Annapolis Maritime Museum & Park

Annapolis, Maryland

Maritime Preschool

 

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS:

Developing the AMM’s Maritime Preschool Campus

 

RFP Posting: June 1, 2024

Questions Due: June 21, 2024

Proposals Due: July 12, 2024

Selection Notification: July 26, 2024

 

PROGRAM INFORMATION & BACKGROUND

The Annapolis Maritime Museum (AMM) is seeking proposals for pre-construction services for a unique maritime-themed preschool at our Park Campus, 7300 Edgewood Rd., Annapolis, MD. This distinctive project, located on the west side of our 12-acre waterfront campus, features a nature playspace, an outdoor classroom designed by Nancy Striniste of EarlySpace, LLC, and a structure for indoor learning. The selected contractor will be pivotal in guiding the project from design completion through pre-construction. Their expertise will ensure strict alignment with AMM’s educational goals, City of Annapolis permitting requirements, and State of Maryland COMAR regulations. 

AMM proudly serves as a vital link, educating youth and adults about the area’s rich maritime heritage and the ecology of the Chesapeake Bay through programs, exhibits, and community events. We accomplish this mission through hands-on programming at two unique locations on Back Creek and aboard its historic skipjack, the Wilma Lee. Since 1990, the AMM has been a vital link between our region’s maritime past and our present connection to the largest estuary in the nation, reaching 12,000 students annually and attracting over 100,000 visitors at both campuses.

In 2016, AMM expanded its commitment to environmental and maritime education by entering a long-term lease with the City of Annapolis for the Ellen O. Moyer Nature Park at Back Creek. Since acquiring the site, AMM has transformed this 12-acre property into a vibrant educational center and community event space. The Park Campus features a mile of revitalized nature trails, new public water access, and a beautifully designed event pavilion. Additionally, transforming the old waterworks building into a fully functional education center has further enhanced AMM’s capacity to host various educational programs and community events, cementing its role as a cornerstone of environmental stewardship and maritime education in the region.

AMM is now excited to embark on its next phase of improvements, which includes the development of a new preschool campus, an expanded education center, an additional boardwalk, and improved parking facilities. This RFP is to engage a qualified firm to develop pre-construction documents and guide the construction of the new preschool campus, ensuring these enhancements continue to reflect AMM’s commitment to educational excellence and environmental stewardship.

SCOPE OF SERVICES

AMM is seeking pre-construction services from a qualified firm to develop a new maritime-themed preschool campus at our Park Campus. This solicitation involves detailed planning, coordination with city and state authorities for permits and compliance, and preparation for the construction phase. The selected firm will bridge the gap between the initial design concept and the commencement of construction, ensuring that all preparatory work adheres to the highest standards.

 

The selected firm will undertake the following essential tasks:

  • Design Finalization: Collaborate with AMM to review and finalize project designs. See Figure 1 for the current design (email for skrizek@amaritime.org for electronic files)
  • Site Surveys: Conduct detailed site surveys to assess the feasibility of the proposed designs and determine any specific site challenges. Please note that AMM has completed a boundary and topographic site survey and an environmental review of the site.
  • Permitting and Compliance: Prepare and submit all necessary documentation to obtain required permits and approvals from relevant authorities.
  • Pre-Construction Documentation: Develop and finalize all necessary pre-construction documentation, including a comprehensive report detailing construction timelines, budget estimates, and resource allocation plans. This documentation will facilitate a seamless transition into the construction phase.
  • Indoor Classroom Consultation: We require the firm’s expertise to determine the optimal approach for creating an indoor learning environment that complies with Maryland COMAR regulations and facilitates a straightforward permitting process. This assistance is essential for ensuring the space meets all state educational standards; considerations may include a portable classroom, yurt, fabricated cabin, etc.

QUESTIONS OR CLARIFICATIONS

AMM will manage the questions and clarifications process for this solicitation.  Interested parties must write their questions to AMM via e-mail at the addresses below. Questions should be submitted electronically to all individuals listed below. AMM answers will be made available to all applicants upon request.

Contact for Questions – Send your questions to all parties identified below.

Sarah Krizek, Capital Project Manager – skrizek@amaritime.org

PROPOSAL REQUIREMENTS & SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Proposal Format:
    • Proposals must be submitted electronically as a PDF file. Each submission should include a cover page with the consultant or firm’s name, contact information, and the project title “Developing the AMM’s Maritime Preschool Campus.”
  2. Qualifications and Experience:
    • Provide a detailed description of the consultant or firm’s qualifications and experience, specifically focusing on expertise in permitting processes. Highlight any relevant experience in projects involving environmental sustainability, early childhood education facilities, and adherence to state and local regulations.
  3. Project Approach:
    • Outline the approach and methodology to develop the preschool’s pre-construction plan. Emphasize how this approach aligns with the AMM’s specific needs, particularly in creating an environmentally integrated and compliant educational facility.
  4. Work Plan and Timeline:
    • Present a detailed work plan that outlines critical tasks, milestones, and a proposed timeline for completing the pre-construction phase. Include any phases proposed, detailing each step from site survey to final pre-construction documentation.
  5. Cost Proposal:
    • Provide a comprehensive cost proposal that includes a breakdown of anticipated expenses for each task, including site surveys, design finalization, permitting, and preparation of pre-construction documents. Mention any optional services or functions that could be considered.
  6. References:
    • Include references from previous clients or projects demonstrating experience with similar educational or environmentally focused projects. Provide contact information for verification purposes.
  7. Insurance and Certifications:
    • Provide evidence of professional liability insurance and any relevant licenses or certifications pertinent to conducting the pre-construction services required for the project.
  8. Subcontractors (if applicable):
    • If the project involves subcontractors, provide detailed information about their qualifications and the specific aspects of the work they will be handling.
  9. Additional Information (optional):
    • Consultants or firms may include any additional information that might support their proposal, such as innovative approaches, case studies, or examples of successful projects similar in scope and complexity to the Preschool project.

Submittal Instructions:

  • Proposals must be submitted electronically via email to Sarah Krizek at skrizek@amaritime.org by 11:59 PM on July 5, 2024.
  • The email’s subject line should read: “Developing the AMM’s Maritime Preschool Campus – [Consultant/Firm Name].”
  • For questions or clarifications regarding this RFP, please get in touch with Sarah Krizek at skrizek@amaritime.org by June 21, 2024

PROJECT SELECTION PROCESS

  1. Proposal Submission Review & Interviews:
    • The initial stage of the selection process involves assessing and ranking technical and price proposals. A Selection Committee consisting of AMM’s Education and Facilities Committee members will thoroughly evaluate these submissions to ensure alignment with the project’s goals and requirements.
  2. Negotiations and Award:
    • Following the evaluation phase, AMM will initiate negotiations with the highest-ranked consultant or firm to establish a mutually agreeable project budget and fee structure for pre-construction services. If satisfactory terms cannot be reached, AMM will conclude negotiations and proceed with discussions with the next highest-ranked candidate. Successful negotiations will culminate in a recommendation to AMM’s Board of Directors to award the services contract.

Selection Criteria

Overview: The assessment of technical proposals will consider the following factors, in descending order of importance: Key Personnel, Relevant Project Experience, and Project Approach. Price proposals will assess the comprehensive cost encompassing all necessary pre-construction services.

  • Key Personnel: The qualifications and experience of the proposed team members who will be directly involved in the project. Special attention will be given to those with proven expertise in similar preschool or educational facility projects.
  • Relevant Project Experience: Past performance and experience in similar projects, particularly those that involve environmental considerations, educational facilities, and compliance with state and local regulations.
  • Project Approach: The methodology and strategies proposed to meet the project objectives, especially how these plans accommodate the specific needs of a maritime-themed educational environment.

This structured approach ensures that AMM selects a consultant or firm that not only proposes a viable, cost-effective solution but also has the capability and experience to execute the project to meet high standards and specific educational and environmental goals.