Notice Details

Description:

This Request for Qualifications and Expression of Interest (“RFQEI”) is being issued by the New York City School Construction Authority (“SCA”) to solicit industry feedback and to evaluate vendor interest and qualifications in connection with certain Scopes of Services.

The SCA is responsible for the project delivery of new and major renovations of public school facilities throughout the five (5) boroughs of New York City. The SCA oversees all capital planning, contracting, design, and construction management of all projects in the five-year Capital Plan. To learn more about the SCA’s Capital Plan visit https://www.nycsca.org/Community/Capital-Plan-Reports-Data#Capital-Plan-67.

One or more Consultants will be identified, via a forma Request for Proposal process, to perform Services in one or more of the following areas:

(1) Transitioning the SCA from the MasterFormat Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) 16 Divisions to the current industry 50 Divisions, and training SCA users thereon;

(2) Conduct a Project Labor Agreement (“PLA”) Feasibility study for Design Build efforts related to both Capacity (new school) and Capital Improvement Program (“CIP” renovation/rehabilitation) projects.

(3) Master Planning Services; and

(4) Design Build Requirements Consulting (also known as “Criteria Consultant” or “Owner’s Rep”) Services.

Scopes of Services

(1) “CSI 50 Implementation”: The SCA develops and maintains design standards for public school designs that in-house and consultant architects reference to develop construction documents. The SCA performance specifications, which are based on the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) 16 divisions MasterFormat breakdown, are used for all SCA project types. The selected Consultant will be responsible for SCA-wide conversion from the 5-digit code specifications standards that have been modified over the years to the industry’s latest 50 division MasterFormat with an 8-digit code.

(2) “PLA Study”: Section 1, § 4 of the via Assembly Bill A7636B (https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2019/A7636), the New York City Public Works Investment Act (“Act”), requires that all Design Build efforts be accomplished pursuant to a Project Labor Agreement. A Project Labor Agreement (PLA) is a pre-hire collective bargaining agreement with one or more labor organizations that establishes the terms and conditions of employment and project delivery for specific construction projects. The SCA has a current PLA with the Building & Construction Trades Council of Greater New York (BCTC) covering specified rehabilitation and renovation work. In order to implement a PLA that would govern the SCA’s Design Build projects, the SCA must, pursuant to Labor Law Section 222, Section 2.a.2 (New York Labor Law Section 222), determine that the PLA would further the SCA’s “interest in obtaining the best work at the lowest possible price, preventing favoritism, fraud and corruption, and other considerations such as the impact of delay, the possibility of cost savings advantages, and any local history of labor unrest”. The selected Consultant will be tasked with undertaking, or supporting an SCA-led, “Feasibility Study” specific to a Design Build Project Labor Agreement.

(3) “Master Planning Services”: In response to this RFQEI we are also asking interested firms to demonstrate their ability to perform Master Planning Services with the goal of updating the SCA’s Design Standards for its large portfolio of school buildings. Interested firms should respond with prior examples of their master planning experience relating to standards. Associated disciplines/areas of expertise required for this Master Plan service effort shall include, but not be limited to Architectural, Structural, Civil, Geotechnical, Electrical, Lighting, Heating Ventilation and Air-Conditioning, Fire Protection, Plumbing and Drainage, Interior Design, Sustainability, Landscaping, Cost Estimating, Acoustical, Elevator, Signage and Wayfinding, Waste Management, Kitchen, Traffic Engineering, ADA Accessibility, Forensic Architect, Educators, Graphic Design, Security Consultant, Historical Preservation and Energy Modeling Services. It is expected that the components of the study will include Engagement, Data Gathering and Educational & Building Standards. The required services include but are not limited to:

     a. Submission of reports in InDesign, PDF, PowerPoint and other electronic format for all documents as required by the SCA.

     b. Detailed review and assessment of all existing NYCSCA Design Standards.

     c. Engagement In-person and virtual engagement with stakeholders at the SCA, New York City Department of Education, New York City School Construction Authority, Communities (targeted outreach), SCA Design Consultants, and other parties via workshops (visioning) to ensure that collection of comprehensive data to support the update and creation of additional Design Standards. Listening sessions, workshops and surveys shall be included as means of collecting data for this Master Plan.

     d. In-person and virtual community engagement to identify highest needs, a vision for teaching and learning in the form of educational specification standards and building and architectural design standards.

     e. Preparation of recommendations based on data collected from stakeholders, best pedagogical practice and associated cost estimates for the recommendations. Cost estimates will be instrumental in the decision-making process as it will impact the SCA’s 2025-2029 Capital Plan.

     f. Updating and adding to the SCA’s current suite of standards.

(4) “Design Build Requirements Consultant”: The SCA is authorized, via the Act, to award Design Build contracts for certain public works within the City. The Act requires that the SCA utilize a two-step procurement process for Design Build contracts: a request for qualifications and then a request for proposals to short-listed vendors. The Act also requires that the SCA select the Design Build proposal that provides the best value to the City, taking into consideration the qualifications of the Design Builder, the quality of the proposal, and the proposed cost. Design Build contracts awarded pursuant to the Act may be for a lump sum, guaranteed maximum price (“GMP”), or other price format. Firms reviewing this RFQEI should be familiar with the Act, and with the Design Build model, and are being asked to respond to certain SCA-specific nuances in connection therewith. The selected Consultant will be tasked with Program and Project Development, including, but not limited to, development of Design Build strategies, creation of internal program materials, risk assessments, development of project specific performance-based specifications, pre- and post-award support, and project management/administration services, for SCA Design Build projects. Ultimately, guided by primers and best practices promulgated by the Design Build Institute of America (“DBIA”), the SCA intends to seek Requirements Consulting Phase 2 services from proposers with strong leadership, technical, and facilitative skills that have extensive experience developing and managing Design Build projects. Services required by the SCA include, without limitation, the following:

     a. Program Development:

            i. Strategize and develop the initial NYCSCA Design Build program, outlining project objectives, priorities, opportunities and requirements.

            ii. Collaborate with SCA stakeholder departments including Architecture & Engineering, Construction Management, Capital Plan Management, Design & Construction Innovation Management (including Technical Standards and Cost Estimating), Environmental & Regulatory Compliance, Finance, Information Technology, Legal and Operations to define program goals and objectives.

            iii. Recommendations on how to ensure that the Design Professional’s standard of care is maintained as it relates to the Owner.

     b. Procurement Support:

            i. Draft and issue all elements of the two-stage Design Build procurement process including the RFQ and RFP, with particular emphasis on the development of appropriate evaluation criteria to be used during each phase.

            ii. Evaluate proposals at both stages and make recommendations based on project requirements and budget constraints.

     c. Contract Development and Administration:

            i. Develop contract documents, including terms, conditions, and scope of work, specific to Design Build program.

            ii. Negotiate contract terms on behalf of the owner to ensure best value and protection of interests.

            iii. Administer contracts throughout the project lifecycle, including dispute resolution.

     d. Design and Construction Oversight:

            i. Review design documents to ensure compliance with SCA Specifications, Design Requirements and all regulations including NYC building codes, SHPO, if applicable, FDNY, etc.

            ii. Monitor construction progress and quality through site visits, inspections, and coordination meetings.

           iii. Address design and construction issues in a timely manner to mitigate risks and ensure project success.

     e. Stakeholder Coordination: Facilitate communication and collaboration among internal and external project stakeholders.

     f. Budget and Financial Management:

            i. Develop, maintain and track project budgets, including cost estimates, forecasts, and expenditures.

            ii. Liaise with the selected Design Build team, identify cost-saving and value engineering opportunities and recommend strategies to optimize project spending.

     g. Risk Management: Identify potential risks and challenges throughout the project lifecycle and develop mitigation strategies and proactive measures, including appropriate insurance requirements, to minimize disruptions and delays.

     h. Quality Assurance and Control:

            i. Implement quality assurance measures to ensure that the selected Design Build partner meets project requirements and delivers high-quality work.

            ii. Conduct regular inspections and reviews to verify compliance with design and construction standards.

     i. Project Closeout:

            i. Manage the closeout process, including commissioning, final inspections, certifications, and documentation.

            ii. Facilitate the transition of the completed facility, including collection of operating manuals, warranties and guarantees.

The Design Build Requirements Consultant will also be expected to prepare or facilitate reports, minutes, or other program and project-related documentation, including with regard to MWBE participation, and to maintain comprehensive project records, including contracts, correspondence, and all documentation required in order to support and respond to any future audit.