The Barack Obama Foundation Releases Request for Qualifications for Architects

August 26, 2015 at 10:00 AM CDT

Chicago, IL – Today, The Barack Obama Foundation released a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) soliciting submissions from firms interested in providing architectural design services for the Obama Presidential Center (OPC).

The RFQ outlines the goals of the OPC and asks for submission of credentials, references, examples of prior work, and additional materials to the Foundation. The Foundation has invited architectural design firms to respond to the RFQ, which has also been posted on the Foundation’s website.

The OPC will include a library holding the Presidential archives, a museum focusing on the Obama Presidency and issues of our time, and space for programs and initiatives that advance the Foundation’s public mission. In May 2015, the Foundation announced plans to build the OPC on the South Side of Chicago on one of two potential sites: Jackson Park or Washington Park.

“We’re thrilled that the process of selecting an architectural firm for the Obama Presidential Center is underway,” said Martin Nesbitt, Chairman of the Obama Foundation. “This process is the next step toward the creation of the Obama Presidential Center, which will serve as a forum to inspire and empower people to take action on the big challenges of our time.”

Responses to the RFQ must be submitted by September 16, 2015. The Foundation will review and summarize the responses and present them to the President and First Lady. Once the President and First Lady have selected finalists later this year, the Foundation will issue a Request for Proposals to these firms. The Foundation does not anticipate announcing the architect until after a contract has been executed in early 2016.

For more information about the Foundation and the future Obama Presidential Library, visit http://www.obama.org or follow @ObamaFoundation (Opens in a new tab) on Twitter.