Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing a Design/Build Agreement with Forma, Inc. for the Hands On Children’s Museum Expansion Project
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to approve a Progressive Design Build Contract with FORMA Construction in the amount of $555,590.00, to complete design validation work for the Hands On Children’s Museum Expansion Project and execute all documents necessary to complete design validation work for the project.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to approve a Progressive Design Build Contract with FORMA Construction in the amount of $555,590.00, to complete design validation work for the Hands On Children’s Museum Expansion Project and execute all documents necessary to complete design validation work for the project.
Staff Contact:
Jim Rioux, Project Manager, Public Works Engineering, 360.753.8484
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item.
Background and Analysis:
The Olympia’s Hands On Children’s Museum (HOCM) is the most visited children’s museum in the Pacific Northwest. The current facility serves over 300,000 annual visitors in a space that was designed for 212,000 occupants. The main building, constructed in 2011 and opened in 2012, encompasses 28,000 square feet across three stories including 12,000 square feet of exhibit space. The Outdoor Discovery Center consists of interactive outdoor exhibits on an approximately half-acre site. This project will increase the facility’s existing indoor square footage to accommodate more guests, add exhibits and outdoor learning experiences, make critical facility improvements to meet community needs, enhance early learning, attract more out-of-town visitors, improve the museum layout and flow for a better visitor experience, and align with best practices per square foot. Plans include a new arrival plaza, increasing outdoor exhibit space, a culinary classroom, a flexible event space with traveling exhibit gallery, additional preschool /daycare space and 40 new parking stalls.
Previous Council Action
• 05/19/2025 Finance Committee approved a funding strategy and bond sale for the expansion of the Hands On Children’s Museum.
• 06/17/2025 City Council approved the funding strategy and bond sale for the expansion of the Hands On Children’s Museum.
• 07/22/2025 City Council Approved a Resolution authorizing the purchase of real estate owned by the Port of Olympia for expansion of the Hands On Children’s Museum.
Project Delivery Method
After researching other project delivery options, City and HOCM staff decided to use the Progressive Design Build (PDB) delivery method. The PDB method combines design build with a phased approach, emphasizing early collaboration and risk management.
Some of the most significant benefits include:
• Early certainty about construction cost.
• Reduction of risk of added costs from change orders.
• The ability to explore opportunities for innovation, collaboration, quality control, constructability, value engineering and risk mitigation through early involvement of the contractor.
• The ability to select subcontractors to collaborate directly with the design team, City and HOCM staff.
• The ability to accept and integrate donated goods and materials in the construction of the facility.
Use of the PDB delivery method by the City of Olympia requires approval of the State Project Review Committee (PRC). Approval from the PRC was obtained on January 23, 2025.
Progressive Design-Build Team
Parametrix assisted City and HOCM staff through the process required by Washington Code RCW 39.10 for selection of the PDB team. The process consisted of:
• Publication of a request for qualifications (RFQ).
• Review and scoring of statement of qualifications.
• Selection of a shortlist of Design Build finalists.
• Release of a request for proposals (RFP) from the shortlisted teams.
• Proprietary meetings with shortlisted teams.
• Submittal, review and scoring of proposals.
• Interview and scoring of interviews.
• Public opening of Price Factor Proposals from Design Build finalists.
The selection was based on a combined score of statements of qualifications, proposals, team interviews, and price factor.
The team of FORMA Construction Company, Mithun Architects and Frame Integrative Design Strategies received the highest combined score.
Progressive Design Build Contract - Validation
This contract is limited to validation of the scope of work for the final construction project.
Public Works will return as necessary to authorize the following phases of the project:
• Phase 1A - Design through establishment of the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP).
• Phase 1B - Acceptance of the GMP and completion of remaining design work.
• Phase 2 - Construction.
Public Works may also return to request approval to initiate early work packages such as site remediation work to accelerate the overall project schedule.
Approval to proceed with validation work does not obligate the City to proceed with subsequent phases of the project.
Climate Analysis:
Because we are at the very early stages of project design, the project team will be able to explore opportunities to reduce energy consumption.
Equity Analysis:
The HOCM has traditionally offered generous discount programs for low-income families. Expansion of the museum will increase the access to the learning programs that are offered at the museum.
The PDB delivery method allows the City to establish ambitious targets for participation of disadvantaged and minority owned businesses.
There is currently no data available to further assess the impact on different demographic groups in our community.
A more thorough analysis will be performed early in the design process.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Expansion of the HOCM will enhance an asset in the heart of downtown Olympia. The HOCM will be able to provide better learning opportunities for the community and people that visit our community.
Financial Impact:
The costs for design and construction will be funded primarily through an extension of the current Thurston County Public Facilities District (PFD). With the latest extension, the PFD will be able to provide sales tax revenue for HOCM through 2058. The City will issue a 30-year, $20.5M revenue bond that will be paid back with the funds from the PFD. Additional funding sources that may contribute to the project include a Washington State direct appropriation for design, pending Federal funding, grant funding, private fundraising from businesses and individuals.
Options:
1. Move to approve a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to approve a Progressive Design Build Contract with FORMA Construction in the amount of $555,590.00, to complete design validation work for the Hands On Children’s Museum Expansion Project and execute all documents necessary to complete design validation work for the project. The project will proceed as planned.
2. Direct staff to renegotiate the agreement. This could significantly delay the project and increase project costs.
Attachments:
Resolution - FORMA
Progressive Design Build Contract
Vicinity Map