Can you give us an update on plans to begin construction on the Portland Building, including relocation of employees?

In October 2015, City Council passed Resolution #37158, which directed OMF to complete the Portland Building Reconstruction project for an amount not to exceed $195 million by the end of 2020.  In January 2016, City Council authorized a contract with DAY CPM to serve as the Owner’s Representative on the project.  Council also passed Ordinance #187559, allowing the City to solicit for a progressive Design-Build-Relocate (DBR) contract.

The RFP for the DBR contract was released on April 1, 2016, and closed on May 13, 2016.  There are three teams who submitted RFP’s, which are currently being reviewed and evaluated.  The City expects to have the DBR contractors on board this summer (2016). 

Once the DBR contractors are onboard, they will begin by assessing the building design and construction approach along with project goals, priorities, and requirements, including budget and schedule requirements.  The DBR contractors will then provide options regarding employee moves, with a decision on employee moves expected in the fall (2016).  Also, the target budget, scope, and schedule is expected to be set by the end of the calendar year (2016).

The FY 2016-17 budget includes $12,772,356 of funding for an owner’s representative contract, architectural and engineering design services under a progressive Design-Build-Relocate contract, staff costs, and other design phase costs.  These costs will be funded with the remaining balance of $3.75 million of major maintenance funds dedicated to the project, $2.57 million of General Fund cash dedicated to the project, and a debt financing. 

General information, updates, and project documents are posted to the project’s website at www.portlandoregon.gov/portlandbuilding, so anyone can learn more about the project.  The most recent project schedule is included on this site.

Most importantly, the City is still on track to meet Council’s direction not exceed $195 million with completion by the end of 2020.