NOTICE TO PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANTS:

The University of Florida Board of Trustees announces that Professional Services in the discipline of architecture will be required for the project listed below:

Project: UF-292, Communicore BSL3 Research Facility, Gainesville Florida

The project consists of the renovation of the Communicore Animal Facility (CAF). a 55,333 net assignable square foot facility located in the basement of the Communicore Building, a three story building located in the J. Hillis Miller Health Science Center.  Approximately 15% of the existing CAF will be renovated.  It will modernize 100% of the existing ABSL3 suite and enlarge it to about 250% of its present size (3,333 net square feet to 8,473 net square feet) by incorporating and renovating to modern ABSL3 standards areas now occupied by one SPF rodent barrier and small portions of large animal holding, and the ABSL2 suite.  Program space will be comprised of laboratory and procedure, support and ABSL3 animal housing.  The primary function of the completed ABSL3 suite will be to provide space that allows secure, safe and efficient use of agents, including select agents, classified as requiring BSL3 conditions.

The estimated construction budget is approximately $6,284,974.00.  The project will be delivered using the Construction Management method. Silver LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accreditation by the U.S. Green Building Council is mandatory.

The selected firm will provide design, construction documents and construction administration services for the referenced project.  Blanket professional liability insurance will be required for this project in the amount of $1,000,000, and will be provided as a part of Basic Services.  Plans and specifications for University of Florida projects are subject to reuse in accordance with the provisions of Section 287.055, Florida Statutes.

Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of their past performance, experience, personnel, design ability, references, location, 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.

Applicants desiring to provide professional services for the project shall submit a proposal only after thoroughly reviewing the facilities program, Project Fact Sheet, and other background information.  The proposal shall be limited to 40 single-sided, consecutively-numbered pages and shall include:

1.        A Letter of Application that concisely illustrates the applicant’s understanding of the scope of services, design intent, and other goals and considerations as outlined in the Project Fact Sheet and facilities program.

2.        Company information and signed certification.

3.        A completed, project-specific "Professional Qualifications Supplement” (PQS) proposal.  Applications on any other form will not be considered.

4.        Resumes and copies of the applicant's current Professional Registration Certificate(s) from the appropriate governing board, corporate charter(s) if applicable, LEED certification, and other pertinent credentials.

At the time of application, the applicant must hold a current design Professional Registration Certificate(s) from the appropriate governing board; must be properly registered to practice its profession in the State of Florida; and, if the applicant is a corporation, must be chartered by the Florida Department of State to operate in Florida.  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.

Unsigned proposals or proposals containing expired or invalid licenses will be disqualified.  Submittal materials will not be returned.

The project-specific PQS form, instructions, Project Fact Sheet, Facilities Program, UF Design Services Guide, UF Construction Standards, standard University of Florida Owner-Professional agreement, and other project and process information can be found on the Facilities Planning & 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 Facilities Planning & Construction Office by 3:00 PM local time, on Friday, July 28, 2006.  Facsimile (FAX) submittals are not acceptable and will not be considered.

Facilities Planning & Construction

232 Stadium / P.O. Box 115050

Gainesville, FL 32611-5050

Telephone: 352-392-1256

FAX: 352-392-6378

Internet: www.facilities.ufl.edu