1-2884 Specs Final.pdf

DENTON COUNTY, TEXAS

REQUEST FOR SUPPLIER QUALIFICATIONS

DESIGN SERVICES FOR FIRE STATION AND FIRE

ADMINISTRATION BUILDING

RFSQ #25-2884

RFSQ #25-2884, Design Services for Fire Station and Fire Administration Building

DESIGN SERVICES FOR FIRE STATION AND FIRE ADMINISTRATION BUILDING

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. PROJECT DATES

II. GENERAL

III. SCOPE OF SERVICES

IV. EVALUATION CRITERIA

V. QUALIFICATION STATEMENTS

I. PROJECT DATES

A. Contract Term The term of the contract shall be from the execution of the Contract until completion or termination or the project, at the discretion of Denton County Commissioners Court.

B. Pre-Submission Conference will occur:

MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2025, at 11:00 A.M.

Denton County Purchasing Department 1 Courthouse Dr. Suite 2300 Denton, TX 76208

It is strongly recommended that all parties intent on submitting a response for the project attend the Pre-submission Conference.

Timely arrival is strongly suggested. Information missed due to tardiness will not be revisited.

C. Question Deadline THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2025, at 2:00 P.M.

All questions must be submitted via Bonfire. No additional questions may be submitted once the question deadline has passed. Denton County will address all questions as promptly as possible. Questions may be addressed out of order from receipt, depending on the complexity of the responses required.

D. Sealed Qualification Statements will be received PRIOR to and publicly opened at:

2:00 P.M. on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025

Denton County Purchasing 1 Courthouse Drive, Suite 2300 Denton, TX 76205

II. GENERAL

Denton County is requesting Qualification Statements from firms who can adequately demonstrate they have the resources, experience and qualifications to provide the County with quality architectural services. The County reserves the right to solicit services outside this RFSQ for any project.

Respondent may submit qualification statements electronically by uploading documents required in Section V. Qualification Statements, at Denton County partner’s website, Bonfire. If submitting electronically, do not submit paper documents. Refer to Exhibit A for Bonfire submittal instructions. Refer to Exhibit B for Paper submittal instructions. If you choose to submit in hard copy, submit one original paper copy of your submittal to the office of the Director of Purchasing PRIOR to the stated deadline in Section I:

Scott Arledge, CPPO, CPPB, Director of Purchasing Denton County Purchasing 1 Courthouse Drive, Suite #2300 Denton, Texas 76208

Each firm is responsible for ensuring responses to this RFSQ have been delivered by date, time, and to the location specified. Late statements will not be accepted. All questions shall be submitted to https://dentoncounty.bonfirehub.com. Respondents are responsible for ensuring all answers to questions are reviewed prior to submittal.

Except for the submission of written questions or in response to requests or inquiries from Denton County, firms shall refrain from contacting members of the Selection Committee, Commissioners Court, consultants, or other staff with respect to this RFSQ or the selection process.

By submitting a response to this RFSQ, each firm unequivocally acknowledges that they have read and fully understand this RFSQ and have asked questions and received satisfactory answers from Denton County regarding any provisions of this RFSQ with regard to which clarification was desired.

All responses submitted become the property of Denton County and are subject to the Public Information Act (Texas Government Code Chapter 552). All documentation shall be open for public inspection, except for trade secrets and confidential information so identified by firm as such. Any material that is to be considered as CONFIDENTIAL/ PROPRIETARY in nature must be clearly marked on each applicable page as such by the respondent. Marking your entire qualification statement CONFIDENTIAL/PROPRIETARY is not in conformance with the Texas Public Information Act (Texas Government Code, Sec. 552.001, et seq.). Denton County will follow all requirements and procedures in the Public Information Act when responding to requests for disclosure of documents.

DISCLOSURE OF CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS: Chapter 176 of the Texas Local Government Code requires that any vendor or person considering doing business with a local government entity disclose in the Questionnaire Form CIQ, the vendor or person's affiliation or business relationship that might cause a conflict of interest with a local government entity. By law, this questionnaire must be filed with the records administrator of Denton County no later than the 7th business day after the date the person becomes aware of facts that require the statement to be filed as defined in Section 176.006, Texas Local Government Code. A person commits an offense if the person violates Section 176.006, Texas Local Government Code. An offense under this section is a Class “C” misdemeanor. A copy of the law is available at http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/LG/htm/LG.176.htm. The forms for reporting are available online.

By submitting a response to this request, the respondents represents that it is in compliance with the requirements of Chapter 176 of the Texas Local Government Code. If required, send completed forms to the Denton County Clerk's Office located at 1450 E. McKinney, Suite 1103, Denton, TX 76209-4524. Do not include forms with your response to this RFSQ.

DISCLOSURE OF INTERESTED PARTIES: In compliance with Section 2252.908 of the Texas Government Code, Denton County Commissioners Court may not enter into a contract with a business entity as a result of acceptance or award of this solicitation unless the business entity submits a disclosure of interested parties form as required by this statute. Notification will be given to the business entity recommended for award upon which the business entity will be required to submit the completed form prior to award. A copy of this law is available at http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/GV/htm/GV.2252.htm. The on-line form is available at https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/whatsnew/elf_info_form1295.htm. The Definitions are included in Chapter 46, Ethics Commission Rules are available online.

PROHIBITION OF CONTRACT WITH CERTAIN COMPANIES: Vendors/Contractors/Providers must be in compliance with the provisions of §2252.152 and §2252.153 of the Texas Government Code, which states in part, contracts with companies engaged in business with Iran, Sudan or Foreign Terrorist Organizations are prohibited. A governmental entity may not enter into a contract with any company listed on the Comptroller of the State of Texas website identified under Section 806.051, 807.051 or Section 2252.153, which do business with Iran, Sudan or any Foreign Terrorist Organization. By submitting a signed response to this solicitation, contractor verified to Denton County that it is not on any such list. Pursuant to Texas Government Code Chapter 2274, Contractor verifies the following: (1) does not have a practice, policy, guidance, or directive that discriminates against a firearm entity or firearm trade association and (2) will not discriminate during the term of the contract against a firearm entity or firearm trade http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/LG/htm/LG.176.htm http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/GV/htm/GV.2252.htm https://www.ethics.state.tx.us/whatsnew/elf_info_form1295.htm association.

CHAPTER 2271 VERIFICATION: Denton County is legally prohibited from contracting for goods and services unless the contract contains written verification from the contractor that it does not and will not during the term of the contract boycott Israel as described in Texas Government Code §808.001(1). By submitting a response to this request, the respondent is affirming compliance with Chapter 2271 of the Texas Government Code.

HISTORICALLY UNDERUTILIZED BUSINESS (HUB) CONTRACTING: The goal of Denton County is to ensure all HUBs, as described in the Texas Government Code, Title 10 Subtitle D, Chapter 2161, have maximum opportunities to participate in the County’s procurement in awarding of contracts and subcontracts. Denton County will make a good faith effort to increase contract awards for the purchase of goods or services from the HUBs. HUB vendors are encouraged to participate in the county’s purchasing and procurement process. While the County is oriented to adhere to good faith efforts, nothing in this effort shall be construed to establish set-asides or mandatory quotas. The County and all prime contractors (if subcontracts are to be let) will take the affirmative steps listed below:

1. Placing qualified small and minority businesses and women’s business enterprises on solicitation lists.

2. Assuring that small and minority businesses, and women’s business enterprises are solicited whenever they are potential sources.

3. Dividing total requirements, when economically feasible, into smaller tasks or quantities to permit maximum participation by small and minority business, and women’s business.

4. Establishing delivery schedules, where the requirements permit, which encourage participation by small and minority business, and women’s business enterprises.

5. Using the services and assistance of the Small Business Administration, the Minority Business Development Agency of the Department of Commerce and the Texas Comptroller’s (TPASS) Centralized Master Bidders List HUB Directory.

III. SCOPE OF SERVICES

The intent of this solicitation is to obtain the professional services of a qualified architectural firm to provide architectural and engineering design services for a new Fire Station and Fire Administration Building located on approximately 2.83 acres at Parcel #122594 George Owens Drive, Ponder, TX (Tabor Ranch). The awarded firm will be responsible for all phases of design and construction administration required to successfully complete the project from initial programming through close-out. The Scope of Services will include coordination with the appropriate related entities of Denton County.

Objectives: The awarded firm(s) will be required to:

1. Plan and define the project in conjunction with affected departments of the County, including preparation of complete design and construction documents, as well as construction administration services.

2. Meet and collaborate with Denton County to review goals and requirements of the identified project. Work to develop designs and budgetary needs, and ensure full compliance with all applicable building codes, laws, statutes, regulations, ordinances, and governmental requirements while maximizing operational efficiency and safety.

This shall include but not limited to:

a. Preparation of multiple conceptual design options and site layouts addressing functional needs such as apparatus bays, living quarters, administrative offices, training areas, evidence processing and storage area, storm shelter, and support spaces (decontamination, turnout gear, EMS supply, storage, and fitness).

b. Preparation of schematic designs to define and address all requirements determined from conceptual designs and as required to communicate the scope and intent of the project. Include basic site and utility analysis, apparatus movement diagrams, and schematic cost estimates.

3. Design Development Phase: Upon selection of the preferred project design, prepare design development drawings and specifications to further define the architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, civil, and fire-protection systems for the project, and update cost estimates accordingly.

4. Construction Document Phase: Prepare detailed construction documents and final specifications for all materials, equipment, labor, and other requirements. Documents shall clearly define the character, quality, and quantity of work; incorporate coordination among disciplines; and include requirements for systems such as vehicle exhaust removal, emergency power generation, alerting, access control, and communication infrastructure.

5. Coordinate project development with all related County departments and offices, including but not limited to Public Facilities, Construction Management, Fire Marshall, Purchasing, and Commissioners Court.

6. Construction Administration Phase: Provide professional services throughout the construction phase, including review of submittals and RFIs, participation in progress meetings, site observations, review of pay applications, preparation of punch lists, and verification of project completion in accordance with contract documents.

7. Project Close-Out: Assist with final inspections, commissioning, and warranty documentation. Provide as-built drawings and electronic record files.

IV. EVALUATION CRITERIA

The Request for Qualifications will be evaluated using a point system (100) on the following categories.

A. Tab 1 – Firm Qualifications (40)

B. Tab 2 – Technical Qualifications (60)

It is understood that Denton County reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all responses to this RFSQ as it shall deem to be in the best interest of Denton County. Receipt of any Qualification Statements shall be received and acknowledged only so as to avoid disclosure of the contents to competing respondents and kept secret during the negotiation/evaluation process. However, all documentation shall be open for public inspection after a contract is awarded, except for trade secrets and confidential information so identified by respondents as such. All confidential information should be clearly marked in red.

Once Qualification Statements are reviewed, a recommended ranking will be compiled by an Evaluation Committee appointed by Commissioners Court. Oral presentations may be conducted with the most qualified firms. Additional information may be required at that time.

At the sole discretion of Denton County, some or all of the firms considered for service selection may be required to appear for oral presentations. The oral presentations, if required, shall be conducted so as to solicit information to enable the committee to evaluate the capability of the applicable firms to provide the specific services. Denton County will notify the firms of the schedule, order and procedure for the presentation, including the content, time limits, use of handouts or visual aids, etc. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Denton County emphasizes that it may elect to forego oral presentations for all or some projects.

Consequently, all responses shall be comprehensive and clear on their face, and no firm should rely upon the opportunity to present additional or clarifying information after submittal.

Competitive Range criteria, if required, will be grouped into percentage factors as follows:

Interview Presentation (40)

Responsiveness to Interview Questions (60)

Upon conclusion of the selection process, Denton County will attempt to negotiate a contract for the provision of services with the most qualified firm. If a satisfactory contract cannot be reached, negotiations will end with that firm and negotiations will begin with the second most qualified firm, and so on according to the provisions of the Chapter 2254 of the Texas Government Code. The Denton County Commissioners Court will make the final selection and approve the proposed contract.

The Scope of Services will include coordination with the appropriate related entities of Denton County government including, but not limited to, Public Facilities, Construction Management, Commissioners Court, the office of the District Attorney and support services related thereto.

Any cost or expense incurred by the Respondent that is associated with the preparation of the submittal, or during any phase of the selection process, shall be borne by the Respondent.

V. QUALIFICATION STATEMENTS

Respondents may submit qualification statements electronically by uploading documents required in Section IV. Evaluation Criteria, at Denton County’s partner, Bonfire, for RFSQ Evaluations. If submitting electronically, there is no need to submit paper documents. Refer to Exhibit A for Bonfire submittal instructions. If you choose to submit in hard copy, submit one original paper copy of your submittal to the office of the Director of Purchasing.

Submittals of paper documents shall take the form of a bound 8 ½ inch by 11-inch report in portrait orientation with a Table of Contents and all pages numbered in sequence. Binding must allow reports to lay flat when opened and may be either wire or GBC (no 3 ring binders).

Response to this RFSQ should be limited to the following page limitations (single sided) and format in order to simplify evaluation. Section dividers do not count in the page limitations.

Minimum font type or font size on graphics and charts shall be 10 point. Type size for text shall be 12 point. Each section (A & B) shall be clearly identified and tabbed. Respondents shall not submit pricing in this package.

A. Tab 1 – Firm Qualifications

1. Cover Page and Table of Contents (2 pages).

2. Executive Summary to include firm name, address, phone number, email, and the name of one (1) or more individuals authorized to represent the firm in contractual matters. Summarize the firm’s interest in this project and overall approach to delivering services for a fire station and fire administration building (2 pages).

3. Firm’s qualification information that demonstrates the firm’s ability to fully represent the County in the design and construction administration of fire stations and public safety facilities (4 pages).

4. A statement concerning the firm’s ability to comply within dedicated and accelerated schedules upon direction of the Denton County Commissioners Court. A statement concerning your firm’s commitment to Denton County and how services will be prioritized in the best interest of Denton County (2 pages).

5. A description of what information will be required during negotiations to finalize the contract with your firm. Denton County’s standard Architecture Contract is included in Exhibit C and any exceptions shall be identified (1 page).

6. Disclosure - Respondents must specifically address the disclosure section of this RFSQ even if no conflicts, litigations, terminations, or sanctions exist.

a. Any respondent to this RFSQ shall disclose all potential conflicts of interest or representation of any firm that could be involved in the proposed program and acknowledgement of compliance with Section

176.001 of the Texas Government Code as required herein (1 page).

b. Respond to each of the following (2 pages total):

1) Address any performance related litigation that your firm may be, or has been, involved in during the last five (5) years.

2) Identify if your firm has had any contracts terminated due to non-performance during the last five (5) years.

3) Identify any adverse actions against your firm sanctioned by any regulatory authorities during the last five (5) years.

B. Tab 2 – Technical Qualifications

1. Names and qualifications of key team members who will participate in providing services and their individual responsibilities. An organization chart shall be included.

Also, provide in table format the following for each key team member:

a. the proposed role assigned in the project; and

b. the relative experience identifying for each project (1) the year of service, (2) service provided, (3) firm represented and (4) whether the listed firm was the prime or subcontractor (7 pages).

2. Provide a copy of licensing from the State of Texas, held by each relevant team member.

3. Provide a summary of up to five (5) similar fire station or public safety projects completed in the past five (5) years. For each, include:

a. Project name and location

b. Description and size (square footage, bays, administration and training facilities)

c. Project Scope

d. Client name and contact information to include phone number and email address

4. Describe your firm’s capability in designing key building systems critical to fire service facilities, including but not limited to:

a. Apparatus bay design and vehicle circulation

b. Emergency power systems and backup generators

c. Vehicle exhaust and decontamination systems to include exposure control zoning

d. Access control, alerting, and communication systems

e. Resilient and hardened infrastructure

f. Evidence processing and storage areas

5. Provide a brief statement confirming your ability to provide fully sealed drawings and specifications ready for bidding and permit submission. Include your firm’s approach to energy code compliance, building envelope performance, and design cost estimating.

6. A summary statement identifying your understanding of the services desired.

Elaborate on how your firm will manage the coordination and the exchange of information between all parties to make decisions and to ensure satisfactory services (2 pages).

7. A narrative outline describing the approach and/or methodology proposed to represent the interests of Denton County during each project. Documentation should include overall approach as well as the proposed methodology by identified tasks. Include specifics about all deliverable methods, technologies and software programs that your firm is capable of providing (5 pages).