University of Florida Strategic Development Plan
NOTICE TO PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANTS:
In furtherance of its goal to become a top 10 preeminent university, the University of Florida Board of Trustees announces that professional services in the disciplines of urban planning and design are required for the unique and transformational project described below.
Project: PL-0009, Strategic Development Plan (Gainesville)
A member of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU), the University of Florida (UF) is a major public, land-grant research institution that was established in Gainesville, Florida in 1906. Recognized as a preeminent Florida institution in 2013, UF now seeks to become a top 10 public university. That goal has inspired UF’s board of trustees and senior administration to reexamine its 100+-year-old, 2000-acre campus and environs with an eye toward progressive urban development and transformation. To that end, UF intends to commission the creation of a “strategic development plan” that will identify refreshingly creative but practical ideas that will integrate seamlessly with the University’s ongoing campus master planning efforts.
This assignment is not necessarily geared toward traditional thinking about campus master planning--consulting teams with varied backgrounds and experience focusing on greater and more complex urban planning and development issues are encouraged to consider proposing for this assignment. Executed correctly, the strategic development planning process will completely re-envision what the campus might look like in 40-50 years with a critical eye on the University’s important relationship with Gainesville and Alachua County. The plan itself will prepare UF and the surrounding community for the future, identifying optimal trends related to growth, intensity/density, economic viability, and livability to support UF’s rise in rankings.
Specific areas in which efforts will be directed include: conceiving and analyzing college and university town benchmarks, the built environment of Gainesville, housing, transportation, infrastructure challenges, current and planned uses of campus buildings, the regulatory environment, and university and community branding, taking into account the University’s geographic location in north central Florida and what is needed to optimize its potential. Recommendations will focus on high-level strategic actions that address the most significant threats and opportunities identified through the planning process.
The strategic development planning process will be comprised of three phases with anticipated deliverables as outlined in the Project Fact Sheet. The contract will be structured in a manner to award the entire project, but with each phase comprising a separate cost and requiring a separate notice to proceed. The University reserves the right at its sole discretion to terminate the project at the close of any phase for any reason.
The selected firm will provide strategic planning, real estate, urban design/planning, campus planning integration, and transportation planning services for the referenced project. Plans and specifications for University of Florida projects are subject to reuse in accordance with the provisions of Section 287.055, Florida Statutes. The selected applicant will be required to provide insurance coverage for General Liability, Automotive Liability, and Workers’ Compensation.
Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of their experience, personnel, design ability, references, workload, and responses to questions posed both in the shortlist and interview phases. The Selection Committee may reject all proposals and stop the selection process at any time.
Prior to execution of any agreements between applicant and University relating to the project, the applicant (if an architecture or engineering firm) and its consulting architectural and engineering firms must possess current licenses from the appropriate governing board and be properly registered to practice its profession in the State of Florida. Also prior to execution of any agreements between applicant and University relating to the project, the applicant entity must be authorized by the Florida Department of State to transact business in Florida.
Applicants desiring to provide professional services for the project shall submit a proposal only after thoroughly reviewing the Project Fact Sheet, and other background information. The proposal shall be prepared as specified in the Professional Qualifications Supplement (PQS) Instructions and shall include:
1. A Letter of Application that concisely illustrates the applicant’s understanding of the scope of services, schedule, and other goals and considerations as outlined in the Project Fact Sheet.
2. A completed, project-specific PQS proposal with signed certification. Applications on any other form will not be considered.
3. Resumes and other pertinent credentials for all proposed staff (applicant and consultants).
4. Proof of the applicant entity’s corporate status in Florida, or an affirmative statement that it will be authorized to transact business in the State of Florida prior to execution of any agreements between applicant and University relating to the project.
5. Copies of current licenses for applicant firm (if architect or engineer) and all consulting engineering and architecture firms from the appropriate governing board, or an affirmative statement that the applicant firm and consultant firms will be licensed in the State of Florida, as required for architectural and engineering firms, prior to execution of any agreements between applicant and University relating to the project.
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.
Incomplete proposals will be disqualified. Submittal materials will not be returned.
Additional information to assist the applicant in preparing a complete proposal – including the project-specific PQS forms, instructions, Project Fact Sheet, UF Design and Commissioning Services Guide, standard University of Florida Owner-Professional agreement, and other project and process information – can be found on the Planning Design & Construction website.
Finalists may be provided with supplemental interview requirements and criteria as needed.
Provide the number of copies prescribed in the Project Fact Sheet. Submittals must be received in the Planning Design & Construction office by 3:00 PM local time, on Tuesday, September 1, 2015. 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