Pam Lee, Budget and Management Analyst, reported that a Request for Proposal (RFP) was advertised on the County’s website for a space utilization study to determine the “best use” of the current facilities and how to address the needs of many county staff offices and the Fifth Judicial Circuit, which share the same building. The RFP also requested a comparison of other communities’ offices in order to evaluate future needs and the possibility of designing a new facility.
Two companies responded by the due date of 05/19/16: CGL Companies of Miami, FL and Plante Moran CRESA, of Southfield, MI. The initial evaluation was close, with only two points separating the companies, so oral presentations were required. The committee heard the oral presentations on 07/07/16.
After the oral presentation, CGL’s score was half that of Plante Moran CRESA. In selecting companies who bid, the lower ranking oral presentation is generally the more desirable. The BOCC authorized staff to negotiate a contract with CGL Companies. If staff is unable to negotiate a contract with CGL, then they will proceed with negotiations with Plante Moran CRESA.
Meanwhile the county has applied for a $500,000 grant to restore the historic courthouse, which they intend to convert to an art and cultural center. The county states, “The Courthouse will be under the direction of the Hernando County Tourism Development Manager and will be open for public use to provide lectures, rotating exhibits, gift shop, tours, operas, musicians, educational classes, weddings, meeting, etc.”