22-076A-Request_for_Qualifications.pdf

City of Seattle

Seattle City Light

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)

For Design-Build (DB) Services

Gorge Powerhouse Crane Replacement

Design-Build Project

PW# 2022-076A

Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) Deadline: November 06, 2026

CITY OF SEATTLE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) FOR DESIGN-BUILD SERVICES

Gorge Powerhouse Crane Replacement

Design-Build Project

PW# 2022-076A

Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) Due:

November 06, 2025

PROJECT LOCATION: Gorge Powerhouse, Skagit River Hydroelectric Project, Newhalem, Whatcom County, Washington

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The City of Seattle seeks Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) from qualified firms to provide Design-Build (DB) Services for the Gorge Powerhouse Crane Replacement Design-Build Project (Project).

The Project will consist of design, demolition, construction, and commissioning services.

DESIGN BUILD CONTRACT ESTIMATE: $12,500,000

PRE-STATEMENT OF QUALIFICATION MEETING: October 26, 2026 1:00PM

Currier Hall 500 Newhalem St, Rockport, WA 98283

OBTAINING RFQ: Documents are available ONLINE at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/seattle

Explicit SOQ submittal instructions can be found in the Section Statement of Qualifications of the RFQ.

Purchasing and Contracting

Gorge Powerhouse Crane Replacement DB Project Page i PW #2022-076A September 2026 Request for Qualifications

Table of Contents

1.0 Project Description

1.1 Services Being Procured

1.2 Project Background, Description, and Location

1.3 Project Challenges and Rationale for Using DB Approach

1.4 Project Goals

1.5 Design Excellence

1.6 Projects of Similar Scope and Complexity

2.0 Minimum Qualifications

3.0 Applicant Instructions, Requirements & Procedures

3.1 Obtaining RFQ

3.2 Registration to do Business with the City

3.3 Pre-Statement of Qualifications Conference

3.4 RFQ Questions

3.5 Changes/Addenda to the RFQ

3.6 Receiving and Acknowledging Addenda and/or Question and Answers

3.7 Validity of SOQs and Proposals after Execution

3.8 Cost of Preparing Statement of Qualifications

3.9 No Objections

3.10 Applicant Responsibility in Responding

3.11 Withdrawal

3.12 Cancellation and Rejection of Statement of Qualifications

3.13 Ex Parte Communications

3.14 Ethics

3.15 Organizational Conflicts of Interests

3.16 Licensing

3.17 Team Continuity and Changes to Organizational Structure

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3.18 Proprietary and Confidential Material

3.19 Background Checks and Immigrant Status

3.20 Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)

3.21 The City’s Rights

4.0 Statement of Qualifications

4.1 General Format and Page Counts

4.2 Submittal of Hard Copy SOQs

4.3 Statement of Qualifications Submittal Contents

4.4 Statement of Qualifications Elements

5.0 Evaluation and Selection

5.1 Initial Screening of SOQs

5.2 Evaluation and Scoring of SOQs and Proposals

5.3 References

5.4 Short List Following SOQ Scoring

5.5 Request for Proposals

6.0 Form of Design-Build Contract

7.0 Debriefing and Protests

7.1 Debriefing

7.2 Protests

List of Tables

Table 1: Address & Location ........................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Table 2: Design-Builder Selection Schedule

Table 3: Estimated Project Schedule

Table 4: SOQ Organization and Scoring

Table 5: Key Personnel Experience Requirements

Table 6: Attachment 4 Scored Proposal Evaluation Criteria–Maximum Possible Points

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List of Figures

Figure 1: Overview of Site

Figure 2: Bridge Clearance

List of Attachments

Attachment 1: Company Questionnaire

Attachment 2A: Summary Experience Form

Attachment 2: Project Experience Form

Attachment 3: Key Personnel Form

Attachment 4: Draft Request for Proposals (RFP)

4-A: Volume 1 -Draft Instructions to Proposers

4-B: Volume 2 - Draft Technical Requirements (TR)

4-C: Volume 3 - Draft General Terms and Conditions of Design-Build Contract

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RFQ Contact Information, Submittal Instructions, and Design-Builder Selection Schedule

This procurement is managed for The City of Seattle (City) by its Purchasing and Contracting division (PC) of the Finance and Administrative Services (FAS) Department. The contact for this procurement is the PC Program Administrator:

Ian Hernandez, Ian.Hernandez@seattle.gov, 206-684-0128 Back-up Contact: Mark Nakagawara, Mark.Nakagawara@seattle.gov, 206-684-4542

Seattle City Light (SCL) is the Administering Department that will manage the Project. The SCL Project Manager is Eddie Plana, Eddie.Plana@seattle.gov, 206-684-3520.

Questions about this procurement must be submitted to the PC Program Administrator named above. Applicants shall not rely on information derived from other sources including other City employees.

Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) must be uploaded electronically to OpenGov; see Section

4.0 of this RFQ for additional details on submittal requirements.

The procurement schedule for selection of a Design-Builder is shown in Table 1 below. This schedule is subject to revision by the Request for Proposals (RFP) and addenda to this RFQ.

mailto:Ian.Hernandez@seattle.gov mailto:Mark.Nakagawara@seattle.gov mailto:Eddie.Plana@seattle.gov

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Table 1: Design-Builder Selection Schedule

Key Milestones Target Date(s)

Step 1 – RFQ Phase

RFQ Released for Advertisement October 07, 2026

Pre-Statement of Qualifications Meeting October 26, 2026

Deadline for Submitting Questions October 30, 2026

Last Day for City response to questions and to Issue Addenda

November 03, 2026

Statement of Qualifications Deadline November 06, 2026

SOQ Evaluation Complete November 13, 2026

Notification of Short List November 16, 2026

Step 2 – RFP Phase

Request for Proposals Issued November 18, 2026

Mandatory Site Visit December 10, 2026

One-on-One Meetings December 14, 2026

Deadline for Submitting Questions December 21, 2026

Last Day for City response to questions and to Issue Addenda

January 06, 2027

Proposal Deadline January 13, 2027

Interviews (optional) January 20, 2027

Announcement of Highest-Scored Proposer January 22, 2027

Design-Build Contract Negotiations January 22, 2027

Notice of Intent to Award March 12, 2027

Design-Build Contract Execution March 12, 2027

Definitions

For the purposes of clarity throughout the RFQ, the following terms and definitions apply.

Applicant(s) – The team(s) responding to the RFQ.

Authorized Representative – Defined based on the Applicant’s or Proposer’s firm’s business entity as specified below:

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For a Sole Proprietorship, the authorized representative is the Owner

For a Partnership, the authorized representative is the General Partner

For a Joint Venture, the authorized representative is the Managing Joint Venture

For Limited Partnership (LP), the authorized representative is the General Partner

For a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), the authorized representative is a General Partner

For a Limited Liability Company (LLC), the authorized representative is the Manager or Member (if there is no manager)

For a Corporation, the authorized representative is the President or Vice President

Contract or Design-Build Contract or DB Contract – The design-build contract the City anticipates executing through this procurement process, as provided under RCW

39.10.330 and as defined in the General Terms and Conditions.

Proposer(s) – The team(s) short-listed after SOQ evaluation.

Design-Builder – The firm or joint venture awarded the Design-Build Contract.

Design-Build Team – The team awarded the Design-Build Contract and the named individuals and entities who will perform the Design-Build Work.

Electronic Signature – An electronic sound, symbol, or process attached to or logically associated with a contract or other record and executed or adopted by a person with the intent to sign the record. Electronic Signature may include, but is not limited to, signatures produced through proprietary software programs such as DocuSign or Adobe Sign.

Email Header – Data included in email messages identifying transaction date, time, sender, active email server identification and recipient of the message.

Email Time Stamp – The time which the sender transmitted the email as determined by the City’s interpretation of the data embedded in the Email Header.

PDF Submittal File(s) – A Portable Document Format (PDF) copy of the SOQ or Proposal (or portion thereof) and attachments that provides an electronic image of text or text and graphics that looks like a printed document and can be viewed, printed, and electronically transmitted.

Proposers – The teams short-listed after SOQ evaluation.

Underutilized Business – subcontractors and suppliers including, but not limited to, the office of minority and women’s business enterprises (OMWBE) certified businesses, Gorge Powerhouse Crane Replacement DB Project Page 4

Request for Qualifications veteran certified businesses, and small business as allowed by law, as defined in RCW 39.10.320(f).

The terms City, City of Seattle, Owner, and Seattle City Light (SCL) are synonymous and interchangeable with respect to the RFQ and the RFP.

Other terms and definitions can be found in Section 1-01 of this RFQ: Volume 3 Article 1 of the draft RFP.

Statement of Qualifications Submittal Checklist

The Statement of Qualifications should be packaged into the following sections:

1. Letter of Interest

2. Response to Minimum Qualifications

3. Statement of Qualifications Elements

4. Company Questionnaire

5. Proof of Legal Name

6. Proof of Insurance and Bonding Capacity

7. Appendix A – Project Experience Forms

8. Appendix B – Key Personnel Forms

9. Appendix C – Letter of Intent to Joint Venture (if applicable)

This list is for Applicant’s convenience, to assist with quality control before submitting a Statement of Qualifications. Addenda may change this list; be sure to check any final instructions. See Section 4.0 Statement of Qualifications for detailed requirements.

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1.0 Project Description

1.1 Services Being Procured

The City is using a two-phase process to select a Design-Builder for the design and construction of Seattle City Light’s Bridge Crane Replacement inside the Gorge Powerhouse (the Project).

The City has been certified by the State of Washington Project Review Committee to use the design-build (DB) project delivery method as provided under RCW Chapter 39.10.

This RFQ initiates the first phase of the procurement process. Statements of Qualifications (SOQ’s) submitted in response to it will be evaluated by the City using the process described herein. The City will select up to four of the highest scored SOQ’s as finalists to receive a Request for Proposals (RFP), which initiates the second phase of the process. The City intends to award the Design-Build Contract for the Project to the responsive and responsible finalist offering the proposal that is scored highest.

The RFP will consist of the documents listed below. Draft versions of Volumes 1, 2 and 3 are attached to this RFQ (as Attachment 5) to provide a more detailed description of the scope of work. These documents provide a more complete context within which Applicants can appreciate the nature of the work and the relevant experience and expertise being sought from qualified teams.

• Volume 1 - Instructions to Proposers (ITP);

• Volume 2 - Technical Requirements (TR), and;

• Volume 3 - General Terms and Conditions.

The City will conduct confidential One-on-One Meetings during proposal preparation to provide opportunity for Proposers to solicit feedback for development of their approach to clarify aspects of the RFP.

The City intends to enter into negotiations pursuant to RCW 39.10.330 with the responsible Proposer offering the responsive Proposal that is ranked highest. The process for determining the Highest Ranked Proposer includes a review of pass/fail requirements; an assessment of the quality of the Proposer’s Technical Proposal; interviews if conducted; and consideration of the Proposer’s Design-Build Price Proposal.

Following successful negotiations and contract execution, The City will pay an honorarium of $75,000 to all non-successful Proposers who submit a responsive Proposal.

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1.2 Project Background, Project Description, Project Schedule, and Existing Conditions

Project Background

Gorge Powerhouse has been in operation since the 1930’s providing the City of Seattle with power. Since its initial construction, it has been served by an overhead bridge crane. In the 1950’s the powerhouse was expanded, and an additional bridge crane was added to the powerhouse. The cranes are generally operated independently; however, they can be combined using a spreader bar for heavier loads. The goal of this project is to implement a replacement of the two cranes resulting in new crane system with at least a 40-year life expectancy. The crane replacement must be complete prior to the next set of generator overhauls, which begin in 2029.

The cranes have exceeded their useful life expectancy and are requiring more maintenance to maintain reliability. Reliable and precise bridge cranes are needed for a variety of tasks and projects at the powerhouse in the near future. Seattle City Light is planning to rehabilitate the four generating units at Gorge Powerhouse, and the cranes will need to be modern and reliable.

Project Description

The Project will consist of designing, fabricating, and construction installation of an overhead bridge crane system consisting of either a single or double overhead bridge cranes. The existing cranes will need to be deconstructed and removed during construction. Major items for the project include the follow:

▪ Crane(s) design to current industry standards and compliant with Washington State laws

▪ Minimum of a 5-year warranty & service period after completion of installation

▪ Integrated safety system for access, maintenance, and repair of crane(s)

▪ No changes to the existing powerhouse structure

▪ Limitations of the existing powerhouse and structure

▪ Crane capacity o Single crane main hook capacity 275 tons, auxiliary hook capacity of 15 tons

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Request for Qualifications o Dual cranes main hook capacity of 150 tons each, auxiliary hook capacity of 15 tons on each

▪ Major electrical components designed for 480 VAC , 3-phase

▪ Fully integrated design of crane(s) controls with remote operating capabilities

▪ Variable operating speeds for travel and lifting

▪ Committed team members for the duration of the project.

1.2.3 Estimated Project Schedule

The Project’s schedule includes the following Milestones:

Table 1: Estimated Project Schedule

Key Milestones Target Date

Design-Build Contract Execution Notice April 4, 2027

Design Start April 14, 2027

Fabrication Start June 22, 2027

Mobilization Start February 7, 2028

Deconstruction Start February 7, 2028

Deconstruction Finish February 18, 2028

Construction Start February 21, 2028

Construction Finish April 14, 2028

Substantial Completion April 14, 2028

Physical Completion May 26, 2028

Site conditions during the winter months can make access and construction difficult. The site location can experience limited access due to road closures during the fall and winter months.

Site Location & Existing Conditions

Gorge Powerhouse is part of the Skagit Hydroelectric Project and is located in Whatcom County in the northern part of Washington State’s Cascade Mountains. The nearest major city, Burlington, is located approximately 60 miles west. The elevation at the powerhouse is approximately 500’ above sea level.

The powerhouse is accessed off state Highway 20 by crossing over a single lane, steel truss bridge spanning the Skagit River. Figure 1 is a satellite image of the site. The bridge clearances are shown in Figure 2. There are two small parking lots on the north end of the powerhouse, Gorge Powerhouse Crane Replacement DB Project Page 8

Request for Qualifications which are the only vehicle parking areas. The lower parking lot is reserved for City personnel primarily.

Figure 1: Overview of Site

Figure 2: Bridge Clearance

There are other possible locations in the town of Newhalem which could be used for material storage, parking, or other construction support.

1.3 Underutilized Business Inclusion Plan

This Project requires an Underutilized Business Inclusion Plan to be submitted with the Proposal (see Volume I, Attachment 3, Proposal Form C and Volume I, Section 1.8 of the RFP).

The Highest Ranked Proposer must convert their Underutilized Business Inclusion Plan into the

POWERHOUSE

PARKING LOTS

BRIDGE

HIGHWAY 20

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Underutilized Business Implementation Plan (see Volume III, Contract Form B of the RFP) and submit to the City for review and approval as described in Volume I, Section 2.16 of the RFP.

The City reserves the right to negotiate modifications to the Underutilized Business Implementation Plan prior to contract execution. The City will not execute the Design-Build Contract until the City has approved the Underutilized Business Implementation Plan.

Additional information is provided in Volume I, Section 1.8 of the RFP.

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1.4 Project Challenges and Rationale for Using DB Approach

The project presents a number of challenges. Design, fabrication, and installation of overhead traveling cranes requires an integrated approach from final design details to commissioning with specialized engineering and construction experience. The limitations of the existing powerhouse structures require a fully customized design and construction plan. Other challenges include:

• Analysis of the powerhouse building for alternative crane loading cases options

• Multiple control locations and types for the cranes

• The final weight testing of the cranes

• Equipment “cut-over” will be phased and happening at different times throughout construction.

• Crane outage times will need to be coordinated with generation and maintenance requirements.

In utilizing a DB approach for this Project, SCL expects to secure substantial benefits for the public. These benefits include:

• A single contract with a Design-Builder will result in better integration and efficiency for outages, construction sequencing and equipment design.

• The DB procurement method allows for the lowest risk.

• The DB approach allows for innovation to enhance the flexibility of the cranes to meet the maintenance needs of the powerhouse.

• Project risk allocation to the party best able to manage those risks.

• Potential problems can be identified early with the design team and better construction planning can be achieved.

• City personnel can review and observe equipment testing in the factory.

• Maintain key personnel for the duration of the project.

1.5 Project Goals

The City has established the following Project Goals:

1. Optimize scheduling and sequencing of design and construction. This goal will be achieved by meeting or exceeding the in-service milestones specified, having critical components on-site well ahead of time, and performing an efficient “cut-over” to the new equipment.

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2. Project Collaboration. The City recognizes that to resolve the unique challenges effectively and efficiently in this Project, the Design-Builder must manage risk and partner with the City to identify and resolve issues early. The City seeks a Design-Builder who recognizes the benefits of focusing on the Project Goals during all phases of the Project and who facilitates collaboration during the entire design-build process.

3. Quality. The City seeks a Design-Builder who will meet or exceed technical quality requirements for design and construction through implementation of a clear and thorough Quality Management Plan that actively and transparently discovers and tracks quality issues before they impact schedule and cost.

4. Minimize Outages. The successful Design Builder will efficiently plan ahead, coordinate with affected stakeholders and sequence work to minimize the overall duration of outages.

5. Safety. The successful Design-Builder will design for safety and optimize equipment layout to efficiently use available space while still providing safe and convenient access for maintenance.

6. Cultural and Environmental Resources and its impacts. The successful Design-Builder will optimize site layout and configuration of equipment to minimize impact to surrounding environment and existing cultural resources.

1.6 Design Excellence

“Design Excellence” is achieved with design and implementation that meets the Project Schedule and Budget, exceeds the City’s Project Goals and the defined functional requirements, and includes innovative solutions to the Project’s more difficult challenges. The City‘s evaluation of Design Excellence will include, but not be limited to, the Applicant’s experience on other projects as well as the proposed approach for this Project. See Section 5 for more information regarding the evaluation.

1.7 Projects of Similar Scope and Complexity

The term “Projects of Similar Scope and Complexity” refer to previously completed projects that have completion dates within the last ten (10) years and have many, or all, of the following characteristics:

1. Design Build Projects that required proactive coordination and integration of the design and construction professionals as well as collaboration with the owner.

2. Work in and around existing and energized hydroelectric facilities.

3. Projects that involved the design, fabrication, removal and construction installation of overhead traveling cranes.

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4. Multiple crane systems with simultaneous, synced operation and load sharing.

5. Projects for public sector owners in the United States.

6. Projects in environmentally, historic, and culturally sensitive areas.

7. Projects that require coordination with work performed by others.

8. Projects that involved deconstruction of existing cranes, analysis of existing crane support structure and commissioning of new cranes.

The City reserves the right to determine in its sole discretion which projects submitted by the Applicant meet the definition of Projects of Similar Scope and Complexity, and to award more points to Applicants who have performed work on projects that incorporate more of the characteristics set forth in this definition and that are more recent. The City also reserves the right to award more points to projects in which the Applicant, its team members and individual Key Personnel had substantial responsibility for their respective scopes of work.

2.0 Minimum Qualifications

Statements of Qualifications that do not meet these minimum qualifications at time of the SOQ deadline will be rejected by the City without further consideration. If the Applicant is a Joint Venture, unless otherwise noted below, each venture partner must demonstrate these requirements at the time the SOQ is submitted, and they may meet the qualifications as a team. (NOTE: If the Highest-Scored Proposer is a Joint Venture, the Proposer must become compliant as a Joint Venture partnership by the time of Award).

Applicants must:

1. Be registered as a Licensed Contractor with Washington State in accordance with RCW

18.27.020 (Joint Venture may meet this requirement as a team).

2. Not be disqualified from bidding on any public works contracts under RCW 39.06.010 or

39.12.065 or have active exclusions on the federal System of Awards Management (sam.gov).

3. Have a company headquarters in North America.

4. Have a minimum of (10) ten years’ experience in the design of overhead cranes.

5. Have full 3D CAD modeling capabilities.

6. Have (5) years' experience with Allen Bradley PLC programming.

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7. Have a minimum of (5) five years' experience in the fabrication of overhead cranes or an equivalent time experience with your proposed fabrication subcontractor.

8. Installation contractor shall have minimum five (5) years of experience in installation of overhead cranes.

9. Be experienced with hydroelectric facilities, equipment, layout, and lifting needs.

10. Have delivered at least three (3) Projects of Similar Scope and Complexity in the last ten (10) years.

11. Have a bonding capacity at least equal to the project estimate (evidenced by submitting surety letter).

12. Must be able to provide the required insurance coverage (evidenced by submitting letter from broker).

3.0 Applicant Instructions, Requirements & Procedures

3.1 Obtaining RFQ

All RFQ documents are posted on https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/seattle. Interested Applicants will have completed a free registration in order to access the Non-Disclosure Agreement that must be signed and returned to the City in order to access the RFQ documents.

It is the Applicant’s responsibility to ensure it has received a complete set of documents from the download.

3.2 Registration to do Business with the City

If your firm has not previously completed a one‐time registration into the City of Seattle’s Procurement Portal (powered by OpenGov), register at:

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/seattle The City requires all firms to register. Women and minority owned firms are asked to self‐identify. If you need assistance, please call 206‐684‐ 0444.

3.3 Pre-Statement of Qualifications Conference

The City will conduct an optional pre-SOQ conference on the time and date provided in the Design-Builder Selection Schedule in Table 2 of this RFQ. Refer to Advertisement page for additional detail. Applicants are highly encouraged to attend, but not required to attend to be eligible to submit an SOQ. This meeting is to provide Applicants with the opportunity to obtain answers to questions about the procurement. All questions and answers will be documented and published on https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/seattle.

https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/seattle

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3.4 RFQ Questions

Applicants may also submit written questions to the PC Program Administrator (see page 1 of this RFQ) at any time until the deadline for the applicable phase of the procurement stated in the Design-Builder Selection Schedule in Table 2 of this RFQ, as may be amended. PC will publish the questions and any answers on https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/seattle.

3.5 Changes/Addenda to the RFQ

The City reserves the right to amend this RFQ at any time before the SOQ Deadline. Any amendments will be announced by addenda to this RFQ.

The City will issue addenda for any changes to the RFQ, which will become part of this RFQ. If an addendum is issued, all other provisions in the RFQ that are not modified remain unchanged.

Addenda will be issued on https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/seattle.

3.6 Receiving and Acknowledging Addenda and/or Question and Answers

It is the obligation and responsibility of the Applicant/Proposer to learn of any addenda, responses to questions, or notices issued by the City. Note that some third-party services may independently post City of Seattle RFQs or other procurement documents on their websites.

Applicants/Proposers relying on such services do so at their own risk.

SOQ submittals sent to the City will be considered acknowledgement of all Addenda issued prior to the SOQ deadline.

3.7 Validity of SOQs and Proposals after Execution

Applicants agree that the information included in the SOQs, including Key Personnel, will remain valid and accurate for a minimum of ninety (90) days. Short-listed firms/teams (Proposers) will be required to extend their validation through final selection and the successful Proposer will be required to extend through contract execution.

Should the original Design-Build Contract executed under the RFP subsequent to this RFQ be terminated for any reason within ninety (90) days of Execution, the City reserves the option to return to the procurement process to pursue Award to the next highest scored Proposer upon agreement with such Proposer to do so. Any new Award will have this same option.

3.8 Cost of Preparing Statement of Qualifications

The Applicant is solely responsible for all costs incurred in the preparation and presentation of a Statement of Qualifications in response to this RFQ.

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3.9 No Objections

If the Applicant does not object to any of the provisions of this RFQ prior to the SOQ deadline, the Applicant waives all rights to protest the provisions of this RFQ. By submitting an SOQ in response to this RFQ, Applicant agrees that the process, criteria, and requirements described in this RFQ are fair and proper, and that the Applicant has no objection to any provisions of the

RFQ.

3.10 Applicant Responsibility in Responding

It is the Applicant’s responsibility to provide a full and complete written response, which does not require interpretation or clarification by the City. The Applicant is to provide all requested materials, forms, and information. During evaluation and scoring (prior to interviews, if any), the City will rely upon the submitted materials and will not accept materials from the Applicant after the SOQ deadline; however, this does not limit the right of the City to consider additional information (such as references that are not provided by the Applicant but are known to the City, or past experience by the City in assessing the Applicant), or to seek clarifications from the Applicant as needed by the City.

For an Applicant proposing as a Joint Venture, each member of the Joint Venture shall separately provide their own individual information where this RFQ requests specific evidence of an Applicant’s qualifications.

Applicants are advised that the City’s ability to evaluate SOQs is dependent in part on the Applicant’s submitting SOQs that are well-ordered, detailed, comprehensive, and readable.

Applicants are responsible for errors and omissions in their SOQs. No such error or omission shall diminish the Applicant’s obligations to the City.

Prior to the SOQ deadline, an Applicant may make changes to its SOQ. No change shall be allowed after the deadline.

3.11 Withdrawal

At any time, by written request, an Applicant or Proposer may withdraw their SOQ or Proposal, respectively.

3.12 Cancellation and Rejection of Statement of Qualifications or Proposals

The City reserves the right to reject non-responsive SOQs or Proposals and may reject all SOQs or Proposals for any reason at its sole discretion. The City may choose not to award and/or execute a Design-Build Contract even after declaration of the Highest Ranked Proposer.

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Applicants/Proposers acknowledge that a notice of Intent to Award confers no right of contract.

A decision by the City to cancel the RFQ, RFP, and/or not enter into a contract will not be the basis of any claims or causes of action for costs or damages by any Applicants/Proposers.

3.13 Ex Parte Communications

Applicants are advised to refrain from initiating and/or engaging in communications specific to this procurement with third party agencies and other non-designated employees of the City of Seattle and its departments who may or may not have knowledge of the Project. These agencies and/or employees are not authorized to represent the interests of the City in this procurement. Applicants are advised not to rely on any information obtained other than what is provided by the designated PC Program Administrator(s) designated on Page 1. The City reserves the right to take actions deemed appropriate to the City, up to and including the disqualification of the Applicant, for engaging in unauthorized communications deemed detrimental to this procurement.

3.14 Ethics

Familiarize yourself with the City Ethics code:

http://www.seattle.gov/ethics/etpub/et_home.htm

For an in-depth explanation of the City’s Ethics Code for Contractors, Vendors, Customers and Clients, visit: http://www.seattle.gov/ethics/etpub/faqcontractorexplan.htm.

Any questions should be addressed to Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission at 206-684- 8500.

No Gifts and Gratuities

Proposers shall not directly or indirectly offer anything of value (such as retainers, loans, entertainment, favors, gifts, tickets, trips, favors, bonuses, donations, special discounts, work, or meals) to any City employee, volunteer or official, if it is intended or may appear to a reasonable person to be intended to obtain or give special consideration to the Proposer. An example is giving sporting event tickets to a City employee who is on the evaluation team of a proposal you plan to submit. The definition of what a “consideration” would be is very broad and could include not only awarding a contract but also the administration of the contract or the evaluation of contract performance. The rule works both ways, as it also prohibits City employees from soliciting items of value from Proposers.

Involvement of Current and Former City Employees

If an Applicant has any current or past (within the most recent 24 months) City employees, officials or volunteers that are working or assisting on this solicitation or on the contract to be executed based on this solicitation, you must promptly notify the PC Program Administrator.

The Company Questionnaire within your SOQ documents prompts you to do so. The selected http://www.seattle.gov/ethics/etpub/et_home.htm http://www.seattle.gov/ethics/etpub/faqcontractorexplan.htm

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Design-Builders must continue to update that information to PC during the course of the contract. The Applicant is to be aware and familiar with the City’s Ethics Code as it pertains for current and former City employees, and to educate and ensure compliance by the Proposer and identified individuals or firms accordingly.

3.14.3 Contract Workers with over 1,000 Hours.

The Ethics Code applies to Consultant workers that perform over 1,000 cumulative hours on any City contract during any 12-month period. Any such employee must abide by the City Ethics Code. The Consultant is to be aware and familiar with the Ethics Code accordingly.

3.14.4 No Conflict of Interest

The Proposer (including officer, director, trustee, partner, or employee) must not have a business interest or a close family or domestic relationship with any City official, officer or employee who was, is, or will be involved in selection, negotiation, drafting, signing, administration or evaluating Proposer performance. The City shall make sole determination as to compliance.

3.15 Organizational Conflicts of Interests

As used in the RFQ and the RFP, “Organizational Conflict of Interest” means:

1. With respect to Applicants/Proposers, activities or relationships with other persons, entities, or City representatives which results in the Applicant/Proposer being unable or potentially unable to render impartial assistance or advice to the City; or

2. With respect to Applicants/Proposers, activities or relationships with other persons, entities, or City representatives which impairs or appears to impair an Applicant’s/ Proposer’s ability to perform the contract work objectively; or

3. The activities, business or personal relationships of any Applicant/Proposer, City representative or City employee working on this RFQ or the RFP or the Project which results in an unfair competitive advantage or the appearance of an unfair competitive advantage.

The integrated nature of the design-build project delivery method creates the potential for Organizational Conflicts of Interest. Disclosure, evaluation, neutralization, and management of these conflicts and of the appearance of conflicts, is in the interests of the public, the City, and the consulting and construction communities.

City employees are required to comply with the City’s Ethics Code. Additionally, the City requires that individuals involved in the preparation of the procurement documents (e.g., RFQ, RFP), evaluation of SOQs and Proposals, and selection of Design-Builder identify any Organizational Conflicts of Interest at the earliest time possible in order for the City to take

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Request for Qualifications appropriate steps to prevent any Applicant/Proposer being given an unfair competitive advantage over another.

Applicants/Proposers are required to disclose all relevant facts concerning any past, present, or currently planned interests, activities, or relationships which may present an Organizational Conflict of Interest. Applicants/Proposers must state how their interests, activities, or relationships, or those of the chief executives, directors, Key Personnel, or any proposed consultant, subconsultant at any tier, contractor, or subcontractor at any tier may result, or could be viewed as, an organizational conflict.

If an Organizational Conflict of Interest is determined to exist, the City may, at its sole discretion, offer the Applicant/Proposer the opportunity to avoid or neutralize the impact of the conflict; disqualify the Applicant/Proposer from further participation in the procurement;

cancel this procurement; or, if Award has already occurred, declare the Proposal non-responsive and Award the Design-Build Contract to the next Highest Ranked Proposer, or cancel the Design-Build Contract. If the Applicant/Proposer was aware of an Organizational Conflict of Interest prior to Award of a Design-Build Contract and did not disclose the conflict to the City, the City may terminate the Design-Build Contract for default.

3.16 Licensing

The Highest Scored Proposer must meet all licensing requirements that apply to its type of business immediately after receiving Intent to Award (unless required earlier in the procurement process per this RFQ) or the City may find the Proposer not responsible.

Companies must license, report, and pay revenue taxes for the Washington State Business License (Unified Business Identifier Number (UBI#)) and Seattle Business License, if required by the laws of those jurisdictions.

Seattle Business Licensing

A Seattle Business License is not required for this Project.

State Business Licensing & Associated Taxes

Before the Design-Build Contract is Executed, Proposer must have a State of Washington business license (a State “Unified Business Identifier” known as a UBI#). If the State of Washington has exempted Proposer’s business from State licensing (for example, some foreign companies are exempt, and, in some cases, the State waives licensing because the company does not have a physical presence in the State), then submit proof of that exemption to the City. All costs for any licenses, permits and associated tax payments due to the State because of licensing shall be borne by the Proposer and not charged separately to the City. Instructions and applications are at: http://bls.dor.wa.gov/file.aspxl, and the State of Washington Department of Revenue is available at 1-800-647-7706.

http://bls.dor.wa.gov/file.aspx http://bls.dor.wa.gov/file.aspx

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In addition, no later than the Execution of the Design-Build Contract, Proposer must have an Employment Security Department Account number for Unemployment Insurance and be current on payments; and a Labor & Industries Account for Industrial Insurance (Worker’s Compensation), and be current on amounts due or submit proof of being self-insured; and have a Department of Revenue tax account set up and be current on payments.

3.17 Team Continuity and Changes to Organizational Structure

Part of the evaluation of SOQs and Applicant teams will be based on the qualifications of the proposed Key Personnel listed in Section 4 of this RFQ. An Applicant/Proposer may not, without the written consent of the City, substitute, or change any of the Key Personnel for the duration of the selection process and for the duration of the Design-Build Contract. All proposed Key Personnel are to be committed throughout the selection process and be available for the interview. If an Applicant/Proposer substitutes any member of the Key Personnel prior to Award, the City reserves the right to revise its scoring of that team.

Requests for removal, replacements, and additions shall be submitted in writing. To qualify for approval, the written request shall document that the proposed removal, replacement, or addition will be equal to or better qualified than the Key Personnel provided in the SOQ. The City will use the criteria specified in the RFQ to evaluate all requests.

3.18 Proprietary and Confidential Material

Background: State of Washington’s Public Records Act (Release/Disclosure of Public Records)

Unless otherwise exempt by other laws or regulations, under RCW Chapter 42.56 (the Public Records Act) all materials received or created by the City of Seattle are public records. As further provided under RCW 39.10.470, these records include but are not limited to bids, SOQs, Proposals, agreement documents, contracts, contract work product, or other procurement-related material.

The State of Washington’s Public Records Act requires public records to be promptly disclosed by the City upon request unless that RCW or another Washington State statute exempts records from disclosure. Exemptions are narrow and explicit and are listed in Washington State Law (Reference RCW 39.10.470, RCW Chapter 42.56 and RCW Chapter 19.108).

Applicants/Proposers must be familiar with the Washington State Public Records Act and the limits of record disclosure exemptions. For more information, visit the Washington State Legislature’s website at http://www1.leg.wa.gov/LawsAndAgencyRules).

http://www1.leg.wa.gov/LawsAndAgencyRules

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If you have any questions about disclosure of the records you submit with your SOQ/Proposal, contact the PC Program Administrator named in this document.

Protecting Submitted Materials from Disclosure (Protected, Confidential, or Proprietary)

As provided under RCW 39.10.470, the City will not disclose a finalist’s Proposal in response to a public records request until after notification of the highest scoring finalist. Otherwise, the City must promptly make public records available upon request unless the record is exempt from disclosure.

As mentioned above, all City of Seattle offices (“the City”) are required to promptly make public records available upon request. However, under Washington State Law some records or portions of records are considered legally exempt from disclosure and can be withheld. A list and description of records identified as exempt by the Public Records Act can be found in RCW 42.56 and RCW 19.108.

If you believe any of the records you are submitting to the City as part of your proposal or contract work products, are exempt from disclosure you can request that they not be released before you receive notification. To do so you must complete the City Non-Disclosure Request Form (“the Form”) provided by the City (see the Company Questionnaire) and very clearly and specifically identify each record and the exemption(s) that may apply. (If you are awarded a City contract, the same exemption designation will carry forward to the contract records.)

The City will not withhold materials from disclosure simply because you mark them with a document header or footer, page stamp, or a generic statement that a document is non-disclosable, exempt, confidential, proprietary, or protected. Do not identify an entire page as exempt unless each sentence is within the exemption scope; instead, identify paragraphs or sentences that meet the specific exemption criteria you cite on the Form. Only the specific records or portions of records properly listed on the Form will be protected and withheld for notice. All other records will be considered fully disclosable upon request.

If the City receives a public disclosure request for any records you have properly and specifically listed on the Form, the City will notify you in writing of the request and will postpone disclosure.

While it is not a legal obligation, the City, as a courtesy, will allow you up to ten business days to file a court injunction to prevent the City from releasing the records (reference RCW 42.56.540).

If you fail to obtain a Court order within the ten days, the City may release the documents.

The City will not assert an exemption from disclosure on your behalf. If you believe a record(s) is exempt from disclosure you are obligated to clearly identify it as such on the Form and submit it with your solicitation. Should a public record request be submitted to PC for that record(s), you can then seek an injunction under RCW 42.56 to prevent release. By submitting a Proposal, the Proposer acknowledges this obligation; the proposer also acknowledges that the City will have no obligation or liability to the Proposer if the records

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Request for Qualifications

Visit https://www.seattle.gov/public-records/public-records-request-center to find out how to request public records.

3.19 L&I Training

Prior to Notice of Intent to Award, Proposer must have received training on the requirements related to public works and prevailing wage by Labor and Industries or approved training provider per RCW 39.04.350, chapter 39.12. Proposers are exempt from training if Proposer has been in business with active unified business identifier number for 3 or more years and have performed work on 3 or more public works projects.

3.20 Background Checks and Immigrant Status

Background checks will be required for workers that will be performing the work under this contract. The City has strict policies regarding the use of Background checks, criminal checks, immigrant status, and/or religious affiliation for contract workers. The policies are incorporated into the contract and available for viewing on-line at:

http://www.seattle.gov/city-purchasing-and-contracting/social-equity/background

3.21 Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)

A Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) will not be required for this Project.

3.22 The City’s Rights

Throughout the procurement process, the City reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to:

A. Appoint evaluation committees to review SOQs and Proposals;

B. Investigate the qualifications of any Applicant or Proposer;

C. Seek or obtain data from any source related to the SOQs or Proposals;

D. Require confirmation of information furnished by an Applicant or Proposer;

E. Hold meetings and conduct discussions and correspondence with the Applicants and Proposers as specified in this RFQ or the RFP to seek an improved understanding and evaluation of the SOQs or Proposals;

F. Require additional information from an Applicant or Proposer concerning its SOQ or Proposal;

G. Seek and receive clarifications to a SOQ or Proposal;

H. Require additional evidence of qualifications to perform the Design-Build Work;

https://www.seattle.gov/public-records/public-records-request-center http://www.seattle.gov/city-purchasing-and-contracting/social-equity/background

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I. Modify the procurement process and documents as permitted by law;

J. Waive minor deficiencies and irregularities in a SOQ or Proposal;

K. Cancel the procurement;

L. Reject any or all SOQs or Proposals;

M. Cancel, modify or withdraw the RFQ or RFP

N. Issue a new RFQ or RFP;

O. Issue a request to interview Proposers;

P. Conduct negotiations with the Highest Scored Proposer prior to award of the Design-Build Contract;

Q. Cancel a Design-Build Contract signed by the selected Design-Builder but not yet executed by the City; and

R. Not issue a Notice to Proceed after execution of the Design-Build Contract.

Neither the RFQ nor the RFP commits the City to enter into a Design-Build Contract or proceed with the procurement described herein. Other than the right to receive an Honorarium as described in Volume I of the RFP - ITP, Section 2.20, no unsuccessful Applicant/Proposer will be entitled to reimbursement of its costs in connection with this procurement.

4.0 Statement of Qualifications

Submit a Statement of Qualifications meeting the following requirements:

4.1 General Format and Page Counts

Statement of Qualifications must address each topic below in a clear, comprehensive, and concise manner and in the format and order described below:

1. Number all pages sequentially. The content should follow closely what has been asked for in this RFQ, including the order of answers and the order of documents.

2. Use tabs to separate the required sections; tabs shall not contain any supplemental text, graphics, or information addressing and aspect of the RFQ.

3. The City has strict page limits for certain sections of the SOQ as shown on Table 4 below.

Any pages that exceed the page limit will not be considered for purposes of evaluation. The City does not intend to reject SOQs for exceeding page limits, but instead, will not consider any information on pages that exceed the page limitation for an individual section.

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4. Use 8 ½” by 11” format with the exceptions as follows:

A. 11” by 17” format can be used for plans, figures, drawings, schedules, exhibits, tables, or other illustrative and graphical information;

B. 11x17” format pages will be counted as one page per one side of a printed page.

C. Do not use 11” by 17” format for narrative responses.

5. All information shall be in English.

6. All narrative text shall be single-spaced in a regular style font at a minimum of 11…