RFQ Architectural/Engineering Services

Cascade County
Courthouse Elevator Modernization
415 2nd Ave N
Great Falls, MT 59401
Request for Qualifications
Architectural/Engineering Services
Cascade County (County) is in the planning stages of the design and construction for an
Upgrade/Modernization to its existing elevator that is located within the existing Cascade County
Courthouse. The upgrade will take place while the building is occupied, and design documents will need
to show the proposed phasing, sitework access, security measures and controls that the General Contractor
will need to provide during construction.
Contingent upon final approval of project, the County is soliciting a S t a t e m e n t o f Qualifications (SOQ or
Proposal) for architectural and engineering services to assist in designing and supervising the construction
of this project. Work on this project must comply with all applicable local, state, and federal requirements.
Payment and terms will be negotiated with the selected offeror.
A. Background Information
The proposed project is to complete a modernization upgrade to the existing outdated elevator. During the
upgrade to the existing elevator other repairs may need to take place and bid documents will address these
repairs and upgrades.
B. Scope of Work - Architect/Engineer's Basic Services
The basic services to be provided will include full-service design and construction administration:
1. The scope of work under the architect/engineer's basic services consists of those described
and included under normal geotechnical, civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical
engineering services, interior design, and landscaping, as well, the architect/engineer will be
expected to organize and participate in design charrettes with members of the staff, and
department heads. The architect/engineer shall provide a preliminary evaluation of the owner's
program, schedule and construction budget requirements, each in terms of the other, subject to
the limitations addressed. The design team's preliminary budget of the project must fit the
proposed budget of the project, or the scope of the project must be adjusted to fit. The
architect/engineer shall assure the design incorporates all state, federal, and building code
requirements such as accessibility requirements under ADA, energy efficiency for existing
buildings, as well as all life safety codes.
2. Preparing the construction bid package in conformance with the applicable federal and state
requirements and supervising the bid advertising, tabulation, and award process, including
preparing the advertisements for bid solicitation, conducting the bid opening and issuing the
notice to proceed;
3. Conducting the preconstruction conference;
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4. Providing regular oversight of construction work, facilitating and recording weekly
construction meetings, construction administration and preparing inspection reports;
5. Providing quality control to ensure the contractor is providing materials, labor and products
consistent with what is identified in the design and specifications;
6. Providing quality control to ensure compliance with technical specifications and conformance
with codes and standards;
7. Reviewing and approving all contractor requests for payment and submitting approved
requests to owner for payment;
8. Providing one complete set of as-built, reproducible plan drawings to owner upon project
completion, based on General Contractors redlines;
9. Conducting final inspection necessary for certificate of completion, etc.
Proposal Content
2 hard copies are required to be submitted timely. Legibility, clarity, and completeness are
essential. Proposals should provide assurance that the firm has the professional capability, availability,
and to satisfactorily and timely complete all the tasks as described in this RFQ. Responses may not exceed
4 one-sided pages, not including resumes of key personnel, and cover letter. Responses should include:
1. The firm's legal name, address, and telephone number;
2. The principal(s) of the firm and their experience and qualifications;
3. The experience, qualifications, and specific roles of other staff to be assigned to the project;
4. A description of the firm's prior experience, including design and construction management
of similar projects (include information on size and cost, specific accessibility and special
needs requirements, size of community, location, original construction estimate and final
project costs, and name of the owner's representative who is knowledgeable regarding the
firm's performance);
5. A description of the firm's current work activities and how these would be coordinated with
the project, as well as the firm's anticipated availability during the term of the project; and
Timeline
The proposals are due March 30, by 2:00 p.m. The architect/engineering contract will be awarded
after all appropriate approvals. It is anticipated that the preliminary design will start in summer 2026
and construction will commence winter of 2026.
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Respondents' proposals will be evaluated based on the following factors:
1. Consultant Qualifications and Experience (including reference checks) -
demonstrated competence and qualifications for service required 15%
2. Availability and Capacity of the personnel for the entire design team to be assigned
to the project to respond in a timely manner and keep on budget 10%
3. Present and projected workload at the time of proposed project 10%
4. Related Experience on similar projects 25%
5. Recent and current work for County 25%
6. Location of the firm 5%
7. Overall quality of proposal 10%
The selection may be made from this RFQ or selected finalists may be interviewed and will be based on
a selection committee's evaluation of the written responses. Contract negotiations will commence with
the highest-ranked architectural/engineering firm. The contract will be awarded upon reaching an
appropriate price for this work. If an appropriate agreement cannot be reached with the highest-ranked
firm, the second-ranked architectural/engineering firm will be approached, and so on.
This solicitation is being offered in accordance with federal and state statutes governing procurement of
professional services. Accordingly, the owner reserves the right to negotiate an agreement based on fair
and reasonable compensation for the scope of work and services proposed, as well as the right to reject
any and all responses deemed unqualified, or unsatisfactory. The award will be made to the most qualified
offeror whose proposal is deemed most advantageous to the County, all factors considered. Unsuccessful
offerors will be notified as soon as possible. The County reserves the right to increase the scope of work
with the contractor as long as the increase is within the contractor's ability.
Questions should be directed to, and proposals should be delivered or sent to:
Les Payne, Director
Cascade County Public Works Department
279 Vaughn S Frontage Rd
Great Falls, MT 59404
(406) 454-6920
Cascade County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.
The owner makes reasonable accommodations for any known disability that may interfere with an
applicant's ability to compete in the recruitment and selection process or the Contractor's ability to
perform the essential duties of the job. In order for the owner to make such accommodations, the applicant
must make known any needed accommodation. The TTY number is 1-800-253-4091.
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