Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Design Services begins July 18, 2025. If you are interested, download the pdf file below for the RFQ. Deadline for submittal is August 08, 2025 at 4 pm PST.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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7/23/25 RFQ revised to include page numbers on pages 35-39. No need to resubmit RFQ if already submitted.

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7/23/25 Responses to Questions Submitted

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1. Is there any preliminary budget for this project?

Since this is an RFQ, our focus is on qualifications. The damage description and scope of work have been included to outline the necessary repairs and replacements, providing an idea of the potential costs.

2. Is the kitchen going to be a commercial kitchen?

Yes, the kitchen will be a commercial kitchen.

3. The deadline is in two weeks. Is it possible to extend it by 1 more week?

No, we are unable to extend the deadline for the RFQ at this time.

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7/24/25 Responses to Questions Submitted

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1. Are there any as-built drawings or, survey available?

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Unfortunately, we do not have any as-built drawings or surveys available for the building. The original structure was built in the 1930s, with an addition in the 1960s, and changes made in 1978, according to the LA County Assessor's portal. No formal documentation has been located.

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2. Should we use the square footages that are shown on the current RFQ (approx page 38)?

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According to FEMA, their Scope of Work was based on analyses performed via aerial footage, assessor's data, photos, etc. For now, we will proceed with their specifications and square footage, but they will expect the architect to verify the accuracy of the information through county records and by other means. Please also note we had a basement that was approximately 1200 sq ft. It does not appear that this sq footage was included in FEMA's total sq. footage.

3. Did the church have a sound system?

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Yes, we had a sound system that fit the needs of a church.

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4. How many invitees are there for the RFQ?

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This rebuild project will be partially funded by federal assistance; therefore, the procurement of services and contractors must comply with the 2 CFR procurement standards. Our outreach must be broad enough to provide full and open competition.

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5. On page 37 of 39 (the 2nd page of the FEMA  Scope of Work document) it states that the work to be completed will be "to restore this facility back to its pre-disaster design". Is it the aspiration of Lifeline Fellowship Christian Center to match the previous design or is there an opportunity to explore new architectural directions?

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Per FEMA guidelines, the rebuild will be to restore this facility back to its pre-disaster design, function, and capacity, per applicable codes and standards. There is also the opportunity to Build Back Better using Hazard Mitigation. Please see pages 38-39, "The mitigation measures will reduce the risk of future damage by: Incorporating hazard mitigation into the building replacement design." 

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6. Was the building considered historic because there is a requirement for environmental and historic compliance?

No, the building is not considered historic.
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7/29/2025 Responses to Questions Submitted

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1. The RFQ states that you are seeking to rebuild the "sanctuary". However, the project describes 2 buildings as part of the scope of work (1 bldg = sanctuary and 1 bldg = commercial kitchen and offices?) Are we designing 2 buildings? Or 1 building that will essentially be a combination of the old 2 that were lost?

FEMA has designated buildings 1 and 2 as separate buildings because they were constructed in different years, 1965 and 1932, respectively. However, the two buildings were joined into one when the 1965 building was constructed. We aim to rebuild as one cohesive building, as we have known it to be, and incorporate the additional square footage from our basement into the existing square footage of the building, rather than constructing a new basement. The basement was approximately 1200 sq ft.

2. Is this project currently funded, or is there a proposed budget? Or, will funds be allocated by FEMA after the schematic design and initial cost of construction estimate is evaluated?

This project is partially funded by FEMA, and the funds are allocated after the schematic design and initial construction cost estimate have been evaluated.

3. Do you want us to provide a fee proposal and project schedule with our RFQ response? Or will this be negotiated later if selected to move forward in the process?

You may submit a fee proposal; however, this will be negotiated later if you are selected to move forward in the process.

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7/30/2025 Responses to Questions Submitted

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1. The proposals are due at 4:00 pm. Does this mean they can be hand delivered, as well? 

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Unfortunately, our facility has been completely destroyed, and we no longer have a physical location where we receive mail for hand delivery. As long as the proposals are postmarked by August 8, 2025, they will be accepted.

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7/31/2025 Responses to Questions Submitted

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1. What is the percentage of funding for the project (i.e. in each of the following categories: fire insurance ___%, municipal ___&, state ___%, FEMA ___%, other federal funding ___%, donations ___%, grants ___% and other ___%)?

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Preliminary percentages of funding are as follows:

FEMA – 60%

Insurance – 20%

Lifeline - 20%

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2. Clarification on Page 7 Regarding Partial Contracts: What is ownership capacity to remove the following projected consultants from the standard Architect, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing Engineers and Fire Consultant, under the Architect's oversight, including and not limited to: Kitchen, Interior Design, Lighting Design, Soils Engineer, Civil engineer/ Survey, Material Testing Lab, Landscape Architect, ADA Consultant, Signage consultant, Acoustical engineer, Spec Writer, Purchasing Agent, LEED Certified Consultant, Cost estimator. Construction Control Consultant by Owner.

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Lifeline intends for the selected vendor to provide all design and construction management services for this project.

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3. What is the reimbursement of additional insurances required during the design process? 

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No, additional insurances are not reimbursable. If needed, please send an email to clarify: Is your question asking if Lifeline will reimburse the design firm for the cost of securing additional liability insurance?  If so, the answer would be no.

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4. Is the design to match previous design from 1965 including chain link fencing or a completely new modernized design?

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The preliminary design will be to match the original design. We will also explore other design elements for the replacement.

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5. Please clarify the one year term increments, requiring renewal and not to exceed 3 years?

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This is standard language in Federal Procurement. It is the intent of Lifeline that the selected vendor will be retained for the design and construction management of the project for the replacement of the facility, regardless of the project's duration.

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6. What is the owner's capacity to purchase and utilize a project management computer program?

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Lifeline is not required to and does not plan to purchase a project management computer program. We will use our own carefully constructed internal processes. Lifeline could negotiate the inclusion of such a program in the contract award.

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7. It is understood that this RFQ will not include discussion of fees and cost at this time, correct?

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You may submit a fee proposal; however, this will be negotiated later if you are selected to move forward in the process.

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8. Will the Owner hire a Construction Control Company to guarantee a lien-free project at the end of construction?

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No, Lifeline does not intend to hire a Construction Control Company.

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9. Jurisdictional fees are not usually in our scope, will the owner be directly paying the jurisdictional fees?

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Jurisdictional fees are the responsibility of the owner.

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10. Do you anticipate needing any City planning approval?

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No, but the design will be submitted for permitting.

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11. Are we required to provide the insurance documents in the Statement of Qualifications, or do we state that we will be able to provide the insurance required?

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Please indicate your ability to secure insurance. If you are the selected vendor, you will need to provide proof of insurance before contracting.

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12. The trash enclosure, rear metal gate, and pavilion structure (per Google street view) are not included in the FEMA report. Will these be part of the project scope?

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The current design process will consist of a trash enclosure and a rear metal gate. The pavilion structure will not be included in this design process.

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13. In reference to page 38 HMP Scope, will the design firm's scope include aiding in funding procurement? Otherwise it is assumed the Owner will be able to provide funding as required for the project scope. The project description notes: The Center is seeking a full service design firm to develop drawings and to manage the construction of the replacement sanctuary.

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The design firm is not required to identify funding sources.

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14. Fee and Budget

Will a target construction budget or design fee range be provided during or after the RFQ selection process? 

Since this is an RFQ, our focus is on qualifications. The damage description and scope of work have been included to outline the necessary repairs and replacements, providing an idea of the potential costs. The initial estimate for the total project cost of replacing the facility is approximately $6.8 million.

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15. FEMA Coordination

Will FEMA or a designated grant administrator be involved during design review or key project milestones? 

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Yes.

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16. Community Engagement
Is any engagement with the congregation or broader community anticipated during the design process? 

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Yes.

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17. Project Timeline
Are there any milestone dates we should be aware of beyond the anticipated selection date (e.g., grant deadlines, groundbreaking, occupancy)? 

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The FEMA grant has a timeframe of 18 months, which can be extended up to 48 months. At this point, Lifeline has not developed any milestone dates for groundbreaking and occupancy.

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18. Site Conditions
Has a topographic or geotechnical survey been conducted since the fire, or should those services be included as part of our team? 

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No, this will be part of the design process.

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19. Contractor Selection
Will the general contractor be publicly bid, or is there a preferred or pre-qualified team? 

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Yes, publicly bid in compliance with Federal Procurement regulations.

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20. Hazard Mitigation Proposal (HMP)
Should we assume responsibility for initiating and drafting the A&E scope for the HMP, or has that already begun? 

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The Architect, in coordination with Lifeline, will develop an HMP to present to FEMA.

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21. Existing Drawings
Are there any archived floor plans, site plans, or design documents from the original sanctuary buildings that can be shared? 

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Unfortunately, we do not have any as-built drawings or surveys available for the building. The original structure was built in the 1930s, with an addition in the 1960s, and changes made in 1978, according to the LA County Assessor's portal. No formal documentation has been located.

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22. Submission Format
Would you consider accepting digital submission (via email or upload) in addition to the required hard copy and thumb drive? 

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We will maintain the requirement for RFQ page 5, #10, but will accept postmarks dated on or before the deadline of August 8, 2025.

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23. Clarification on Submittal Requirements (Appendix A, pg. 11)
Some of the requested items — such as a product/service description, hardware/software requirements, and guarantees or warranties — seem more tailored to vendors or general contractor than professional service providers. Could you clarify how these should be interpreted for architectural services? 

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The Design firm should detail its process for providing services, which will include the development of design documents and the management of the construction process.

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24. Warranty Language and Standard of Care
The RFQ includes language stating that all products and services “shall be warranted to be of a good and workmanlike quality,” which appears to align more with general contractor warranties. For architectural services, the industry standard is to perform duties in accordance with the prevailing standard of care. Would the Center consider clarifying or adjusting this expectation?

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Lifeline agrees with this clarification. The industry standard is to perform duties following the prevailing standard of care.

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25. Liquidated Damages Clause
The RFQ includes a liquidated damages provision of $250/day for delays in project completion. This seems intended for the general contractor rather than professional architectural services. Can you confirm that this provision would not apply to the architect’s contract? 

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Yes, this provision will apply, but Lifeline is willing to discuss the amount of the provision during contract negotiations. 

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26. We are a registered MWBE in Los Angeles. Does the client require MWBE certification at the State or Federal level?

No, you are not required to be additionally certified at the State or Federal level.

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27. We are considering submitting our qualifications with an Architect of Record subcontractor. We'd like to confirm that a Design Architect can be the Prime Contractor, with an AOR subcontractor.

Yes.

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28. We have registered in the SAM.gov database, but we see it can take up to 8 weeks to be approved/activated.  Please confirm proof of registration  (not activation) is sufficient at this stage. 

Proof of registration is sufficient at this stage.

29. The RFQ says proposals should be sent by mail.  Is it possible to drop off the documents to the address in the RFP?  

Unfortunately, our facility has been completely destroyed, and we no longer have a physical location where we receive mail for hand delivery. As long as the proposals are postmarked on or before the deadline of August 8, 2025, they will be accepted.

30. Is there a bond requirement for this RFP?

Yes, a bond requirement will be required for the selected vendor.

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31. Page 11, #1-5:  At this time, we’d like to confirm that firms only need to confirm they are capable and agree to deliver the stated scope of services as outlined in Appendix H (#1), and will negotiate the schedule with the client if selected at a later date. Please confirm that there are no additional scope or schedule submission deliverable requirements at this RFQ stage.  

The Design firm should detail its process for providing services, which will include the development of design documents and the management of the construction process. There are no additional scope, schedule, or deliverable requirements at this stage of the RFQ. 

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32. We have completed the RFQ for the Christian Center and tried to ship it to the address provided. But since the Church is burnt, is there another address you would like us to send it to? The address we have is: Address 2556 Lake Avenue, Altadena, CA 91001.

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All mail to Lifeline Fellowship Christian Center, 2556 Lake Avenue, Altadena, California 91001, must be sent through the United States Postal Service (USPS). They will have the forwarding address and forward the package according to our instructions.  As long as the proposals are postmarked on or before the deadline of August 8, 2025, they will be accepted.

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33. Is the Center seeking LEED certification or any other certifications?

We will comply with what the current codes and standards are for Los Angeles County for LEED certification, which will be based on the projected SQ footage of the replacement facility.

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34. Will the Center be providing a detailed program of spaces and square footage requirements, or should the design team develop a new program through interviews, research, etc?

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The RFQ contains the square footage spaces of what was lost in the fire based on FEMA calculations, which does not appear to include the basement of approximately 1200 sq ft. The selected vendor will work with Lifeline stakeholders to develop a new cohesive program of space in the replacement facility.

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35. How will the approval process work during the design process?  Will there be a committee or key individuals?

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The design approval process will involve the input of Lifeline Stakeholders.

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36. P10 of the RFQ states that “Appendices B-G (all forms must be complete, signed, and included)”.  Please confirm if Appendix E would be required if we are submitting a proposal, and if Appendix G should be included since there is no signature line.

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Appendix E is only required if the vendor is not submitting a proposal. Appendix G is information about the selection process and does not need to be submitted in a response.

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8/1/2025

The 7/31/2025 deadline for receipt of written inquiries has past. No further written inquiries will be accepted.

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8/4/2025

All responses to written inquiries have been publicized.

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