The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has taken an important step toward its proposed expansion, issuing a request for proposals for a firm to handle pre-construction services in advance of the major development.

The selected construction management company will perform cost estimating, value engineering, constructability review, scheduling and pre-bidding services. The chosen team will have a leg up on the contract for actual construction services.

The 65,000-square-foot, $125 million expansion, designed by Steven Holl Architects, will house educational and rehearsal space, offices and events and dining space in three pavilions. One concept includes a floating stage on the Potomac River. It will be the Kennedy Center’s first major expansion since it opened more than 40 years ago.

Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein will personally donate $50 million for the project. A private campaign now underway will raise the remainder.