NOTICE TO ARCHITECT/ENGINEERS

The Florida International University Board of Trustees announces that services in the discipline of Architecture/Engineering are required for the project identified below:

Project Name and Number:      BT-814 STOCKER ASTROSCIENCE CENTER

Project Location:                       Modesto A. Maidique Campus (MMC)

                                                     Miami, Florida

Project Description:

This new facility will have a permanently mounted telescope for advanced astronomy students. The main observatory level will be raised above the ground lights, at least 4 stories high. The site will have a limited footprint (25 feet wide) and is adjacent to the Chemistry & Physics and the Owa Ehan buildings. The structure be a tower with a small footprint and rise above the adjacent three story buildings. Spaces required include:

·          A rooftop, open air observing pad capable of supporting at least 45 students and 7 telescope mounts. The space must have visibility at least 20 degrees above all horizons. Wheelchair accessible.

·          A dome to permanently mount a larger telescope for advanced classes and public outreach.

·          An enclosed area immediately below the open air observing pad to store and repair the smaller telescopes, and also area there to address students before observing.

·          A laboratory room on the ground floor with computer stations for indoor astronomy labs.

·          Office spaces for faculty, students and computer labs.

·          An exhibit hall/entry way underneath the dome for public programs, exhibits and receptions.

The AstroScience Center’s observing pad will serve as a place to teach astronomy, enhance research opportunities for advanced students and also be an asset to FIU’s extensive public outreach endeavors.

Plans for future expansion may include a planetarium to the south and southeast of the tower.

Construction cost is estimated to be approximately $1,800,000.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Firms desiring to apply for consideration shall submit a letter of application. The letter of application should have attached:

1.     A completed “Florida International University Professional Qualifications Supplement (FIUPQS).” The official FIUPQS forms must be downloaded from the FIU web site at http://facilities.fiu.edu/projects/BT-814.htm. Applications on any other form will not be considered.

2.     A copy of the applicant’s current Professional Registration Certificate from the appropriate Governing board. An applicant must be properly registered at the time of application to practice its profession in the State of Florida. If the applicant is a corporation, it must be properly chartered by the Florida Department of State to operate in Florida.

Submit Seven (7) bound copies of the required proposal data and one CD copy in Adobe Acrobat PDF format of the requested qualifications to: Selection Committee, Florida International University, Real Estate Development and Planning, Campus Support Complex, 11555 S. W. 17th St., Room CSC142, Modesto A. Maidique Campus, Miami, Florida 33199. Applications that do not comply with the above instructions will not be considered. Application material will not be returned. The University reserves the right to suspend or discontinue the selection process at any time and to return or reject any or all submissions of qualifications without obligation to the respondent. The award of this contract is subject to availability of funds.

The plans and specifications prepared by the A/E are subject to reuse in accordance with the provisions of Section 287.055, Florida Statutes. As required by Section 287.133, Florida Statutes, a consultant 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 consultant 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.

FIU HAS CREATED STANDARD CONTRACT FORMS AND STANDARD INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO A/E’S FOR A/E SERVICES TO PROVIDE FOR AN EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE PROCESS. THESE FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW AND CAN BE FOUND AT: http://facilities.fiu.edu/projects/BT-814.htm.

ALL APPLICANTS SHOULD REVIEW THE APPLICABLE FIU CONTRACT FORM AND STANDARD INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS CAREFULLY PRIOR TO MAKING A DECISION AS TO WHETHER OR NOT TO RESPOND TO THIS ADVERTISEMENT.

The Project Fact Sheet, which describes the selection process schedule for this Project and additional information regarding the Project scope, may be obtained from the website: http://facilities.fiu.edu/projects/BT-814.htm. Requests for meetings by individual firms will not be granted. Once the firm acquires the required forms, questions may be directed to: Real Estate Development and Planning at (305)348-4090 or via email: griffith@fiu.edu.

Submittals must be received between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. or 1:30 p.m and 4:00 p.m. (Local Time), Friday, September 24, 2010. Submittals will not be accepted before or after the times and date stated above. Facsimile (FAX) submittals are not acceptable and will not be considered.