Page 1 of 26 DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF DAHLONEGA REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) AND PROPOSALS ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES RFQ# 2020-019 Issue Date: July 17, 2020 Submission Deadline: 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 14, 2020 Section 1. Introduction & Background The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) of the City of Dahlonega is soliciting Statements of qualifications and proposals from architectural firms with a strong record in historical preservation architecture and adaptive reuse of historic structures for modern uses. Responding Firms should be technically qualified and licensed in the State of Georgia to provide these services. Experience in working with projects utilizing a variety of funding sources including but not limited to federal funding sources (CDBG, etc.) and/or historic tax credits is desired. Additionally, restaurant design experience is a plus. Plans are to contract for architectural and professional Design Services required for a FY2020– FY2021 historic renovation project, located in downtown Dahlonega, Georgia. Firms with relevant experience and qualifications are encouraged to submit a Statement of Qualifications. The purpose of the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process is to identify the most qualified historic preservation architect. Funding for the project will come from a variety of sources with the cost of the project and terms of the contract negotiated with the selected Firm. Section 2. Project Details The structure, a two-story, stick-built residential home previously repurposed for retail/commercial use, is located at 47 S. Park Street (Lumpkin County, Georgia; Parcel ID# D11 086). See Exhibit A for interior and exterior structure photos. Vacant for 10 years, the structure, approximately 3,300 SQ FT, previously operated as a restaurant for many years. The redevelopment plans for the building include DDA office space on the second floor and a first-floor retail/commercial tenant with an emphasis on restaurant use. In addition to a complete renovation of the two-story structure, the project will include exterior landscaping and the design of an outdoor dining space. The project could also include design services for a new adjacent structure which would serve as a commercial kitchen space for a restaurant tenant.
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DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF DAHLONEGA
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) AND PROPOSALS
ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES
RFQ# 2020-019
Issue Date: July 17, 2020
Submission Deadline: 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 14, 2020
Section 1. Introduction & Background
The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) of the City of Dahlonega is soliciting Statements of qualifications and proposals from architectural firms with a strong record in historical preservation architecture and adaptive reuse of historic structures for modern uses. Responding Firms should be technically qualified and licensed in the State of Georgia to provide these services. Experience in working with projects utilizing a variety of funding sources including but not limited to federal funding sources (CDBG, etc.) and/or historic tax credits is desired. Additionally, restaurant design experience is a plus.
Plans are to contract for architectural and professional Design Services required for a FY2020–FY2021 historic renovation project, located in downtown Dahlonega, Georgia. Firms with relevant experience and qualifications are encouraged to submit a Statement of Qualifications. The purpose of the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process is to identify the most qualified historic preservation architect. Funding for the project will come from a variety of sources with the cost of the project and terms of the contract negotiated with the selected Firm.
Section 2. Project Details The structure, a two-story, stick-built residential home previously repurposed for retail/commercial use, is located at 47 S. Park Street (Lumpkin County, Georgia; Parcel ID# D11 086). See Exhibit A for interior and exterior structure photos. Vacant for 10 years, the structure, approximately 3,300 SQ FT, previously operated as a restaurant for many years. The redevelopment plans for the building include DDA office space on the second floor and a first-floor retail/commercial tenant with an emphasis on restaurant use. In addition to a complete renovation of the two-story structure, the project will include exterior landscaping and the design of an outdoor dining space. The project could also include design services for a new adjacent structure which would serve as a commercial kitchen space for a restaurant tenant.
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The DDA has submitted a pre-application to the state historic preservation office and intends to pursue historic tax credits for this project. For this reason, the DDA seeks a Firm with both historic preservation and historic tax credit experience.
Section 3. Submittal Content and Format
In order for the DDA to adequately compare and evaluate qualifications, all documentation must be submitted in accordance with format detailed below. Total package should not exceed 100 pages. Cover Letter: (One printed page maximum, one-sided.) The letter should designate the proposing firm, the business address of where the relationship will be housed and be signed by at least one authorized company officer. The letter should address the Firm’s willingness and commitment to provide the proposed services and why the Firm believes it should be selected. No pricing information shall be included in this section. Table of Contents: One page maximum, the Table of Contents should follow the RFQ format below.
Information which must be submitted for our evaluation is as follows:
I. History of firm and resources – General overview of company, years in business in present form, Firm’s history and resource capability to perform required services, customer service philosophy, and list of categories in which Firm is legally qualified to do business, including Licenses and Registration where applicable.
II. Experience with historical preservation/rehabilitation architectural projects –
List up to five (5) projects which demonstrate skills to be used on Historic Tax
Refer to Exhibit C for RFQ Checklist prior to preparing the Firm’s submission. All responses must be presented in a sealed opaque package with the following language clearly marked on the outside of the package:
RFQ#2020-019 ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN SERVICES, Head House (47 S. Park Street, Dahlonega, GA 30533)
The name and address of the Firm must also clearly be marked on the outside of the package. Include one (1) original Response clearly marked “Original”, five (5) hard copies, and one digital copy in PDF format saved to a USB flash drive.
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Neither the DDA nor the City of Dahlonega are responsible for delays caused by traffic, inclement weather or any other reason. The DDA is not responsible for late deliveries by couriers, the USPS or package express companies (UPS, Fed Ex, etc.) It is the sole responsibility of the Firm to submit its Response before the deadline. Electronic and facsimile submittals will not be accepted. Proposals should be received no later than 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2020. Proposals received after the above date and time may not be considered. The DDA reserves the right to accept or reject any and all proposals and to waive informalities in the proposal process. Questions and proposal packages should be submitted to the Purchasing Agent listed below:
a) A question and answer period has been established. All inquiries must be delivered in writing (e-mail to [email protected] no later than 2:00 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2020. After this date, questions may not be answered.
Responses to questions and any additional information relating to this RFQ will be posted
to the City’s website at http://www.dahlonega.gov no later than 2:00 p.m. on Friday,
August 7, 2020. Informal verbal communications, or communications by any person other
than the Purchasing Agent named in this RFQ shall be considered unofficial and the DDA
shall have no responsibility to verify any information that is not contained in this RFQ or
future addenda.
b) The DDA will host a pre-submittal walkthrough for interested Firms on Friday, July 24, 2020, between 8:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., at 47 S. Park Street, Dahlonega, GA 30533. Attendance is not required but Firms are encouraged to participate in order to fully understand the project, building structure, and proposed renovations prior to submitting a Response.
Contents of Preliminary Architectural Reports Preliminary Architectural Reports generally take the following format.
Executive Summary Brief description of Project Area needs, Conclusions and Recommendations
Introduction Purpose and Scope Authorization
Previous Studies
Background Project Area conditions including description of needs to be addressed
Description of existing facilities, if any, including existing floor plan with all dimensions and descriptive labels for all rooms.
Projections of future needs
Evaluation of Alternatives Descriptions of alternative solutions considered (new construction, renovation, additions to
existing structures), including cost estimates for each alternative
Site selection criteria
Location relative to population served
Adequacy of infrastructure (access, water, fire protection, sanitary sewer, storm drainage)
Soil conditions, and topographic constraints
Assessment of impacts on existing residents & property owners, if any
Description of Proposed Project Identification of applicable federal, state and local design standards
Preliminary Site Plan showing proposed ingress – egress, vehicle circulation on-site, drop-off area, regular parking and accessible parking, service access (dumpster location with truck access, mechanical room access), extensions of utilities (water, sanitary, electric, telephone), access road improvements, emergency vehicle access
Description of storm drainage outfall(s) and consideration of downstream impacts
Description of proposed/improved facilities, including preliminary floor plan with all dimensions and descriptive labels for all rooms
Required permits
Detailed Project Budget Construction and material costs
Design and oversight fees
Grant Administration
Funding sources
Projected Operating Revenues and Expenses (if applicable)
Project Schedule
All Preliminary Architectural Reports should include an original signature and an architectural
stamp. Points may be deducted for feasibility without these required features.
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EXHIBIT C
RFQ CHECKLIST Critical things to keep in mind when responding to an RFQ for the Downtown Development Authority of the City of Dahlonega.
Read the entire document. Note critical items such as: supplies/services required; submittal dates; number of copies required for submittal; contract requirements, if any (e.g. bonding and insurance requirements).
Note the Purchasing Agent's name, address, and e-mail address. This is the only person
you are allowed to communicate with regarding the RFQ and is an excellent source of information.
Take advantage of the “question and answer” period. Submit your questions to the
Purchasing Agent by the due date listed under Section 5 and view the answers on the City’s website at www.dahlonega.gov, “Government,” “Bids & Proposals,” “Announcements.”
Follow the format required in the RFQ when preparing a Response. Provide point-by-point responses to all sections in a clear and concise manner.
Provide complete answers/descriptions. Read and answer all questions and requirements. Don’t assume the DDA will know what your company’s capabilities are or what items/services you can provide, even if you have previously contracted with the DDA or the City. Responses are evaluated based solely on the information and materials provided in response to the RFQ.
Use the forms provided with the RFQ, if any.
Before submitting your Response, check the City’s website at www.dahlonega.gov to see whether any addenda were issued for the RFQ. If so, you must submit a signed cover sheet for each addendum issued along with your Response.
Review the RFQ document again to make sure that you have addressed all requirements. Your original Response and the requested copies must be identical and complete. The copies are provided to individuals evaluating Responses and will be used to rank your submittal.
Submit your Response on time. Note all the dates and times listed in the Schedule of Events and within the document and be sure to submit all required items on time. Late Responses will not be accepted.
This checklist is provided for assistance only and should not be submitted with your Response.
