Request for Qualifications -Architect-Engineer (A/E) Services – Design Package for Upgrade of Consular Workspace and Kitchenette

SUBJECT: Architect-Engineer (A/E) Services – Design Package for Upgrade of Consular Workspace and Kitchenette

Reference No.: 19SF2026Q0019

The U.S. Consulate General Cape Town invites qualified Architect-Engineer (A/E) firms to submit their qualifications to provide professional A/E services for the development of a complete design package for the upgrade of existing Consular workspace and kitchenette areas located at the U.S. Consulate General Cape Town, South Africa.

IMPORTANT: This is a qualifications-based selection. Do not submit pricing information at this stage.

1. Requirement

The Government requires a qualified A/E firm to develop a coordinated, detailed design package for the renovation and upgrade of existing Consular workspace and kitchenette areas.

The contemplated professional services include:

• Conducting site investigations and documenting existing conditions.
• Space programming and development of proposed workspace and kitchenette layouts.
• Architectural and interior design.
• Demolition and partition planning.
• Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment (FF&E) planning and specifications.
• Interior elevations and reflected ceiling plans.
• Electrical power and data layouts and associated engineering calculations.
• Plumbing layouts and coordination.
• Structural design and analysis, where required.
• Interior finishes, flooring, millwork and cabinetry design and specifications.
• Accessibility, egress and applicable code-compliance review.
• Coordination of applicable architectural, structural, electrical, plumbing and other engineering disciplines.
• Preparation of construction drawings and technical specifications/project manual.
• Preparation of a detailed construction cost estimate.
• Preparation of a complete design package containing sufficient detail for the Government to subsequently solicit the construction work.

The proposed A/E team shall include appropriately qualified and professionally registered personnel for the disciplines necessary to successfully complete the design.

Architectural services shall be performed by a registered Architect with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP), or an acceptable equivalent U.S. architectural registration, as applicable.

Engineering services shall be performed under the responsible charge of appropriately qualified professional engineers registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) as Professional Engineers (Pr.Eng.), or holding an acceptable equivalent U.S. Professional Engineer (P.E.) license, as applicable to the discipline of work.

The design shall take into consideration applicable South African building requirements and standards, existing site conditions, and the availability of construction materials, furniture, fixtures and equipment within the South African market.

A detailed Statement of Work (SOW) will be provided to the most highly qualified firm following completion of the qualifications evaluation.

2. Selection Method

This acquisition will be conducted using the qualifications-based selection procedures of FAR Subpart 36.6 and the Short Selection Process under FAR 36.602-5 and DOSAR 636.602-5.

Firms will be evaluated on professional qualifications, specialized experience and technical competence, capacity, past performance, local knowledge, and other relevant qualifications.

Price will not be considered during the qualifications evaluation.

Following selection, the Government will provide the detailed SOW to the most highly qualified firm and request a price proposal. The Contracting Officer will then negotiate a fair and reasonable price.

If agreement cannot be reached with the most highly qualified firm, the Government may terminate negotiations and proceed with the next most highly qualified firm in accordance with FAR Subpart 36.6.

3. Qualifications Submission

Interested firms shall submit the following:

1. A completed SF 330, Architect-Engineer Qualifications.
2. Evidence of current professional registration/licensure for the key personnel proposed to perform the required architectural and engineering disciplines.
3. Identification of the proposed project team, including the roles and responsibilities of key personnel and any subcontractors or consultants proposed as part of the A/E team.
4. Up to three (3) relevant projects completed within the past five (5) years demonstrating experience with projects of similar scope and complexity. Relevant experience may include:
   • Office/workspace renovation and interior fit-out design;
   • Architectural and interior design;
   • Multidisciplinary architectural and engineering design;
   • Electrical, plumbing and structural design coordination;
   • FF&E planning and specifications;
   • Preparation of coordinated construction drawings and specifications; and
   • Preparation of bid-ready or construction-ready design packages.
5. Two (2) client references for similar A/E design work.
6. A brief statement confirming the firm's availability and capacity to perform the work in Cape Town within the anticipated project schedule.
7. A brief description of the firm's approach to coordinating the various architectural and engineering disciplines required for the project.

SF 330 submissions should focus on personnel, experience and projects directly relevant to this requirement.

SF 330 form: https://www.gsa.gov/forms-library/architect-engineer-qualifications 

Do not include prices, fees, hourly rates, or other cost information in the qualifications submission.

4. Evaluation Criteria

Firms will be evaluated using the following criteria:

1. Professional Qualifications – 35%

Qualifications, professional registration/licensure, education, and relevant experience of the key personnel proposed to perform the requirement.

Particular consideration will be given to the qualifications of personnel proposed for the architectural/interior design, electrical, plumbing, structural and other applicable engineering disciplines required for the project.

2. Specialized Experience and Technical Competence – 30%

Demonstrated experience performing A/E services for projects of similar scope and complexity, including office/workspace renovation, interior fit-outs, multidisciplinary design coordination, FF&E planning, and preparation of coordinated construction drawings, technical specifications and construction-ready design packages.

3. Capacity – 10%

Demonstrated ability, availability and organizational capacity of the proposed team to coordinate the required professional disciplines and complete the design within the required timeframe.

4. Past Performance – 10%

Quality and successful performance of similar A/E design assignments, including adherence to schedules, quality of design deliverables, coordination between disciplines, and client satisfaction.

5. Local Knowledge – 10%

Knowledge of applicable South African building requirements, engineering and architectural standards, local construction practices and conditions, and the availability of construction materials, furniture, fixtures and equipment within the South African market.

6. Other Relevant Qualifications – 5%

Other professional capabilities, experience, resources or qualifications directly relevant to successful performance of the requirement.

*Note: Procurement Staff will send confirmation of your request within 4 business days of receipt. If you do not receive a confirmation, you must assume your request was not received, and are encouraged to send the message again, and follow up with a call to the Procurement Staff (on/before the deadline) to ensure your request is received.