Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) Services – Fire Station #34 Renovation and Construction of New A

Request for Qualification
RFQ #26-FD-016
Construction Manager at Risk
(CMAR) Services - Fire
Station #34 Renovation and
Construction of New
Administrative Building
Projects
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LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the City of Mount Dora is accepting Qualifications, via electronic submission,
under RFQ #26-FD-016. Qualifications will be received until 2:00 p.m. on May 4, 2026:
RFQ #26-FD-016
"Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) Services - Fire Station #34 Renovation and Construction
of New Fire Administrative Building Projects"
All meetings, unless noted otherwise, will be held via electronic meeting format. Please be advised that
dates and times are subject to change and updates will be posted on the City of Mount Dora's website at
www.mountdora.gov, on www.demandstar.com, and in the City Hall Lobby.
The City of Mount Dora does not discriminate based on age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin,
disability or marital status.

Electronic responses will be the only method allowed for Bidders to respond to this solicitation. Electronic
responses are to be provided via Euna/DemandStar only. All submittals must be compatible with
Microsoft Office 2007 or later. PDF files are acceptable. Bidding will be done through a secure locked box
within the Euna/DemandStar system. Bidders can only view/submit their Bid and will not have access to
any other Bidder's submittals. The Bidder's Bid may be changed at the Bidder's discretion until the due
date and time have been reached at which time the Bidder will no longer change or have access to the
electronic bid submittal. The City will then open the Bids. Bidders who are bidding for the first time are
strongly encouraged to contact Euna/DemandStar by e-mailing questions to Euna/DemandStar at
www.demandstar.com. All bids must be received by the date and time specified above, when they will be
opened, via computer, and publicly read aloud. The bid time shall be scrupulously observed. The City shall
not be responsible for delays, internet outages, or any technical issues caused by any occurrence. The City
website does not accommodate electronic responses to bids. Receipt of a bid in any other form does not
satisfy this requirement. No exceptions will be made.
If you have obtained this document from a source other than directly from Euna/DemandStar you are not
on record as a plan holder. The Purchasing Department takes no responsibility to provide Addenda to parties
not listed as plan holders. It is the Bidder's responsibility to check with our office prior to submitting your
RFQ to ensure you have a complete, up to date package. The Bidder is responsible for verifying they have
received all Bid Addenda.
For the purposes of this solicitation, the terms "Proposer," "Respondent," and "Contractor" may be used
interchangeably, either with capitalization or without, and shall mean the entity submitting a response to
this RFQ. In addition, the terms "Qualification," "Proposal," and "Response," may be used interchangeably,
either with capitalization or without, and shall mean the completed written and properly signed submission
in response to this RFQ by a Respondent.
CAUTION: Bidders should take caution that the City is not responsible for any power outages or internet
failures. It is suggested that you upload your response in adequate time to ensure that it will be posted on
the day prior to the closing date.
1) INTRODUCTION/OVERVIEW
A) Purpose/Objective
The City of Mount Dora (the "City") has issued this Request for Qualifications (the "RFQ") with
the sole purpose and intent of obtaining Qualifications from interested and qualified
Contractors/Firms offering to provide CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AT-RISK (CMAR)
SERVICES - FIRE STATION #34 RENOVATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF NEW FIRE
ADMINISTRATION BUILDING PROJECTS. The selected CMAR will provide pre-
construction and construction phase services, including but not limited to, cost estimating,
constructability review, scheduling, coordination, and development of a Guaranteed Maximum
Price (GMP). Renovations include interior renovations, HVAC upgrades, electrical improvements,
and associated site work.
An award, if any, will be made to the best overall proposer(s) whose Qualifications is deemed the
most advantageous to the City, taking into consideration the evaluation factors set forth in this
RFQ. The City will not use any other factors or criteria in the evaluation of the responses received.
B) Background
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The City serves an area of 12.26 square miles with a population of approximately 18,896. The
City's fiscal year begins on October 1st and ends on September 30th. The Finance Department
maintains the funds and accounts of the City and is responsible for the custody and accounting of
funds in each department.
More detailed information on the government and its finances can be found in City's
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for fiscal year 2023-2024 and in the City's Annual
Budget for fiscal year 2025-2026. Copies of these documents may be viewed on
www.mountdora.gov. The City is exempt from all state, local, and federal taxes.
C) Inquiries
Direct questions related to this RFQ to Whitney Donovan, Purchasing Coordinator, in writing at:
donovanw@mountdora.gov. Please include the page and paragraph number for each question to
ensure that questions asked are responded to correctly.
The only official answer or position of the City will be provided in writing from Whitney Donovan,
Purchasing Coordinator, at donovanw@mountdora.gov. All inquiries and corresponding answers
will be electronically distributed to all firms registered for this RFQ and posted on the City website
(www.mountdora.gov) and Euna/DemandStar (www.demandstar.com).
D) Method of Source Selection
The City is using the Competitive Sealed Qualifications methodology of source selection for this
procurement, as authorized by Resolution 2021-107 and 2024-36 (amendment) establishing and
adopting the City Purchasing Policy. Each Qualification will be reviewed to determine if the
Qualification is responsive to the RFQ. Qualifications deemed non-responsive may be rejected
without being evaluated by the Evaluation Committee. A responsive Qualification is one which
has been signed and submitted by the specified Qualification deadline and includes the information
required to be submitted with the Qualification. Poor formatting, poor documentation, and/or
incomplete or unclear information may be considered substandard submissions and may adversely
impact the evaluation of a Qualification. Respondents who fail to comply with the required and
desired elements of this RFQ do so at their own risk.
The Evaluation Committee will be appointed by the City Manager and comprised of a minimum
of three (3) City employees. The Evaluation Committee will make a recommendation to the City
Council who will make the final selection(s).
The City may, as it deems necessary, conduct discussions with responsible proposers determined
to be in contention for being selected for award for the purpose of clarification to assure full
understanding of, and responsiveness to, solicitation requirements.
E) Pre-Bid/Pre-Proposal Conference
A Pre-Proposal Conference is not applicable to this RFQ.
F) Projected Timetable
The following projected timetable should be used as a working guide for planning purposes only.
The City reserves the right to adjust this timetable as required during the course of the RFQ
process.
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All Evaluation Committee meetings and any applicable Presentations/Interviews will be held in
the City Council Boardroom located at City of Mount Dora City Hall, 510 N Baker Street, Mount
Dora Florida, 32757, unless noted otherwise.
Event Date/Time
Issue/Advertise RFQ March 31, 2026
Last Date for Receipt of Written Questions April 14, 2026
Addendum Issued (If Applicable) April 20, 2026
RFQ Opening Date & Time (via ZOOM) May 4, 2026 @ 2:00 p.m.
Evaluation Committee to Shortlist May 11, 2026 @ 11:00 a.m.
Shortlisted Firm Presentations/Interviews (if requested) May 19, 2026 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Evaluation Committee to Recommend May 19, 2026 12:30 p.m.
Notice of Recommendation May 19, 2026
City Council Approval (anticipated) June 2, 2026
2) GENERAL PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND SCOPE OF SERVICES
A) Purpose
The City of Mount Dora (the "City") has issued this Request for Qualifications (the "RFQ") with
the sole purpose and intent of obtaining Qualifications from interested and qualified
Contractors/Firms offering to provide CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AT-RISK (CMAR)
SERVICES - FIRE STATION #34 RENOVATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF NEW FIRE
ADMINISTRATION BUILDING PROJECTS located at 1300 N Donnelly St., Mount Dora, FL
32757.
An award, if any, will be made to the best overall proposer(s) whose Qualifications is deemed the
most advantageous to the City, taking into consideration the evaluation factors set forth in this
RFQ.
The successful CMAR will serve as the City's representative and work with the City's contracted
Architect of Record (AOR). The City will require the CMAR to provide pre-construction services
such as, but not limited to, production of budget estimates, value engineering, analysis of the
design documents for constructability, coordination, detailing, materials, systems (electrical,
mechanical, life safety, communications, etc.), and the development of a Guaranteed Maximum
Price ("GMP") proposal based on 100% completed construction documents.
The GMP will include all costs related to completing the work, including a proposed percentage
fee for overhead and profit, which will be negotiated at a not-to-exceed percentage for the project.
The CMAR will be required to seek competitive bids for all subcontracted work and materials,
which will be included as part of the GMP. The City's Purchasing Division will work closely with
the CMAR to establish a procedure to be used for soliciting and selecting subcontractors as well
as material suppliers. The City anticipates the lowest-priced responsive and responsible material
supplier and subcontractors will be selected.
Proposers shall be capable of obtaining and providing performance and payment bonds for 100%
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of the City-accepted GMP amount. A letter documenting bonding capacity from a highly rated
Surety must be included with any submittal to this RFQ. Not submitting a letter confirming
bonding capacity will result in such Bidder's proposal being deemed non-responsive and
disqualified.
B) Project Description
New Fire Administration Building
The City of Mount Dora is also constructing a new approximately 5,000 square foot, single-story
Fire Administration Building located on the existing Fire Station #34 site.
The facility will include administrative offices and a multi-purpose training/classroom space that
will be designed and equipped to serve as a back-up Emergency Operations Center (EOC) when
needed.
The CMAR shall coordinate this project in conjunction with the Fire Station #34 Renovation to
ensure site logistics, scheduling, and construction activities do not disrupt ongoing emergency
response operations.
Fire Station #34 Renovation
The City of Mount Dora is undertaking improvements to Fire Station #34, located at 1300 N
Donnelly St., Mount Dora, FL 32757. This project includes site improvements, selective
demolition, and interior renovation of approximately 4,200 square feet on the second floor of the
existing public safety building.
The intent of this project is to modernize existing fire station facilities and improve operational
efficiency while maintaining the functionality of the active station.
This project will be completed in a phased manner to allow fire department operations to continue
during renovations. The CMAR shall coordinate all renovation activities to ensure uninterrupted
emergency response operations throughout the duration of the project.
The two projects under this RFQ will be addressed as follows:
Phase 1 - Construction of New Administration Building
Phase 1 consists of the construction of a new approximately 5,000 square foot single-story
Administration Building located on the same site and adjacent to the existing Fire Station #34 site,
facing East Lincoln Avenue. The building will be Type IIB construction with masonry exterior
walls finished in stucco, rigid insulation, and a standing seam metal roof system over metal
decking.
Program spaces will include:
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* Lobby and reception
* Offices
* Training and conference rooms (designed to function as a back-up Emergency EOC)
* Breakroom
* Restrooms
* Storage areas
* Mechanical, electrical, and IT rooms
Upon completion of Phase 1, administrative and support staff will relocate to the new building.
Phase 2 - Renovation of Existing Fire Station
Phase 2 consists of the renovation of approximately 4,200 square feet of the second floor of the
existing pre-engineered metal building (PEMB) currently serving as Fire Station #34 and Fire
Administration offices. A portion of the second floor is also occupied by Police Department
administrative offices; however, those areas are excluded from the scope of this RFQ. Phase 2
construction shall not begin until Phase 1 has been substantially completed and the City has
relocated administrative and support staff to the new Administration Building. This sequencing is
required to allow Fire Department personnel to relocate operations to the new Administration
Building during renovation of the existing facility.
The CMAR shall coordinate all construction activities to ensure uninterrupted emergency response
operations at Fire Station #34 throughout the duration of the project. Construction phasing,
scheduling, and site logistics shall be developed in coordination with the City to maintain safe
access for emergency vehicles and personnel.
The CMAR shall also plan for and coordinate temporary staff accommodations, access, and
circulation during each phase of construction, including maintaining functional living,
administrative, and operational spaces as required. This may include sequencing work to allow
continued occupancy of portions of the facility, coordination of temporary on-site
accommodations, if necessary, and ensuring safe and efficient movement of personnel between
operational areas at all times.
If off-site temporary facilities are deemed absolutely necessary by the City, the City shall be
responsible for identifying and securing such facilities. The CMAR shall coordinate with the City
to facilitate the transition, setup, and operational continuity associated with their use.
The CMAR shall coordinate all construction activities to ensure uninterrupted emergency response
operations at Fire Station #34 throughout the duration of the project. Construction phasing,
scheduling, and site logistics shall be developed in coordination with the City to maintain safe
access for emergency vehicles and personnel.
The scope includes demolition of non-bearing walls, ceilings, plumbing fixtures, electrical and
data systems. The structural system and exterior envelope will remain in place.
The renovated space will include:
* Dormitories
* Kitchen and dining area
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* Offices
* Meeting/day rooms
* Restrooms and showers
* Associated support space
New mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and data systems will be provided as part of the renovation
and/ or tied into the existing system.
C) Services to be Provided
The selected Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) shall provide professional preconstruction and
construction services necessary to successfully deliver both projects.
1) Preconstruction Services
During the design phase, the CMAR shall provide professional preconstruction services
including, but not limited to, the following:
* Attendance at project coordination meetings with the City and Architect of Record (AOR)
* Review of design documents for constructability and coordination
* Preparation of cost estimates at major design milestones
* Development and maintenance of the project schedule
* Value engineering and cost control recommendations
* Review of construction phasing and logistics
* Identification of long-lead materials and procurement strategies
* Assistance with development of bid packages for subcontractors
* Preparation and submission of a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) proposal based on
completed construction documents
2) Construction Services
Upon acceptance of the GMP and execution of a Construction Services Agreement, the CMAR
may proceed with construction activities in accordance with the approved project phasing.:
* Soliciting competitive bids for all subcontracted work
* Managing subcontractors and construction activities
* Construction scheduling and coordination
* Quality control and safety management
* Permitting coordination and inspections
* Project documentation and administrative reporting
* Cost control, budget monitoring, and cost reporting
* Coordination with the City and AOR
* Completion of the project in accordance with the approved GMP and schedule
Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) Negotiation
At the completion of the design phase, the selected CMAR shall submit a Guaranteed
Maximum Price (GMP) proposal for the project based on the completed construction
documents.
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Compensation for preconstruction services, construction phase fees, and the Guaranteed
Maximum Price (GMP) will be negotiated with the highest-ranked firm in accordance with
Section 255.103, Florida Statutes and in the best interest of the City.
The City will review the proposed GMP and supporting documentation with the CMAR. If the
City and CMAR are unable to successfully negotiate a GMP that is acceptable to the City, the
City reserves the right to:
* Terminate negotiations with the selected CMAR
* Enter negotiations with the next highest-ranked firm
* Re-solicit construction management services if deemed in the best interest of the City
3) TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT
A) Generally
The City will develop a contract/agreement for pre-construction services, and it will later be
amended based upon markup percentage negotiations and approved GMP with the successful
Contractor. The Contractor shall be required to return a signed City contract/agreement.
A contract/agreement resulting from this RFQ shall be subject to the terms and conditions set forth
in a City contract and any terms and conditions included in this RFQ. The City reserves the right
to include in any contract document such terms and conditions as it deems necessary for the proper
protection of the rights of the City. The City will not be obligated to sign any contracts,
maintenance, and/or service agreements or other documents provided by the Contractor with their
Response.
B) Contract Period
The contract period will remain in full effect until the final written acceptance of each project is
issued to the Contractor by the City. Contract renewals are not applicable to this RFQ.
4) MINIMUM CONTRACTOR QUALIFICATIONS
To be considered for this RFQ, a Bidder must meet the mandatory minimum qualifications listed
below, subject to the City's right to waive minor irregularities. Bidders shall provide proof of the
minimum qualification by furnishing copies of letters, certificates, etc., as applicable, which
clearly document said qualifications.
Bidders must:
i. Be in good standing and must not be listed in the System for Award Management (SAM)
as an excluded party.
ii. Be a Certified General Contractor licensed to do business in the State of Florida.
iii. Have and maintain active and current license(s) required by the Bidder, whose businesses
and professions are regulated by the Florida Department of Business and Professional
Regulation must be active and current for the duration of the contract.
iv. Have been issued a certificate of authority through the Department of State in compliance
with Florida Statute 607.1501. Bidders shall provide documentation to demonstrate
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meeting this minimum requirement with their responses, which will include applicable
local business tax receipts, State of Florida corporation documents with date of inception,
and the certificate of authority. In addition, Bidders must provide a Sunbiz report
showing their company registered as "Active."
v. Provide all professional licenses that qualify the firm for the type of work identified
herein.
vi. If a Bidder is not a single prime contractor, the Bidder must list all subcontractors to be
used for this project and the subcontractors' professional licenses.
vii. Have a minimum of five (5) years of experience in the commercial construction and/or
renovation of public fire stations and commercial administrative buildings within the
State of Florida, and possess the necessary equipment and trained personnel to perform
the work. "Similar" shall be defined as public safety facilities, fire stations, municipal
buildings, or comparable public commercial construction projects of similar size and
complexity.
5) GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
A) Licenses
The successful Contractor is required to possess the correct occupational license, professional
license, and any other authorizations necessary to carry out and perform the work required by the
project pursuant to all applicable federal, state and local law, statute, ordinances, and rules and
regulations of any kind.
Copies of the required licenses must be submitted with the proposal response indicating that the
Contractor as well as the team assigned to the City account are properly licensed to perform the
activities or work included in the RFQ and contract documents. The successful Contractor will be
required to obtain a business tax receipt from the City of Mount Dora.
If you have questions regarding required professional licenses and business tax receipt, contact the
City's Finance Department at (352) 735-7120.
B) Principals/Collusion
By submission of a Response to the RFQ, the undersigned, as Proposer, does declare that the only
person or persons interested in this Proposal, as principal or principals, is/are named in the
Response and that no other person has any interest in this Proposal or in the contract to be entered
into; that this Proposal is made without connection to any other person, company or parties, and
that this Response is, in all respects, fair and submitted in good faith without collusion or fraud.
C) Taxes
The City is exempt from Federal Excise and State of Florida Sales Tax.
D) Relation of City
It is the intent of the parties that the Contractor shall be considered an independent contractor, and
that neither the Contractor nor their employees shall, under any circumstances, be considered
employees or agents of the City, and that the City shall be at no time legally responsible for any
negligence on the part of said Contractor, its employees or agents, resulting in either bodily or
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