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•J ,1II <br />1 <br />1 'i 1�UL00.i <br />PREQUALIFICATION BACKGROUND <br />The City of Ramsey is pursuing a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) delivery method <br />for The Waterfront project — an approximately 2-acre park project focused on water play <br />features, scheduled to open by July 1, 2026. Due to the specialized nature of the work, <br />including integrated aquatic systems, complex site coordination, and a non-negotiable <br />summer opening, the CMAR approach was selected to enable early contractor involvement, <br />constructability input, and cost/schedule control. <br />To meet the project's goals while complying with applicable procurement statutes, the City <br />intends to issue a CMAR Request for Proposals (RFP) to three pre -qualified firms. This <br />approach is consistent with Minnesota Statutes § 471.345 (Uniform Municipal Contracting <br />Law) and § 16C.28 (Best Value Procurement), which allow municipalities to evaluate and <br />award construction contracts using qualifications, experience, schedule, and other <br />performance -based criteria — not solely low bid. <br />The rationale for inviting three 'prequalified' CMAR firms is as follows: <br />1. Proven Relevant Experience <br />The invited firms have each successfully completed public park projects in <br />Minnesota that included significant aquatic components, all in collaboration with the <br />same landscape architect leading this project. Their shared history with the Design <br />Team demonstrates an ability to coordinate effectively on fast -tracked, public -sector <br />projects of similar scope and complexity. This minimizes learning curves and <br />reduces risk related to miscommunication or delays. <br />2. Best Value and Schedule -Driven Selection <br />With a construction window of less than six months (February -June 2026), it is <br />imperative to bring in a CMAR that can immediately engage in preconstruction <br />services, including value engineering, phasing, and cost estimating. The three firms <br />receiving this RFP are uniquely positioned to do so based on their prior experience, <br />internal resources, and understanding of CMAR protocols. (A broader open <br />solicitation would significantly increase the administrative timeline and could <br />introduce unqualified or inexperienced responders —jeopardizing schedule <br />certainty.) <br />4 <br />