1. IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This contract is being procured in accordance with the Brooks A-E Act as implemented in FAR Subpart 36.6. The top rated firm will be selected for negotiations based on demonstrated competence and qualifications for the required work. A-E 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 subject project. North American Industrial Classification System code is 541310, which has a 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 and design completed by Sep 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. PROJECT INFORMATION: a)The successful Architect/Engineer firm shall provide design services necessary to furnish: Schematics, Design Development, Construction Documents, Technical Specifications, Construction Period Services, Site Visits, Cost Estimates, and all other related information for design Project 515-08-103, Upgrade Fire Alarm System AE Design, at the VA Medical Center in Battle Creek, Michigan. b) This project will correct the current problems encountered with the existing Siemens (MXL-IQ) hardwired fire alarm system installed through the Medical Centers campus, eliminating nuisance trouble notifications in non-affected buildings, and reducing the systems susceptibility to lightning disturbances. Solutions for consideration will include but not be limited to: Replacement of the existing wired fire detection reporting system and controls with a wireless system reporting from each building panel to the Fire Department Control Center and the Security Control Center. Replacement of the underground distribution system. Replacement of the existing MXL-IQ Building Panels. c)Coordinate all activities with the VA Medical Center (VAMC). Hold informal meetings (upon mutual consent of the VA and the A/E) at the VAMC to discuss the design and related issues. Continue to expand contacts by telephone, rough sketch studies and other means of communication with the purpose of finalizing a general design approach to be followed. d)Final approved Schematic documents shall be the basis for the development of the Design Development phase. Likewise, final approved Design Development documents shall be the basis for the development of the Construction Documents phase. The VAMC must approve any changes from each set of documents before the A/E proceeds to the next phase. e)VA will review all submittals for functional and aesthetic relationships. However, no further functional decisions are anticipated after the Design Development phase. f)Provide a design narrative/analysis for each technical discipline (e.g., architectural, mechanical, fire protection, etc.) which describes the intent of each discipline with schematic and/or design development submission. g)Provide computations and sizing calculations for electrical, mechanical (HVAC, plumbing, and steam), sanitary, structural and fire protection designs. For computerized calculations, submit complete and clear documentation of computer programs, interpretation of input/output, and description of program procedures. h)Provide individually packaged drawings for each submission to each unit specified in the "Distribution of A/E Materials" section. i)Submit a complete set of final approved drawings incorporating all revisions, within 15 days after completion of the Schematics and Design Development stages. j)At each review stage, the VAs technical reviewer, a value-engineering consultant, or a construction manager will perform a value engineering review. k)Submit final drawings (Bid Documents) on CD to be used with the AutoCAD version at the VAMC. Submit instructions on the use of the disks along with a complete listing of all layers that are used. 3. SELECTION CRITERIA: The selection criteria for this particular project are listed hereafter in descending order of importance: PRIMARY EVALUATION 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. (Firms with no previous VA AE design experience receive a neutral rating) e) Volume of Work including Related Government Work f) Overall Estimating Effectiveness SECONDARY TIE BREAKER 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. 4. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS: Interested firms having the capabilities to perform this work must submit two copies of SF 330 (form available on-line at the GSA Forms Library: http://www.gsa.gov/HDR_0_forms) for the prime firm and all consultants, to the Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Medical Center, 5500 Armstrong Rd., Bldg 9 - Room 105, Att: Scott Brennan, Battle Creek, MI 49037, to be received by no later than 4:00 PM local time on Feb 25, 2009. The SF 330 shall not exceed 50 sheets. Facsimile or email submissions will not be accepted. Insure the identifying number (VA25109RP0113) is located on the outside of the delivery package. No additional project information will be given to firms during the announcement period. This is not a request for proposal. The Government is under no obligation to award a contract as a result of this announcement nor will the Government pay or reimburse any costs associated with responding to this sources sought synopsis request. See Numbered Note 24
