Dane County is inviting Proposals for professional architectural & engineering design services. The Henry Vilas Zoo is looking to develop schematic level documents and establish phasing for the “Heart of the Zoo” capital campaign. The three phases will consist of an “African Savanna Phase” (to include giraffe/rhino exhibits); a “Big Cat Complex Phase” (to include tiger/lion exhibits); and a “Front Entrance Phase” (to include educational spaces, covered outdoor amphitheater, exhibits, gift shop, concession, restrooms, and welcoming reception area). Additionally, the Zoo is looking to replace its outdated penguin exhibit and combine it with the African Savanna exhibits. Only firms with capabilities, previous experience with zoological exhibit design & expertise with similar projects should obtain this RFP document & submit Proposals.

RFP document may be obtained after 2:00 p.m. on Thursday March 4, 2021 by downloading it from bids-pwht.countyofdane.com. Please contact Eric Urtes, AIA – Dane County Public Works Project Manager at 608/266-4798 or by e-mail at urtes.eric@countyofdane.com for any questions or additional information.

A virtual informational pre-proposal meeting and drone video overview of the zoo premises will be held Thursday, March 11, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.  Interested firms are strongly encouraged to attend this virtual meeting; an access link for the meeting will be included in the RFP document.  On-site visits can be made during regular public access hours (see RFP for mandatory disease transmission prevention practices if making a visit to the Zoo).