MSBA MODEL SCHOOL PILOT PROGRAM REQUEST FOR SERVICES (RFS)
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Q: Will the MSBA post on its website the downloadable files in their native format for the attachments?
A: Yes. Native format attachments B, C and D are posted below. Attachments E and F should be printed and signed. Attachment A is for information only and should not be included in the response. Attachments A, E and F can be found in the complete RFS link below.
Click here for complete RFS
Click here for Attachment B: Commonwealth of Massachusetts Standard Designer Application Form
Click here for Attachment C: MSBA Budget Summary Form
Click here for Attachment D: MSBA Education Program Template
Q: What are the M/WBE requirements for this Request for Services?
A: If a firm is selected in the second step to provide design services to a city, town, or regional school district participating in the model school program, it will be required to meet the standard MBE/WBE requirements of 8% MBE and 4% WBE. When the original team was procured, its contract may not have required these participation levels. It is expected that Respondents would make their best efforts to meet these requirements. However, Respondents may propose a modified team that would meet these requirements and/or request a waiver if the original team did not meet these requirements.
Q: Will the MSBA allow changes to the original team?
A: Respondents should indicate all changes to the original team. The original key team members including the structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineers are considered an important element in ensuring the integrity of the design. The MSBA will take into consideration the proposed substitutions of key team members during its evaluation.
Q: Is the Respondent required to collect and provide the energy information from the proposed model school and provide it with its response?
A: Respondents should try to assemble and provide, with their response, one school year worth of summary information related to energy consumption. This information should be expressed in physical quantities (e.g. kilowatt hours of electricity, therms of natural gas, or gallons of fuel oil or other petroleum products). This information will be used as part of the MSBA’s evaluation. A response that does not include this information will not be considered non-responsive. As part of the second step, the MSBA will require Respondents to provide this information.
Q: What format is required for the drawings included as part of the MSBA submittal?
A: Drawings should be provided at the schematic level, at a minimum, in either half–size or full-size drawings, and in an electronic format (.dwg or .dxf) on CD or DVD. Drawings sent by e-mail will not be accepted.
Q: Does the entire submission of the cover letter, proposal, attachments and drawings have to be submitted in hard copy and electronic format also?
A: No. Only the drawings, Attachment C, and Attachment D must be provided electronically.
Q: What level of flexibility will be allowed in the Threshold Model School Requirements for square footage and design enrollment?
A: The MSBA threshold requirements on gross square footage and design enrollment are approximate and some deviation may be allowed for purposes of evaluation.
Q: Are Respondents required to escalate the cost of their model schools to current costs?
A: Respondents should provide cost information, as specified in the RFS, at the time of bid and project completion. These costs will be escalated by the MSBA.
Q: How will the MSBA evaluate the number of RFIs and the number and value of change orders?
A: The MSBA recognizes that RFIs and change orders are generated for a variety of reasons. Respondents should include with their response any information they consider relevant in the evaluation of these project metrics.
Q: How will the MSBA ensure the legal authority to re-use the documents in the model school program?
A: Respondents should include a statement in their response that indicates ownership or the ability to re-use the documents for this application. If the Respondent indicates issues of ownership or re-use of the documents, the MSBA will seek to address those issues with the school district.
Q: If a Respondent has more than one model school, should each school be submitted as a separate response?
A: Yes.
Q: Does the MSBA have a preferred project delivery method?
A: No.
Q: Is the 20-page submission limit completely exclusive of the cover letter, plans and drawings and the attachments listed in the RFS?
A: Yes
Q: Does the MSBA have any specific format or binding requirements for the response?
A: The 20-page submission can be submitted in any format. All bound copies of the responses should be 3-hole punched.
Q: Are the construction costs summaries part of the 20-page limit or an Attachment?
A: Any construction cost summary information submitted in addition to Attachment C is part of the 20-page submission limit.
Q: Should we assume that all spaces not included in the MSBA proposed space summary breakdown (e.g. storage rooms) are part of the grossing factor?
A: Yes.
Q: Is the fee schedule part of the second step and therefore does not need to be included in this submission?
A: Yes.