I. PURPOSE OF REQUEST
Lower Columbia Community Action Program (Lower Columbia CAP) requests a written response to this Request For Qualifications (RFQ) for the purpose of selecting a licensed architect to provide architectural/engineering services related to the design and rehabilitation and remodel of a former café/restaurant in the city of Kelso to support a food service-based enterprise and job training facility as a professional kitchen and barista/café.
II. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT
This project, called Grounds For Opportunity (“GFO”) is anticipated to involve the design and renovation of an approximately 3,075 square foot commercial kitchen and bistro facility located at 413 So. Pacific Ave in Kelso, WA. There is one partial interior wall, and all fixtures and furnishings of previous business have been removed. Planned is a full-service commercial kitchen, secondary service kitchen, new enclosed space attached to existing building (in back) for a covered freezer, and a café for the public. Construction is scheduled to be completed in January 2012. Estimated budget is $623,000 for project design, renovation, and furnishing (this figure excludes Acquisition, Administration, A&E, and Plan Review fees).
The kitchen facility will be used to provide efficient space for preparation/production of approximately 3,000 meals per month, which will be distributed from the same facility to Cowlitz County’s elderly and homebound populations participating in Lower Columbia CAP’s “Meals on Wheels” (MOW) and Senior Community Lunches programs. Between 3-6 private vehicles are used for distribution.
The kitchen facility, with a permanent professional staff of 3, will also be used as a job training center for 1-6 unemployed persons with barriers to employment.
III. SCOPE OF WORK
The scope of work that Lower Columbia CAP is seeking from the selected licensed architect includes working with CAP staff to provide Preliminary Design Services, Final Design Services, and Bid Document Preparation for the remodel of the building at 413 So. Pacific Avenue, Kelso. Specifically, Lower Columbia CAP may request the successful awardee to:
a. Attend meetings with Lower Columbia CAP, Cowlitz County, and City of Kelso staff related to the design and remodel of the project.
b. Obtain professional engineering services during plan development and approval.
c. Provide drawing research including contact with building departments, utilities, etc.
d. Visit the project location as required.
e. Provide preliminary and final drawings for approval by Lower Columbia CAP.
f. Provide build-ready drawings and bid specifications and documents to obtain city approvals and permits.
g. Prepare bid documents for contractor bids.
h. Serve as the contact for contractors during the building phase of construction.
IV. TIME SCHEDULE
Lower Columbia CAP will follow the following timetable:
Issue RFQ 7/23/2010
Deadline for submittal of responses to RFQ to Lower Columbia CAP 8/6/2010
Issue Invitation to selected firm(s) to submit a Request for Proposal (RFP) 8/13/2010
Deadline for submittal of RFP(s) to Lower Columbia CAP 8/27/2010
Review of submitted RFP(s) week of 8/30/2010
Selection of RFP 9/3/2010
V. INTRUCTIONS TO RESPONDENTS
A. No later than 8/6/2010, all responses shall be sent to :
Michael A. Torres / Director of Community Services
Lower Columbia CAP
1526 Commerce Avenue
Longview, WA 98632
(360)425-3430 x 242
B. Please place one (1) copy of your RFQ in a sealed envelope and clearly label in the lower left corner “Statement of Qualification for A&E Services.”
C. Qualifications should be prepared simply and economically, providing a straight forward, concise description of provider capabilities to satisfy the requirements of the request. Emphasis should be in completeness and clarity of content. Use of recycled paper for requests and any printed or photocopied material created pursuant to a contract with Lower Columbia CAP is desirable whenever practicable. Use of both sides of paper sheets for any submittals to Lower Columbia CAP is desirable whenever practicable.
D. Any questions concerning Lower Columbia CAP’s specifications or RFQ process shall be directed to Michael A. Torres / Director of Community Services at (360) 425-3430 x 242; or michaelt@lowercolumbiacap.org.
E. The firm must include evidence that he or she maintains the following minimum insurance:
a. Worker’s compensation and employer’s liability in amounts required by law;
b. Commercial general liability with limits of liability not less than $1,000,000;
c. Automobile liability insurance with limits of liability not less than $1,000,000; and
d. Professional liability with limits of liability not less than $1,000,000.
F. Requested information:
1. Basic company information:
a. Name of Firm
b. Address of firm
c. Telephone and Fax numbers
d. Primary telephone, e-mail and Correspondence
2. Brief history of your Firm:
a. Size of Firm/Staff
b. Years in business
c. Organization chart of Firm
d. Distance from Lower Columbia CAP and work site.
3. Design Team Background (Architectural Team and any Principal Consultants you plan to use):
a. Name
b. Office location
c. Phone number
d. Years of service with Firm
e. Education
f. Professional Experience
g. Pertinent Experience
4. Past Experience with similar Projects – List 3-5 projects completed by your firm that represents a similar scope, budget, program, and complexity. For each project, please include:
a. Completion Date
b. Name and Location
c. Budget
d. Graphic Description
e. Photographs
f. Total Square Footage
i. Additions
ii. Renovations
g. Cost per Square Foot –Exclude Site Costs and Architectural Fees
h. Change Order Percentage
5. Cost Effective Design
a. Please list the cost per square foot of your NEW construction projects in the last five years. Please exclude all Site Costs and Professional Fees.
b. For projects completed in the last five years please list the Cost Estimate, Bid Amount, and Difference. Please list any changes in scope if appropriate and if this change in scope resulted in an increase in your fee.
6. Legal Proceedings
a. Identify any on-going legal proceeding or pending legal proceeding (arbitration, complaint, or court action) filed by an Owner or contractor against your firm for any project in the last five years.
7. Project Approach
a. Describe your firm’s management approach for these projects. Please include your approach and the benefit each step has for the owner.
b. Please describe any unique aspects your firm may employ in the design of the project.
8. References
a. Please provide a minimum of five references to contact.
9. Unique Qualifications – Please state why your firm should be selected for this project.
VI. SELECTION CRITERIA
In the event your firm is selected to submit a RFP or commence negotiations with Lower Columbia CAP, your RFQ and/or proposals will be evaluated on the following criteria:
Factor
1. Responsiveness of the request for qualifications and/or proposal to the purpose and scope of services.
2. Ability and history of successfully completing contracts of this type, meeting projected deadlines, experience in similar work.
3. Performance data, references, key personnel.
Any further questions regarding this RFQ shall be directed to Michael A. Torres / Director of Community Services at (360) 425-3430 x 242; or michaelt@lowercolumbiacap.org.