Progressive Design-Build Services for Commercial Burn Building.pdf

RFQ # 269-2026-250: Progressive Design-Build Services for the Commercial Burn Building

City of Charlotte, NC

Request for Qualifications for

Progressive Design-Build Services for

Commercial Burn Building

RFQ #: 269-2026-250

This REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (“RFQ”) from the Owner named below invites the submittal of a Statement of Qualifications (“SOQ”) from firms interested in providing Progressive Design-Build services for the Project described below. By submitting a SOQ, the Respondent represents that it has carefully read the terms and conditions of this RFQ and all attachments and Addenda and agrees to be bound by them. This RFQ is not an offer to enter into a contract, but merely a solicitation of persons interested in submitting SOQ to the Owner for the Project.

DATE ISSUED: 7/1/2026

OWNER:

City of Charlotte

PROJECT:

Commercial Burn Building 1770 Shopton Rd.

Charlotte, NC 28217

OWNER CONTACT PERSON:

Tyler Linkenhoker; tyler.linkenhoker@charlottenc.gov

SOQ DUE DATE AND TIME:

Respondent’s SOQ shall be submitted no later than: 8/11/2026 by 2:00 pm.

All SOQs must be submitted pursuant to the instructions herein. It is the Respondent’s sole responsibility to ensure that the SOQ is delivered in the manner required by this RFQ by the Due Date and Time. Owner has the right to reject any SOQs not properly delivered.

mailto:sadia.khan@charlottenc.gov

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section 1: OWNER DESCRIPTION

1.1 General

1.2 Funding/Authority

1.3 Procurement Website

Section 2: OVERVIEW OF PROJECT

2.1 General

2.2 Project Objectives

2.3 Scope of Work

2.4 Estimated Budget

2.5 Project Procurement Schedule

2.6 Definitions

Section 3: PROCUREMENT PROCESS

3.1 General Information

3.2 Owner Rights and Procurement Conditions

3.3 Outline of the Procurement Process

3.4 Failure to Comply with Instructions

3.5 Modification of Withdrawal of SOQs

3.6 Negotiations and Modification of Contract Documents

3.7 Public Records

3.8 Reference Links (Included in Procurement Portal under this opportunity)

Section 4: SOQ DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Submittal Requirements

4.2 SOQ Format Requirements

4.3 SOQ Organization

Section 5: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS RFQ

5.1 Charlotte Business INClusion Program

5.2 Vendor Registration

5.3 Commercial Non-Discrimination Ordinance

5.4 E-Verify

5.5 Applicable Laws

5.6 Cost of SOQ Preparation

5.7 Registration with Secretary of State for North Carolina

5.8 NC Prohibition on Contracts with Companies that Invest in Iran or Boycott Israel

5.9 Financial Capacity; Insurance Requirements

5.10 Duties and Obligations of Firms in the RFQ Process

5.11 Advertising

5.12 Ownership of Work Products

5.13 Equal Opportunity

Section 6: LIST OF ATTACHMENTS AND AVAILABLE REFERENCE DOCUMENTS

Section 1: OWNER DESCRIPTION

1.1 General

The City of Charlotte (City) is seeking Progressive Design-Build services to design and construct a new burn facility at 1770 Shopton Rd., Charlotte, NC 28217.

Respondents may only submit one proposal in response to this RFQ. The City reserves the right to make final decisions regarding the utilization of subcontractors/subconsultants and to require the removal and replacement of any personnel of the awarded team. For instance, if a contractor submits a proposal with multiple design subconsultants, the City may determine which designer (or combination of designers) is to be utilized.

1.2 Funding/Authority

Funding for this project is included in Construct Fire Facilities

1.3 Procurement Website

The full RFQ document, addenda, clarifications, and all other related information will be posted electronically through the Bonfire e-Procurement Portal (“Procurement Portal” - https://charlottenc.bonfirehub.com). Each Respondent is responsible for checking the website to obtain the latest information.

Questions related to this solicitation must be submitted the following way:

Submit your question via the Vendor Discussion section on the Procurement Portal:

Section 2: OVERVIEW OF PROJECT

2.1 General

The City is seeking to award a contract to a design-build firm for a new burn facility located at 1770 Shopton Road. The facility will comprise of a burn building and a no-burn drill tower. The new Burn Building will simulate conditions in commercial buildings, such as multiple levels, different types of rooms, and potential hazards, to train more efficiently for emergencies in commercial settings. It will be a 4-story building that will emulate retail spaces on the lower floor and residential units on the upper floors – similar to a mixed-use building type. The building will be large enough to allow for multiple trainings to take place simultaneously to mimic a realistic response scenario with the capability to create simulation of extending hose to second, third, and fourth floors.

2.2 Project Objectives

The overall Project objective is to design and construct a long-lasting burn facility through the strategies below:

https://charlottenc.bonfirehub.com/

• Design and construct a burn facility by achieving design and construction excellence through innovative practices and applications.

• Minimize construction impacts while Charlotte Fire Department (CFD) is conducting training exercises in the existing burn building.

• Maintain a safe, injury free work site.

• Minimize any scheduling, budgeting, and operational impacts to the Owner through close coordination and timely communication with the Owner, subcontractors, consultants, vendors, and its customers.

• Design the Facility based on City of Charlotte and Charlotte Fire Department input through the stages of design regarding building specifications and operational requirements.

• Provide up-to-date documentation on any requested and agreed upon program requirements from City and CFD to minimize changes are made during construction

• Complete the project on time and within the City’s budget and optimize lifecycle costs with initial capital costs.

• Provide a project that reliably meets or exceeds all regulatory and permitting requirements.

• Maximize contracting opportunities with City certified and registered Minority, Women, Small Business Enterprise (MWSBE) firms.

2.3 Scope of Work

Project Work Scope Overview

• The Design-Builder will work with the City and the Owner’s Advisor to determine the final layout, sizing, and specific facilities to meet the goals of the City for the Project. The Design-Builder will provide the resources and staff to deliver the final project that will include, but not be limited to:

• Facility Planning and Preliminary Design - The Design-Builder will provide resources needed to provide any additional planning and design information (i.e., geotechnical studies, surveying, testing, site visits, analyses, etc.). The City desires to work with the design build team to develop a project scope that incorporates creativity and innovation relative to costs, schedule, and reliability.

• Permitting –The Design-Builder will provide the expertise and resources to manage all permitting to be completed and work with the City and the regulatory agencies to successfully obtain all required permits.

• Public Communication – The Project has the potential to be a high-profile project. The CFD, City and the Design-Builder will be an integral part of the established communications plan. The Owner’s Advisor will have the lead role in the communication plan with the design-build teams providing technical input for information and technical graphics relative to their specific projects.

• Detailed Design - The Design-Builder will provide the resources and expertise to complete the design of a well-performing and reliable burn facility that meets or exceeds all regulatory requirements, operations and maintenance goals of the Project.

• Cost Estimating – Budget is critical on the Project and the Design-Builder will be expected to have a high degree of accuracy of cost estimating at all phases of design such that development of the final GMP proceeds seamlessly. Design-Builder is also expected to coordinate with City’s third party cost estimator to reconcile cost estimates.

• Construction - Provide excellent construction expertise, management, and resources to complete the project safely, on schedule, and within budget.

• Detailed Scope of Work can be found in Exhibit A.

Project Schedule

• Construction for the Commercial Burn Building project is anticipated to begin late 2027. When the Design-Builder is onboard with an executed agreement the schedule will be refined as the design is developed. Project Schedule can be found in Exhibit B.

2.4 Estimated Budget

• The construction budget for design-build contract for the project is approximately $7.5 million

• The total budget for the project (soft costs, design-build contract and FF&E) is approximately $13 million.

2.5 Project Procurement Schedule

2.5.1 The following is the Project Procurement Schedule. The Owner reserves the right to modify the Project Procurement Schedule. If three responses are received from qualified design-builders, the City may proceed with evaluating and ranking the proposals. If three responses are not received from qualified design-builders by the deadline shown below, the City will re-advertise the RFQ and establish a second deadline to submit a SOQ. A timeline for each of these scenarios is provided in the following table.

DATE/TIME: ACTIVITY:

Wednesday, July 1, 2026 Issuance of RFQ

Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 10:30A Pre-Proposal Conference

Thursday, July 16, 2026 at 10:30A Non-Mandatory Site Visit

Friday, July 24, 2026 at 5:00P Deadline for Questions

Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at 2:00P Deadline to Submit SOQs

Week of August 17, 2026 (tentative) Evaluation Meeting and notification of shortlist

Week of August 24, 2026 (tentative) Interviews

Monday, August 31, 2026 (tentative) Notice of selection

2.5.2 A Non-Mandatory Pre-Proposal Conference will be conducted as shown on the schedule above. Attendance is strongly encouraged. The meeting will be held in-person only. The meeting information is provided below.

In-Person Meeting Location:

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center (CMGC), Room # CH-14, Basement Level 600 East 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

A Non-Mandatory Site Visit will be conducted as shown on the schedule above. Attendance is strongly encouraged. The meeting information is provided below.

Site Visit Location:

1770 Shopton Rd., Charlotte, NC 28217.

Please see meeting location map/graphic below:

Attendance at the Pre-Proposal Conference and Site Visit is not mandatory but is highly recommended.

2.6 Definitions

2.6.1 Addendum or Addenda: Documentation provided by the Owner to modify, add to or clarify the RFQ.

2.6.2 Design-Builder: The entity with the prime design-build contract with the Owner.

2.6.3 Design-Build Team: All entities listed by the Design-Builder as providing services or construction on the Project. The Design-Builder is not required to list all members of the Design- Build Team in the SOQ.

Members of the Design-Build Team may also be referred to as “Team Members.”

2.6.4 Key Team Member: Individuals who will be assigned to the Project who play an important role in the design, construction, or management of the Project. At a minimum these would include: Project Director, Project Manager, Design Manager, Lead Process Engineer, Preconstruction Services Manager, Construction Manager, Site Superintendent and Safety Manager.

2.6.5 Owner’s Advisor: For the Project, the Owner’s Advisor has not yet been selected, and will be providing management expertise and procurement services to facilitate the selection of the Design-Builder by the City and evaluation of information and documentation generated by the Design-Builder during the course of the Project.

2.6.6 Procurement: The Owner’s process for selecting a Design-Build Team for this Project.

2.6.7 Procurement Documents: All documents issued by the Owner in connection with the Procurement or Project.

2.6.8 Projects of Similar Scope and Complexity: Projects that had completion dates within 10 years of the RFQ Issue Date or are at least 80% complete at the time of SOQ submission based on dollar value of work completed and that have many or all of the characteristics described below. (Note: These are not minimum criteria but considered the ideal experience level by which all project experience submitted will be evaluated against.)

Additional desirable reference project features:

a. Projects that utilize a collaborative delivery method that require strong coordination and integration of the design and construction professionals and early involvement of the construction professionals during design.

b. Projects where the Design-Builder was selected based on qualifications and where the Design- Builder collaborated with the Owner and Owner’s Advisor to develop the final price and schedule.

c. Projects where the Design-Builder was selected based on a strong recruitment and utilization of MWSBE/DBEs.

2.6.9 Respondent: The Respondent is the legal entity responsible for submitting the SOQ and for delivering the project and executing contracts for the project if they are selected as the Design- Builder. That could be the engineer, constructor, or joint venture entity depending on the structure of the proposed team.

Respondent shall also include any and all members of the Design-Build team.

Section 3: PROCUREMENT PROCESS

3.1 General Information

3.1.1 Compliance with Legal Requirements

This Procurement will be in accordance with N.C.G.S. 143-128.1A and all applicable federal, state, and local laws, and Owner policies and procedures.

3.1.2 Addenda / Questions and Answers

Any requests for additional information or clarifications should be submitted through the Vendor Discussion section on the Procurement Portal or via email at tyler.linkenhoker@charlottenc.gov by the “Deadline for Questions” stated in Section 2.5 – Project Procurement Schedule. Questions received after the stated deadline in the Procurement Project Schedule will not be answered. No oral statement of any person shall modify or otherwise change or affect the terms, conditions, or specifications stated in the RFQ, and changes to the RFQ, if any, shall be made in writing only and issued in the form of an Addendum to the RFQ.

Addenda will be posted at Procurement Portal.

3.2 Owner Rights and Procurement Conditions

3.2.1 The Owner reserves, without limitation, and may exercise at its sole discretion, the following rights and conditions with regard to this Procurement process:

a. To cancel, withdraw, postpone, or extend the Procurement process, in whole or in part without incurring any obligations or liabilities and reject any, or all, SOQs;

b. To waive any informality, technicality or irregularity;

c. To revise the Procurement Documents and Schedule via an addendum;

d. To reject any Respondent that submits an incomplete or inadequate response or is not responsive to the requirements of this RFQ;

e. To reject any or all responses to the RFQ, to advertise for new RFQ responses, or to accept any RFQ response deemed to be in the best interest of the City;

f. To require confirmation of information furnished by a Respondent, require additional information from a Respondent concerning its SOQ or Proposal and require additional evidence of qualifications to perform the work described in this RFQ;

g. To provide clarifications or conduct discussions, at any time, with one or more Respondents;

h. To contact references who are not listed in the Respondent’s SOQs and investigate statements on the SOQs and/or qualification of the Respondent and any firms or individuals identified in the SOQ;

i. To consider Alternative Technical Concepts and/or approaches identified by Respondents;

j. To take any action affecting the RFQ process or the Project that is determined to be in the Owner’s best interests; and

k. Approve or disapprove of the use of particular Subconsultants, Subcontractors, or Key Team Members and/or substitutions and/or changes to Subconsultants, Subcontractors, or Key Team Members from those identified in the SOQ or Proposal. Such approval or disapproval shall not be unreasonably exercised.

A response to this RFQ should not be construed as a contract, nor indicate a commitment of any kind. No recommendations or conclusions from this RFQ process concerning any Respondent shall constitute a right (property or otherwise) under the Constitution of the United States or under the Constitution, case law or statutory law of North Carolina. No binding contract, obligation to negotiate, or any other obligation shall be created on the part of the City unless the City and a Respondent jointly execute a contract.

3.3 Outline of the Procurement Process

3.3.1 Request for Qualifications (RFQ).

a. This RFQ invites firms to submit SOQs describing in detail their technical, management, and financial qualifications to design, permit, construct, commission, and close out the Project.

b. Respondents will submit their SOQ and other deliverables required pursuant to this Procurement at the time and in the manner set forth in this RFQ and any Addenda. The Owner will not consider SOQ or other deliverables that are submitted after the Time set forth in the RFQ.

Respondents are solely responsible for making sure that the Owner receives the SOQ in a timely fashion. See Section 4 for detailed information on how to submit a proposal.

c. The Owner will evaluate the information submitted by each Respondent pursuant to the evaluation system described below. Any Respondent who fails to meet the requirements set forth in this SOQ will be deemed non-responsive and will not be considered further by the Owner in this Procurement.

d. All SOQs or submittals will be evaluated in accordance solely with the criteria established in the RFQ and any Addenda issued thereto. The evaluation criteria are listed herein, including the relative weight or importance given to each criterion.

e. Design-Build individuals and individual Key Team Members will be used as a basis for selection.

Any change to any submitted individuals or Key Team Member prior to the completion of the selection process must be submitted to the City Procurement Manager immediately. Such changes will result in re-evaluation and may result in a change to the evaluation and ranking of the Respondent.

3.3.2 Selection Process / Interviews

Pursuant to N.C.G.S. 143-64.31, the City is conducting a “qualifications-based” selection process without regard to fee.

The City will conduct a fair and impartial evaluation of all proposals that are received in accordance with the provisions of this RFQ. The City will appoint a selection committee to perform the evaluation. The City reserves the right to obtain clarification of any point in any SOQ or to obtain additional information.

A Respondent who submits SOQs will be notified of the selection committee’s choice. Final approval of any selected Respondent is subject to the action of City Council or appropriate City officials.

Interviews with Respondents may be held at the option of the selection committee. The interview process may be used to clarify the information contained in the SOQ, but not to modify the SOQ.

3.3.3 Communication Guidelines

With the exception of communications with the Owner’s contact for this RFQ, all Respondents and/or its agents are prohibited from communicating with elected City officials and City employees regarding the RFQ or proposals from the time the RFQ has been released until all Respondents have been notified and the selection results have been publicly announced. These restrictions extend to “thank you” letters, phone calls, and emails and any contact that results in the direct or indirect discussion of the RFQ and/or the SOQ submitted by the Respondent. Violation of this provision by the Respondent and/or its agents may lead to disqualification of the Respondent’s proposal from consideration.

3.3.4 No Lobbying

By responding to this request for qualifications, the Respondent certifies that it has not and will not pay any person or organization to influence or attempt to influence an officer or employee of the City or the State of North Carolina in connection with obtaining a contract under this RFQ.

3.3.5 Evaluation and Ranking of Respondents

In the evaluation and ranking of Respondents, the Owner will consider both the information submitted in the Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) and the results of the interview conducted with each shortlisted Respondents. The Written SOQ evaluation focuses on documented qualifications, experience, methodology, and understanding of the Project. The Interview evaluation focuses on the proposed team’s ability to communicate, collaborate, and problem-solve in alignment with the Progressive Design-Build delivery approach. Because the Owner intends to conduct interviews, all shortlisted Respondents will be invited to participate in an interview following review of the Written SOQs. The Interview scores will determine the final ranking and selection recommendation.

Evaluation Criteria and Weighting

Item Written SOQ Interview

(if needed) Description of Evaluation Focus

1. Respondent’s Understanding of the Project; Methodology and Approach (including innovation)

25 points 25 points

Demonstrated understanding of the Commercial Barn Building project scope, site conditions, challenges, and objectives. Soundness and innovation of proposed methodology, delivery strategy, and collaboration approach for Phase 1 services (Preconstruction) and getting to GMP and Phase 2 Services (Construction).

2. The Respondent’s Experience Providing On-Time, On-Budget Services for Similar Projects

30 points 30 points

Documented record of schedule and cost performance on Projects of Similar Scope and Complexity, including management of progressive pricing, early work packages, and Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) development.

3. Qualifications, Abilities, and Availability of Key Individuals

20 points 20 points

Experience, technical ability, and availability of Key Personnel.

Demonstrated history of effective collaboration and performance on progressive design-build or similar complex transportation projects.

4. Minority, Women, Small Business Enterprise (MWSBE) Participation Plan

15 points 15 points

Quality and feasibility of the Respondent’s MWSBE Participation Plan, including specific, measurable strategies for meaningful inclusion during both Progressive Design-Build phases and demonstrated past performance meeting MWSBE goals.

5. Quality and Clarity 10 points 10 points

Overall quality, organization, completeness, readability, and clarity of the written SOQ or interview presentation, including responsiveness to RFQ requirements and ability to clearly convey information.

Scoring Methodology: Each criterion will be evaluated on a scale of 1 (Unsatisfactory) to 5 (Excellent) as described in the Qualitative Scoring Guide. The numerical score for each criterion will be determined by multiplying the evaluator’s qualitative rating (1–5) by the maximum point value assigned to that criterion. The sum of all weighted criterion scores will constitute the Offeror’s total score for the Written SOQ and for the Interview, each with a maximum of 100 points.

Written SOQ scores will be used to determine the shortlist of Offerors invited to interview. Following interviews, the Interview scores alone will determine the final ranking and selection recommendation to the City. The City may average evaluator scores or otherwise normalize them for consistency before calculating final totals and rankings.

Qualitative Scoring Guide To promote consistency in evaluation, the following qualitative scale will be used for each criterion:

Rating Description

Excellent (5) Exceeds requirements; demonstrates outstanding understanding, capability, and value.

Good (4) Fully meets requirements; solid and well-documented evidence of understanding or capability.

Fair (3) Meets most requirements; moderate understanding or experience demonstrated.

Poor (2) Partially meets requirements; notable weaknesses or gaps.

Unsatisfactory (1) Does not meet minimum requirements or demonstrates inadequate understanding.

In the event two or more Respondents achieve identical final scores, the Owner reserves the right to make the final selection based on qualitative factors that best align with the City’s objectives, including but not limited to:

Demonstrated readiness and ability to foster collaboration with City staff and stakeholders; Proven experience managing complex Progressive Design-Build projects of similar community sensitivity; and Overall alignment with the City’s values of transparency, inclusion, and design excellence.

The same evaluation criteria and weighting shall be used for the written SOQ and the interviews (if needed).

Material misstatements and/or inaccuracies in the information submitted in the SOQ (or interview) that was a basis for evaluation, scoring and ranking may be grounds for rejection of the SOQ for this Project.

Any material misstatements and/or inaccuracies, if discovered after award of the Agreement may be grounds for immediate termination of the Agreement, at the Owner’s sole discretion.

Additionally, the Respondent will be liable to the Owner for any additional costs or damages to the Owner resulting from such misstatements and/or inaccuracies, including costs and attorney's fees for collecting such costs and damages.

Submission of a SOQ indicates Respondent’s acceptance of the evaluation criteria and weighting contained in the RFQ as well as Respondent’s recognition and acknowledgement that subjective judgments must be made by the SOQ Evaluation Committee during the evaluation.

3.4 Failure to Comply with Instructions

The City may choose to exercise the following options for SOQ packages that fail to comply with any requirement of this RFQ: a) assign a low rating; or b) deem the SOQ non-responsive and remove the SOQ from further consideration.

3.5 Modification of Withdrawal of SOQs

Respondents may change or withdraw their SOQs at any time prior to the due date and time by resubmitting the proposal on Bonfire Procurement Portal. No withdrawal of SOQ will be permitted after the due date and time.

3.6 Negotiations and Modification of Contract Documents

A sample contract is attached. The City reserves the right to conduct negotiations with the Respondent regarding any remaining issues provided that the general work scope remains the same and that the field of competition does not change as a result of material changes to the requirements stated in the RFQ. The City will make such modifications to the Contract Documents as it may determine, in the exercise of its sole discretion, to be necessary to fully incorporate the terms of the Respondent’s SOQ, or to correct any inconsistencies, ambiguities, or errors that may exist in the Contract Documents. If, in the City’s sole discretion, it determines that the highest qualified Respondent is not responsive to the negotiation process, or that the parties will be unable to reach a timely and mutually-acceptable Contract, the City may terminate negotiations with the Respondent. The City will then continue the process of negotiation with the next highest qualified Respondent until the City either successfully negotiates a Contract or cancels the procurement.

3.7 Public Records

Upon receipt by the City, each SOQ becomes the property of the City and is considered a public record except for material that qualifies as “Trade Secret” information under North Carolina General Statute 66-152 et seq.

SOQs will be reviewed by the City’s Selection Committee, as well as other City staff and members of the general public who submit public record requests after a selection result has been announced to the public.

To properly designate material as a trade secret under these circumstances, each Respondent must take the following precautions: (a) any trade secrets submitted by the firm must specifically and clearly be identified by separating them from the rest of the Proposal and marked as “Trade Secret – Confidential and Proprietary Information – Do Not Disclose Except for the Purpose of Evaluating this SOQ” on each page of the trade secret and (b) the document(s) containing the trade secret designations must be uploaded separately in the Procurement Portal.

In submitting a SOQ, each Respondent agrees that the City may reveal any trade secret materials contained in such response to all City staff and City officials involved in the selection process and to any outside consultant or other third parties who serve on the Selection Committee or who are hired by the City to assist in the selection process. Furthermore, each Respondent agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the City and each of its officers, employees and agents from all costs, damages, and expenses incurred in connection with refusing to disclose any material that the Respondent has designated as a trade secret. Any Respondent that designates its entire SOQ as a trade secret may be disqualified from the selection process.

3.8 Reference Links (Included in Procurement Portal under this opportunity)

There are civil infrastructure reference links for the Project available to Respondents since this project will require some civil infrastructure improvements:

1. Topo Survey

2. Preliminary Geotechnical Report

3. Annual Groundwater Monitoring and PFAS Assessment Report

4. City of Charlotte’ Energy & Sustainability Policy

Section 4: SOQ DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

4.1 Submittal Requirements

To be considered for providing the required services to the City, submit the SOQ electronically through the Procurement Portal in searchable PDF format.

4.1.1 It is the sole responsibility of the firm to ensure that the SOQ package is uploaded and submitted to the Procurement Portal no later than the established due date and time. SOQs received after the due date and time will not be considered. SOQs submitted by any other means will not be accepted.

https://charlottenc.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities https://charlottenc.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportunities

4.2 SOQ Format Requirements

The SOQs shall comply with the following format requirements:

4.2.1 SOQs shall be formatted in searchable PDF format.

4.2.2 The body of the SOQ shall be organized and page-limited in accordance with Section 4.3.

a. The font shall be no smaller than 11 points for narrative sections, but may be reduced for captions, footnotes, etc. as required while still maintaining legibility.

b. Pages shall be numbered. Required forms, resumes, covers, sub-tabs and dividers do not count toward the page limit.

c. SOQs that exceed the page limit may be rejected. The Owner, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to remove pages from the sections of any non-conforming SOQ submittals to bring each non-conforming SOQ submittal within the page count requirement.

4.3 SOQ Organization

SOQs shall consist of the following parts, all tabbed:

4.3.1 Cover letter: To be signed by a person authorized to execute contracts on behalf of the respondent.

Page limit: 5 page maximum (including three letters from surety and insurance company)

a. Describe your interest in this Project and the unique advantage your firm and team brings.

b. Provide a letter from a surety company confirming the Firm’s ability to provide bonding for the estimated amount for the Project.

c. Provide a letter on the letterhead of the firm’s insurance company stating the Worker’s

Compensation Experience Modification Rate (EMR) for the past three years.

d. Provide a letter from an insurance company confirming the Firm’s ability to obtain a Builder’s Risk insurance policy for the Project.

e. Describe any claims, disputes, and/or litigation, currently in process or resolved/settled within the past five (5) years, with the City or with any developer. State the type of project delivery method for each project that resulted in a claim.

f. State if all design and construction companies included as part of the proposed team are registered with the NC Secretary of State to legally work in the State of North Carolina. Provide the legal name of each company included in the RFQ and their NC registration number.

g. State if the Design Builder has a North Carolina General Contractors License. Provide the legal name of the entity and the GC license number.

h. Provide a description of the company that will enter into the contract(s) with the City, including origin, background, current size, financial capacity, available resources, general organization, and company headquarters. Identify the name and title of the person authorized to enter into the contract(s) with the City. Include a list of proposed subcontractor(s), with legal names and contact information, and describe their responsibilities.

i. List exceptions to the City’s standard contract terms and conditions. A sample contract is incorporated as Exhibit D.

4.3.2 Tab 1 - Proposed Project Personnel

Page limit: 12 pages maximum (excluding resumes)

a. Photos of Project Personnel should not be included in the SOQ, resumes included.

b. Provide an overall organizational chart for the Respondent. Include all Key Team Members and supporting team members as well as subconsultants/subcontractors. Chart should designate team member’s employer and which subconsultants/subcontractors are City of Charlotte MWSBEs.

c. Respondent must provide an explanation of the project team that will be assembled. In accordance with N.C.G.S. 143-128.1A, provide either of the following:

• A list of the licensed contractors, licensed subcontractors, and licensed design professionals whom the Design-Builder proposes to use for the Project's design and construction.

• An outline of the strategy the Design-Builder plans to use for open contractor and subcontractor selection based upon the provisions of Article 8 of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes.

d. Respondent must provide an explanation of how the selection of the design professional(s). Per N.C.G.S. 143-128.1A, the design-build team shall certify that each licensed design professional who is a member of the design-build team, including subconsultants, was selected based upon demonstrated competence and qualifications in the manner provided by N.C.G.S. 143-64.31.

e. Respondent should describe the benefits of the team organization to the execution of the

Project.

f. Respondent must provide two resumes for each of the key positions listed below. Respondent shall indicate which candidate the Respondent believes is the best (primary) person and which candidate is the backup.

• Project Director – individual most responsible for the successful delivery of the Project.

• Project Manager – individual responsible for the overall delivery of the Project including planning, design, construction, and commissioning and would serve as the primary owner contact.

• Design Manager – individual responsible for managing the activities and team resources to deliver the planning, permitting and design of the Project through completion.

• Lead Process Engineer – individual responsible for leading the process approach and design.

• Preconstruction Services Manager – Individual responsible for constructability reviews, permits needed during construction, cost estimating, procurement, GMP development, and other tasks as needed for the transition between design and construction phases.

• Construction Manager – Individual responsible for the delivery of the construction phase of the project. They would be responsible for providing constructability reviews during design and managing the team resources to deliver the construction phase of the Project.

• Site Superintendent – Individual assigned to the project full time in the field to manage all construction activities and team field staff on the Project site.

• Safety Manager - Individual with appropriate training and experience in safety requirements and methodologies who will be assigned to the project to provide guidance and oversight to the team in the field. Individual should not be a corporate position that will not be engaged with the Project.

• Estimator – individual in charge of costing the work

g. Each resume for the key positions will include the following information in the order described:

• Name and qualifications relative to general experience and qualifications (can be narrative statement), education, total years of experience, years with current company, and registrations/certifications (note whether these are North Carolina and if NC no need to list other states)

• Names and addresses of previous employers for past 10 years

• Provide a summary of at least three Projects of Similar Scope and Complexity performed by the candidate within the last 10 years. The summary shall include:

o Project Name o Brief Description of Project Scope o Constructed Value o Project Duration and Completion Date o Candidate’s Position, Place of Employment and Duties within the Project o Owner Point of Contact, Email Address and Phone Number o The following commitment is required of all key team members by including the following statement in the bottom margin of the resumes:

"This proposed individual shall be available to meet the scope and schedule on this Project(s) for its entire duration and shall not be reassigned without the express written concurrence of the City of Charlotte."

h. For other key support staff leading primary components of the Project execution provide brief biographical information for each technical discipline (including planning, geotechnical services, surveying, design, and permitting), as well as primary members of the construction phase services support staff. Resumes shall include: qualifications,

i. similar project experience, and professional registrations. The total page limit for this section governs for this biographical information and Respondents will choose which key staff to present.

j. This section should include a single chart illustrating the percent availability for the project for all team members for which resumes are provided.

4.3.3 Tab 2 - Respondent Experience (Design-Build, Design, and Construction)

Page limit: Project descriptions – 1 page per project. Project/team member relationship chart - 1 page.

a. Provide a maximum of 7 total projects highlighting Respondent’s team experience with collaborative delivery (preference may be given for progressive design-build), design, and construction of Projects of Similar Scope and Complexity.

b. Design-Build projects are preferred and count for both design and construction if Respondent’s team members are the same as those who delivered the work. Project Experience sheets should be formatted as follows:

• Section A – General Information o Name of project o Owner name, title, phone number and email address (Contact name should be individual involved in the project management for the owner.)

o Name of designer and constructor

• Section B – Project Description o Project scope o Project budget and describe compensation structure for project and if completed above or below bid or GMP o Key elements or challenges of the project similar to this project o Project schedule (including initial contract time, actual time to complete, and the completion date). Include the reason for any project time extensions.

o Penalties assessed by the owner including but not limited to claims or liquidated damages o Claims on the project, including any made against the Owner

• Section C – Team Members o Key Team Members for this project that worked on the team experience project and their position/role on the team experience project.

• Section D – Innovative Solution to a Challenge o Describe at least one project challenge and how it was managed.

c. Include a single matrix chart illustrating the relationship/connection of proposed team members for this project to the team experience projects included in this section.

4.3.4 Tab 3 - Perception of the Work and Approach

Page limit: 10 pages maximum

a. The following information should be included at a minimum (responses do not need to follow the structure below but should address each item in the narrative). Responses may include references to projects described in Section 4.3.3 of the SOQ that demonstrate the breadth and depth of the Respondent's experience and expertise in developing and delivering design and construction projects of Similar Scope and Complexity.

• Comments on the Project scope versus budget as described in this RFQ and perceived needs of the Project.

• Methodology and approach to the design, permitting, and construction services, including innovative or creative alternatives that could be proposed to add value or cost savings opportunities.

• Methodology and approach to working with the City and Owner’s advisor in developing the project scope with a discussion of scoping workshops for process, layout, equipment, and cost estimating.

• Potential risks and mitigation for all phases of the Projects.

• Describe how Respondent will ensure sufficient bidders of all work packages, including addressing how much of the construction work will be subcontracted and self-performed.

• Describe how Respondent will address craft labor shortage and ensure sufficient resources to accomplish schedule.

• Describe Respondent’s process to develop GMP.

4.3.5 Tab 4 – Project List

Page limit: 1 page

Submit a list of all projects presently under construction by the Design-Builder including dollar value of the contract for each project and the percent of completion based on dollar value of work completed at the time of SOQ submission.

4.3.6 Tab 5 – Charlotte Business INClusion Minority, Women, and Small Business (MWSBE) Inclusion Strategy

Page limit: 2 page

a. Please detail MWSBE participation on past, similar projects, including a brief description, established goal, total goal achieved and total number of MWSBE firms utilized;

b. Describe how your firm plans to comply with the Charlotte Business INClusion (CBI) Program;

c. Identify outreach efforts that will be employed by the Proposer to maximize inclusion; identify outreach efforts that have already been conducted in connection with this RFQ. A sample outreach plan and criteria are attached with this RFQ under Exhibit C;

d. Please identify MWSBE firms that will be utilized during the Pre-Construction Phase Services;

e. Please identify specific scopes of work to be performed by MWSBE firms during Pre-Construction

Phase;

f. Document efforts your firm will utilize to ensure maximum utilization for Construction Phase

Services; and

g. Provide Form 5 – Subcontractor / Supplier Utilization Commitment detailing the MWSBE firms your firm intends to utilize during the pre-construction phase.

For more information on Charlotte Business INClusion please refer to Section 5 of this RFQ.

4.3.7 Tab 6 – Forms

Page limit: Submit forms as provided.

a. Form 1: Respondent Information

b. Form 2: Basic Requirements

c. Form 3: General Background of Designer

d. Form 4: General Background of Builder

e. Form 5: Subcontractor / Supplier Utilization Commitment

f. Form 6: Affidavits

g. Form 7: Commercial Non-Discrimination Certification

h. Form 8: Certification Regarding Debarment, Suspension and Other Responsibility Matters

i. Form 9: Byrd Anti-Lobbying Certification

Section 5: ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS RFQ

5.1 Charlotte Business INClusion Program

Pursuant to Charlotte City Council’s adoption of the Charlotte Business INClusion (CBI) Policy, the CBI program seeks to enhance competition and participation of Minority-owned, Women-owned, and Small Business Enterprises (MWSBEs) in City contracting. To accomplish this, the City has examined its procurements and set specific MWSBE participation goals on a contract-by-contract basis. In addition, CBI makes a concerted effort to expand its certified MWSBE vendor pool and assist city-certified firms in growing, enhancing, and developing their businesses. CBI currently offers numerous development programs that support certified businesses in organizational training, strategic development, and networking opportunities.

The CBI Policy and CBI Manual are posted online here: www.charlottebusinessinclusion.com

To determine whether disparities exist in City contracting based on race, gender or other factors, and also to measure the effectiveness of the City’s Charlotte Business INClusion (“CBI”) Program, the City tracks the utilization of subconsultants and suppliers on certain City contracts based on race, gender, small business status, and other factors. For analysis purposes, it is important that the City obtain this data not only for minority-owned, women-owned, and small business suppliers and subconsultants, but also for other subconsultants and suppliers. As a condition for receiving payments under this Contract, the Proposer agrees to submit any payment record into InclusionCLT, or any subsequent system designated by the City, detailing the amounts paid by the Consultant to all subconsultants and suppliers receiving payment in connection with this Contract.

Respondents are put on notice that the MWSBE Subcontracting Goal for the Project will be determined based on scopes of work that the Respondent has identified as subcontracting opportunities which includes all development, planning, design, consulting, pre-construction, and construction work, and for any other work, services, and products provided on the Project(s).

An M/W/SBE goal will be negotiated with the selected firm for the Phase 1 of this project. Phase 1 will include all development, planning, design, consulting and pre-construction work.

An MBE and WBE goal will be established for Phase 2 of this project. Phase 2 will include all construction work and the goals are typically set when Design Development documents are complete (before Construction phase).

The City would like the Company to submit the firms it intends to utilize to meet this goal. Therefore, the Company is required to submit the Form 5 – Subcontractor / Supplier Utilization Commitment attached herein.

Failure to submit this form with the Proposal shall render the Proposal non-responsive.

In addition to the MWSBE participation plan, we recommend the firm provide a mentoring plan for the MWSBE during the life of the project. The firm would provide documentation on a quarterly basis during the project on the progress of the mentor/protégé partnership.

City certified MWSBE firms can be found in the City’s InclusionCLT system:

https://charlotte.diversitycompliance.com/

In evaluating the firm’s proposal, the City may take into account: (1) the firm’s past performance in meeting MWSBE goals; (2) the firm’s Participation Plan; and (3) the Participation Plan submitted by other firms in comparison to the firm’s Participation Plan.

The documentation required in this section shall be submitted with the firm’s Proposal (collectively “Minority, Women & Small Business (MWSBE) Inclusion Strategy”).

http://www.charlottebusinessinclusion.com/ https://charlotte.diversitycompliance.com/

5.2 Vendor Registration

The selected firm, their subcontractors and suppliers must be registered in the City’s Vendor Registration System in order to receive payment for services and/or supplies provided under any City contract.

5.3 Commercial Non-Discrimination Ordinance

The following provisions will be incorporated into any contract that may result from this solicitation:

As a condition of entering into this agreement, the Company represents and warrants that it will fully comply with the City's commercial non-discrimination policy, as described in Section 2, Article V of the Charlotte City Code, and consents to be bound by the award of any arbitration conducted thereunder. As part of such compliance, the Company shall not discriminate on the basis of a Protected Class in the solicitation, selection, hiring, or treatment of subcontractors, vendors, suppliers, or commercial customers in connection with a City contract or contract solicitation process, nor shall the Company retaliate against any person or entity for reporting instances of such discrimination. The Company shall provide equal opportunity for subcontractors, vendors and suppliers to participate in all of its subcontracting and supply opportunities on City contracts, provided that nothing contained in this clause shall prohibit or limit otherwise lawful efforts to remedy the effects of marketplace discrimination that has occurred or is occurring in the marketplace.

As a condition of entering into this agreement, the Company agrees to:

a) Promptly provide to the City all information and documentation that may be requested by the City from time to time regarding the solicitation, selection, treatment and payment of subcontractors in connection with this agreement; and

(b) If requested, provide to the City within sixty days after the request a truthful and complete list of the names of all subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers that the company has used on City contracts in the past five years, including the total dollar amount paid by contractor on each subcontract or supply contract. The Company further agrees to fully cooperate in any investigation conducted by the City pursuant to the City's commercial non-discrimination policy as set forth in Section 2, Article V of the Charlotte City Code, to provide any documents relevant to such investigation that are requested by the City, and to be bound by the award of any arbitration conducted under such policy. The Company understands and agrees that violation of this clause shall be considered a material breach of this agreement and may result in contract termination, disqualification of the Company from participating in City contracts and other sanctions.

The Company understands and agrees that a violation of this clause shall be considered a material breach of this agreement and may result in termination of this agreement, disqualification of the company from participating in City contracts or other sanctions.

For purposes of this section, “Protected Class” means a person's race, color, gender, religion, national origin, ethnicity, age, familial status, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression), veteran status, pregnancy, natural hairstyle or disability, as those terms are further defined in Section 2,…