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RFQ 18-51 Design Services: Jean & Ric Edelman Fossil Park Questions & Answers

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Question & Answer #1

Is this work for an architecture team, an exhibit design team or a team including architects, exhibit designers and more? This work is for an Architect team that should include any sub-consultants necessary to complete the design and construction of the project except the Exhibit consultant. The exhibit consultant will be selected in a separate solicitation and Rowan will issue an RFP for that purpose.


Please elaborate as to the extent of what sub-consultants should be included on our team for the qualifications submission. In particular please address whether an exhibit designer and/or a landscape architect are needed as part of our submission or whether Rowan will solicit these services separately. The Exhibit Designer will be solicited through a separate RFP. (see response #1) The prime and all the other sub-consultants on their team should be included in their response to this RFQ.


The schedule refers to a design competition. Please confirm and elaborate as to the nature of this. Will there be a stipend if it is a true design competition? There will be a stipend offered to the shortlisted firms that would be asked to submit proposals.


On page 4 of the RFQ it states that “the shortlisted consultants will each be invited to submit proposals and make presentations to the committee”. Will the University issue a separate RFP to the shortlisted teams and schedule interviews? Yes


Regarding the request for an index in section XV.B.3 of the submission requirements, may we substitute the table of contents in lieu of an index? If not please expand on the content of the index. Yes.


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Regarding Organizational Information (section XV.C.3.a) would it be acceptable to add sub-consultants at a later phase? No. Qualifications of all team members should be included in the response, and will be a part of the negotiations with the selected consultant. If at a later date, the selected team wishes to use a different sub-consultant, they would need to be approved by Rowan.


Please clarify the terminology of “CM services” in section XV.C.4.a Construction Management


Appendix 2 is indicated as excerpts from the Feasibility Study. Is the entire Feasibility Study available for download? If not, is there additional information in the Feasibility Study or any other study that could be made available that outlines the square footage for the different programming elements? Not at this time.


Is the breakdown of the estimated development cost of $45 million available? If not, could numbers be provided that indicating the amount allocated for site development vs building construction? There is no additional information on the estimated Development cost/Budget as this time.


Will the design shortlist from the RFQ be provided? No decision has been made on this yet.


Will a stipend be provided for the Design Competition? Yes.


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Is there information available regarding an environmental assessment of the site? Any available information on this subject will be included in the RFP.


Please clarify if the civil work will be a separate package or within the design team’s scope. It would be within the Design Team’s scope of work.


Please clarify if a survey will be made available during the Design Competition phase. We will address this matter in the RFP for shortlisted firms in the Design competition Phase.


Please clarify if geotechnical scope will be coordinated by Rowan University. No.


Please clarify if the Exhibition Design will be a separate package or within the design team’s scope. We would contract separately with the Exhibit Design Consultant, though we expect both to work seamlessly and cooperatively with each other.


Will JV’s between two architectural firms be considered? Or, will it be limited to a single lead architectural firm with associated firms. The University will evaluate joint submissions, but one firm must take the lead on the project.


Please confirm the extent of sub consultants that are to be listed in this RFQ response: environmental, site civil, landscape, MEP&F engineer, structural, exhibit designer. With the exception of the Exhibit Design Consultant, who will be procured through another RFP, we would expect that all other sub-consultants with their qualifications would be included in the response to this RFQ.


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Please confirm that the project budget is $45 million and whether all costs for site and building and fees are to be included in that number. Yes on both accounts.


Please confirm that the noted College of Earth and Environment is not part of this RFQ or project budgets. Only the museum and research center noted. College of Earth and Environment is not part of this RFQ or project budgets. Only the museum and research center noted.


Will this project touch the entire 65 acre parcel, or be limited to the selected building site? The entire 65 acre site should be considered.


Please confirm whether exhibit design is to be included within the upcoming design scope? Exhibit Design would not be considered within the design scope. We would contract separately with the Exhibit Design Consultant, though we expect both to work seamlessly and cooperatively with each other.


Please clarify whether exhibit design scope is included within the present $45M project budget. Yes


The schedule included with the RFQ notes a six week “design competition” phase. At the 1/9/18 walk through, it was noted that this phase actually consists of shortlisted firms presenting potential design approaches in an interview setting. Please clarify the extent of design preparation and presentation that is anticipated. Are candidates being requested to provide initial impressions and options, or are more developed concept designs being requested? To the extent of the programmatic information for the project available at the time of the RFP for the Design competition, we would expect developed concept designs, details of which are not available at this time.


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At the site walk through, it was noted that the county may provide funding for a site entrance off of Woodbury/ Glassboro Road. If this is the case, would engineering, and/or any other aspect of this scope, be included with this design contract? No.


Can Rowan elaborate on the type of content that would be shown in the 4D theater? Is there a preliminary expectation regarding the number of seats for this space? This information is not available at this time.


The Visitor Experience diagrams attached to the RFQ notes “Live Critters” and animals. What types of animals are intended to be displayed? This information is not available at this time.


Does the University have a preliminary estimate, or range, for the overall size of the new facility? Is there a preliminary program or is development of the program part of the intended scope? The University does not have a preliminary estimate, or range, for the overall size of the new facility at this time.


Is fee information from the design team required for the RFQ submittal? No.


LANDSCAPE: There is a description of surrounding outdoor landscape and park. Is the landscape/park budget part of the base case core and shell 45,000,000 project costs? Yes.


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Is FF&E part of the Design Team required RFP and RFQ submittals? The Design Team will be expected to provide plans and specifications for FFE needed for the project.


Can you confirm that, as typical, the FF&E budget is not included as part of the base case core and shell 45,000,000 project costs. The FFE budget is included in the 45,000,000 project cost.


EXHIBIT DESIGN + EXHIBIT DESIGNER: Can you confirm that, as typical, the EXHIBIT DESIGN and EXHIBIT DESIGNER budgets are not included as part of the base case core and shell 45,000,000 project costs. Exhibit Design and Exhibit Designer budgets ARE included as part of the base case core and shell 45,000,000 project costs.


GEOTECNICAL: Typically the Client / Ownership is responsible for the scope and contract regarding geotechnical consultants and deliverables. Please confirm as Ownership scope. The Design team is responsible for the scope and contract regarding geotechnical consultants and deliverables.


SURVEY: Typically the Client / Ownership is responsible for the scope and contract regarding survey consultants and deliverables. Please confirm as Ownership scope. The design team would be responsible for the scope and contract regarding survey consultants and deliverables.


Will a Security Consultant be required for the project RFP / RFQ or will Security be handled through Rowan University’s department? The Design and specifications for security considerations is a part of the Design Teams scope for the project.


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SECURITY: Is the University providing security alarms and phone / data? Are we to supply conduit and pull wire only? Yes.


REIMBURSABLE EXPENSES: As part of the RFP and Fee analysis are reimbursable expenses required to be covered in the lump sum base fee or are they handled outside the base contract? A maximum cost for reimbursable expenses will be included in the lump sum base fee.


SPECILIZED CONSULTANTS: Are specific specialized LAB or Structural Consultants required due to the sensitive nature of the experiments or studies? Typically the Client / Ownership are responsible for specialized scope and deliverables. With the exception of the Exhibit Design Consultant, who will be procured through a separate RFP, we would expect that all other sub-consultants needed for the design of the project would be the responsibility of the respondents to this RFQ and be identified in their submittals.


SPECIAL STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENTS: Does the level of experiments require any special structural requirements? See not regarding specialized Ownership / Client scope This information is not available at this time.


PROGRAM: It is our experience that with the issuance of RFQ / RFP documentation, a conceptual program is articulated. Has Rowan University organized a more comprehensive project program with specifically identified elements and square footage requirements? If “YES”, will the information be provided prior RFP submission? If “NO”, should it be assumed that there will need to be a special project programming phase gathering all stakeholders added to the current 8 month design service schedule? Preliminary programing information from the feasibility study will be provided with the RFP. However, program verification and refinement would need to be a part of the proposed 8 month design service schedule, which will be revisited and may be modified.


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REQUIRED PROCUREMENT DOCUMENTS: Is each of the design team consultants required to fill out and submit all the forms (1-8) of the “Required Procurement Documents” or just the Prime design consultant who would hold the contract with Rowan University? Just the Prime Consultant has this responsibility.


COST PER SQUARE FOOT: Is the University looking for a set amount per sf for the main building? The University is looking for the project to be completed within the specified budget, not a specific cost per square foot.


As we currently understand, Rowan University is going to create a short list of firms to then be followed by “Interviews and presentation of Concepts”. Will there be a stipend / honorarium to cover these subsequent “presentation of concepts” services. Yes, a fixed stipend will be provided. How it is applied, to fulfil the requirements of the RFP would be up to the shortlisted consultant.


We are registered to do business in New Jersey, but are unable to obtain the Business Registration Certificate. In lieu of the Business Registration Certificate, can we submit a Certificate of Authority from the New Jersey Department of the Treasury and other documentation to properly represent that our New Jersey registration is current? A New Jersey Business Registration Certificate is required.


Who provides educational programming? This would be defined by the Leadership of the Fossil park and is not known at this time.


Are there existing curricula related to the Museum topics – what are the plans for classes and curricula by the time of the museum’s opening? This information is not available at this time.


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What are the staff commitments (assuming any are committed), for content development and educational programming to the project? This information is not available at this time.


What is the content development review process at the client end? Is there a single person; a committee? In all likelihood, it would be committee though a formal decision on the process has not been established at this time.


Are there related fossil, artifact, ephemera, document, media, or photographic archives on hand that are relevant to the project? Whatever information was available at the time was identified in the RFQ process.


Section III E notes the agreement for the 40 acre parcel has not been completed. Does the current budget include proposed work in that parcel or will additional funds be provided for its development? No, the current budget does not include proposed work in that parcel.


Is the Ancillary Development also part of the current budget or will that be developed at a later time?

No, the Ancillary development it is not part of the current budget and the timing for this is not known at this time.


Section III E notes the agreement for the 40 acre parcel has not been completed. Does the current budget include proposed work in that parcel or will additional funds be provided for its development? No, the current budget does not include proposed work in that parcel.


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Is the Ancillary Development also part of the current budget or will that be developed at a later time? No, the Ancillary development it is not part of the current budget and the timing for this is not known at this time.


Who provides educational programming? This would be defined by the Leadership of the Fossil park and is not known at this time.


Are there existing curricula related to the Museum topics – what are the plans for classes and curricula by the time of the museum’s opening? This information is not available at this time.


What are the staff commitments (assuming any are committed), for content development and educational programming to the project? This information is not available at this time.


What is the content development review process at the client end? Is there a single person? A committee? In all likelihood, it would be committee though a formal decision on the process has not been established at this time.


*This Question was removed because it was a duplicate*


Are there related fossil, artifact, ephemera, document, media, or photographic archives on hand that are relevant to the project? Whatever information was available at the time was identified in the RFQ process.


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During the site visit it was noted that teams are to include a minimum of 3 projects, but could include more projects (with 20 being expressed as excessive). So that the University receives comparable proposals, can you please provide a maximum number of projects one team can submit? 7


Can you please confirm that all of the submitted projects should come from the architectural team, not the sub-consultants? All of the submitted projects should come from the architectural team, not the sub-consultants.


The RFQ asks for teams to indicate their sub-consultants. Can you please confirm if you are requesting a full team, inclusive of exhibit design and landscape architecture? Or will the exhibit designer and/or landscape architect be solicited through a separate RFQ process? Only the exhibit designer will be solicited through a separate procurement process.


The RFQ asks for “resumes, references, qualifications, appropriate certification, and licenses for all key team members (prime and sub-consultants).” However, at the site visit it was noted that the prime should only include a listing of our sub-consultants. Can you please list the materials that we should submit for our sub-consultants? Resumes, references, qualifications, appropriate certification, and licenses for all key team members (prime and sub-consultants) should be submitted.


For stage one of this RFQ, should we include qualifications of the full project team, or is this RFQ limited to the design firm? Qualifications for the full project team should be included.


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Can you confirm that RFQ 18-15 is related to Architectural Design Services only and that there will be an RFQ for Exhibit Design Services, issued under separate cover? It is confirmed that RFQ 18-15 is related to Architectural Design Services only and that there will be an additional RFP for Exhibit Design Services issued under separate cover.


If RFQ 18-15 is to include Exhibit Design Services, is it acceptable for the Exhibit Design firm to be on multiple teams? No, RFQ 18-51 does not include Exhibit Design Services.


Appendix 3 - Schedule of Events refers to a Design Competition. However, there is no reference to a Design Competition in the body of the RFQ. Can you verify if there will be a Design Competition for Architecture Services? Yes, there will be a Design Competition for Architecture Services.


The proposed budget is stated to be $45,000,000 including all hard and soft costs. Does this budget include the Museum, Site and new College of Earth & Environment? The proposed budget does NOT include the new College of Earth & Environment.


Based on the January 15th being a statutory holiday, as well as the tight turnaround for when answers will be issued to questions submitted, would you consider granting a one-week extension to the RFQ due date? The Schedule of Events has been modified since this question was asked. Please view the updates on the Office of Contracting & Procurement website: https://sites.rowan.edu/procurement/bids/index.html


Can you expand on the Scope of Work to be covered in the design phase of the project, so that we can accurately determine the disciplines required for our team? Will the design phase include complete site, architectural, exhibit, and facility design? The design phase WILL include complete site, architectural, exhibit, and facility design.

https://sites.rowan.edu/procurement/bids/index.html


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What resources will be provided by the University’s team? Should we include researchers, paleontologists, educators, ecologists, environmentalists, and interpretive planners on our team? If needed, it will be stated in the RFP for the shortlisted consultants.


Will the entire feasibility study be made available to the shortlisted firms for the RFP? Yes.


Are there specific plans or a desire for use of the Adjacent Site beside those listed on page 21? In the Request for Proposals for the Feasibility Study, visitor facilities such as a hotel or visitor overnight facilities were mentioned. We are not able to provide a definitive response to this at this time.


Will concept designs be required of the 5 shortlisted firms as part of the RFP process? Yes.


Will you consider phased design and development for the site, adjacent site, and ancillary development beyond the 8-month design phase on the schedule? It appears short to fully design and develop all desired parts of the Fossil Park, Museum and Research Center, as well as site work, and programming. This could be revisited and clarified at a later time and after a consultant has been selected and included in contract negotiations with the University. However the schedule provided in the RFQ is the best projection we can make at this time, and subject to change.


Will consultants be excluded on bidding for future stages of work? For example, can media designers and hardware consultants bid on the production or fabrication? No, consultants will not be excluded on bidding for future stages of work. Yes, media designers and hardware consultants may bid on the production or fabrication?


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Do you have a cost breakdown for the project you can provide at this stage? Not at this time.


Can the 3 examples of related projects be for each team member or is it restricted to the lead consultant only? Projects examples are restricted to the lead consultants only.


Our firm has worked with an exhibit design for over 25 years on many of the firm’s signature projects. We want to be sure that we can indeed list them on our team of potential subs-consultants. Exhibit consultants will not be considered while evaluating the Design Teams Qualifications. However, they could respond to a separate RFP that will be issued by the University for an Exhibit Design Consultant. The projects they have worked on with you, if provided as examples, would be a part of evaluating the Design team’s qualifications.


We understand that Dr. Kenneth Lacovara will be leading the charge on the Geology and Earth Sciences expertise as it relates to the site and facility exhibits. Can we assume that our team will work our appointed exhibit designer or will Dr. Kenneth Lacovara have his own opinion on who the expert? We are seeking clarification of if indeed these services will be procured separately or we work with the appointed firm work regarding content gathering/creation collaboration on research, STEM learning and exhibit/growth experiences and further exhibit phasing opportunities for the program at the park? The exhibit Design services for the project will be procured separately and Rowan will issue an RFP for that purpose.


Will you interview respondent teams to make the selection of five shortlisted teams as part of the first part of the procurement process? If so, when will these interviews be held? When will teams be notified that they will be interviewed? Rowan reserves ability to do that, though a determination has not been made as of now.


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What are the anticipated deliverables for the “design competition/RFP” proposals (Sketches, renderings, models…)? This will be addressed in the RFP issued to the shortlisted firms.


Page 13 of the RFQ indicates ‘Interviews and Presentation of Concept will take place between March 19th and March 23rd, 2018. When is the hand in for the RFP Proposal? The exact date for the RFP submission will be explicitly detailed in the RFP document when it is distributed to the firms.


When will shortlisted teams be notified of the specific date and time of their proposal presentations? An approximate time frame has been indicated in the RFQ. However, in all likelihood it will be revised due to a longer than anticipated RFQ process and will be more definitively stated in the RFP issued to the shortlisted Firms.


Who will be part of the selection committee for RFQ? This information is not available to be shared.


Who will be part of the selection committee for Design Competition? This information is not available to be shared.


The bid states: The preparation of a bid shall be at the expense of the respondent. Rowan University will not reimburse firms for any costs associated with the preparation or submittal of a response. Does this apply to this initial RFQ stage and the RFP/design competition stage? Is there a stipend for the design competition? The University will not be providing any reimbursements related to this RFQ process. The University will provide a stipend to shortlisted firms for the design competition.


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Could you specify which soft and hard costs comprise the project cost? (ie. site works, landscape, FF&E, design fees, etc.)? The projected budget includes all development costs associated with the project and includes site works, landscape, FF&E, design fees, etc.


What is the anticipated construction cost or cost per square foot for the building component(s)? The University does not assume a specific construction cost. The budget relates to the delivery of the project as per the established program within the budget that has been established.


Is the funding ($45M USD) fully secured or do you anticipate pauses in the project for fundraising? To the best of our understanding, the University does not anticipate pauses in the project for fundraising.


What proportion of the project budget is publicly sourced? What proportion of the project budget is privately sourced? This information is not available at this time.


At the time of bidding, what percent of the CDs do you expect to be completed, is it 100% or 25%, etc.? There is a preference for them to be at 100% completion at that time.


We are Design Architects, and would like to team up with a local Architect of Record as a sub-consultant (the AOR would be the contract holder.) Are all sub-consultants required to present New Jersey Business Registration Certificate, Contractor Certification and Disclosure of Political Contributions Public Law 2005, EEO/AA Evidence Disclosure - or just the Prime consultant/contract holder? Only prime consultants are required to submit this information.


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Can you confirm whether you are requesting a full-service team (i.e. Architects, Engineers, Landscape architects, also Museum exhibition designers, costs consultants, acousticians, lighting, theatre planner, playground specialists, geotechnical, FF&E, etc.)? Please clarify what sub consultants are required to be part of the respondent team for the purpose of this proposal. With the exception of the Exhibit Design Consultant, who will be procured through another RFP, we would expect that all other sub-consultants needed for the design of the project would be the responsibility of the respondents to this RFQ and identified in their submittals.


Which, if any, consultants, will be contracted directly by the university? With the exception of the Exhibit Design Consultant, who will be procured through another RFP, we would expect that all other sub-consultants needed for the design of the project would be the responsibility of the respondents to this RFQ and identified in their submittals.


Are firms involved in the feasibility study eligible to be part of the respondent team? Yes.


Is each member of any sub-consultant required to have licensure in the State of New Jersey? All submittals will be issued by the prime consultant who need to have all the licenses required to provide design services for this project in NJ. It would be their responsibility to ensure that their sub-consultants are appropriately licensed.


If the respondent team is composed of a local Architect of Record, a design architect, and engineering consultants, should each firm provide 3 project examples? Or should teams present a total of 3 project examples? Teams can submit a total of 3 – 7 project examples of work performed by the prime consultant.


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If the respondent team is composed of a local Architect of Record, a design architect, and engineering consultants, should each firm provide 3 references? Or should teams present a total of 3 references? Teams can submit a total of 3 – 7 project examples of work performed by the prime consultant.


Is there an overall page limit to the submittal?

No, however we expect responses that are in accordance with the submittal requirements and not include information that has not been specified in the RFQ.


What formatting requirements should the submittal follow? Please refer to section XV. C in the RFQ


We recognize that you provided an overall site area of 65 acres. Can you provide an estimate gross floor area for the museum and visitor center? This information is not available at this time.


At the time of bidding, what percent of the CDs do you expect to be completed, is it 100% or 25%, etc.?

There is a preference for them to be at 100% completion at that time.


Is programming or program validation part of our scope for this project? Please clarify if a program has been completed, if so, by whom? Yes, program validation is part of the scope for this project. A conceptual program will be provided at the time of issuing the Design Competition RFP to the shortlisted respondents.


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Do you anticipate program involving live animals to be part of the museum? Do you anticipate aquarium amenities to be part of the museum program? This will be a part of the draft program from the Feasibility study, sections of which would be provided to the shortlisted respondents as a part of the design competition RFP.


Can you clarify which structures on site will remain? Can you provide images and drawings of these existing structures? This information is not available at this time.


The RFQ does not mention a design competition but the schedule shows one. Is the intent to have a design competition among the final shortlist teams? Yes.


It was mentioned at the walk-through that separate RFPs would be issued for architects and exhibit designers. What exactly is the scope of work for this RFQ and phase of the project? Are you looking for a team with architects and exhibit designers? Just architects? Please clarify. With the exception of the Exhibit Design Consultant, who will be procured through another RFP, we would expect that all other sub-consultants needed for the design of the project would be the responsibility of the respondents to this RFQ and identified in their submittals.


The schedule mentions a “design competition” phase. The RFQ also mentions “…presentations to the committee reflecting design options…” While we understand from the walk-through that a formal design competition will not be conducted, will design schemes be expected or required at the March interviews? There will be a design competition design schemes will be expected from the shortlisted consultants to be presented at the interviews, in accordance with the RFP’s that will be issued to them.


If design work is expected or required, will an honorarium be provided for this effort? Yes, but only during the RFP process with the shortlisted firms.


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If design work is expected or required, will more specific information be provided about the existing conditions such as a site plan, contours, existing building dimensions, etc.? We will provided all information available for the site, including a site plan, contours, existing building dimensions etc. during the RFP process with the shortlisted firms.


Are any extensions to the schedule for the March interviews possible? The schedule is being revisited as a result of the longer than expected RFQ process, and will be revised and made available as soon as it is revised.


The RFQ states that the “total development cost is estimated at $45,000,000 which includes all hard and soft costs associated with the project.” What percentage of the cost is anticipated to be allocated for soft costs? The exact amount/percentage for soft costs has not been identified at this time.


Are outdoor and indoor exhibits included in the budget (both hard and soft costs)? Yes.


Are landscape, civil, and infrastructure costs included in the budget (both hard and soft costs)? Yes.


Is there a land survey of existing site conditions including information such as grading and utilities? We will provide all available information on the site, including grading and utilities to all the shortlisted consultants during the RFP process.


Has a geotechnical investigation been conducted? We will provide all available information on the site, including geotechnical, to all the shortlisted consultants during the RFP process.


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Are there sustainability goals for the project such as LEED? Yes, the university would prefer that the project be built to meet LEED standards.


Are the Phase 1 Feasibility Study firms eligible to bid on this phase of the project? Yes, the Phase 1 Feasibility Study firms are eligible to bid on this phase of the project.


During the 1/16 site visit, it was revealed that this project is architectural in character and that there will be a separate RFP for Exhibit Design. If so, when will the Exhibits RFQ be issued? Yes, there will be a separate RFP for Exhibit Design, the exact timing of which, has not been determined at this time.


Will bidders participating in this architectural RFQ submission be excluded from participating in the subsequent phases of this project? No, bidders participating in this architectural RFQ submission will not be excluded from participating in the subsequent phases of this project


During the site visit on 1/16, there was indication of a budget increase to $57 million dollars. Please confirm the project budget. The overall project development budget is estimated at $45,000,000.


Are full consulting teams required at this stage (lighting design, interpretive planning, cost consulting, etc.)? Yes.


Are full engineering teams required at this stage (Structural, Mechanical, Electrical and Civil Engineering)? Yes


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What geotechnical and topographical documentation will be made available to the shortlisted firms? Yes, the university would prefer that the project be built to meet LEED standards.


At the site meeting on January 19 the current water retainage procedure was mentioned. Please provide additional information regarding the current pumping volume and if there is information available regarding the current process. This will be provided as a part of the RFP that will be issued to the shortlisted consultants as a part of the Design competition process.


Please confirm if the design team will be working with the existing water remediation team (GEI) to continue with the water removal at the quarry or if Rowan University is looking for the design team to provide a team member for water remediation on the site. The university does not require the design teams to team to work with any particular sub-consultant.


During the site visit the total proposed budget was disclosed as $57 million. Please confirm the current budget for the project and if this fee has been broken down per building and site as well as design fees/ soft costs. The overall project development budget is estimated at $45,000,000, but it has not been broken down any further.


It was relayed that $7 Million will be provided by the NJ transportation department. Is this portion directly earmarked for certain work? There is no confirmation of the provision of these funds at this time.


The proposed new entrance between Lowes and Target was reviewed at the walk through on 1/16. It was understood that this land is not currently in the university’s possession. Should the design team consider this to be a part of the project or should we look for alternate entrance schemes? Based on our knowledge at this time, the design team should not consider this to be a part of the project.


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Please confirm if a Transportation Specialist will be required by the Design Team in regards to the new entrance for the project or if this will be a direct sub consultant to Rowan University? With the exception of the Exhibit Design Consultant, who will be procured through another RFP, we would expect that all other sub-consultants needed for the design of the project would be the responsibility of the respondents to this RFQ and identified in their submittals according to their need.


At the Site Visit the 40 acre Ancillary Development area owned by Mantua Township was discussed for a total of 105 acres. Please clarify total boundaries of site for RFQ and Design Competition. If the Mantua Township parcel should be included please clarify if this scope of work is included in the $57 million budget. For purposes of this RFQ the 40 acre Ancillary Development area owned by Mantua Township should not be considered to be within the boundaries of this project and the total project budget is estimated to be $45,000,000.


Per Section VII item C: Are Insurance requirements for Vendor (Prime) only or will all sub-consultants be required to meet these requirements for the RFQ?

Prime Contractor.


It is understood that an archeologic specialist will be required for this project. Please confirm that Rowen University (Dr. Kenneth Lacovara) will be participating in this capacity or if the design team should provide a specialist for their team? A definitive answer is not available at this time and will be addressed in the RFP for the design competition phase issued the Shortlisted firms


Please confirm for the RFQ that a response to the Required Procurement Documents listed in section XV.C.6 are only required from the Vendor (Prime) for the project. The Required Procurement Documents only need to be provided by the Prime Vendor.


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Is the design fee established by state-dictated percentage of construction cost or by a competitive bidding process free of government-mandated levels? The design fees are established independently by each consultant with no mandated levels.


Regarding site and civil work: does the scope include roads and drainage? All infrastructure that is proposed on the site will be a part of the scope.


Regarding architecture, does the scope include a full range of programming and pre-design services including identifying and locating structures, programming of buildings, and the development of room data information? For the purposes of this RFQ, the scope includes a full range of programming and pre-design services including identifying and locating structures, programming of buildings, and the development of room data information.


Regarding exhibitions, does the scope of the project include content development? Does it include a full range of services from writing to fabrication and installation? Services needed for this scope will be provided by an Exhibit Design Consultant, who will be procured through another RFP and not be the responsibility of the Design consultant, though it is expected that both would work very closely and coordinate efforts with each other.


Regarding the five proposals by short-listed firms, what does Rowan University mean by "concepts"? What will be the submission requirements for the five proposals? Will submission of additional material beyond the requirements be permitted? Will the short-listed teams be compensated? This will be clarified in the RFP that will be issued to the shortlisted consultants during the design competition phase. A stipend will be provided to the shortlisted firms.


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Under Attachments on Page 11, the RFQ asks for “proof of all discipline required certifications and licensing.” Can you please specify the documents you are looking for (i.e. individual licenses, firm licenses, etc.)? All licenses required to provide design services for this project. All licenses that would support the qualifications of the individuals on the design team to be selected to provide design services for the development of this project.


Under Attachments on Page 11, the RFP asks for references for the prime and sub-consultant. Can you please specify how many references you need? Are these references separate from the three references listed later under item 5d? For purposes of this RFQ, the three references listed later under item 5d would be sufficient.


In the RFQ, section XV.4.a, it is requested to provide (3) examples of related projects, but at the 1st site visit it was stated that we are not restricted to only 3 projects. Please confirm that it is acceptable to submit more than 3 related project examples of similar scope and size. Anywhere from 3-7 projects could be submitted


In the 2nd site visit it was stated that exhibit design services would be solicited separately from the architectural/engineering RFQ/P process; please confirm this is the case.

Yes, exhibit design services would be solicited separately from the architectural/engineering RFQ/P process


I wanted to inquire if the proposed team for this RFP should include exhibition design or if the exhibition designer will be selected separately by the university? The Exhibit Designer will be procured and selected separately by the university.


Will there be a CM involved in the project? Yes.


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Is there any more information that can be shared about the subsequent RFP phase of the selections process? There is no more information that can be shared about the subsequent RFP phase of the selections process at this time.


It was mentioned at the walk-through that the Project Budget is 57 million. The RFQ states 45 million. Please clarify. The Project Budget is estimated at 45,000,000.


Can you submit more than three projects in the qualifications package? If yes, should you submit any from consultants? Anywhere from 3-7 projects by the prime consultant could be submitted.


What type of proof is required for “all discipline required certifications and licensing” (Section XV. “Submission Requirements” / 5C). Proof would be providing copies of discipline required certifications and licensing.


Within the cover letter requirement, please clarify “signed in ink by all persons required under the applicable organization documents …” As in, do the signatures need to exactly match the persons listed on our New Jersey certification? The representative of the company who signs the cover letter should have the authority to enforce all aspects of the submission.


Additionally, signatures are required in ink although the submission is digital. Please confirm that scanned signatures are acceptable. Yes, scanned signatures will be acceptable, so long as they were originally made in ink.


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What role (if any) will the state of New Jersey play in determining site access, site improvements, site design, facility placement, etc.? Wherever state permitting necessary for the project would be subject to review and approval by the appropriate state entities.


It was relayed at the 1/16 site meeting that $7 Million will be provided by the NJ transportation department. Please confirm this information. Is this portion directly earmarked for certain work? Can you share the NJDOT or other funding source? There is no confirmation of the provision of these funds at this time.


Regarding Organizational Information (section XV.C.3.a) please clarify what is meant by “Facilities Available”. The inclusion of this term was unintentional and does no need to be addressed as a part of this RFQ.


Regarding Project and Relevant Experience (section XV.C.4.a) please clarify if 3 examples are the maximum that can be submitted. Anywhere from 3-7 projects by the prime consultant could be submitted.


Regarding Attachments (section XV.C.5.a) please confirm if there is to be a comma between “qualifications” and “appropriate certification and licenses”. If so would we be able to provide supplementary qualifications in this section beyond the project qualifications mentioned in section 4? Yes, there is supposed to be a comma between “qualifications” and “appropriate certification and licenses”. Yes, you could submit supplementary qualifications in this section beyond the project qualifications mentioned in section 4, if you feel it further supports shortlisting your firm to provide Design services for the project.


Is the transportation study available that identified the entrance/exit between the Lowe's and Target developments as the preferred location of the roadway? No.


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Have any environmental studies been performed on the property at the preferred location of the roadway for the park? This information is not available at this time.


The instructions suggest submissions be viewed digitally when evaluated (not printed). Is there a preference for sheet size and orientation? Preferably, all documentation should be 8.5 x 11. Orientation is at your discretion.


Are we limited to 3 project examples total under the "Projects & Relevant Experience" section? Can we feature relevant projects by our sub-consultants in addition to our own 3 projects? Teams can submit a total of 3 – 7 project examples of work performed by the prime consultant.


Is there an expediter or code consultant that typically works with the University? No.


We were unable to access the procurement document entitled "Contractor Certification and Disclosure of Political Contributions in Public Law 2005". Is there another way to access this document? This specific document is linked through the State of New Jersey’s website, and seems to work best when opened with Internet Explorer. If this still does not work, email [email protected] requesting a PDF of the form.

If you submitted questions to [email protected] by the due date indicated in the bid document, but they were not

received and answered here, please contact:

Robert Yufer

Office of Contracting & Procurement

[email protected]

856.256.4196

mailto:[email protected]

