Atlanta BeltLine Benchesbeltline.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/RFP_ABI_BeltLineBenches.pdf · Atlanta Beltline Bench Design Section 1.1: Purpose of Solicitation Atlanta BeltLine

Request for Proposals

Atlanta BeltLine

Benches

Proposals due: January 23, 2015

3:00pm

Qualifications shall be sealed and marked with RFP Title. Submit 1 original, 5 complete copies and one digital copy of the Response to: Atlanta BeltLine Inc. Attention: Procurement Officer 86 Pryor Street SW, Suite 300 Atlanta, Georgia 30303

Refer questions to: Atlanta BeltLine Inc. Attention: Elan Buchen 86 Pryor Street SW, Suite 300 Atlanta, Georgia 30303 [email protected] FAX: 404-477-3636

Request for Proposals Atlanta Beltline Bench Design

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section 1: Introduction

1.1: Purpose of Solicitation 1.2: Desired Outcome Section 2: Project History

2.1: Atlanta BeltLine Overview Section 3: Scope of Work

Section 4: Project Team Qualifications

Section 5: Submission Requirements

Section 6: Evaluation Criteria

Section 7: Schedule

Section 8: Addendum

8.1: Atlanta BeltLine Map 8.2: Terminology

8.3: Terms and Conditions 8.4: Response Form


Section 1.1: Purpose of Solicitation

Atlanta BeltLine Inc. (ABI) is seeking proposals from artists, craftsmen, students, and designers in developing original designs for Atlanta BeltLine Benches. Design/build proposals from manufacturers are also welcome. The objective is to develop a bench type that uses local (within 250 miles) materials (wood, stone, and or locally fabricated metal). The style of the bench should be clearly recognizable, cost effective to manufacture, and easy to maintain. Benches may be required in various quantities over the next 20 years. The first orders will be for the Eastside Trail, Eastside Trail Extension, Northside Trail, Southwest Connector Trail and Westside Trail (Refer to map in Section 8.1).

Section 1.2: Desired Outcome

As part of the design process of the multi-use trails, identifying locations for benches along the corridor will act to draw attention to particular vistas, gathering locations, or rest areas. In a few cases, these benches may be used to draw attention to trees and other flora or present an opportunity to make more of the native habitat. Other opportunities offer a chance to create a significant and easily accessible entrance into the BeltLine corridor and provide an informal and useful extension to an adjacent open space.

The desired outcomes of this RFP are construction plans and installation details. Selected designs will be evaluated for constructability, and final construction plans will be stamped by a registered Professional Engineer. Two prototypes must be provided. Variations in design are acceptable (dimensions, back/no back, color, etc.), but benches must be clearly recognizable as part of a single design philosophy.

Section 2.1: Atlanta BeltLine Overview

The Atlanta BeltLine is a transformative project, shaping the way Atlanta will mature as a great city by creating parks, trails, transit, and new development along a 22-mile loop of historic rail segments that encircle the city’s urban core. Over the previous two decades, the metro region has grown as quickly as any major metropolitan area in recent U.S. history. However, the Atlanta region’s growth has come primarily in the form of widely spread, disconnected pockets of development. Increasingly, residents and businesses throughout the region experience the negative consequences of such unplanned growth; long commute, poor air quality, auto dependency, and limited public space. Moreover, this sprawling development pattern has led to uneven economic activity. While the region has experienced unprecedented growth and job creation, many areas, particularly older inner core portions of the city, have suffered from flight and disinvestment.

The Atlanta BeltLine—by attracting and organizing a portion of the region’s future growth around parks, transit, and trails located in the inner core of Atlanta—will change this pattern of regional development and lead to a vibrant and livable Atlanta with an enhanced quality of life for all city residents. The revival of this inner core reflecting a historically industrial landscape will become the uniquely Atlanta solution and exemplary national model for effectively managing growth by providing:


• A connected 2,000 acre network of new and restored parks, greenspace, urban farms and arboretum;

• 33-miles of trails linking 45 neighborhoods once severed by rail and industry;

• A 22-mile light rail streetcar transit loop providing an alternative to auto trips among jobs, residences, and cultural attractions;

• Pedestrian friendly streetscape improvements along 46 miles of existing and new roads;

Mixed-use development that supports transit, parks and trail, and businesses;

• Preservation of surrounding single-family neighborhoods;

• Increases in affordable workforce housing;

• Preservation of historic landscapes, buildings and structures;

• Environmental remediation of brownfield areas; and

• Public art installations.

Section 3: Scope of Work

Budget Your cost proposal for this project is not to exceed $15,000, including all travel, materials, design time, fabrication of two prototypes, and delivery. The maximum installed cost per bench is not to exceed $3,000.

Project Considerations

Sustainably sourced and produced.

Use of local materials (e.g. wood, stone, locally fabricated steel) within 200 miles of Atlanta.

Recycled/repurposed materials encouraged.

ADA compliancy (please refer to “Text of the Draft Guidelines,” Chapter R3: Technical Provisions, R307.6.3.2 http://www.access-board.gov/prowac/draft.htm#307).

Bench must be structurally sound and be able to seat a minimum of two people and be designed to allow multiple people weighing no more than 300 lbs. each to safely sit on the bench.

At minimum, the length of the seat should allow for twenty-four inches per person.

Durability – able to withstand heavy use, endure outdoor elements (i.e. rain, snow, wind), and require minimal maintenance.

Designs shall allow the ability to fabricate benches with variable lengths to be installed on varied surfaces and executed with/without backing.

The selected designer shall be open to working in a variety of mediums, cooperating with design professionals, city staff and community members. Experience working within the public process and in public settings is helpful but not necessary.

http://www.access-board.gov/prowac/draft.htm#307


Attendance at up to two (2) stakeholder meetings to be convened by ABI.

Section 4: Project Team Qualifications

Offerors shall possess the following:

Experience in the creation and implementation of similar work (not necessarily benches);

Experience in the design of structurally sound form from concept to fabrication and installation,

with special consideration given to short-term care and long-term maintenance;

Section 5: Submission Requirements

Process: The process may be cancelled at any time if, in the opinion of ABI, the project goals will not be achieved by awarding a contract, or the individuals or teams that responded to this RFP are considered non-responsive. The process may be revised at any time during the solicitation, selection, evaluation and negotiation phases up to final award. Participation: ABI is committed to the practice of non-discrimination in the selection of team members and relationships with subcontractors with a desire to reflect diversity in the participation of companies engaged in the Atlanta BeltLine effort. ABI encourages all Offerors to promote opportunities for diverse businesses, including Female Business Enterprises (“FBE”), Minority Business Enterprises (“MBE”) and Small Business Enterprises (“SBE”) to compete for business as subcontractors and/or suppliers. These enterprises shall be collectively referred to in herein as DBEs. This Project has a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (“DBE”) goal and Local business utilization goal. ABI is an Equal-Opportunity Employer. Proposal Requirements: All proposals will be evaluated on the completeness and quality of the content. Only those proposals providing complete information as required will be considered for evaluation. All proposals, materials and addendum attachments will become part of the public file on this matter, without any obligation or liability to ABI. All costs incurred by the Offeror(s) in preparation of the responses to this solicitation, including presentations to ABI and/or for participation in an interview shall be borne solely by the Offeror(s); ABI shall not be liable for any of these costs. At no time will ABI provide reimbursement for submission of a response.


1. Cover Letter

A cover letter should be attached to every proposal. The cover letter must be no longer than 2 pages and include the following:

RFP title;

Contact person’s name, mailing or street addresses, phone and fax numbers and email address.

2. Team Description

Describe the individual or team’s structure, areas of expertise, experience, and other information that would be helpful in characterizing the individual or team. Provide a professional resume for the individual or key team personnel, including key personnel of any joint venture member, or major sub-consultants proposed to be assigned to the project. Describe their unique qualifications and relevant experience on similar or related projects. Describe the individual or key personnel’s proposed roles and responsibilities on this project. Resumes should be included in the Attachments – Supporting Materials section of the response.

If submitting as a team: proposal must identify a Project Manager for both the design and manufacturing of the bench who would be responsible for the day-to-day management of project tasks and would be the primary point of contact. Describe the Project Managers’ experience with similar projects and with managing a fabrication process. List other projects to which the Project Manager is currently assigned.

3. Project Description

In one page, describe your proposed bench concept(s), materials, design, and fabrication process.

Provide a concise, itemized budget, detailing all the materials, tools, design and estimated construction costs.

Supply up to four images (at least one dimensional elevation) of your bench concepts. These images should include dimensions, scale, and labeled materials.

Provide up to 10 images of applicable previous work (sized at least 4-inches x 5-inches). Please clearly label a CD with your information to be included in your proposal.

A descriptive listing of the images that correspond with your support images. Information shall include title, date of completion, material(s), size, project budget, and a thumbnail of the image, client name and contact, description of installation environment and date of installation.

4. Project Approach

ABI will evaluate the Offeror’s approach and commitment to delivering design solutions for the Atlanta BeltLine Bench Design that meet or exceed the minimum technical requirements as defined herein. The approach shall include preparation of conceptual plans or renderings, graphical representations, and narrative descriptions as necessary to enable ABI to understand and evaluate the Offeror’s approach to preparing the bench.


Describe the tasks that must be accomplished in order to complete the Project. Identify the processes and products that would result from each task. Provide a proposed schedule to complete the Scope of Work and a breakdown of major tasks. If applicable, discuss any unique aspects of the project, alternative approach(es) ABI may consider, or special considerations related to programmatic/funding requirements.

Section 6: Evaluation Criteria

Each response shall be evaluated on the following criteria, weighting and maximum points as follows: Cover Letter and Response Forms 5 Points Design Concept 30 Points Feasibility 25 Points Design Team Experience 20 Points Project Approach 20 Points TOTAL MAXIMUM POINTS 100 Points An evaluation committee convened by ABI will evaluate the proposals. At the discretion of ABI, follow-up interviews may be conducted before a final selection is made.

Protests Any protest of the RFP solicitation documents or process shall be submitted in writing to Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.’s Procurement Officer, 86 Pryor Street, Suite 300, Atlanta, GA 30303. Such protest shall be in writing and shall be supported by the information necessary to enable the protest to be considered. A protest will not be considered if it is insufficiently supported or it is not received within the time limits specified herein. A protest based upon terms, conditions, or form of a proposed procurement action shall be submitted so that it is received by ABI no later than ten (10) calendar days following notification of the action by ABI. A written final determination on any protest will be rendered by ABI and shall be provided to the protester as soon as practicable.


Section 7: Schedule

Schedule: It is contemplated that the term of the contract shall be for a period not to exceed twelve (12) months for the design and fabrication services required. Questions: Questions and requests for clarification regarding this RFP must be directed in writing via email or mailed to the contact persons listed on the cover page of this RFP. The deadline for submitting such questions/clarifications is shown below. All responses that are material in nature will be shared with all registered firms/teams. Proposal: By submitting a proposal, the Offeror is accepting the Terms and Conditions found in Section 8. Proposals due: Sealed proposals must be received no later than the date and time and at the location specified on the cover page of this solicitation. The outside of the envelope shall plainly identify the RFP number, the project title and the name and address of the Offeror. Proposals received after the time or date listed herein shall not be considered. Proposals received after the scheduled deadline for filing will be returned to the Offeror unopened. Schedule Dates RFP Issued December 5, 2014 Deadline for submitting questions January 2, 2014 Proposals Due January 23, 2015, 3:00pm Evaluation of Proposals Week of February 2, 2015 Team Presentation/Interviews (if needed) Week of February 9, 2015


8.1: Atlanta BeltLine RFP Reference Map


8.2: Terminology

This section consists of abbreviations, definitions, and general rules of interpretation. ABI. Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. – project manager and technical lead for the Project, and the contracting entity. Apparent Successful Offeror(s). The Offeror(s) that demonstrates the qualifications and experiences that ABI, in its sole opinion, considers the best overall value in accordance with the procedures set forth in the RFP. The apparent successful Offeror will not be awarded if:

A. The Offeror(s) fails to comply with all applicable pre-award and pre-execution

requirements of the RFP, B. The parties are unable to reach agreement during negotiations on the final terms of the

contract, or C. ABI chooses not to award a contract.

COA. The City of Atlanta, also referred to herein as “the City.” DBE. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, a company certified through one of the programs listed in this RFP as acceptable to ABI that meets the guidelines specified herein. Design Documents. Drawings, specifications, calculations, records, reports or other documents, special process procedures (as necessary), which may be used for manufacturing, fabrication, installation, testing, and examination. Offeror(s). One who submits a proposal in response to an RFP in competitive negotiation. Owner(s). The legal or record owner of the property on which the Project is to be constructed will be the City of Atlanta or ABI, depending on locations.

Plans. When the context so indicates, “Plans” mean applicable conceptual, planning, design and construction drawings including plan, profile, typical cross sections, Working Drawings, Standard Details, Supplemental Standard Details, and supplemental Drawings or reproductions thereof or electronically displayed equivalents that show the location, character, dimensions, and details of the Work. Proposal. The document submitted by the Offeror in response to the RFP to be used as the basis for negotiations for entering into a contract, where the selection of a contractor is to be made on the basis of performance and other factors rather than price alone. Stakeholder. A person or group with an interest in the successful completion and subsequent use of a project.


8.3: Terms and Conditions

Contract Terms and Conditions ABI wishes to develop a contract that appropriately places risk with the party most able to address the issue, to ensure that all parties to the contract are appropriately protected and to maintain their responsibility to serve as an effective steward of public funds while advancing the project. Proposed terms and conditions will be provided to those individuals or teams selected to advance to the presentation / interview stage of the solicitation process. Change of Team Members or Key Personnel Inasmuch as teams will be judged based on their response to the RFP, any subsequent changes to the composition of the Offeror(s) that was rated by the Evaluation Committee may result in a different ranking of the team and/or may result in the team failing to be determined to be qualified to perform the work. In order for a proposing team to remain qualified to submit a proposal, the members of the team identified in the response to the RFP must remain on the team for the duration of the procurement process and any subsequent contract award. Proprietary Information

Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. recognizes that material in its possession or in the possession of the City is subject to public examination and copying under the Georgia Open Records Act, OCGA §50-18-70, et.seq. (the “Act”). The Responding firm/team has the obligation to identify proprietary information and trade secrets by clearly marking the documents “Trade Secret” as required by the Act. If Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. receives any request under the Act to examine or copy any of the Proprietary Information obtained pursuant to this Agreement, it will immediately notify Responding firm/team of such request and will respond to the requesting party within the time allowed by law, indicating to the requesting party that the information requested constitutes trade secrets and therefore is considered by Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. to be exempt from disclosure under the Act. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it shall be the obligation of the Responding firm/team to take appropriate, timely legal action to secure the nondisclosure of the information requested, at its sole expense. Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. and the City shall cooperate in any action at law or equity in any court of competent jurisdiction to permit the Responding firm/team to seek a protective order or other relief to prevent the disclosure of the Proprietary Information of Responding/ team to parties requesting disclosure under the Georgia Open Records Act.


8.4: Response Forms

Technical Proposal Submission Form

Project: Atlanta BeltLine Bench Design

The following information shall be provided and included with each Proposal. Please verify that

this Technical Proposal Submission form and the required items listed below are in the

envelope before it is sealed. Each document shall be completed/executed as appropriate.

Provide one (1) Original Proposal, signed and dated, and five (5) complete copies of the

Original Proposal including all required documents.

Item

Number.

Required Items

Check

1 Cover Letter

2 Individual/Team Description

3. Project Description

4 Response Forms

5 Supporting Material

Date:___________________

Firm Name:______________________________________

By:_____________________________________________

Title: ___________________________________________

Telephone Number: _______________________________

Fax Number: _____________________________________

Email Address: ___________________________________
