First Steps Taken To Build New DPW Facility And South Amherst Fire Station

Source: amherstma.gov

The Town of Amherst will issue requests for proposals (RFP) at the end of March for components of projects to construct a new public works building and a new South Amherst fire station. The RFP’s were announced in a project update memo from Town Manager Paul Bockelman on March 18.  The memo, which offers a timeline and estimated cost for each project, can be viewed here.  

Public Works Building
The RFP proposes a $20 million budget for the siting and construction of a new public works building with an estimated completion date of June 2023.  The next steps and provisional time table for the project are as follows:

1. Site Selection: Publish the RFP in March 2021. The RFP will be advertised in multiple locations for four weeks. Town staff will evaluate proposals and rank the choices in accordance with the uniform procurement law. The proposed location will be presented for review and approval by the Town Council.
   1. Estimated cost: None (performed internally)
   2. Projected end date: May 2021 (to complete evaluation)

2. Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) Selection: OPM will represent the Town and help manage the project. An OPM is legally required for a project of this size.
   1. Estimated cost: None (performed internally)
   2. Projected end date: June 2021 (to complete evaluation)

3. Schematic Design: Schematic design includes site-specific analysis involving existing conditions, environmental and geotechnical investigations, and a traffic impact assessment. This phase will also include preliminary design work related to the net zero bylaw. The final report will include detailed drawings showing all interior spaces, exterior spaces, and a detailed construction cost estimate.
   1. Estimated cost: Not to exceed $2 million for total design contract. ($300,000 for schematic design)
   2. Appropriation request: $2 million in June 2021
   3. Consultant selection: Weston and Sampson (existing consultant)
   4. Projected start date: July 2021
   5. Projected end date: October 2021

New Fire Station
The RFP seeks to relocate the current Central Station to a new facility at 586 South Pleasant Street, the current site of the Department of Public Works. The projected budget is $15 million and the expected completion date is June 2025. The next steps for the project are as follows.

1. Owner’s Project Manager (OPM) Selection: 
   1. Estimated cost: None (performed internally)
   2. Projected start date: May 2021
   3. Projected end date: June 2021 (to complete evaluation)

2. Schematic Design: Schematic Design includes site-specific analysis involving existing conditions, environmental and geotechnical investigations, and a traffic impact assessment. This phase will also include preliminary design work related to the net zero bylaw. The final report will include detailed drawings showing all interior spaces, exterior spaces, and a detailed construction cost estimate.
   1. Estimated cost: Not to exceed $1.5 million for total design contract. ($225,000 for schematic design)
   2. Appropriation request: $1.5 million in June 2021
   3. Consultant selection: Kaestle Boos Associates, Inc. (existing consultant)
   4. Projected start date: July 2021
   5. Projected end date: October 2021
      
      Town Council Actions
      1. June 2021: Request for borrowing authorization for OPM and Design Services ($1.95 million). Schematic design could be performed immediately to help guide Town decision making. The rest of the contract would depend on the timing of the DPW project.
      
      2. Funding request for construction will depend on how quickly the DPW is relocated.
      
      Other Actions
      The Town Manager will create a charge and recruit members to serve on a Town Building Committee to oversee the design and construction of both the DPW Building and the new fire station. The public notice and recruitment for this Committee will begin in April.