DEPARTMENT: Facilities Management
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Authorization To Award And Execute Contract With UrbanWorks Architecture LLC For Architectural And Engineering Services Required For Administration Center And Northern Service Center Kitchenettes And Break Spaces Project
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Authorize the execution of a contract with UrbanWorks Architecture LLC (UrbanWorks) for architectural and engineering services required for the Administration Center (ADC) and Northern Service Center (NSC) Kitchenettes and Break Spaces project.
SUMMARY
Most County staff prepare snacks and meals in small kitchenettes within their departments. These generally have no seating space for employees to congregate. As a result, staff ends up eating at their desk. In an effort to encourage cross-department collaboration and move staff away from a day spent constantly at their desk, the County Board has suggested staff at each large campus be given a common break space to prepare and eat food.
This project will update the existing break space on the 1st floor of the NSC and create a new space in the ADC.
On May 8, 2025, staff issued a Request for Proposal for professional services to seven consultants. These consultants include Alliiance, Gensler, Kodet, Leo A Daly, Miller Dunwiddie, Ortel, and UrbanWorks. These firms were selected because they have a direct competency in this work type and/or have worked with Dakota County successfully in the recent past. Six firms responded to the request for proposal. Three firms were chosen for an interview by the selection committee.
On June 17, 2025, staff interviewed Gensler, Kodet, and UrbanWorks for architectural and engineering services. Upon completion of the interviews, staff unanimously determined that UrbanWorks offered the best overall value. Staff recommends award of the architectural and engineering contract to UrbanWorks. See the Attachment for the Consultant Evaluation Summary.
As is customary, staff and the design team will bring the Schematic Design to the County Board for review and approval in November 2025.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends the ADC and NSC Kitchenette and Break Spaces architectural and engineering services contract be awarded to UrbanWorks in an amount not to exceed $139,500.
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EXPLANATION OF FISCAL/FTE IMPACTS
The 2025 Buildings Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Adopted Budget includes $2,500,000 for design and construction services for Countywide Staff Kitchenettes and Break Spaces. The contracted amount of $139,500 for architectural and engineering services including reimbursable expenses is reasonable and within the budget set aside for the work.
☐ None ☒ Current budget ☐ Other
☐ Amendment Requested ☐ New FTE(s) requested
RESOLUTION
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WHEREAS, the 2025 Building Capital Improvement Program Adopted Budget authorized the Administration Center (ADC) and Northern Service Center (NSC) Kitchenettes and Break Spaces project; and
WHEREAS, staff issued a request for proposals for architectural and engineering services on May 8, 2025; and
WHEREAS, staff received six architectural and engineering services proposals, and staff interviewed three design teams for this project; and
WHEREAS, staff unanimously recommends UrbanWorks Architecture LLC as the firm to provide architectural and engineering services required for the ADC and NSC Kitchenettes and Break Spaces project; and
WHEREAS, UrbanWorks Architecture LLC has submitted a total fee proposal for $139,500 for architectural and engineering services including reimbursables.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby authorizes the Facilities Management Director to execute a contract with UrbanWorks Architecture LLC for the Administration Center and Northern Service Center Kitchenettes and Break Spaces project for a combined fixed fee of $138,500 and a reimbursable cap of $1,000, subject to approval by the County Attorney’s Office as to form.
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PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: Consultant Evaluation Summary
BOARD GOALS
☐ Thriving People ☐ A Healthy Environment with Quality Natural Resources
☒ A Successful Place for Business and Jobs ☒ Excellence in Public Service
CONTACT
Department Head: Mike Lexvold
Author: Joe Lexa