Community

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Request for Proposals

for Construction Manager-At-Risk

 

The Museum School of East Dallas, a Texas open-enrollment charter school, is issuing a

Request for Proposals for a Construction Manager-At-Risk to perform construction services on a

project in Dallas, Texas involving tenant improvements to convert an existing facility into an

education space and occupancy per local codes. The School intends to evaluate the pool of

eligible, responsive bidders and select a Construction Manager-At-Risk in a one-step selection

process in accordance with Sections 2269.251-.258 of the Texas Government Code.

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To request an RFP package, please contact Blueprint TX Attn: Ivan Zapata at

ivan@blueprintfutures.org. Deadline for responses to be submitted is Monday, February 16 th at

5:00PM, CST. Responses must be emailed to Ivan Zapata. Inquiries may be submitted in writing

via email to Ivan Zapata ivan@blueprintfutures.org no later than five (5) calendar days prior to

the proposal due date. Proposals will be publicly opened on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at

6:30 PM via Zoom. Members of the public may observe the opening using the link provided

upon request to ivan@blueprintfutures.org At the opening, the names of proposers will be read

aloud. No evaluation will occur at the public opening.

 

The School reserves the right to reject any or all responses to this RFP, to waive technicalities, to

re-advertise or to proceed otherwise where in the best interest of the School. Responses should

be submitted sealed and plainly marked: “CONSTRUCTION MANAGER-AT-RISK RFP.”

Late responses will not be accepted and will be returned unopened.

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Request for Proposals

for Playground Design & Installation​

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OVERVIEW

The Museum School of East Dallas (TMS) is seeking proposals from qualified vendors to design and install an innovative, inclusive playground that aligns with our mission to ignite joy for learning through immersive, hands-on experiences.

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TMS is a tuition-free public charter school opening in Fall 2026, serving students in grades K–8 in East Dallas. Our school model integrates academics with exploration, reflection, and real-world learning experiences, and we view our outdoor space as an extension of the classroom.

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PROJECT VISION

We are not simply seeking a traditional playground. We are looking for a thoughtfully designed outdoor environment that:

• Encourages imaginative and exploratory play

• Supports a wide range of learners, including neurodivergent students

• Promotes physical activity, collaboration, and problem-solving

• Reflects natural elements and sustainable design principles

• Can serve as a space for both play and outdoor learning experiences

We are especially interested in designs that incorporate elements of a nature-based or outdoor atelier experience, aligned with our broader school design.

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SCOPE OF WORK

The selected vendor will be responsible for:

• Playground design and layout

• Equipment selection and customization, if applicable

• Site planning and preparation recommendations

• Installation of all playground components

• Compliance with all local, state, and federal safety standards

• ADA-accessible design considerations

• Recommendations for surfacing, including turf, rubber, or natural materials

• Optional shade structures or seating areas

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DESIRED FEATURES

While vendors are encouraged to bring creativity, priority will be given to designs that include:

• Climbing structures and gross motor development features

• Sensory-rich elements, including texture, movement, and sound

• Open-ended play components, not just fixed structures

• Areas for quiet play or regulation

• Natural materials such as wood, boulders, or landscape features

• Opportunities for integration with outdoor learning or small group instruction

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BUDGET

Vendors should provide proposals within a range of:

$75,000 to $200,000
Please include itemized costs and any optional add-ons.

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​TIMELINE

• RFP Release Date: March 2, 2026

• Proposal Submission Deadline: March 27, 2026

• Vendor Selection and Approval: Shortly after submission deadline

• Project Start: Immediately upon approval

• Target Completion: July 17, 2026

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PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS

Proposals should include:

• Company overview and relevant experience

• Examples of similar projects, especially for schools or inclusive playgrounds

• Concept design or preliminary vision, if available

• Detailed cost breakdown

• Estimated timeline

• References, at least 2 to 3

• Warranty and maintenance information

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EVALUATION CRITERIA

Proposals will be evaluated based on:

• Alignment to TMS mission and vision

• Creativity and quality of design

• Experience with inclusive and school-based playgrounds

• Cost and overall value

• Timeline feasibility

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SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Please submit proposals electronically to:

loren.colman@tmseastdallas.org
Subject Line: Playground RFP Submission, Vendor Name

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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

TMS values community partnership and co-design. Selected vendors may be asked to engage with school leadership and families to refine elements of the final design.

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ABOUT THE MUSEUM SCHOOL OF EAST DALLAS

The Museum School of East Dallas is a public charter school designed to provide immersive, hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for success in high school, college, career, and life. Through our extended day model, students engage in both rigorous academics and exploratory learning, culminating in public exhibitions of their work.​

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