RECS RFP Predesign for PERA Space Planning

The Minnesota Department of Administration's Real Estate and Construction Services (RECS) is soliciting architectural services through a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Project #63SP0034, focused on conducting a predesign/study for the Retirement Systems Building in St. Paul. The primary objective is to determine and analyze office configuration spaces for permanent and hybrid employee work areas, with specific requirements to reconfigure two open office spaces and provide furniture replacement recommendations. Proposers must submit a comprehensive qualifications proposal, fee proposal, and required forms, with evaluations conducted on a 100-point scale considering key personnel, work experience, approach and methodology, and fee proposal. Critical dates include a mandatory site visit on May 9, 2024, with questions due by May 14, 2024, and proposals due on May 23, 2024. The anticipated contract term is from June 1, 2024, to May 31, 2026, with an option to extend for an additional three years. Key deliverables include a completed predesign/study, detailed cost estimates, and recommendations for office space optimization.

The RFP encourages participation through the state's Small Business Procurement Program and provides opportunities for vendor self-identification regarding eligibility criteria. While specific set-aside designations are mentioned, the solicitation includes preference forms for veteran-owned and resident vendors. The proposal does not specify a precise budget or funding range, nor does it list incumbent vendors. Potential respondents must meet standard state contracting requirements, including providing certificates of insurance, submitting non-collusion affidavits, and agreeing to the State/Designer Basic Services Agreement. The state reserves the right to create a short-list of proposers, conduct interviews, request best and final offers, and potentially cancel the solicitation if deemed in the state's best interest. Proposers must also disclose any plans for foreign outsourcing and demonstrate compliance with professional licensure and insurance requirements.