C -- RESEARCH LABORATORY FACILITIES AT VA CHICAGO HEALTHCARE SYSTEM, WEST SIDE DIVISION, 820 SOUTH DAMEN AVENUE, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

Provide professional architectural and engineering services for the design of "Research Laboratory Facilities", Project No. 537-314, at VA Chicago Health Care System (VACHCS), West Side Division, 820 South Damen Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60612. Services to include: Development of Program Space Requirements, Study of Existing Furniture and Equipment, Conceptual Design Layout Schemes, Design Development Drawings, Construction Drawings, Specifications, Cost Estimate and Construction Period Services to renovate approximately 9,000 square feet of existing space to accommodate offices and research laboratories on the 5th floor of Building 11A at VACHCS. The renovation is to include, but is not be limited to, moving the existing patient files to a new location in the hospital, selective demolition, reconstruction of floors, partitions, ceilings, doors, research benches, exhaust hoods, HVAC, Sprinkler & Fire Alarm System, integration of existing deionized water system, electrical and mechanical systems upgrades, etc. The existing space shall be reconfigured for the most efficient use of space to provide a centralized state-of-the-art research facility. The modernization will include new flooring, walls, ceilings and lighting. Abatement of existing Asbestos Containing Materials will be designed and managed by VA. The estimated project cost is between $1,000,000 to $5,000,000. Design completion time is 120 calendar days from contract award, with design reviews at 25%, 70%, 95% and 100%. Standard design criteria established for the Veterans Affairs Facilities should be followed, and can be viewed at www.va.gov/facmgt/ae. Selection criteria will be based on: (1) Past performance on similar projects, maintaining project schedules and project budgets; (2) Overall engineering design experience and capability with architectural, mechanical and electrical renovation projects; (3) Qualifications of staff to be assigned, with special emphasis on field personnel to be utilized; (4) Knowledge in design and construction requirements; (5) Cost control effectiveness; (6) Location of offices supporting project; and (7) Ability to produce all plan documents on a CAD system fully compatible with AutoCAD. A/E firms that meet the requirements listed in this announcement are invited to submit two copies of Standard Form 254 and Standard Form 255 by May 12, 2004. NAICS code 541330 applies. No bid packages are available. This is not a request for proposal. Contract Award will be subject to availability of funds. Mail information to: Department of Veterans Affairs, Attn: Katherine McClendon (138), 333 E. Huron, Chicago, IL 60611.