Oakdale authorizes RFQ for CMAR on police, city hall projects after 2023 state law change

The Oakdale City Council on March 11 authorized staff to issue a request for qualifications (RFQ) to start the construction-manager-at-risk (CMAR) selection process for the proposed police department and city hall projects, in response to changes enacted by the Minnesota Legislature in 2023.

Don Tyson, the city’s owners representative on the projects, explained the legislature’s changes require a two-step process—first an RFQ and then a limited number of firms invited to submit proposals—rather than the direct request-for-proposals approach Oakdale used for its recent public works project. The council approved issuing the RFQ dated March 12, 2025.

The council also appointed a three-person RFQ selection committee consisting of the city administrator, the police chief and the architect of record, as required by the statute’s criteria for panel composition. The council then authorized delegation to the city administrator to finalize RFP criteria, contractor prequalification standards and the final prequalified contractor list; final contract awards will return to council for formal approval.

Tyson described the benefits of a CMAR delivery method—cooperation among architect, owner and builder—and noted that the new statutory process includes prequalification of contractors so only qualified firms bid on trade packages. He said the city expects the architect contract (recommended firm BKV Group) to be finalized in late March or early April and that space programming and schematic design will follow, with bidding targeted for spring 2026.

Council approved the RFQ advertisement, the selection committee appointment and the delegation to the city administrator by voice votes. Staff said awards and final contractor selections would be brought back to the council after the RFQ/RFP/interview sequence required by state law.