The following questions were asked and answered following the posting of the RFP:
1. How do we submit the proposal?
Electronic submission to kelly.delacruz@miescuelamontessori with the subject line: Architect RFP

2. How do you want information on our fee structure to be shared?  
We have removed this item from our RFP.

3. Who is the current due diligence team?
We have not hired our permenant project manager, however we have a short term contract for the first stages of due diligence. 
Current Project Manager- Jim Lagana
Subcontracted Civil Engineer: Chad Booker, Traditions Engineering 

Does the school have a specific design they are hoping to achieve?  Have they seen any sites that inspire the building project?
No, at this time, the school has not determined what they want the school will look like. 

What is included in the stated budget?
The hope is that the total project does not exceed $15.3 million. The state budget doesn't include land acquisition or furnishing, but is inclusive of all other aspects of the project.. 

Project Title: Mi Escuela Montessori Dual Language Charter School
Project Description: Mi Escuela Montessori is excited to announce an opportunity for project management firms to submit proposals for the role of Project Manager/Owner's Representative for the design and construction of a new 50,000+ square foot dual language Montessori charter school for 725 students located in Bartow, FL. The construction is scheduled to begin in May 2025, with a targeted completion date of May 2026. We seek a project manager who can ensure the project remains budget-conscious while incorporating outdoor classrooms, natural elements, and multipurpose spaces to create an enriching learning environment.
Scope of Work:

• Develop detailed cost estimates for all phases based on architectural design.  
  
• Track cost estimates against budgets monthly.  
  
• Assist and manage team meetings with the Owner, Architect and Contractors.  
  
• Review and approve prime contractor project schedule, including sites, and phasing. 
  
• Provide regular schedule updates to the Owner. 
  
• Provide services to the Owner that include the advertising of the request for bids, securing bids, analyzing bid results, and furnishing recommendations on award of contracts.  
  
• Provide comprehensive construction phase administration which would include ongoing full-time supervision, project management and inspection of work, review shop drawings, preparation of change orders and contractor payment estimates, final inspections, and reviewing and submitting project completion reports.  
  
• Based on the scope of the project, it is expected that each project scope of work be organized into separate bid divisions.  
  
• The construction consultant/manager will not be allowed to “self-perform” any divisions of the work.  
  
• Perform all other related work as required by the Owner.  
  
• Provide review and comment during all phases of design and construction document preparation.  
  
• Participate in all team coordination meetings during design and document preparation. 
  

Items to be completed by other Consultants (Paid directly by the Owner): 
● Architecture and Engineering  
● Special Testing  
● Site Surveys  
● Soil Explorations  
● Material Testing  
● Permits for Construction 


Submission Requirements: Interested project management firms are requested to submit the following:

1. Resume of Lead and Associate Project Managers: Detailed resumes highlighting relevant experience and qualifications.
   
2. Firm Information: Overview of the project management firm, including history, mission, and areas of expertise.
   
3. Previous Projects: Provide images and detailed information of previous projects of a similar nature, emphasizing experience with educational facilities and budget-conscious designs. Highlight five (5) prior completed projects to date that are similar in scope and substance to this project.
   
4. Specific Qualifications: Outline of qualifications that make the firm uniquely suited for this project, including any certifications, awards, or specializations.
   
5. Create a narrative answering the following questions:
   
   1. How do you propose managing the following:  
      
      1. Cost estimating and cost control.  
         
      2. Project Scheduling.  
         
      3. Coordination with other consultants (Architect, etc.).  
         
      4. Procurement of bids for construction.  
         
      5. Project supervision and management.  
         
      6. Communications with the School. 
         
6. Create a Compensation Proposal: Your proposal should be based on the summary of project and budget, and project schedule.  Include costs for overseeing construction cost for Pre-Construction and Construction Phase services based on the proposed project scope as follows:  
   

• Planning, Scheduling and Review of Contracts for site work including blacktop for parking and roadways, Vertical Construction including MEP’s, Sprinkler, interior finishes and trades, casework if applicable, sanitary lift station, commercial school kitchen, landscaping, furnishings, oversee local and state project inspections, review; validate and approve contractor pay applications, review, approve and manage project schedules provided by each prime contractor, review and validate any prime contractor request for change order prior to making recommendation to the client for approval or disapproval and report to the client construction committee the project status bi-weekly at minimum, 
  
• All other construction-related expenses including job site supervision, project management, and office staff must be included in the proposal. The Owners’ Representative employee expenses shall be included within the proposal.
  

Budget: The budget for the Mi Escuela Montessori Dual Language Charter School project is approximately $14,500,000. The fee proposal is to be presented in response to this Request for Proposal. Please document any qualifications or special conditions affecting your fee proposal.
Submission Deadline: All proposals must be submitted by January 21, 2025, at 10:00 AM.
Request for Proposal becomes the property of the Mi Escuela Montessori and will not be returned. Mi Escuela Montessori reserves the right to request additional information from any  applicant to qualify or disqualify applicants, to reject any or all proposals, to waive any irregularities in any proposal should it be in the best interest of the Mi Escuela Montessori, to select the proposal that is in the best interest of the Mi Escuela Montessori and not necessarily the lowest cost proposal, and to cancel the Request for Proposal at any time.


Contact Information: Direct all inquiries and proposal submissions to 

• Name: Kelly De La Cruz
  
• Email: [email protected]
  
• Subject Line: Owner’s Representative Construction Consultation and Management RFP
  

Mi Escuela Montessori looks forward to collaborating with a visionary project management firm to create a nurturing and inspiring educational environment for our students.

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