with regard to their specific expertise in designing an indoor sports events venue (e.g. flooring types, locker room, warm-up areas) and a large venue, mass feeding, commercial kitchen, to ensure the facility is responsive to industry standards and expectations. Respondents are asked to clearly describe what elements may be provided by each subconsultant on the team in conjunction with the primary firm and similar projects the firms have worked on together.

• Planning & Design Experience of Team Members (15 pts) —

  In this section the respondent will highlight the qualification and experience of the principal design team members that would be directly involved with the County's Project. Respondents shall provide a project organizational chart showing key areas of responsibility.  Resumes for key team members shall be provided. Clearly show what elements will be provided by each team member, including subconsultants. Under this Section and Section 8 - respondents shall provide sufficient information on the successful team members’ completion of projects in this genre of project, as well as building, site layout and design, utility systems design, applicable permitting, and landscaping improvements designed and permitted.

• Attendance at Site Tours (Rigdon Center) and (Convention Center) (10 pts) —

  The County will offer a Rigdon Center tour at 10:30 am on June 4th, 2026, and a Convention Center tour at 1pm on June 4th, 2026. Those firms who have a design team member in attendance will automatically receive 5 points for each facility tour attended. 

• Project Understanding and Approach (35 pts) —

  In this section the respondent will describe the firm’s understanding of the project including the firm’s assessment of the project’s challenges and how the firm is uniquely qualified to monitor and/or mitigate those challenges.  This will include understanding of the City of Fort Walton Beach’s permitting processes and knowledge of the existing Rigdon Center and the area. This will be particularly important with regard to project coordination between the Respondent and County, following all grant requirements, and maintaining timelines.

• Availability of Workload and Willingness to Meet Time Requirement (15 pts) —

  In this section, the respondent will discuss the number of projects the firm's team is currently managing to include other major projects, and the ability of the firm to prioritize and manage this project within the proposed project timeline (or faster) as described herein.

• Post Design Services - Procurement/Bid Evaluation and Construction Oversight/Team Members (5 pts) —

  In this section the respondent will highlight the firm’s experience during the evaluation of bids and follow through in the construction process to oversee the design implementation working with the County’s onsite inspection team. The respondents will provide sufficient information clearly explaining their approach post design to get the project completed.

• Past Projects/References (10 pts) —

  In this section the respondent will provide at least two (2) completed projects the firm’s team led, that are somewhat similar in scope to this Project, along with the contact information of an owner's representative for those projects who directly participated in design and construction of the project with the firm.  Information such as the scope of the project, project budget, final project cost, project timeline, and similar information should be provided.

Submission Requirements

• Vendor Information
• Sam.gov Unique Entity Identifier —

  Enter your Sam.Gov Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number. 

• Cage Code —

  Enter your Cage Code

• Required Certifications
• RFP Acknowledgement (required) —

  I certify that this bid is made without prior understanding, agreement, or connection with any other respondent submitting a bid for the same materials, supplies, equipment or services, and is in all respects fair and without collusion or fraud. I agree to abide by all terms and conditions of this bid and certify that I am authorized to sign this bid for the respondent.

• Drug-Free Workplace Certification (required) —

  RESPONDENT CERTIFIES that it has implemented a drug-free workplace program.  In order to have a drug-free workplace program, a business shall:

  1. Publish a statement notifying employees that the unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the workplace and specifying the actions that will be taken against employees for violations of such prohibition.
  2. Inform employees about the dangers of drug abuse in the workplace, the business’s policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace, any available drug counseling, rehabilitation and employee assistance programs, and the penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations.
  3. Give each employee engaged in providing the commodities or contractual services that are under quote a copy of the statement specified in subsection A.
  4. In the statement specified in subsection A, notify the employees that, as a condition of working on the commodities or contractual services that are under quote, the employee will abide by the terms of the statement and will notify the employer of any conviction of, or plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, any violation of Chapter 893, Florida Statutes, or of any controlled substance law of the United States or any state, for a violation occurring in the workplace no later than five (5) days after such conviction.
  5. Impose a sanction on, or require the satisfactory participation in, drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program if such is available in employee’s community, by any employee who is convicted.
  6. Make a good faith effort to continue to maintain a drug-free workplace through implementation of this section.

  As the person authorized to sign this statement, I certify that this firm complies fully with the above requirements.

• Federal E-Verify Compliance Certification (required) —

  In accordance with Okaloosa County Policy and Executive Order Number 11-116 from the office of the Governor of the State of Florida, Respondent hereby certifies that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify system will be used to verify the employment eligibility of all new employees hired by the Respondent during the contract term, and shall expressly require any subcontractors performing work or providing services pursuant to the contact to likewise utilize the U.S. Department of Homeland Securities E-Verify system to verify the employment eligibility of all new employees hired by the subcontractor during the contract term; and shall provide documentation such verification to the COUNTY upon request. 

• Cone of Silence Certification (required) —

  The Board of County Commissioners have established a solicitation silence policy (Cone of Silence) that prohibits oral and written communication regarding all formal solicitations for goods and services (ITB, RFP, ITQ, ITN, and RFQ) or other competitive solicitation between the bidder (or its agents or representatives) or other entity with the potential for a financial interest in the award (or their respective agents or representatives) regarding such competitive solicitation, and any County Commissioner or County employee, selection committee member or other persons authorized to act on behalf of the Board including the County’s Architect, Engineer or their sub-consultants, or anyone designated to provide a recommendation to award a particular contract, other than the Purchasing Department Staff.

  The period commences from the time of advertisement until contract award. 

  Any information thought to affect the committee or staff recommendation submitted after bids are due, should be directed to the Purchasing Manager or an appointed representative.  It shall be the Purchasing Manager’s decision whether to consider this information in the decision process.

  Any violation of this policy shall be grounds to disqualify the Respondent from consideration during the selection process.

  Respondent hereby certifies to comply with this policy.

• Indemnification and Hold Harmless Certification (required) —

  Respondent certifies that they shall indemnify and hold harmless COUNTY, its officers and employees from liabilities, damages, losses, and costs including but not limited to reasonable attorney fees, to the extent caused by the negligence, recklessness, or intentional wrongful conduct of the CONTRACTOR and other persons employed or utilized by the CONTRACTOR in the performance of this Agreement.

• LOBBYING - 31 U.S.C. 1352, 49 CFR Part 19, 49 CFR Part 20 (required) —

  The undersigned certifies, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, that:

  1. No Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by or on behalf of the undersigned, to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of an agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with the awarding of any Federal contract, the making of any Federal grant, the making of any Federal loan, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension, continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of any Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement.
  2. If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for making lobbying contacts to an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement, the undersigned shall complete and submit Standard Form--LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in accordance with its instructions [as amended by "Government wide Guidance for New Restrictions on Lobbying," 61 Fed. Reg. 1413 (1/19/96). Note: Language in paragraph (2) herein has been modified in accordance with Section 10 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (P.L. 104-65, to be codified at 2 U.S.C. 1601, et seq.)]
  3. The undersigned shall require that the language of this certification be included in the award documents for all subawards at all tiers (including subcontracts, subgrants, and contracts under grants, loans, and cooperative agreements) and that all subrecipients shall certify and disclose accordingly.  This certification is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was made or entered into. Submission of this certification is a prerequisite for making or entering into this transaction imposed by 31U.S.C. § 1352 (as amended by the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995). Any person who fails to file the required certification shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such failure.

  [Note: Pursuant to 31 U.S.C. § 1352(c)(1)-(2)(A), any person who makes a prohibited expenditure or fails to file or amend a required certification or disclosure form shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $10,000 and not more than

  $100,000 for each such expenditure or failure.]  The Contractor certifies  or  affirms  the  truthfulness  and  accuracy  of  each  statement of its certification and disclosure, if any. In addition, the Contractor understands and agrees that the provisions of 31 U.S.C. A 3801, et seq., apply to this certification and disclosure, if any.

• Government Debarment and Suspension Certification (required) —
  1. By clicking "Please Confirm" below, the prospective lower tier participant is providing the certification set out in accordance with these instructions.
  2. The certification in this clause is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was entered into. If it is later determined that the prospective lower tier participant knowingly rendered an erroneous certification, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government, the department or agency with which this transaction originated may pursue available remedies, including suspension or debarment.
  3. The prospective lower tier participant shall provide immediate written notice to the person(s) to which this proposal is submitted if at any time the prospective lower tier participant learns that its certification was erroneous when submitted or has become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances.
  4. The terms "covered transaction," "debarred," "suspended," "ineligible," "lower tier covered transaction," "participant," "person," "primary covered transaction," "principal," "proposal," and "voluntarily excluded," as used in this clause, have the meanings set out in the Definitions and Coverage sections of the rules implementing Executive Orders 12549, at Subpart C of OMB 2 C.F.R. Part 180 and 3000.332. You may contact the department or agency to which this proposal is being submitted for assistance in obtaining a copy of those regulations.
  5. The prospective lower tier participant agrees by submitting this form that, should the proposed covered transaction be entered into, it shall not knowingly enter into any lower tier covered transaction with a person who is debarred, suspended, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this covered transaction, unless authorized by the department or agency with which this transaction originated.
  6. The prospective lower tier participant further agrees by submitting this form that it will include this clause titled "Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension, Ineligibility and Voluntary Exclusion - Lower Tier Covered Transactions," without modification, in all lower tier covered transactions and in all solicitations for lower tier covered transactions.
  7.  A participant in a covered transaction may rely upon a certification of a prospective participant in a lower tier covered transaction that is not debarred, suspended, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from the covered transaction, unless it knows that the certification is erroneous. A participant may decide the method and frequency by which it determines the eligibility of its principals. Each participant may, but is not required to, check the System for Award Management (SAM) database.
  8. Nothing contained in the foregoing shall be construed to require establishment of a system of records in order to render in good faith the certification required by this clause. The knowledge and information of a participant is not required to exceed that which is normally possessed by a prudent person in the ordinary course of business dealings.
  9. Except for transactions authorized under paragraph (E) of these instructions, if a participant in a covered transaction knowingly enters into a lower tier covered transaction with a person who is suspended, debarred, ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction, in addition to other remedies available to the Federal Government, the department or agency with which this transaction originated may pursue available remedies, including suspension and/or debarment.

  The following statement is made in accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974 (5 U.S.C. § 552(a), as amended). This certification is required by the regulations implementing Executive Orders 12549, Debarment and Suspension, and OMB 2 C.F.R.

  Part 180, Participants' responsibilities. The regulations were amended and published on August 31, 2005, in 70 Fed. Reg. 51865-51880.

  The prospective lower tier participant certifies, by submission of this proposal, that neither it nor its principals is presently debarred, suspended, proposed for debarment, declared ineligible, or voluntarily excluded from participation in this transaction by any Federal or State department or agency;

  Where the prospective lower tier participant is unable to certify to any of the statements in this certification, such prospective participant shall attach an explanation to this proposal.

• Scrutinized Company Certification (required) —

  Proposer certifies that it is not:

  1. listed on the Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel List, created pursuant to section 215.4725, Florida Statutes,
  2. engaged in a boycott of Israel,
  3. listed on the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Sudan List or the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in the Iran Petroleum Energy Sector List, created pursuant to section 215.473, Florida Statutes, or
  4. engaged in business operations in Cuba or Syria. 

  Pursuant to section 287.135(5), Florida Statutes, the County may disqualify the bid proper immediately or immediately terminate any agreement entered into for cause if the bid proposer is found to have submitted a false certification as to the above or if the Contractor  is placed on the Scrutinized Companies that Boycott Israel List, is engaged in a boycott of Israel, has been placed on the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in Sudan List or the Scrutinized Companies with Activities in the Iran Petroleum Energy Sector List, or has been engaged in business operations in Cuba or Syria, during the term of the Agreement.  If the County determines that the bid proposer has submitted a false certification, the County will provide written notice to the bid proposer.  Unless the bid proposer demonstrates in writing, within 90 calendar days of receipt of the notice, that the County’s determination of false certification was made in error, the County shall bring a civil action against the bid proposer.   If the County’s determination is upheld, a civil penalty shall apply, and the bid proposer will be ineligible to bid on any Agreement with a Florida agency or local governmental entity for three years after the date of County’s determination of false certification by bid proposer. 

  As the person authorized to sign this statement, I certify that this firm complies fully with the above requirements.

• Federally Grant Funded Project Certification (required) —

  This solicitation contains Federal Grant funds.  To the extent applicable, in accordance with Federal law, respondents shall comply with the clauses as enumerated below.  Proposer shall adhere to all grant conditions as set forth in the requirements of the Grant including, but not limited to, those set forth below, as well as those listed below, which are incorporated herein by reference:

  1. 2 CFR. 25.110
  2. 2 CFR Part 170 (including Appendix A), 180, 200 (including Appendixes), and 3000
  3. Executive Orders 12549 and 12689
  4. 41 CFR s. 60-1(a) and (d)
  5. Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, Public Law 116-260 related to salary limitations

  These cited regulations are hereby incorporated and made part of this Solicitation as if fully set forth herein.  As stated above, this list is not all inclusive, any other requirement of law applicable in accordance with the Federal, State or grant requirements are also applicable and hereby incorporated into this Solicitation.  If Proposer cannot adhere to or objects to any of the applicable federal requirements, Proposers proposal may be deemed by the County as unresponsive. The provisions in the exhibit tilted GRANT FUNDED CLAUSES in the Exhibit and Attachments Section are supplemental and in addition to all other provisions within the procurement.   In the event of any conflict between the terms and conditions of this Exhibit and the terms and conditions of the remainder of the procurement, the conflicting terms and conditions of this Exhibit shall prevail. However, in the event of any conflict between the terms and conditions of this Exhibit and the terms and conditions of any federal grant funding document provided specific to the funds being used to contract services or goods under this Procurement the conflicting terms and conditions of that document shall prevail. 

  Proposer certifies that they are fully able to comply with these requirements, federal terms and conditions and has made any inquires and/or further examination of the law and requirements as is necessary to comply.

• DBE/Minority Vendor (required) —

  Are you a certified DBE or Minority Vendor?

• DBE/Minority Vendor Number (required) —

  Enter your DBE/Minority Vendor Certification Number.

• DBE/Minority Vendor Certification (required) —

  Upload a copy of your DBE/Minority Vendor certification.

• Conflict of Interest(s) (required) —

  Do you have any Conflicts of Interest to disclose?

• Conflict of Interest Disclosure (required) —

  Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.

• Required Forms & Documents
• References (required) —

  Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.

• Public Entity Crime Certification (required) —

  Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.

• Anti-Human Trafficking Affidavit (required) —

  Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.

• Grant Funding Acknowledgement (required) —

  Please download the below documents, complete, and upload.

• SunBiz Certificate of Good Standing (required) —

  Florida Statute 607.1501 requires that all vendors who wish to do business in the State of Florida be licensed to do business through the Florida Department of State and be in good standing with the State of Florida. As such, to do business with Okaloosa County, a vendor must provide a Certificate of Good Standing with their bid/proposal package to the County. For more information on doing business in the State of Florida, please refer to the Florida Department of State. The website to register is https://dos.myflorida.com/sunbiz.

  Upload a copy of your Certificate of Good Standing from the Florida Department of State. 

• Proposal Documents (required) —

  Upload your proposal documents here.

• Goods and Services (required) —

  What are you purchasing?

• Piggyback Agreement (required) —

  Will the bid be available to other Florida entities under the same conditions, contract price and the same effective period?

• Pre-Bid/Pre-Proposal Meeting (required) —

  Select an Option below.

• Insurance Requirements (required) —

  Pick all that apply.