Issue Date: February 1, 2025

Question & Answer Session: March 6, 2025 10:00am

Submission Deadline: May 15, 2025 11:59pm

I. Introduction

Fight Blight Bmore is seeking proposals from qualified and experienced general contractors to renovate the Hack Hub, a community-based, technology-centered for imagination, innovation, and incubation. The renovation aims to enhance the Hub’s infrastructure, accessibility, and functional spaces to support local tech talent, micro businesses, students, and the neighborhood. The property is located at 701/703 N Fremont Ave Baltimore, MD 21217.

The project involves the transformation of an existing shell into a functional 2,500 sq. ft. multi-use facility. The completed space will include:

Basement: A pop-up retail space.
Main Floor: A community computer lab.
2nd and 3rd Floors: A two-story, 2-bedroom/1 bath residential apartment.

II. Project Goals

The Hack Hub renovation seeks to:

Create an adaptable, collaborative space conducive to innovation.
Improve accessibility and sustainability in design and operations.
Ensure technical infrastructure upgrades to support modern technology needs.
Foster a safe, inclusive, and welcoming environment for community use.

View construction documents:

III. Scope of Work

The selected contractor will be responsible for the following:

Design and Renovation Drawings Review

Work closely with the architectural team to finalize and implement approved design plans.
Ensure design aligns with functional needs, including tech lab spaces, co-working areas, and event spaces.

Permitting and Compliance

Obtain necessary permits and approvals from local authorities.
Adhere to building codes, safety standards, and ADA requirements.

Site Preparation and Clean-Out

Manage property clean-out, including waste disposal, salvage of reusable materials, and clearing for renovation commencement.
Ensure environmentally sustainable disposal of materials wherever possible.

Renovation and Construction

Execute construction activities, including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and structural updates.
Coordinate with sub-contractors and oversee all construction phases, ensuring adherence to quality, budget, and timelines.

Project Schedule, Budget and Construction Progress Reporting

Provide a detailed project schedule and milestones.
Submit weekly progress reports on budgetary items.
Submit weekly progress reports progress of the construction and conduct site meetings as needed.

IV. Contractor Qualifications

Interested contractors must demonstrate:

5 years or more experience with mixed use (housing, technology, innovation, or community center) development projects.
Familiarity with local permitting processes and building codes.
Capacity to manage projects of comparable scale and complexity.
Commitment to community engagement and sustainable practices.
Good standing with with the State of Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation business licensing division
Licensure, bonding and insurance associated with

An active contractors license appropriate for this project

V. Proposal Submission Requirements

Proposals must include the following:

Cover Letter – Brief summary of the contractor’s background and relevant experience.
Qualifications and Experience – Describe three previous projects similar in scope including pictures of finished work and contact information for clients.
Project Team – Names, roles, and resumes of key personnel, including any minority or women-owned business partners.
Proposed Project Plan – Detailed project approach, timeline, and milestones.
Financial Stability – Documentation of bonding capacity and financial statements, if applicable.
Insurance and Licensing – Proof of insurance and valid licensing.
Community Engagement Plan – Brief statement on how the contractor will support positive community impacts throughout the project.

VI. Selection Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Technical Qualifications (25 points) – Experience and expertise in similar technology and community-focused renovation projects.
Project Plan and Approach (25 points) – Feasibility and detail of the proposed renovation approach, including strategies for meeting project milestones and adaptability to community needs.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) (15 points) – Preference will be given to BIPOC-owned contractors and those demonstrating a commitment to DEI through partnerships, hiring practices, or inclusion of BIPOC subcontractors and suppliers.
Budget/Cost - Provide a detailed estimate of project cost based on set of construction drawings
Financial Stability (15 points) – Evidence of bonding capacity and financial health to complete a project of this scale.
Community Engagement (10 points) – Clear approach to creating positive impacts and fostering partnerships within the local community.
Timeline Adherence (10 points) – Ability to meet project deadlines and demonstrate flexibility in the face of potential scheduling challenges.

VII. Submission Instructions

All proposals must be submitted electronically by May 15, 2025 11:59pm., to nneka@fightblightbmore.com. Late submissions will not be considered. Any questions regarding the RFP should be sent to nneka@fightblightbmore.com by May 1, 2025 at 11:59pm. Questions and Responses will be published on this page. Download the RFP.

Terms and Conditions

Flight Blight Bmore reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive any informality in the proposals received.
All costs associated with proposal preparation will be borne by the proposer.
The selected contractor will be required to enter into a formal contract and comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
Site visits available upon request. Email nneka@fightblightbmore.com to schedule a site visit.

Questions and Answers

Q: How do you get access to the basement level?

A: From new exterior stairs that will be placed alongside Dolphin St. from the street level down to the basement level

Q: Will the basement need to be dug out?

A: Yes. DesignHAND Architects will update the plans to show the existing level in the plans and sections along with adding underpinning plans from the structural engineer.

Note: Civil engineering plans are still pending. Access to the basement level may be revised based on Baltimore City zoning approvals. Updated plans above are post predevelopment meeting feedback.

Request for Proposals (RFP): Hack Hub Redevelopment Project