1-8276 Architect-Engineer Request for Qualifications - Earth Science Center Project.pdf

18 March 2026

From: Pennsylvania College of Technology, Procurement Services To: Architecture / Engineering (A/E) Firms

Subj: Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Professional Architecture / Engineering (A/E) Services for Construction of a New Diesel Technology Instructional Building at the Schneebeli Earth Science Center at Pennsylvania College of Technology, Montgomery, PA

Pennsylvania College of Technology (Penn College) invites qualified Architecture/Engineering (A/E) firms to submit Statements of Qualifications for professional design services for construction of a new Diesel Technology Instructional Building at the Schneebeli Earth Science Center, located in Montgomery, Pennsylvania; approximately ten (10) miles south of Penn College’s, Main Campus in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

The selected firm will provide full architectural and engineering services from programming through construction closeout for a new Diesel Technology Instructional Building at the Schneebeli Earth Science Center with an estimated construction budget between $10-20 million.

This selection will be qualifications‑based. Architecture/Engineering firms are requested to submit Statements of Qualifications. The top four (4) ranked firms will be shortlisted for further consideration.

Project No. #8276 Issue Date: 18 March 2026 Due Date: 8 April 2026

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section 1.0 – General Information

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Project Description

1.3 Project Goals

1.4 Delivery Method

1.5 RFQ Coordinator

1.6 RFQ Schedule

1.7 RFQ Questions

1.8 RFQ Submissions

Section 2.0 – RFQ Submission Requirements

2.1 Minimum Qualifications

2.2 Submission Requirements

2.3 Communications

Section 3.0 – RFQ Evaluation Criteria

3.1 Evaluation of Submissions

3.2 Evaluation Criteria

3.3 Evaluation Process

Enclosure 1 – Insurance Requirements

Section 1.0 - General Information

1.1. Introduction

Pennsylvania College of Technology is a public institution that was founded in 1914; located in Williamsport, PA with a total student enrollment of 4,705. It is a self-governing, special-mission affiliate of Pennsylvania State University and an instrumentality of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It is an applied technology college that offers certificate, associate, baccalaureate, and master's degree programs in more than 100 fields of study such as: engineering technologies, construction, healthcare, information technology, business, and skilled trades. Pennsylvania College of Technology’s mission is to inspire and prepare the next generation with industry-focused, real-world experience and an innovative spirit.

1.2 Project Description

The College plans to construct a new 70,000 square foot Diesel Technology Instructional Building at the Schneebeli Earth Science Center to house the diesel technology program with an approximate project cost between $10-20 million.

The new Diesel Technology Instructional Building will include: construction of a specialized, industrial-grade facility designed for training, maintenance, and repair of heavy-duty engines.

Key components include pre-engineered metal building (PEMB) construction, large service bays, overhead crane systems, high-efficiency ventilation, and dedicated classrooms for specialized training, labs, staff offices, mechanical/electrical rooms, ADA accessible rooms, parking and site improvements.

1.3 Project Goals

• Provide a modern facility to strengthen the College’s Diesel Technologies Program and efficiently address spatial deficiencies, both in quality and quantity of space.

• Minimize life‑cycle maintenance costs

• Control project cost and schedule

• Meet all applicable codes and accessibility requirements

1.4 Delivery Method:

Design‑Bid‑Build

1.5 RFQ Coordinator:

Ben Thomas, Director of Construction and Planning, General Services Pennsylvania College of Technology 2245 Reach Road Williamsport, PA 17701

1.6 RFQ Schedule:

Event Date Time RFQ opens 18 March 2026 12:00 PM Deadline for questions on PennBid 1 April 2026 4:00 PM RFQ Submission due on PennBid 8 April 2026 2:30 PM Complete Architect/Engineer Evaluations 22 April 2026 4:00 PM

Selection of top four firms 23 April 2026 12:00 PM

1.7 RFQ Questions

Requests for clarification or additional information must be made through PennBid (https://pennbid.bonfirehub.com) by the indicated deadline.

1.8 RFQ Submissions

All submissions must be submitted through PennBid (https://pennbid.bonfirehub.com) by the indicated deadline. Hard copies, facsimile or other electronically transmitted submissions will not be considered.

Section 2.0 –RFQ Submission Requirements

2.1 Minimum Qualifications

Firms must demonstrate:

• Experience designing higher education instructional facilities

• Experience with projects valued at $10-million or more

• Licensed professionals in the state of Pennsylvania

• Ability to meet schedule and budget requirements

• Strong references from comparable institutions

2.2. Submission Requirements

RFQ submissions should be organized according to the list below and be limited to no more than twenty (20) pages using 12-point font. The submission should provide concise responses satisfying each of the requirements identified under this invitation. All submission must be prepared using the following headings and be uploaded as a single PDF file to PennBid by the date indicated.

1. Executive Summary (1-page)

2. Table of Contents (1-page; excluded from page count limit)

3. Description of Firm (1-page)

4. Project Experience (4-pages)

5. Organizational Chart (1-page)

6. Qualifications and Experience of Sub-Consultants (2-pages)

7. Resumes of Key Personnel (5-persons max; 1-page per person)

8. Understanding Project Issues/Challenges (2-pages)

9. Technical Approach (4-pages)

10. Proof of Insurance (No page limit – Excluded from page count limit)

See below for additional details.

1. Executive Summary: (1-page) The executive summary should preface the submission and summarize the approach in brief, concise terms that highlight key aspects.

2. Table of Contents: (1-page) All contents shall be indexed at the beginning of the submission and should include page numbers.

https://pennbid.bonfirehub.com/ https://pennbid.bonfirehub.com/

3. Description of Firm: (1-page) Provide a general description of the firm including services offered, number of employees, office location(s), years in business, unique qualifications and any other pertinent information.

4. Project Experience: (4-pages) Provide overviews for past projects which demonstrate experience and the firm’s ability to undertake the proposed project. All projects included in this section must have been completed within the last 10-years using current employees. For each qualifying project, include: project name, description, location, client, total contract amount, date completed, names of associated proposed key personnel, and client references (name, position, phone number, email).

5. Organizational Chart: (1-page) Provide a graphical depiction of the administrative and management structure proposed in response to this RFQ, including sub-consultants.

Include contact information for individuals with primary roles. Principals should only be listed if they relate to the project team.

6. Qualifications and experience of sub-consultants: (2-pages) Describe any sub-consultant qualifications, relevant projects and experience including how the prime consultant will manage and ensure quality.

7. Resumes: (5-persons max; 1-page per person) Include one-page resumes for key personnel, including any sub-consultants. Principals should not be included unless they are proposed as active, integral members of the project team. Also include resumes for any key sub-consultants.

8. Understanding of project issues/challenges: (2-pages) Demonstrate firm’s understanding of any project specific issues and challenges related to design and implementation.

9. Technical Approach: (4-pages) The technical approach is expected to clearly reflect the firm’s knowledge, expertise, and architecture/engineering approach to evaluate existing conditions and apply a sound architecture/engineering approach to achieve the intended results.

10. Proof of Insurance: The selected firm will be required to provide certificates of insurance evidencing the required coverages prior to execution of an agreement. Firms responding to this RFQ should confirm their ability to meet the insurance requirements.

All submissions become the property of Pennsylvania College of Technology upon receipt. Any information deemed to be confidential by the Respondent should be clearly noted on the page(s) where confidential information is contained.

Any expense incurred by the Respondent that is associated with the preparation of the submission, or during the selection process, shall be borne solely by the Respondent.

2.3 Communication

All communications pertaining to this RFQ, or the process, should be directed through PennBid.

Inquiries shall be limited to the contents of and submissions for this RFQ. Inquires will be responded to through PennBid and posted publicly in a timely fashion. See PennBid for a calendar of events and deadlines.

Section 3.0 – RFQ Evaluation Criteria

3.1 Evaluation of Submissions

Each submission will be evaluated to determine overall responsiveness and qualifications defined under the RFQ. Criteria to be evaluated will include, but not be limited to, the items listed below. The selection committee may select all, some or none of the Respondents for interviews. Penn College may also request additional information from Respondents at any time prior to the final approval of four (4) best-qualified Respondents.

3.2 Evaluation Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated using the following criteria:

Criteria Weight Relevant instructional facility construction experience 25% Higher‑education experience 20% Team qualifications 20% Cost and schedule control 15% Project approach 10% References 10%

• Demonstrates understanding of the project scope, potential concerns and anticipated challenges.

• Demonstrates the capability to perform all aspects of the work, including knowledge of the latest technologies, regulations, guidance, policies, and procedures.

• Technical approach for architecture/engineering and sequencing improvements during design, bidding and award, and construction administration phases.

• Past performance at higher education organizations with instructional facility projects of similar size and scope.

• Quality of key personnel and the individuals’ experience with similar projects.

• Qualifications and related experience of sub-consultants and their key personnel.

• Incorporation of innovative, sustainable and energy efficient solutions.

• Responsiveness to RFQ format and instructions.

3.3 Evaluation Process

Once all submissions are received, the evaluation process will include the steps described below to determine the four (4) best-qualified Respondents.

1. Short list – Based upon the responses to the RFQ, the selection committee will compile a pre-selection short list of the four (4) best-qualified Respondents. The committee will notify those Respondents who are not qualified for the short-list, that they will not be considered.

2. Interviews – Following receipt of submissions and compilation of the short-list, the selection committee may engage in interviews with each Respondent on the pre-selection short list. Interviews may include: team introductions, project approach, cost control examples, schedule performance examples, and a Q&A session. The selection committee may, at its discretion, omit interviews and rely solely on the submitted materials.

3. Ranking and Selection – Based upon the information supplied, and after applying the selection criteria above, the selection committee will rank the Respondents in order of preference and select the four (4) best-qualified Respondents.

Certificate of Insurance

General Requirements

1. All Contractor's Liability Insurance providers must be licensed and authorized to conduct business in the Commonwealth of PA. The insurance carriers of whom the Contractor has purchased insurance coverage are to have an "A-" or better rating plus a financial rating of VI or better with the A.M. Best's Company Key Rating Guide - Latest Edition.

2. Contractor shall be responsible for any deductible expenses incurred by the Owner, if loss is caused by the Contractor's negligence or willful misconduct.

3. Each Contractor shall provide "Installation Floater" coverage for its own equipment and materials not installed or tested.

4. The Contractor or Contractors shall replace or rebuild work immediately without waiting for insurance reimbursement.

Commercial General Liability

1. For the duration of these Contracts, the Contractor and each Subcontractor shall, at their own expenses, purchase and maintain in a company or companies licensed to do business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Comprehensive General Liability, with limits not less than the following:

1. Per Occurrence Limit: $1,000,000.00

2. Products and Completed Operations Aggregate: $1,000,000.00

3. General Aggregate Limit: $2,000,000.00

4. Personal and Advertising Injury: $1,000,000.00

Automobile Liability

1. For the duration of this Contract, the Contractor and each Subcontract shall, at their own expense, purchase and maintain in a company or companies licensed to do business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Comprehensive Automobile Liability Pennsylvania, Comprehensive Automobile Liability Insurance, including coverage for accidents related to operation of motor vehicles owned, non-owned, or leased, with limits not less than the following:

1. Single Combined Limit: $1,000,000.00

Umbrella Liability

1. For the duration of the Contract(s), the Contractor and each Subcontractor shall, at their own expense, purchase and maintain in a company or companies licensed to do business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Umbrella Liability, with limits not less than the following:

1. Umbrella Liability: $2,000,000.00 each occurrence/aggregate.

Workers Compensation and Employers Liability

1. Contractor shall take out and maintain during the life of the Contract, Workmen's Compensation

Insurance for employees at the Project Site and, in the event any Work is sub-let, require the same coverage for subcontractors, unless his employees are covered by protection afforded by the subcontractor.

2. For the duration of the Contract, the Contractor and each Subcontractor shall, at their own expense, purchase and maintain in a company or companies licensed to do business in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Statutory Workmen's Compensation including Occupation Disease as required by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and also Employer's Liability Insurance with limits not less than the following Statutory - Amounts and coverage as required by the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania:

Employer's Liability:

1. $500,000.00 bodily injury by accident per accident

2. $500,000.00 bodily injury by disease policy limit

3. $500,000.00 bodily injury by disease per employee

Contractor's Protective Bodily Injury Liability and Property Damage Insurance

ENCLOSURE 1

1. Contractor shall take out and maintain during the life of the Contract, Bodily Injury Liability and Property Damage Insurance to protect himself and any subcontractor performing Work covered by the Contract, from claims for damages for personal injury, including accidental death, as well as from claims for property damages, which may arise from operations under the Contract, whether such operations be by Contractor, subcontractor, or by anyone directly or indirectly employed by either of them.

1. Bodily Injury Liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence

2. Property Damage Liability: $1,000,000 each occurrence

3. Owner’s and Contractors aggregate of $2,000,000

Fire Insurance

1. Owner will effect and maintain Builder's Risk Fire Insurance and Extended Coverage upon insurable

Work in place and materials stored at the Site. Insurance will be in amount equal to full insurable value thereof at all times and will be for benefit for Owner, Contractor, and each subcontractor as their interest may respectively appear.

Submittals

1. Contract Awardee:

An original copy of the Certificate of Insurance, issued by the Insurance carrier, shall be submitted to the Owner prior to the start of work.

The Owner shall be named as "additional insureds for this project" on the certificate.

Notice of Cancellation, Termination or Non-Renewal.

1. Owner must receive 30 days’ notice of any cancellation, termination, non-renewal or changes to any insurance policy noted above.