Request for Qualifications for A/E Services for Proposed Animal Shelter Addition

Rusk County and the City of Ladysmith, Wisconsin, are seeking architectural and engineering services for a proposed 20x40 foot addition to the existing Rusk County Animal Shelter, which was constructed in 2017 and is currently at capacity for dogs and cats. The Request for Qualifications (RFQ) requires consultants to prepare comprehensive design plans, including schematic design documents such as floor plans, site plans, building elevations, building sections, construction cost estimates, and project schedules. Interested firms must submit qualifications by July 19, 2023, at 4:00 PM, with one hard copy and one electronic copy on a flash drive to Ashley Heath at Rusk County. The selection process includes evaluation on July 20, 2023, potential interviews in late July or early August, and contract negotiations in August, with potential Board and City Council approval in August or September 2023. Qualification submissions must include a cover letter, copies of Wisconsin licensures, proof of insurance, and a fee proposal, with specific insurance requirements including $1,000,000 General Liability per occurrence, $1,000,000 Automobile Liability, statutory Worker's Compensation, and $1,000,000 Professional Liability.

No specific set-aside designations or restrictions on respondent types were mentioned in the solicitation documents. The project currently has no approved funding, with both the Rusk County Board and Ladysmith City Council reserving the right to terminate consultant services if the project is deemed non-viable. No incumbent vendors or existing contractors were identified, and no specific budget range or award value was provided in the documentation. The Owners anticipate negotiating a total project fee with the selected consultant following the selection process and will attempt negotiations with a second preferred consultant if initial contract discussions fail. The primary objective of this RFQ is to obtain cost estimates and design feasibility information to support future funding decisions for the animal shelter addition, with the understanding that project progression is contingent on subsequent approvals and funding allocations.