How to bid on A/E Services for a New Fisheries Science Research Building for VIMS

What the agency is buying

The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) is seeking architectural and engineering (A/E) services for a new 42,350-square-foot Fisheries Science Research Building. This facility will be located in Gloucester Point, Virginia.

The new building will replace an existing laboratory and will house research laboratories, fish processing space, storage, offices, the Nunnally Ichthyology Collection, and a necropsy lab. It is designed to consolidate the Department of Fisheries Science and must meet LEED requirements.

Key dates and deadlines

This Request for Proposals (RFP) was published on September 03, 2026. All responses must be submitted by October 07, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET. Submissions received after this deadline will not be considered.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for architectural and engineering firms with experience in designing research laboratory facilities, particularly those involving marine science or fisheries. Experience with LEED certification requirements is also relevant. The project involves a new construction of a specialized research building.

How to respond

To access the solicitation, click the "View original source" link. This will open the solicitation on eVA, Virginia’s eProcurement portal. You can view the posting publicly without an account.

To respond to Solicitation 127811, you will need to sign in with a free eVA vendor account. Full documents and bid submission instructions are available through the William & Mary portal, linked from the eVA posting.

Tips for preparing a competitive response

When preparing your response, highlight your firm's specific experience with similar research laboratory projects, especially those involving specialized facilities like fish processing labs or scientific collections. Emphasize your team's expertise in meeting LEED requirements and contributing to sustainability goals.

Clearly outline your proposed approach to the design and engineering phases, demonstrating an understanding of the project's scope and the specific needs of a fisheries science research facility. Ensure all required documentation is complete and submitted through the specified portal before the deadline.