Questions and Answers. Question pertaining to LEED Certification: 1. Question:
Refer to Attachment B; sample contract. Article 13.1.3.1 Scope of Work lists the.
Exhibit 1 2012 BOND OFFICE PROGRAM Architectural/Engineering Services Project #12-10-02CS
Questions and Answers Question pertaining to LEED Certification: 1.
Question: Refer to Attachment B; sample contract. Article 13.1.3.1 Scope of Work lists the requirement that we design the project to obtain LEED certification. It goes on to say “…It is the responsibility of the A/E to understand the requirements…and take all necessary actions to obtain certification.” We certainly can design the project to meet LEED standards and develop a strategy to obtain that certification. However, we cannot guarantee that any project we design will eventually become LEED certified. There are simply too many variables beyond our control, such as contractor performance, Owner commitment and follow-through, as well as USGBC review. Will HISD consider modifying the LEED language in the A/E contract to more closely align with the A/E responsibilities on this issue?
Answer: LEED certification is important to HISD. HISD understands that an A/E firm (Respondent) cannot guarantee that a project will obtain LEED certification. The contract language does not require a guarantee. The language does require the A/E to understand LEED requirements, design the project to meet those requirements, and take all necessary steps that the A/E can to obtain the certification. Those necessary steps include the leadership role in the process and regular coordination with HISD and the contractor, as well as completing and filing the application as required by the LEED certifying organization. 2.
Question: Refer to Attachment B; sample contract. Article 13.1.3.1 Scope of Work lists the requirement that we design the project to obtain LEED certification. Paragraph .3 then lists “enhanced commissioning” as a requirement (even though this is an optional 2 points under LEED certification), and paragraph .4 lists “energy modeling, daylight modeling, or other consulting services required” as a part of our scope of work also. These items are traditionally additional services. Can HISD provide some guidance on if the architect’s fee structure will be adjusted to allow us to carry these items without compromising our (complete) basic services and consultant fees while at the same time not requiring additional services?
Answer: Fee information is not a part of this RFQ. The LEED certification process, code-required commissioning (specification of code-required), energy modeling and related consulting services will be basic services under a lump sum agreement. Additional services will be provided on a lump sum fee basis that will be unaffected by the fee negotiated for the basic services outlined in the contract. We intend to negotiate each item after the A/E basic fee is finalized. Enhanced commissioning will be separate from the architect’s and contractor’s requirements. 3.
Question: The “enhanced commissioning” mentioned in the same above LEED requirements of the sample contract will actually have to be an independent 3rd party commissioning agency (not connected to the design or construction) by USGBC rules, although we (the architect) are allowed to contract for them. On most of our LEED projects, however, the owner hires the
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commissioning agency directly for this reason. Commissioning is also done by Owner in order to maintain complete objectivity and avoid a conflict of interest within the design team structure. If we are to retain the commissioning agency as a part of the design team, how will this objectivity be maintained/verified? Answer: The A/E Agreement (Attachment B) requires an “independent Commissioning Authority. This authority interacts with and consults with the A/E design team, but is not a part of the A/E’s design team. The design team includes the consultants, such as mechanical and structural, who work under the direction of the A/E firm. The Commissioning Authority does not work under the direction of the A/E firm. As indicated above, the Commissioning Authority is a contract controlled by HISD team, be it in house or with the PM firm. 4.
Question: The AE agreement, reimbursable expenses, Attachment B 9.3.8 lists LEED costs but in 9.3.1 and 10.3 LEED costs do not appear as recoverable reimbursable expenses. Are they?
Answer: Yes. The correction has been made to add the reference to these costs (9.3.8) in paragraphs 9.3.1 and 10.3. LEED work will be a reimbursable based on a firm quote from the A/E after their base contract is in place.
Question pertaining to RFQ submittal and Attachments: 5.
Question: Page 1 of the RFQ states… “ An original, 1 copy, 10 printed copies, and 10 electronic format copies (CD, DVD, or flash drive) of the SOQ must be submitted in accordance with the instructions set out herein to: ” Page 13 of the RFQ states… “The submittal package must contain: One (1) original submittal package with original signatures, and that set should be labeled “ORIGINAL” Ten (10) printed copies in the required format set forth in section 3.3. Ten (10) electronic format copies (CD, DVD, or flash drive). The electronic format copies must be created using tools that are compatible with the Microsoft Office standard desktop tools or Adobe Acrobat Reader, without the need for conversion” Please clarify which of the below is required: (1) single bound original + (1) single bound copy + (10) printed copies + (10) electronic format copies or; single bound original + (10) printed copies + (10) electronic format copies
Answer: Refer to Addendum #3. HISD is requesting one original bound copy, ten copies of the original documents submitted, and ten electronic copies. The original M/WBE plan must be submitted in a separate envelope. The ten copies of the original documents you provide must still contain your M/WBE plan in each copy. 6.
Question: I was under the impression that we were to submit one Attachment C with our entire team included in the one excel spreadsheet and adding rows below each heading as needed,
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however after reading Addendum 1, it appears as if we should be submitting one Attachment C for each team member. Can you please clarify if we are to have one combined Attachment C or one Attachment C for each team member? Answer: Submit one Attachment C. Information about the prime A/E firm and team members should be included in the one Attachment C. (Addendum #3 is revising the answer to question 19 in Addendum #1.) 7.
Question: Is it acceptable to provide more information regarding the staff project manager’s experience than is called for in attachment C? If so, is it advisable to include that additional information in the narrative, or is there a more appropriate action of the SOQ to capture the details of staff project manager’s experience related to K-12 / community college projects?
Answer: The transmittal letter (see 3.3 C.1.b) may be used as well as the narrative to demonstrate additional experience. Please remember the RFQ has limitations on materials an A/E firm can send and it is up to the A/E firm to utilize this limitation to its advantage. 8.
Question: Is it a requirement that the “Graphic Information” listed as content in section 2 of the SOQ be included in the excel file for attachment C, or can it be submitted in a separate electronic file (pdf format)?
Answer: It is a requirement, if graphic information is provided, that it is included in the Excel file. The intent of having graphic information in the same Excel file is for a reviewer to easily read the written project information and have easy access to the related graphic information. 9.
Question: In the “Project Information by Project Category” section of Attachment C, is it acceptable to submit projects that are not school or institutional projects?
Answer: Any project completed may be submitted. It is the responsibility of the respondent to determine which of his/her/their projects best portray the ability to be successful in designing the projects listed in Attachment A. 10.
Question: Below are a few questions we had regarding the architectural-engineering RFQ....On page 13 under 3.3 submittal content it states pages shall be no larger than letter size (8 1/2x11) or if folded to that dimension 11x17. On attachment C under the project tabs it states that each project sheet shall be on 8 1/2x11 which contradicts the statement under 3.3 on the RFQ. Please clarify where 11x17 may be used as long as it is folded to 8 1/2x11.
Answer: The 11x17 reference is deleted in Addendum #3. Submit one-sided 8-1/2 x 11 page size. 11.
Question: Attachment C indicates any of our 15 project examples can be duplicated and submitted under more than one category. Example: If we have a high school that is also a performing art center can we list this school both under high schools and performing art centers?
Answer: Performing arts centers is not one of the 5 categories of projects under this RFQ. See answer to question 16 for submitting projects under more than one category.
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12.
Question: How should we handle our submittal information if our team changes per the project that we may be awarded. Example: If we were awarded HSPVA our engineering and consulting team might be different than if we were awarded Milby. Should we show those changes and if so what is the proper way to do so? How would we do so on attachment C?
Answer: For attachment C, submit the A/E firm team and subcontractors most appropriate for the general category (High Schools, Elementary Schools, etc.). Use the narrative to explain any proposed alternate consultants. 13.
Question: The RFQ Does not ask for information on sub-consultants other than MEP and Structural in Attachment C. Does HISD require providing same information on all subconsultants as the MEP and Structural Consultants?
Answer: No. Principal and Project Manager information is required for architectural, MEP and structural consultants. Refer to rows 117-134 of Attachment C for listing of consultants. 14.
Question: On Attachment C, if we are submitting as a J/V do we need to provide answers to items 17-46?
Answer: Lines 17-46 are required. Use the Narrative for any explanation. 15.
Question: Where is the appropriate place in the SOQ to address an office’s technology offerings, such as expertise in drafting programs and materials knowledge?
Answer: The transmittal letter (see 3.3 C.1.b) may be used as well as the narrative to demonstrate additional technology offerings. 16. Question: Can you clarify the instructions for which we can submit any of our 15 projects more than once? Answer: The maximum number of projects which should be submitted by an A/E firm is 15. The intent is that the projects selected for a category (i.e. Elementary Schools) would most closely match the anticipated requirements of that project category. Respondent must decide which projects best reflect his/her/their ability in whatever categories they choose, but the total number of projects included for ALL categories is to be 15. 17.
Question: Attachment C When we list the project team – do we need to include Project Architects or just Project Managers?
Answer: Provide information on Project Managers using data file rows 75-100. If the Project Manager is not also the Project Architect, indicate the Project Architect as a staff member in rows 137-146. 18.
Question: In different forums with HISD staff and AE professionals, it was interpreted that teaming of qualified architectural firms was encouraged: i.e., to meet the Districts needs. However, Attachment C does not seem to allow the presentation of multiple architectural firms. Does HISD encourage teaming among architectural firms?
Answer: HISD will contract with a single legal entity. It is the Respondent’s responsibility to determine their approach to the composition of that single legal entity. Refer to the RFQ Form G, page 2
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19.
Question: Attachment C makes reference to providing specific information for architectural, MEP and structural design firms. However, Attachment B, “Basic Services includes civil, structural, mechanical and electrical engineering services, plumbing, food service, acoustical and landscape services, accessibility design, cost estimating, and any other design services that are normally or customarily furnished and reasonably necessary for the design of the Project, …………………” Should Attachment C include only architectural, MEP and structural design firms?
Answer: No. Principal and Project Manager information is required for architectural, MEP and structural consultants. Refer to rows 117-134 of Attachment C for listing of consultants. 20.
Question: The question to follow relates to Attachment C, Data File. If our scenario is that the Architect will be Prime contractor, the intention under the heading of PROJECT INFORMATION is to list , with Project Number 1-15 projects, buildings that have been designed by the Prime, and not any of the Sub Consultants like MEP or Structural, correct? Alongside us our MEP and Structural have much experience so that’s the reason for the question.
Answer: The objective of including Project Descriptions is to allow the A/E firm (Respondent) to highlight their team’s most relevant aesthetic and functional design solutions. Every project has many subconsultants who do essential work. It is the A/E firm’s responsibility to select projects that best convey that information and describe them effectively. 20b.
Question: I believe their experience will be listed in same Data File under PRINCIPALS, and, STAFF PROJECT MANAGERS. Is this all correct?
Answer: Yes 21.
Question: I am not able to open the spreadsheets in Attachment D and E. Am I the only one having that problem? I’ve already saved it to my computer. My versions of MS office (excel and such) is 2007.
Answer: Please contact Elvis Eaglin by email. 22.
Question: Is there one of the files in the attachment that needs to be opened first?
Answer: If you have difficulty with any file, please contact Elvis Eaglin by email. 23.
Question: Page 1 of the RFQ refers to "An original, 1 copy, 10 printed copies…" but page 13 says, "1 original, 10 printed copies…" Which would you prefer?
Answer: Refer to Addendum #3. 24.
Question: Page 1 says, "The original and one copy must be submitted in binders…" but page 13 says we can use "metal spiral binding spines, plastic/vinyl comb binding spines, or other semipermanent method…" Which would you prefer?
Answer: Any of the binding methods listed will be accepted. HISD prefers 3 ring binders, but a Respondent may provide any binding method listed as acceptable.
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25.
Question: Given the unique specialization of some of the programs in the high school category, it may be necessary for a prime design firm to employ either a completely (or partially) different slate of sub-consultants suited to those projects. Is it appropriate to identify specific campus projects in the RFQ response and the prime design firm’s corresponding sub-consultants for those? If so, could this be best described in ‘sub-sections’ of the Section 3 Divider narrative of team roles and responsibilities, or would you expect a second (third, or more) separate submittal from the prime design firm tailored for each targeted project?
Answer: For attachment C, submit the A/E firm team and subcontractors most appropriate for the general category (High Schools, Elementary Schools, etc.). Use the narrative to explain any proposed alternate consultants. Responses must conform to the required format outlined in the RFQ and Addenda, so no additional sub-sections should be included. Approaches to team composition that target specialized purposes should be included in the narrative. Separate submittals are not required and multiple submittals from the same A/E firm (as prime) will not be accepted.
Questions pertaining to Evaluation Criteria: 26.
Question: Are the selection criteria items A-G listed in section 3.5 weighted equally? If not, could you provide information on relative importance?
Answer: No additional detailed information will be provided for weighting of criteria. All criteria will be looked at to determine the most highly qualified A/E firm or business entity. 27.
Question: Is it possible that a firm with no school or institutional projects in its portfolio could be considered for HISD projects, if several of the staff have significant school experience from working at other offices?
Answer: All A/E firms and business entities submitting responses to the RFQ will be considered. A/E Firm experience and qualifications and project manager experience and qualifications are distinct criteria that will be considered. 28.
Question: Will HISD publish scoring criteria by points or %?
Answer: HISD does not have any points or percentages associated with the published scoring criteria.
Questions pertaining to formatting: 29.
Question: Can we change those page breaks? Can we set cells to wrap text? Is there a maximum amount of information allowed in project fields such as “How this project experience relates to projects listed in Attachment A”?
Answer: Data file responses are expected to be brief. Wrapping text is acceptable for questions that may need a few sentences instead of a few words. Page breaks may be inserted for print management. When printed the pages should be 8-1/2 x 11 with information requested fields on the left side of the page 30.
Question: Are the “reports” to be included in section 3, item 2 of the SOQ, understood to be Construction Field Reports?
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Answer: Primarily, but not exclusively field reports; other technical reports prepared during the construction phase may be examples of services provided by the A/E firm. All reports required by HISD will need to be installed into our Pro Log Management Program. 31.
Question: D. Section 2 (Firm and Project Information) Data File (Attachment C) e. Graphic Information: The Respondent may include photographs, plans or other graphical information about any of the up to fifteen (15) projects. When printed from the electronic file, this information shall not exceed one page per project. Is graphic information showing on a single double-sided sheet considered 1 or 2 pages? See example options below, is Option 1 acceptable?
Answer: Each project description should fit on one, single-sided 8-1/2”x11” page. 32.
Question: For the 15 projects, do we have to put the photos and plans in Excel or can they be pdf’s?
Answer: They must be included in the Excel file. 33.
Question: On section 3.3.D.1, item ‘e’, RFQ allows for addition of graphic information but limits the size to one printed page. Is respondent allowed to assume the definition of ‘Page’ is the same as the definition on submittal requirements which is: Pages shall be no larger than letter-size (8-1/2" by 11 ") or, if folded to that dimension, twice letter size (11" by 17"). Each section (defined below) shall be separated by a tabbed divider.
Answer: The 11x17 reference is deleted in Addendum #3. Submit one-sided 8-1/2 x 11 page size. 34.
Question: Is two-sided printing acceptable?
Answer: No. 35.
Question: Please expand on the instructions regarding the use and printing of the Excel Data File. The RFQ instructions say, “Do not reformat rows, columns, fonts, shading or other characteristics of the file that would hinder file merging or data extraction." Can you explain how the Excel file will be used by the district and the maximum amount of modifications allowed by proposing firms? For example, the document is currently set up with page breaks so that respondent answers and questions would print on separate pages.
Answer: Fill in data in the column to the right of the information requested field. Page breaks may be necessary for print management. Do not introduce any formatting into the document, such as merging cells that would interfere with the ability to sort the data. The data file is an information gathering tool. It is not intended to be modified other than as required to provide the specific information requested.
Questions pertaining to M/WBE:
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36.
Question: May we utilize the State of Texas HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP) template to submit our M/WBE participation criteria or does HISD have a template they would like us to use?
Answer: HISD does not recognize the State of Texas HUB Subcontracting Plan (HSP). The HSP may be used as reference only.
37.
Question: What is a MWBE Participation Plan (Attachment G)?
Answer: An M/WBE Participation Plan must include desired participation percentage goal, information and documentation that demonstrates the A/E firm (Respondent) made a good faith effort to utilize M/WBE owned firms within the project(s) they are seeking. Examples include, but not limited to, equal partnering with M/WBE firm, forming legal joint venture with M/WBE firm, or subcontracting with M/WBE firm(s) to meet/exceed professional services goal.
38.
Question: What kind of documents does HISD expect the respondent to submit?
Answer: Refer to instructions in the RFQ. In reference to M/WBE plan, there are no formal documents. Proposer should provide M/WBE plan in format of choice. 39.
Question: Should the MBE Plan be included in the proposal document or only under separate cover?
Answer: The ten copies of the original documents you provide must still contain your M/WBE plan in each copy. 40.
Question: Does HISD have an SBE (Small Business Enterprise) participation plan or is it only MWBE?
Answer: Only Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) program. 41.
Question: Will there be a published HUB participation expectation issued?
Answer: No, HISD does not recognize State of Texas HUB. Proposer must submit an M/WBE Participation Plan that provides information/documentation which shows they made a good faith effort to utilize M/WBE owned firms within the project(s) they are seeking. 42.
Question: We are a responding Prime firm for the RFQ For Architectural- Engineering Services for 2012 Bond Program. I seek verification on our strategy for meeting the 25% Professional Services goal. Please verify that I’m interpreting our situation along the expectations that the District is pursuing to meet the goal.
Answer: HISD is committed to the success of M/WBE owned firms within the 2012 bond program. Our professional services goal is 25%; therefore we are asking proposers to submit an M/WBE participation plan that provides information/documentation which shows the A/E Firm (Respondent) made a good faith effort to utilize M/WBE owned firms within the project(s) they are seeking. 43.
Question: We are the Prime firm as stated, and we are a MBE certified by HMSDC. Our MEP and Structural Engineers are not a minority owned business. There are other consulting engineers
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that would be contracted also. How are the percentages measured, and can I assume that if we bring our certification to the table, the design team would meet the goal? Answer: The district is committed to the success of M/WBE owned firms within the 2012 bond program. Our professional services goal is 25%; therefore we are asking proposers to submit an M/WBE participation plan that provides information/documentation which shows the A/E firm (Respondent) made a good faith effort to utilize M/WBE owned firms within the project(s) they are seeking.
Questions pertaining to partnering and subcontracting: 44.
Question: RFQ page 13, paragraph 3.3.C.1.d – [We] fully understand the requirement to maintain an office in Houston during the term of the agreement. During the evaluation, will a firm be graded down if they don't have an office in Houston at the time of the RFQ submission?
45.
Question: Will a firm be excluded from receiving a project award if they currently do not have a Houston office?
46.
Question: If a firm joint ventures or teams with a local Houston firm will this team receive full consideration as a local Houston office.
Answer to Questions 1-3: HISD will be working very closely with the contracted A/E firm during the design and construction process. The successful A/E firm will be required to have an office in Houstion in order to facilitate communications and be responsive to project needs. The A/E firm office must be operational prior to beginning work with HISD. Since we are contracting with a single business entity (A/E firm, JV, LLC, etc.), such entity must have an office in Houston. 47.
Question: If respondent has an Associate Design Architect on the team as a sub-consultant, is it allowed to list their projects among the main 15 projects?
Answer: No. Question: The RFQ refers to the “prime” firm and the “prime design” firm. Can they be two separate entities within the same team? Answer: There is only one A/E firm (Respondent) per RFQ response. “Prime” and “prime design” are used to describe the Respondent. The Respondent must be a single legal entity with teaming, prime/sub, etc., arrangements determined by the Respondent. 48.
Question: Addendum 1: Please clarify the definition of a Partnership vs. Teaming referenced in Question 3, and will these items be answered and information provided in advance of the January 7th Proposal deadline?
Answer: HISD will be contracting with a single legal entity for this scope of work. That legal entity can be comprised in a number of ways. It is the respondent’s responsibility to determine the best individual or teaming arrangement to comprise that single legal entity. 49.
Question: Can the Prime and the Design Prime be separate companies within a team? If so, do all 15 example projects need to come from the Design Prime?
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Answer: There is only one Respondent per RFQ response. “Prime” and “prime design” are used to describe the Respondent. The Respondent may be an engineering or architectural firm, but there is only one prime A/E firm. See also response to question 33. 50.
Question: We would like to propose multiple project managers to ensure the best qualified personnel are available for the District’s various project types. Can the prime firm propose multiple project managers?
Answer: For attachment C, submit the project manager most appropriate for the particular category of projects (high schools, elementary schools, etc). Use the Narrative to explain any proposed alternate managers. 51.
Question: Can an architectural design firm submit as both a prime design firm and also as a subconsultant to other prime design firm(s) for either a) separate project categories or b) specific campus projects within one category? For example: a small local architectural firm might team with another larger architectural firm for a significant high school project – but might pursue a K8 on their own.
Answer: Yes. 52.
Question: On page 14, the Section 3 divider summary states, ‘If submitting qualifications as a joint-venture, explain the roles and responsibilities for each team member.’ Is it a requirement to form an actual legal joint-venture with an architectural design sub-consultant? Or may the arrangement be a more informal ‘letter of agreement’ between the teaming partners?
Answer: HISD will be contracting with a single legal entity (A/E firm, JV, LLC, etc.), for each project. It is the Respondent’s responsibility to identify the most appropriate legal arrangement to accomplish their objections.
Questions pertaining to financial information: 53.
Question: Due to the high expense of "Audited" Financial Statements, will HISD accept Financial Statements prepared by the Respondent's CPA?
Answer: Refer to answer to question 6 in Addendum #1. Also, from the RFQ: If your A/E firm is unable to provide audited financial statements, please provide a letter explaining why your firm cannot provide and submit any available financial information. This includes providing any available financial information from any new entities as a result of new partnerships or relationship which may be contemplated as part of this RFQ submission. 54.
Question: We will be submitting our qualifications for the Architectural-Engineering Services for the 2012 Facilities Capital Program. We are a privately held company, and as a matter of course we keep our financial information confidential. However, we are willing to make the financial statement information you are requesting in return for your execution of a confidentiality agreement that we will prepare. Will that be acceptable? Should we address our confidentiality agreement to you?
Answer: No, HISD will not accept a confidentiality agreement. Refer to 2.5 and 2.7 on page 10 of the RFQ. Also refer to RFQ 3.3 G, page 15: “If your firm is unable to provide audited financial statements, please provide a letter why your firm cannot provide and submit any available financial information.” See also response to question 6 in Addendum #1. The purpose of requesting this information is to determine
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the financial stability of the Respondent so that the project can proceed smoothly. It is the Respondent’s responsibility to determine the quantity and type of information that they choose to share. 55.
Question: After reviewing the RFQ, our firm has come up with a few question (please see below). Should G. Financial Information in the Table of Contents in fact be Divider 5? All other capitalized characters of the alphabet utilized have denoted a Section (TAB).
Answer: Yes. 56.
Question: In the event of an association or Joint venture should the financial information be provided for all parties?
Answer: The intention of requiring financial information is to demonstrate financial stability for the single legal entity with which HISD will be contracting. It is the responsibility of the A/E firm (Respondent) to determine the best way to demonstrate that financial responsibility.
Questions pertaining to other topics: 57.
Question: Will a programming document be provided for each project?
Answer: A Site-Specific Educational Specification will be developed and provided for each project. That Site-Specific Educational Specification will include information about educational models, space requirements, capacity models, required and desired space adjacencies, as well as infrastructure details and furnishings/fixtures/equipment for each room. 58.
Question: Would it be possible to provide a list of the Priority 1 projects for this RFQ in the current bond.
Answer: Refer to the HISD website for information about the project groups. 59.
Question: How will HISD be selecting the Program Management teams?
Answer: HISD intends to issue an RFQ. 60.
Question: How will the A&E and the PM be assigned to an individual project or set of projects?
Answer: Assignment of Respondents to individual projects will be done at the discretion of HISD and will be determined through the selection process. Assignment of HISD staff and program managers is yet to be determined. 61.
Question: What involvement will the PM’s have in the selection and award of the A&E teams?
Answer: HISD staff, exclusively, is involved in the selection and award of all A/E contracts. At the time of A/E selection, HISD does not have PM firms on board; therefore, the selection is exclusive with HISD staff. 62.
Question: What will the contractual relationship be between the A&E and the PM?
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Answer: Refer to Attachment B. The PM firms will act as an extension of the HISD Bond staff. They will work with the A/E firm to ensure the scope, budget and schedule is maintained as well as the quality of the work performed, Both the A/E firm and PM will be held accountable on equal levels for the outcome. 63.
Question: Due to the fact that we do not know which projects that we may be assigned, should we list consultant areas of expertise that can cover individual project needs?
Amswer: For attachment C, submit the team most appropriate for the general category of schools. Use the narrative to explain any proposed alternate consultants. 64.
Question: Is the A/E firm to provide detailed cost estimating services as part of basic services? Previously it had been considered an additional service.
Answer: Yes. Estimated cost during design and before bidding will be required by the A/E firm as a basic service to your contract. 65.
Question: If the AE is responsible for minutes up to and through the construction phase, what is the role of the CM/PA and Contractor relevant to meeting minutes? Typically, the CM/PA provides meeting minutes up to construction – and the contractor provides them through the construction phase.
Answer: The AE firm is responsible for meeting minutes through design and procurement. Once the construction contract is awarded, the contractor is responsible for meeting minutes. 66.
Question: Regarding 13.1.3.3 - is the AE expected to provide the services of the independent Commissioning Authority as part of Basic Services?
Answer: No. The commissioning Agent should be directly hired and managed by HISD. 67.
Question: Will clarification and/or elaboration of Section 1.1.5 be provided in the pre-submittal conference?
Answer: There is now an opportunity to submit additional questions. Please see addendum #3. 68.
Question: Do we need to show any other consultants besides MEP and Structural when listing Principals and Staff Project Managers?
Answer: No. Principal and Project Manager information is required for architectural, MEP and structural consultants. Refer to rows 117-134 of Attachment C for listing of consultants.
69.
Question: Would an organizational chart to illustrate the structure of the team be beneficial or desired?
Answer: It is left to the A/E firm’s (Respondent’s) discretion to determine the best way to express the requested information within the parameters of the formats specified in the RFQ. 70.
Question: Please confirm the list of Priority 1 projects.
Answer: Refer to the HISD website for the project groups.
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71.
Question: For the District-Wide Projects, namely the District-Wide Safety & Security improvements – as a Security Consulting firm is this a project that we should submit a proposal on as “Prime” or are you expecting the Security Consultant to team with an Architectural firm.
Answer: The specific scope of these projects is yet to be determined, but these projects may require AE services. Therefore, the team would need to include licensed professionals. 72.
Question: Will there be an environmental component (i.e. Phase I ESA's) under the 2012 Facilities Capital Program or will these services be bid separately?
Answer: These services will be handled separately. Please see addendum #3 for listing of additional services to be bid at a later date.
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