The City of Columbus Recreation and Parks Department is pre‑qualifying playground equipment manufacturers, designers, and regional installers for its 2027‑2029 Playground Improvements Program. Qualified providers will be invited to submit design‑build proposals for up to a dozen playground replacement or upgrade projects each year, covering equipment supply, custom design integration, site installation, and compliance with ADA, safety, and sustainability standards. The RFSQ process includes a pre‑proposal meeting on 10 Oct 2026, a question deadline of 12 Oct 2026, and final SOQ submission by 20 Oct 2026. Successful firms will become part of a pre‑qualified pool for future annual RFPs, with no substitutions allowed after award.
• Targeted equipment includes age‑group structures (2‑5, 5‑12), inclusive/accessible play, nature play, fitness and shade structures.
• Must meet ASTM F‑1487, ASTM F‑2094, IPEMA certification, and ADA/ASTM F‑1951 standards.
• Providers must demonstrate design capability, past performance, warranty/maintenance plans, and environmentally preferable practices.
• Evaluation criteria total 200 points covering location, scope understanding, creativity, quality, warranty, sustainability, references, and product data.
• The program runs 2027‑2029; pre‑qualified firms will be eligible for multiple annual contracts.