Train Depot-Commercial Kitchen Facility/Senior Center

PURPOSEIn accordance with the Virginia Public Procurement Act §2.2-4303, the Town of Abingdon (Town) is soliciting proposals from qualified, licensed and bonded contractors to remodel an existing building into a commercial kitchen facility. The kitchen is to be located in a portion of the Abingdon Train Depot. The facility is currently vacant. However, the building will be utilized as a senior center and commissary kitchen. Once remodeled the facility will be utilized as a rentable commercial kitchen facility.Key considerations in the project will be the remodel of an existing building into a commercial grade kitchen, complying with all applicable Federal, State, County and Town regulations. Included is the need for ADA accessibility into the existing building as well as ADA compliant bathrooms (minimum of 2 unisex). Careful consideration of the transition between the two uses (senior center to commercial kitchen) within this structure is a vital component of this proposal. Utilization of the exterior areas for refrigerator, freezer and general storage must be kept within the confines of the “building overhang” and not extend beyond the railroad easement. Classroom space that can be used for both “cooking classes”, dining, as well as a “food prep” area is important in the limited square footage. Awareness of the limited space proposing equipment that is compact (chef bases), creating storage underneath other uses, and creating a layout that more than one tenant can be working in the location safely.It is anticipated that the start date of this project, which encompasses design/permit approvals, construction, construction management and equipment installation will be August 2025. Contractor will work with the town to establish suitable project milestones and a project timeline for project scope.SCOPE OF WORKPROJECT OBJECTIVEThe Town of Abingdon is soliciting bids from qualified, licensed and bonded contractors to design and remodel an existing building into a commercial kitchen facility.The core principles of the certified commercial kitchen shall include: Create employment opportunities and new businesses to support local food entrepreneurs and small food business start-ups. Improve access and affordability to approved food-handling establishments and certified commercial kitchens. Foster food entrepreneurship and specialty food or catering businesses through low-cost and low-risk opportunities. Support the agricultural food industry through the promotion of local farming and local food production. Support the objectives and principles of the circular food economy and sustainability from farm to table produce, the circular urban food system, and/or management of waste, recycling, and composting. Contribute as a food incubator driving a network of food industry leaders and professionals that support food innovation and a food ecosystem. Promote food tourism in the downtown by attracting out-of-town and visitor spending.9/25/2024 Page 4 of 29RFP – Train Depot-Commercial Kitchen Facility/Senior CenterPROJECT DESCRIPTIONThe Town of Abingdon (“The Town”) desires to engage the services of a qualified, licensed and bonded General Contractor to remodel a portion of the existing “Train Depot” into a Commercial/Commissary Kitchen.1. The Town will be receiving proposals from companies interested in providing construction services for the attached conceptual floor plans (Exhibit A) and equipment list.2. The selected Contractor will be responsible for all architectural planning and design, cost estimating, scheduling, value engineering, constructability review during the design and construction document phases, preparation of all construction documents with required architect and engineer seals, as necessary and the bonding, construction and warranty of the entire project. In addition, the Contractor will be responsible for coordinating the project with the Washington County Environmental Health Department and securing all necessary permits and Fire Department approvals.3. The Town will purchase the kitchen equipment based upon the final agreed upon design; contractor will install the equipment in compliance with all applicable codes and standards.Proposals may be hand delivered or mailed to the addresses below:Mayana Rice, Assistant Town Manager133 West Main StreetAbingdon, VA 24210Submittal Deadline. Submittals must be received by 3:00 PM (PST), Friday, October 25, 2024. Proposals received after the submittal deadline will be rejected.