Sources_Sought_INDE_Bell_Park_Philadelphia_1.docx

Sources Sought

BICENTENNIAL BELL GARDEN PARK

Independence National Historic Site Philadelphia, PA **The following sources sought notice is for information and planning purposes only. It does not constitute a solicitation and is not to be considered as a commitment by the Government. All firms responding to this sources sought notice are advised that their response to this notice is not a request that will be considered for contract award. ** The National Park Service is seeking potential sources interested in proposing on an acquisition for: “Contractor to furnish all labor, tools, parts, materials, facilities, transportation, and supervision necessary to rehabilitate the Benjamin Rush Garden, an integral feature in the colonial revival design of the First Bank block cultural landscape. It includes installing the Queen’s Bicentennial Bell, now in storage, for public display. The Bell was a gift from Queen Elizabeth II commemorating the 200th anniversary of American independence.

The location of the project is in the Independence National Historical Park, Rush Garden, Northwest Corner of Third and Walnut Streets, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is the former site of Dr. Benjamin Rush's house, which is now a charming garden oasis amidst bustling city streets. The garden's symmetry echoes the features that were popular in 18th-century gardens. Dr. Benjamin Rush was among the signers of the Declaration of Independence and is considered the "father of American psychiatry.

Specific features of the rehabilitation includes:

1. constructing the bell armature foundation and centerpiece (paving, vegetation, lighting);

2. removing and replacing poor and dying vegetation (trees, boxwood, ivy),

3. repairing the garden fountain,

4. depleted planting beds will be rescaled and built with new soil and plants,

5. wrought iron fencing and gates will be repaired and re-painted,

6. paths will be rebuilt to be accessible. An ADA ramp will be constructed to connect the two levels,

7. new benches and waysides will be installed, and

8. irrigation will be installed, and the drainage system will be replaced to ensure the long-term viability of the garden.

The Garden has not been renovated since its installation in the 1960’s.

The purpose of this sources sought notice is to identify the availability of qualified sources. The anticipated contract type will be firm fixed price stand-alone contract.

Work to be performed under the contract will be within the North American Classification System (NAICS) code as 237990 – Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction. Illustrative example, “Park ground and recreational open space improvement construction”.

In accordance with FAR 36.204, “Disclosure of the magnitude of construction projects”: between $1,000,000 and $5,000,000.

If you have the capability and are interested in this acquisition, submit a detailed capability statement, not to exceed 15 pages that identify the following information:

1. Provide documentation/reports with images of park restoration, or similar work in the following areas:

a) Protection/preservation of natural, cultural, and historical features during construction;

b) Demolition and installation of landscape features, utilities, and vegetation;

c) Installation of site-cast concrete and mason work;

d) Construction and/or repair of water features, and;

e) Site construction within public spaces in urban areas.

2. Point of contact including phone number, physical and e-mail address.

3. Size status and/or SBA certification program of your firm.

4. The Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) for your firm.

5. Positive statement of interest to submit a proposal.

WORK UNDER OTHER CONTRACT(S)

The Government has awarded a separate contract to IronStudio LTD Philadelphia to design and fabricate the armature for the Bicentennial Bell. Coordination with IronStudio would be required during casting of armature foundation.