Request for Supplier Qualifications
The University of Toronto requires a new facility located on the St. George campus to co-locate the three University astrophysics groups, including the Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics (DAA), the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics (CITA) and the Dunlap Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics. The goal is to maximize the interactions of researchers, educators and students in these units by providing new, modern shared facilities.
Currently, these three units are located in different buildings, resulting in missed opportunities for collaboration, synergy and intellectual exchange.
This new, cohesive unit will foster engagement in cutting-edge theory, advance training with particular emphasis on the postdoctoral fellow stage, and further development of innovative national programs. The goal is to become a world leader in astrophysical high performance computing (HPC) and in astrophysical data analysis, through collaboration in, and enhancement of, the development of astrophysical and related sciences at the University.
In issuing this RFSQ document, the University is seeking to shortlist up to 6 architectural practices that can act as either the sole provider of full professional architectural services or the lead design architectural practice that, if successful, would enter into a joint-venture or association with an architect-of-record practice. This RFSQ represents the first part of a two-stage process. Shortlisted Respondents will be invited to submit a response to a subsequent RFP document.
At this point, the University is not expecting profiles of joint-venture architects for those firms requiring a local partner or sub-consultants.
