Y -- Industry Day and Small Business Networking Session for Armed Forces Retirement Home Gulfport, MS

Gulfport, Mississippi, Armed Forces Retirement Home, New Construction, Industry Day. On Wednesday, February 13, 2008, The United States General Services Administration (GSA) will conduct an Industry Day for prospective Small Business Subcontractors, for the construction phase of The Armed Forces Retirement Home, Gulfport, Mississippi. The Industry Day, or Small Business Subcontracting Networking Session, will be conducted from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the TBD (Beau Rivage, Beach Drive, Biloxi, Mississippi). The new Armed Forces Retirement Home project to be constructed in Gulfport, Mississippi will consist of four projects: 1) new construction of the Armed Forces Retirement Home (Main Building); 2) restore existing chapel; 3) demolition of the existing and new construction of the pedestrian bridge overpass; and 4) repair/restore or replace the existing swimming pool. The design/build services contract for the Armed Forces Retirement Home (Main Building) was awarded to W. G. Yates Construction Company in the amount of $188, 883,476. In an effort to facilitate the Small Business Community participation in the construction of the main building project, Small Businesses are invited to network with W. G. Yates as they continue to enter into agreements with qualified subcontractors. The Main Building consists of: approximately 660,000 gross square feet to accommodate 584 residents plus staff; controlled parking for 400 vehicles; surface parking for 150 vehicles including boats and oversized vans and buses; new gate house; security fence; remote operated entrance; furniture fixture and equipment, demolition of existing structures, roadways, and walkways; complete landscaping of entire site, including walking paths, outdoor areas, and recreation areas. The Chapel is approximately 6,500 SF one story. An assessment is currently being prepared to determine the extent of the construction services. Services for the restoration of the chapel will include select demolition, design and construction services for architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection systems replacement. The pedestrian bridge will include demolition, design and construction services for the bridge that will connect the campus across the access road and Beach Blvd. (Hwy 90) with the beach. The swimming pool will include design and construction services to replace the existing swimming pool with a modified program from the original pool and located adjacent to the main building. This Industry Day is intended to affirm GSA's recognition of the talent that exists in The Small Business Community and its commitment to opening a dialog between that community, GSA and the construction firms that have been selected for this project. Yates, the design-build services firm selected for this project submitted a Subcontracting Plan prior to contract award demonstrating a commitment to awarding approximately $75 million dollars that were mutually agreed upon by the prospective awarded and the government within the following categories: Small Disadvantaged Businesses (including 8(a)-8%, Woman-Owned Small Businesses-5%, HubZone Businesses-3%, Small Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses-3%, Other Small Businesses-18%. Prospective Small Business Subcontractors will be given an opportunity to network with the Yates, GSA and other firms and to showcase their special talents and abilities as qualified subcontractors. Although it is anticipated that this Industry Day will assist Yates in identifying qualified subcontractors to meet the subcontracting goals listed above for this project, because GSA is not permitted by law to be a part to contractual relationships between potential Prime and Subcontractors, any contracts that may be entered into as a result of this Industry Day will be strictly private arrangements between the interested parties based on perceived ability and need. Questions about this Industry Day should be directed to David Gibson, GSA?s Small Business Advocate, Telephone (404) 331-2366, E-Mail: DavidA.Gibson@GSA.GOV.