National Polymer Innovation Center 109 Tenant Improvement

Request for Qualifications (Design-Build Contract)
State of Ohio Standard Forms and Documents
Administration of Project: Local Higher Education
National Polymer Innovation Center
Project Name 109 Tenant Improvement Response Deadline 05/27/2026 1:30 PM local time
Project Location 240 South Forge Street Project Number 260004
City / County Akron / Summit Project Manager Jim Haskell
Owner The University of Akron Contracting Authority Local Higher Education
Delivery Method Design-Build Prevailing Wages Federal Davis-Bacon
Publish Date 05/13/2026
No. of paper copies requested (stapled, not bound) 4 No. of electronic copies requested (PDF) 2
Submit the requested number of Statements of Qualifications (Form F110-330) directly to Shelly Keller at The University of Akron, 250
South Forge Street, Suite 102, Akron, Ohio 44325-9001. A drop-off box is provided in the lobby of the Polymer Engineering Academic
Center. Section G of this RFQ for additional submittal instructions.
All questions are to be submitted through Workday Strategic Sourcing (WSS), which will allow everyone to see submitted questions and
the answers. Questions will be answered and posted to the WSS website on a regular basis until one week before the time of RFQ
submittal. This tool is located at: Vendor Registration- https://the-university-of-akron.public-portal.us.workdayspend.com/ . Vendors can
view the project details related documents without registering. Workday Strategic Sourcing offers customer support that may be
reached scoutsupport@workday.com.
Project Overview
A. Project Description
This project is a tenant improvement in laboratories located within the National Polymer Innovation Center. The purpose
of this completed project is to scale up and commercialize methanotroph technology to produce new biobased chemicals,
specifically targeting butadiene for green synthetic rubber.
The Program of Requirements ("POR") have been developed by the tenant, BioVerde Tech LLC
All aspects of the project and related issues will be implemented and operated consistently with the Contracting Authority
and/or Owner's policies and procedures.
Add additional project description here...
1. Lab 109: Phase 1 - Enables operation of fermentation activities using methane cylinders and locally available
compressed air.
* Utilities: Upgraded electrical service to 230V in four (4) fume hoods; plumbing and cabinetry to support water
filtration system install, glassware washer, larger sink, and acid neutralization system beneath the sink.
* Lab Modifications: Removal of the black top bench at the entrance; installation of a bench-mounted
cylinder rack for argon and helium; and utility support rod systems installed in fume hoods #2-3 (already
exists in hood #1).
* Lab109A: Install a 2-inch cable grommet at the existing bench opening to support cable protection and
organization.
* Safety System: Mount and electrical installation for a fixed gas detection system for methane and low
oxygen with automated gas flow shutoffs and audible/visual alarms (horns and lights), including
hardwired connections where required. Installation and programming of the safety system controller
and pneumatically controlled shut off valves are done by others.
Install light towers inside and outside the lab
o
Install emergency stop (E-stop) at the primary egress route
o
Install methane detectors inside fume hoods #1-3 and at the methane cylinder location
o
Install Low O2 detector placed in a central location
o
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2. Lab 109: Phase 2 - Full build out to support piped natural gas and oxygen and tanked gases to three fume hoods
(hoods #1-3) plus skid-mounted 15L large bioreactor with steam in place capability.
Natural Gas: Provide natural gas supply to Lab 109 (2x positions in Lab 109) and High Bay
o
Oxygen: Install external concrete pad including fencing and bollards to support vendor
o
supplied O2 tanks. Install O2 supply lines into Lab 109 (2x positions) and High Bay
Utilities: Provide all necessary utilities for 15L bioreactor including electrical, drain, and gas
o
venting to fume hood
B. Scope of Services
The selected Design-Builder ("DB"), as a portion of its required Scope of Services and prior to submitting its proposal, will
discuss and clarify with the Contracting Authority and/or Owner, the breakdown of the Agreement detailed cost
components, to address the Owner's project requirements and refine the project schedule. Participate in the Encouraging
Diversity, Growth & Equity (EDGE) Program as required by statute and the Agreement.
As required by the Agreement, and as properly authorized, provide the following categories of services: develop and
maintain estimates of probable tenant improvement cost, value engineering, project schedules, and tenant
improvement schedules; lead and manage the Schematic Design, Design Development, Subcontractor
Prequalification and Bidding process, tenant improvement Documents, Tenant Improvement, and Closeout stages.
Refer to the Ohio Facilities Construction Manual for additional information about the type and extent of services required
for each. A copy of the standard Agreement can be obtained at the OFCC website at https://ofcc.ohio.gov.
The pre-tenant improvement and Tenant Improvement services are generally described below. Subcontracts
including Plumbing, Fire Protection, HVAC, and Electrical trades will be awarded by the DB to prequalified vendors using
a competitive process. The parties will engage in an "open book" pricing method in which all subcontracted work shall be
based upon competitive pricing that will be reviewed by the Contracting Authority and the Owner, BioVerde Tech LLC,
and the DB. The Contracting Authority, BioVerde Tech LLC and/or Owner shall have access to all books, records,
documents and other data in the DB's possession related to itself, its subcontractors and material suppliers pertaining to
bidding, pricing or performance of the Agreement.
Pre-Tenant Improvement Services: The DB will work cooperatively with the Contracting Authority, and/or Owner,
BioVerde Tech LLC and Project Team, and will provide, among other services, schedule development, estimate
development, program verification, schematic design, design development, Guaranteed Maximum Price ("GMP")
proposal, subcontractor prequalification and bidding, tenant improvement documents preparation, constructability
review, permits, budgeting, value engineering, and pre-tenant improvement planning throughout the pre-tenant
improvement stages. When the drawings and specifications are at a stage of completion specified in the Agreement,
such partially completed documents (the "Basis Documents") shall be provided to the DB, together with the
Architect/Engineer of Record's ("AOR") detailed listing of any incomplete design elements and the AOR's statement of
intended scope with respect to such incomplete elements (the "Design Intent Statement"). Contingent upon the Contracting
Authority's approval of the GMP, the parties will enter into an amendment to the Agreement establishing the Contract Sum
("GMP Amendment"). If the proposed Contract Sum exceeds the Project Budget established for tenant improvement,
then the Contracting Authority may terminate the agreement with the DB and seek proposals from other firms for
completion of the Project.
Tenant Improvement Services: The DB shall construct the Project pursuant to the Tenant Improvement documents and
in accordance with the schedule requirements. The DB shall hold all subcontracts and shall be fully responsible for the
means and methods of the tenant improvement, weekly progress meetings, testing and inspections, project safety,
project completion within the schedule agreed upon in the pre-tenant improvement phase, compliance with all
applicable laws and regulations including monitoring compliance with all EDGE, equal employment, and prevailing wage
requirements, and submitting monthly reports of these activities to the Contracting Authority. All subcontracts shall be on
the subcontract form prescribed by OAC Section 153:1-03-02. The Contracting Authority reserves the right to approve
DB's selection of subcontractors and any supplemental terms to the subcontract form.
For purposes of completing the Relevant Project Experience Matrix in Section F of the Statement of Qualifications (Form
F110-330), below is a list of relevant scope of work requirements for this RFQ:
1. Project Delivery Method: Design-Build
2. Role on Project: DB
3. LEED Status: Regular
4. Phased Project Scopes of work
5. Electrical
6. Mechanical
7. Plumbing
8. Laboratory Gas
9. General Trades
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C. Funding / Estimated Budget
Total Project Cost $318,000 State Funding $0.00
Improvement $175,000 Other Funding $318,000
Cost
D. Anticipated Schedule E. EDGE Participation Goal
DB Pre-Tenant Improvement Services Start 06 / 26 Percent of the DB's total compensation
Tenant Improvement Stage Notice to Proceed 07 / 26 excluding DB's Contingency* 5.0%
Substantial Completion of all Work 08 / 26
*Pre-Tenant Improvement Stage Compensation plus
Contract Sum DB Services Completed 09 / 26 minus DB's Contingency
F. Evaluation Criteria for Selection
Selection Criteria: The DB will be selected using (i) qualifications-based process during the Request for Qualifications
("RFQ") stage to develop a short list and (ii) best value process during the Request for Proposal stage. The qualifications-
based criteria for the RFQ is included in this announcement. The best value criteria used in evaluating proposals from
short-listed firms will include such factors that are determined to derive or offer the greatest value to the State and Owner,
combining both qualifications and fee.
Short List: Each firm responding to this RFQ will be evaluated and selected based on its qualifications and the
qualifications and experience of the particular individuals identified as the candidate's proposed team for the Project. After
evaluating the responses to this RFQ, the Contracting Authority will select a short list of no fewer than three candidates
that it considers to be the most qualified, except if the Contracting Authority determines that fewer than three firms are
qualified, it will only select the qualified firms.
Request for Proposal: The short-listed firms shall be sent a Request for Proposal ("RFP") that will invite the firms to submit
pricing proposals containing their proposed pre-tenant improvement stage compensation, tenant improvement stage
personnel costs, itemized tenant improvement stage general conditions costs, tenant improvement stage contingency
percentage, tenant improvement stage design fee percentage, and design-build fee percentage. The short-listed
candidates will also receive (i) form of the Agreement with the Contracting Authority containing the contract terms and
conditions, (ii) set of the most recent criteria documents and (iii) proposed Project schedule.
Pre-Proposal Meeting: Prior to submitting a response to the RFP, the short-listed firms will be invited to meet individually
with the Contracting Authority and the Owner. The purpose of the pre-proposal meeting is to permit the short-listed firms
an opportunity to ask the Contracting Authority and the Owner questions in an individual setting to help the firms prepare
their responses to the RFP. The Contracting Authority will notify each short-listed firm to schedule individual times for the
pre-proposal meetings.
Interview: After submitting responses to the RFP, the short-listed firms will be interviewed by the Contracting Authority and
representatives of the Owner. The purpose of the interview will be to meet the proposed Project team, become familiar
with key personnel, and understand the project approach and ability to meet the stated objectives for the Project. Please
be prepared to discuss with specificity the firm's capacity to conduct this work in compliance with the timetable, budget
and EDGE expectations. The Contracting Authority will notify each short-listed firm to schedule individual times for the
interviews.
Selection Schedule: Tentative schedule is subject to change
Qualifications Due 05/27/2026
RFP issued to the Short-Listed Firms 06/10/2026
Interviews 06/17/2026
Selection of DB 06/24/2026
Cancellation and Rejection: The Contracting Authority reserves the right to reject all proposals and cancel at any time for
any reason this solicitation, any portion of this solicitation or any phase of the Project. The Contracting Authority shall
have no liability to any proposer arising out of such cancellation or rejection. The Contracting Authority reserves the right
to waive minor variations in the selection process.
Interested DB firms are required to submit the Commitment to Participate in the EDGE Business Assistance Program form
in its Statement of Qualifications (Form F110-330) submitted in response to the RFQ, to indicate its intent to contract with
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and use EDGE-certified Business(es), as a part of the DB's team. The EDGE Affidavit and / or waiver request letter and
Demonstration of Good Faith Effort form(s) with complete documentation must be attached to the DB's Proposal. Both
forms can be accessed via the OFCC website at https://ofcc.ohio.gov.
If the DB firm intends to receive points for exceeding the EDGE Participation Goal, it must provide BOTH a
completed Commitment to Participate form AND a completed Statement of Intent to Contract and to Perform form
signed by both parties with its Statement of Qualifications.
For all Statements of Qualifications, please identify the EDGE-certified Business(es), by name, which will participate in the
delivery of the proposed professional services solicited in the RFQ.
Interested DB firms must indicate on their Statement of Qualifications, the locations where their services will be performed
in the spaces provided or by attachment in accordance with the requirements of Executive Order 2019-12D related to
providing services only within the United States and the requirements of Executive Order 2022-02D prohibiting purchases
from or investment in any Russian institution or company. Failure to do so may cause their Statement of Qualifications to
be rejected.
G. Submittal Instructions
Firms are required to submit the current version of Statement of Qualifications (Form F110-330) available via the OFCC
website at https://ofcc.ohio.gov.
Electronic submittals, if requested, should be combined into one PDF file named with the project number listed on the
RFQ and your firm's name, followed by "SOQ". Use the "print" feature of Adobe Acrobat or similar software for creating a
PDF rather than using a scanner. If possible, please reduce the file size of the PDF. In Acrobat, go to Advanced, then
PDF Optimizer. Electronic submittals are limited to a maximum file size of 25 MB.
Paper copies of the Statement of Qualifications, if requested, should be stapled only. Do not use special bindings or
coverings of any type. Cover letters and transmittals are not necessary.
CD/DVD copies of the Statement of Qualifications, if requested, should have the sleeve labeled with the project number
and firm name, followed by "SOQ".
Facsimile copies of the Statement of Qualifications will not be accepted.
Unless otherwise noted or exempt, all documents submitted to the Contracting Authority in response to this RFQ and
subsequent RFP are public and will be available for inspection at the conclusion of the selection process. The following
information shall remain confidential and will not be released: (1) Proposal Form(s), except for cost category subtotals
which will be transferred to the Best Value Rating Form; (2) Financial Capacity; and (3) Bonding/Insurance.
Proposers are requested to submit the following information in response to this RFQ within Section H of Form F110-330.
1. Summary: Provide a summary, on one page or less, describing why your firm/team is the most qualified for the
Project.
2. Bonding/Insurance: Provide evidence of capacity to provide bonding in the amount of the tenant improvement
budget (e.g. a letter from your Surety agent stating that one or more Sureties will issue Bonds in the amount
of the tenant improvement budget if your team is selected) and a copy of the firm's certificate of insurance
showing the firm's current limits of liability for commercial general liability, employer's liability, business
automobile liability, and professional liability insurance.
3. Management Systems: Describe the scheduling and cost control systems the firm would propose to use for the
Project
4. Self-Performed Work: Indicate whether the firm intends to self-perform any work on the Project through a
competitive process and, if so, the nature of the work and capability to self-perform.
5. Estimating: Demonstrated track record of performance of in-house estimating on projects comparable to the
Project.
6. Scheduling: Demonstrated track record of performance managing projects to the original schedule.
Firms are requested to identify professional registrations, memberships and credentials including but not limited to:
LEED GA, LEED AP, LEED AP+, CCCA, CCM, CCS, CDT, CPE, DBIA, and any other appropriate design and
construction industry credentials. Identify that information on the resume page for individual in Block 22, Section E of the
F110-330 form.
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Design-Build Selection Rating Form
State of Standard Forms and Documents
National Polymer Center
Project Name 109/109A Tenant Improvement Proposer Firm Proposer Firm
Project Number 260004 City, State, Zip City, State, Zip
Selection Criteria Value Score
1. Primary Firm Location and Workload (Maximum 10 points)
Less than 25 miles 5
a. Proximity of firm to project site 25 miles to 100 miles 2
More than 100 miles 0
Less than $200,000 5
b. Amount of contracts awarded by Contracting $200,000 to $500,000 2
Authority in previous 24 months
More than $500,000 0
2. Primary Qualifications (Maximum 35 points)
Experience / ability of project manager to
a. Project management lead 0 - 10
manage scope / budget / schedule / quality
Experience / creativity of project designer to
b. Project design lead 0 - 5
achieve owner's vision and requirements
Experience / ability of technical staff to
Max =
c. Technical staff coordinate installation documents and 0 - 10
25
develop accurate estimates and schedules
Experience / ability of field representatives to
d. Installation administration staff 0 - 10
identify and solve issues during installation
3. Key Consultant Qualifications (Maximum 15 points)
Experience / ability of key consultants to
a. Key consultants 0 - 10
perform effectively and collaboratively
One point for every 2 percent
b. Proposed EDGE-certified Consultant participation* increase in Services compensation** over 0 - 5
the EDGE participation goal
4. Overall Team Qualifications (Maximum 10 points)
Less than 3 sample projects 0
a. Previous team collaboration 3 to 7 sample projects 2 Max = 3
More than 7 sample projects 3
Registered LEED v4 or v4.1 projects 1
b. LEED*** Registered / Certified project experience Certified LEED v4 or v4.1 projects 2 Max = 2
Training and knowledge 1
c. BIM project experience Direct project experience 3 Max = 3
Clarity of responsibility / communication
d. Team organization 0 - 2
demonstrated by table of organization
5. Overall Team Experience (Maximum 30 points)
Past performance as indicated by
a. Previous team performance 0 - 10
evaluations and letters of reference
Less than 3 projects 0 - 3
b. Experience with similar projects / delivery methods 3 to 7 projects 4 - 6
More than 7 projects 7 - 10
Performance in completing projects within
c. Budget and schedule management 0 - 5
original tenant improvement budget and
schedule
Less than 3 projects 0 - 1
d. Knowledge of Ohio Capital Improvements process 3 to 7 projects 2 - 3
More than 7 projects 4 - 5
* Must be comprised of consulting firm(s) and NOT the lead firm - For more information on scoring this
and other criteria refer to Document F199-01 - PS Selection Rating Rubric.
** Pre-Tenant Improvement Stage Compensation plus Contract Sum minus Subcontracted Work, Self- Subtotal
performed Work, and DB's Contingency
*** Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design administered by Green Business Certification Inc.
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RequestforQualifications(Design-BuildContract)continued
Notes: Evaluator:
Name
Signature Date
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RequestforQualifications(Design-BuildContract)continued
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