City issues RFQ for library design; staff says cost proposal will follow qualifications review

Miss Dahl, planning staff, told the board the city issued a request for qualifications (RFQ) for the design of a library facility on three acres adjacent to City Hall. Because the procurement is for engineering/architecture services, she said the Brooks Act of 1974 (qualifications-based selection) prevents the city from asking for cost proposals during the initial selection.

Dahl said the city will open statements of qualifications on the scheduled date, score firms using an evaluation matrix included in the RFQ, and narrow the list to two or three firms for possible interviews. At that point, the board will receive a resolution to authorize negotiations with the top-ranked firm and the city will request a cost proposal. She estimated a realistic timeline of late June to July for a cost proposal and for staff to include a budget amendment with the amount.

Why this matters: the process follows qualifications‑based procurement for engineering services; board members sought clarity on timing and the procurement’s governing law. Dahl noted the Brooks Act is also referenced in Tennessee procurement law for municipal engineering selections.