Specifications include, but are not limited to: The purpose of this "Request for Proposals" (RFP) is to solicit professional engineering/landscape architectural firms (hereinafter called “Prime Professionals”) for detailed proposals explaining their ability to best perform expected duties outlined on this RFP. Specifically, the Cass County Parks and Recreation Department is currently seeking Prime Professionals to provide all preliminary design and construction design planning and oversight necessary for the completion of the Dr. Lawless International Dark Sky Park Renovation Project funded by a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant, and the County of Cass. The Land and Water Conservation Fund grant is a federal grant administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Prime Professionals are required to be licensed by the State of Michigan and will be required to certify that all work was completed satisfactorily. Their responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, site surveys and analysis, pre-design/ design and design calculations, construction drawings, plans, and technical specifications, bid and contract documents , construction stake out, inspection and contract administration and final onsite inspection. They will also be required to follow the Build America, Buy America (BABA) requirements, as required by Section 70914 of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. All iron, steel, manufactured products, and construction materials used in project must be produced in the United States based on (BABA) guidelines. This RFP is intended to aid in the selection of professional design services that are best suited to meet grant requirements for the Dr. Lawless International Dark Sky Park Renovation Project. Those responses will be evaluated by a committee comprised of the Cass County Administrator, Cass County Finance Director, and Cass County Parks and Recreation Director. The Cass County Parks and Recreation Commission and Cass County Projects Committee will review proposals and provide recommendations to the Board of Commissioners. Final approval will then be given by the Cass County Board of Commissioners. A presentation may be required before 2 a final recommendation is made. One (1) original, four (4) 8 ½ x 11 copies and one (1) digital copy of the final proposal must be sealed and sent to the Cass County Parks and Recreation Department, located at 120 N. Broadway St., Suite 111, Cassopolis, MI. 49031 or delivered to the Cass County Parks and Recreation Department located at 120 N. Broadway St., Suite 111, Cassopolis, MI. 49031. The County of Cass is not required to accept the lowest quote but is committed to determining the best option for successful completion of this project. Furthermore, the County of Cass operates under the Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Policy which encourages responses of all types, as well as quotes from companies also operating under the Equal Opportunity Policy. Based on projects within the Dr. Lawless Park Master Plan, the Dr. Lawless International Dark Sky Renovation Project is a grant assisted project funded through the Land and Water Conservation Fund. This federally funded grant is administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources grants division. All scope items were designed to support the development of Dr. Lawless Park with a specific emphasis on the enhancement of our visitor experience, improve accessibility, and to renovate aging infrastructure in support of future camping initiatives. All scope items will meet or exceed ADA standards with some meeting Universal Access Design standards. Preliminary concept drawings also include sustainable design elements including the use of native plants for landscaping, permeable pavement, and lighting that meets or exceeds International Dark Sky Park standards. Scope items include a new entry gatehouse, pave the existing entrance drive and parking area with three (3) barrier-free and one universal accessible parking spaces included, construct accessible pathways to connect facilities, renovation of existing Schug Pavilion picnic shelter, and construction of a splash pad/get wet area.
