From staff reports
According to a pressrelease, the City of Beaufort is seeking proposals from qualified master planners and landscape architects for the design and build of a proposed passive park commemorating the 1st South Carolina Volunteers of African Descent (1SCVAD) of the U.S. Army. The 1SCVAD was the Union’s first-formed black regiment that went into service during the Civil War in 1862, influenced federal law that allowed men of color to serve in the military, had some influence on Lincoln’s decision to emancipate the enslaved, and became the foundation for Black and African American military service in the United States.
“The history of the 1st S.C. Volunteers of African Decent Infantry Regiment is unique to our country’s history, our state’s history, and to the history of the Lowcountry,” Councilman Mitch Mitchell said in the news release. “Our planned 1st S.C. Volunteers of African Descent Park’s location along the gateway to our city on Boundary Street will set the tone for both residents and visitors alike as to historical significance of our city.”
“Our intention is that this park will be a fitting memorial to the courage, contributions and sacrifices made by these men and their families. There’s is a history that has been largely neglected,” City Manager Scott Marshall said. “Now, more than ever, it is a moral imperative to do all we can to ensure that the story of the 1st South Carolina Volunteers of African Descent lives and that their legacy continues to thrive in perpetuity.”
The non-mandatory pre-bid meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m., Friday, Feb. 21 in the Planning Department Conference Room on the first floor of City Hall.
Questions are due by 4 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 26. Answers will be posted by 4 p.m., Friday, Feb. 28.
Bids submissions are due on or before 2 p.m., Friday, March 21. A public bid opening will be held in the City Hall Finance Department, Executive Conference Room 2 on that day and time.
The RFP and additional documents may be accessed on the City’s website under current Bid Opportunities at https://www.cityofbeaufort.org/165/Procurement or by contacting the Procurement Administrator at 843-525-7071, or by email to procurement@cityofbeaufort.org.
