1. INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

The City of Ottawa, Kansas (population ~12,000), seeks proposals from qualified architectural firms or design teams to develop a comprehensive Infill Housing Palette consisting of pre-approved housing plans. This initiative aims to streamline infill development, reduce permitting timelines, encourage compatible housing in existing neighborhoods, and promote street connectivity through front-porch designs.

The resulting plans will serve as a master set for builders, developers, and homeowners, allowing expedited review and permitting for qualifying projects that adhere to these designs.

2. PROJECT SCOPE AND DELIVERABLES

2.1 Required Housing Types

Proposer shall develop at least eight (8) distinct housing plans, each with variations for front-porch styles to inspire street connectivity (minimum 6-foot-deep covered porches facing the street). All plans must meet or exceed City of Ottawa zoning, building, and design standards. The minimum desired housing types are shown:

• ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) <600 sq ft, 1 bed/1 bath, detached or attached
• ADU <900 sq ft, 1-2 bed/1 bath, detached or attached
• Single-Family: 1BR/1BA, ~900 sq ft, Compact cottage-style home
• Single-Family: 2BR/1BA, ~1,200 sq ft, Starter home with porch
• Duplex: ~1,800 sq ft total, Two 2BR/1BA units, side-by-side
• Four-Plex: ~3,200 sq ft total, Four 1-2BR units, stacked or flat
• Single-Family: 2BR/2BA, ~1,600 sq ft, Modern family starter
• Single-Family: 3BR/2BA, ~2,000 sq ft, Traditional family home

2.2 Deliverables

1. Master Set of Plans: Complete construction plans for all dwelling unit types, stamped/sealed by a Kansas-licensed architect.
2. Components per Plan:
   • Floor plans (first and second floor if applicable).
   • Exterior elevations (all sides, with 2-3 front-porch variations).
   • Site plan showing setbacks, parking (min. 1-2 spaces per unit), and porch orientation.
   • Foundation, framing, and structural details.
   • Mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP) details.
   • Wall sections, roof framing, and typical details.
3. Digital Package: AutoCAD/Revit files, PDFs, and a user-friendly builder guide.
4. Pre-Approval Binder: Compiled set ready for City adoption as "pre-approved plans."

All designs must:

• Incorporate universal design elements (e.g., wide doorways, zero-step entries).
• Meet 2018 IEBC/IRC (or newer) energy efficiency standards.
• Support modular/prefab construction where feasible.
• Feature front porches ≥6 ft deep to foster street interaction.

3. PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

3.1 Technical Proposal (Max 20 pages)

• Firm qualifications and Kansas-licensed architect resume.
• Relevant experience (similar infill housing palettes or residential design, provide samples).
• Project approach, timeline (target completion: XXXXXXX, 2026), and team org chart.
• Conceptual sketches of proposed designs.

3.2 Cost Proposal (Sealed Envelope)

• Fixed-price lump sum for all deliverables.
• Hourly rates for any post-delivery changes.
• Breakdown by phase (design, stamping, revisions).

3.3 Required Attachments

• References (3 past municipal clients).
• Proof of professional liability insurance
  • • • Commercial General Liability – $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 aggregate
      • Business Automobile Liability – $1,000,000 per occurrence / accident
      • Workers’ Compensation & Employers’ Liability – statutory coverage in Kansas with minimum limits of $100,000 / $500,000 / $100,000
      • Professional Liability Insurance – $1,000,000 per claim / $2,000,000 aggregate

4. EVALUATION CRITERIA (100 points total)

• Experience/Qualifications, 30, Prior infill palettes, residential design experience, KS licensure
• Design Quality/Approach, 25, Creativity, porch/street focus, modularity
• Cost, 10, Value for fixed deliverables
• Timeline/Feasibility, 20, 7-month delivery
• Local Knowledge/References, 15, KS projects, municipal experience

5. SUBMISSION AND SCHEDULE

• Questions Due: April 22, 2026 (email to contact above).
• Proposals Due: May 5, 2026, 5:00 PM CST (electronic OK).
• Interviews: May 18-20, 2026.
• Award: June 3, 2026 (City Commission approval).
• Contract Start: June 17, 2026.

6. GENERAL TERMS

• City reserves right to reject any/all proposals.
• No reimbursement for proposal preparation.
• Contract via standard AIA or City form; KS law governs.
• The anticipated budget of the City of Ottawa for this project is $20,000.

Submit ONE USB/digital proposal. Late submissions disqualified.