Answered Questions_ Alamosa Alleyway Activation Project.pdf

Answered Questions: Alamosa Alleyway Activation Project

1. Are there any utility mapping (GIS) or as-builts for utilities in the area, particularly storm drains that we could reference in our approach for developing our proposal?

a. Yes, there are utility mapping and as-builts which will be made available to the awarded designer. The information can be unreliable and pothole investigation work will need to be incorporated as necessary. Please focus your design approach to describing the roles and responsibilities of the design team. Provide and display the abilities and qualifications your team is capable of performing.

Past projects will be a useful consideration. We understand there is limited information for the scope of this project. Therefore make known your ability to perform and problem solve. Cost of Proposal should include hourly or unit rates for comparison.

2. Will the hotel project include alley activation that we will need to accommodate in this plan? Doors or patio?

a. The rear of the hotel will be facing the alley and will have typical alley access/utility needs but the only alley activation will be what is associated with this project.

3. Is it assumed that the hotel project will be constructed prior to alley improvements to prevent construction traffic damage to the new alley?

a. Construction of the alley project is hoped to begin in 2025. The hotel project is currently in plan review for a building permit. It is assumed the hotel project will be in construction concurrently.

4. Have you already completed outreach with businesses to determine which are planning for alley facing activation/accessible doors?

a. The only doors that should be included in the plan are the ones already in existence. Most buildings are built right up to the r-o-w.

5. Will plans require any review or permitting external to the City?

a. Yes, plans will be submitted to Xcel engineering teams for review , input, or approvals.

6. What is the project construction budget for the hardscape improvements?

a. The project is completely grant funded and the grant is for $2 million. That includes design and engineering.

7. Would you be willing to share your weighting of your selection criteria?

a. City policy requires the RFP be awarded to the lowest bidder.

8. Do you have an ideal schedule or is simply the most expedited schedule favored?

a. We are looking for realistic schedules based on your team's past performance.

Please use realistic scheduling that fits your team's performance.

9. Can we assume that the aesthetic improvements, as designed by City staff, listed in the

RFP will be standalone, above grade improvements and don't require a professional seal and signature?

a. Yes, aesthetic improvements are a stand alone item and should not be reflected in your proposal. Inclusions that require design, stamp and seal, will be considered as a change order if necessary.

10. Can you further describe the approach to adding landscape, decorative paving, pedestrian lighting or other elements later in the engineering process by staff? Typically, this would be done concurrently so that paving depths are known and that footings, irrigation or other below grade elements are coordinated with engineering improvements during design. It is very difficult to add these types of elements after constriction of the engineering elements especially in alleys with existing adjacent buildings. Is this design work being completed under a separate contract either concurrently or after completion of the engineering?

a. The aesthetic improvements are anticipated to be almost entirely above grade and separate from the engineered improvements i.e. murals, lighting, trash enclosures, site furniture etc. The City is still internally debating whether colored or stamped concrete will be allowed because of maintenance concerns. If stamped or colored concrete is desired, that will be communicated at project kickoff.

11. Is an 11x17 issues map exhibit acceptable as part of the deliverable? Or should the entire document (including exhibits) be on 8.5X11 pages?

a. No preference

12. The RFP leaves the project schedule up to the respondent, but does the City have any goals for project milestones they wish to share? We want to ensure we properly display

(and provide, if selected) the necessary manhours to stay on schedule. That timetable will include coordination efforts needed from SEH for both the Utility (Xcel) and

Aesthetic Enhancements (the City) design team members. While these three parts are separate, they all need to synchronize for a field-ready action plan.

a. The only relevant deadline is that the grant funding that pays for this project expires March 31, 2026.

13. Regarding the abutting building faces and foundations: what as-builts would be available for the properties within the project limits? Would interior visits be at all possible if needed (maybe facilitated by the City)? Some of these buildings may have cellars or irregular foundation footings. Our structural staff want to know if there would be any opportunity for accessing building interiors or viewing building records for a better understanding of the foundations. If not, we will propose reinforcement and repair of existing damage based on what is observed in the field and anticipated during construction.

a. I believe we could facilitate access to all of the buildings.

14. The purpose of the project section states that improving poor lighting is a goal. However, it is not listed as part of the aesthetic improvements: "...decorative paving, landscape elements, seating, or artwork." Would lighting enhancements be considered part of the aesthetics improvements that City staff are spearheading? Aesthetic lighting like string lighting, yes.Would it be considered as part of the consolidation of overhead electrical services which Xcel Energy would handle? I believe the lightpoles in the alleys belong to

Xcel, so replacing/upgrading will be up to them Should SEH factor it into the scope of our services? No.