The General Services Administration (GSA) intends to issue a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for a negotiated Bridging Design/Build Construction Contract for the New Census Bureau Headquarters located at the Suitland Federal Center in Suitland, Maryland. The new headquarters facility will encompass approximately 140,000 gross square meters, and in addition, associated indoor parking structures for 3,098 vehicles. The selection process will include two phases: Phase I - RFQ leading to selecting a short list of design/build offerors, who will be invited to participate in Phase 2, the RFP competition and selection of the design/build offeror. A single firm fixed price contract may be awarded for all design beyond the concept stage and all construction services. The estimated construction cost is in the $250-$275 million dollar range. All work will be performed in accordance with GSA authorized and approved standards. The selection process will utilize Two-Phase Design-Build Selection procedures in accordance with FAR 36.3 (which will continue the Design Excellence procedures currently underway) and Source Selection procedures in accordance with FAR 15.3. This negotiated procurement will be open to both large and small business firms. The firm (if not a small business concern) shall be required to present an acceptable small business, veteran-owned small business, service-disabled veteran-owned small business, HUBZone small business, small disadvantaged business, and woman-owned small business Subcontracting Plan in accordance with Public Law 95-507, as part of its proposal. Consideration is open to established, qualified firms licensed to perform professional services (FAR 22.1102 and 22.1103), which currently have active, properly staffed offices within the continental United States (including subcontractors). The pre-submission conference/site visit is scheduled for September 17, 2002, 10:00am - 12:00 noon, in the FOB3 auditorium at the Census Facility, Suitland Federal Center, Suitland, MD. This briefing is intended to review the scope of the project and submittal requirements, with emphasis on Phase I submittal requirements. The RFQ will be issued electronically on or about September 06, 2002, on the Internet at: http://www.fedbizopps.gov/. All qualified responsible firms are encouraged to participate in this procurement. Small, veteran-owned small, service-disabled veteran-owned small, HUBZone small, small disadvantaged, and women-owned small businesses are encouraged to participate as prime contractors, or as members of joint ventures with other small businesses. GSA's Business Service Center (BSC) is planning to host a Subcontracting Networking Session in early October for large and small business concerns. This session is an opportunity for large businesses competing for the Census Bureau Bridging Design/Build project to network with small businesses and discuss the products/services available from the small business community. Large and small businesses are encouraged to participate in this event. All interested firms should contact the GSA Business Service Center (BSC) regarding participation of small businesses in this contract, via e-mail at
[email protected] or call on 202-708-5804. Points of Contact Chrischanda Smith, Contract Specialist, Phone (202) 358-3573, Fax (202) 708-4964, Email:
[email protected] - Vincent E. Matner, Contracting Officer, Phone (202) 260-6707, Fax (202) 708-8332, Email:
[email protected]