City of Columbus - Playground Improvements Program 2027-2029 Equipment Providers - RFQ033759
City of ColumbusCity · Columbus, OH- Due
- Oct 20, 2026
- 3 days left
- Posted
- Aug 6, 2025
- Primary contact
- Jamie Schlichting
- (614) 645-4764
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THE 30-SECOND BRIEF
The City of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department (CRPD) is seeking Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) to prequalify playground equipment providers and regional installers for the annual Playground Improvements Program covering 2027-2029. The program involves the complete or partial removal and replacement of approximately one dozen playgrounds annually across the park system, including 2-5 and 5-12 age structures, universally accessible playgrounds, nature play, fitness equipment, and shade structures. Selected providers will participate in future RFPs for quality-based design and work with CRPD to integrate their products into project designs with no substitutions allowed. Submissions are due by October 20, 2026, at 2:00 PM local time via the Bonfire portal. A pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for October 9, 2026, at 1111 E Broad Street, Columbus, OH. Questions must be submitted in writing by October 12, 2026, to Jamie Schlichting.
Two sample conceptual designs for playground equipment, Including a first design for 2-5 and 5-12 year old structures with approximately $225, 000 budget, And a second design emphasizing universal access, Nature play, And/or intergenerational play with approximately $350, 000 budget; product cutsheets and materials information
Location of Lead Provider’s Region Representatives and Certified Installers (10 points), Understanding of CRPD’s Scope Requirements (40 points), Creativity and Unique Design (50 points), Quality Assurance and Past Performance (30 points), Warranty and Maintenance (30 points), Environmentally Preferable Offeror (20 points), References (10 points), Product Cutsheets and Materials Information (10 points)
SUMMARY
The City of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department (CRPD) is seeking Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) to prequalify playground equipment providers and regional installers for the annual Playground Improvements Program covering 2027-2029.
The program involves the complete or partial removal and replacement of approximately one dozen playgrounds annually across the park system, including 2-5 and 5-12 age structures, universally accessible playgrounds, nature play, fitness equipment, and shade structures. Selected providers will participate in future RFPs for quality-based design and work with CRPD to integrate their products into project designs with no substitutions allowed. Submissions are due by October 20, 2026, at 2:00 PM local time via the Bonfire portal. A pre-proposal meeting is scheduled for October 9, 2026, at 1111 E Broad Street, Columbus, OH. Questions must be submitted in writing by October 12, 2026, to Jamie Schlichting.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
Location of Lead Provider’s Region Representatives and Certified Installers (10 points), Understanding of CRPD’s Scope Requirements (40 points), Creativity and Unique Design (50 points), Quality Assurance and Past Performance (30 points), Warranty and Maintenance (30 points), Environmentally Preferable Offeror (20 points), References (10 points), Product Cutsheets and Materials Information (10 points)
REQUIRED DELIVERABLES
Two sample conceptual designs for playground equipment, Including a first design for 2-5 and 5-12 year old structures with approximately $225, 000 budget, And a second design emphasizing universal access, Nature play, And/or intergenerational play with approximately $350, 000 budget; product cutsheets and materials information
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
Statement of Qualifications Signature Form, valid contract compliance certification number
- Submit to
- https://columbus.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities
- Scope location
- Columbus, OH
Questions about this RFP
How do I respond to this RFEI from City of Columbus?
Review the full solicitation document for submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. The submission deadline is October 20, 2026. The solicitation specifies required deliverables that must be addressed in your response. Be sure to include all required attachments as outlined in the solicitation. Submissions should be delivered to: https://columbus.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities. For questions, contact Jamie Schlichting.
Can small businesses or minority-owned firms bid on this RFEI?
Most government agencies, including City of Columbus in OH, encourage participation from small businesses, minority-owned, women-owned, and disadvantaged business enterprises (MBE/WBE/DBE). Check the full solicitation for any small business participation goals.
What happens after the RFEI submission deadline?
After the deadline, the issuing agency reviews all submissions against the stated evaluation criteria. This typically includes a compliance check, technical evaluation, cost analysis, and may involve oral presentations with shortlisted vendors.
Can I ask questions about this solicitation before submitting?
Yes, most solicitations allow vendors to submit questions during a designated period. The primary contact is Jamie Schlichting at (614) 645-4764. Questions and answers are typically shared with all prospective bidders.
What are the key deliverables?
The solicitation specifies the following deliverables: Two sample conceptual designs for playground equipment, Including a first design for 2-5 and 5-12 year old structures with approximately $225, 000 budget, And a second design emphasizing universal access, Nature play, And/or intergenerational play with approximately $350, 000 budget; product cutshee. Proposals should clearly address how each deliverable will be met.
Can I search RFEIs like this in ChatGPT or Claude?
Yes. Civic IQ has an MCP server that connects ChatGPT, Claude and other AI assistants to live Civic IQ data: open RFPs, pre-RFP signals from public meetings, awarded contracts and agency decision-makers across 100,000+ US public agencies. Add https://beta.mcp.civiciq.com/mcp as a connector (in ChatGPT under Settings > Apps & Connectors, in Claude under Settings > Connectors) and sign in with a free Civic IQ account at civiciq.com/mcp.
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What are the evaluation criteria for this solicitation?
This solicitation includes specific evaluation criteria that will be used to score proposals. The criteria include: "Location of Lead Provider’s Region Representatives and Certified Installers (10 points), Understanding of CRPD’s Scope Requirements (40 points), Creativity and Unique Design (50 points), Quality Assur..." Vendors should carefully align their proposals with each criterion to maximize their score.
Where can I find more RFPs from City of Columbus?
All active and historical solicitations from City of Columbus are tracked and searchable. As a city agency, City of Columbus regularly publishes solicitations. Visit the agency profile to see current open bids, past contracts, vendor relationships, and decision-maker contacts.
Is this solicitation still open for submissions?
Based on the posted deadline of October 20, 2026, this solicitation appears to still be accepting submissions. Deadlines may change through amendments or addenda, so always verify the current status directly with the issuing agency before preparing your response.
What documents are required to bid on this RFEI?
Requirements vary by solicitation, but common documents include a technical proposal, cost/price proposal, proof of insurance, relevant certifications, past performance references, and any forms specified in the solicitation. This solicitation specifically requires the following attachments: Statement of Qualifications Signature Form, valid contract compliance certification number. Review the full document from City of Columbus for the complete list.
What is the scope of this project?
This solicitation defines a specific project scope. The scope covers the following locations: Columbus, OH. Review the full solicitation for detailed scope requirements.