RFQ - 247988 - Tornado Safe Room Design - Rebsamen Tennis Center

The City of Little Rock has issued this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to architects and engineers authorized in the State of Arkansas and qualified to provide the requested service(s) outlined in this bid document.

Architectural and Engineering Professional Services for a FEMA Multi-Purpose Tornado Safe Room at Rebsamen Tennis Center.

The goal of this Request for Qualifications (RFQ) is to select a qualified design professional to provide comprehensive design services and required FEMA submissions for the proposed Multipurpose Tornado Safe Room at the Rebsamen Tennis Center. The selected firm will prepare all design documents, specifications, drawings, technical responses, and supplemental materials as required by this solicitation and by the City of Little Rock Parks and Recreation Department.

The City of Little Rock Parks and Recreation Department seeks qualifications from architects and engineers to prepare the design and required FEMA application materials for a Tornado Safe Room Addition at the Rebsamen Tennis Center.

The proposed Safe Room Addition will be a freestanding facility of approximately 33,800 square feet designed to provide emergency shelter during severe weather events. The facility will include:

• Multiuse sports activity area with four tennis courts
• Male and female restrooms, with consideration for a family restroom
• Office space
• Storage rooms
• Utility rooms for mechanical and electrical systems
• Emergency backup generator with spill prevention measures
• Maintenance agreements for cleaning and generator service
• Redevelopment of an existing failed drive and parking area

The selected firm will develop complete design drawings, specifications, and all supporting documents required to describe these improvements.

The selected design professional must prepare all project documents according to the Owner’s direction and applicable FEMA Safe Room standards, including but not limited to FEMA P-361 and ICC 500.

Responsibilities include:

• Preparing and updating plans, specifications, and cost estimates
• Conducting peer reviewed construction cost analysis
• Responding to FEMA requests, comments, and technical review items
• Preparing multiple updates of drawings and FEMA submission forms
• Demonstrating preferred experience with FEMA Safe Room projects

The design professional will develop a comprehensive project schedule that includes:

• Design milestones
• Permitting timelines
• Community meetings during both design and construction phases
• Construction completion timeline

**Submission method:** Vendors must submit responses to this request online at LRProcure EUNA on or before the designated due date and time. The Bidder’s responsive and responsible proposal must be submitted thru LRPROCURE Bid Opportunities Portal on or before the closing date and time.

Pricing will be negotiated with awarded Vendor.

The City will evaluate design professionals based on their demonstrated experience, technical capability, project team qualifications, familiarity with FEMA Safe Room requirements, and ability to respond effectively to FEMA submission needs. The City will conduct interviews with a maximum of five (5) highest ranked firms to determine the final selected firm.

The Vendor must have a business license to operate in the State of Arkansas. Bidder must attach a signed copy of the *Combined Certification for Contracting with the City of Little Rock* form to the bid submission.

The Vendor shall carry the appropriate insurance and must provide a Certificate of Insurance naming the City of Little Rock as additional insured.

The term of this agreement or initial submission phase will be for 365 days. Upon mutual agreement, the contract or agreement may be extended.