Renovation of a fire / police facility in Voluntown, Connecticut. Design plans call for the renovation of a fire / police facility.

Questions Sent to: John Guszkowski, Planning & Development Director via email only: planner@voluntown.gov Questions Due: October 21, 2022. The Town of Voluntown, acting by and through its Board of Selectmen and Fire Company, is actively seeking proposals from qualified firms to develop architectural and engineering design plans for multiple improvements at the Voluntown Fire Department complex. These improvements are needed to address deficiencies in existing facilities as well as allow the Fire Department to upgrade facilities for current and future needs. The design planning process will involve a review of existing facilities, confirmation of necessary physical and programmatic improvement needs, and the development of architectural and engineering design plans and specifications sufficient to allow the Town to pursue construction funding for implementation. The mission of the Town of Voluntown Volunteer Fire Company No. 1 is the "protection of people and property in an intricate society." The responsibilities of the Fire Company have expanded beyond extinguishment of fires and now include providing Emergency Medical Services for On-Scene patient stabilization, transportation of the sick and injured, control of hazardous materials, the preservation of life in disasters and major emergencies, pre-fire planning, master planning, mutual aid agreements and rescue work. Because of the complexity of the existing building and the variety of inter-related improvements that are required, the Town will be requiring interested parties to attend a mandatory site visit in order to provide a tour of the complex and ensure that all components of the existing facility and the Fire Department's goals for improvements are understood. The Town of Voluntown is a small community of approximately 2,500 residents in rural southeastern Connecticut. The vast majority of the land in Town is publicly-owned, with most of it Pachaug State Forest. The Town is served by a single fire department, the Voluntown Fire Company, with its headquarters at 205 Preston City Road (State Route 165). The Fire Company is an independent nonprofit corporation, but the land the Fire Department sits on is owned by the Town of Voluntown (and partially the State of Connecticut). The Town provides significant and ongoing financial support to the Fire Company. The current Fire Department complex consists of the primary Fire Department property, a lot of approximately 3.7 acres at 205 Preston City Road (Map 27, Lot 41) as well as a portion of adjacent land to the rear (east) that is owned by the State of Connecticut as part of Pachaug State Forest. The property is served by a private well and on-site wastewater disposal system. The image below is taken from the Town's GIS website. Scope of Services The selected firm will be responsible for the following tasks: a. Undertake an existing conditions report reviewing the current facilities and uses of the Fire Department complex, including existing ADA deficiencies; b. Undertake an A-2 existing conditions survey map of the property; c. Develop an understanding, based on discussion with Fire Department and Town, of the proposed program of improvements for the complex; d. Develop architectural drawings for building improvements; e. Develop civil and necessary MEP engineering drawings for building and site improvements; f. Develop preliminary cost estimates for construction of improvements, including phasing; and g. Provide guidance on potential sources of funding for implementation. Anticipated Deliverables: a. Fire Department Complex Property Survey and Existing Conditions Plan, Class A-2 b. Narrative description of proposed program of improvements with phasing c. Architectural drawings (including plumbing/mechanical system) of proposed improvements to building d. Civil engineering drawings of proposed improvements to site e. Preliminary cost estimates for construction of improvements V. Selection Criteria Without limiting the ability of the Board of Selectmen to consider and evaluate all responses, the current criteria for selection of the successful proposer includes the following: a. The specialized experience of the individuals or firm and assigned personnel on similar projects, with specific attention drawn to architecture and civil engineering. b. The firm's understanding of and technical approach to the project; c. The firm's ability to effectively coordinate stakeholder participation; d. The ability of the firm and any sub consultants and support staff to work effectively with the project team from the Town and Department.