SUCF# 171016 Repair Mechanical Systems - Martha Van Rensselaer

SUCF# 171016 Repair Mechanical Systems - Martha Van Rensselaer 

Request for Qualifications

Cornell University is seeking qualifications from engineering firms to provide a building-wide study of the existing HVAC system in Martha Van Rensselaer (MVR) at 116 Reservoir Ave, Ithaca NY 14853. 

Project Description

Since the completion of major renovations at MVR in 2022, there have been ongoing issues with the HVAC system. For example, some areas do not properly cool in summer months while other areas have incorrect CFM flow. Recent discoveries have identified smoke dampers and balancing dampers buried behind drywall, dampers that do not close all the way, lack of isolation valves on heating, water, and chilled water risers, as well as open shafts between floors. MVR HVAC system is served by the campus’s chilled water loop as well as the local heating district. 

This study will include but not be limited to:

1. An evaluation of the entire HVAC system to verify existing installation against designs during previous renovation.
2. A comparison of the HVAC system’s current operational state to original commissioning requirements as well as against current design and construction standards.
3. Detailed review of control sequences, one goal of which is to identify deficiencies in performance
4. An investigation of current issues with heating and cooling throughout MVR and complaints such as odors from Martha’s Cafe kitchen being pumped into other areas of the building.
5. A final report outlining issues and recommendations to items identified in 1-4 above. The final report should outline scope of work and cost estimate for engineering and construction to resolve issues identified during investigation. 

Scope of Services

The Study Phase services shall include documenting existing conditions of the HVAC system and draw comparisons to the original designs, commissioning requirements, and design and construction standards. Topics to be included in the final report include but are not limited to:

• Locations of dampers and their current positioning
• Inconsistencies in existing installation against original design
• Obstructions for access panels, damper handles, and the like
• Air distribution performance
• Verify building heat load to include process equipment
• Sequences of operation and controls
• Recommendations for improvements for HVAC system in its entirety based upon current conditions versus current building needs. 

Deliverables shall be a final report in PDF form with a functional hyperlink index. 

Cornell will provide as-builts, CAD, and other available.

Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) Participation

Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Article 15-A, Cornell University is committed to promoting opportunities for maximum feasible participation of certified MWBE firms and the employment of minority group members and women in the performance of Cornell contracts.  Consultants are required to ensure that good faith efforts are made to include meaningful participation.

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business Enterprise (SDVOB) Participation

Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Article 17-B, Cornell University is committed to promoting opportunities for maximum feasible participation of certified SDVOB firms and the employment of veterans in the performance of Cornell contracts. Consultants are required to ensure that good faith efforts are made to include meaningful participation 

MBE, WBE, and SDVOB goals are listed in the New York State Contract Reporter (NYSCR) ad.

The consultant shall provide a Subconsultant Staffing List for the project using the form attached to the NYSCR ad.  This subconsultant staffing list shall include the percent of work to be completed by each subconsultant and indicate whether each subconsultant is a MBE, WBE, or SDVOB.

References

References will be contacted as part of the evaluation process. When submitting references, the following information shall be included:

• Name(s) and title(s) of person/people to contact
• Phone numbers and e-mail addresses
• Name of project and/or reason for reference

Time of Completion Schedule

Estimated Completion Date:  March 28, 2025

Format of Proposal

To be considered for this project, prospective consultants shall include the following in their response: 

• Cover letter with signature. 

• Prime Consultant’s Qualifications and Experience: Show specific relevant expertise and successful completion of projects similar in size and scope as the project described above. 

• Qualifications of Prime Consultant Staff: Demonstrate experience and qualifications of the firm’s key personnel in the planning, organizing and execution of projects similar in scope.  List the qualifications of employees who will be working on this project. 

• Approach and Capability: Show organization of staff and design/technical resources specifically dedicated to this project.  Identify assignment of responsibilities and authority. 

• Previous Experience with Work Specific to Project Scope: Include examples of prior work on Cornell projects and other colleges and/or state agencies.  Demonstrate thorough understanding of project scope. 

• Proposed Subconsultant Team: List subconsultants who will work on this project and demonstrate that they have the necessary staffing and experience for this type of work. 

• MWBE and SDVOB Utilization: On the Subconsultant Staffing List, list all MBE, WBE, and SDVOB staff and subconsultants who will work on this project to show how the MWBE/SDVOB goals will be met.  If the prime consultant is an MWBE/SDVOB firm, it counts towards the goals. 

• References: List references for design and construction administration of similar projects in public and educational settings. 

Deadline and Submittal Information

• Proposals must be received on or by the due date listed in the NYSCR ad. 

• Proposals must be in PDF format, no more than 25 pages total (including cover sheet and all forms), and labeled using the following naming convention:

                                        SUCF#-Project Name-Firm Name 

• Proposals shall be e-mailed to: ccf-admin@cornell.edu
  
• If inquiries regarding the project are received, all answers given will be posted at the following link: https://fcs.cornell.edu/current-nys-contract-reporter-ad-inquiries

No fee information is to be submitted with the proposal.  A fee proposal will be requested only after a consultant selection is made.