SUBJECT
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Approve selection committee’s recommendation to authorize staff negotiations with The Lunz Group, for architectural and engineering services for the Polk County Agricultural Center Complex. (No Fiscal Impact)
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DESCRIPTION
The Facilities Management Division requested Procurement solicit proposals from qualified architectural firms to develop a master plan for the Polk County Agricultural Center Complex and design those elements adopted from the master plan in future phases contingent upon funding availability. The new agricultural center complex is intended to celebrate Polk County’s rich heritage as an agricultural community while embracing future generations by providing educational opportunities, showcasing agricultural events and enhancing the quality of life for Polk County residents through economic impact.
The first work phase will include the development of a master plan, design, cost estimate, and bidding and construction administration for an event arena, livestock barn(s), paddock area(s), trailer parking and a maintenance & operations building.
Request for Proposal (RFP) 24-642, Architectural and Engineering Services for the Polk County Agricultural Center Complex was issued, and seven proposals were received. The selection committee met on February 19, 2025, to evaluate and score the proposals. The four highest scored firms were elevated to interviews. On March 3, 2025, the selection committee conducted interviews and received presentations from the proposers. After the interviews, the selection committee ranked the proposers. The consensus of the selection committee was to request the Board authorize staff to enter into negotiations with all proposers, beginning with the highest ranked proposer, The Lunz Group.
The following is a listing of the firms and their rankings:
Firm Location Rank
The Lunz Group Lakeland, FL 1
Straughn Trout Architects Lakeland, FL 2
Wellogy Design Orlando, FL 3
Harvard Jolly PBK Tampa, FL 4
A recommendation of award was posted, and no protests were received.
RECOMMENDATION
Request Board approve the selection committee’s recommendation and authorize staff enter into contract negotiations, beginning with the highest-ranked proposer, The Lunz Group for RFP 24-642, Architectural and Engineering Services for the Polk County Agricultural Center Complex and moving to the second-highest ranked proposer and so on, if negotiations with The Lunz Group are unsuccessful.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with negotiations.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Tabatha Shirah
Procurement Analyst
(863) 534-5935
tabathashirah@polk-county.net <mailto:tabathashirah@polk-county.net>