Approve the Agreement with Optimum Facilities, LLC to Conduct the District's School Plant Survey

Florida Statutes 1013.03 and 1013.64 require that school districts complete a school plant survey once every five years. The survey establishes the condition of existing facilities, the needs of facilities for repair, renovation, and remodeling, and the need for new classroom space and new schools. In addition to the usual information, this survey will incorporate facility assessments, recent demographic information, and site visits to include interviews with site administrators.

Hillsborough County's survey must be completed and submitted to the Department of Education (DOE) during the 2008-09 school year. Due to the fact that our current School Plant Survey (SPS) does not adequately reflect the facilities need and due to the changing class size requirements and demographics, we were advised by DOE to complete an early survey.

Optimum Facilities, LLC, a professional services firm established to assist large facility owners in the efficient and economical use of their facilities, has submitted a proposal for the upcoming work. Mr. Tom Blackwell, the president of Optimum Facilities, LLC, previously worked for DOE and has previous association with the District as General Manager of Construction. Acquiring services of a firm with consultants familiar with District facilities, facility data, and personnel will result in a more complete and usable report.

Provide adequate school facilities for the accomplishment of all District Goals and Critical Success Factors.

Total cost of services is $157,612 and is budgeted in Two Mill Capital Outlay funds.