REQUEST FOR FORMAL PROPOSALS

PRODUCT/SERVICE SUMMARY:
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District is requesting proposals for Architectural and
Engineering Services. A document titled “Request for Formal Proposal (RFFP)
Architectural and Engineering Services for Multiple Projects” contains detailed
information regarding this posting and submission requirements. A copy of this
document can be secured from the following locations:

District Website:
sacmetrofire.ca.gov – Click “For Businesses” on the upper tab on the homepage,
then “Vendors”, then “Bids”.

Administrative Office:
Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District
2101 Hurley Way, Sacramento CA 95825-3208
Attn: Charlotte Tilson, Board Clerk
(916) 566-4099

Proposals shall be submitted by:
Monday March 15, 2010 by 5:00 pm PST.
The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District intends to award the contract to the most,
responsive, responsible proposals. The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District reserves
the right to reject any or all bids offered in response to this posting, and either rebid or
take any other action permitted by statute. The District reserves the right to negotiate the
terms and conditions of any final contract for purchase of the item(s) described above.

Construction Administration Liability Risk Avoidance

Learn the the steps necessary for design professionals to minimize the potential for professional liability claims related to their construction administration services (if required by contract). Topics will include contract formation language as well as issues that arise as the project progresses toward completion. Additionally, topics regarding general legal processes whether it be alternative dispute resolution, such as arbitration and mediation and/or what happens in standard court lawsuits will be discussed.

As a litigation partner with the professional liability and construction practice groups at the law firm of ARCHER NORRIS in Walnut Creek, Will William Coggshall, Esq., specializes in the representation of architects and engineers in complex commercial litigation. Will is sought after by design professionals and their insurers who tout his work ethic and dedication to the protection of their professional practice. His knowledge and skills have been much appreciated by clients and respected by opposing counsel. Will’s current litigation focus is defending design professionals involved in litigation, whether binding arbitration or trial. This current specialty is aided by his many years representing general contractors, subcontractors and materials suppliers in contract and construction defect disputes. In addition to defending lawsuits, Will has been successful and is often requested to represent clients asserting affirmative claims such as unpaid contractual fee claims and lost business profit claims. Litigation is an expensive proposition and Will’s practice representing design professionals and other businesses also includes advising clients regarding litigation/claims avoidance, contract negotiation, contract interpretation and review.

Learning objectives for this program include:

1. Identify contract language that minimizes potential liability claims for architect regarding construction administration services (“CA”).

2. Understanding of scenarios/examples of CA liability claims.

3. Identify when CA action is required and what to do about it.

4. Gain general understanding of the litigation process and what good contract formation practices can do to minimize the potential liability exposure.

3/25/10

Lunchtime Learning Pleasanton: Construction Administration Liability Risk Avoidance

William L. Coggshall, Esq., a lawyer specializing in the representation of architects and engineers will discuss the steps that design professionals should take to minimize the potential for professional liability claims related to their construction administration services.

Time: Noon - 1:30pm

Location: Dahlin Group, 5865 Owens Dr., Pleasanton

Contact: 510/464-3600

Cost: None; this program is open to all. Please RSVP.

1.5 CES LU

For more information: 510/464-3600

Zero Net Energy and Whole Building Retrofit Options for Multifamily Housing

While incentives for greener multifamily housing are still being negotiated at a State and Federal level, builders and developers in California are pioneering comprehensive green multifamily projects that go above and beyond current incentive options. Walker Wells from Global Green will be presenting on two zero-net energy affordable multifamily projects, Solara and Los Vecinos. These projects have earned acclaim from the California Energy Commission and GreenBuild. On the existing building side, GreenPoint Rated is finalizing the Multifamily Existing Home program, and results are coming in from pilots of retrofitted multifamily affordable projects. Come hear about these case studies that are leading the way for ‘deep’ green multifamily design and retrofits!

Walker Wells is Director of the Green Urbanism Program for Global Green USA, a national non-profit organization headquartered in Santa Monica. He works with affordable housing developers, municipalities, and school districts across the country to further green building and sustainable development practices by providing technical assistance, conducting charrettes and workshops, and developing public policy. Walker is an editor and a co-author of the 2007 book Blueprint for Greening Affordable Housing and the 2006 publication Creating Successful Green Building Programs. Prior to joining Global Green Walker was a Senior Urban Design with Gruen Associates in Los Angeles, an Associate Planner with the City of Santa Monica, and an Urban Planner for the City of Malmo, Sweden.

Christopher Becker brings over 15 years of architectural design and affordable housing experience to the GreenPoint Rated Program. As Project Manager, he assists with rater trainings and certifications; quality assurance for rated projects; education and support to builders, raters, designers and others; and development and implementation of the GreenPoint Rated Program.

Prior to joining Build It Green, Christopher served as the lead designer for a 4 story green affordable housing prototype. He has also served as the project manager and/or designer on a range of building types from single-family renovations to high-rise mixed use developments, many of which incorporated green building features. Before returning to school to get his architecture degree, Christopher also worked on the developer side of many projects, both as a development and planning consultant for several non-profit developers as well as the Resource Development Manager for East Bay Habitat for Humanity. Christopher is a Certified Green Building Professional and a Certified GreenPoint Rater. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies from Columbia University and a Master of Architecture from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

3/24/10

Build It Green: Zero Net Energy and Whole Building Retrofit Options for Multifamily Housing

Time: Noon - 2:00pm

Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland.

Contact: 510/464-3600

Cost: Register before 11am 3/24 - $10 for AIA/Build It Green Members; $20 for non-members. $25 for walk-ins. Click here to register.

1.5 CES LUs

For more information: 510/464-3600

LEED Green Associate Exam Training

This workshop will not only qualify you to sit for the LEED Green Associate Exam but will also cover all the key concepts necessary to pass. You will learn how to master the LEED Rating Systems along with “real world” examples.

We have the best prices in the Bay Area! AIA East Bay Members only $195; AIA Members only $260 and non-members only $325.

Materials are included! Attendees will also receive a $10-off coupon for their next AIA East Bay LEED Training.

The LEED Green Associate Exam Training is taught by Michelle Cottrell, LEED AP, IIDA of Green Education Services. Michelle is currently under contract with Wiley Publishers to write a series of three LEED Exam Prep Books including the LEED Green Associate Exam Book.

3/23/10

LEED Green Associate Exam Training

Time: 8:00am - 5:00pm

Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland.

Contact: 510/464-3600

Cost: $195 for AIA East Bay Members; $260 for AIA members of other chapters; $325 for non-members

Registration Required. Click here to register.

8 HSW/CES (4 SD) LUs

For more information: 510/464-3600

Professional Practice Forum: The Importance and Impact of Professional Communication

How architects and design professionals communicate speaks volumes. Unfortunately, in this age of texting and cellphones, we often forget that client communications must be clear at all times. Whether you are using email, the phone, or even a face-to-face meeting, understanding what the client hears can sometimes make or break a project.


Learning objectives:
Participants will understand how verbal and nonverbal communication can influence the reactions and actions of others
Participants will learn strategies and tactics for improving their communication abilities
Participants will take away new ideas on how positively to interact with others in business, and influence them tactfully and diplomatically.
Attendees will be able to give three examples of the importance of clear client communications through writing.
Attendees will learn tips on verbal communication in the work environment including how to diffuse stressful situations.
Attendees will gain an understanding of the effect non-verbal communication can have when meeting with a client or co-worker as well as how to make sure all non-verbal communication works to their advantage.
Attendees will learn proper etiquette when communicating electronically including standard office signatures & styles in letters and e-mails.

3/18/10

Professional Practice Forum: The Importance and Impact of Professional Communication

Time: Noon - 1:30pm

Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland.

Contact: 510/464-3600

Cost: None; this forum is open to all. Please RSVP.

1.5 CES LUs

For more information: 510/464-3600

Wooden Windows Workshop Tour

Wooden Window, Inc. Product Specialist Todd Kerr and his team will lead a tour of the shop, demonstrate how robots have innovated the craft of making custom wooden doors and windows, discuss how Wooden Window is the fenestration rehabilitation leader in the state, and review the myriad of options related to performance glass -- topics that are common with remodeling projects of older homes.

Repair or replace? What's the best way to go with older doors and windows?

How is it possible to replace a window in an older home, use dual-pane glass, and have it match the existing single-pane windows?

These questions and more will be considered on the upcoming tour at Wooden Window. There, you will have fun watching Betsy, one of 3 company robots, and other company craftsmen make absolutely beautiful doors and windows. So don't miss this meeting -- not to mention the smell of clear grain lumber.

Lunch is provided by Wooden Window, Inc. Space is limited and registration is required!

2/19/10

Wooden Window Workshop Tour

Hosted by the Women In Architecture Committee and Young Architects Forum.

Time: Noon - 1:30pm

Location: Wooden Window, Inc., 849 29th Street, Oakland.

Contact: 510/464-3600

Cost: $3 for AIA East Bay Members; $5 for non-members. Space is limited! Registration Required. Click here to register.

Lunch provided by Wooden Window, Inc.

1 CES LU

For more information: 510/464-3600

Monthly Program: Social Media & Web 2.0 for Architects

Social media and web-based networking is the new hot topic and nobody can afford to be left behind. Join AIA East Bay for the March Monthly Program to discover how to use social media and interactive marketing to build your business or help in your career search! Michael Coffey of Sequoia Technology IMS will demonstrate how to build the right web-based networking foundation to embrace the Web 2.0 world of today.

Michael will discuss social networking sites including Linked In, Facebook and Twitter, along with specific tactics on how to use this technology to benefit you and your business. Michael will also discuss how to educate your clients and develop a client retention plan. Learn how to build your own Web 2.0 marketing and business plan to advance your career or promote your business!

Michael is currently the CEO of Sequoia Technology IMS. He believes the best way to serve your clients is to build a company that meets their needs and has a passion for Social Media and Interactive Marketing. While he is currently focusing on building a new market in the west coast for an interactive marketing firm that is based in the Midwest, Michael continues to focus some of his time and energy with the local small to medium sized businesses teaching them how to embrace social media and using it correctly so that they can communicate to a social saturate world. Michael's strong leadership skills enable him to restructure and re-purpose client development teams to maximize profit and success.

3/31/10
Monthly Program: Social Media & Web 2.0 for Architects
Thank you to our wine sponsor Aerotek.
Time: 5:30pm
Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland.
Contact: 510/464-3600
Cost: $15.75 for AIA East Bay Members; $21 for non-members. Registration required. Click here to register.
1.5 CES LUs

For more information: 510/464-3600

Professional Practice Forum: Understanding Owner-Generated Contracts

Join the AIA East Bay Professional Practice Forum to gain a better understanding of owner-generated contracts.

Owner-generated contracts can place a disproportionate and unreasonable risk on your firm. Many of these are uninsurable or increase your risk in areas where you have no ability to control the risk. This discussion will focus on the attendees own experiences; bring sample contracts to discuss. Problem areas that may be discussed include indemnifications; ownership of documents; hidden conditions; certifications, guarantees and warranties; consequential and liquidated damages; onerous clauses, scope; budgeting, schedule; IPD - Integrated Project Delivery; and insurance requirements.

Learning objectives:
After this forum attendees will be aware of risks presented by owner-generated contracts, and how to address these issues with a potential client.
Attendees will be able to identify potentially uninsurable contracts.
Attendees will be able to provide at least three modifications to contracts and/or services to minimize risk.
Attendees will have a basic understanding of consequential and liquidated damages.

2/18/10

Professional Practice Forum: Understanding Owner-Generated Contracts

Time: Noon - 1:30pm

Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland.

Contact: 510/464-3600

Cost: None; this forum is open to all. Please RSVP.

1.5 CES LUs

For more information: 510/464-3600

Revit User Group: Revit + ECOTECT - A 'Green' Relationship

The comprehensive analysis capabilities within Autodesk Ecotect Analysis 2010 can help architects and designers evaluate multiple design alternatives earlier in the process. This functionality enables delivery of more energy efficient buildings and sustainable architecture. David Haynes, AIA, LEED AP, Director of AEC Services at Ideate, Inc. will discuss the relationship between the Revit platform (both Architecture and MEP) and Ecotect. This presentation will also cover some of the typical 'design' questions that can be explored in Autodesk Ecotect Analysis 2010.

David Haynes is a registered architect and LEED accredited professional who previously had his own practice and was President of a commercial design-build construction company for 15 years. A graduate of University of Arizona, he has worked as an Architect, contractor, developer, educator and as a national construction manager for a national retailer. David currently develops and implements targeted AEC business solutions - including Revit Architecture, Revit Structure, AutoCAD Architecture, Ecotect and Navisworks - for clients accross the US involved in the design and building process.

2/9/10

Revit User Group: REVIT + ECOTECT - A 'Green' Relationship

David Haynes, AIA, LEED AP , Director of AEC Services at Ideate, Inc. will discuss the relationship between the Revit platform (both Architecture and MEP) and Ecotect.

Time: 11:30am-1:30pm

Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland.

Contact: To register click here

Cost: None; this program open to all. Lunch provided by Ideate, Inc.

1.5 CES LUs

For more information: 510/464-3600

Social Media Marketing for the Small Firm

This presentation will introduce participants to the new and expanding world of social media. From Blogs to tweets, the audience will learn about the fundamentals of social media and how it can be used as part of a larger marketing effort for the small building or architectural firm. Jerry and Mark will explain their strategies for using social media marketing at their firms and how they can be adopted for general use. The presentation will include time for a group discussion of the two approaches and audience members' own experiences with social media marketing.

Speakers:

Jerry James is the Principle of FR James Construction. From 1980 to 1986 Jerry worked as a carpenter and foreman at Bay Area Firms, RD Rice Construction, Luddington Construction and Jones & Kierfer. In 1986 Jerry built the first Burning Man and in 1987 founded Acker & James Construction. From 1989 to 2002 he occupied supervisory and management roles at Ryan Associates, CVC, Moroso Construction and Thompson Brooks. Jerry founded FR James Construction in 2003.

Mark English, AIA is the Principal at Mark English Architects. A native of San Jose and graduate of Cal Poly, Mark has been a licensed and practicing architect in San Francisco for 20 years. He founded his own residential design firm in 1992, and has built award-winning projects in California, Mexico and Texas. Mark also participates int eh AIA-San Francisco Small Business Committee and has been actively promoting peer networking and mutual support as a tool for business growth.

3/4/10

Small Firm Forum: Social Media Marketing for the Small Firm

Jerry James and Mark English, AIA will present two perspectives on the role that social media can play in the marketing strategies of building architectural firms.

Time: Noon - 1:30pm

Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland.

Contact: 510/464-3600 or Doug Coe

Cost: Free for AIA East Bay chapter members; $3 for non-members. Please RSVP.

1.5 CES LUs

For more information: 510/464-3600

The San Francisco Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects invites you to the following Black History Month Events:

Tuesday, Feb. 16 at 6:30 pm. Location: Anshen and Allen
General Business Meeting and Lecture by Ifeoma Ebo
"Healing by Design: AIDS Clinics/Community Care Centers in South Africa"
Ms. Ebo will speak about her experiences in South Africa exploring the importance of architecture in the healing process for individuals and disadvantaged communities affected by the AIDS epidemic. She subsequently led a design team in the development of a home based care center in the Umlazi Township of Kwa Zulu Natal.

Ifeoma Ebo is a designer at Anshen & Allen and the 2009 recipient of the John M. Patterson AIA Travel Fellowship, an annual travel grant sponsored by Anshen & Allen.

Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 6:30 pm. Location: Anshen and Allen
Lecture by Professor Lisa Findley
"From Township to Town: Post-Apartheid Transformations"

Under the South African apartheid regime, black and colored townships were bedrooms for underpaid and segregated laborers and their families. There were no civic structures, minimal infrastructure and commercial activities were tightly controlled by the government. The end of apartheid in 1994 may have changed the country politically, but the townships remain spatially distinct and economically segregated. Lisa Findley discusses several efforts to transform the former townships into vital and lively towns.

Lisa Findley is a professor at California College of the Arts, author of Building Change: Architecture, Politics and Cultural Agency and Contributing Editor for Architectural Record.

Friday, Feb. 26 from 7:30–11:30 pm. Location: YBCA Galleries & Forum Building. 701 Mission Street @ 3rd
Exhibit Design by Deanna Van Buren, Principal of FOURM design+build+educate
"Global Lives Project Opening Celebration"
RBI, Grand Lobby & Forum
FREE! YBCA recommends sending your RSVP to them.

YBCA presents the world premiere of the Global Lives Project, an innovative video installation featuring documentaries that capture 24 hours in the lives of ten people from around the world who represent the diversity of the global population. Working with acclaimed filmmakers, artists and designers, Global Lives assembles the realities of everyday life from Lebanon, Serbia, China, India, Japan, Malawi, Indonesia, Brazil, Kazakhstan and San Francisco into an installation by architectural and design visionaries of Sand Studios and FOURM design+build+educate.
http://www.ybca.org/tickets/production/view.aspx?id=10610

Tuesday, March 2 at 6:00 pm. Location: Museum of Craft and Folk Arts. 51 Yerba Buena Lane at Mission Street between Third and Fourth

Special Group Viewing of "Rhythm and Hues: Cloth and Culture of Mali"

This show gives long overdue recognition to contemporary Malian fabric artisans and highlights the enduring significance of textiles as a major form of aesthetic of Mali. Social issues such as the empowerment of women, the status of dress and current trends in fabric design will be explored. This is a special private tour and reception for NOMA.

For more information: or to RSVP please contact Tiana Robinson, tianarobinson@aim.com

Monthly Program: Missing Links- A Town Hall Program

Missing Links: A Town Hall Program

Join The American Institute of Architects, East Bay, for a panel discussion and town hall forum discussing missing vital transportation links between Oakland and Alameda. Wine and cheese will be served after the program. Citizens of Oakland and Alameda are strongly encouraged to participate!

Moderator:

Phil Erickson, AIA

Panelists Include:

Patricia Kernighan, Oakland Council Member

John Knox White, Transform

Jeff Cambra, BikeAlameda Board Member

John Eddy, ARUP

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Presented by the Regional and Urban Design Committee. A public forum on the transit links between Oakland and Alameda. Click here to view the event flyer. Sponsored by

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) National. Outreach sponsored by Transform.

A wine & cheese reception follows the lecture.

Time: 5:30pm

Location: AIA East Bay Chapter Office, 1405 Clay Street, Oakland.

Contact: 510/464-3600

Cost: Free and open to the public. Registration required. Click here to register.

1.5 CES LUs

For more information: 510/464-3600