REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
UF – 352 Florida Innovation Hub at UF
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida
Purpose
The University of Florida is accepting proposals for the technology design of the Florida
Innovation Hub, to be located at the corner of SW 2nd Ave. and SW 7th Terrace in
Gainesville, Florida. The technological design aspects of this project address three areas:
a plan for the equipping the laboratories and offices with state-of-the-art technology, a
plan for providing innovative building security, and a plan for attaining the desired LEED
accreditation. The budget for implementing the technology plan (including purchase and
installation) is $1.2 M.
Background
UF wishes to accelerate the rate of company formation around university discoveries. UF
leads all other research institutions in Florida in company creation and is a recognized
leader nationally. University spinout companies are drivers of innovation and fuel job
creation statewide. This benefits UF financially, and in many other ways, stimulates the
growth of new industries in Florida. These new industries are more disaster resistant than
many of those that form Florida’s current economic base such as tourism. To accelerate
the rate of company formation, UF needs to expand and diversify its incubation program
at a second location near campus.
This facility must address the needs of diverse university startups in fields such as green
energy, clean technology, engineering, medical devices, material science, research tools,
and bioscience not requiring the extensive resources provided by UF’s current incubator
program at the Sid Martin Biotechnology Incubator (SMBI) in Alachua.
This project takes advantage of an opportunity to compete for disaster-related federal
funds that can pay for a substantial portion of such a facility at the same time that a
premiere university-owned location for this facility has become available at the Alachua
General Hospital site. This site is within walking distance to the university - a key aspect
of successful university incubators. The proposed incubator is critical to UF’s ability to
provide resources and support to those faculty members interested in starting companies.
It is planned as a Planning, Operation, and Maintenance facility like the current incubator
facility in Alachua. Upon approval of the $8.2 M Federal Grant from EDA, the
University has agreed to commit $5 million to this project bringing the total construction
budget to $13M.
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.
Page 2
General Project Description
This facility is programmed to be approximately 46,000 GSF. The largest part of the
46,000 square foot facility will serve as a business incubator for the many new companies
being developed around university discoveries. It will provide flexible dry and wet
laboratory and office space and a number of spaces for common use. The facility will
also house a UF program that brings together the many components critical to expediting
new company formation in our state. A common thread among communities that have
become hotbeds for new company formation is the ability to facilitate opportunities for
interested players to physically cross paths and connect.
The new facility should therefore include office space to co-locate tech transfer staff,
inventors, entrepreneurs, investors, student interns, alumni, and service partners such as
attorneys, accountants, etc. as well as startup companies. The facility needs to encourage
a high level of interaction between these entities through well designed, open and shared
areas such a lobby/atrium with adjacent conference rooms, small conversation areas, a
coffee bar, open stairway, patio, lunchroom, kitchen, etc., especially on the ground floor,
in addition to traditional locked offices and labs. As companies grow, their space needs
change, and a layout that provides flexibility in assigning office and lab space ranging
from single offices or labs to suites of offices and labs is highly desirable. This type of
space is not presently available in Gainesville.
Design Objectives
The following general goals and objectives shall be considered and addressed throughout
design, construction, and commissioning. Consult the UF Design Services Guide for
amplifying information.
1.
TREE PRESERVATION
Because tree preservation and protection is a high priority at the University of Florida, in
City of Gainesville, and in the vicinity areas, specifically the proposed site, existing trees
should be saved, protected, and incorporated into the design whenever possible. Planning,
design, and construction of this building must strictly comply with the current University
and City of Gainesville Tree Protection Policy and be reviewed by the UF Lakes,
Vegetation and Landscaping Committee. The need to remove or relocate any trees other
than those recommended by this Committee during programming must be justified and
presented to the Committee during schematic design for approval. Tree protection
measures shall be incorporated as outlined in the UF Design & Construction Standards
and reviewed / approved by Physical Plant Division Grounds Department and comply
with the City of Gainesville requirements.
Page 3
2. LANDSCAPING,
STORMWATER, AND EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The design and construction documents shall include fully detailed landscaping,
landscape irrigation, hardscape, exterior lighting, stormwater management, erosion
control measures, and other site features and components such as benches and seat walls.
Such design shall account not only for functionality and aesthetics, but also for security,
safety, accessibility, and sustainability. The design/build (D/B) team shall comply with
the requirements of the letter dated May 13, 2009 from the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection (See Division 16 - Exhibit B1) and requirements of Standard
General or Individual Environmental Resource Permit (ERP) if the activities exceed any
ERP permitting thresholds. D/B will be responsible to survey, investigate, and plan
accordingly to comply with these requirements in a timely manner and within the
schedule provided to ensure that no delays would occur as a result of the design and
reviews by this agencies. Low-impact design for storm water management shall be
considered and incorporated into the design, as applicable and where possible, even if an
on-site stormwater treatment facility is not required for permitting. Site/landscape plans,
designs, and specifications shall be developed jointly with UF Physical Plant Division
Grounds and in accordance with both the UF Design & Construction Standards and
program review comments by the UF Lakes, Vegetation and Landscaping subcommittee.
The landscape plan will be subject to review by the same as well as City of Gainesville
Officials during the Schematic Design and Design Development phases.
3. BICYCLES,
TRANSIT, WALKWAYS AND MOTOR VEHICLE CIRCULATION
Site design for this project must include adequate walkways that are fully integrated with
the existing pedestrian circulation network, as well as safe and convenient bicycle
parking facilities and access to bus stops with appropriate amenities. Bicycle lanes, paths,
and storage shall be designed in accordance with the latest edition of the UF Design &
Construction Standards and incorporate the requirements of the City of Gainesville as
appropriate. Appropriate access shall also be provided for service and delivery vehicles in
screened service areas. Unimpaired access for emergency vehicles and full compliance
with ADA requirements is mandatory for all site development plans and throughout
construction. Throughout construction, at least one lane of all streets must be kept open
and all sidewalks and designated bicycle lanes or paths shall be kept open or
appropriately rerouted / redirected. A permit must be obtained from City of Gainesville
for any temporary partial road closures.
4. DESIGN FOR FUTURE EXPANSION AND RENOVATION
Within program and budget constraints, the site and building will be designed to allow
flexibility for future growth and change. The usable life and sustainability of the facility
shall be enhanced by incorporating features for remodeling and expansion designed to
reduce future renovation costs.
Page 4
5. SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
The University of Florida builds its buildings to last and promotes environmental quality
and resource conservation through sustainable design, “green” architecture, and recycling
in its physical planning and development. The new facility is expected to achieve Gold
LEED certification or higher.
6. UNIVERSITY COMMITTEES AND CITY OF GAINESVILLE REVIEWS
This new project is located outside of main campus of the University of Florida within
City of Gainesville and must be presented to the following (4) faculty-based Committees:

Transportation and Parking Advisory Committee
Lakes, Vegetation and Landscape Committee
University Land Use and Facilities Planning Committee
7. QUALITY
The University expects the facility to convey an impressive, state-of-the-art, and firstclass image to current and prospective faculty, staff, students, tenants, as well as visiting
faculty, alumni, and private industry. At the same time, cost control, adherence to codes
and standards, sustainability, and the durability and ease of maintenance are also primary
considerations. Spaces must be technologically equipped, acoustically reliable, well lit,
properly conditioned, and arranged thoughtfully in a floor plan that takes advantage of
shared-use spaces while accounting for the differences between public and non-public
spaces. Premium finishes shall be used in highly visible, public areas, while more
standard materials shall be incorporated into less public, staff-oriented work spaces.
The D/B team’s experience with similar facilities should allow it to confirm that the
facility is constructed in accordance with the Basis of Design, the construction
documents, applicable codes, and the UF Design & Construction Standards as part of
Basic (Construction Administration) Services. Major building systems, including
mechanical components and the building envelope, will be commissioned by an
independent consultant, with whom the D/B team shall plan and coordinate its efforts.
Selection Criteria
Technology planning teams will be evaluated according to the criteria listed below:
o
o
o
o
Specific experience in planning laboratory and office technology.
Experience designing security systems for similar structures.
Successful LEED accreditation for previous projects.
Experience working with academic communities.
Page 5
o Applicant’s past performance meeting deadlines, working within budget, and
resolving conflicts.
o Team’s understanding of the project’s intent, goals, and objectives as outlined in
the RFP.
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, as well as their relationship to environmental, design, and
construction concerns.
The following general outline for the proposal should be followed:
General Introduction: Describe the needs, issues, and problems related to the
project. Give relevant background information, highlight key technical issues underlying
the problem/needs, and state objectives explicitly. Cite sources as appropriate.
Body: Include three major sections: 1) Technology Design for Laboratories
and Offices; 2) Building Security Design; 3) LEED Accreditation Plan. Each of these
three sections should include (1) an introduction, (2) the design, and (3) the management
requirements and project plan that relate to that particular section.
(1) Section Introduction: Describe the problem/need 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. Cite relevant
references/sources. Emphasize the benefit of your plan.
(2) The Design: Provide a statement describing the overall objective for
your proposed design. Detail the technical aspects of the design, being
as quantitative as possible. Provide visual representations of the
design where appropriate.
(3) Management Requirements and Plan: Include a timetable for this part
of the project, a list of required materials and equipment, a budget, a
list of personnel participating (include resumes in an appendix), and a
breakdown of this part of the project into specific tasks. Include any
visual aids needed to further explain the management requirements
and plan.
General Conclusion: Emphasize how your proposal uniquely addresses the
University of Florida’s goals and concerns as stated in the RFP. Include a
general timetable and budget for the entire project.
Page 6
Evaluation
Proposals will be evaluated by our personnel based on:
•
•
Project relevance. Does the proposal clearly address relevant and significant
needs 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, techniques, and procedures
feasible, clear, valid, and state-of-the-art?
Deadlines
Submission of Proposals: November 24, 2009
Award of Contract: December 8, 2009
Building Construction Start Date: July, 2010
Technology Installation Start Date: August, 2011
Owner Occupancy: November, 2011
Point of Contact
The completed proposal, along with a letter of transmittal, should be submitted to:
Dianne Cothran
Office of Facilities Planning
c/o Dial Center for Written and Oral Communication
412 Rolfs Hall
Gainesville, FL 32611