2.1 Demolition and Removal 1. Protect all existing wall mounted millwork (Baseboard, door casing, wood panels) during demolition and construction phase. 2. Coordinate new work with existing partition locations. 3. Prior to removal Contractor to verify that all walls and partitions are not load bearing structural elements ensuring the structural integrity of the building is not compromised. 4. Removal of walls includes partial removal of ceilings and soffits in order to accomplish the work. Work scope may include removal and/or reattachment of any above ceiling bracing items that support mechanical and electrical systems, duct, conduit, etc. 5. Dispose of all debris in accordance with local regulations on waste disposal. 6. Remove floor mounted seating and save. 7. Remove existing judges bench and raised platform construction. 8. Remove existing wall, doors and floors, ceiling tiles and grid as indicated by the plan notes and patch as required. 2.2 Interior Construction 1. Concrete column to remain. 2. Construct new ceiling grid, walls and doors and flooring as indicated on the plans. 3. Construct a new entrance for the Judges to maximize security requirements. 4. Construct new judges bench per plans, indicated finish color to be selected by owner to match or compliment the remaining finishes. 2.3 Flooring 1. Provide and install high-quality flooring suitable for courtroom settings, ensuring non-slip surfaces. Color selected by owner. 2. Flooring must be compliant with the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards for slip resistance. 2.4 Painting and Finishing 1. Where applicable, prepare all walls and ceilings for painting to provide a clean and finished appearance. 2. Use non-toxic, low-VOC paints that comply with the Green Seal Standards. Color selected by owner. 2.5 Electrical Work 1. Upgrade electrical systems to support courtroom technology upgrades, ensuring adherence to the National Electrical Code (NEC). 2. Install new LED lighting fixtures that enhance visibility while providing energy efficiency. 2.6 Technology Integration 1. Work with 12th Circuit Court Administration to specify and install any component of technology required as part of the project. 2.7 Secure Areas 1. The contractor shall have documented experience working in secure areas, specifically within courtrooms or similar facilities where access is restricted and security is paramount. The contractor must demonstrate their ability to adhere to strict security protocols and work collaboratively with DeSoto County to maintain a secure environment during the renovation. 2.8 Bid Alternate – After-Hours Work 1. Due to the nature of the courthouse and its regular operations, some work may need to be performed after business hours. For this RFP, “normal business hours” are defined as 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. 2. The contractor shall provide an alternate bid price for the scope of work to be completed outside of normal business hours. The alternate price should reflect additional costs, if any, for after-hours labor, supervision, and any associated expenses. 3. The proposal shall also describe any changes in methodology or staffing that will be employed during after-hours work, and explain how such work will be coordinated to minimize disruptions to courthouse operations. 3. Service Requirements The contractor shall ensure the following service requirements are met throughout the duration of the project: 1. Project management must adhere to the timeline established during the bidding phase and keep the DeSoto County project manager informed of progress through regular weekly or bi-weekly as decided for updates. 2. The Courthouse is a secure building and will require background checks and proper supervision while assigned to the project. Any employee/subcontractor removed from the project must be noted to the project manager upon decision to do so and establishing additional background checks and security clearance for any replacement before reporting for work. 3. All workers on-site must have valid identification and adhere to safety protocols mandated by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). 4. Contractor must provide certificates of insurance, including general liability and worker’s compensation, prior to beginning work on-site. 5. Any issues or changes encountered during construction must be communicated immediately to DeSoto County for approval before proceeding with any alterations. 6. Due to the sensitive nature of the work and the need to maintain uninterrupted courthouse operations, the contractor must ensure that all work is scheduled and executed with minimal disruption. (Refer to Section 2.8 for the requirements regarding the Bid Alternate for After-Hours Work.) 4. Delivery Requirements The following delivery requirements must be adhered to for the successful completion of the renovation project: 1. Materials and products must be delivered to the site according to the established project timeline, ensuring no delays in the overall renovation schedule. 2. All materials must be pre-approved by the DeSoto County project manager prior to ordering to ensure compliance with the project specifications. 3. Delivery times must be coordinated with site management to minimize disruption and ensure safety on-site. 4. All deliveries must include a packing list and be inspected upon arrival for quality and correctness before being accepted. 5. If after hour work is performed a badge ID will be issued to the on site project foremen to allow access for bringing in materials/supplies. 6. Due to the age of the building access of certain doorways and staircases is narrow. Extra precaution should be used as to not cause damage to walls and door when deliveries are accepted and moved into the courtroom. 5. Performance Period 1. Notice to Proceed is expected to be issued after the Bonds and Contract is fully executed following Board approval May 13th, 2025. 2. Once signed a kick off meeting will be held to assign a start date on or around June 1st, 2025. 3. The project is already permitted so the Contractor will be assigned and work can commence. 4. The benches ordered are scheduled for installation mid-to-late August 2025; the Owner will communicate a more definite date when one is provided by the bench supplier. This should be at the end of the project. All floor preparations must be complete in this area to accommodate the installation of the new benches. 5. The owner will closely coordinate this with the vendor once construction is underway. By following this Scope of Work, contractors will ensure the 3rd-floor courtroom renovation at DeSoto County meets the highest standards of quality, safety, and functionality required for a modern judicial environment.
