UF-623 RFQ
NOTICE TO PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANTS (REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS):
The University of Florida Board of Trustees announces that Professional Services in the disciplines of engineering, architecture, and planning will be required for the project listed below:
Project: UF-623, Central Energy Plant & Utilities Infrastructure (Gainesville, FL)
Baseline services will include master planning, conceptual design studies, construction cost estimates, analysis of phasing and procurement/delivery options, life cycle cost analyses, and preliminary Basis of Design (BOD) narratives for three primary scopes of work:
1. Electrical infrastructure, including connection with a new utility company-owned substation and subsequent reconnection and replacement of aging distribution assets.
2. Thermal infrastructure for production and distribution of underground chilled water and steam/condensate.
3. New central energy plant or expansion of existing facilities.
Upon completion of the initial phase of work – depending upon the results of those studies, internal and external approvals, funding, and other considerations – the University may elect to proceed with execution of one or more of the (3) above-listed scopes of work, including development of construction documents and construction administration.
This process differs from the standard UF qualifications-based selection process for design professionals, introducing a third (RFQ) step into what is normally a two-step process:
1. Initial applicants will be evaluated solely on the basis of their (applicant’s and consultants’) past performance and experience with similar projects. Only those applicants deemed by the University to be qualified will advance to the RFP stage.
2. Qualified applicants will be provided with a Request For Proposal (RFP). RFP respondents must provide with their project-specific proposal proof of licensure, insurance, and permission (FL Dept. of State charter) to operate in Florida.
3. RFP responses will be evaluated and ranked, with only the top 3-5 respondents moving on to the interview/presentation stage.
Scores from the RFQ phase may be combined with scores in subsequent phases (RFP, interview). Finalists may be provided with supplemental interview requirements and criteria, and the Selection Committee may reject all proposals and stop the selection process at any time.
The RFQ submittal shall be prepared as specified in the RFQ Instructions and shall include:
1. A Letter of Application that concisely illustrates the applicant’s understanding of the scope of services and the 3-step selection process.
2. A signed, project-specific certification (Form 1).
3. Completed Experience & References forms (Form 2) – one 2-page form for each of 10 similar or relevant projects.
Applications using forms other than those for the UF-623 project will not be considered.
As required by Section 287.133, Florida Statutes, an applicant may not submit a proposal for this project if it is on the convicted vendor list for a public entity crime committed within the past 36 months. The selected professional must warrant that it will neither utilize the services of, nor contract with, any supplier, subcontractor, or consultant in excess of $15,000.00 in connection with this project for a period of 36 months from the date of their being placed on the convicted vendor list. Plans and specifications for University of Florida projects are subject to reuse in accordance with the provisions of Section 287.055, Florida Statutes.
Incomplete proposals will be disqualified. Submittal materials will not be returned.
Additional information to assist the applicant – including project-specific forms & instructions, the UF Design and Commissioning Services Guide, UF Design and Construction Standards, standard University of Florida Owner-Professional agreement, and other documents – can be found on the Planning Design & Construction website.
Submittals must be received in the Planning Design & Construction office by 3:00 PM local time, on Tuesday, December 13, 2016. Facsimile (FAX) submittals are not acceptable and will not be considered.
UF Planning Design & Construction
245 Gale Lemerand Drive / P.O. Box 115050
Gainesville, FL 32611-5050
Telephone: (352)273-4000
Internet: www.facilities.ufl.edu
