Public Safety Facility Subject Matter Expert (SME) Architect

Background

The City of Akron, Ohio is soliciting Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) from licensed architectural firms with expertise in public safety facility design, specifically for police station planning and renovation. The selected firm will serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) Architect for the Akron Police Department Headquarters Renovation Project at the H.K. Stubbs Justice Center, located at 217 S. High Street, Akron, Ohio 44308. The SME Architect will provide strategic and technical advice to the City and APD leadership, focusing on law enforcement facility standards and best practices in public safety space planning.

Work Details

The SME Architect will develop a comprehensive Three-Phase Space Planning and Layout for the renovation of the APD Headquarters. The scope of services includes: Phase 1 — Facility Assessment & Programming: - Conducting assessments of existing spaces occupied by or available to APD. - Facilitating interviews and workshops with APD personnel to document operational needs. - Evaluating existing facility conditions and developing a Space Program document. - Identifying code compliance gaps and preparing a Phase 1 Summary Report. Phase 2 — Space Planning & Schematic Layout Development: - Developing multiple space planning scenarios and a recommended schematic layout. - Preparing a Schematic Layout Package including floor plans and adjacency diagrams. Phase 3 — Phased Implementation Plan & Handoff Documentation: - Developing a Three-Phase Construction Phasing Plan to maintain continuous operations during renovations. - Preparing Phase Boundary Plans and a Final SME Report consolidating all deliverables.

Period of Performance

The anticipated project schedule includes completion of Phase 1 by October 30, 2026; Phase 2 by January 31, 2027; and Phase 3 by April 31, 2027.

Place of Performance

The contract will be performed at the H.K. Stubbs Justice Center, located at 217 S. High Street, Akron, Ohio.

Bidder Requirements

Firms must be licensed to practice architecture in Ohio or have a designated principal licensed in Ohio. They must have at least ten years of experience in designing or advising on police station facilities, including serving as lead architect on five relevant projects. Key personnel must include a Project Manager with ten years of experience and a public safety design specialist.