Renovation of a theater / auditorium in Palo Alto, California. Working plans call for the renovation of a 369-seat theater / auditorium.

**As of May 15, 2026, no bids received. No definite date for the rebid.** This project involves upgrading the stage/house lighting and electrical systems at Palo Alto's Lucie Stern Community Theatre, which features a 369-seat auditorium, lighting control system and sound effects system. The venue primarily hosts stage performances, and occasional corporate or cultural presentations, film screenings, lectures, and other presentations. The City of Palo Alto ("City") is utilizing the Design-Build project delivery method for the Lucie Stern Community Theatre Theatrical and House Lighting System Replacement Project ("Project"). This Request for Proposals (RFP) invites qualified Design-Build Entities (DBEs) to submit proposals to design and construct the Project in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. Both innovation and cost will be highly prioritized during the selection process. The City seeks to implement a collaborative approach that integrates people, systems, and best practices to maximize efficiency, optimize results, and deliver the highest value to the community. The selected DBE will be responsible for all aspects of the Project, including design, engineering, permitting, construction, and compliance with relevant regulations. The contractor will be responsible for the procurement of all materials as well as the submission of applications for any required City paid permits. The Lucie Stern Community Theatre is a historic and well-used performance venue located at 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, California. Built in the 1930s, the theatre is part of the Lucie Stern Community Center, a larger complex that houses various community spaces, office spaces, meeting rooms, a children's theatre, a children's library, and a ballroom. As a focal point for community events in Palo Alto and as a revenue source generating over $150,000 per year, the current lighting and electrical systems are in dire need of renovation. A new system will attract additional users and increase revenues. The existing systems are sorely outdated and present a safety hazard. Contrary to contemporary theatre lighting standards, the current system is a hybrid of analog and digital devices. Moreover, electrical failures with the current systems cause unexpected facility closures and abruptly interfere with performing arts events. A new system is necessary to prevent these failures and to implement modern technology into the venue. The Theatre has recently completed a renovation to the auditorium's fixed seating and will soon be undergoing interior painting and HVAC upgrades. In the recent past, there were upgrades to the main electrical components, i.e. switchgear and electrical panels and breakers. Depending on the invasiveness of the installation and re-work of the lighting electrical systems, this project will most likely require installation to coincide with the shutdown period (TBD) of the future HVAC upgrade project. Should discrepancies or omissions be found in this RFP or should there be a need to clarify this RFP, questions or comments regarding this RFP must be received by the City no later than 1:00 p.m. Pacific Time, March 23, 2026. A Proposer may withdraw or modify its proposal at any time before the expiration of the time for submission of proposals as provided in the RFP by entering the e-procurement system and selecting to withdraw the proposal. No request for modification of the proposal shall be considered after its submission and acceptance on grounds that Proposer was not fully informed to any fact or condition. Any proposal protest shall be governed by the Protest Procedure in the City of Palo Alto Purchasing Manual on file with the Purchasing Division This RFP does not commit the City to enter into a contract, nor does it obligate the City to pay for any costs incurred in preparation and submission of proposals or in anticipation of a contract. Proposals will be reviewed for responsiveness to all of the requirements, terms and conditions of this RFP. The City may disqualify any proposal found to be nonresponsive. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the City reserves the right to request clarification from Proposers prior to rejecting a proposal for failure to meet RFP requirements, terms and/or conditions. In the event of a minor and non-material defect in a proposal, the City may choose to waive such defect and/or ask for clarification in writing and take into consideration the additional information gathered thereby. Clarifications are limited exchanges between the City and a Proposer for the purpose of clarifying certain aspects of the proposal, and will not provide a Proposer the opportunity to materially revise or modify its proposal. The City reserves the right to: o Make the selection based on its sole discretion; o Reject any and all proposals; o Issue subsequent Requests for Proposals; o Postpone opening for its own convenience; o Remedy technical errors in the Request for Proposals process; o Approve or disapprove the use of particular subconsultants; o Negotiate with any, all or none of the Proposers; o Accept other than the lowest offer; o Waive informalities and irregularities in the Proposals and/or o Enter into an agreement with another Proposer in the event the originally selected Proposer defaults or fails to execute an agreement with the City. Question Deadline 03/23/2026 at 1:00 PM PT