REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Architectural Design Assistance Atlantic Boulevard Commercial Faade Program

City of Commerce Community Development Department 2535 Commerce Way Commerce, CA 90040

Submission Deadline: Monday, October 23, 2006

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN ASSISTANCE COMMERCIAL FAADE PROGRAM

I. INTRODUCTION
The City of Commerce is requesting proposals from highly qualified firms or individuals interested in providing architectural design services for the Citys Atlantic Boulevard Commercial Faade Program. The program provides grants and architectural design assistance to qualified property owners for the exterior improvement of commercial properties along a thirteen block area located between Atlantic Boulevard from Stevens Place to Sheila Street (See attachment A). The City of Commerce is conveniently located near the 710 Long Beach Freeway and Interstate 5 Freeway. Today, forty-six years after incorporation, the City of Commerce is a dynamic municipality that effectively continues to transition old heavy industrial sites into high technology, warehouse, office, and retail uses. The City has exceptional recreation and social service programs. The City provides superiorquality public safety, transportation, and community development services to all residents and businesses located in the City while still cultivating a unique small city atmosphere. The Commercial Faade Program is funded through Community Development Block Grant funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and administered by the Los Angeles County Community Development Commission. The purpose of the Atlantic Boulevard Commercial Faade Program is the renovation of individual commercial buildings that will aid in the elimination of visual blight to enhance the business environment and encourage private investment. The Programs purpose and scope are in conformance with the objectives of the Redevelopment Plan for Redevelopment Project Area No. 3 of which the eligible area for the Atlantic Boulevard Commercial Faade Program is a part of and subject to the controls and requirements of the Redevelopment Plan.

II. SCOPE OF SERVICES

The selected firm or individual will be responsible for providing design services, construction cost estimate for cost control proposed, and the ability to provide structural engineering services for businesses participating in the Atlantic Boulevard Commercial Faade Program. The amount of funds available is dependent upon the number of businesses that will participate in the program and the amount of work the City feels is required. City cost for services as described in the Request For Proposal will be all inclusive and shall not exceed $5,000 per building faade. The selected firm or individual will provide design services for one (1) year and as such will enter onto a Professional Services Agreement with the City and/or Community Development Commission. As directed on an as needed basis, services shall be performed in compliance with Building, Fire, Electrical, Mechanical, Planning, and all other applicable codes, regulations, and procedures; and shall include any and all activities required to produce design drawings which are reimbursable under Federal and/or State guidelines. Such services include: Attendance at meetings with individual businesses and City staff to review a project and determination of the scope of services required to complete the project. Preparation of architectural faade design alternatives to include original drawings in the approved color palette (front and side views) and elevations. Final plans shall adhere to City adopted Atlantic Boulevard Design Guidelines and shall be in sufficient in detail and in required specifications for submittal to planning review and building and safety approvals as required. The preparation of technical specifications and itemized cost estimates for construction work completion of the approved plans. The ability to provide structural engineering services as necessary by a licensed engineer certified by the State. City Council presentations if necessary.

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CITY OF COMMERCE

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN ASSISTANCE COMMERCIAL FAADE PROGRAM

Consultation follow-up meetings with City staff as necessary to discuss any necessary design changes in concept drawings. Observe and monitor construction of project to successful completion. Adherence to applicable Federal, State, and Los Angeles County requirements, including requirements per the Commerce Municipal Code.

The selected company will be required to keep precise and accurate records on the amount of consulting service time provided by specific project and property address and will be required to invoice the City in a timely manner.

III. QUALIFICATIONS
Each firm or individual will be judged according to the following: Cost effectiveness. The possession of a license from the California Architects Board and the ability to provide structural engineering services by a licensed engineer certified by the State. Knowledge and experience in the design of similar projects and the ability to develop innovative and high-quality designs to the extent of faade renovations. Experience of the firm, individual or staff. Demonstrated ability to perform similar work satisfactorily as confirmed and evidenced by references. Eligibility to participate in contracts for Federal, State, and Los Angeles County funded projects. Adherence to submission requirements as outlined in this request.

IV. SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS AND SEQUENCE OF PROPOSALS

The City of Commerce requests that interested firms send a detailed proposal to provide the requested services mentioned above. One (1) copy of the proposal shall be submitted. Facsimile copies will not be accepted. Proposals must contain the information listed below: A cover letter including the name and address of the firm or individual, the telephone number to be used for contact, along with the name of the individual(s) who will be authorized to make presentations for the firm, and a statement regarding your firms or individual capacity to perform the specific tasks outlined in this request. A statement on the principal individual(s) who will be responsible for the assignments, along with their experience and qualifications including valid California architects license number. Examples of firms or individuals previous work (including photographs), relevant experience with similar commercial faade renovations, and explanation on how firm have kept current in general practice. Please include the scope of work, budget, date of completion and the principal and project architect for the listed projects. A list of at least three references for whom you or your firm have performed similar services. Include the project name, contact name, and address and telephone number for each reference.

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CITY OF COMMERCE

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN ASSISTANCE COMMERCIAL FAADE PROGRAM

Include your standard fee structure for the above mentioned services and include: 1. A listing of hourly rates for assigned staff positions; 2. A brief explanation on how fees are determined; 3. An explanation of fees charged, if any, for necessary design changes required by the City. A time schedule for the completion of design services. Additional information may be provided to highlight or expand upon experience applicable to this request.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Ramon Grajeda, Community Development Coordinator at (323) 722-4805. Proposals shall be submitted on or before 6:00 p.m. on Monday, October 23, 2006 to: Bob Zarrilli, Interim Director City of Commerce Community Development Department 2535 Commerce Way Commerce, CA 90040

V. REVIEW AND SELECTION PROCEDURES

The primary objective of the City is to select a highly qualified firm or individual to perform the necessary professional services outlined in this request at a fair and reasonable cost. Selection of consultants shall be based upon demonstrated competence and upon the professional qualifications and capacities necessary for the performance of services required at a fair and reasonable price rather than upon competitive bidding procedures. Project staff will review all qualifications. The most qualified firms may be invited for an interview and review of qualifications if necessary. A selection will be made shortly thereafter.
The City of Commerce reserves the right to reject all proposals at its sole discretion. The cost of preparing this Request for Proposals shall be borne by the respondents and shall not be reimbursed by the City.

VI. FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL REQUIREMENTS

The successful candidate shall comply with Executive Order 11246 and 11375, Equal Opportunity in Employment, concerning equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination. This requirement means the consultant will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on conditions of political affiliation or opinion, age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religious creed, marital status, physical handicap, medical conditions, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy or pregnancy related condition, and family compositions. Additional contract terms will include all applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and directives including but not limited to, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Title VI, the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended by the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act, 1990, and the 24 CFR Part 85, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

VII. ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A Map of eligible parcels for Atlantic Boulevard Commercial Faade Program. Atlantic Boulevard Design Guidelines City adopted and approved Design Guidelines for Commercial Faade Program.
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ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN ASSISTANCE COMMERCIAL FAADE PROGRAM

ATTACHMENT A

Parcels eligible for participation in Commercial Faade Program

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CITY OF COMMERCE