County Issues Request for Qualifications for Crown Project Construction Manager at Risk

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. at Cumberland County Department of Social Services, 1225 Ramsey St., Conference Room A. Conferences are located in the Hillsboro Street entrance of DSS.

• 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: February 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.

For more information about Cumberland County, visit cumberlandcountync.gov, download the MyCCNCGov app or follow CCNCGOV on social media.