Design Manager (Mechanical Engineer Background)

This Statement of Work defines the effort required to support the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Construction and Facilities Management site Project Managers of various nationwide seismic mitigation projects. The Contractor shall effectively administer, manage, and perform the duties and responsibilities of a Design Manager as defined in the SOW. Contractor personnel shall perform coordination of design phases of complex, and at times, extremely large construction projects; coordination may be with executives, private entities, contractors, and state and local representatives. Contractor personnel ensures completion of design work and participates in planning the phases to prevent disruption and minimize overall costs. The contract is to be performed at the Seismic Project Site, Regional Office, or Third-Party location (including remote telework) approved by the Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) and the applicable site Project Manager (PM). This Task Order will not include any Inherently Government Functions, as this is not an advisory and assistance task order. List of Tasks : Following is a representative list of the types of tasks the Contractor will be required to perform in the areas of Design Management for each assigned Seismic Project. These duties include but are not limited to the following and will be performed to the extent necessary depending on the work assignment. The Design Manager will not work as a designer of record. 1. Manage assigned design projects consistent with the planning and design goals and standards of VA, as established in the project management plan (PMP); ensure that capital project management processes enable the completion of projects on time and within budget; and assist the PM in developing, implementing, and maintaining the PMP as it relates to the project design phase. 2. Coordinate with and assist the Project Development Team (PDT) to establish a well-defined project scope that reflects the input of appropriate departments to optimize program and space efficiency, flexibility, and life cycle cost. 3. Comprehensive knowledge and experience in the use of Project Management standards, and systems to ensure completion of design projects on time and within budget, and the ability to modify or alter standard procedure to meet crucial deadlines. 4. Work with the PM and the applicable Seismic Project's Contracting Officer (i.e., not the Contacting Officer (CO) of this task order) in procuring the best qualified Architect/Engineer (AE) to be the designer of record (DOR), within project cost and time parameters; and establish the need for additional consultant studies and services required during the planning and design phase to ensure quality design deliverables. The Design Manager may assist in drafting AE procurement documents, but is not authorized to sign or approve them, nor can they participate in the Technical Evaluation Board. 5. Oversee the day-to-day performance of the DOR and related consultants to ensure quality design within the contract cost and schedule; manage the conduct of design reviews; participate in cross functional and departmental meetings to ensure business and functional needs are achieved with design; and ensure overall coordination of the design phases of Projects. 6. Provide input for the development and implementation of design and construction standards to ensure projects are executed at appropriate levels of quality, are compatible with VA sustainability plans, and are effectively commissioned prior to occupancy. 7. Develop and implement systems to monitor project design against budget authorization, and project schedules; and help the PDT ensure that design deliverables meet established quality control standards. This includes identifying variances and working with project management staff to develop and implement plans to correct ineffective design processes and products. 8. Lead a timely decision-making process to ensure all outstanding design issues are resolved; act as a solution consultant to engineers, architects, and other outside consultants; and seek to improve cost effectiveness related to the facility design process. 9. Review contracts, scopes of work, specifications, plans and pertinent jurisdictional codes to ensure that project design milestones and deliverable dates are being met while providing contract compliant, cost-effective facilities. Works with the PM and the Seismic project's Contracting Officer in ensuring continued quality deliverables from DOR through the construction, activation, and post-occupancy phases; supports the PM in coordinating with the DOR and CFM's Consulting Support Services in matters related to the technical aspects of the design. 10. Coordinate value engineering alternatives, constructability reviews, and redesign recommendations; and partner with clients, consultants, and other personnel on design decisions in support of the PM and the PMP. 11. Ensure effective and appropriate communication and customer service; determine short and long-term planning and strategies for administrative activities including oversight of staff activities; and work collaboratively with management to support the development and implementation of a comprehensive facilities master plan consistent with VA's goals and strategic plan. 12. Other tasks required by the PDT to deliver a project design and PMP, including assisting with drafting of Interagency Agreement documents. 13. Work with the PM, Planner, and the Seismic Project's Contracting Officer in procuring the best qualified AE to be the Project Book and/or Master Plan developer, within project cost and time parameters; and establish the need for additional consultant studies and services required during the planning and design phase to ensure quality design deliverables. The Design Manager may assist in drafting procurement documents, but is not authorized to sign or approve them, nor can they participate in the Technical Evaluation Board. 14. Oversee the day-to-day performance of the Project Book and/or Master Plan developer and related consultants to ensure quality design within the contract cost and schedule; manage the conduct of design reviews; participate in cross-functional and departmental meetings to ensure business and functional needs are achieved with design; and ensure overall coordination of the design phases of projects. 15. Assist with locating design and construction documents for buildings located at their assigned project site to assist with VA's seismic planning efforts, such as master plans, project books, or seismic studies. Experience Requirements : The Design Manager shall have a minimum of four (4) years of experience managing assigned building design projects consistent with the planning and design goals and standards; ensuring that capital project management processes enable the completion of projects on time and within budget; and assisting the PM in developing, implementing, and maintaining the PMP as it relates to the project design phase. Coordinate with and assist the PDT in establishing a well-defined project scope that reflects the input of appropriate departments to optimize program and space efficiency, flexibility, and life cycle cost. Experience with medical facility planning and design projects is preferred and, in some cases, required based on the PM's needs. Experience with seismic mitigation projects is preferred. Additional Required Knowledge and Skill s: In addition to the experience and educational requirements described above, the Design Manager shall clearly possess the following knowledge and skills: " Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. " Ability to conduct comprehensive research and analysis of technical and cost data. " Ability to read and interpret acquisition policy, regulations, and directives. " Ability to provide clear guidance to all lower-level acquisition personnel. Minimum Education Requirements : Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Economics, Business, Law, Finance, Accounting, Project Management, Construction Management, or equivalent. Degrees in Architecture, Engineering, Project Management, or Construction Management are preferred, unless equivalent experience is demonstrated. If it is the firm's standard commercial practice to substitute experience for education, please explain in quote and resume(s)