Fire Alarm Upgrades

The California Department of General Services is requesting qualifications from architectural and engineering firms to design fire alarm and life safety system upgrades at the Franchise Tax Board facility in Sacramento, with Statements of Qualifications due August 7, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. The selected firm and all subcontractors are precluded from participating in any construction or competitively bid contract work on this project—a standard design-phase exclusion that eliminates downstream construction bidding opportunity.

The scope covers professional architectural and engineering design for complete fire alarm system replacement across four connected buildings totaling 1.9 million square feet, fire pump replacement and new fire pump enclosure with specified environmental controls, and centralized fire alarm monitoring and control. Deliverables include preliminary plans, working drawings, cost estimates, bidding solicitation support, and construction support services. All work must be performed under and approved by a design professional licensed in California. Firms must hold current California professional licenses, Department of Industrial Relations public works contractor registration, and comply with prevailing wage requirements and State Fire Marshal and State Architect regulatory standards.

The estimated construction cost is approximately $34.5 million with an estimated three-year contract duration. The project location is 9645 Butterfield Way, Sacramento, though the RFQ references both Sacramento County and San Francisco City as jurisdictions.

Evaluation criteria include firm experience, principal and key personnel qualifications, resource availability, collaboration and problem-solving capability, public works experience, regulatory compliance knowledge, and cost estimating expertise. The selection process includes written SOQ evaluation, oral interviews with up to three shortlisted firms, and fee negotiations with the highest-ranked firm. Minimum submission requirements include letter of interest with Federal Identification Number, executive summary, Federal Form SF330, qualifications statements, current Statement of Information, California professional licenses, business certifications, civil rights compliance documentation, and certifications regarding the Darfur and Iran Contracting Acts. Firms must disclose any intended use of generative artificial intelligence in deliverables. Ten percent retention applies to all progress payments, with escrow provisions for retentions exceeding $10,000 held beyond 60 days after phase completion.