1)  Who is on the Selection Committee?

Selection Committee for this project will be composed of Phil Simpson, Planning Director, Campus Architect designee; Chair, Thomas Goodhew, Planner, Facilities Planning; Katherine Dunklau, Design & Construction; Candy Roberts, University Design Review Board; Carlos Garcia, Director, University Memorial Center;  Andrelino Cardoso, UMC Food Service Director;  Jimmie Baker, Associate Director UMC Operations & Services;  and students - Daniel Ramos, UCSU Tri-Execu;  Isabel Guerra, UMC Board Chair;  and Daniel Omasta, UCSU Sustainability Director.

Phone numbers can be obtained by searching the CU-Boulder Phone Directory .

2) Does any firm have an advantage in the selection process?

The University of Colorado at Boulder selects firms solely on the qualifications listed in the RFQ and expanded in the Information Packet. Prior work of any kind at the university is not a guarantee that a particular project will be given to a firm. On the other hand, the second criteria, (Understanding of the Project), often is demonstrated by firms familiar with the building and programs. Clearly, any firm that can thoroughly research the project, synthesize concepts for the successful execution of the idea, and demonstrate that for the selection committee will succeed in getting this project.

3) How does the university feel about out-of-state consultants?

CU-Boulder has no policy prohibiting of encouraging out-of-state firms, however experience has shown that in-state firms provide better service to the university. Out-of-state firms must demonstrate that their experience is superior to that of in-state firms. Firms that partner with local firms should have experience with other projects, so that contractual arrangements have been worked out in advance of this project.

4) What are the WBE/MBE goals for the project?

The university's goal for MBE participation is 17%. For WBE, the goal is a range from 8% to 23.8%. Firms submitting may be required to demonstrate that they have made an effort to obtain qualified sub-consultants.  These forms are not required to be completed at this point.  Forms will be part of the contracting requirements for the selected firm.  We encourage firms to discuss in there submittal how they might address these issues.

5) Are there any specific sub-consultants that are needed for this
    project?

The University uses a two step selection process for the selection of major sub-consultants. During contract negotiations, separate interviews typically for consultants who will have a major role in or provide a specialized service critical to this project (e.g. mechanical, electrical, telecommunications and food service consultants) will be conducted jointly by the consultant and University. Other minor sub-consultants (e.g. structural, civil, landscape architecture, cost consultants) should be included in the submittal package.

6) The RFQ implies that in-state firms must be in the lead, is that
    correct?

No, that assumption is incorrect. The RFQ's wording is to make sure that the architect of record is licensed in the State of Colorado. Any firm holding such a license may submit as the lead firm. Please refer to Question 3 above and note that an out of state firm will have to demonstrate how their level of service will exceed that of in-state firms, particularly in the areas of capability, understanding of the project and methodology.

7)  Was the Program Plan completed in house or was there a
     Program Architect?

There in not a Program Plan for this project.   A Feasibility Study was prepared by the Facilities Planning Department in conjunction with the UMC staff and advisory board.

8)  We noticed the Pre-application meeting was non-mandatory;
     could you elaborate on your view on why it is not necessary
     for a firm to attend the meeting?

The pre-submittal meeting is an opportunity for firms to find out general information about the project and the submittal process, at their option. For the RFQ submittal, we are primarily looking at architects' qualifications and not expecting much about this specific project at this time. Finally, we have found that many firms may have previous commitments on a pre-submittal meeting date.

9) Where and how do we submit our RFQ?

Submittal procedures are explained in the RFQ information packet; however, some additional clarification is required about addressing mail to Facilities Management. When mailing items through the US Postal Service the item must go through Campus Mailing Services, which exclusively uses the campus mailbox designation 453 UCB. Express services (e.g. FedEx, UPS, Airborne) and couriers deliver directly to Facilities Management's offices located at 1540 30th Street.

If a firm elects to use US Postal service, allow an extra day for delivery, and address the package as:

Paul Leef, Campus Architect
Facilities Planning
Facilities Management
453 UCB
Boulder, Colorado 80309-0453

Express mail and couriers should be addressed to:

Paul Leef, Campus Architect
Facilities Planning
Facilities Management
1540 30th Street, Room 301
University of Colorado at Boulder
Boulder, Colorado 80309

Of course, you may always deliver the submittals in person to the 30th Street address, Room 301.

10)  Is there a preferred or required software format for the
       building information model?

Recognizing that the industry is still sorting out the advantages and disadvantages of the software, we have not established a requirement or standard.  Please also reference the CAD / Document Management web page on the Facilities Management web site. 

11)  Will the consultant be expected to do LEED Commissioning?

The University is its own commissioning agent.  The consultant team will be expected to participate in the commissioning process but not serve as the commissioning agent.

12)  In the RFQ you ask for the drawings to be in CAD, but also
      request Building Information Modeling of the building
      systems, so are you requiring the use of Revit on certain
      portions of the projects?

Our standards require that all drawings be submitted in AutoCAD format.  For this project, the need for BIM is minimal as we anticipate minimal work on building systems.  We will not require BIM from the design team.  If design team members are using Revit for the project, we ask that those models be made available.

13)  Is hazardous material abatement expected as a part of the design team’s scope of services? 

No.  Any such discovery during the design process or during construction will be handled by in situ.  Costs for remediation and/or removal will be at the owner’s expense and will be kept separate from the cost of construction, including contingencies.

14)  The RFQ asks the design team to consider a new seating concept that provides both flexibility and intimacy – aren’t these somewhat at odds with one another? 

The flexibility of dining room seating remains a high priority;  8,000 students use the facility on a daily basis, while foot traffic is upwards of 16,000. “Flexibility”, in this case, should be taken to mean:    

Maximizine the amount of diners ( approximately 900) by minimizing the amount of under-
utilized tables, primarily due to sociopetal/sociofugal phenomenon (e.g., a single student's "territorial possession" of one large table)

Maximizing and retaining the number of students using the space for studying (either alone or in small groups)

While still providing seating that can accommodate periodic special events (e.g., catered) for larger groups

An “intimate” environment, however, should serve to reduce the monotony of a “cafeteria” feeling in the existing space, which may or may not be dependent on the seating arrangements developed.  For instance, design solutions might include all or some of the following:

• lighting
• finishes
•  acoustical treatments to reduce the aliveness of the space
• modulation of ceiling heights
• introduction of some fixed or movable low partitions  
  

15)   What are the design team's options regarding existing equipment?

The UMC does not like the existing P.O.S. stations. The reuse of existing equipment is a consideration. An existing wireless network will remain, but current access to power for student laptops is insufficient.

16)  The proposed F.F.E. budget seems low for the scope - are furnishings part of the cost of construction?

Yes, some phasing may be required to fully implement the design. 

17)  The current building is LEED-certified – what is the owner’s intent for the renovation?

The renovation will not be a LEED project, but by default, the UBC standards will parallel those of USGBC.  A LEED consultant will not be provided by the owner.  Documentation of sustainability measures will be required for the owner’s future use.

18)  Will the dining area remain open for business during construction?  

Yes, the area is a revenue stream that needs to remain viable during construction.  Special consideration needs to be given to non-UMC tenants (Subway and Wok-n-Roll) so that their businesses are not adversely affected.  Phasing plans will need to be considered by the design team to minimize disruptions to both UMC Food Services and tenants alike.

19)   What are the total professional fees? 

The total professional fees are $109,747 (A&E) + $2,744 (Add services) + $16,462 (Reimbursables) + $88,400 (Food consultant) = $217,352 TOTAL.  All other fees are internal to CU.

20)  What is the scope of the work area?

The work area is 14,680 GSF + 5,500 GSF = 20,180 GSF.

21)  Are printing costs reimbursable?

 Yes, see response to #7

22)  Has a GC already provided  an estimate to CU?  If not would the cost estimates need to be done by an Estimating Consultant or would estimates done by a reputable GC be sufficient?

No cost estimate by a GC has been provided.  Design team is expected to provide competent analysis and feedback to GC’s estimate.

23) Please define the demarcation line within the Alferd Packer Grill serving line area:  face of the wall, the back wall of spaces behind the counters, other? 

The design team will engage in scoping exercises to determine what is feasible within the budget.

24)  Please confirm that no cooking or food preparation areas are to be renovated at this time? 

Renovations to cooking or food preparation are not a part of this scope of work.

25)  Do we have to submit CD’s for plan review to City of Boulder? 

No, plan review is conducted in-house by CU staff.

26)  What is the process for payment of services? 

Progress payments may be submitted monthly.

27)  What level of professional insurance is required and is it fee based or project based?

A portion of the Architect/Engineer Agreement has been excerpted below for your convenience.  The amounts listed are minimums only.  It is the responsibility of the design team to be familiar with the contract in its entirety (available online).

The Architect/Engineer shall carry the following limits of liability as required below:

 Commercial General Liability
    General Aggregate                                                             $1,000,000
    Products/Completed Operations Aggregate                 $1,000,000
    Each Occurrence Limit                                                      $1,000,000
    Personal/Advertising Injury                                               $1,000,000

 Automobile Liability
    Bodily Injury/Property Damage (Each Accident)            $1,000,000

Workers’ Compensation
    Coverage A (Workers’ Compensation)                             Statutory
    Coverage B (Employers Liability)                                      $100,000 Each Accident
                                                                                                       $100,000 Disease –Each Employee  
                                                                                                       $500,000 Disease-Policy Limit

Professional Liability-Specific Project Basis
    Per Claim/Incident Claim                                                    Show Limit as stated in State A/E Agreement/
                                                                                                      Contract, section 8.2.1

27)  I understand the RFQ is limited to 10 pages.  Can we print double sided as long as there are only 10        sheets? There is no page limit to your submittal. 

We do encourage you to keep it brief so that we can get to the core information in a timely manner.  The 10 page limit is for additional information that is not specifically requested in the RFQ.

28)  Regarding the UMC RFQ information packet, page 8, E.   “Certification of having read the BoulderCampus Design Guidelines…”   Is this the appropriate document and what is the process to become certified?    (link attached)

http://www.colorado.edu/facilitiesmanagement/pdc/architect/documents/CU-DesignGuidelinesFINAL3-14.pdf

Yes, that is the correct document.  Certification will be determined by staff during oral interviews.

29)  I am a food service consultant and want to know when our proposals are due? 

Food service consultants are considered 2nd tier consultants.  Once architects are sub-listed, they will be asked to provide a list of three firms for each sub-consultant group.

30)  Does the wall veneer and arches within the north dining area need to stay or could consideration be given to its removal and or encasement? 

The same question would also apply to the stone flooring with this area;  it will be determined by the design team.