REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Academic Technology, Security, and Sustainability Plan
for
Living and Learning Facility for Engineering Students
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
Background
The University of Florida (UF) is accepting proposals for an academic technology,
security, and sustainability design for a new academic/student housing facility to be
located on the Gainesville campus. In the past few years, UF has built several living and
learning facilities, including Hume Hall, which provide much-needed dormitory space,
classrooms and lecture halls, and dining and common areas. This new living and learning
facility will be tailored to the teaching and learning needs of engineering faculty and
students. The primary goal of the UF Housing Department is to provide well-maintained,
community-oriented facilities where residents and faculty are empowered to learn,
innovate, and succeed.
General Project Description
Currently, UF is soliciting proposals from engineering firms to design the academic
technology and security plan for the new facility. The budget for the technology and
security design and implementation (including purchase and installation) is $500,000.
As part of the proposal, UF also desires a plan that recommends and outlines how the
facility can meet sustainability goals. A minimum Gold LEED (Leadership in Energy
and Environmental Design) accreditation by the US Green Building Council will be
mandatory for the completed facility; however, higher accreditation is desirable.
Technology. The new building will include 150 two-room dormitory suites, as well as
common areas including a 25-station computer lab, study areas, meeting rooms, social
and recreational areas, and kitchens and dining rooms. In addition, four small classrooms
(30 students each) and a 200-seat lecture hall will be part of the new facility. UF is
soliciting a plan to address the learning and teaching technology requirements
(computers, software, audio-visual equipment) of the dorm suites, the common areas, and
the classrooms and lecture hall. Attention should be given to energy-saving technology
as well as technology that is not likely to become outdated in the near future.
Security. Security for the new facility should above all provide for the safety of the
students and faculty. However, ease of use and practicality are desired characteristics of
the security plan. The security design should also provide maximum protection for the
technology/equipment housed in the facility.
Sustainability. The University of Florida builds its buildings to last and promotes
environmental quality and resource conservation through sustainable design, “green”
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architecture, and recycling in its physical planning and development. Therefore, as part of
this proposal, UF desires a plan that outlines how the University can build the new
dormitory in the most sustainable manner. The new facility is expected to achieve Gold
LEED certification or higher.
Engineering firms submitting proposals should create designs for the academic
technology, security, and environmental plans that incorporate concepts and methods
based on proven practices and current knowledge and research. Specifically, academic
and professional sources should be cited throughout the proposal, and especially in the
sections containing specific designs for technology, security, and sustainability.
Selection Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated according to the criteria listed below:
o The engineering firm’s understanding of the project’s intent, goals, and objectives
as outlined in the RFP.
o The firm’s documentation of its plans based on academic and professional
knowledge and research regarding academic technology, security, and
sustainability.
o Specific experience in designing technology for teaching and learning.
o Experience designing security systems for similar facilities.
o Experience in sustainable design.
o Experience working within academic communities.
o Firm’s past performance meeting deadlines, working within budget, and resolving
conflicts.
o Quality and professionalism of the deliverables (final proposal and presentation).
Proposal Contents
Proposals should be approximately 25 pages in length. Proposals should provide a
detailed description of the project to be undertaken, including background, objectives,
approach, and methods for implementing the design plan.
The following general outline for the proposal should be followed:
General Introduction: Describe the needs, issues, and problems related to the
overall project. Give relevant background information, highlight key technical issues
underlying the problem/needs, refer to your company’s past projects, and explicitly state
your team’s goals for the current project. Cite sources as appropriate.
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Body: Include three major sections: 1) Academic Technology Design for Dorm
Rooms, Classrooms/Lecture Hall, and Common Areas; 2) Security Design; and 3)
LEED Design. Each of these three sections should include (1) an introduction, (2) the
detailed design, and (3) the management requirements and project plan that relate to that
particular section.

Section Introduction: Describe the goal(s) of your specific aspect of
the project. Provide relevant background information and explain your
company’s approach to the task. Refer to your team’s previous
experience in the area, as well as other projects either by your
company, or by others, that are pertinent to this plan. Preview the
major aspects of your design.

The Design: Detail the technical aspects of the design, being as
quantitative as possible. Provide references to sources whenever
possible. Provide visual representations of the design, along with
textual explanations, where appropriate. Use subheadings as
appropriate.

Management Requirements and Plan: Include
1. a timetable for this part of the project,
2. a list of required materials and equipment,
3. a budget, including design costs and purchase and
installation of equipment for technology and security (for
the LEED design, include the LEED checklist rather than a
budget; material costs for LEED are included in the
construction budget), and
4. a list of personnel participating (include resumes in an
appendix).
General Conclusion: Emphasize how your proposal uniquely addresses the
University of Florida’s goals and concerns as stated in the RFP. Emphasize your
company’s ability and vision to complete the project.
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Evaluation
Proposals will be evaluated by our personnel based on:
•
•
Project relevance. Does the proposal clearly address relevant and significant
objectives of the University of Florida as outlined in the RFP? Will the final
design provide economic, environmental, and practical benefits?
Technical feasibility. Are the plans, methods, and recommendations feasible,
clear, valid, and state-of-the-art? Have these aspects been documented clearly in
the proposal?
Deadlines
Submission of Proposals: November 12, 2015
Presentations of Proposals: Dec. 1 and 3, 2015
Award of Contract: December 8, 2015
Building Construction Completion Date: June, 2017
Technology/Security Installation Start Date: July, 2017
Owner Occupancy: August, 2017
Point of Contact
The completed proposal, along with a letter of transmittal, should be submitted to:
Dianne Cothran
Office of Facilities Planning
c/o University Writing Program
302 Tigert Hall
Gainesville, FL 32611