RFP for Construction Management at Risk Services for City County Building Renovation and Addition

The City of Bismarck is seeking proposals from qualified construction management firms to provide Construction Management at Risk services for the renovation and new construction of the City County Building in Bismarck, North Dakota. Interested firms must demonstrate expertise in the renovation and construction of municipal government facilities or facilities of similar size, scope, and complexity.

Firms responding to the Request for Proposal must submit their proposals to Steve Salwei, Public Works Service Operations Director, 601 S 26th St, PO Box 5503, Bismarck, ND 58506-5503 no later than 4:00 PM CT on Friday, October 23, 2026. The Request for Proposal, which sets forth the scope of services, the selection process, the required proposal content, the evaluation criteria, and other relevant information is available on the City of Bismarck's website www.bismarcknd.gov or by contacting Steve Salwei at For security reasons, you must enable JavaScript to view this E-mail address. or at 701.355.1700, option 3.

All phone requests must be followed by a written request to the address listed above.

Introduction :

The City of Bismarck is moving forward with a significant renovation and expansion of the existing City/County Building following City Commission approval to proceed with Option D. This investment is intended to modernize the City County Building, improve public access and security, address aging building systems, and provide a functional, efficient civic facility capable of serving the community for decades to come.

Option D includes a comprehensive renovation of the existing facility together with a south addition featuring a new public entrance, lobby, civic plaza, and accessible Commission Chamber. The project will also improve departmental operations, accessibility, wayfinding, life-safety systems, building performance, and the overall experience for residents conducting business with the City.

The City intends to use the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) delivery method to promote early collaboration among the City, Architect, consultants, and construction team. The selected CMAR will provide preconstruction services, including constructability review, cost estimating, schedule development, phasing and logistics planning, value analysis, bid-package development, and coordination with affected City departments. Subject to successful negotiation of a Guaranteed Maximum Price and final City Commission authorization, the CMAR will provide construction services through project completion and closeout.

Because the City County Building is expected to remain operational during much of the work, careful planning will be essential to maintain public access, City services, staff safety, and continuity of operations. The City is seeking a CMAR with demonstrated experience in occupied renovations, civic or institutional facilities, phased construction, public procurement, and projects of comparable size and complexity.

The selected Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) will be expected to collaborate with the City of Bismarck and the project architect to manage the overall project schedule. The preconstruction phases are scheduled for completion by October 2027. Construction is anticipated to commence in the first quarter of 2028.

The project is anticipated to be completed in two phases:

Phase 1 will include construction of the new Commission Chamber addition, renovation of the first floor, a new public entrance, stair and elevator tower, civic plaza, exterior site improvements, and associated mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and other supporting work.

Phase 2 will include renovation of the basement and second through fourth floors, together with the related building-system improvements required to support the completed facility.

Request for Proposal CMAR City County Building Renovation (PDF)

Submittal: Bismarck Public Works Service Operations, 601 South 26th Street, Bismarck ND