C--REPLACE PRIMARY SWITCHGEAR B141 AE DESIGN

1. Architect-Engineering services are required for Schematics, Design Development, Construction Documents, Technical Specifications, Construction Period Services, Site Visits, Cost Estimates, and all other related information for the project Replace Primary Switchgear B141 at the VA Medical Center Battle Creek MI. North American Industrial Classification System code is 541310, which has a small business size standard of $4,500,000 in average annual receipts. This announcement is open to only Emerging Small Business firms. Emerging Small Business means a small business concern whose size is no greater than 50 percent of the numerical size standard applicable to the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code assigned to a contracting opportunity. A firm-fixed-price contract will be negotiated. The contract is anticipated to be awarded in May 2009. To be eligible for contract award, a firm must be registered in the Central Contractor Registration (CCR) Register via the CCR Internet site at http://www.ccr.gov. 2. The Architect/Engineer shall provide design services necessary to furnish: Schematics, Design Development, Construction Documents, Technical Specifications, Construction Period Services, Site Visits, Cost Estimates, As-Built Documentation, and all other related information for Project 515-09-103, Replace Primary Switchgear B141, at the VA Medical Center in Battle Creek, Michigan. This project will replace the existing main switchgear for incoming primary power to the Medical Center. Design shall include but not be limited to: Demolition of existing switchgear and two associated buildings along with fencing and concrete. Installation of new switchgear and controls to connect the incoming power with the existing Veterans Administration power grid. Installation of flat work and cabling to allow for future connection to dedicated standby power generators. Any system control component hardware and/or software required to run the switchgear. 3. Magnitude of Construction: Between $250,000 and $500,000. 4. SF330 submissions will be evaluated using the following criteria: PRIMARY FACTORS a. Professional Qualifications, experience, and technical competence of the firm (including a joint venture or association) with the type of services required b. Specific experience and qualifications of personnel proposed for assignment to the project and record of working together as a team c. Professional capacity of the firm in the designated geographic area of the project to perform work (including any specialized services) within the time limitations. Unusually large existing workload that may limit A/E's capacity to perform project work expeditiously d. Past record of performance on contracts with the Department of Veterans Affairs. This factor may be used to adjust scoring for any unusual circumstances that may be considered to deter adequate performance by an A/E. e. Estimating Effectiveness f. Volume of Work & Related Government Work SECONDARY FACTORS g. Geographic location and facilities of the working office(s) which would provide the professional services and familiarity with the area in which the project is located h. Miscellaneous Experience & Capabilities: Interior Design, LEED, Fast Track Construction, CAD & other Computer applications, Value Engineering & Life Cycle Cost Analyses, Environmental & Historic Preservation Considerations, Energy Conservation & New energy resources. 6. The NAICS Codes for this procurement is 541310 Architectural Services. Qualified A-E firms are required to respond in writing if interested & shall submit two (2) completed SF Form 330 packages (form available on-line at: http://vaww.va.gov/facmgt/ae). Submission information incorporated by reference is not allowed. All submissions must be bound in some manner (spiral, wire, binder, etc.). Mail to the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Medical Center, CSCMichigan (90VC)., Bldg 9 - Room 105, 5500 Armstrong Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49037, Attn: Scott D. Brennan, Contracting Officer to be received by no later than 4:30 PM local time on Tuesday Mar 10, 2009. No solicitation document is available and no other information pertaining to project scope, etc. is available at this time. No faxed or emailed forms will be accepted. No phone inquires. Send any request for assistance with submission or other procedural matters via email only. After the evaluation of submissions in accordance with the evaluation criteria a 'short list' of three or more of the most highly qualified firms will be chosen for interviews to present their approach to the design to arrive at selection of the number one firm for negotiations. The Government will not pay nor reimburse any costs associated with responding to this sources sought request. The Government is under no obligation to award a contract as a result of this sources sought announcement. Award of any resultant contract is contingent upon the availability of funds. 7. See Numbered Note 24