Design Challenge Q_A.pdf

Design Challenge Q_A rev 2021.12.1 rbs.docx 1 11/18/2021

Airport Traffic Control Tower Design Initiative

Questions and Responses

November 9, 2021

1. Is the SAM.gov registration required by Phase 1? Or Phase 2/January 22?

The FAA suggests you register immediately. You should be fully registered or able to show documentation that you have registered by Phase 3.

2. Can you tell me if FAA employees are able to be part of the Sustainable Tower Design initiative to design an air traffic control tower?

No. FAA employees are not eligible to participate in this procurement per AMS Guidance T3.2.5.A.7.

3. Will the selected design package be available to airport sponsors at no cost?

The design package cannot be made available to airport sponsors unless and until it has been publicly released in connection with potential future design adaptation / construction procurements.

4. What is the approximate budget?

We anticipate the construction budget per structure to be in the range of $5M–$15M, height and location dependent. This approximation does not include foundation or site work. The per tower cost estimate will be affected by the design approach and will be part of the proposal submitted in the Phase 3 SIR.

5. Will there be interviews?

Any potential interviews will be identified in the Phase 3 SIR.

6. Can government employees from an agency other than the FAA participate?

Federal employees are not eligible to participate in this competition per AMS Guidance T3.2.3.A.7.

7. Will participation in the solicitation and/or design competition preclude firms from pursuing the construction portion of the projects?

As a general matter, the FAA follows AMS Guidance Section T.3.8.2.A.18.b.2, which provides that “No construction contract may be awarded to the firm that designed the project, unless the project is being solicited and awarded as a design-build.” Relative to any future construction contracts not solicited and awarded as design-build (which decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis at the FAA’s discretion), such guidance is expected to be followed unless it is found that a rational basis exists for alternative action, i.e. that a deviation from guidance clearly enhances one or more factors of cost, schedule, requirements, or benefits; or that circumstances otherwise clearly show that a deviation from guidance is required. A rational basis determination must also include an analysis of the potential conflicts of interest and any measures being taken to reduce or eliminate them (see AMS Guidance Section T3.1.7: Unequal access to information/competitive advantage; biased ground rules; impaired objectivity).

8. Can overseas / foreign architects participate? What clearance is needed?

Foreign participations are allowed with the exceptions of foreign countries that are prohibited as referenced in AMS Guidance T3.6.4.8 and .9.

9. Will this meeting be recorded? Q&A published?

No. The Q&A will be published to SAM.gov.

10. Can you confirm the January submittal date? Is Jan 5 a hard date, considering the holiday?

Refer to SAM.gov posting for current schedule requirements.

11. Who is on the selection committee?

Design Challenge Q_A rev 2021.12.1 rbs.docx 2 11/18/2021

The selection committee will consist of all FAA personnel. To ensure the integrity of the procurement, a list of source selection committee cannot be disclosed at this time.

12. Registration for US based A/E firms; registration opening for November 16th – is there a deadline associated with this?

Refer to the Phase 1 SIR for all deadlines. Refer to SAM.gov for any updates.

13. Does Phase 1 submission require concept design for the ATCT? If yes, could we provide design approach for more than one concept?

No. The offeror should submit their best concept design statement. Only one submittal per company/DUNS number is allowed.

14. In solicitation, 10 pages allowed. Are covers and dividers to be included? Cover letter?

Cover letter, covers and dividers are not included in the 10 page limit. Any information included on these items will not be considered in the evaluation.

15. Could the offeror submit more than one entry?

No. The offeror should submit their best concept design statement. Only one submittal per company/DUNS number is allowed.

16. For Phase 2 evaluation, does the offeror need to have prior FAA experience?

No.

17. Could you please clarify the durations of each Phase?

All dates and durations will be published in the SIR. Refer to SAM.gov for updates and amendments.

18. Any concerns or questions about materials limitations as it relates to innovation?

Any materials must be code-compliant with a minimum 50-year lifespan. Any limitations will be identified in AMS.

19. Why does the process focus on ideas first and qualifications in Phase 2? Goal of Phase 1?

The purpose of Phase 1 is to solicit innovative design and execution concepts through full and open competition.

20. Please confirm the Phase 1 submission date.

Refer to the Phase 1 SIR. Check SAM.gov for updates and amendments.

21. What are the expectations regarding small team vs large?

This is a full and open competition. Preferences for small business is not applied in this procurement.

22. Over how many years do we think deployment would take place?

The FAA is unable to answer this question at this time.

23. At 80%, is it open to a design build?

The FAA will explore the best delivery method to meet its mission.

24. If we did go to design/bid/build, would the design awardee be able to participate?

As a general matter, the FAA follows AMS Guidance Section T.3.8.2.A.18.b.2, which provides that “No construction contract may be awarded to the firm that designed the project, unless the project is being solicited and awarded as a design-build.” Relative to any future construction contracts not solicited and awarded as design-build (which decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis at the FAA’s discretion), such guidance is expected to be followed unless it is found that a rational basis exists for alternative action, i.e. that a deviation from guidance clearly enhances one or more factors of cost, schedule, requirements, or benefits; or that circumstances otherwise clearly show that a deviation from guidance is required. A rational basis determination must also include an analysis of the potential conflicts of interest and any measures being taken to reduce or eliminate them (see

Design Challenge Q_A rev 2021.12.1 rbs.docx 3 11/18/2021

25. In terms of selection, will the selectors be purely internal to FAA? Or something different?

The selection committee will consist of FAA personnel.

26. SIR out now is a draft. Correct?

The SIR that is currently posted is the finalized SIR.

27. When do you anticipate that final SIR document will be released?

The finalized SIR is currently posted.

28. Is there any sort of screening of submissions prior to Phase I? He noticed in today’s presentation, some weren’t experienced.

29. Would entities who submit separately in Phase I be allowed to team up for Phase II?

Yes, two individual entities may submit separately in Phase 1 and then team with the entities in Phase II. Teaming information will be identified in the Phase 2 SIR.

30. Is a firm with billings below $8,000,000 (i.e., small business) provided special consideration?

competition. Special consideration is not provided for small business or large business.

31. They are just over $8M, possibly large business. How does the FAA look at the firms in Phase 2.

competition. Special consideration is not provided for small business or large business. Qualification criteria will be provided in Phase 2.

32. In terms of innovation, considering expenses, what are you looking for: a Rolls Royce or perhaps a

Chevy?

The purpose of Phase 1 is to solicit innovative design and execution concepts balanced with economic considerations. We anticipate the construction budget per structure to be in the range of $5M–$15M, height and location dependent. This approximation does not include foundation or site work. The per tower cost estimate will be affected by the design approach and will be part of the proposal submitted in the Phase 3 SIR.

33. Will we be publishing the list of registered participants?

Yes, the list will be provided on SAM.gov posting.

34. Anything else they have to do as a firm to register? Any notice of intent to submit a design?

A notice of intent is not required. Offerors are requested to submit a proposal which will serve as firm’s intent to participate.

35. What do they, as a foreign firm, have to do to participate?

In order to participate, firm must register through SAM.gov. Foreign participations are allowed with the exceptions of foreign countries that are prohibited as referenced in AMS Guidance T3.6.4.8 and .9.

36. Is there preferential treatment to minority or women owned businesses?

No. This procurement is a full and open competition.

37. Would this team have a role (owner’s review consultant?) in the execution of the site adapt projects?

As a general matter, the FAA follows AMS Guidance Section T.3.8.2.A.18.b.2, which provides that “No construction contract may be awarded to the firm that designed the project, unless the project is being solicited and awarded as a design-build.” Relative to any future construction contracts not

Design Challenge Q_A rev 2021.12.1 rbs.docx 4 11/18/2021 solicited and awarded as design-build (which decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis at the FAA’s discretion), such guidance is expected to be followed unless it is found that a rational basis exists for alternative action, i.e. that a deviation from guidance clearly enhances one or more factors of cost, schedule, requirements, or benefits; or that circumstances otherwise clearly show that a deviation from guidance is required. A rational basis determination must also include an analysis of the potential conflicts of interest and any measures being taken to reduce or eliminate them (see

38. Will engineering subconsultants be precluded from serving on the design implementation (site adapt) teams?

As a general matter, the FAA follows AMS Guidance Section T.3.8.2.A.18.b.2, which provides that “No construction contract may be awarded to the firm that designed the project, unless the project is being solicited and awarded as a design-build.” Relative to any future construction contracts not solicited and awarded as design-build (which decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis at the FAA’s discretion), such guidance is expected to be followed unless it is found that a rational basis exists for alternative action, i.e. that a deviation from guidance clearly enhances one or more factors of cost, schedule, requirements, or benefits; or that circumstances otherwise clearly show that a deviation from guidance is required. A rational basis determination must also include an analysis of the potential conflicts of interest and any measures being taken to reduce or eliminate them (see

39. Can we provide our capability statement to the Government Team at a later date?

Request for qualifications will be a part of the Phase 2 SIR.

40. How will you contract for the site adapts? Design-Bid-Build? Design-Build? IDIQ contracts?

Multiple award task order contracts?

The FAA will explore the best delivery method to meet its mission on a case by case basis.

41. If Phase 1 is scheduled to begin on Nov 16, then when is our submittal due?

Refer to the Phase 1 SIR. Check SAM.gov for updates and amendments.

42. Is it the “proposal” date Jan 19, 2022?

Refer to the Phase 1 SIR. Check SAM.gov for updates and amendments.

43. Was the One-on-One Discussion a requirement?

No.

44. Submission for Phase 1: Are there any requirements for submission?

Any method can be used to convey your concept as long as it stays within the page limitation and SIR requirement.

45. Can sketches be included in the submission?

Sketches may be included with adherence to the page limitation.

46. What are your expectation for the first part? Include drawings, renderings, models and sketches.

Any method can be used to convey your concept as long as it stays within the page limit.

47. This is a 3 phase project delivery. Need clarifications re Phase III expectations?

Details regarding Phase 3 will be included in the Phase 3 SIR.

48. You mentioned that the solicitation will also require a “Deployment Plan.” We are fine with that, as agency wide deployments are one of the strengths we already provide to the FAA. However, that requirement could have a limiting impact on individuals and small businesses. Will you be open to teaming arrangements than enable individuals and small design firms who would not otherwise be

Design Challenge Q_A rev 2021.12.1 rbs.docx 5 11/18/2021 able to compete to join with a large and established firm, with considerable FAA deployment experience?

There are no restrictions on teaming arrangement. Teaming information will be identified in the Phase 2 SIR.

49. Is it okay to team? Prime and subs?

Yes.

50. Would you anticipate engineering subconsultants being part of teams beginning in Phase 1?

Teaming is not a requirement in Phase 1.

51. What is weighted higher?

Refer to the Phase 1 SIR.

52. List of potential sites?

The list of potential sites is not relevant to this procurement.

53. What codes does FAA follow?

The FAA follows the ICC family of codes, but follows NFPA 101 for egress.

54. Viewer has not seen any information related to egress stair requirement from the cab. Can he assume that it will be compliant to IBC 2021 code?

Refer to NFPA 101 for egress requirements.

55. What are the general design parameters, codes they must follow, ADA (not necessary for cab area)?

The FAA follows the ICC family of codes; however, the cab and one level below are exempt from accessibility requirements.

56. Has a budget and implementation timeframe been developed?

No; budget and implementation timeframe has not yet been developed.

57. Does 12 month construction schedule include all construction activities or just from NTP to start the field work?

The aforementioned “less than 12-month” period is referenced only as an example in the Phase 1 SIR. The goal is a method to quickly construct the tower and is an evaluation criteria.

58. What is the expected staffing level for each facility?

The expected staffing level for each facility is 24 persons or less.

59. Discuss the easily modifiable requirement.

The tower height is fixed per site, but the design needs to be adaptable to different heights at different airports (60’-119’).

60. Physical requirements state cab floor ….height adjustable?

The tower height is fixed per site, but the design needs to be adaptable to different heights at different

61. Is the intent that the tower to be adjustable in height?

The tower height is fixed per site, but the design needs to be adaptable to different heights at different

62. Are all levels of the tower to be wheelchair accessible?

The tower needs to be accessible to the top elevator landing.

63. Design to include both stairs and elevator?

Yes.

Design Challenge Q_A rev 2021.12.1 rbs.docx 6 11/18/2021

64. Two stair condition or one?

Comply with minimum code requirements.

65. Is a restroom for controllers’ use required in the tower?

Yes, an accessible restroom is required at the top elevator landing.

66. Training and conference rooms included in basic design?

Requirements will be provided in the Phase 3 SIR.

67. Confirm that base building and link designs are not included in the scope.

Confirmed, the base building and link designs are not included in this procurement.

68. Is the design for the administration and training building included in scope for this competition?

Base buildings are not included in this procurement.

69. Will there be an opportunity to integrate systems with the base building?

Base buildings are not part of this procurement.

70. Are base buildings to be separated?

Base buildings are not part of this procurement.

71. Should they design the base building?

Base buildings are not part of this procurement.

72. Is the standard cab size – 440?

Any specific cab size requirements will be identified in the Phase 3 SIR. Cab size of 440 square feet was intended as a reference for scale only.

73. Does the cab have to be an octagon? Or is it prescribed to be 8-sided?

74. What is the number of position?

The number of positions is not relevant to this procurement.

75. Is the cab a floor that is separate from the office space, or does the cab include an office space?

The cab floor is dedicated operational space.

76. Are standard mullions supporting the 8 sides of the cab glass acceptable?

This is open to the designer

77. Program requirements 440sf cabin; any other program requirements that we will publish?

Any specific program requirements will be identified in the Phase 3 SIR. Cab size of 440 square feet was intended as a reference for scale only.

78. Have the number and type of cab consoles been decided?

Consoles are not relevant to this procurement.

79. Can floors below the cab be larger than the cab?

As long as there is no look down angle impact.

80. Is it the FAA’s desire to provide spaces in addition to those that serve only the purpose of the operation?

All code compliant solutions will be considered.

81. What is the average daily power usage in pre-existing towers?

Design Challenge Q_A rev 2021.12.1 rbs.docx 7 11/18/2021

Daily power usage can vary from tower to tower.

82. Exterior aesthetics?

Our goal is to address each of the primary goals of the competition and provide a design that is aesthetically pleasing.

83. Should blast resistance and security issues be considered in the designs?

Requirements will be provided in the Phase 3 SIR.

84. Confirm that the foundation system will not be part of this completion?

Confirmed, it is not a part of this procurement.

85. How should they address roadways and site civil work

This work will be part of the site adaptation design and is not part of this competition.

86. Are there any preferences regarding the arrangement of the mechanical floor, electrical floor, equipment room, and office space with respect to each other. For example, is it preferred that the mechanical floor be above or below the electrical floor?

This information will be provided in the Phase 3 SIR.

87. Could the equipment room and office space be on the same floor, or would you prefer they be on separate floors?

The FAA has no preference.

88. What work is left for the team at the end of Phase III?

The Phase 3 deliverable is a 10% design only. If awarded, we will work with the selected Offeror(s) to develop a 50–80% design.

89. Could you please provide requirements of various components of the ATCT to facilitate Phase I design?

The Phase 1 SIR is not for design; it is for a design statement. Refer to the Phase I SIR.

90. Are there any specific innovations you’d like to have addressed?

Refer to the Phase 1 SIR.

91. Are you anticipating constraints on module size?

92. Apart from normal MEP resilience requirements, does the FAA have any additional requirements?

Anything special we would like them address?

Any requirement will be included in the Phase 3 SIR.

93. Is the FAA 6480.7D document valid for programming and general design guidelines?

No. Programming is not applicable to the Phase 1 SIR.

94. Which might be preferred: Pre-engineered modular vs something they have built before

The purpose of Phase 1 is to solicit innovative design and execution concepts. We have intentionally left the purpose broad to allow for creativity.

95. Design execution – is showing past experience at Phase 1 useful?

96. Phase 3 – we will give a proposal to advance the design to 50-80%. Will this design then be used as a basis for multiple projects that are site adapted?

Design Challenge Q_A rev 2021.12.1 rbs.docx 8 11/18/2021

Yes, the design will be used as a basis for multiple site-adapted projects.

97. Any preference to shaft shape?

There is no preference as to the shape of the shaft.

98. Are dedicated shafts for electrical, plumbing, etc. required?

This is at the discretion of the designer.

99. Digital as a supplement to the tower? Is FAA interested in this as a backup system?

Not applicable to Phase 1 SIR.

100. Are you considering future-proofing these towers for remote tower systems? Is the FAA considering this in the future?

Not applicable to Phase 1 SIR. Remote towers area not type-certified at this time.

101. Would the FAA entertain a “virtual” control tower concept?

Not applicable to Phase I SIR. Remote towers area not type-certified at this time.

102. You also mentioned that the Base Building was out-of-scope. Wouldn’t having this out-of-scope significantly limit the sustainability design opportunities?

The FAA considers sustainability both in the energy efficiency/performance of the building, as well as the use of sustainable materials and sustainability in construction methods. However, there are no specific sustainability targets in the Phase 1 SIR. Any specific requirements would be included in the

103. Do ATCTs need to subscribe to sustainable requirements?

The FAA considers sustainability both in the energy efficiency/performance of the building, as well as the use of sustainable materials and sustainability in construction methods. However, there are no specific sustainability targets in the Phase 1 SIR. Any specific requirements would be included in the

104. Evaluation criteria, doesn’t talk about sustainability….how to approach?

The FAA considers sustainability both in the energy efficiency/performance of the building, as well as the use of sustainable materials and sustainability in construction methods. However, there are no specific sustainability targets in the Phase 1 SIR. Any specific requirements would be included in the

105. Sustainable and Sustainability mean different things to different people. In your Q&A Webinar, you mentioned that “Sustainable” would include energy and water reduction, resilience, and indoor air quality. Are you also looking for LEED Accreditations, and overall carbon footprint reduction?

The FAA considers sustainability both in the energy efficiency/performance of the building, as well as the use of sustainable materials and sustainability in construction methods. However, there are no specific sustainability targets in the Phase 1 SIR. Any specific requirements would be included in the

106. Regarding LEED, any requirement for this building?

The FAA considers sustainability both in the energy efficiency/performance of the building, as well as the use of sustainable materials and sustainability in construction methods. However, there are no specific sustainability targets in the Phase 1 SIR. Any specific requirements would be included in the

107. Are you looking for net zero or carbon neutral facility?

We will consider all solutions.

108. Is there a desire to try and achieve net zero?

Design Challenge Q_A rev 2021.12.1 rbs.docx 9 11/18/2021

109. What is an example of a unique requirement?

Unique requirements will be provided in the Phase 3 SIR.

110. Are there any mandatory design requirements?

Design requirements will be provided in the Phase 3 SIR.

111. What would you think the 3 most critical challenges are? Is there an easy way to articulate that?

Reference the Phase 1 SIR.

112. The original 1962 design, won by IM Pei, was an iconic. Is this in the same spirit? Are we looking for an iconic design within constraints?

Reference the Phase 1 SIR.

113. Do you see this as a single architectural expression/topology?

114. What are some elements of the current ATCTs that the FAA has identified as areas of improvement?

The current inventory of buildings contain a number of variations in design. We do not have this information for each design type.

115. What are some elements of the current ATCTs that the FAA has identified as areas of strength relative to prior designs?

Many of the recently built towers are much taller than the types of towers being considered during this competition. Therefore, this would be a difficult question to answer.

Industry Day List of One-on-One Participants

Company Participants Email information AJT Engineering Inc Pete Deeks peted@ajteng.com

Wiey Wilson Bob Bass bbass@wileywilson.com

AECOM Jim Viviano jim.viviano@aecom.com

Bobby Harward – AECOM Terry Rookard – AECOM Randy Presnell – AECOM Jonathan Rushmore – AECOM Bart McDearmon – AECOM Kayla Wengler – AECOM John Eldridge – AECOM Eskew Dumez Ripple Noah Marble nmarble@eskewdumezripple.com

Grimshaw Kashyap Bhimjani Kashyap.Bhimjiani@grimshaw.global

Mark.Husser@grimshaw.global

Stephen.Pinto@grimshaw.global

Leo A Daly Mark Chen MFChen@leoadaly.com

Avery Sarden Director of Aviation Matthew Nicholson Project Manager Mark Chen Managing Principal Atlanta Office mailto:peted@ajteng.com mailto:bbass@wileywilson.com mailto:jim.viviano@aecom.com mailto:nmarble@eskewdumezripple.com mailto:Kashyap.Bhimjiani@grimshaw.global mailto:Mark.Husser@grimshaw.global mailto:Stephen.Pinto@grimshaw.global mailto:MFChen@leoadaly.com

Design Challenge Q_A rev 2021.12.1 rbs.docx 10 11/18/2021

Denis Goeser ATCT subject matter expert digoeser@leoadaly.com Rohan Tummala Rohan Tummala rohantummala@gmail.com

M Maltzan Natasha Ryan Natasha Ryan <nryan@mmaltzan.com> Michael Maltzan, Design Principal / mm@mmaltzan.com Tim Williams, Managing Principal / twilliams@mmaltzan.com Jen Lathrop, Principal / jlathrop@mmaltzan.com Natasha Ryan / nryan@mmaltzan.com

Guy Nordenson and Associates Guy Nordenson, Partner / gjpn@nordenson.com Erich Oswald, Associate Partner / eo@nordenson.com Gina Morrow, Associate Partner / gm@nordenson.com

Buro Happold Patti Harburg-Petrich – Principal, US West Coast Aviation Lead patti.harburg-petrich@burohappold.com

Varughese – Principal, US East Coast Aviation Sector Leader Karl Lyndon – Global Aviation Sector Leader Julian Sheppard – UK Aviation Sector Leader and Discipline Lead Richard Budd – Associate Director Pieter Coetzee – Director – Airport Planning

Corgan John Mares John.Mares@corgan.com

Fennick McCredie Architecture Jonathan McCredie jmccredie@fmarchitecture.com

Deborah Fennick, AIA, LEED AP, Principal Katherine Brekka, AIA, LEED AP, Senior Associate

Jacobs Stephen Wakeman Stephen.Wakeman@jacobs.com Bill Stevens, AIA, Director of Architecture Tiombe Parrish, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Director of Sustainable Design Jim Loper, PE, Director of Structural Engineering Matt Becker, PE, Senior Electrical Engineer Jerry Lemens, PE, Director of Mechanical Engineering Grace Gan, AIA, Design Principal Derrick Steltzer, AIA, Design Principal Sam Hashem, PE, Program Manager Hollie Dupes, AIA, Federal Portfolio Director Mary Kristmann, Sales Operation Manager mailto:digoeser@leoadaly.com mailto:rohantummala@gmail.com mailto:mm@mmaltzan.com mailto:mm@mmaltzan.com mailto:twilliams@mmaltzan.com mailto:twilliams@mmaltzan.com mailto:jlathrop@mmaltzan.com mailto:jlathrop@mmaltzan.com mailto:nryan@mmaltzan.com mailto:nryan@mmaltzan.com mailto:gjpn@nordenson.com mailto:gjpn@nordenson.com mailto:eo@nordenson.com mailto:eo@nordenson.com mailto:gm@nordenson.com mailto:gm@nordenson.com mailto:patti.harburg-petrich@burohappold.com mailto:patti.harburg-petrich@burohappold.com mailto:John.Mares@corgan.com mailto:jmccredie@fmarchitecture.com mailto:Stephen.Wakeman@jacobs.com

Design Challenge Q_A rev 2021.12.1 rbs.docx 11 11/18/2021

Parsons Brian Eisenrich Jeffrey.Sutton@parsons.com

Jeffrey Sutton H2M Architects + Engineers Louis Giacalone LGiacalone@H2M.com

Zaha Hadid Architects Cristiano Ceccato Cristiano.Ceccato@zaha-hadid.com

Eric Owen Moss Architects Eric McNevin mcnevin@ericowenmoss.com

Walter P Moore Anne Alexander AAlexander@walterpmoore.com

Blair Hanuschak BHanuschak@walterpmoore.com

Greg Rhodes GRhodes@walterpmoore.com

Rafael Sabelli RSabelli@walterpmoore.com mailto:Jeffrey.Sutton@parsons.com mailto:LGiacalone@H2M.com mailto:Cristiano.Ceccato@zaha-hadid.com mailto:mcnevin@ericowenmoss.com mailto:AAlexander@walterpmoore.com mailto:BHanuschak@walterpmoore.com mailto:BHanuschak@walterpmoore.com mailto:GRhodes@walterpmoore.com mailto:GRhodes@walterpmoore.com mailto:RSabelli@walterpmoore.com mailto:RSabelli@walterpmoore.com