|
Welcome Background Photos Design Competition Questions/Clarifications Project Information Related Resources
Questions/Clarifications
Following the Pre-competition Conference, written questions may be submitted up until April 1, 2004. All questions asked, as well as the responses will be provided to all teams in writing. Questions should be submitted in writing to:
-
- John Darnell, Ph.D.
- c/o The Honorable Roscoe G. Bartlett
-
- 7360 Guilford Drive
- Suite 101
-
- Frederick, MD 21704
E-mail questions are acceptable also, to [email protected]
The following is a list of questions pertaining to the project. The answers will be posted as they are received. (Please note: If a question/answer has been updated, it will be deleted from the original post date and reposted under the latest post date.)
Date Posted: May 12, 2004
-
Is the baseline set as shown now on the spreadsheet?
Yes, the baseline case shown on the spreadsheet is fixed.
-
You show no "Systems Costs Input" for HVAC, Power, Water, Waste Systems. What is an Input Cost??
The State did not provide specific input costs in the baseline case for HVAC, waste, water, etc. Instead, they provided overall building construction costs. The input costs are the capital costs for purchase and installation of each of the identified systems. In another input box we have asked each team to provided estimated maintenance/operating costs for each system, which includes labor and materials. We are asking that each team break out these costs so that we can conduct comparison analyses.
-
You refer to cost per man-year in note 3 of $25.42. Is that supposed to be cost per man-hour?
You are correct that the $25.42 figure is the cost per man-hour. Assuming that there are 2000 man-hours per year the cost per man-year should be $50,840, burdened.
-
Is assumption that all operating expense figures divided by $25.42 yield the man-hours estimated for operating the baseline building?
No. One cannot assume that you can take the baseline operating costs and divide them by the hourly rate and determine the number of manhours per year assumed by the State for each system. This is because the State's figures might also include material costs as well as labor costs.
Date Posted: April 20, 2004
-
What will be the required format for the life cycle cost analysis?
Net Cash Flow Analysis Baseline Case (XLS, 31 kb)
Net Cash Flow Analysis Template (XLS, 30 kb)
Date Posted: April 6, 2004
-
Are there any archeological sensitive areas on the site?
Data is not available on the presence of on-site archaeological resources. Teams should consider that this is not a constraint for their efforts.
-
Is there a detailed schedule for ongoing/future workshops,deadlines?
The workshop will be held on April 17, 2004 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
-
How does the peak usage of the facility measure by month and time of day?
See Question 4.
-
Is there information on peak hours of operation and/or peak seasons of use that can be obtained?
The planned hours of operation are 8:00 AM until 6:00 PM. Heaviest use is expected to be in the mornings and afternoons from the period 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM . Peak usage is expected to be from mid May through early September with the heaviest use on the weekends. The week of 4th of July is usually the highest use period.
-
Will there be drawings available of the site including topographical information?
New topographic survey information including existing site conditions has recently been developed and is available
-
We are concerned that the competition guidelines are overly prescriptive. If the intent is to foster innovation and creative, do we have to be guided by certain technologies that are mandated or prohibited?
The clear intent of this project is to design a facility that, to the greatest extent possible, does not rely on conventional water supply, waste water treatment and energy supply systems. Each entry will be judged based upon its ability to meet this broad goal. To that end, no one technology is mandated or prohibited. It is the discretion of each team to determine what they feel will best meet this goal
-
The submission requirements appear excessive. The requirements for engineering calculations, structural details and sections at a scale of 1" = 1'-0" are beyond the scope of what is typically expected in a competition of this type. Can this be reconsidered and revised?
The intent is for the submissions to provide a level of detail adequate to allow each entry to be evaluated to determine if it is feasible to build. Each team should determine how best to display the concept. If that is done given the suggested scale or an alternative scale is elected, either is acceptable. Each team is reminded that the sheet size for submissions is limited to 24" x 36".
-
It appears that the decision is that the winning team will not be eligible to participate in the final design of the project. Is this correct?
It has been determined that SHA can contract with the successful team only if through a contract with a college or university. For this reason, the "lead" for each team must be a college or university that is a component of the team. We do not care which university that is if there are multiple schools represented on a team. Additionally, all contact between the teams and the project team should be through the lead university.
Date Posted: March 23, 2004
-
We are interested in exploring net metering. If we can demonstrate though calculations zero net use can we connect our project to the grid for the purpose of giving power back to the grid (net) as opposed to pulling from the grid?
The intent of the project is to develop a design that is self-sufficient and sustainable utilizing on-site resources. To the extent that connection to "the grid" is proposed for the express purpose of supplying excess energy to the grid, this would be an acceptable element.
In evaluating proposals, designs that most fully achieve the stated goals, without reliance upon off-site resources will be ranked higher.
Note that plans must be developed in anticipation of exceptional circumstances such as prolonged meteorological extremes &/or demand in excess of design specifications) where the stored and currently available supply of a given resource is not sufficient to maintain the desired availability.
Consistent with the overall goals, preferred strategies would stretch resource availability by maximizing efficiency, storage and contingency conservation strategies, and minimizing curtailment of service and/or reliance upon back-up systems dependent upon off-site resources.
Date Posted: February 26, 2004
-
Are vending machines required?
Yes, provide space for vending machines.
-
Do we need space to construct and store exhibits?
Provide minimal, non public (storage) space as your design may require.
-
Do we need to provide lighting for night time conditions?
As much as feasible extra credit option current plans minimize after dark operation. It is intended that the center will be open from dawn to dusk.
-
Must potable water be provided on site?
Yes.
-
Can we drill a well for potable water?
An option, the challenge is to design a system capable of supplying needs without relying on a well. SHA is proceeding with the drilling of a well.
-
Can we use human power for power?
Yes
-
Because the site is located within the viewshed of the Monocacy National Battlefield, are there requirements from the National Parks Service that we need to be aware of in designing the Visitor's Center?
The NPS does not have written requirements regarding the viewshed, but all designs should be developed to minimize visual intrusion on the battlefield. We will work with NPS to provide further guidance to the teams.
-
Is the deadline for Q+A still February 6, 2004 as noted at the Kick off meeting on December 8, 2003?
This additional time was requested because most students were not returning to schools until mid January. Using this Web site forum, we will entertain and post Q & A's until April 1, 2004 (contact: [email protected])
-
How will the "significant percentage of the ... technology...donated to the project" factor in each individual team's entry and how the competition is judged?
Each design should incorporate the technologies necessary to achieve the specified goals - justified and prioritized based on life-cycle cost (net-present-value) analysis, if initial costs exceed budgeted funds. Teams do not need to secure discount prices in making their cost projections.
-
What are the requirements for non-proprietary material sources for the competition since it will be managed by MD SHA?
Unless the technology is donated, all materials, etc. will have to either be non-proprietary or specified to list a minimum of three sources of supply. This is a requirement for the use of Federal funds.
-
How much emphasis is being put on maintaining the programmatic area of 1200 NSF for the welcome center?
The 1200 NSF is the amount of space required for a typical welcome center. Given the estimated construction budget of $750,000 if a design can accommodate additional square footage that would be up to the individual teams to determine.
-
If it is determined that more than the 1200 NSF is required to meet the peak demands, can this be modified?
The 1200 NSF is the amount of space required for a typical welcome center. Given the estimated construction budget of $750,000 if a design can accommodate additional square footage that would be up to the individual teams to determine.
-
What happens when there's not enough power, water, etc.?
Each proposal must include appropriate conservation/contingency plans in event of shortages/system failures, i.e. systems, as nearly as possible, should be fail-safe.
-
Can the building be connected to the electrical grid for emergencies?
An option, the challenge is to design a system capable of supplying needs without relying on a grid connection.
-
If there is a drought, and the building runs out of water, will the building shut down?
Each proposal must include appropriate conservation/contingency plans in event of shortages/system failures, i.e. systems, as nearly as possible, should be fail-safe.
-
Can a well be dug on site to provide drinking water?
An option, the challenge is to design a system capable of supplying needs without relying on a well. SHA is proceeding with the drilling of a well.
-
What is the total square footage desired, including exhibits and support spaces?
The square footage will be determined by each team's analysis of what is needed to support the technologies they are proposing. For instance the space needed to support the rest room facilities will be directly related to the number of fixtures needed to serve the expected number of visitors.
-
Will vending machines be housed in the building/site?
Yes
-
Will the facility be registered for LEED Certification?
Yes
-
The May 14th deadline conflicts with the students/universities final exam period. The students will have limited involvement in the final preparation of the submission. Can the deadline be changed to not conflict with student's exam schedules?
Concepts may be submitted prior to May 14, 2004, but the project schedule can not accommodate extending the delivery date.
-
What is the expected facility staffing level?
Three
-
Are there SHA guidelines available comparing Visitor Center(s) vs. Rest Stops, as well as statistics on visitation?
The expected visitation figures are based on historical data from existing rest area/welcome centers in Maryland of a comparable size. The intent for this project is to de-emphasize the facility as a "rest area".
-
How many toilets are required?
This will be determined by each team's analysis of what is required to serve the visitation estimates using the technology they opt to include in their concept.
-
Has a jury been selected, and if so, who are the members?
To be announced
|
