The City of South Padre Island is seeking proposals from contractors or vendors for its Convention Center Expansion Project (RFP# CMR-2024-02), with submissions due by April 30, 2024, at 2 p.m. to SPI's City Secretary Angelique Soto. The proposals will undergo review in May.
The project requires Construction Manager-at-Risk (CMP) services, with the selected firm expected to offer pre-construction, schematic design, construction documents, coordination during the construction phase, and post-construction services including providing operating manuals and warranties. Other responsibilities encompass conducting safety meetings, managing job site security, overseeing human resources, and assisting with project close-out procedures.
Comprehensive responses to all sections of the RFP are mandated by the City, with respondents required to follow a specified format for ease of review and evaluation. The RFP outlines requirements covering Firm Background, Project Experience and Qualifications, Methodology and Technical Approach, Cost Proposal, Comments/Change Requests to Standard Form of Agreement, and Certification and Acknowledgement.
Bidders must also sign a certification confirming non-boycott of Israel during the agreement term, in line with Texas Government Code ยง 2270.002. Adherence to these qualifications is emphasized by the City as non-negotiable.
The Convention Center Expansion Project aims to augment the center's total square footage by approximately 141,000 square feet, incorporating a ballroom, additional meeting room space, and a black box theater. CVB Director Blake Henry asserts that this expansion will bolster tourism and community engagement, offering a platform for various events and supporting the burgeoning arts scene.
Project Overview
In March 2023, CVB Director Blake Henry unveiled a feasibility study for the Convention Center Expansion, proposing a 141,000 square feet increase in total square footage, along with the addition of a ballroom, meeting space, and a black box theater. Henry highlighted the expansion's potential to boost tourism and support the arts community.
In August 2023, the CVAB recommended to the City Council that City Manager Randy Smith initiate contract negotiations with the most qualified firm for the project. Subsequently, in September 2023, the City Council authorized the City Manager to negotiate with Gignac and TVS Architects, with 20 years of experience in similar projects.
In October 2023, the CVB Director presented a contract to the Council for approval, which was passed with modifications allowing the City Manager to finalize the contract, legal review by City lawyer Ed Cyganiewicz, and maintaining the construction contract percentage at 7.35%.
