City of Helena - Ready-to-Issue Residential Model Building Plan Library - CD-RFIP-26-0001 (2026)
City of HelenaCity · Helena, MT- Due
- Dec 3, 2026
- 26 days left
- Posted
- Oct 16, 2026
- Contract term
- 3 years
- Primary contact
- Christopher Brink
- (406) 447-8490
The 30-second brief
The City of Helena Community Development Department seeks original residential building design proposals from qualified architects, engineers, residential designers, and design-build professionals to establish a Ready-to-Issue Residential Model Building Plan Library under solicitation CD-RFIP-26-0001. The library is intended to reduce design and permitting barriers for smaller-scale and infill housing, featuring accessory dwelling units (ADUs), small detached homes, and innovative single-unit residential model plans. Proposals must address Climate Zone 6 cold-weather construction, 30 psf snow load, 42-inch frost protection, accessibility, energy efficiency, and site adaptability for Helena, Montana lots. The submission deadline is December 3, 2026, at 12:00 PM Mountain Time, with a pre-proposal meeting on November 5, 2026, and questions due by November 12, 2026. Evaluation criteria emphasize constructability and affordability, code readiness and replicability, site adaptability, universal design, and fee structures.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) design plans, Small Detached Home design plans, Optional Alternate / Innovation Category design plans
Constructability & Affordability (20 points), Code Readiness & Replicability (15 points), Site Adaptability & Infill Fit (15 points), Accessibility & Universal Design (15 points), Plan Licensing/Re-Use Fee Structure (15 points), Energy, Durability & Climate Resilience (10 points), Helena Character, Design Quality & Innovation (10 points)
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Summary
The City of Helena Community Development Department seeks original residential building design proposals from qualified architects, engineers, residential designers, and design-build professionals to establish a Ready-to-Issue Residential Model Building Plan Library under solicitation CD-RFIP-26-0001.
The library is intended to reduce design and permitting barriers for smaller-scale and infill housing, featuring accessory dwelling units (ADUs), small detached homes, and innovative single-unit residential model plans. Proposals must address Climate Zone 6 cold-weather construction, 30 psf snow load, 42-inch frost protection, accessibility, energy efficiency, and site adaptability for Helena, Montana lots. The submission deadline is December 3, 2026, at 12:00 PM Mountain Time, with a pre-proposal meeting on November 5, 2026, and questions due by November 12, 2026. Evaluation criteria emphasize constructability and affordability, code readiness and replicability, site adaptability, universal design, and fee structures.
EVALUATION CRITERIA
REQUIRED DELIVERABLES
3- Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) design plans
- Small Detached Home design plans
- Optional Alternate / Innovation Category design plans
REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
19- Separate contact-information sheet/file
- Design narrative
- Model category identified
- Gross floor area and bedroom/bath count
- Dimensioned floor plan(s)
- All exterior elevations
- Exterior rendering/perspective
- Two site-placement diagrams
- Foundation/structural concept
- Customization/options diagram
- Preliminary Helena construction-cost range
- Cost-control strategies
- Licensing/Re-Use Fee Structure
- Accessibility/universal-design features
- Energy/climate strategy
- Site-adaptability strategy
- Known limitations / site-specific triggers
- Signed certifications / agreement acknowledgement
- Addenda acknowledged
- Submit to
- Email [email protected] to request a link to the submittal file transfer folder.
- Scope location
- Helena, MT
Questions about this RFI
How do I respond to this RFI from City of Helena?
Review the full solicitation document for submission requirements, evaluation criteria, and deadlines. The submission deadline is December 3, 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: Email [email protected] to request a link to the submittal file transfer folder.. For questions, contact Christopher Brink.
Can small businesses or minority-owned firms bid on this RFI?
Most government agencies, including City of Helena in MT, 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 RFI 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 Christopher Brink at (406) 447-8490. Questions and answers are typically shared with all prospective bidders.
What are the key deliverables?
The solicitation specifies the following deliverables: Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) design plans, Small Detached Home design plans, Optional Alternate / Innovation Category design plans. Proposals should clearly address how each deliverable will be met.
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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: "Constructability & Affordability (20 points), Code Readiness & Replicability (15 points), Site Adaptability & Infill Fit (15 points), Accessibility & Universal Design (15 points), Plan Licensing/Re-Us..." Vendors should carefully align their proposals with each criterion to maximize their score.
Where can I find more RFPs from City of Helena?
All active and historical solicitations from City of Helena are tracked and searchable. As a city agency, City of Helena regularly publishes solicitations. Visit the agency profile to see current open bids, past contracts, vendor relationships, and decision-maker contacts.
What is the contract term for this solicitation?
The anticipated contract term is 3 years. Contract terms may include renewal options.
Is this solicitation still open for submissions?
Based on the posted deadline of December 3, 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 RFI?
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: Separate contact-information sheet/file, Design narrative, Model category identified, Gross floor area and bedroom/bath count, Dimensioned floor plan(s), All exterior elevations, Exterior rendering/pe. Review the full document from City of Helena for the complete list.
What is the scope of this project?
This solicitation defines a specific project scope. The scope covers the following locations: Helena, MT. Review the full solicitation for detailed scope requirements.