Questions submitted during meeting of the Negotiation Phase of ITN # 7372
Rough Draft Rev 03-30-09
RESPONSES TO ITN #7372 QUESTIONS FROM MEETING ON 03/13/09
1. Are materials and construction to be considered Non-combustible?
Yes, the “Additional Information for the Best and Final Offer Request ITN #7372” and the “Florida
A & M University Cost Containment Guidelines” identify the types of construction the University
prefers.
2. Is the 3 - story height limit requirement firm and non-negotiable?
Please limit the building height to a maximum of 4-stories or less.
3. If we deviate from the Construction guidelines will the proposal be considered nonresponsive?
The “Additional Information for the Best and Final Offer Request ITN #7372” and the “Florida A &
M University Cost Containment Guidelines” identify the types of construction the University
prefers.
4. Are you asking the proposal teams to bring a structural, a civil, and a mechanical
engineer onboard at this time?
The University does not determine the composition of the “design-build teams”. The purpose of
these submittals is to allow the University to evaluate and make an informed comparison of the
proposals. It is up to the teams to decide the appropriateness, completeness, and quality of
information they will provide to expedite and facilitate the University’s evaluation.
5. What are the budget parameters?
At this time, budget parameters have not been established.
6. Will structural Load bearing Metal Studs be considered?
No, the “Additional Information for the Best and Final Offer Request ITN #7372” and the “Florida
A & M University Cost Containment Guidelines” identify the types of construction the University
prefers. Please see page 12 item #2 of the “Florida A & M University Cost Containment
Guidelines”.
7. Will structural Wood Framed systems be considered?
No, the “Additional Information for the Best and Final Offer Request ITN #7372” identifies the type
of construction preferred.
8. Will a structural Tilt Wall system be considered?
No, although tilt wall construction has previously been done on-campus and is allowed under the
“Florida A & M University Cost Containment Guidelines”, it is not the University’s preferred
system for this project.
9. Are Pre-cast concrete load bearing walls allowed?
No, the “Additional Information for the Best and Final Offer Request ITN #7372” and the “Florida
A & M University Cost Containment Guidelines” identify the types of construction the University
prefers.
10. What types of construction materials and methods will be allowed?
The “Additional Information for the Best and Final Offer Request ITN #7372” and the “Florida A &
M University Cost Containment Guidelines” identify preferred materials and types of construction.
11. Is the information contained in the “Additional Information for the Best and Final Offer
Request ITN #7372” a design request/guideline or a requirement?
It is a requirement.
Questions submitted during meeting of the Negotiation Phase of ITN # 7372
Rough Draft Rev 03-30-09
12. Will a stormwater management plan be required?
Yes, onsite stormwater management will be required. Initially the university did not anticipate
there would be onsite stormwater management requirements by the Design-Build Teams. The
University asks the Design-Build Teams to revisit the site plan and show how stormwater will be
accommodated in accordance with the NWWMD and City of Tallahassee stormwater
requirements.
13. Permitting through NWWMD, and the amount of time to obtain permits is a concern,
what is the University’s experience related to permitting time.
The NWWMD has consistently been cooperative in expediting permits. The issue has been
conformity of the design with codes during the review process and resultant changes.
14. According to the “Florida A & M University Cost Containment Guidelines” Steam and
Chilled water mechanical systems should be utilized, is this correct?
Yes, these are the preferred systems of the University.
15. Are residential mechanical HVAC systems to be considered?
No, initially it was stated residential mechanical type systems would be considered; however
residential type systems do not fall within the University’s preferences and requirements.
16. Will the University provide Steam and Chilled water to the site?
Yes, the point of connection for Steam and Chilled water will be adjacent to the site on the South
East corner.
17. Will Steam and Chilled Water be available onsite where ever the Design-Build Team
requests at no additional cost?
No.
18. Will the University show the exact location of where utilities enter and exit the site?
Water, Sewer, and Gas utilities are located in Gamble and Perry Streets adjacent to the site.
Fees and Permits will be the responsibility of the Design-Build Team. Capacity and usage is to
be coordinated by the Design-Build Team with the City of Tallahassee.
19. Will the City of Tallahassee be the permitting agency?
No, City of Tallahassee will not be permitting the project, however the building must be consistent
with City of Tallahassee standards. Northwest Florida Water Management District will perform
permitting for stormwater management. Building permits will be issued by the University’s
permitting office. The State Fire Marshall will do permitting for fire.
20. What kind and types of access security is the University requiring?
Electronic card access to the building and suites.
21. Who are sole sources for security, fire alarm, and telecommunications?
Best for keying; Simplex Grinnell for fire alarm. All voice/data/video communications must
comply with the University’s “Information/Communications Resource Requirements,
Voice/Data/Video Communications Standards, University Building Standards Rev: 02-06-09”
document.
22. Are we to assume space for Refrigerators and Microwave Ovens is required, and the
optional price will be to supply the appliances?
Yes, the space is to be provided. Supplying and installing appliances is an option.
Questions submitted during meeting of the Negotiation Phase of ITN # 7372
Rough Draft Rev 03-30-09
23. Should an accommodation be made to make full service kitchens available for a future
renovation?
No.
24. Is the renovation of the remaining halls (all other halls besides this new facility and
Sampson and Young), to be considered in this plan?
No.
25. Who will manage the facilities after completion?
The University’s Housing Department will operate and manage the facilities.
26. What will the Ownership Structure be, and who ultimately is to own the building and
how is the project to be financed?
The University will own the new building and the University will be responsible for providing the
financing for the construction.
27. How much pledged income from other buildings will be available to subsidize the new
800 bed facility?
It is expected that the University will refinance the existing debt under a master resolution. The
proposed bonds and any future renovation bonds will be issued on parity with the master
resolution. The rental rates for the 800-bed facility will be consistent with market rates based on
a 12 month lease period. Sampson and Young rental rates will be consistent with the University’s
historical rates and based on a 9-month rental period.
28. What is the existing housing debt?
Please refer to the “Invitation to Negotiate ITN No.: #7372 Appendix III”.
29. Will this project be Owner Direct Purchase?
A determination on the appropriateness’ of using ODP will be made at a later date.
30. Should sales taxes on the materials be included?
Yes, please include sales taxes in the proposals.
31. Is this project considered to be a GMP or Total Cost agreement?
The type of contract will be determined during negotiations.
32. To whom does the contingency belong?
The Design Build Building Contingency belongs to the project subject to the review and approval
of the University. The University contingency belongs to the University.
33. How is the contingency to be computed?
Compute your normal bottom line costs for the project and add the contingency as per the
percentage rate in accordance with the “Additional Information for the Best and Final Offer
Request ITN #7372” to the total.
34. How is the Best and Final Offer Price; page 1, option 1, item 1 to be computed?
For all options, compute the bottom line for the total costs of design and build for the project, then
add the contingencies to get the total not to exceed price.
35. Has a point system been developed for scoring and evaluating this phase and will the
criteria be made available to the Design-Build Teams?
The University will issue a point evaluation system and it will be posted on the website.
36. Does this project require Board of Governors Approval? Yes.
Questions submitted during meeting of the Negotiation Phase of ITN # 7372
Rough Draft Rev 03-30-09