Item:
Title
Authorize the County Manager to Execute a Contract with Design Workshop, Inc., for Framework Planning Design Services, Including Community Engagement Services, for the Orange Factory Road Nature Preserve and Farm Campus Totaling an Amount Not-To-Exceed $295,658.00.
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: May 12, 2025
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to authorize the County Manager to execute a contract with Design Workshop, Inc. upon completion of the contract and approval by the County Attorney's Office, for Framework Planning Design Services, including community engagement services, for the Orange Factory Road Nature Preserve and Farm Campus totaling an amount not-to-exceed $295,658.00 ($268,780.00 basic services plus 10% reimbursable expenses). Funding for this has been identified and is available in the Orange Factory Road Farm Capital Project budget (4730DC163).
The County purchased the 129-acre property at the corner of Orange Factory Road and North Roxboro Road (308 Orange Factory Road) in February 2024 with Open Space Funds and County General Funds. This parcel was acquired for conservation, recreation, agriculture, and education purposes, and specifically to protect water quality, wildlife habitat and connectivity, and provide opportunities for low-impact recreation and agricultural education. Deed restrictions and zoning limit impervious surface development. The site currently does not currently have water or sewer services. Please see the attached AAF Supplemental for additional information about the site.
Request for Qualifications (RFQ) No. 25-012 Architectural & Engineering Design Services for Orange Factory Road Nature Preserve and Farm Campus was advertised on October 6, 2024, and received three responses by the November 12, 2024 proposal deadline. These responses were evaluated by representatives from the Open Space and Real Estate and Project Management Divisions of County Engineering, Cooperative Extension Services, and a County Management Fellow. Soil and Water Conservation District staff additionally advised the Evaluation Committee. Design Workshop, Inc. was selected as the most qualified firm for this project. Please see Attachment 2 for Design Workshop’s Proposal for Framework Planning Design Services, Attachment 3 for the Bid Tabulation, and attachment 4 for the MWBE Compliance Review Form certifying 25% MWBE participation.
This Framework Plan development process will include extensive mapping, site analysis, and public engagement in close coordination with prospective partner departments, divisions, and organizations. The resulting Framework Plan will outline the uses and site layout that best addresses the conservation/restoration, agricultural, and education goals of the County, detail operations and maintenance expenses, and recommend phasing to best leverage state and federal funding for construction.
Alignment with Strategic Plan: This item aligns with the following DCo Forward Strategic Plan Focus Areas: Sustainable Infrastructure and Environment, Objective 1: Plan for long-term use of County land, facilities, and equipment through Initiative 1c to create, maintain, and preserve vibrant, inclusive spaces in the County; Objective 3: Preserve and restore the natural and built environment through Initiative 3c to improve water quality through equitable and efficient use of resources and land protection and through Initiative 3d to protect and restore natural resources, land, recreational, historical, and rural spaces; and Healthy and Inclusive Community Objective 1: Increase healthy outcomes and quality of life for residents.
Resource Persons: Christy Raulli, Project Manager, and Peri Manns, ASLA, LEED GA, Deputy Director, Engineering and Environmental Services Department; Celeste Burns, Open Space and Real Estate Division Manager; Donna Rewalt, County Extension Director; and Emily McCoy, Principal, Design Workshop, Inc.
County Manager’s Recommendation: The County Manager recommends the Board authorize the County Manager to execute a contract with Design Workshop, Inc. upon completion of the contract and approval by the County Attorney's Office, for Framework Planning Design Services, including community engagement services, for the Orange Factory Road Nature Preserve and Farm Campus totaling an amount not-to-exceed $295,658.00 ($268,780.00 basic services plus 10% reimbursable expenses). Funding for this has been identified and is available in the Orange Factory Road Farm Capital Project budget (4730DC163).
Signature
County Manager: ____________________________