Government

County issues Request for Qualifications for Crown project Construction Manager at Risk

By Staff Report, posted 2 months ago

Cumberland County has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ), seeking qualified firms to provide Construction Manager at Risk (CMaR) services for the modernization and renovation of the Crown Theatre and Arena, collectively known as the Crown Complex.

This key step marks continued progress in the County’s plan to transform the existing Crown facilities into a modern, accessible and first-class event venue that supports the region’s cultural and economic vitality.

The selected firm will serve as the County’s representative, overseeing daily coordination, schedule review, construction progress and quality assurance. Responsibilities will include assisting with contractor and architect selection, budget monitoring and ensuring that all project milestones are achieved on time and within scope.

On June 4, 2025, the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners voted to discontinue construction of the previously proposed Crown Event Center in downtown Fayetteville and instead pursue full renovation and modernization of the current Crown Theatre and Arena. The updated project will build on prior feasibility studies, community engagement and the Board’s Guiding Principles, ensuring alignment with the County’s vision for accessibility, functionality and fiscal responsibility.

Cumberland County encourages responses from local, minority-owned, women-owned, Veteran-owned, disabled Veteran-owned and small diverse businesses, as well as firms that have not previously worked with the County.

Key Dates

  • RFQ Issued: Jan. 28, 2026
  • CMaR Info Session: Feb. 17, 2026, at 10 a.m.
  • Mandatory Pre-Proposal Meeting: Feb. 20, 2026, 9 - 11 a.m. in Conference Room A at Cumberland County Department of Social Services, 1225 Ramsey. St., Fayetteville (use Hillsboro Street entrance)
  • Questions Due: Feb. 20, 2026, by 5 p.m. EST and must be emailed to Gena Buhler and Cumberland County Director of Engineering & Infrastructure Ken Griffin at kgriffin@cumberlandcountync.gov
  • Addendum Responses Published: Feb. 23, 2026, by 5 p.m. EST
  • Proposals Due: Feb. 27, 2026, by 5 p.m. EST (five hard copies and one digital PDF on a flash drive)
  • Evaluation Committee Shortlist: March 13, 2026
  • Interviews: March 2026

The complete RFQ document, submission requirements and supporting materials, including prior studies and meeting minutes, are available at www.cumberlandcountync.gov/departments/commissioners-group/commissioners/crown-event-center-committee.

Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT

In The Current Issue

A new chapter: Book Black Women Inc. deepens impact with new partnerships and new programming

In just four short years, Book Black Women Inc. has flourished exponentially. New partnerships, serious sponsorships, a new location and putting on an all-original play are just some of the accomplishments on the horizon for Ayana Washington’s creati


Elevating the golf experience: The entrepreneurs behind Chip Shot Golf's ambitious drone delivery vision

Bobby Kulp and Forth Heffner, the entrepreneurs behind Chip Shot Golf, are hoping their drone delivery service can become a household name for golfers who want to experience maximum comfort on demand. Photo provided by Kulp.An entrepreneur and tech w


Editor's note: Celebrating Spring in Fayetteville

Photo by Stephanie MeadorAs the trees and bushes bloom and the weather heats up, I’m enjoying spending more and more time outdoors, walking on trails, dining on patios and even driving with the windows down to soak in the fresh air. I’ve always