Sierra Marrero,

Assistant Director of Engineering and Building Services

Brynt Johnson,

Director of Engineering and Building Services

Issue Statement:  As a part of the City’s effort to improve building conditions, and to achieve resiliency and sustainability goals, existing buildings are systematically being renovated and retrofitted. Fire Station 87 will receive improvements which are divided into two phases.  Phase 1 of improvements is focused on resiliency, including roof hardening and generator replacement. Phase 2 will address exterior and interior improvements, including reconfiguration of the layout to improve operational functions, in addition to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing components.

Recommended Action:  Staff recommends the City Commission adopt a resolution authorizing the proper City Officials to execute a Pre-Construction Services Agreement with State Contracting & Engineering Corp. for the CMAR services related to the design of Fire Station 87 – Phase 2 in an amount not to exceed $28,950; and approving the proposed budget amendment.

Background:  On March 4, 2020, the City Commission approved the rankings for the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) request for qualifications that was issued by the City on October 25, 2019, and authorized City Staff to enter into contract negotiations with the recommended firms for bond and other capital improvement projects.

Subsequently, Staff engaged and negotiated with State Contracting & Engineering Corp. for Pre-Construction CMAR services related to Fire Station 87 – Phase 2. Staff seeks Commission approval of the CMAR Pre-Construction Services Agreement with State Contracting & Engineering Corp.

Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) is a project delivery method distinct from the traditional model of design-bid-build (separate entity awarded design, separate entity awarded construction) and design/build (single entity awarded design and construction). CMAR is an integrated team approach applying modern management techniques to the planning, design, and construction of a project to control time and cost, and to assure quality for the project owner. The team consists of the owner (the City), the architect/engineer, and the construction manager (CM).

In this delivery model, the City contracts with a design firm and also contracts separately with a CM who provides pre-construction review services during the design phase, such as constructability reviews, cost estimating and scope management. The CM, using the budget of the City, provides suggestions for potential cost saving strategies and other alternatives for design, construction materials, and processes.

Near the end of the design phase, the CM submits a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for consideration by the City. The CM warrants to the owner that the project will be built at a price not to exceed the GMP. If the cost is approved by the City, award of the construction phase contract to the CM would occur and the CM assumes the risk of meeting the GMP.

This proposed pre-construction agreement with State Contracting & Engineering Corp. for Fire Station 87 Phase 2 will include design development services, constructability plan review, construction document development, and development of the GMP.  The full scope of activities is listed in Exhibit A of the agreement.  

Project Background:  In 2018, ACAI Associate, Inc. evaluated existing City buildings and issued an assessment report which identified deficiencies in each building. For Fire Station 87, built in 1982, ACAI Associates, Inc. recommended that the facility be renovated to include electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and various architectural improvements. The assessment report identified the need for hurricane hardening improvements as well as the replacement of the existing generator.  Improvements to Fire Station 87 were contemplated as part of the formulation of the general obligation bond program and Fire Station 87 was identified in the FY 2020 Capital Improvement Program as a bond program project.

The design for Phase 1 of the project is complete.  The City was awarded two grants totaling $834,000 for Phase 1 - one grant agreement has been fully executed, and the City is awaiting the second grant agreement from the State.  Once received and fully executed, the City will move forward with the Phase 1 construction.  No construction can take place before the agreement’s execution.

The proposed interior renovations for Phase 2 include the redesign of approximately 4,200 SF of interior area that is currently used for administration and fire fighter support spaces, upgrades to the approximately 3,050 SF apparatus bay area and a new 600 +/- SF addition to be used primarily as a community meeting room. Exterior improvements include the addition of pre-engineered aluminum roof/trellis structures, replacement of the existing mansard roofs, and new walkways around the building and west main entrance.

As shown in the attached Construction Services Agreement, the total GMP for CMAR services related to the construction of the Fire Station 87 – Phase 2 is $28,950.   Funds are available from the proceeds of the GO Bond to cover for the services of State Contracting & Engineering Corp and the proposed budget amendment is attached in Exhibit A to recognize the use of such funds.

The proposed expenditures are as follows: